"So this is your place huh? It's nice, all warm and home-like."

Ryan nodded as he took off his shoes and dropped his bag. Charlie and Addie did the same before following Ryan back to the kitchen.

"You guys want a snack?" Ryan asked as he pulled out some crisps and drinks, handing them to both Charlie and Addie.

"So we're just going to play some games. You sure you're okay here?" Charlie asked as he opened his sister's drink, ignoring her eye roll.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I got my game and crayons. Being here beats waiting for Mom at work and anything beats being home."

"I know. And don't worry, soon you'll make friends too." Charlie said before following Ryan up the stairs to his room to play. Addie just rolled her eyes before she pulled out her book.

After the last of the students were gone Chris made his way down to the office. "Hey, you ready for this meeting?" Chris asked as he walked into her office.

"Actually I am quite ready to get this meeting done so I can go get my kids."

"They're not here waiting for you?"

"Nope, seems Charlie made a friend of that Ryan lad. They both went home with him. I am just glad Charlie seems to be on the road to finding his place here. I know there's going to be an adjustment period. I just can't help but admit I am breathing a small breath of relief."

"No, I get it. I mean a new school is a big enough change for any kid. Your kids have had a change of, well, lifestyle, country, school, and house I would guess."

"Yeah, it's a lot. I did go back and forth a lot when Adam told me he got a job here. In the end, he convinced me it was the best move for our family. He wasn't thrilled I was going back to work. But our kids are older and I need something to fill my days. Let's just say this is the last chance to save my marriage. If it can't be saved I need to know I'm settled and can show Adam and a court that I can take care of my kids." Rachel admitted, not quite meeting her friend's gaze.

"I knew there was a bit more behind your big move. I just didn't want to pry. We're friends but I know it's been a while."

"No. No, it's fine that you're asking. And I am so glad we're working together again and I promise we will have a proper catch-up soon."

"I look forward to it. I just wanted to remind you I'm here and I wanted to just let you know I reached out to Charlie's old school for his grades and such. So Kim and I can figure out where he'd fit best. I figured you had enough going on with the move and all."

"Thanks for that. He's a good student, but with the change of curriculum, I am glad he has you to sort him out. I will of course do what I can too. I don't foresee him having any problems. Just been riding out the teenage mood swings as he adjusts to things." Rachel replied nervously.

Chris picked up on the difference right away. This wasn't the Rachel Mason he knew. Yes, time had passed and they had both gone on to live lives, still he knew something was off. "Hey, he's a teenager I am sure it will all even out. He just needs time and understanding, Rach … And I can't think of a person better than you to be his mum."

Rachel blushed a bit as she met Chris's eyes. She didn't want to admit it, but it was nice to have not only a break from being put down but actually being complimented. Not wanting to start crying in front of him she picked up one of the kid's files they had to go over. She waited until she had her emotions under control before she replied.

"You are still the sweetest Chris. I swear I think I have the mom thing down and one of my kids throws me a curveball. More so Charlie than Addie. They say teen girls are the worst, but I think we both know the truth."

"Yeah, that the boys can be just as bad ... I can say there are no gangs in this school, just,you know, some random fights here and there."

"That's good to know. The girl gang fights are not something I want a repeat of. I don't think I have it in me to go toe to toe with them." Rachel said offhandedly as she turned her attention back to the file.

"So you're saying these kids are the ones you want to try and do a mentor program with?"

"Yes, it's kind of a revamp of Kim's idea only this time we monitor it better and it's a student whose university bound paired with one who struggles a bit."

"I like this idea, this way it's not just a teacher and pupil one on one. But it's classmates helping each other out with a teacher on hand if they need to intervene. I don't see why we can't implement this. Let's try it with a few students and give it say a month then we'll meet back up and check in on the progress."

"That's great Rachel. Thank you for still believing in me and giving this a shot. I know my last try went sideways. I just think taking pieces from Kim's idea and mine could create the perfect program to help more students succeed."

