I immediately go and sit down once we're in the kitchen.

'I thought we were going to get our stuff together.' Hannah says. I look at her. 'Matt, what's the matter? You look so pale.'

'I'm OK, I just need to rest a minute.' I say. She places a glass of water in front of me and I drink it gratefully. 'Thank you'

'Can I get your mom?' Hannah asks.

'No, I'm fine. I've just done too much. Come, we'll go and get the bags ready now.' I say standing and taking her hand. We walk up the stairs together and I head to my room.

'Matt, please don't get cross with me but I think your mom should check you out.' Hannah says quietly.

'Why?' I ask.

'Because we're going on a six hour flight. I'd rather know you were fit enough to fly. I don't want to spend the whole journey worrying about you.' She states.

'OK, OK. I'll get her to check me out if it will make you happy.' I say stroppily and then turn to head back out of the room. She grabs my arm.

'Please don't be like that. I'm just concerned about you.' She says smirking at me.

'If it will make you happy I'll go and find mom now. I'm sorry for getting stroppy.' I say and smile at her. I pull her into a hug and she hugs me back.

'It would make me happier.' She says.

'OK, I get the message. Let's put these bags outside the room. Whoever is picking us up will collect them from there.' I say. 'Which bag are you taking on board with you?'

'Just the backpack.' She says.

'Ok, leave that separate, I've got a backpack and laptop bag. How long do you want to see your mom for?' I ask.

'Not long, I just want to say hello and hug her. Does that sound silly?' she asks.

'Not at all. She will be pleased to see you. OK, I'm done in here, I'll go find mom. Can you chase Mia up please because otherwise she'll make us late?' I say kissing her cheek.

'Sure, I'll make sure she's ready.' Hannah says kissing me back.

I go to dad's study and grab mom's doctors bag before going to find her. She's sat in the living room reading and looks up when she hears me.

'Darling, what's wrong?' mom asks with concern.

'Nothing mom.' I say. 'Hannah asked if you could check me out before we fly.'

'Any reason?' she asks, nothing escapes mom. I look at her warily. 'You're worried I'm going to say you can't go, aren't you?' I nod sadly. 'Tell me what happened to make Hannah worry.'

'I didn't feel dizzy or lightheaded. I just felt the need to sit down, Hannah said I looked pale and got me a glass of water and after a few minutes I was fine.' I say quietly.

'That's progress then.' She says opening her bag. I sit down next to her and offer her my arm. She then proceeds to take my blood pressure and her other checks. I watch her as she concentrates and then frowns.

'Mom, is something wrong? You're frowning.' I say.

'Nothing to worry about. Your blood pressure was slightly lower than it normally is and then it had a rush to high. Go and play the piano for a bit to relax yourself and I'll take it again to double check. Don't worry, I'm sure it's just you panicking about me saying you're not fit to fly. I'll come to you when I can hear you've relaxed.' Mom says gently. 'Breathe darling boy. You won't be going anywhere if you worry. Please listen to me, go and play the piano and relax.'

'OK mom.' I say and stand. Automatically I put one foot in front of the other until I'm sat on the piano stool. I start to play and mom comes to watch me. I'm soon lost though in a world of my own. Eventually when I look up mom nods at me and I turn so that she can check my blood pressure once more. I watch her nervously.

'Breathe.' She whispers. 'Stay relaxed.'

'I'm trying mom.' I say back quietly.

'You're back to normal.' She says eventually, smiling at me.

'Thank you.' I say standing to hug her.

'The cars are packed and it's time to go.' Mia says loudly coming into the room. 'Hey what's going on? Are you OK Matt?'

'I'm fine Mia.' I mutter. Jeez, why did I agree to let her come away with us?

'Everything is OK Mia, I just wanted to double check that your brother is OK to fly.' Mom says and goes to hug Mia. 'Remember you are lucky to be going on this holiday. No leading Matt or Hannah astray, and remember that they might want to do things on their own once in a while so don't be offended if you're left out.'

'I'll be on my best behaviour and I'm grateful that they're letting me share their holiday.' Mia says as she hugs mom whilst smiling at me. I smile back at her. 'Come and join in the hug baby bro.' Mia says and lets go of mom on one side, I go towards them and they both hug me. Mom and Mia both kiss my cheeks and I burst out laughing as Mia starts to tickle my side. 'You're still ticklish there then.' She says.

