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Chapter Text

Chloe POV

‘Are you sure you want to do this Chloe?’ Aaron asked me looking concerned.
‘I’ve never been more sure in my life. There is no way I’m letting Hendrix go into the foster care system.’ I said looking at my older brothers with a determined look on my face.
‘Taking on a teenager is a big responsibility. Especially a teenage boy as a single mother.’ Said Mark.
‘I have known Hendrix for 2 years now. He is only 14. I am not abandoning him. Not after everything we’ve both been through. What he has been through his whole life with Pierce as his father.’ I sighed, thinking of the innocent boy currently lying in a hospital bed badly bruised and beaten.
‘We don’t want you to feel you need to look after Hendrix because you feel guilty about what his father did to him. That is not your fault.’ Mark said.
‘No! Stop it! I love Hendrix like he is my own son. He is my son in all ways besides blood related. I promised him I would protect him and love him for the rest of his life and I plan on keeping that promise. Nothing you two will say, will convince me to let him go. Now all I want to know is, if I have both your support in raising Hendrix and getting custody of him.’ I said.
I couldn’t lose him. Not after everything that has happened. It would break me if we were separated. I gave a pleading look to my brothers, willing them to support me on my decision.
I’m not stupid. I know it’s going to be hard to raise a teenager on my own, but Hendrix was worth it.
Aaron sighed. ‘Okay Chloe. If you are sure then I fully support you in your decision. I’ve always wanted children anyway and becoming an uncle will give me some practice.’ I teared up at those words. Before I could say anything Mark spoke.
‘I also fully support you as well. It’s not going to be an easy road for the both of you. Especially considering the trauma you’ve both been through with Pierce, but Aaron and I will both be supporting and helping you two as much as possible. I am looking forward to having Hendrix around.’
‘Thank you..both of you so so much. It means the world you two are on board with this. I love Hendrix so much and he deserves a childhood full of joy and happiness. Not the pain his been through so far. I know I can provide that to him especially with your support. You two are going to be the best uncles ever.’ I said overcome with emotion.
‘We are going to be with you right through the application for guardianship okay. We’ll get Toadie to help you with the paper work. It’s not going to be easy to get custody, but considering his your step-son already it might help you a bit.’ Mark said starting to get down to business.
I nodded my head thinking about what was ahead of me but knowing I would do anything to make sure Hendrix stayed with me.
‘Speaking of Hendrix, I am going to go back to the hospital to see him. He should hopefully be getting discharged tomorrow and I don’t want him to be alone there.’ I said getting up from the kitchen table and gathering my bag.
‘Okay we’ll get the spare bedroom ready across the hall from your room.’ Aaron said getting up from his seat and heading to the linen cupboard.
‘Thank you guys. That will be great.’ I said heading towards the door.

————————

I stood outside Hendrix’s hospital room looking through the window into his room trying to gather my thoughts before I went in to see him. He had a black eye on his right eye and a bruises all on his left side of his face.
He looked so young and innocent lying asleep. His only 14 for gods sake and he’d already been through too much trauma in his young life.
‘I promise you baby, I will try and not let anyone hurt you ever again. Not if I can help it.’
I can’t believe it had been 4 days already since Pierce went to jail. God that was the worst day of my life. Hendrix was so badly hurt I thought he was dead at one point.

Flashback to 4 days ago

I walked into the house after finishing my shift at Lassiters. The house was eerily quiet and I felt my stomach becoming unsettled. Something was wrong. Walking into the kitchen I noticed Pierce sitting at the kitchen table with some paper work in front of him.

‘Pierce hi. Where is Hendrix?’ I asked putting my bag down.

’Sit down Chloe. We need to talk.’ Pierce said glaring at me.

I slowly sat down in front of him.

‘I just found these papers Chloe. When were you going to tell me you wanted a divorce.’ Pierce yelled throwing that papers at me.

He wasn’t supposed to find those. Not yet. I wanted to get me and Hendrix away from him before giving him the paperwork.

‘Pierce I am sorry. I was going to tell you. You must know that things between us are not working out. You’re always away on business trips and ignoring Hendrix. I’ve tried to fix the relationship between you two, because quite frankly Hendrix deserves parents who love him. Where is Hendrix anyway.’ I said.

‘Chloe don’t leave me. I love you. I’ve had some time to think ever since I saw these papers this morning and I know what went wrong between us. Hendrix was the problem. I promise you, you don’t have to be burdened by him anymore. We can start a family together, just the two of us.’ With each word coming out of Pierce’s mouth I started to panic.

I quickly stood up from my seat.

‘Pierce where is Hendrix!?’ I frantically asked.

‘Babe don’t worry, you don’t need to care about him. I’ve dealt with him already.’ Pierce said smiling up at me from where he was still sitting.

‘What did you do to him. Please Pierce. You didn’t hurt him did you.’ I cried out. ‘Hendrix! Hendrix where are you.’

Quicker than I could think Pierce came over to my side and gripped my wrist.

‘Stop it! Don’t worry about him okay.’ He yelled over at me.

‘We are going to be together okay. Our own family.’ He said with a crazy look in his eyes.

I knew right then I had to play along if I was to ever find out where Hendrix was.

Putting on the my most charming smile I kissed his lips.

‘You’re right babe. We don’t need him around anymore.’ I said, trying not to gag with each word I said.

‘There that’s better. Now you’re talking. What do you want for dinner. We can go out if you want and celebrate our new life together.’ Pierce said smiling at me.

‘I would rather we stay in and celebrate. How about we order take away. I can order for us.’ I said quickly thinking how I could get Mark on the phone to call the police. I needed to find Hendrix as soon as possible.

Pierce looked at me trying to figure out if he could trust me or not. I walked over to him and kissed him again.

‘I promise I’ll order your favourite.’ I said to him.

‘Okay yeah sure.’ He said nodding his head.

I quickly grabbed my phone and dialled Marks number.

‘Hey Chloe what’s going on.’ Mark answered me happily.

‘Oh hi this is Chloe Greyson. I would like to order some take away.’ I said smiling over at Pierce.

‘Uh Chloe, what’s going on. It’s me Mark. Think you called the wrong number.’ Mark said to me sounding confused.

‘Yes can I get 2 servings of your garlic prawn pasta. Some breadsticks and chocolate mousse. Oh and I almost forgot.’ I said dropping my voice down to a whisper.

‘Some “Marion lake”. I said quickly.

Marion lake was a code word Mark, Aaron and I had come up with to signal if we were ever in trouble. At the time I thought it was a silly idea when Mark mentioned it a few years ago, but now I could not be more grateful for it. Marion lake, was the lake we would visit as children. We tried to think of somewhere that made us all happy, to use for our code word.

‘Chloe I’m calling the cops and I’m on my way. Don’t do anything stupid.’ Mark said before hanging up the phone.

‘Done in 20 minutes. Thanks so much’ I said before hanging up.

‘Food is all ordered and will be here in 20 minutes.’ I said to Pierce who was sitting looking at his laptop. Typical, I thought rolling my eyes.

God I hope Hendrix would be okay for another 20 minutes.

I sat on the couch flicking the tv on trying to calm my nerves. I could not afford for my plan to screw up.

20 minutes later a knock was heard.

I jumped up quickly.

‘I’ll get it.’ I said rushing towards the door.

I cracked it open to see Mark at the door. Tears of relief flooded into my eyes.

