When I wake it's still early. I leave Hannah to sleep and head downstairs. No-one else is up yet so I go to Christian's study and switch on his computer. I log into my office account and am soon lost in my work; it feels so good to be doing something normal again.

'What are you doing?' Christian demands, making me jump. I didn't hear him enter the study.

'Working.' I say stalling for time, he looks angry.

'How long have you been here?'

'A couple of hours.'

'Jeez Matt, you're supposed to be taking it easy.' He says, though he's trying not to shout.

'I am. I'm sat in a chair looking at a screen, it's hardly demanding. I feel good today and if I was going to do too much I'd have gone into the office when I woke up but I didn't know where you'd put the keys to the Saab.' I say looking at him, willing him to argue with me. He stares back, I'm sure he wants to push it further but he hesitates.

'Have you eaten?' he says, changing the subject.

'No not yet, I was waiting for Mrs Jones. I thought I might be pushing it too far if I started making breakfast for everyone.' I say and he smiles at me, I've won him over. 'The transport business has been turned around and is starting to make a profit, not huge but at least it's heading in the right direction.'

'Good. What else have you found out?' he asks.

'That you gave the Black Widow the businesses. Why didn't you sell them?' I ask quietly.

'Will you stop calling her that, Elena is a friend.'

'Even after what she did?' I whisper. And stare at him with wide eyes.

'She helped me.'

'Fuck Christian she hurt me and she hurt mom and probably Ana too if it made her throw a drink over that evil woman. I'm still hurting from Saturday night and what she said and did to me but I've been trying to forget so that I don't hurt mom. Does she mean more to you than the three of us? I think you need to sort your fucking priorities out. Oh maybe you have and she was your first fuck so she will always be at the top of your list.' I shout angrily. I stand and walk out of the study, slamming the door behind me and leaving him staring open mouthed. I head to my room and go and stand under the shower to try and calm down. The water hammers my head but I don't feel any better. I get out and get dry, dress and make my way back out into the Great Room. Christian is sat with Ana at the breakfast bar. They have just finished eating.

'Morning Ana' I say cheerfully giving Christian a cool stare.

'Morning Matt.' Ana says and gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek as she climbs down from her stool. 'It's so good to see you. I'm just leaving for work but will see you tonight.'

'OK, have a good day.' I say smiling at her. I sit on the stool that she's vacated next to Christian.

'I'll see you to the elevator.' Christian says to Ana as he stands up. She looks at him questionably and then at me. I shrug at her as Christian has already walked across the room. She looks at me sympathetically and then turns to follow him.

'Would you like some breakfast Matthew?' Mrs Jones asks.

'No thank you Mrs Jones. Could I just have some juice please?' I ask.

'Of course. It's lovely to see you.' She says placing the glass of juice in front of me.

'Thank you.' I say smiling at her. Christian walks back into the room but disappears into his study. My head must drop and Mrs Jones notices.

'Are you OK Matthew?' she asks.

'My throat hurts and I'm tired. I think I'll go back to bed. I was up early this morning.' I say quietly before getting up from the stool. She nods and smiles at me, she must know that something has happened between me and Christian but doesn't want to overstep the mark. As I pass his study door I pause, he's on the phone.

'Andrea, I know I wasn't due in until this afternoon but I'll be there in an hour. Can you see if Claude is free this morning?' 'OK, call me back.' As he finishes the call he looks at me warily so I enter his study.

'Can we talk?' I ask.

'What about?' he replies sulkily.

'I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I did earlier.' I say quietly, and look at him warily. He looks at me intensely and shakes his head. He doesn't say anything and I don't know what else to say to him. I'm hurting and he's sulking. 'I am sorry' I whisper as I turn and walk away. I go to my room and sit in the chair, I am tired but do not want to sleep. I feel trapped, Christian could sulk for days and I don't want to be here if he's not talking to me. I stare out of the window and lose myself in my thoughts. I must fall asleep as someone is shaking me awake.