'Yes, please no more.' I say but I'm still giggling. 'Mia please.' I beg as Hannah walks in. She laughs at me as she watches Mia continue her tickling.

'I didn't know you were ticklish.' Hannah says with a smirk.

'He is very ticklish.' Mia says laughing. 'I can tell you so much about him on the long flight this afternoon.'

'Mia stop.' I say. 'Do you still want to come with us?'

'Of course I do.' She says but it does make her stop.

'Enough children.' Mom says and we look at her. 'You will always be children to me. Come on I'll walk you to the car. I hope you all have a great time, please call me often.'

'We will mom.' Mia and I say together. We walk either side of her and Hannah is on my other side. Sawyer is waiting by my SUV. He opens the back doors as mom hugs Mia once again, she then hugs Hannah.

'You two sit in the back together, I'll sit in the front with Sawyer.' I say. As they climb in I go to give mom one last hug. 'I love you mom, I'll miss you.'

'I'll miss you too darling boy but be strong. You know what you have to do on this break, make the most of it. I love you so much.' She says, her eyes shining. 'Go, before I get upset. It's the first time I've had to let you go.' I pull her to me once more. I kiss her forehead and then turn to take the seat next to Sawyer.

'Sawyer, please can we stop at the florists so that Hannah can see her mom? Do you know where that is?' I ask.

'Yes Sir.' Sawyer replies. I raise my eyebrows at him, wondering why he is being so formal. 'Instructions from Mr Grey.' He says reading my thoughts.

'Mr Grey is not here and we're about to start our holiday, I'm not comfortable with all the formalities.' I say to him.

'OK Matthew.' He replies and smiles. 'Taylor has gone ahead with all the bags and will meet us at the jet with Ryan and the new bloke, he's called Andrews.'

'Thanks, we won't need to stop long, just long enough for Hannah to say goodbye to her mom.' I say. 'Christian said you like to surf.'

'Yes I do, apparently you're not allowed the first few days but after that I have to surf with you. Is that OK?' Sawyer asks.

'Yes that's good. I'll feel better knowing I have someone in the water with me.' I say. I can hear Hannah and Mia chatting in the back, they're talking about going to the mall in Hawaii. At least they can shop with each other and I can leave them to it. Sawyer pulls up outside the florist and I jump out to open Hannah's door.

'Take as long as you need baby.' I say as I hug her and then kiss her cheek. 'I'll wait here for you.'

'Thanks, I won't be more than five minutes.' She says. I watch her as she goes and then turn towards Mia. I get in the car beside her whilst we wait for Hannah.

'What's the matter baby bro?' Mia asks. I look at her warily. 'Something is.' She states.

'I'm having doubts about going away. I want to go back home.' I say quietly. 'Mia, please make sure I get on this jet. I need to do this. I can't tell Hannah how scared I am.' She takes my hand in hers.

'I'll help you through this holiday. You do understand that you need to go to get away from the press.' She says and I nod at her. 'Matt, you'll be fine. We are going on this holiday and we're going to have a great time. I know you're not into the same stuff as me and it will be a quiet holiday but we will have fun.' She says as she smiles at me. I smile back at her. The shop door opens and I climb out of the car to meet Hannah, her mom is with her.

'Take care of her Matthew.' Hannah's mom says.

'I will Mrs Sullivan.' I say as I take Hannah's hand. 'Are you ready to leave?' I ask her and she nods.

'Bye mom.' Hannah says. 'I'll let you know when we arrive and I'll call you every day.' Hannah climbs into the back of the SUV and I close the door.

'Mrs Sullivan, you have no need to worry about Hannah. We will have security with us at all times.' I say.

'I know but I'm worried that I've ruined everything and lost her.' She says.

'Far from it. I've told her that I don't want to come between you and have encouraged her to see you. We will come to dinner when we return and I think Hannah will be back living with you by the time we return to school.' I say.

'You think so.' She says hopefully.

'Yes, she misses you.' I say

'I don't know how I can thank you, especially after the way I have treated you.'

'You're only wanting the best for your daughter. It means we have something in common. You have no need to thank me. I would however be grateful if you would let me pay your mortgage off, Hannah will not worry then about how you are coping. I think she'll also help you out in the florists but it's because she wants to and not because she has to.' I say. I look at her and wait for her to answer.

'OK, I'd appreciate your help with the mortgage. I would pay you back though.' She says.

