Poppy tried her hardest to get back to sleep. She tossed and turned but it was impossible after the news she'd just received. She must've dropped off, as the next thing she was aware if was the golden summer sun casting streams of light into her bedroom. Poppy awoke and quickly got herself ready for the day. Then, a small cry came through the baby monitor.

Poppy made her way to Charli's room and was met by a huge smile. It wasn't fair! Why did she have to loose he mother? She scooped the infant into her arms and gave her a cuddle. She changed and dressed her in a yellow polka dot dress with a crisp white cardigan. She put the baby into the bouncer while she made her bed and opened the curtains. Rachel, Eddie and Olivia were now awake and shuffling around the house. Poppy checked Charli's bag for the crèche. More nappies, sterilised bottles and spare clothes. Everything a baby could need.

Poppy brought Charli down to the kitchen and put her in her highchair. "Aren't you looking sweet today !" Olivia remarked.

"You shouldn't have dressed her if she's going to eat now," Eddie pointed out as Poppy fastened a bib on Charli. Olivia and Eddie were having an interesting conversation, but Poppy didn't want to join in. She mashed together some banana and wheatabix for Charli, while Eddie made both the girls their morning cup of tea. Just then, Rachel waltzed into the kitchen.

"Good morning!"

"Morning mum, you look happy," Olivia said.

Rachel smiled. "I've got something to tell you. It's good and bad, but it's going to be best for us all."

"What is it?"

"Get your breakfast first and then I'll tell you." Olivia got herself some breakfast but Poppy didn't move. She stayed where she was, spoon feeding Charli. "Are you not having breakfast Poppy?"

"No. I'm not hungry." "Okay. Make sure you eat your lunch. Right then, my news." Everyone looked at Rachel expectantly. "I'm leaving Waterloo Road. Today is my last day at Waterloo Road. Mr Lawson will take over from me as acting head until the local authority can find a replacement."

"But mum, you love that job! What are you going to do now?"

"Well, this is going to surprise you a bit, but inspired by Poppy, and with you all agreeing, I'd like to become a Foster carer, specialising in difficult to place children."

"What do you mean 'difficult to place ?'"

"Umm... More than one child, older children or children with special needs or disabilities. But we could have other children as well. It just depends on who needs a Foster carer."

"Oh. Alright. I like the idea of it, but I really need to find my English book now. Clarkson will kill me if I don't have it again."

"We'll talk about this later." Rachel watched her daughter begin to climb the stairs before she turned her attention to an unusually quiet Poppy. "How do you feel about all this Poppy?"

"Fine, I guess."

"You don't feel like I'm pushing you out, do you?"

"No. It'll be like Sam at Katie and Mark's house. Sam is the toddler they're fostering. I see him when I go on respite care."

"Oh, I see." Rachel paused and looked upon this young soul she'd grown to love. She couldn't help but think her behaviour was odd today. "Is everything okay Poppy?"

"Yes," she lied. She took Charli from the highchair and wandered off, calling "she needs her face washing."

Rachel announced her news that morning at school, but Poppy didn't say a word about hers. It's was amazing that she actually managed to get through the school day. Poppy collected Charli from the crèche and she was silent on the journey home. Rachel sensed something was wrong. Rachel knew Poppy was an insecure and private individual, who was unlikely to share her feelings with anyone.