Mark met my gaze and hold his hand up to keep me quiet.

‘Play along okay. There are police around the back of the house covering the back entrance okay.’ Mark said whispering to me.

I nodded my head.

‘Thank you so much for the food. Here come in and wait while I grab my purse.’ I said loudly enough for Pierce to hear me. Mark followed me back into the house staying out of sight.

Pierce looked up from his laptop when I walked back into the room.

‘Hey where’s the food.’ Pierce asked me confused when he didn’t spot any food in my hands.

Suddenly Mark rounded the corner.

‘Piece Greyson you are under arrest. What have you done to Hendrix.’ Mark said going over to Pierce.

‘You bitch! I knew I couldn’t trust you.’ Pierce yelled furiously at me before turning and trying to run out the back door. Suddenly police stormed in the back door and tackled him to the ground.

‘He’s gone.’ Pierce laughed manically from the ground.

I turned away from him and quickly ran to Hendrix’s room. It was locked.

‘Hendrix!! Hendrix please are you in there!’ I yelled out.

‘Mark come here. I need to get into Hendrix’s room. It’s locked.’ I yelled. Mark came over and broke the door down. I ran in but Hendrix wasn’t there. I quickly ran to his wardrobe and opened it up.

‘Hendrix!!’ I gasped out looking at the floor of the wardrobe where Hendrix’s badly beaten body was lying.

I bent down next to him and started to shake him and check his pulse.

‘Hendrix! Hendrix baby. Wake up. Please.’ I said crying out with tears streaming down my face.

In the background I could hear Mark calling an ambulance.

‘Chloe does he have a pulse?’ Mark asked me kneeling down next to me and Hendrix.

‘I can’t find one.’ I wailed out.

‘Here let me check okay.’ Mark said gently bringing his hand up to Hendrix’s neck.

‘I’ve got one. It’s very faint. Hendrix buddy. Help is on the way hang in there okay.’ Mark said.

I cried with relief. Stay with me baby I chanted in my head. As soon as the ambulance came I rode in the back with Hendrix on the way to the hospital.

——————-

Shaking myself out of my thoughts I walked into Hendrix’s room and sat in a chair beside his bed. He stirred awake beside me.
‘…Ch..Chloe.’ He whispered looking over at me.
‘Hey baby, just hold on a second. I’m going to page a nurse.’
I got up and pressed the button before pouring Hendrix a cup of water. Helping him to sit up I bought the cup to his mouth.
‘Small sips sweetie.’ I said.
A nurse walked into the room as I put the cup down. ‘Ah Mr. Greyson, you’re awake again. You’ve been in and out of consciousness the last 3 days.’ I noticed Hendrix flinching at the word Greyson as did I. I never wanted to be associated with that name again.
‘As your vitals are looking all good you will be able to be discharged from hospital tomorrow.’ The nurse said before leaving the room again.
I took Hendrix’s hand in mine running gentle circles across it to soothe him. I could tell he had something on his mind.
‘You okay?’ I said looking at him. He turned to look at me.
‘What’s going to happen to me? Where am I going to go. I don’t have any family.’ He whispered looking scared and so much younger than his 14 years.
‘You’re coming home with me of course. We’re going to stay with my brothers if that is okay with you.’ I reassured him.
He looked away from me. I was starting to get worried about his reaction.
‘Do you not want to stay with me?’ I asked him trying to not feel too hurt.
Hendrix quickly turned his head back to look at me.
‘What..no..I mean..yes..wait. Sorry. I don’t want to burden you. It’s my fault your hurt as well and I don’t want you to have to look after me after what my father did.’ Hendrix stuttered out turning away from me again.
‘Hendrix baby look at me.’ I said waiting for him to turn his head towards me before I continued on.
‘Your father did not deserve to be your father. What he did was not your fault. Do you understand me.’ I said firmly. He nodded his head but still looked uncertain.
‘It was not your fault what he did to me or to you. He only bruised my wrist. Nothing like what he did to you, and you didn’t deserve any of that.’ I said trying to convince him he wasn’t to blame for any of his fathers abusive behaviour.
‘But..if I hadn’t gotten in the way..’ Hendrix replied weakly with tears is his eyes.
‘No stop right there sweetie! You did not get in the way of anything. You never were in the way. Your Dad tried to blame you for his behaviour but it was not your fault okay. Please understand baby you did nothing wrong.’ I said pleadingly with tears in my eyes. Hendrix looked torn and lost, a few tears escaping his eyes. I leant over him and gently wiped the tears from his eyes.
‘I love you so much Hendrix. Over the last 2 years I’ve know you, you have managed to worm your way into my heart and I think of you like my son. I would love it if you would come and live with me and we can be a family together. If you don’t want that I understand. I promise I will still love you no matter your decision okay.’ I said gently hugging him. Hendrix sobbed clinging onto me.
‘Do you mean it. You really love me? Dad said I was a mistake and unloveable.’ Hendrix whispered brokenly. My heart broke when he said that.
‘Your dad was wrong. You are the most loveable boy ever and I don’t know what I’d do without you if you weren’t in my life.’ I said gently running my hand through his hair.
‘I..um…I want to stay with you if that’s okay then.’ He replied looking at me.
‘Of course it is. I love you Hendrix and I will spend everyday of the rest of my life telling you how much I love you and how loved you are by a lot of people.’
He nodded his head yawning slightly.
‘Rest baby. I’ll be here when you wake up. Aaron and Mark are getting your room ready for when you get out tomorrow.’ I said to him. He fell asleep quickly after that.

I waited for a bit to make sure he was asleep before heading out of his room to make a call.
‘Hi Toadie it’s Chloe.’ I said after Toadie had picked up the phone.
‘Chloe I heard what happened! How are you and Hendrix?’ Toadie asked.
‘I’m okay. We both are. Listen Toadie I was hoping to organise a meeting with you about Hendrix and getting custody of him. His only 14 and there is no way I’m letting him go into the foster care system. I signed the divorce papers from Pierce a week ago. I know he hadn’t signed them yet but I’m hoping that with him going to jail that it will go through without his signature.’ I said.
‘You will have no problem with legal proceedings to divorce Pierce so you don’t need to worry about that. The thing with Hendrix may be a bit harder to get custody of him. I know he is or was your step-son and that will count for something, however, trying to apply as a single mother of teenage boy when you are only 31 yourself is going to be difficult. The social workers will want Hendrix to go to a family that has stability for him.’ Explained Toadie. I felt my heart clench at the thought of losing Hendrix.
‘Please Toadie, I can’t lose him. I know I’m young and I’ll be applying for custody by myself but I have my brothers for support and all my neighbours to lend a hand. Hendrix is so vulnerable at the moment and he only trusts me. I love him so much. Please I’m willing to do anything to keep him with me.’ I said knowing I sounded like I was begging but I didn’t care.
‘Chloe I know you love him and I know how much Hendrix loves you. I’m going to do everything I can to help you and Hendrix become a family. We’ll set up a meeting to discuss some things. In the meantime I will apply for you to get temporary custody of Hendrix until we can start the process of permanent guardianship.’ Said Toadie.
‘Toadie I can’t thank you enough. I am forever in your debt okay. Let me know when you want to meet and I’ll come around.’ I said.
‘No worries Chloe. I’ll get some paperwork organised and call you when it’s done.’
‘Thanks so much Toadie. I’ll talk to you soon.’ Hanging up my phone I walked back into Hendrix’s room to sit beside him.