'There is no need. I want to make Hannah happy and this is just one small thing that I can do. Please can you take this card, it has all my dad's contact details if you need to speak to him at all. The press release this afternoon should just be about me but if they try and contact you for any reason call my dad and refer the press to them, we're trying to limit anything that's printed and hopefully keep too much info about me and Hannah to a minimum. I'd rather keep our private life to ourselves so that we can live a relatively normal life. I hope you agree with that.' I say.

'Yes and I'll call your dad if I need to.' She says.

'Thank you. We need to go now so the jet makes its take off slot. I'll make sure that Hannah keeps in touch this week and we'll see you soon.' I say.

'Thanks, take care and enjoy your holiday.' Hannah's mom says as I climb into the front next to Sawyer. She stands and waves as we drive away. I look behind and Hannah is waving back at her.

'Are you OK baby?' I ask.

'Yes, thanks for stopping.' Hannah says.

'No problem.' I say as Sawyer drives us to the airport. Mia and Hannah chatter excitedly once again whilst I lose myself in my thoughts. I really can't believe what is happening with my life and how quickly things are changing. On arrival at the airport Sawyer drives us straight through the security gate to the executive jet ramp and pulls up at the bottom of the steps to the GEH jet. I jump out of the car and open Mia's door followed by Hannah's. Taylor approaches us and hands me a small box.

'Blackberry for Miss Sullivan, sir.' Taylor says. I frown at him hoping that he can read my thoughts as Sawyer did earlier. He does as he says immediately 'Mr Grey's instructions sir.'

'Taylor, I'm not happy with Mr Grey instructions. I will follow everything he wants with regards to the security and press but please don't call me 'Sir'. I will speak to him about it so that you or any of the other staff do not get in trouble.' I say smiling at him.

'Thank you Matthew.' Taylor says smiling back at me. 'Have a good holiday and keep Sawyer close at all times, he'll be in charge of security in Hawaii but you can call me if you need anything or want confirmation on any matter.'

'Thanks Taylor. Say hello to Mrs Jones for me, I'll be needing some of her lasagne when I return.' I say and then taking Hannah's hand start to climb the steps. Mia has gone ahead of us and is already talking to Natalia the flight attendant. I say hello to Stefan and Flight Officer Beighley and introduce Hannah to them, she is totally awestruck and doesn't know what to say.

'Hey baby, come and sit down. We'll be taxying soon.' I say as I show her where to sit before getting out my phone. I text Christian to let him know we're on board so that he can send the press release. 'Hannah, here's your new phone. We'll set it up when we get to Hawaii.'

'Thanks Matt. I can't believe I'm on board this jet. I've never experienced anything like this before. It's so amazing.' Hannah says excitedly like a small child. Mia comes and sits opposite us as the doors close and we start to move. I hold Hannah's hand and kiss her cheek.

'Get a room.' Mia says smiling at us.

'We're not allowed.' I say.

'What?' Mia asks.

'Christian has already issued orders that we're not allowed in the bedroom.' I say smirking at her.

'And you're going to listen to him. I won't tell.' Mia says smiling at me.

'Mia, you always tell. Even if you don't tell Christian you'll tell mom and then it will get back to him.' I say. 'Anyway even if you weren't here to tell I still wouldn't because he would just know.'

'Are you still scared of him?' Mia asks.

'Yes.' I mutter.

'Oh Matt when will you learn not to let him intimidate you?' Mia says. I shrug my shoulders at her.

'I don't know, I just want to please him and not make him angry.' I mutter.

'You have to stand up to him more.' Mia says.

'I tried Mia and it doesn't work. I end up just getting angry and then upset with myself.' I say quietly. Hannah squeezes my hand in sympathy.

'So you'll just agree to do whatever he asks and let him control your life.' Mia says.

'For now yes, it's easier that way and at the moment I need all the help I can get. I have to work with him Mia, I haven't got a clue about what's going to happen and only Christian and dad can help.' I say with a sigh. I hear the engines roar and we're picking up speed as we take-off.

'Wow, look at the view.' Hannah says and I'm grateful that the subject has been changed.

'You're lucky Matt let you sit by the window.' Mia says to Hannah. 'He has always claimed a window seat.'

'I am privileged then.' Hannah retorts. I smile at her.

'Yes very.' I say.

'He normally stands and sulks until he gets the seat that he wants.' Mia says to Hannah. Hannah has a quick look round.