'Matthew, you should be in bed.' Mrs Jones says 'Hannah came to see you but she didn't want to disturb you. I've just made her breakfast. Come on get into bed and I'll send her in when she's finished eating.'

'Christian' I say.

'He's gone to work. Did you two fight again?' she asks.

'Yes, I got angry and said something I shouldn't have done and he's sulking.' I say.

She smiles at me affectionately 'He'll come round soon, he was so excited yesterday about you coming out of hospital. He couldn't wait for you to come here.'

'Really, I feel like I want to go home. I don't think he wants me here now.' I whisper.

'Don't get upset by it and you're not going anywhere when you need looking after. Get into bed and I'll be back in five minutes. I'll go and get your medication and some more juice.'

'Thanks Mrs J.' I say smiling cheekily at her.

'That's more like it; I like your cheeky smile.' She says and leaves so that I can get into bed. As soon as she returns I take my pills and then fall asleep.

I'm not sure how long I've slept for but when I wake Hannah is laid next to me on the bed reading a book.

'Hi sleepy head.' She says smiling at me and kissing the top of my head.

'Did I sleep long? What time is it?' I ask her.

'It's four o'clock. You've slept all day.' She says.

'I'm sorry baby. I wanted to spend time with you today.' I say.

'Don't worry. I've been busy. I did some drawing and then went shopping as Mrs Jones was here. I got some more art stuff and new clothes. Mrs Jones had promised to call me as soon as you woke up.'

'That's OK, baby. I don't feel as guilty now. I suppose I'd better get up now.'

'No, you can stay in bed if you prefer. No-one's going to say anything if you do. We were all pleased when we came back last night and you were here. Elliot came earlier to collect his car and Mia was with him, she's cross that you're always asleep when she comes to see you.'

'Did you see Christian this morning?'

'Yes, he said that he was going to pick Ana up from work tonight and they will probably eat out so we can just eat when we want and don't have to wait for them.'

'Did he say anything else?' I ask.

'No, he was just going to work. He just said to have a good day and to look after his little bro.' she says. I close my eyes again. 'Are you going back to sleep already?' Hannah asks.

'No, I'll get up. I need something to drink.'

'What about food, you haven't eaten since last night. Mrs Jones is worrying about you.'

'I'm not hungry.' I say as I climb out of bed and head to the bathroom. When I come back into the bedroom Hannah has gone. I go to the kitchen and help myself to juice before settling at the piano. I begin to play. As I finish I notice Hannah is sat on the sofa listening.

'Matt, that was beautiful.' She says, I look at her shyly. 'I knew you could play but when you sang as well it blew me away. Why have I never heard you before? You could easily win all those competitions they do at school on the talent nights.'

'I'd rather people didn't know.'

'But Matt it was amazing, did you sing it for me? She asks, I nod. 'Wow, A Kiss from a Rose' she smiles and comes to kiss my cheek 'Thank you, it was really special'

'You're welcome baby' I whisper.

'How did you get this good when you haven't done a music class at school since second grade because you played up so much that the poor music teacher was traumatised by you being so out of tune so you always stayed behind in class and did other work.'

'I got found out that day, I think mom was called to the principal's office and when it was mentioned about how bad I was at music mom was shocked. She knew how well I could play the piano already. I was also pretty decent at the trumpet and French horn even at the age of eight. I just seemed to be able to pick up an instrument and play. Though the last couple of years I've only played the piano. It was decided I'd be better doing other work that would stretch me without it being noticed by the rest of the class.' I say, smiling at her. 'Was the teacher better after I was chucked out?'

'Yes. Was your mom cross?'

'At first she was, but when I told her that the teacher was trying to explain the difference between a B and C and what a note was she was OK and realised it was a waste of time. Sometimes when you all went to the music room I would play the piano for whoever our teacher was at the time so they knew that I could play and was improving.'