———————

The following day I walked back into the hospital with Aaron beside me to pick up Hendrix.
Walking into the room I heard him arguing with a nurse.
‘What’s going on?’ I asked, walking over to Hendrix.
‘I was just telling Mr. Greyson here that it is hospital protocol that all discharged patients who have stayed overnight at the hospital need to leave in a wheelchair to get to the car.’
‘It’s Hendrix, not Mr. Greyson and I’m perfectly fine walking. Tell her Chloe.’ Hendrix said looking over at me.
‘Hendrix it’s only a short distance to the car. The sooner you get into the wheel chair the quicker we can leave and get home.’ I said to him.
He sighed looking at me with betrayal before sitting down in the wheelchair.
‘Right, the discharge papers Ms. Brennan are just at the desk if you can come with me to sign them.’ The nurse said before walking out the room.
I looked over to Hendrix and Aaron. ‘Okay Aaron can you get Hendrix’s bag and then start wheeling him towards the car. I’ll meet you two there.’ I said before turning and following the nurse.

Hendrix POV

I watched Chloe turn and follow the nurse out of the room before looking over to Aaron suddenly feeling very nervous. The rational side of me knew that Aaron wouldn’t hurt me but the irrational side was fighting in my mind yelling at me to get away from the man.
Suddenly I felt my heart beating faster and trying to lean away and as far from Aaron as I could.
‘Hey man you’re okay.’ Aaron said to me gently.
‘I’m not going to hurt you I promise. I know you don’t believe me or trust me at the moment and that’s okay. I want to be able to earn your trust. I’m just going to grab your bag here.’ Aaron said walking towards the bed where my bag sat and picked it up off the bed.
‘Now I’m just going to place the bag in your lap to hold while I wheel you out to the car. Does that sound okay to you? I promise I won’t touch you. Just going to place my hands on the chair here to wheel you out.’ Aaron said patiently to me. 
I took some deep calming breathes. Stop being an idiot. You know his not going to hurt you!
I slowly nodded my head towards Aaron to let him know it was okay to go ahead.
Aaron approached me slowly placing the bag in my lap before going behind me to start wheeling the chair out. I felt myself shaking a bit and gripped my hands on the sides of the chair.
‘It’s okay mate, I’ll go slow yeah. Not going to hurt you. Chloe will be with you soon okay.’ Aaron said slowly pushing me out of the room towards the car.
I felt myself trying to take breathes to calm myself down while we moved towards the exit.
‘Hey look its Chloe at the car waiting for us.’ Aaron said suddenly taking me out of my thoughts. I looked up quickly to see Chloe waiting by the car. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw her and started to calm down considerably.
She smiled at us when we got to the car.
‘Hey sweetie, ready to get out of here.’ She said helping me stand up. I just nodded at her clinging onto her in a hug. I felt her pull me into her arms and run her hand up and down my back.
‘Shhh it’s okay. You’re safe now.’ She whispered soothingly to me.
I got into the back seat with Chloe climbing in beside me which I was grateful for. She held my hand the whole ride home while Aaron drove us back to their place. 

Chloe helped me get out of the car before we walked into the house together with Aaron trailing behind us with my bag. We walked over to the couch and sat down.
‘Are you hungry Hendrix? It’s past lunch time and you haven’t eaten anything yet. Want me to make a sandwich for you?’ Chloe asked me.
Right at that moment my stomach grumbled. ‘I’ll take that as a yes!’ Laughed Chloe getting up from the couch to walk to the fridge.
Aaron walked back into the lounge room then.
‘Hey Hendrix I just put your bag in your room okay. After lunch Chloe can show you where your room is.’ Aaron said sitting down at the island bench in the kitchen. I appreciated that he was giving me some space.
‘Thanks Aaron.’ I said smiling softly at him. He just grinned back at me.
‘Okay lunch is served.’ Chloe said coming over to me with a sandwich and some tablets.
‘Take these tablets now just before you have your sandwich. There for your pain okay.’ She said passing me the tablets and a glass of water. I took the tablets from her hand and chucked them in my mouth swallowing them down with the water she gave me.
‘Thanks.’ I said to her.

We ate lunch in silence before Chloe got up to do the dishes.
‘Is it okay if I go lie down for a bit?’ I asked. I was tired and I didn’t know which room I was staying in.
‘Of course sweetie. Here let me show you where you will be staying and later on I’ll give you a tour of the house okay.’ Chloe said helping me up from the couch.
I followed her down the hall to two rooms at the end across from one another.
‘This is my room here on the left and this is your room just across from mine okay.’ She said nodding to the bedroom door. I internally sighed with relief knowing she wasn’t too far away from me. Stop being such a wuss I thought to myself.
Chloe opened the door to the room I’m staying in. It was pretty simple with a double bed and desk and built in wardrobe. A window overlooking the backyard as well.
As if reading my thoughts Chloe started speaking. ‘It’s not much at the moment but in the next week or so we can start decorating it and getting stuff to make it more personalised to you.’
‘Let’s get you lying down for a bit.’ She said walking over to the bed and pulling back the sheets. I took my shoes off and walked over to the bed and lay down. She tucked the sheets up to my neck.
‘I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me. I’ll leave the door open a crack if you call out to me okay.’ Chloe said. I nodded my head at her before she retreated to the door. True to her word she left the door half open. I had a look around the room before I felt my eyes closing and falling asleep.

Chloe POV

After leaving Hendrix in his room for an afternoon rest I walked back into the kitchen to finish cleaning up.
Aaron was sitting at the island bench.
‘Hey how is he?’ He asked me looking up when I reentered the room.
‘His okay, a bit tired and sore still. He’ll be on pain medication for awhile.’ I sighed looking over at him.
‘Hey I wanted to talk about something with you. Hendrix understandably is very nervous when he is around me and probably others when you are not around. I know it’s because of what that bastard Pierce did to him. Just make sure you don’t leave him alone with one of us for too long for the first few weeks he is here. Until he gets used to me and Mark and can begin to trust us.’ Aaron said to me.
‘Yeah I figured that would be the case. After I left to sign the papers earlier and waited at the car for you two, I saw the relief in his eyes when he saw me. I know I’m the only one he feels safe with at the moment. It’s going to be a lot of work to try and get him to feel comfortable around other people again. God I hate Pierce so much for putting him through all this.’ I seethed starting to get angry.
‘I am too, but what’s done is done. We can’t do anything about the past but be there for Hendrix now and into the future. Hopefully Pierce rots in hell in that jail cell. I think you should look into some counselling for Hendrix and I think you would benefit from it to Chloe.’ Aaron said.
I nodded my head and opened my mouth to respond when I heard a scream come from Hendrix’s room. I turned around and bolted towards his room. I could feel Aaron following closely behind me.
I rushed in to see Hendrix in the middle of a nightmare.
‘Nooo….Dad….don’t hurt her….Mum…don’t leave me…mummy.’ Hendrix whimpered in his sleep. I rushed over to his side and gently began to shake him awake.
‘Hendrix baby wake up. You’re safe now. Baby wake up.’ I shook him a bit harder. Hendrix woke up gasping looking straight at me with unfocused eyes.
‘Mum…’ He said looking at me confused.
I silently gasped. I know he didn’t mean to call me Mum. Maybe his mum was in his dream.
‘Hey Hendrix sweetie it’s me Chloe. You’re okay now, you’re safe.’ I said pulling him into a hug.
He clung onto me tightly sobbing.
‘Ch…Chloe. He was hurting you. I tried to stop him!‘ Hendrix cried hysterically,
‘Ssshhh, I’m right here and I’m safe. He can’t get to me or you anymore. You’re safe now okay.’ I said gently rocking him in my arms. I looked over to the doorway to see Aaron looking at both of us sadly. He nodded his head at both of us before walking away to give us some privacy.
‘Don’t leave me..please Chloe.’ Hendrix sobbed out.
‘Hey hey, I love you. I am never leaving you okay. Not ever. You are stuck with me forever babe.’ I said running my hand up and down his back to soothe him. I felt him slowly calm down in my arms but he still clung to me like a small child.
‘Do you want me to lie down with you for a bit.’ I whispered to him. Hendrix nodded his head slowly. I gently climbed into the other side of the bed while Hendrix clung to me.
‘Sssh it’s okay. I’m right here. Close your eyes now. If you have a nightmare I’ll be right here to wake you up okay.’ I whispered to him.
‘Okay… thank you.’ He whispered.

