'Beer, little bro.' Elliot says handing me a bottle. I look at mom uncertainly and she nods.

'A couple are ok with the drugs that you have at the moment.' Mom says smiling at me. I take the bottle from Elliot and swig straight from it. 'Glass please though as we sit down to eat.' Mom scolds.

'Sorry mom.' I say and get a glass from the cupboard. I head to the dining room and everyone is already there waiting for me, mom and Elliot.

'Where are you sitting Matt?' Christian asks. I look round the table and move towards where mom is, making it clear that I will sit next to her. I smile at Hannah and she comes to my side and I kiss her. Mia sits opposite me and next to dad with Christian on her other side and Ana sits next to him so that leaves Elliot next to Hannah. We are all finally seated and help ourselves to the food, mom has obviously catered for my tastes but I only put a small amount on my plate. Christian raises his eyebrows at me but I shake my head, I don't want him to make an issue about me not eating. I sit and let the conversations flow over my head as I sit in my own little world. Elliot looks at me in concern but keeps Hannah entertained and has her giggling. Ana is giggling with them as well. Mia chats with dad and Christian.

'Darling, you're quiet. Are you OK?' mom says quietly to me.

'Yes mom.' I say as I concentrate on my food.

'I know that's not true, when you're quiet at mealtimes there's always something wrong. You're always the loud one.'

'I don't mean to be.' I say 'I just want to know what's going on and sometimes the others won't tell me.'

'When you were small you often stood on the chair and laid across the table to see what someone was doing on the other side.' She says smiling affectionately at me.

'Even when there was food on the table.' I say horrified.

'Only once when there was food but you often did it in restaurants while we were waiting for food. You would just be up and across before anyone could stop you.' She says.

'I sound like a nightmare child.' I mutter.

'You were mischievous and amusing.' She says gently.

'Dad said I broke my arm, I don't remember that.' I say.

'Oh I remember you breaking your arm.' Elliot says. 'You were a little shit that night.'

'Elliot please.' Mom scolds.

'He was mom. Listen to this Hannah, it will put you off having kids with Matt in case they turn out like him. I was sat on the jetty with Christian and Matt was lying in between us splashing his hands in the water. I tickled him and he kicked me but due to the force that he did it he ended up falling in the lake and Christian had to jump in and pull him out. We tried to sneak into the house without being noticed so we could shower him and get dry clothes but Mia snitched on us so me and Christian got in so much trouble. Later we were messing about near the boathouse and because he'd had enough he bit me. We left him on his own and he only went and climbed the tree, he fell out but managed to re-climb it but then got stuck. How old was he mom?' Elliot says with a big grin on his face.

'Three.' Mom says.

'Anyway I had to rescue you from the tree Matt but you never told anyone that you'd hurt your arm so it wasn't put in a cast until the next day.' Elliot says.

'Was that the day that we went shopping and he'd put a baby bird in his mommy's bag and laid across the table to try and get it out because it was dead.' Christian says.

'Yes and I had to get rid of it, you also ran away from me in the department store after you'd played the piano when I told you not to.' Elliot says.

'And also…' Mia starts.

'Please, there can't be anymore. How can a three year old get up to so much mischief in one day?' I ask.

'Oh that was a typical day.' Dad says chuckling.

'Yes Matt, that was the only time I never got my full allowance because you talked me into painting your nails at the restaurant. Purple I think it was.' Mia says but she's smiling.

'And of course we had to go for vanilla ice cream, because that's all you wanted to do and you sat there with the purple nails and a clip in your hair because you wanted to be like Mia.' Elliot says. Everyone is laughing including me. Hannah smiles at me.

'Are they putting you off yet?' I whisper to her as I kiss her ear.

'No' she whispers back. 'I do want lots of little Matts though.'

'Really.' I say looking at her with shock. She nods shyly and smiles. 'We can practise making them for now.'

'Sounds good, I can't wait.' She says. The conversation around the table has turned away from me. Elliot and Christian are talking with Ana about the wedding and Mia, mom and dad are talking about her going to university. 'Matt, we need to talk later.'

'That sounds serious.' I say and look at her with wide eyes, she must see my fear. Christian notices and watches us.