'There's so much I don't know about you.' She says and I kiss her cheek. 'Are you hungry yet?'

'Yes, let's go and see what we can find in the fridge.'

'Mrs Jones is still around somewhere, she will cook for us.' Hannah says as Mrs Jones appears.

'Are you two ready for food now?' Mrs Jones asks.

'Yes please Mrs J. Have you got any of my favourite?' I ask cheekily.

'Of course, I made some especially for you earlier to try and tempt you to eat something.' She says with a smile.

'Oh Mrs J you know how to spoil me.' I say and Hannah looks at me in surprise. 'What?' I ask her.

'Are you always this cheeky to Mrs Jones? If I was her I wouldn't cook anything you liked. Mrs J?' she asks.

'Mrs J loves it.' I say and smile at Mrs Jones again. 'I'm your favourite because I appreciate your food more than anyone else, aren't I?'

'You know I don't have favourites, though someone is my least favourite at the moment after the mess they made in the kitchen last night.' She says trying to be stern.

'That was Elliot, he made a curry. You should have seen the place before he tried to tidy up, you'd have been cross then.' I say but smile sweetly at her.

'I'm glad I didn't.' she adds 'Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes.'

'OK, we'll go and watch TV.' I say and grab Hannah's hand pulling her towards the TV room. 'What do you want to watch' I ask her as I turn on the TV.

'Anything but sport.' She says, as I flick through the channels. 'Were you in a bad mood earlier with me?'

'No, when?' I ask.

'When you woke up. You went straight to the bathroom and didn't even hug and kiss me. I thought you were cross with me so took my book upstairs and then I came down and you were singing whilst you played.'

'I'm sorry baby, did I upset you' I say and she nods. I hug her and kiss her cheek. 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.'

'It's ok.' She says 'Can I ask you something?' I nod. 'Why haven't you asked me about what happened last night?'

'Because I got angry last night but Elliot and Christian calmed me down and said it wasn't your fault. I didn't want you to think I was angry with you. Do you want to talk about it?'

'I'm not sure. I don't want to make you angry. He just appeared and as he tried to kiss me Sawyer pulled him away. I was a bit upset but the other three were really good with me and soon had me giggling again. If I'd known you were here I wouldn't have gone out.'

'I didn't know I was getting out last night. Christian had arranged for me to get out early, but said not to text so that you could still enjoy the night out and that I could enjoy being here with no fussing from everyone. I tried to stay awake to see you but was so tired. I feel like I've ruined our summer together especially now we can't go to California surfing.'

'Hey, don't worry. We'll still be spending time together. We could try and get away somewhere quiet just before we go back to school, just the two of us.' She says and smiles shyly at me.

'That would be cool. I know, let's both have a think where we'd like to go and we'll each write a list. We can see if any match and then we can spend tomorrow planning it. How does four places each sound?'

'That's a good idea; I'm going to start thinking now. How long shall we go for? A weekend, week?' Hannah asks.

'I don't care as long as we're together.' I say and kiss her cheek. 'By then I'll be able to kiss you properly and make love to you. I'm desperate to be inside you baby.' I whisper as I kiss her ear.

'Patience.' She says as I take her hand and place it on my erection. I pull her round so that she is sat on top of me. 'I know what your game is Matthew Grey and the answer is no. You've only been out of hospital a day, we have no condoms here and from next Tuesday we won't need any so you can wait.' She stands and grabs my hand 'Dinner will be ready soon and I don't want Mrs Jones catching us in a compromising position.' We wander back into the kitchen and sit at the breakfast bar.

'You two must have known it was ready, I was just coming to get you.' Mrs Jones says and she places our plates in front of us. 'I'll leave you to eat, there's ice cream for dessert. Christian left instructions before he went to work to get you some from your favourite ice cream shop.'

'Thank you Mrs J' I say and smile at her as she leaves us. As I reach for the ketchup bottle Hannah gives me a questioning look.

