-Author's POV-

To Madison's surprise, she enjoyed her night with Jamie. A bond she never thought  could connect, in a way, she was glad he'd come into her life. It was finally time for her to let the past go, and move forward into the future she was sure to be filled with joy, and happiness.

Jamie talks nonsense all through their car journey, a never-ending ramble about music, and passion he's forever loved.

"How big is your music library?" Madison asks, lowering the loud tunes.

"Ah," Jamie puts his finger up. "I wont tell you that—"

"Ah, why?" She pouts.

"You'll have to see it for yourself." He was determined to get his daughter to visit him; wanting her to see the home he lived in, another step closer for their love to grow.

"Is this you inviting me over?" The teen cheekily asks, grinning at her father.

"Well," he clears his throat. "If that's what you want, is that what you want? You don't have to... It would just be nice like, you know, to have you over." He rambles quickly, clearing his throat in discomfort.

"I'd love to." She whispers, taking him by surprise.

That was easier than I thought. He mentally thinks.

"Really? When?" Jamie quickly glances over, taking his eyes off the road for a split second.

"Whenever you want me to.. Emma could always come to your place for our school session. Right?"

"Yeah, yeah of course!" He grins, "Would you be able to come by tomorrow? I can pick you up? Would you want that?"

The teen could hear the happiness in her father's voice, getting her own smile to mirror his.

"Yeah," Madison giggles. "I'll tell Mam."

He nods, keeping the smile plastered to his expression. The car comes to a gentle stop, parking outside of the gated home.

"Thank you," She smiles. "It was really fun tonight."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself – oh," Jamie reaches in the back, collecting the stuffed animals he won for her. "Don't forget these." He hands them over to a smiling Madison. "See you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow." She climbs out of the car, he remains parked; making sure the teen safely entered the gates before driving off into the darkness with his headlights beaming boldly.

Madison skips along the lengthy lot, holding the stuffed animals securely in her arms. The bright smile never diminishes, she's never been so happy, finally feeling whole and content with herself.

She knocks on the door.

One.

Two.

Three.

No answer comes. She groans, pulling out her phone and dialing the Geordie's number.

A few rings sound, until finally her Mam's voice booms through.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?" She asks, moodily.

"Oh, ah, I'm.. I'm just having a walk—"

"By yourself? In the middle of the night?" Madison frowns, unconvinced with her Mam's tone.

"Yeah, yeah.. Just needed to clear me head." Cheryl laughs nervously, "Whats up? Why you calling us—"

"Erm. Maybe because I'm outside the front door?" Madison rolls her eyes, taking a seat on the stoned steps.

"There's a spare key under the plant pot."

"Are we really going to start doing this?" The teen asks, standing back up to her feet and retrieving the key.

"Starting what?"

"This whole. 'Let yourself in with the spare key'." She rolls her eyes once more, unlocking the door and entering the empty home.

"Aw baby," Cheryl breathes. "I'm on me way home.. Just a few blocks and I'll be there."

"Yeah, Yeah.. Whatever." Madison ends the call, suddenly annoyed with her Mother. She was feeling insecure, the thought of turning back time and both of her parents unexpectedly reminding her of Clara and Connor wasn't the best feeling streaming through her.

She sighs, throwing herself down onto the linen sofa, mindlessly playing with her stuffed animals as she waits for her mother's arrival.

------

Cheryl sighs.

"Why didn't you just tell her you were with me?" Kimberley asks, her annoyance evident.

"I don't want her getting her hopes up."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Cheryl sighs once more, "Well, you know, it's not like you're moving back in tomorrow—"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Kimberley scowls further. She grips the wheel, forcing herself not to shout at the Geordie.

"I know what she's like okay—"

"And I don't?"

"I don't want us fighting over this—"

"Well don't put me in the shadows just so our daughter doesn't know we are communicating. Fcuks sake." Kimberley mutters under her breath, repeatedly counting to ten.

She stops the car in front of the gated home, not daring to drive through with Cheryl's antics lingering in the air.

"Have a good night." She looks away, unimpressed with her wife's actions.

"Kim—"

"I said good night."

Cheryl sighs softly, "I'm going to keep the rabbit in here.. I don't want—"

"I get it. Good night."

The Geordie's shoulders slump, her face crumbles. "Good night." She whispers, placing the stuffed animal on the front seat, and closing the car door.