"Of course, I still believe in you, Chris. You are like me, always cared about the pupils. We may have gotten some things wrong in the past, but all we can do is reevaluate and fix what went wrong and try again. The bottom line is it should be beneficial to our students and that will always be my main focus. To take care of students learning, growth, and mental health. Is there anything else you have to go over? I don't mean to cut it short but the kids are at a new house and I want to not only meet Ryan's family but get the kids home … promised Adam I wouldn't be late home. He wants to do a family night." Rachel lied, surprising herself at how easy it was to lie now. They hadn't had a family night in ages. No, she needed to get the kids home before Adam lost it in hopes he'd either just drink and go to bed or even better, actually have an okay night. She also wanted to make sure Charlie was okay after his lunchtime breakdown. This wasn't anything she could share with Chris of course. It didn't even upset her anymore. Friends were a thing of the past, before Adam. All that mattered now was her kids and she knew more than anything they needed a calm night.

"Yeah, no, this was it. Thanks for staying after to sort this out."

"Of course, I may be mum now but the pupils are my priority when I'm here."

"Ah, there's the Rachel I remember. I will lock up here. See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow. Thank you, Chris." Rachel said before she got up and started to collect her stuff.

Addie, who had been entertaining herself, froze when she heard the front door open. It was never a good sign in her house. The door opening meant her daddy was home and usually that never meant anything good. She was already standing up by the time Catherine appeared in the kitchen.

"CHARLIE!" Addie called out, her eyes going wide as Catherine froze in place. A few seconds later Charlie ran down the stairs, Ryan right behind him. Charlie pushed right past Catherine, only breathing when he felt Addie launching herself against him. Looking up and seeing it was just a woman he presumed was Ryan's gran, he sighed. His dad wasn't there, the idea was crazy. "I'm so sorry about her. She's weird around new people. And cops. Something happened back in our old home. I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize. You must be our Ryan's new friend Charlie and you must be Addie. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm Catherine, Ryan's Gran." Catherine said as she got down to Addie's level, holding out her hand.

Addie only paused a second before she reached out her own hand to shake Catherine's. "Nice to meet you. I'm sorry I yelled. It's like Charlie said."

"It's okay. I bet it's been a lot of new things. Moving, new friends. Having to come hang out at your brother's friends."

"Yeah, exactly! I miss my friends from back home. Mom said I just gotta be patient and soon I'd make some new ones."

"I bet your mum is right. You seem lovely and I bet soon enough you will have your friends, then no more having to hang out tweedle dee and tweedle dumb here," Catherine said with a teasing smile.

"I can't wait. Boys are dumb. Though I do love my Bubba. He always keeps me safe."

"I know what that's like. I'm an older sister and no matter what I will always protect my little sister even now that we're adults. "

"Really? That's a long time."

"Yes really. Being an older sibling never ends."

"Oh great. So I will be looking out for her forever?" Charlie joked before he heard his mom calling out for them. "Back here!" He called, telling Addie to get her stuff together when his mom came into view.

"Hey guys, I hope you had a good time.." She started until Catherine came into her view. "No way. Catherine Cartwright?..."

"Wow, Amanda Fenshaw. It's been a while…"

"Yeah, I got by Rachel Fleet now."

"Rachel suits you. And it's Cawood now. I was married, now divorced but you know I have been Cawood this long why change it? Plus me kids."

"I get it. I was Mason for so long, it was weird taking my husband's name. What are the chances, my son and your grandson right? Are friends."

"It's something, and yes my grandson. My daughter died when he was just a baby."

"I'm so sorry to hear that. Truly, I am. Thank you so much for having both of my kids over today. I am still working on getting my footing at the school which means a few late nights."

"It's no problem. Usually, my sister is here with Ryan but today was her late night at the center she works at. But from what I see they were no problem. So they are always welcome. We should catch up sometime, maybe for a meal or drink."

"Yes, here is my number. Give me a call. It's really great to see you again." Rachel said, trying to hide the sadness in her voice. She knew there was no way she'd get to catch up, not if Adam had anything to say about it. And as if on cue Addie pipped up reminding her just how fucked her life had become.

"But Mommy, Daddy doesn't let you have any friends."

"Shut up Addie. Come on, let's go." Charlie cut in before grabbing her bag and motioning for her to follow him as he made his way to the door.