Chapter Text

Hendrix POV

It had been 2 weeks since I had moved into the Brennan house. So far I had avoided seeing anyone and was stopping people from coming to see me. I was still getting nightmares but they were not lasting as long.
Chloe would come into my room to wake me up if I was having a nightmare. I did feel bad that she was not getting much sleep either but she told me not to worry about it.
Today we were going to go out and grab some paint and other supplies to begin to decorate my new room.
I got myself dressed and headed into the kitchen for breakfast.
‘Hey ready for todays shopping?’ Chloe asked me when I entered the room.
I could tell she was super excited to go shopping herself. I smiled at her enthusiasm.
‘Yep, but first I need fuel for the day, if I want to keep up with you.’ I said smirking at her.
She laughed at me before placing a plate of pancakes in front of me.
’The Chloe special is all served.’ She said winking at me.
‘Thanks Chloe, these look amazing,’ I said starting to gobble it down.
’Slow down and chew your food. I don’t want you to start choking on me.’ Chloe said rolling her eyes at me while she sipped her coffee.
I did what she told and started to eat my food a bit slower. These pancakes were amazing!
I looked up from my food to see Chloe looking at me.
‘What do I have food on my face.’ I asked her feeling a bit self conscious.
‘No sorry I was just thinking. I’m really proud of you. I can slowly see the cheeky Hendrix coming through again and I’ve missed that. It’s going to take awhile for you to heal but I’m glad you’re beginning to. I love you lots kid.’ She said smiling softly at me.
I felt myself begin to blush and ducked my head in embarrassment.
Truth was, I loved Chloe so much. She was like a mother to me these last 2 years especially the last 2 weeks here. I really appreciated everything she had done for me so far. I was trying to find the right time to ask her if it was okay if I called her ‘mum.’ I was unsure if she would be happy or not, but I think she would be. Mother’s Day is next weekend so I’m trying to think of what to get her for it and to ask her then.
I looked back at up at her.
‘I love you too.’ I said to her.
She grinned at me and came over to kiss my forehead before grabbing my empty plate.
‘Okay enough of the sappiness from the both of us. It’s time to go shopping!’ She squealed in excitement. I pretended to groan at her but couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Her laughter and happiness was contagious.

Half an hour later we both got in the car to head to the shops. This was the first time since being discharged from hospital that I had been out of the house. I was beginning to feel a bit apprehensive. Most of the bruises on my face had cleared up now. You would only notice the bruise around the bottom of my right eye if you looked closely.
Chloe pulled into a park outside the paint shop. Turning off the car she looked over at me.
‘Hey I know this is the first time you’ve been out since everything has happened. I promise you I’ll be right next to you the whole time. If at any stage you feel like its too much, just let me know okay. We will go straight back home. I don’t want you to feel anxious okay. This trip is about decorating your room, and I want you to feel happy.’ She said taking my hand and gently running circles in top of them to soothe my nerves.
She always knew what to say to me to make me feel better.
‘Thanks, I’m a bit nervous, but I’ll be okay. Let’s go.’ I said starting to get out of the car.
Climbing out after me Chloe locked the door and we headed inside to the paint shop.
‘Okay, so let’s look at some paint swatches here. What colour were you thinking you wanted your room to be.’ She asked me rushing over to the different colours.
‘Um I was thinking 2 colours if that was okay. Maybe a grey colour and then blue as well.’ I said following after her.
‘Okay lets look at the different shades and pick what ones you like.’ Chloe said grabbing a whole bunch of swatches in different shades of grey and blue.
‘Wow okay, I did not realise there were that many shades of grey.’ I said looking at all the grey swatches that Chloe had laid out.
All these colours were giving me a headache to look at. So I quickly picked two shades that I thought would look okay together.
‘Yeah um, this light grey one here and um, the dark blue one. Yep they’re good.’ I said quickly pointing to two swatches.
Chloe nodded her head slowly, picking them up and putting them next to each other, no doubt checking if they went together or not.
‘Yep, I think these would go great together.’ Said Chloe.
‘Hendrix?’ I suddenly heard someone from behind me ask.
I turned around quickly to see Harlow walking over to us.
‘Hendrix oh my god. You’re okay! I was so worried about you!’ Harlow said rushing over to me to give me a hug. I tried not to flinch when she ran over and threw her arms around me. I stood still as a statue, my heart beating rapidly. I wasn’t used to people touching me other than Chloe.
‘Um..yeah sorry. I haven’t wanted to see anyone lately. But its good to see you.’ I said stepping away from her slowly and standing back beside Chloe again.
I felt her rest her arm around my back to try and calm me down.
‘Hey Harlow how have you been?’ Chloe asked politely.
‘I’ve been good. Worried about Hendrix though.’ She said looking at me.
‘Hey maybe you want to come around this afternoon and we can hang out. I’ve missed you a lot.’ Harlow asked me.
Internally I began to panic. I was not ready to go over to anyones place. Especially not without Chloe around. I knew I was acting weak, but I just couldn’t shake what my father did to me. If Pierce could do that to me and he was supposed to be my father then anyone who wanted to, could almost beat me to death.
‘Um..uh..I’m not really sure.’ I managed to stutter out.
‘Harlow how about you come over to ours this afternoon instead.’ I heard Chloe propose.
‘Yeah okay. Is that alright with you Hendrix if I come around.’ Harlow said looking at me a bit unsure.
I had to think for a second. I would be safe at the house with Chloe there and it would also give me a chance to ask Harlow for some help with the whole asking Chloe to be my mum thing.
‘Yeah that would be great. I really missed seeing you Harlow. How about you come around for dinner tonight.’ I asked her looking over at Chloe to make sure that was okay. She nodded her head in approval.
‘Yeah that sounds awesome. I’ll see you guys tonight for dinner then.’ Harlow said giving us both a quick hug before bounding off.
‘Hey is that okay with you Hendrix. I know this is the first visitor you’ll have, but I think it will be good for you to spend some time with yours friends again.’ Chloe said looking at me.
‘Yeah you’re right. I do have to start seeing people again. I’m just being a wuss trying to avoid people.’ I said looking down at the ground.
‘No don’t say that! You are anything but a wuss. You are one of the bravest people in my eyes. What your father did to you was horrible, and you rightfully lost your trust in him. I know you are worried that if he can do that to you, what’s to say other people won’t. But I promise you I will be there to protect you the best I can. I am so proud of you for trusting in me and beginning to trust other people again. I see how far you’ve already come in the 2 weeks with Mark and Aaron. If anyone decides to break your trust they will have me to worry about.’ Chloe said pulling me into a hug.
I clung onto her.
‘Thanks so much M..uh Chloe.’ I said hugging her tightly.
‘You’re welcome. Now how about we go to the furniture shop and pick out a bed for you and then to the more fun part. Tv and gaming system.’ She said.
‘You don’t have to do that for me. The bed I’m in is fine and tv and gaming stuff is expensive.’ I said looking up at her.
‘Hey you deserve the best and that bed is old anyway. Also it’s not my money. It’s Pierces as I still have access to his account. So you spend as much as you want to.’ She said grinning at me.
I grinned back at her. I mean it was the least I could do, spend all his money after what he did to me.
‘Well why didn’t you say so in the first place. I’ll be getting the most expensive things then.’ I said smiling slyly at her.
‘Alright let’s get the paint tins and then head off to the next shop.’ She said linking her arm with mine.