Cheryl walks along the graveled ground, trying her best to keep the happy night alive. The married couple enjoyed an evening full of laughter, and now, now it was ruined with her stupidity.

She was protecting her daughter's hopes.

She didn't want Madison to jump into conclusion that her parents were finally back together.

Sad truth was, Cheryl was still unsure if her wife had changed.

The teen sits up to the sound of the front door opening, followed by her mother's voice swaying through the large space.

"Front room!" She replies, grumpily sitting back into the sofa.

Cheryl smiles, walking into the room her daughter occupies. "Hello you." She greets her, taking a seat beside the teen.

"Hi." Madison mumbles, keeping her focus on the fuzzy bear still held in her arms.

"Did you have a good night?" She asks, gently squeezing the teen's thigh.

"Mm."

"Are you in a mood with us?" She smiles, forcing Madison's into her arms.

"Mm."

"You make it seem as if I went to another country and left you here—"

"Same thing."

"Baby," Cheryl breathes softly, stroking her daughter's arm. "I'm here now, look," She turns Madison, forcing their eyes to meet. "I want to know about your night, come on babe. I'm sorry." She pouts.

"Why were you walking in the middle of the night? In jeans.." Madison raises an eyebrow, taking in her mother's appearance, "Makeup done.. Do I smell perfume?"

Cheryl sighs, "What? Having makeup and perfume means I'd gone out? How? With what car? Me car is parked outside the front door."

"Doesn't mean you can't get picked up." Madison hums, looking away from her mother with a light smile appearing to her lips.

"Well I went for a walk."

"Okay—"

"I'm not lying ya'no. Not like I'm scared of you or something—"

"Okay." Madison grins, sitting up and shuffling away from her mother, "So do you want to hear about my night or what?" She asks, quickly changing the subject along with Cheryl's mood.

"Aye, tell us." The Geordie beams, pulling off her cap and tossing it to the coffee table. "I want to hear all the details." She releases her hair from the tight ponytail, allowing the long locks to fall past her shoulders in a stream of chocolate.

Madison smiles, "I had so much fun," She begins. "Jamie won me all of these, we talked for hours at the bonfire and watched the fireworks. We also went on all the rides, and he wants to hang out tomorrow, he's going to show me his music collection—"

"Wait." Cheryl stops the excitement filled ramble, "Tomorrow?" She frowns deeply.

"Yeah." The teen smiles, "We are going to hang out tomorrow as well, he said it would be okay for Emma to go to his place for our schooling session like."

"No." Cheryl stands to her feet, confusing the teen.

"What?"

"I said no," She repeats. "You've spent today with him, you can see him next week."

"Says who?" Madison scoffs, standing to her feet as well. "I want to go over his house tomorrow. He said he'd pick me up—"

"Madison," Cheryl grits, "Don't push your luck. I let it happen this time, it's not going to be an everyday thing."

"You don't make the rules—"

"I do."

"Well he's my dad, I can see him when I like." The teen pushes past her mother, running up to her bedroom, and leaving a devastated Cheryl behind.

The Geordie slumps back into the sofa, needing a minute to collect her thoughts. Madison had only met Jamie, and here she was, already calling him 'Dad'. It took her daughter months until she'd finally heard the word 'Mam'. Yes, in a way she was jealous. It seemed that everyone got her daughter's love before she did, was she doing something wrong?

-------

Cheryl takes a deep breath, holding the pregnancy test firmly in her hand. She was still so young, yet responsibility was needed in this situation she was currently in.

"Jamie?" She whispers, pushing her boyfriends bedroom door opened. "Babe?" The bedside lamp emits light, giving the Geordie sight of the older man lying in bed.

"What's up?" he asks, sitting up further. "You alright?"

"Jamie," She begins once more, this time gulping the lump in her throat. "We.. I.. I..."

"Hey?" Jamie shuffles out of bed, going straight over to the Geordie. "What's the matter?"

"I.. I'm pregnant." The words sound in a strained whisper.

"What?" He breathes in doubt, "You can't be."

"I am. Look." She hands the positive test over to him, the evidence held firmly between his fingers.

"But.. Cheryl," He breathes. "We.. We can't—"

"We can't what?" Tears brim along her waterline, unable to hear the words he had to say.

"You're fifteen—"

"So?"

"I'm thirty years old babe—"

"So," Cheryl sniffs. "We can manage can't we?"