'What now?' I ask her smirking.

'Ketchup with lasagne?' she asks.

'Yes, you should try it.' I say

'No thank you and you never normally have ketchup.'

'I know, but for some reason I always do with Mrs Jones lasagne.' I say as I start eating. When we've both finished Hannah tidies away the dishes as I get the ice cream carton out of the freezer.

'Do you want some?' I ask her showing her the carton.

'No I wouldn't deprive you of it, I'll have some fruit.' She says. 'Are you going to eat the whole tub?'

'Yes, there's another four in the freezer.' I say grinning. 'Let's go and watch TV whilst I eat it, I'll bring another spoon in case you change your mind.'

I've finished the ice cream and we're stretched out together on the sofa. Hannah is watching something on the TV whilst I lie with my eyes closed, my arms wrapped around her. I'm feeling totally relaxed and happy. I can sense that I am drifting off to sleep but don't really want to just yet.

'Matt, do you want to go to bed?' Hannah asks me.

'With you yes.' I reply.

'To sleep.' She says.

'No, I'm comfortable here.' I say and open my eyes to look at her. 'I've spent too long in bed the last few days. I'm happy here whilst you watch TV.' I close my eyes again and this time I do fall asleep.

When I wake the TV is off and someone has put a duvet over me. I can hear voices in the Great Room so go and investigate.

'At last Matt, it's great to see you.' Mia says coming to give me a hug.

'Hi Mia.' I say and look at everyone through my sleepy eyes. Elliot and Kate are also here, Ana is curled up with Christian on one sofa. Mia goes to sit back down next to Hannah. They've obviously been here a while as they've already got through a couple of bottles of wine. I feel totally out of place. I look at Christian; he stares back at me with narrowed eyes. I run my hand through my hair and then turn and head to my room. I don't want to join them.

I go into the bathroom, thinking I'll have a shower and then I don't have to socialise. I pull my t-shirt over my head and catch a glimpse of my scar, I'm getting used to it now. Everything goes fuzzy and darkness descends.

'Matt, Matt. Shit Matt. Christian I need help' Hannah screams. I can hear her but I can't see her.

'Fuck, what happened here?' Christian says.

'I followed him in and he must have fainted, he's hit his head. I think it needs to be stitched.' Hannah says.

'Taylor. Matt's bathroom. Get Gail to come with the first aid kit. Hannah go and sit with Ana and send Elliot in here.' Christian says gently. 'Elliot, grab me another towel. There's blood everywhere.'

'What happened?' Elliot asks.

'He hit his head when he fainted.' Christian says.

'I can see that, I meant what happened between you two? You looked at him as if you didn't want him here. No wonder he left the room. Jeez Christian what have you done now?' Elliot says.

'Nothing, he got angry with me this morning and said some stuff.' Christian says. 'Taylor, where's Gail?'

'I'm here; let me look at the cut.' Mrs Jones says. I feel her hands on my head; she's gently putting something on me. 'I think we need to get him to hospital, he not conscious.'

'No, not hospital. Please don't take me back.' I whisper.

'Matt, it's OK. You need to get this cut checked out.' Mrs Jones says.

'Please' I say. My eyes are coming back into focus. I can see Mrs Jones looking at me concerned. Taylor is searching the first aid kit for something; Elliot is kneeling next to me with a towel covered in blood in his hand. Christian looks at me as I look at him. I'm the first to turn away. 'OK, I'll go' I whisper. I might as well be there than here.

'Taylor, can you drive him? We've all been drinking.' Christian says. Taylor nods and leaves the bathroom.

'Are you going as well?' Elliot asks Christian.

'No' I say. 'I want to be on my own.'

'Matt, you can't go on your own.' Elliot says 'Mom would kill us if someone didn't go with you.' I shrug at him. Christian looks at me, then at Elliot and Mrs Jones. They both leave the bathroom so that Christian and I are alone.