'Hey, it's nothing bad. I need to tell you about today with my mom. Your mom was brilliant, I couldn't have coped without her. Also you need to tell me what's going on, why the need for the talk in your dad's study about security.' She says.

'Baby, once everyone has gone we'll talk. I'm scared that what I have to tell you will frighten you away though.' I say quietly to her.

'Matt, I'm not going anywhere. I love you and love your family. I feel more settled and part of this family than I ever have with my own.' She says and smiles at me. 'We need to talk and get everything out in the open and then we can go and enjoy our holiday.'

'Ok baby, I'll tell you everything later.' I say. I might as well get it over with tonight rather than worrying about when I'm going to tell her on holiday. I'd also rather she found out from me than someone else. After tomorrow I'm sure her phone will not stop bleeping with texts from all her friends wanting to know more.

'Matt, do you want any more to eat?' mom asks.

'No thanks mom. I'm not hungry.' I say.

'Darling, you've hardly eaten anything.' Mom says and Christian looks up regarding me through his narrow eyes. 'You're worrying aren't you?'

'Yes.' I whisper. Mom takes hold of my hand.

'Darling, please don't worry.' She says and I put my head down. How can she say that, I'm absolutely terrified about what's going to happen tomorrow once the papers have got the story. Nothing will be the same again. I look up, Christian is talking to Ana but he is still watching me. Mom looks at dad and he seems to understand the look that she gives him. 'Matt, come and help me get the dessert whilst everyone else tidies the other plates.' I look at her gratefully and stand straight away and walk to the kitchen. Mom follows and immediately envelopes me in a hug once we're in the kitchen. I hug her back, feeling safe with her arms wrapped round me. 'Darling, everything will be OK.'

'I'm so frightened mom.' I say.

'Don't be.' Says Christian as he comes into the kitchen. 'Matt, let's go for a walk in the backyard.' I look at mom and she nods so I follow him outside. 'OK we haven't got long because we'll need to go back in for dessert. Matt, please do not be scared or frightened otherwise people will take advantage of you. You have to be strong once the press have had their story tomorrow. I'll get the PR department to just release it to the Seattle Times, we might even do it through Kate. I'll email a copy to you first so that you can approve and we'll send it to them just after you've left for Hawaii.'

'That sounds OK. I'm going to tell Hannah everything later. I'd rather she found out from me. I hope it won't scare her away but if it does at least I'll know before we go away and then I can just go on my own and hide.' I say.

'Matt, she'll be going away with you. She's a pretty tough cookie and she'll support you. Just remember what you want and follow your dreams. Tell her everything including about wanting to study in England. Can I tell Elliot, Mia and Ana for you? Obviously Elliot knows quite a bit about your parents just not the money side but Mia was still quite young to understand anything and Ana knows nothing but like you with Hannah I think they should know before it goes public. It will after all affect them as well.'

'Yes please tell them.' I say.

'OK, I'll let you know when I've told them. I'll probably tell Ana tonight and Elliot and Mia in the morning. Please will you text me later tonight to let me know how Hannah reacts, even if it's only a simple 'all is OK' otherwise I'll be worrying about you.'

'Yes I'll text. Thanks for everything you have done for me Christian.' I say.

'That's no problem but we must keep in touch to get you through this. I need you to have your phone on you at all times and I'm going to get a blackberry sent over tomorrow for Hannah. Will you make sure she uses it?' Christian says.

'Yes, come on we better go back in.' I say.

'Will you eat some dessert please? You've hardly touched your food tonight, you need to eat.' He says gently which surprises me, I thought he'd be cross. He must read my thoughts as he continues. 'Matt, if I get angry with you then you'll be upset and definitely won't eat. Remember I'm here for you even though on paper you're probably richer than I am.'

'No' I say shocked.

'Yes.' He says smirking at me. 'You'll get used to it.'

'I don't know if I will ever get used to it.' I say. 'I think I'll just ignore it.'

'Once you've got your head round it you'll be fine. Last thing, can I ask Taylor to find someone like him to take care of you?'

'Yes, I'd appreciate that. Thanks bro.' I say giving him a quick hug before we go back into the kitchen. Mom looks up as she loads the dishwasher.

'Are you ready for dessert?' she asks us.