"Babe—"

"I don't understand!" Her voice rises, "Why? Don't you want this baby?"

"Cheryl, you've got so much ahead of you babe.. Imagine what everyone would think—"

"Fcuk everyone!"

"You have to get rid of it—"

"I wont," The Geordie drops to her knees. "You can't make u-us. P-Please." Her hands clutch the nonexistent bump, stroking a baby soon to grow within her.

He drops to her level, "Okay, babe relax.. I guess.. We'll find a way to get through this."

---------

Cheryl routes up the grand stairs, tiptoeing her way to the teen's bedroom. All she wanted was for Madison to understand just how much she loved her, how much she cared for her, and how she never wanted to see her upset.

She takes a deep breath, knocking a few times before letting herself in.

"Maddy?" A soft whisper sounds; she smiles sadly, seeing her daughter sprawled out on the bed, still mindlessly playing with the stuffed animals.

"I didn't mean to upset you babe," Cheryl sighs, walking over to the teen, and perching herself down beside her. "What have I done? I just.. I don't want you.. You to like..." The words were unable to sound, stuck, and trapped in the depth of her throat.

"What?" Madison murmurs, moving her head slightly to get a better view of her mother.

"I don't want you to grow attached to him. You don't know what he's like." She tries to explain.

"He cares about me you know—"

"You've only spent today with him." She didn't want Jamie to look like the bad guy, but truth be told, he wasn't the most reliable man.

Madison breathes softly, "Why are you always trying to tell me right from wrong?" She asks, looking away from the sad brown orbs.

Cheryl slips down beside her daughter, facing the teen.

She smiles sadly, "Because the thought of you being upset breaks me heart."

"How do you know I'll be upset?" Madison asks, her heart melting to the Geordie's words.

Nobody has ever loved me the way she does.

"Do you know how much I love you?" Cheryl whispers, gently taking the stuffed animal out of her daughters hold and tossing it off the bed.

Madison shrugs, averting her greens off and away from the browns.

"Do you realize I would go to the ends of the earth for you, just to see you smile?" She continues, reaching out and stroking the teen's cheek. "You're me heart."

Silence.

"You're me world." Cheryl confesses sweetly, never stilling her tender strokes. "I don't want him to break your heart. The thought of that really upsets us, I never want you to feel anything but happiness."

"But.. But I am happy."

Cheryl smiles, "I'm glad, babe."

"He's trying, he really is."

Cheryl forces the smile to remain, "Of course he is."

Such an innocent soul. The Geordie thinks.

Madison shuffles closer to her mother, allowing Cheryl to envelope her in tightly.

"I love you, Mam." She whispers, wrapping her own arms around Cheryl's slim waist. A content sigh escapes both of their lips, heart beats sound together as one.

"And I love you, Bubs."

Madison smiles, snuggling further into her mother's arms.

"Mam?"

"Yeah?"

"You're my heart too."

Tears overtake Cheryl's eyes, suddenly surpassed with overwhelming emotions. She places kisses to Madison's head, her hold unknowingly growing tighter in hopes to pull her in closer, if that were possible.

----------

-Madison's POV-

It was early morning when I awoke the following day, the sun had barely risen but sleep wasn't my friend nor did it want anything to do with me. I look at Mam, smiling lightly at her sleeping state. We'd fallen asleep late last night, talking about anything that slipped through our minds.

It was so easy.

It was so natural.

I couldn't help but remember our disasters start, when Mam couldn't stand the sight of me, and vise versa.

And now.. Now I couldn't see a day without her.

It was mornings I missed Christopher most, a new day without him, a new day going unshared with him. He knew every in's and outs of me.. And in a way, I believed it was Chris who led me to Kimberley and Cheryl.

My Angels.

I would never sound too much aloud, afraid that one day, they wouldn't be here any longer. I was forever doubting this love, terrified I'd wake up one day and find them gone, forever out of my life.. Just like Christopher.

He was gone too soon.

I shuffle closer to Mam, taking comfort against her chest. It was almost as if she felt me in her deepest dreams, wrapping her arms around me, and holding me closer and tighter.

Our hearts were connected, souls, mind, and every emotion that runs deep within me, she felt it. She understood me.. Just like Christopher.

My mind wanders, the warmth emitting from Mam's body melts my soul. A sigh of relief escapes me, my heart has never been so content and filled with so much love.. It overwhelmed me.