Chloe POV

We were up to our final shop for the day. I could tell Hendrix was getting a bit tired from this shopping trip but I was sure he would enjoy this last shop.
We entered JB to go pick a tv for his room and a new gaming system for him.
I knew I was spoiling him a little but I didn’t care. Hendrix deserved it.
I could also do with a new tv in my room whilst we were shopping for Hendrix, the least I could do was spend all of Pierce’s money.
‘Any type of tv you were thinking of buying.’ I asked Hendrix as we walked over to the TV’s on display.
‘Something with high definition for my play station system I want to get.’ He replied back to me. I nodded my head. I didn’t really know much about the latest tv technology so I would leave it to Hendrix to pick a good one.
‘Oh I almost forgot! You’ll need a laptop for school to do you homework on and I need a new one as well. So we’ll have a look at those too.’ I said.
‘Are you sure we’re not spending too much money.’ Hendrix said looking at me a bit worried.
‘It’s all Pierces money so don’t worry. Get the best you want. You deserve it.’ I said going over to stand by him near a tv he was eyeing off.
‘Okay if you insist. This tv looks good.’ He said pointing to one.
I quickly had a look at it. Didn’t look to big for his room and we could wall mount it up.
‘Okay if you’re happy with that one we can get two. I need a new tv for my room anyway as well and I don’t know what one to get, so thought I’d just get the same as you.’ I said to him.
‘Okay, can we go look at the PlayStations now. I want to get the PS5 that has just come out.’ Hendrix said looking excited for the first time today.
After getting the PS5 and our new laptops we headed home. The tv’s would be delivered tomorrow and installed for us.

—————-

‘So what do you want for dinner? Harlow will be around soon.’ I asked Hendrix who was lying down on the couch flicking channels.
‘Um don’t know. What do we have here?’ Hendrix asked me.
I had a quick look in the cupboards to see what we had. We needed to do a grocery shop.
‘We have pasta and some tomato sauce.’ I said grabbing some items out of the pantry.
‘Yeah that’s sounds good. Do you want me to help you cook?’ Hendrix asked me getting up from the couch.
‘Nah that’s okay, you can set the table though. Just the three of us. Mark and Aaron are back in Adelaide for the next 2 weeks.’ I said to him.
‘How is your mum going?’ Hendrix asked me getting the plates out.
‘She’s okay. A bit sad I won’t be down for Mother’s Day this year but I’ll see her sometime soon anyway.’ I said beginning to the put the pasta in the pot.
‘I feel bad that you don’t get to see your Mum because you’re stuck looking after me here.’ Hendrix said looking guilty at me.
‘No don’t worry. I want to stay here with you. We both agreed that travelling might be too much at the moment. We will get to see her soon. Maybe after the adoption papers go through, she’ll be able to meet her new grandson.’ I said grinning at Hendrix.
He smiled shyly back at me.
So far the paperwork and process to adopt Hendrix had been smooth. Toadie was pulling a lot of strings to help me and Hendrix out. We were due for a visit from the social worker soon. The first visit since Hendrix moved in.
They would have come earlier but considering the circumstances with Hendrix and wanting to make sure he was all okay and settled in, Toadie managed to delay the first visit until next week.
I was a bit nervous, but knew I had the home to provide for Hendrix and there was no way I was letting Hendrix go without a fight.

Just then the doorbell rang. That must be Harlow.
‘I’ll get it.’ Hendrix said going over to the front door.
‘Hey Harlow, come in.’ I heard Hendrix say then they both walked into the kitchen.
‘Hi Chloe.’ She said to me.
‘Hi Harlow. How are Paul and Terese?’ I asked her.
Terese has given me some time off from Lassiters to settle Hendrix in so I hadn’t been at work since everything happened with Pierce.
‘They’re going okay. Busy at Lassiters like usual.’ She said.
‘And how’s school?’ I asked her.
‘Good, missing Hendrix though. When do you think you’ll be back?’ Harlow asked Hendrix.
‘Ugh I dunno.’ Hendrix replied to her.
He had missed the last 2 weeks of school but was still getting homework assignments dropped off to him.
The school was being good in letting him stay home but I know it won’t last too long. I have to contact Susan and see if she would be happy to find a tutor for Hendrix before he falls behind too much. Lucky it was only the beginning of the school year so Hendrix hadn’t missed much.
‘Yes we’ll work through that with Hendrix and Susan as to when he’ll be back.’ I said to Harlow.
‘Anyway you and Hendrix go sit down and relax while I finish dinner. Should only be 20 minutes away.’ I told them.

20 minutes later just as I was serving the plates up for dinner my phone rang. Terese was ringing.
‘Guys dinner is on the table.’ I said before picking up my phone.
I went back into my room to take the call.
‘Hey Terese what’s up?’ I asked her.
‘Chloe hi, I know you have time off at the moment, and I wouldn’t call but this is an emergency.’ Terese said sounding flustered over the phone.
‘What’s going on? Is everything okay at Lassiters?’ I asked her.
‘No not really. I really need you to come in for half an hour and sort this thing out with one of the customers. He is demanding he see you, as you helped him last month with something. I would normally say no, but he is one of our sponsors for the fashion event coming up and we’ve already lost one sponsor and cannot afford to lose another.’ Terese said desperately to me.
‘Terese I can’t come in. I can’t leave Hendrix by himself.’ I said to her.
‘I heard Harlow was going over to yours for dinner. Please Chloe. I know you have things going on with Hendrix and you don’t want to leave him alone. I promise you it will be only half an hour.’ She begged me.
I sighed thinking what to do. I hadn’t left Hendrix since the incident with Pierce. I knew he would have to slowly get used to not me being around all the time. This might be a good start.
‘Okay fine, but only for half an hour. Any second over and I’m leaving.’ I said to her.
‘Thank you, thank you. I owe you Chloe.’ She said to me before hanging up.
I walked back into the dining area to let Hendrix and Harlow know what was going on.