'Yes mom.' I say smiling at her. I go to the freezer and get the ice cream out.

'Some things will never change.' Christian says smiling at me as we go and join the rest of the family. Everyone has moved round, Ana, Mia and Hannah are sat together talking flowers. Dad and Elliot are at the other side and have moved onto their favourite topic 'The Mariners.' Christian sits down between dad and Ana. Hannah is in between Ana and Mia so I sit next to Elliot, mom will be next to me wherever I sit but I'm away with Mia for ten days so choose my brother now. Once again everyone helps themselves. I have fruit salad and ice cream and Christian looks at me in approval. As I finish I remember Flynn's words about trying something new. I look at what is left on the table and help myself to some cheesecake. Mom looks at me but doesn't say anything. No-one else is paying any attention as I start to eat.

'Did you enjoy that?' mom asks as I put my spoon in my empty bowl.

'Yes' I whisper glancing round the table but they are still all occupied with either baseball or flowers. 'Mom, I have to try something new each day. It can be anything, food or flip-flops.'

'Dr Flynn' she says. I nod. She squeezes my hand. 'Well you made a good start. Last night in the restaurant you tried Hannah's dessert.'

'I don't want anyone to make a fuss though if I do something different. Everyone was staring last night and I got embarrassed.' I say.

'Well they haven't tonight. Just carry on as if you've always done whatever it is that's new. Would you like me to tell Elliot, Christian and Mia so they don't say anything?' mom says.

'No mom, I'll deal with them. I can't have you fighting my battles all the time.' I say and smile at her. 'Mom, when Christian and Elliot have gone home I'm going to talk to Hannah about her afternoon with her mom and then I'm going to tell her everything about me. I'd still like to know about mommy though.'

'OK darling. Come and find me when you're ready. I've got to sort some things out with dad and then I'll be catching up on a few things.'

'Thanks mom.' I say. Everyone has finished eating.

'Mom, do you mind if me and Ana make a move? I've still got some work to do.' Christian says.

'That's fine Christian, it was lovely to see you.' Mom says.

'I'd better shoot as well mom. I've arranged to meet Kate.' Elliot says. 'Thanks for dinner.'

'You're welcome.' Mom says. 'It was lovely to have everyone here, it's going to be pretty quiet from tomorrow.' She adds sadly.

'You'll love it mom, just you and dad for once.' Elliot says. 'Make the most of the peace and quiet.' He adds as we all rise from our seats. As we leave the dining room to go to the hall I take Hannah's hand.

'When we've said goodbye to them shall we go for a walk?' I ask her, kissing her cheek.

'Yes' she says kissing me back.

'Have a great time little bro.' Elliot says interrupting us. He hugs me and then Hannah. 'Take care little lady and enjoy Hawaii.'

'I will.' Hannah says giggling.

I kiss Ana on the cheek and hug her. 'Bye Ana , Bye Christian.' I say as I now hug Christian.

'Keep in touch, remember to keep your phone with you at all times.' Christian says.

'I will.' I mutter. 'Thanks again for everything.'

'If you need me for anything call.' He says.

'I will.' I say rolling my eyes. Ana sees me and giggles. Christian turns and gives her a sharp look so I stick my tongue out at him behind his back which causes Ana to giggle even more. He whips his head back round and I smile at him innocently. 'I'll miss you Christian.' I say sarcastically.

'Plenty of rest and be ready to work out when you get back.' He growls and then says more gently. 'Have a good time though, I'll miss you as well.'

'OK, bye.' I say as they all finally depart. 'Mom, me and Hannah are going for a walk down by the shore if that's OK. Do you want us to help clear up first?'

'No, you go. Mia can help me.' Mom says. I take hold of Hannah's hand again and we walk through the kitchen and out into the cool evening air.

'Baby, we'll walk down towards the boathouse. You can tell me about your afternoon and then I'll tell you about what went on in the study earlier and the rest of the stuff about me.' I say and kiss her hair. 'I am desperate to kiss you properly.'

'Me too Matt, but I can kiss you somewhere else that will make you happy.' She says and grins at me before setting off in a run towards the shore. I watch her for a moment and then set off running myself to catch up with her. I love her so much and just hope that she'll feel the same after I've revealed everything to her.