---------

Darkness surrounds me. It was a permanent color painting into my mind, and my once vibrant soul has turned to ash.

I fall to my knees, crying out to the gravestone belonging to my older brother. I couldn't hear, speak, or breathe a single intake of air. It was no secret the bond Chris and I had, and maybe that's why everyone at the funeral has given me all the space I needed.

My heart cries out for him.

"I'm sorry." I cry, stroking the cold stone. "I'm—I'm so sorry." I repeat.

My conscious mind replays the scene of Chris taking the knife to his stomach, and it was all my doing. If I had been more careful, if we had just taken a taxi home, my brother would still be here.

"Come back." I rasp, my tears forever streaming down my cheeks.

"Madison, sweetheart. Come on." Mum gently helps me up to my feet, I was weak and there was not a single bit of energy in me to fight my stay.

"He'll always be with you."

----------

I return to reality, my vision clears with Mam's brown eyes meeting my own.

She smiles softly, stroking my cheek. I've come to know this was her favorite thing to do, a sign of love and affection she constantly did.

"What's on your mind?" She asks, always caring for my wellbeing.

"Nothing really." I lie, unconvincingly.

"The truth please." Mam whispers, smiling lightly.

I shrug, "I don't know how.." I speak truthfully, not knowing how to sound the way I was feeling.

"Are you feeling okay?" She asks, checking my forehead for any sign of a temperature.

"Yeah.. Yeah, I'm fine Mam." I giggle. "Honest.. It's nothing serious—"

"It is to us."

I sigh, looking down for a split second. "I miss Chris." I confess, holding back every tear.

She doesn't speak for sometime, and I didn't expect her to have the right words to comfort me.

"He's with you," She begins, sending chills down my spine. "If you let him cross your mind that mean's he never left—"

"He doesn't cross my mind," I whisper, my words muffle against her chest. "He lives in it."

Silence.

"Then he never left. He'll never be a forgotten angel, he'll always be with you, right here, right now. Whenever you want him here, just close your eyes and play a memory."

I nod, her words surprisingly comforting me. A settling motion streams within me, cool and crisped in light.

"Thank you," I breathe.

"You're welcome," She places a kiss to my head. "What are we going to do today?"

I didn't dare bring up yesterdays situation, although I secretly did want to spend the day with Jamie. He intrigued me; I've never met someone who was able to pull me in with words and interest so quickly.

"Erm.. Emma is coming over at one.. And then.. I was wondering if I could go to the skate park after?" I lie, god I'm such a terrible liar.

"Do you not want to spend some time together?" She asks, her brown eyes gazing deeply into my soul.

Damn it.

"Well, I really wanted to go to the park like." I laugh lightly, trying my best to hide the nerves in my voice.

She sighs softly, "Alright, if that's what you want."

"I wont go for too long."

"Not it's fine," A smile curves to her lips. "Let's go have some breakfast together before it's too late to consider it breakfast."

-------

-Author's POV-

She hated lying. Especially when it came to Cheryl, she always wanted to be honest with her. It was a need to sound the lies, all she wanted to do was spend an hour or two with Jamie, and this was the only way.

Her schooling session flew by, quicker than she would have ever thought. She was glad, time was falling through swiftly and before she knew it, she was kissing her mother goodbye and clutching the new skateboard she'd got from Cheryl.

Jamie: Parked around the corner. xx

She smiles, picking up her speed and darting out of the gated home.

Her smile never turns, it beams and shoots through her eyes like rays of sunshine. Clouds could have been overhead, and it would go unnoticed with the happiness circulating around her euphoric mind.

Madison skips her way to Jamie's car, spotting it instantly.

"Hey!" She breathes, climbing into the car and tossing the board into Jamie's back seat.

"Hey – why'd you bring that?" He frowns, beginning their drive.

"Long story." She rolls her eyes, securing her seatbelt into place.

"I like stories." Jamie grins, the car picks up in speed, zooming through the streets in a smooth and swift action.

"Mam doesn't know I'm with you—"

"Why not?" He frowns, glancing at his little girl quickly.

"She.." Madison sighs, not sure whether to speak the truth or lie.

"She what?"

"She just wasn't okay with me seeing you today." She blabs it out, never filtering her words.

"And why not?"

"I don't know – anyways," She shakes her head, smiling slightly. "What you gonna make me today? You promised a barbecue."