"See ya at school Ryan!" Charlie called out before heading to the car, leaving Rachel alone with Catherine in the awkwardness. Deciding to just play it off she smiled at Ryan then Catherine.

"Well, Charlie is right, we gotta go, I have to get dinner going. Here is my number, call me and we'll see about that catch-up. It is very nice to meet you officially Ryan. I have only heard good things from Mr. Mead. Keep up the good work and I will make sure you get that spot on the football team you want next season. Anyway, see you at school." Rachel finished with a nod before she followed her kids out to the car.

"How was your day Addie?" Rachel asked, letting her daughter tell her all about her day at school as she drove them home. The drive wasn't long and she already had a dinner planned that shouldn't take any time. A family favorite back in the States. Pizza and Chips. Really, you couldn't top it. However, all plans came to a halt when she pulled into the driveway. Adam had beat them home. She tried to hide her fear as she turned the car off.

"Okay guys, take your stuff and head inside. Wash up and I will see about sorting out some dinner." Rachel watched as the kids headed off, taking one last breath before she followed them inside. Kicking off her shoes she put her work and bag on the table before heading into the kitchen looking for her husband. To her surprise, he was waiting at a set table.

"Come on, let's eat." He said as he put a homemade pizza on the table. Rachel didn't like it. He was too calm. Something was up. Still, without proof her asking would just escalate a fight and that was something she didn't want tonight.

"Looks great babe. Kids, come on." She called before she kissed Adam and then took a seat herself. She watched as the kids came to the table, her family interacting as any normal family would around the dinner table. That was until Adam pulled out a piece of paper, handing it over to Charlie to read. Rachel watched as her son's smile fell from his face.

"What is it bud?" She tried to ask before Adam raised his hand to hush her.

"Oh let's not spoil the surprise. Do you know what that is Charlie?"

"It's a DNA test … Says the two people aren't a match. I don't get what it means, Dad.."

"Let me explain it. It means your mother is a lying whore. You aren't my son. You are just a bastard your mom's tried to pass off as mine all these years."

"HOW DARE YOU ADAM? He's just a kid. Why are you doing this?" She snapped as she reached over to take the paper from Charlie.

"Yeah, he is one who has no respect for putting his hands on me. Getting involved in adult business."

"I'm sorry Dad.." Charlie whispered.

"Don't call me that. I am not your dad and you're going to pay big time," Adam said before he stood and grabbed Charlie's shirt, dragging him out of the chair. He pushed Rachel hard as he dragged him out to the garage. In the garage was all his dogs' stuff, even her collar.

"You see I am going to make sure you never raise a hand to me again. But this is the topping on the cake. Your dog is gone, I only let you keep her when you were good. You have been nothing but a little shit."

"What did you do?" Rachel asked from the door of the garage.

"Dropped her off at the shelter. They will put her down in a few days unless she's adopted. Either way, she's never coming back here." Charlie, who had been quiet until now, glared at the man he thought was his dad. "I fucking hate you."

"Good," Adam said before he punched him hard in the stomach. As Charlie dropped, Adam took that time to push Rachel into the house, locking her out of the garage. Rachel knew this trick. It had happened once before so as soon as she was locked out she was in her car, grabbing the remote to open it from the other side. Seeing Adam above her son about to hit him again she used all her strength to push him back. "Touch him again and I will call the cops. Just leave Adam!"

"Oh, I will leave and that boy will learn respect. Next time will be worse." When they were alone Rachel kneeled down, checking Charlie out until he groaned.

"I hate you." He said before he managed to get off the floor.

"She was all I had and he took her. I got punished for trying to help you. I can never help you and now I'm being punished. I hate you." Charlie cried as he dodged her before heading into the house. Not wanting Addie to see him cry he scurried up the stairs, locking himself in the bathroom. He turned on the shower to drown out his mother's calls. Then he stripped and checked the damage out. It wasn't too bad. He'd be bruised but his dad was smart, his face was untouched. It wasn't until he was under the water did he cry.

That night even him cutting himself hadn't calmed him down. His Sadie was gone, scared, all alone, and probably thinking he abandoned her. When he finally managed to stop crying he dried off and bandaged up his arm as best he could before he dressed in pajamas and headed to bed, refusing to let anyone in, not even his sister.

