I'm so, so sorry about the delay in uploading! Wrote this back in April but never released it. I've been really busy with charity work and exams etc, but I will try to update more often now! Thanks for the reviews - they always give me a reason to smile! :D

"Hello?" Rachel called down the phone.

"Rachel? It's Eddie. How's Poppy?"

"She's better. She's stopped crying and spoke to me a little"

"That's good. What did she say?"

"She told me where she got the picture frame from. Her and Mollie went to Chris and Jessica's yesterday when no one was in!"

"I've been talking to Mollie, that's the same story I got."

"It's probably the truth. Anyway, Poppy's shown me the picture in the frame. She's told me the two kids in the picture are her cousins, Lucy and George. I got their ages but nothing more. She wouldn't even tell me why she was crying last night."

"It's good that you've got that much out of her"

"I know. More than anyone at her old school found out before it was almost too late"

"Maybe she misses her cousins?"

"I don't know Eddie. All I know is that I feel like a failure towards her"

"You're not a failure to her Rachel. You're the best thing she could have at the moment, and the only person she's got at the moment. She needs you Rachel. Try talking to her, just one more time."

"I can't Eddie…"

"You can, Rachel. Do it for me, and do it for Poppy"

"I'll try. But I don't think it'll work."

"It might. Poppy needs someone right now, and you're the only one there for her at the moment"

"Okay. I'll try again in a minute."

"Okay. Let me know if you get anywhere."

"Will do. Thanks for calling Eddie."

"You're welcome. Bye!"

"Bye."

Rachel returned to her work at the kitchen table as she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. She looked up as she saw Poppy standing in the doorway. "Hey. Are you okay?" she asked as she closed her laptop and pulled out the chair next to her. Poppy nodded as she sat down next to Rachel. Poppy had a sad look on her face and hardly lifted her eyes from the ground.

"I'm sorry Rachel,"

"Sorry for what?"

"For being like I was. It wasn't fair on you"

Rachel's heart tore in two for Poppy. "There's no need to be sorry," Rachel said as she gave Poppy a hug. "I'm sure there's a reason for it."

"There was…" Poppy whispered, still not looking up at Rachel.

"Do you want to tell me Poppy? I might be able to help."

Poppy was quiet before she turned in her seat to face Rachel. "It's just… it's just that… just that Mollie reminded me of something."

"Okay. What was it?"

"Back with my Dad. My cousin's Lucy and George. Lot's of things really." Poppy looked up, into Rachel's eyes before continuing. "I used to look after Lucy and George a lot, just like Mollie will have to look after her baby. I brought Lucy and George up as my own two. George used to call me Mum. Then one day, I had the chance of being a mum for real, to my own baby. But I lost it just before I went to stay with Katie and Mark."

"Poppy, you were only 13 then."

"Still am now. But it happened, Rachel, and I can't change that."

"I know, I know. Do you know who the dad was?"

"Only one person it could be." Poppy looked up at Rachel who was in shock. "My cousin's, mum's boyfriend."

"Did he make you do it Poppy?" Poppy looked at Rachel and gave a small nod before reaching out and giving her another hug. Rachel held Poppy close and closed her eyes. She couldn't even begin to imagine what Poppy had been through. "It's okay now Poppy. You're safe now. No one's going to hurt you again."

Poppy looked up. "Mollie's not 14 until December. She's going to be okay, right?"

"Hopefully, Poppy. The school will try their best to help her."

"Good. I don't want her to lose her baby. It's one of the hardest things."

"I can't imagine how hard it is. You've been so brave. Did you ever tell Katie or Mark about this?"

"No. I couldn't," Poppy answered as tears began to fill her eyes.

"That's okay. You've been so brave for telling me." Poppy smiled weakly. Rachel was worried about Poppy's cousins. Poppy was out of danger, but what about them? "Why don't you tell me some more about Lucy and George? What are they like?"

"Lucy had long, straight blonde hair and I was the only person who could brush it, she wouldn't let anyone else. She had big brown eyes and the cutest smile! She was so cheeky. George had dark blonde hair and big brown eyes, just like his sister. He had such a sweet smile and a little button nose."

"They sound so cute!"

"They were! Lucy started school when she was 4, but her mum's boyfriend had moved in just a few weeks before. I was banned from seeing them most of the time that he was there, but when I was there, Lucy was a different child. She was in school for 3 weeks before she was suspended, and she was excluded by Christmas. She got better though, when I started to look after them again. I don't know what it was but she changed."

"Where are they now?"

"They're safe. They were taken into care a few weeks after I went to stay with Katie and Mark. I was never told why."

"Okay. I tell you what, why don't we go for a walk in the country park? It'll do you good to get some fresh air."

"Okay then," Poppy answered, relieved that the subject had changed.

"Go and get your coat then!"

As Poppy went to find her coat, Rachel quickly emailed Eddie.

Hi Eddie. I thought I'd let you know that I've got some more information about Poppy. I can't tell you now, but I will tomorrow. Thanks, Rachel x