As dad drives through the darkness I plug myself into my iPod so that I can once again escape into my own world. I do text Hannah though to let her know that everything is OK, that Christian is safe and that I will call her in the morning. Although technically it is the morning now but she'll be sleeping.

We arrive home and I head straight upstairs, I see mom give dad a concerned look as they follow Mia to the kitchen. In my room I stand staring out of the window across the bay at the lights in the city. I'm not sure how long I've been standing here but I feel mom's arms wrap tightly around me. I didn't hear her come in but now I turn to face her and I hug her back.

'Are you hurting?' she asks gently. I look at her with wide eyes and nod.

'Oh darling boy, the hurt needs to come out to make you feel better. You need to cry it out or talk it out.' she says as she kisses my forehead. I look at her; the fear must be etched on my face. 'Matt, please talk to me, otherwise you will bottle it up and it will get worse. You will end up in your own world again not talking to anyone.'

'Mom, I was scared.' My voice barely a whisper.

'What were you scared of darling?' she whispers quietly.

'When he came back, I was scared to hug him in case I cried with everyone there.'

'Oh Matt, no-one would have minded.' She smiles at me. 'Is that why you went quiet?'

'Yes. He might think I don't love him, everyone was making such a fuss and I couldn't go near him.'

'Christian will understand. I was very proud of you tonight.'

'You were, I didn't do anything.'

'You did, no-one knew how to deal with Ana and you just took over. You were so gentle with her, making sure she ate, keeping her warm and playing the piano.'

'She looked more lost than me and he loves her mom, like really loves her. I made her eat so that Christian wouldn't be mad. I didn't want him to be angry. I think he was though, when he got back he saw me wiping away her tears. Do you think he'll shout at me tomorrow?'

'No, it's his birthday.'

'That doesn't normally stop him. He even shouts at me on my birthday.' I say tiredly.

'That's brotherly love for you. He's just protecting you.'

'I know, he just has a funny way of showing it.'

'Feeling better?' mom asks.

'Yes, thanks mom. I do love you.'

'I know. Time for sleep, otherwise you'll be exhausted again tomorrow.' She says as she hugs me once more.

'Night mom.' I reply as I hug her back. Then I sleep.

It is after ten when I wake on Saturday morning, I never sleep this long. I pull on some sweat pants and a t-shirt to go downstairs for breakfast. Dad is in his study, the door is slightly ajar and I can hear him on the phone. I pop my head round the door and nod at him not wanting to interrupt his conversation. He holds up his hand and wraps up the call.

'Morning Matt, how are you this morning.'

'Morning dad, I'm good.' I say as I enter the study. 'You didn't need to finish the call for me.'

'I was finished anyway. Have you any plans for today?'

'No, not really. Just Christian's birthday dinner tonight.'

'Well the women of the house are turning it into a party. Shall we escape and take the boat out for a few hours?' he asks smiling at me.

I grin back at him 'Sure dad, that would be good.'

'Let's go and have breakfast, it should be ready now. We are all up a bit late this morning.'

We leave the study together and make our way to the kitchen. Mom and Mia are busy making pancakes. I go and kiss mom on the cheek and she returns it before hugging me.

'Did you sleep well darling?' Mom asks.

'Very well thanks mom. I don't remember ever sleeping this late before.'

'We're all the same. Can you grab the juice and finish setting the table? Mia has almost finished cooking.'

I do as I'm told; dad is already settled in his chair with the newspaper. Christian has made the front page with yesterday's exploits. Mom and Mia bring the food over and we all tuck in. I see what dad means about them turning tonight's dinner into a party as they talk about the guest list. I'm not sure I want to go and I don't think Christian will be overly happy with the plans. I'm glad that dad suggested that we escape. Once we've finished eating dad says he has a few more calls to make and asks if I will be ready to go in an hour. That suits me as I'd better call Hannah. I go to my room so that I can have some privacy; I don't want Mia listening in to my conversation. Hannah picks up straight away.

'Matt, how are you?'

'I'm good baby, missing you though.'

'Hey, I'm missing you too. I can't wait for tomorrow. Dad is going to drop me back at your house if that's ok. It will be about lunchtime.'

'Sure that's fine. Though I have to warn you the whole family will be over. Christian's dinner tonight has turned into a party courtesy of Mia. Christian and Elliot will be staying over with Ana and Kate. I think mom plans on everyone staying the whole day.'

'That's good; Kate is the only one I haven't met. What's she like?'

'Intimidating Scary Tenacious, shall I continue?'

'Matt, really. She can't be as bad as Christian.'

'Worse cos she a girl'

'Matt!'

'It's true, there's just something about her. At least she keeps Elliot happy and in line which is a first.'

'Do you think we'll get some alone time tomorrow?'

'I'll make sure of it; we can always go for a walk to the summerhouse.'

'Cool. I can't wait to see you. I need a hug.'

'I need more than a hug; just talking to you does things to me.'

'Matthew Grey.'

'It's true. I think I'd better go and shower. I'm going sailing with dad. Enjoy the rest of your day. Looking forward to tomorrow.'

'Me too, love you.'

'I love you too baby.' I say as I blow her a kiss and click the phone off.

I then quickly call Christian but it goes to voicemail so I leave a message 'Happy Birthday Christian. Hope you have a good day. I'm going sailing with dad but will try and speak with you later.' I say, he'll probably be surprised to hear my voice after last night.

I shower then dress in shorts and polo shirt before heading back down to the kitchen. Mom has packed a cool box with food and drinks.

'Is dad ready mom?' I ask

'Almost, he was just having a shower. I hope you have a good time out on the boat. Try and relax, there's no rush to get back as long as you're home by about six to give you time to get ready.'

'Do I need to go mom? I was quite happy with dinner but a party….'

'Will be good' she smiles as she finishes my sentence. 'You might find you enjoy it.'

'We'll see. Has Mia got her friends coming?'

'Yes, just stay out of their way. Here's dad now.' She says as dad wanders in. 'Go and have some fun, both of you.' She smiles and then kisses dad before ruffling my hair.

I pick up the cool box and we walk into the back yard. The sun is just starting to get warm and the sky is a light powder blue. It's a perfect day for sailing as we head to the boathouse.