Hendrix POV

Chloe walked back into the kitchen with her phone in her hand not looking too happy.
‘Is everything okay?’ I asked her.
‘That was Terese on the phone. An emergency has come up at Lassiters and she wants me to go in for half an hour to sort something out.’ She said looking at me.
Instantly I started panicking.
‘Yo…you’re leaving!?’ I yelped out.
‘Hey I promise you it won’t be for long. If it wasn’t an emergency I wouldn’t have gone. Harlow will be here the whole time.’ Chloe said to me silently looking over at Harlow for confirmation.
‘Yes! Absolutely, I am not going anywhere.’ Harlow said nodding her head at me.
My heart rate had picked up and my head was spinning. Chloe could tell I was freaking out as she came over to me and knelt in front of my chair.
‘Hendrix I don’t have to go if you don’t want me to. I can call Terese back and say I can’t come in.’ Chloe said to me looking worried.
I looked up at her. No I couldn’t let her stay here with me. I know she would eventually have to go back to work and I didn’t want her to get into trouble. Not after everything she’s already done for me.
Besides it would be a good chance for me to ask Harlow for some help for Mother’s Day ideas to surprise Chloe.
‘No you should go. I can’t expect you to be around me forever.’ I said looking at her.
Chloe hugged me tightly.
‘I promise you I will be back soon.’ Chloe said releasing me from the hug and grabbing her bag.
I stared after her as she left.
‘Hey it’s okay. She’ll be back soon.’ Harlow said trying to reassure me.
‘Let’s finish eating before the food gets too cold.’ She said.
I nodded me head and slowly started to eat my pasta.
‘Hey Harlow, can I ask you for your advice?’ I said to her as I finished my food.
‘Yeah of course. What do you want to know.’ She said to me.
‘Well Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend and um I was wondering if you could help me with some gift ideas. I um was also thinking I want to start Chloe ‘mum’ but don’t know how to ask her and if she would like me to call her that or not.’ I said quickly.
‘Oh my god Hendrix! That is so great. I know Chloe would love it if you called her mum. She loves you so much already and already acts like your mother.’ Harlow squealed out at me.
‘Are you sure. I don’t want her to feel pressured. I just, she’s the only mother figure I’ve had in my life. My birth mother died when I was born and Pierce had girlfriends on and off through the years but nothing serious.’ I said to her.
‘I am sure she would love it. That can be your Mother’s Day gift to her. I know you’re an amazing cook, so maybe cook her breakfast in bed or cook her dinner then write a card to her and get her some flowers. I’m 99.9 % sure she will say yes to you calling her mum.’ Harlow said to me.
Okay that sounded like a good idea.
‘Okay thanks for the ideas Harlow.’ I said to her.

————

It was the evening before Mother’s Day and I was a nervous wreck.
I was trying to act normal so Chloe wouldn’t catch on to anything but I think she could tell something was wrong with me because she kept on asking me if I was okay.
‘I’m all good. Um, have you got any plans for tomorrow?’ I asked her as we sat on the couch watching some TV.
‘No, no plans. I’ll Skype my family for Mother’s day late afternoon, but other than that nope. Did you have something in mind you wanted to do?’ Chloe asked me.
‘Um I was wondering if I could cook you lunch or something, to thank you for everything.’ I rushed out quickly.
‘Aww Hendrix, you don’t have to do that for me.’ Chloe said to me.
‘Yeah I know I don’t have to but I want to.’ I said to her, hoping she would say yes.
‘Okay well of course then I would love that. I would never turn down a meal cooked by you.’ She said smiling at me and giving me a quick hug.
Great, my plan for tomorrow was all set.
I was getting flowers delivered to her just before lunch time, before we sat down for a meal and then I was going to ask her after that.

The next day had finally arrived. I didn’t sleep much the night before and now I was just running on adrenaline.
I got up early and had a shower before heading into the kitchen. Chloe was already up.
‘Hey you’re up early.’ She said sitting at the kitchen bench.
‘Yeah I thought it was a nice day today so didn’t want to spend too long in bed.’ I said getting some cereal out of the cupboard.
She looked at me strangely probably not believing a word I said.
‘Okay, did you sleep well?’ She asked me.
‘Yeah I did. I didn’t have a nightmare last night which was good.’ I said. Probably because I barely slept at all.
‘Yeah I noticed that. That’s great Hendrix. I’m glad you’re slowly starting to get more sleep. Remember, if you do have a nightmare please don’t hesitate to come wake me up okay.’ Chloe said to me sipping on her coffee.
‘Yeah I will don’t worry.’ I said to her.
‘So what are your plans for the morning? I know you’re cooking me lunch which I am so excited about.’ Chloe said.
‘Um not sure.’ I replied back.
It was 8.30am so pretty early and I didn’t need to start cooking until 12 for a 1pm lunch. I was going to cook Chloe’s favourite meal which was a salmon pasta bake.
‘Did you feel like going to the park for a bit. Get some fresh air? Or we can stay in if you want.’ Chloe asked me.
I was still a bit reluctant to go out too much. Everyone on the street knows what happened to me and I was self conscious about them all staring and talking about me when I was out. But I knew I needed to do something to get my mind off the lunch.
‘Yeah okay. That would be nice.’ I said to her.
‘Okay once you’ve finished eating breakfast we can head off.’ She said to me.

We walked to the park and sat on the bench overlooking the lake. The sun was out and it was a nice day.
Was sat in comfortable silence for a bit.
‘So what do you usually do for Mother’s Day?’ I asked her.
‘Well my brothers and I usually have a Mother’s Day breakfast were we cook waffles, pancakes, sausages, the lot really and sit down together for that. It’s great really. They’re probably doing that right now.’ She said smiling. I felt guilty that she wasn’t able to go this year.
‘I still feel guilty you weren’t able to go this year.’ I said looking down at the ground.
Suddenly I felt a gentle hand placed under my chin. Chloe gently pushed my head up so I was facing her.
‘Please don’t feel guilty. I am very happy to spend the day with you. I know mum is being treated like a queen with my two brothers spoiling her.’ She said looking at me gently.
‘Okay if you’re sure.’ I said to her still looking uncertain.
‘Absolutely!’ She said to me.
I glanced down at my watch and noticed the time, 11.30 already!
‘Hey we better get back to the house so I can get started on lunch.’ I said.
Chloe nodded her head and looped her arm in mine before we headed off in the direction of home.

I had just finished putting the finishing touches on lunch when the doorbell rang.
The flower delivery, I thought.
I let Chloe answer the door.
‘Hi.’ I heard Chloe say at the door.
‘Hi are you Chloe Brennan? These flowers are for you.’ The delivery guy said handing over the flowers to her.
‘Yes I am. Who are these from?’ She asked the guy.
‘Not sure ma’am. There is a card attached. Have a lovely Mother’s Day.’ He said before turning and walking back down the driveway.
I looked over at Chloe as she walked back into the kitchen with the flowers.
She fished the card out and began to read it.
I looked at her while she was reading the card trying to gage her reaction.
She looked up at me quickly.
‘Hendrix, these are from you?’ She asked me tears filling her eyes.
Oh no! Did I do something wrong.
‘Um yeah. I’m sorry if I overstepped. I just wanted to get you something to say thank you for everything you’ve done and stuff.’ I trailed off feeling unsure about all my decisions.
She put the flowers down gently and rushed over and pulled me into the biggest hug.
‘Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do all this for me. I love you so much.’ She said squeezing me tightly.
I relaxed into her hug.
‘I love you too.’ I said into her shoulder.
‘Come on let’s eat before the food gets cold.’ I said to her feeling a bit embarrassed with all the emotions.
She quickly put the flowers in a jar and sat down at the table.
I waited for her to eat before I started. I really wanted her to like it.
‘Oh my god Hendrix this is so good.’ She said after having a bite.
‘You are an amazing cook. Maybe I should get you cooking every night.’ She said jokingly to me.
‘Yeah maybe not every night but I’m happy to cook dinner a few nights a week if you want me to.’ I said to her seriously. I didn’t just want to slouch around the house and do nothing. I wanted to show her and her brothers how grateful I am that they are letting me live with them.
‘Hendrix you don’t have to do that. I want you to be able to enjoy being a teenage boy for once. Have fun with your friends and not worry so much about pleasing everyone around you okay.’ She said to me.
I nodded my head.
After lunch I did the dishes after much protest from Chloe. I insisted she sit and relax while I clean up.