'There are twelve seats though, surely if there are usually only six of you flying then you must be OK with one of them Matt.' Hannah says.

'I only like the window ones facing forward and with a seat next to them for mom to sit next to me so that cut the options down to two.' I say. 'You're sitting where I usually sit.'

'Do you want to swap?' Hannah asks. 'I don't mind where I sit.'

'No, I'm OK. It will do me good to sit somewhere different.' I say.

'I can't believe you just asked him that.' Mia says to Hannah before looking at me and saying 'Though I'm glad you're staying where you are because you normally give a running commentary on everything that you can see.'

'I'm not that bad.' I say rolling my eyes at her.

'You are that bad.' Mia says answering me back.

'Are you two going to bicker the whole flight?' Hannah asks.

'No.' I mutter.

'Yes' Mia says smiling at me. 'and before you ask Hannah yes we are always like this unless we have our heads together and are whispering. Mom says we're always up to something when we're like that.' We are interrupted by Natalia offering us drinks and bringing some food, a tray of mini subs with various fillings, chips, dips and crudities.

'Oh this looks lovely.' Hannah says as I hand her a plate and she helps herself.

'Courtesy of Mrs Jones by the looks of it.' Mia says.

'It sure is, it has all our favourites.' I say as I take some peppered turkey subs as well as a ham one and a cheese one. Hannah and Mia look at each other and then at me. 'I know what you're both thinking but you don't need to say anything. I'll be trying something new each day and would appreciate if you didn't make a fuss.' I say as I take a bite of the ham sub.

'We won't.' Mia says gently. 'It's nice to see you eating different things though after all these years.' She adds smiling at me. Hannah takes my hand and squeezes it to show she understands. Once we've finished the food Natalia clears up after us and then brings some cake. Different slices for each of us, chocolate for me, carrot for Hannah and lemon for Mia. Both girls offer me their plates so I can take a piece with my fork. I grin at them and help myself.

'You can keep the carrot cake Hannah, I'm not keen on that. I do like the lemon one though Mia.' I say.

'You can have half of this piece if you want, there's too much for me.' Mia says generously as she cuts it down the middle and offers me her plate.

'Thanks Mia.' I say as I help myself. 'Do you want any of this chocolate one?' I ask.

'No thanks.' Mia says.

'I'll just have a small piece.' Hannah says and I grin as I put some on my fork to feed her. 'Oh, that's a good chocolate cake.'

'Now you know why it's my favourite.' I say. Again once we've finished Natalia clears our plates. 'I'm going to sit at the table behind and stretch out so I can have a sleep, I'm pretty tired.' I say.

'Matt, don't be silly. Go and sleep in the bedroom.' Mia says. 'Me and Hannah have a pile of magazines to read but you need a good rest. Christian won't mind.'

'Go, we'll be fine here.' Hannah says and she kisses my cheek.

'OK, I know when I'm not wanted.' I say but I'm smiling at both of them.

'You are wanted but we'd rather have you awake when we get there so we can go for a swim.' Mia says grinning at me. I stand and stretch then look at my watch.

'We've got four hours left, will you wake me at least an hour before we land?' I ask.

'Sure, have a good sleep.' Mia and Hannah say together then start giggling. I smile at them both and then head for the bedroom. I undress then crawl under the duvet and gratefully rest my head and close my eyes. The next thing I know someone is gently shaking my shoulder. I open my eyes and see Mia standing over me.

'Baby bro it's time to wake up, we'll be landing in forty five minutes.' Mia says gently.

'Shit, I didn't mean to sleep so long.' I say sitting up quickly. The room spins and I lie back down and close my eyes. 'I shouldn't have done that.'

'Matt…' Mia says.

'I'm fine, don't panic. I shouldn't have sat up so quickly.' I say.

'Here's your clothes, I'm not leaving you on your own.' Mia says as she hands me my jeans and shirt.

'Mia I'll be fine.' I say and she glares at me. 'OK, stay there if you must.' I sit up slowly this time and then I throw on my shirt. I look at Mia. 'Do I get any privacy?' I ask her with a smirk.

'Since when did you ask for privacy? Matt you've wandered round the house all your life with hardly any clothes on. When you were little you often took all your clothes off because you were too hot and yes that included your underwear.' Mia states.

'Mia that was before…' I start.

