TYLER'S POV:

"Piper's not at home." Terese's voice spoke as I worked on a car later that afternoon

"I know," I replied "she text saying she and Ned had taken Eden out."

"Do you think that's such a good idea?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow at me

"Why wouldn't it be?" I asked

"Piper's pushing herself and pretending she's okay when really she's not." she replied

"Why do you think she's doing that?" I inquired

"Can't you see she is?" she asked

I shook my head… "Yes, there're hiccups but Piper's okay, honestly, Terese. I wouldn't be here if I thought otherwise."

"She's been through too much in such a short space of time," she sighed "I don't want her going through anymore pain, not if she doesn't have to."

"Well him up there might have other plans," I replied "but I'm with Piper 100%, Terese, that you have my word on."

"I know that," she assured me "but why does it have to be my daughter going through it?"

"I wish I knew." I informed her "I'll mention dinner at yours tonight when I get home."

"Okay," she replied "thank you."

PIPER'S POV:

Ned, Eden and I arrived back on the street and as Ned switched his car engine off, I turned to the backseat, seeing Eden fast asleep…

"Well someone had a good afternoon." I chuckled as I turned back to him

"Looks like it." he replied "Did you have a good one though?"

I nodded my head… "As much as I love this place, it was nice to get away for a while, thank you."

"You're welcome. And anytime you want to get away, I'm here." he informed me

"I'll hold you to that." I replied as I climbed out of the car "Do you want to stay for dinner?"

"You can eat, after that amazing meal we had?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me

"Not really, but I'll sort something for Tyler so you're more than welcome to stay and catch up with him." I informed him

"In that case, I'd love to." he replied

TYLER'S POV:

I made my way into the house, seeing Ned sat at the breakfast bar talking to Piper as she moved around the kitchen…

"Hey," Piper greeted me, turning to me momentarily "how was your day?"

"Not bad." I replied "How was yours?"

"Good; we headed to Eden Hills for lunch and a walk," she informed me "and your dinner's about ready now. Ned's been keeping me company."

"Right, I take it you didn't get my message?" I asked

She shook her head… "What message?"

"Your Mum invited us over for dinner with her and Paul," I informed her "tonight."

"Great," she sighed "she's gonna think I've ditched her to hang out with Ned, which I haven't."

"You think she'll think that?" I questioned

"Probably." she replied "I'm gonna go and call her and explain. Your dinner's ready to be served; you can sort that, can't you?"

I nodded my head, smiling at her warmly as she pressed her lips to mine softly and disappeared into the bedroom…

"How are things, man?" Ned asked as I walked into the kitchen

"Not bad." I replied as I began to serve up my food

"Pip told me everything," he admitted "from the miscarriage to the self-harming thing; seems like you two have been through a lot this past year."

"You could say that." I sighed "But it's only made us stronger."

"I've no doubt about that." he informed me "I just want to say, thanks for taking care of her."

I smiled at him warmly and nodded my head… "I love her; it's that simple."

PIPER'S POV:

"Hey, Mum." I greeted her as she answered my call

"Hey, sweetheart." she mirrored

"Do you think we could rain check on dinner?" I asked "I didn't get Tyler's message and he's just got in from work and told me, and I've already organised him something plus Ned's over, so can we do it another night?"

"Of course." she replied

"Thanks." I sighed "I just wanted you to know I wasn't ditching you for Ned."

"I know, love," she assured me "enjoy your evening and I'll speak to you soon. Love you."

"Love you too." I mirrored

Checking on Eden after I'd hung up the phone, I made my way through to the kitchen, finding Tyler and Ned sat at the breakfast bar talking. Making my way over to the sink, Tyler's head lifted and he smiled at me warmly and I reciprocated, sighing contentedly as I began to clear up…

Piper's doing okay, will that last?