I went to sit on the couch next to her so we could watch a movie together. But before that I wanted to ask her the big question before I chickened out.
I took a big shaky breath.
‘Um Chloe..before we start the movie, I uh wanted to ask you something.’ I said feeling my palms start to sweat.
‘Okay it sounds serious.’ She said turning to me and giving me her full attention.
‘Hendrix are you okay sweetie. You’re beginning to sweat. Are you not feeling well.’ She frowned at me looking concerned and placing her hand on my forehead to check my temperature.
I gently batted her hand away.
‘I’m fine. I’m just nervous about asking you something.’ I said to her honestly.
She took her hand in mine.
‘Hey you can ask me anything okay. Don’t be worried if you think it’s silly. I promise I won’t laugh or think it’s stupid.’ She gently said to me.
There she goes being all caring and motherly to me.
‘Um okay. Well..um over the last 2 years and few weeks we’ve gotten to know each other really well and um, you know I see you like a mother figure to me, and um I was wondering, would it be okay..um you don’t have to say yes or anything..’ I said rushing out.
I looked at her before continuing, my words getting stuck in my throat.
‘Hendrix it’s okay, just breathe okay.’ She slowly said to me rubbing my hand in soothing circles to calm me down.
I took another deep breath in.
‘Right umm..I was wondering if I could call you ‘mum.’ I said mumbling the last words quickly.
All over a sudden Chloe halted her movements and sat still. I looked up and saw tears in her eyes.
Oh god! I stuffed everything up. She didn’t want to be my mum. How stupid could I be.
I tried to get up and leave the room, but Chloe grabbed onto my hand before I could run away.
‘Hendrix, wait. Do you mean it. You really want to call me Mum?’ She asked me in shock with a couple of tears slipping down her face.
I nodded at her unsure, not knowing how to take her reaction.
All of a sudden she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.
‘Hendrix, I would be so honoured if you called me Mum. I love you so much already. You are already my son in my eyes. I don’t want you to feel pressured to call me that okay. I love you all the same regardless of what you call me.’ She said to me holding me tightly.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
‘No I don’t feel pressured. I really want to call you mum. I’ve never had a mum before but I know with you, this is what having a mother feels like. Someone that loves me for me and doesn’t want to use me. Someone that cares for me and comforts me and looks after me. I really love you so much Mum.’ I said to her.
Tears were streaming down her face. I was worried as I didn’t want to upset her.
As if reading my mind she said, ‘These are happy tears. This is the best day ever in my life. I am so lucky to be able to call you my son and I feel so honoured that you want to call me Mum.’ She said hugging me again.
I hugged her back.
‘Okay enough with all this sappiness. Can we watch the movie now.’ I said to her jokingly.
She laughed before sitting down on the couch.
We started the movie but I could tell we were both distracted. She couldn’t stop grinning at me, and I was just so happy she accepted me as her son and that I was able to call her mum. Best day ever I thought.

Chapter Text

Chloe POV

It was my first day back at Lassiters in over a month and it had been a long day.
The last 2 weeks had been some of the best of my life with Hendrix calling me mum now and beginning to take a big step in his healing process. He is seeing a counsellor every week and his nightmares were getting less and not every night anymore.
He was due back to school in a weeks time, feeling he was ready to go back. I’m so glad he is starting to get to a good place again. He deserves to be happy and not be burdened with everything that has happened to him so far in life.

Happy in my own thoughts I wasn’t aware of my surroundings and knocked into someone, both of us falling to the ground.
‘Oh my god I am so sorry.’ I said jumping to my feet and looking down to help the person up. I stopped in my tracks, because staring up at me was the most gorgeous women I’d seen in my life.
I quickly shook my head and helped her to stand up.
‘Oh don’t be sorry, I also wasn’t looking where I was going.’ She said smiling at me.
God she had the prettiest smile. I smiled back at her.
‘Sorry I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Chloe.’ I said to her.
‘Nice to meet you Chloe. My name is Elly.’ She said to me. Elly, what a pretty name.
‘You work here? I haven’t seen you around. I’ve been staying at Lassiters for the past week.’ She said to me.
‘Yes I do. I’m the assistant manager here. I just got back from some time off.’ I said to her.
‘How long are you staying here for? I hope you are enjoying your stay at Lassiters so far.’ I said going back to my manager role. Stay focused, I scolded myself.
‘Oh um, I’m staying here for another 3 weeks until my stuff arrives from Sydney. I have an aunt living here so I’ll be moving in with her and her husband after my stay here. They are just waiting for someone to move out before I can move in.’ She explained to me. I nodded my head at her. Wow she was so gorgeous!
‘Right, well if you need anything let me know.’ I said smiling politely at her.
‘I will. Thank you Chloe.’ She said smiling at me before heading over to the elevators.

Smiling after her she turned and waved at me before the elevator doors closed.
Looking at my watch I noticed my shift had just ended so I walked back up to my office.
Hendrix was lying on my couch in the office playing a game on his Nintendo.
He came with me to work as he didn’t, and I also didn’t want him to be alone at the house. He still wasn’t comfortable being by himself which was completely understandable.
Terese and Paul were being very kind in letting Hendrix come to work with me as long as he stayed in my office and didn’t distract me, which I knew he wouldn’t. Hendrix was grateful to them that he was allowed to stay with me and promised he would be on his best behaviour.
I walked into the office with a grin on my face. I couldn’t stop thinking about Elly.
‘What’s got you smiling Mum.’ He said looking over at me. If possible my grin got even wider. I still couldn’t stop myself from smiling whenever Hendrix called me Mum. I don’t think I would ever stop smiling from that.
‘Oh nothing really. Just happy I got through my first shift and it’s the end of the day so we can go home now.’ I said to him.
He looked like he didn’t believe that was the whole truth but let it slide.
‘Okay I know that’s not all, and you’re not going to tell me, but I’ll get it out of you eventually.’ He said to me getting up and stretching.
I smirked at him.
‘Not a chance. Come on, let’s go home kid.’ I said, affectionately rubbing his hair messing it up.
He pretended to glare at me before smiling and fixing his hair.
We headed off in the direction of my car, locking my office door behind us.

Elly POV

Today had been what felt like, one of the longest days of my life.
It was my first day teaching at Erinsborough High and just getting acquainted with everyone was exhausting.
I was very grateful that Susan my aunt was principal and able to get me a job as an English teacher though.
I thought after leaving Sydney suddenly I would be out of work for awhile, but luckily for me the English teacher I replaced had just left town 3 weeks ago so they were looking for a new teacher.
Leaving Sydney was a spur of the moment decision but I needed to get away from Finn my ex and start afresh.