'Matt.' He says. I keep my head down. 'Matt, please look at me.' I lift my head. 'Do you hate me?' he asks.

'No, you know I don't' I stare at him with wide eyes. 'I thought you didn't want me here after what I said this morning. I'm sorry. I was out of order. It's none of my business what you do with her. I'm still hurting though. I wanted to go home earlier but Mrs Jones wouldn't let me.'

'Please let me come to the hospital with you.' He says and then adds in a whisper 'You are my number one priority right now.'

I smile at him 'Even above Ana?'

'She's stronger than you at the moment but you need me.'

'OK, you can come. You might want a clean shirt though.' I say.

'I'll just put a jacket over. Come on, let me help you up. Do you want Hannah to come with us?' Christian asks.

'No, she'd be better here with Ana. Hopefully we won't be long but I want to say goodbye this time.' I say quietly. As we leave the bathroom Christian supports me as I walk, Elliot comes to my other side as soon as he sees us. He puts a clean t-shirt over my head, followed by a hoodie. As we go into the Great Room Hannah rushes over.

'Matt' she says.

'Baby, I'm OK.' I say as I hug her. 'Christian is taking me to the hospital to get the cut checked out. I want you to wait here with Ana. I won't be long.'

'OK, take your phone though and text me' she says handing it to me. I smile at her and kiss her forehead. 'I love you' she whispers so no-one can hear.

'I love you too baby' I whisper back as I give her a final hug. Everyone hugs me as we go to leave.

Come on Matt, let's go' Christian says 'Taylor is waiting out the front for us. Elliot, I'll call as soon as we know anything.'

'OK, I'm glad you've sorted out whatever happened between you earlier.' Elliot says as we head to the elevator.

I'm quiet as the elevator descends and cross the lobby area. Christian opens the car door and I climb into the back seat, he follows and sits next to me.

'Are you OK?' he asks.

'I'm scared' I whisper. 'I've only been out of that place for a day and I'm already going back. Have you called mom today?'

'Yes, I spoke to her this morning. I'll call her tomorrow now. There's no point in worrying her unnecessarily.' He says.

As we approach the entrance to the hospital Christian instructs Taylor to park in mom's parking space as it's close to the entrance that we need. The receptionist is different to last Sunday evening. She stares open mouthed at Christian before saying 'The doctor is on his way.' We don't even get to sit down before he appears and leads us through the corridors. He fires questions at Christian, who answers them as I follow in a daze. He leads us to a cubicle and I sit on the bed.

'Right Matthew, let me check you out. Hopefully you won't be with us long this time.' He says with a smile. As he checks out my wound a nurse hooks me up to a couple of machines to check my pulse and blood pressure. I close my eyes, I'm tired but I don't want to sleep here.

'Matt.' Christian says as he gently shakes my shoulder. I must have been asleep because I'm in a room similar to the one I left yesterday evening.

'Can we go now?' I ask him.

'They want to keep you here overnight. You've got slight concussion and they want to keep a check on you.' He says sympathetically.

'No, I don't want to be here. Please Christian; can you get me out of here?' I plead.

He looks at me uncertainly. 'Matt, it's only overnight. It's a precaution; remember we said no risks with your health. You need to stay here. I would take you back to Escala if I could but please Matt just put up with it for one night. You'll be out of here by lunchtime if everything is ok?'

'OK' I whisper and close my eyes.

'Shall I send Taylor to collect Hannah?' he asks.

'No, you can go home with Taylor. I'm going to sleep now.' I say without opening my eyes.

'Matt, someone needs to be with you.'

'Christian, I'll be asleep soon. They've hooked me back up to these drips that are probably pumping me full of drugs. I won't know if anyone is with me or not. Go home and make sure everyone is OK. Come back tomorrow and hopefully I'll be ready to leave.'

'I'll sit with you until you fall asleep. I love you little bro.' he says as I drift back to sleep.