He grins, "That I did. I've already prepared some things... So we'll get the grill going once we get to my place."

She nods, leaning over to the radio and raising the volume.

"I love this song!" Her voice rises along with the volume.

"Sing it with me!"

They laugh, singing along to the tune blaring through the speakers. Swaying one hand in a unison action, both hearts thumping in a melodic sound, a bubble seals them in their world.

The car ride slips in time, it ticks speedily, never going noticed until Jamie pulls his car through the nature filled trail. Suddenly, Madison is in a trance, her world goes into silent whispers.

The trail is endless; dirt scuffs beneath the wheels, leaving their mark imprinted in a trail being left behind.

Madison sits up, leaning forward with her jaw hung.

This can't be it. The words repeat endlessly.

This can't be fcuking it.

Just as those words repeated, the home she'd once snuck into with Christopher comes into her line of vision.

"Th..This is your.. Your.. Your house?" The words tremble.

"Yeah?" Jamie replies, a frown embedding into his forehead.

As the car comes to a parked stop, Madison bolts the door open and rushes to the back of the cabin like home. The tears unknowingly poor down her cheeks, the swing she'd once swung off and landed into the lagoon lies in her line of vision.

And that's when she lost it.

--------

Christopher loses himself in laughter, looking back and beckoning his younger sister to catch up.

"Come on slow poke!" He calls out, picking up his speed.

They rush within the trail, the trees block their vision from seeing anywhere but the nature lying ahead.

"Do you think.. think this is a good idea!?" Madison shouts, breathless and panting. Her feet try to meet Christopher's, but it was no use. He was a man of speed, and he wasn't shy to show it off.

"Come on!" He laughs, slowing down and holding a hand out.

Madison takes it instantly, the smile beams widely across her beautiful face. Daylight was out, rays of sunshine stream through the clouds hanging above their world. The dirt road seemed to be a never ending trail, but before they knew it, a beautiful home came into view.

Built of wood, and bricks. Large windows allowing the sunshine in, and inviting nature as it's natural paintings.

"Where are we?" The teen whispers, clinging close to her older brother.

"I found it once—"

"How—"

"They've got a swing on a tree hanging above a lake."

"No—"

"Yes—"

"Well come on!" She giggles, pulling her brother around the beautiful home, and witnessing the lake for herself.

"Let's give it a try."

-------

Jamie stands still, unsure if he said or did something wrong.

"Hey," He crouches down beside his hysteric daughter. "What's the matter?"

She shakes her head, still crying screamingly.

The sound of her sadness emits loudly into the skies, sending gloom through the clouds lingering above. Sunshine that once beamed in beauty is disregarded, a crying plead has overtaken.

Jamie clears his throat, gently wrapping an arm around Madison and pulling her in tenderly. She melts to his touch, clutching desperately to his plaid button up.

"It's okay," He whispers, stroking her back in comfort.

Madison allows him to help her up, enabling Jamie all the power to do as he pleased. Autumn leaves fade her line of vision; they enter the home of modern, guiding ease within her being.

She settles on the cream colored sofa, still sniffing the sadness away.

"Do you want some water?" He asks, already rushing into the modern kitchen and grabbing a cool water bottle.

"Thanks." She sniffs, accepting the water.

"Do you.. Do you want to talk about it?" Jamie asks, perching himself beside the distraught teen.

She shrugs, unsure how to speak of this open wound.

"You can tell me anything, I promise I wont look at you any different."

"It's... It's about my b-brother." The tense muscles relax, allowing her to settle back into the sofa, a sigh escaping her aching soul.

Jamie sits back along with her, listening to every word.

"Your adoptive brother?" He asks.

"Mhm," She nods. "We used to.. Sneak into your back garden and swing off into the water."

"You little sh*ts."

This gets her to laugh, wholeheartedly, healing every part of her.

"You were never home."

He nods, "That's true."

She smiles, "Sorry for being such a weirdo." The last of her tears are wiped clean, leaving vibrant green orbs behind.

"Don't be sorry." The share a smile. "I want to hear it all, how about I start up this barbecue, and you can tell me everything there is to know about you?"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah.. But you've gotta help me prep—"

"Not sure if I'll be any help."

"Of course you will, Come on now." He stands to his feet, holding a hand out for the teen, to which Madison takes instantly.

"Let me show you what a barbecue really tastes like."

"Show the way Mr. Blackwood."