The next morning he was up before the sun even rose fully. He quickly and quietly washed up before getting dressed for school. After pressing a kiss to his sleeping sister's head Charlie snuck outside, grabbing his bike from his mother's car and rolling it to the street so he didn't wake anyone up. Then like the morning before and many back in New Orleans he took off to school. He took his time, stopping for some food before he made it to school. Before he lost his cool he walked past the main office and science building to Miss Campbell's office. Seeing she wasn't in yet he slid down to the ground to wait. After what felt like hours he finally saw someone appear down the hall.

"Charlie, are you okay? Where's your mum?" Both Mr. Mead and Mrs. Campbell asked as they reached her office door.

Charlie just shrugged as he stood up. "You said I can talk to you about anything, right?"

He waited until Kim nodded before rolling up his sleeves to reveal one bandaged arm and the other covered with old and new cuts; a few healed and scarred peppered in between the carnage. "For the first time, it didn't help last night. I was gonna skip but I don't have enough saved so I just came here."

"Enough saved for what?" Chris asked.

"To get my dog back. Dad … Adam gave her to the shelter because I was bad."

"Adam? Don't you mean Dad?"

"No, he doesn't want me to call him that anymore," Charlie replied with a defeated shrug.

Pulling herself together she thanked Mr. Mead before ushering Charlie into the privacy and safety of her office.

"Okay, why don't you start from the beginning.."

"I can't. Are you going to tell my mom? Nevermind. I don't care. I just came to tell you because I need a pass. I can't swim like this. Please, Miss Campbell. Can you help me?" Charlie asked as he felt himself already start to shut down. Sharing this part was nothing in the grand scheme of everything. Plus he'd never forget what happened the last time he asked an adult for help from his dad. He wouldn't risk it again.

"I will give you the pass of course, but we need to talk a bit more about why you do this. And tell your mum."

"Of course we do. I knew telling you would be a mistake. Fine, whatever, I don't care anymore. Just ask me what you have to."

Nodding Kim took a seat next to him. "Why did you do this?"

"In general or like last night?"

"Let's start with last night."

Charlie wanted to tell her how his dad had sat him down and made his favorite dinner just to tell him he wasn't his son. He wanted to tell her how Adam had hit him and punched him. He wanted to tell her it all. He couldn't though. It wasn't safe. His mom would pay if he did. And as mad as he was at her, he'd never hurt her intentionally. "My dad told me he sent my dog to a shelter. I've had her since she was a baby. I was all worried she'd thought I'd abandoned her, cause of the move and quarantine. Now she's gone, my best friend gone. I was so sad I couldn't breathe. It didn't help. I still feel I can't breathe when I think about it. She was my heart and now she's gone." He whispered as a few tears fell down his face. I didn't wanna die, I just needed the pain to be under control."

"And for the first time, it didn't help?" Kim carefully asked, not wanting him to shut all the way down.

"Nope, I don't wanna die, just the pain to stop."

"Thank you for trusting me, mate. We will figure this out."

"Yeah, okay. You may wanna call my mom. I didn't tell her I was leaving this morning."

"Okay, I will step out and call her. You wait here and don't worry. You won't have to swim." She promised before stepping out to call Rachel. Charlie waited until Kim was a bit down the hall, back turned, before he snuck out of the office and ran down the hall. He ran until he ran right into Ryan. "You bring the money?"

"Yeah, you got yours?"

"Yeah, come on. Let's go get my dog back."

"Yeah, come on. I am sure Gran will let her stay at ours," Ryan said as the pair made it out the side door and over to their bikes. As Rachel pulled into the school the two pulled out, heading right towards the small shelter in Hebden, hoping with everything they had that Sadie was still there. Charlie realized as they pedaled he had a true friend in Ryan. After Rachel had stopped trying to get him to speak the night before Charlie had told his friend everything while they shot people in their game. And instead of running a mile and telling, here his friend was ready and willing to do what it took to help Charlie get his dog back. Even if she couldn't live at home, Charlie needed to know she was safe.