'Before Hannah, oh you're blushing. OK I'll turn the other way but I'm not leaving you.' She says as she turns her back to me. I quickly drag my jeans on and as I stand I drag the duvet back onto the bed. 'Are you ready yet?' Mia asks.

'Yes thanks Mia.' I mutter. She turns and comes to hug me. 'What's that for?'

'Because I love you baby bro.' she says as I hug her back.

'I know. I love you too.' I say as I drape my arm around her shoulder. We walk out of the bedroom door and back towards our seats.

'Do you remember when you were little you always you to list everything you loved? You always finished with 'I love the puppy dog that we haven't got yet.' Mia says smiling at me.

'Vaguely.' I say as I sit down in the seat next to Hannah. I kiss her cheek. 'Miss me?'

'Yes but we've had a good chat. I've learned so much about you.' Hannah says and Mia grins at me.

'Oh. Shall I go and sit somewhere else?' I say quietly.

'Don't be silly. The more I hear about you the more I love you. I didn't know you wanted a puppy though.' Hannah says as she holds my hand.

'More than I wanted to go to San Diego.' I whisper. I think about all the times I asked for a dog especially when it was my birthday and no-one took me seriously.

'Oh my god Matt you asked to go to San Diego every year on holiday and a puppy whenever anyone asked what you wanted for a present.' Mia says.

'And no-one took any notice.' I say. I gulp and look away from them.

'We didn't think you were that serious.' Mia says quietly.

'Maybe we could get one when we move into your house. I've always wanted a dog.' Hannah says and squeezes my hand.

'Really.' I say and Hannah nods. 'We'll move in when we get back.'

'You're that desperate.' She asks

'Yes, I know we can't get one just yet though especially as we're going to London in three weeks.' I say.

'You're going to London.' Mia says.

'Yes but we're going there on our own Mia and it's more business than pleasure.' I say and smile at her.

'OK I understand and I'm just grateful you've brought me here. Are you staying at your house in London?' Mia asks.

'Yes.' I say.

'Cool, it's huge. I remember there were about four or five floors and it's near a big park and the shops.' She says.

'We can discover all these houses together.' I say to Hannah. 'I don't remember them.' Stefan's voice comes over the intercom telling us to fasten our seatbelts. I hold Hannah's hand as we come into land. As we taxi to the terminal I grin at Mia and Hannah. 'I can't believe we're here.' I say and take out my phone. I text Christian to say that we've landed and he replies immediately telling me to call as soon as we're in the car driving to the house. I wonder what's so important that I need to call and think that I'd rather just stay in my own world completely oblivious to what is going on elsewhere. As the jet comes to a stop Mia bounces up and gets her bags together. How much did she bring on board? I grab my backpack, laptop bag and Hannah's bag.

'I'll carry that Matt.' Hannah says and I hand it to her.

'Are you sure baby?' I ask.

'Yes, it's not as if we have to carry it far.' She says.

'Only as far as the bottom of the steps.' I say. 'Hopefully the car should be there already.'

'I could get used to travelling like this.' Hannah says smiling at me. 'Do you realise how lucky you are?'

'Yes.' I say. 'Hannah, did you really mean it when you said about having a dog?' I ask her quietly.

'Yes, why?' she says.

'I'll tell you later when we're on our own.' I whisper. Natalia opens the door as the steps are brought into place. Stefan comes and wishes us a good holiday and says that he'll see us in ten days. The warm air hits us as we descend onto the tarmac and the waiting SUV. Sawyer opens the doors for us.

'Matthew you can either sit in the front with me or there are two rows of seats. Mr Grey has requested that you phone him.' Sawyer says.

'Did Taylor call you?' I ask. I signal for Hannah and Mia to get in the car.

'Yes. Ryan and Andrews will follow us with the luggage.' Sawyer adds.

'OK thanks Sawyer. I'll sit in the back and phone Christian and then mom. How long will it take to get to the house?' I ask.

'Only about twenty minutes.' Sawyer says. 'When we get there Mrs Richards will have a meal ready for you whilst the three of us do a security sweep.' I look at him and he must see my fear. 'Don't worry, it's just a precaution and we need to get our bearings with the house and grounds.'

'OK.' I say as I climb into the back row of the SUV behind Hannah and Mia. Holding my phone I look at it intently as Sawyer pulls away from the airport. Eventually I hit speed dial knowing that Christian will answer straight away.

Thanks for reading and sticking with the story. Sorry it has taken so long to update but life became so hectic! Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long. Best Wishes Mx