Lost in my thoughts and heading into Lassiters I wasn’t looking where I was going and bumped into someone. I felt someone fall on top of me.
‘Oh my god I am so sorry.’ I heard a pretty voice say before looking up to see a women leaning over me with her hand outstretched to help me stand.
Wow! She was so beautiful!
‘Oh don’t be sorry, I also wasn’t looking where I was going.’ I found myself saying.
She introduced herself as Chloe.
I hadn’t seen her around before and I had been here for a week, and trust me I definitely would have remembered her.
She asked me how long I was staying here and I felt myself rambling to her about my living situation.
Calm down Elly, she doesn’t need to know your life story.
I started to head to the elevator before I embarrassed myself more with my rambling.
I turned around as I got into the elevator to see her smiling at me. I waved and smiled back before the elevator closed.

Get your head out of the clouds Elly, I thought to myself as I walked into my room and laid down on top of the bed.
You just ended a 4 year relationship and you don’t even know if this women is gay or bisexual.
All my life I had known I was bisexual. I didn’t want to put a label on it but I knew I could fall in love with either a man or a woman and it didn’t bother me. I just ended a four year relationship with a guy but had dated women in the past. Love was love after all.

I sighed and got up to get changed out of my work clothes and into something comfortable to wear. Being new to town I didn’t really know anyone so I thought I would go down to the Waterhole and get something to eat there for dinner.

After ordering something to eat, I went and sat down at a table.
A few minutes later someone approached my table.
‘Hi sorry to bother you, but there are no tables left and was wondering if I could sit with you. My name is Mark.’ He said looking at me.
‘Oh hi yeah no worries. My name is Elly. I’m new in town.’ I said to him.
He sat down in chair across from me.
‘Yeah I thought I hadn’t seen you around before. You just passing through or staying here for awhile?’ He asked me.
‘Oh I’m the new English teacher at Erinsborough High so I’m planning on staying here for awhile.’ I said to him.
‘Oh nice. I’ve been living here for a few years now so if you need any help getting around or want to know where the good local places are, you can always ask me.’ He said smiling at me.
‘Thanks that’s very nice of you. I don’t really know many people at the moment, but if everyone is as friendly as you I’ve picked a good place to live.’ I said.
Just then the waiter came over with both our meals.
‘So have you found a place to stay?’ Mark asked me.
Swallowing my food I replied. ‘I’m staying at Lassiters at the moment until I can move in with aunt and her husband. They have someone moving out in a few weeks so I’ll move in once they leave.’ I said to him.
‘Oh what are there names? Erinsborough is a pretty small place so I tend to know who the locals are, also being a police officer here.’ He causally said to me.
‘Wow you work for the police. Luckily I haven’t done anything illegal.’ I said. We both laughed.
I was enjoying chatting to Mark. He was really easy to talk to.
‘My aunts name is Susan Kennedy and her husband is Karl.’ I said.
‘Karl and Susan. Yeah I know them. We’re neighbours. Well, I live across the road from them in Ramsey street. I can’t believe of all the places, you’re moving in there. It really is a small world.’ He said.
‘Oh wow! That’s amazing. Hey at least I’ll know one friendly face when I move in at least.’ I said.
‘Yeah I live with my brother, sister and her son. When you move in we can have a bbq to welcome you to the neighbourhood.’ He suggested.
‘I would love that!’ I said.
‘Also we can help you move your stuff in if you need it.’ He said to me.
‘Thanks for the kind offer Mark. I really don’t have much with me. Mainly just clothes.’ I said to him.
Finishing up my meal he asked me if I wanted to have a drink with him. Looking at the time I unfortunately had to decline.
‘I’m so sorry. Rain check? It’s just I have to work tomorrow and it’s my second day, so probably won’t make the best impression if I turn up hungover.’ I said apologetically to him.
‘Yeah of course. No worries! I’ll see you around Elly.’ He said.
‘See you later Mark.’ I said before getting up and heading back to Lassiters.
What a day. I got to meet a super gorgeous girl earlier in the night and I think I made a new friend in Mark.
Hopefully moving here to Erinsborough I could start a fresh and so far things looked like they were falling into place for me.

——————-

Chloe POV

Finally it was Friday and nearing the end of my shift.
It had been a long first week back. The highlight of course was when I got to run into Elly.
She would always be coming back to Lassiters later in the evening and every time we had spoken I had forgotten to ask where she worked.
We mainly just did small talk and teased one another. It was easy to fall into quick banter with her.
I wasn’t going to admit to anyone that I looked out for her coming in everyday so I could say hello to her.

I was walking past the kitchen when I heard that their was an order of room service for room 618. I recognised that as the room Elly was staying in.
Quickly ducking into the kitchen I said I would take it up to her room.
‘Are you sure Ms.Brennan, you’re the assistant manger you don’t need to be doing that.’ One of the kitchen staff said to me.
‘It’s okay. I’m almost finished for the night and I don’t have any paperwork to do so I’m happy to bring the food up to our guest.’ I said, wanting to see Elly again.
I had the weekend off so I wouldn’t see her until I was back at work next week.
After putting the food on the cart I wheeled it into the elevator and pressed floor 6.
I knocked on Elly’s door.
‘Room service.’ I said.
I heard shuffling in the room before Elly opened the door in her dressing gown and holy hell, she looked hot!
Crap, look up Chloe, at her face. Blushing I looked up at her face to see an amused smirk on her face.
‘Room service from the assistant manger. To what do I owe this pleasure.’ She said grinning at me.
‘Well you know, being the assistant manger I want to make sure everyone’s stay here is enjoyable and that includes giving them top quality service, which tonight includes bringing you, your room service you ordered.’ I said.
‘Well aren’t I lucky. You going to bring it in?’ She said to me.
I wheeled the cart into the room, careful not to stare at her body again.
‘Well here it is. I hope you enjoy your food.’ I said heading towards the door.
‘Wait, rushing off so soon. Already heading off to give someone else your top quality service.’ Elly said teasing me.
‘No I only reserve private room service to the pretty ones.’ I said to her before turning and leaving.
Before I opened the door and exited I turned back to her. She was still looking at me.
‘Enjoy your night Elly. I’ll see you next week sometime.’ I half asked her.
She nodded her head and smiled at me warmly.
‘Goodnight Chloe and thanks.’ She said.

I closed the door behind me and headed towards my office. I finished a bit later than usual. Hendrix would be waiting for me.
He had come to work with me this whole week. Aaron and Mark were around during the day sometimes this week, but he still flat out refused to stay with them by himself. He was making progress with them but it was slow. Not that I was rushing it or annoyed that he wanted to come in with me. What 14 year old boy wants to spend time with his mother, so I was enjoying it while it lasted even though the reason behind him being attached to me was heart breaking and still made me so incredibly angry at Pierce.
I hurried to my office not wanting to keep Hendrix waiting too long.
I walked into my office to see Hendrix asleep on the couch with a blanket over him.
He was mumbling something in his sleep. I got closer to try and hear what he was saying.
‘No…please…no…hurt.’ He mumbled out.
I quickly kneeled down next to him and started gently shaking him awake.
‘Hendrix baby wake up. It’s just a bad dream. Wake up.’ I said to him.
‘Mmm..Mum?’ He said looking at me confused.
‘Yeah baby it’s me Mum. You just had a bad dream. Do you want to talk about it?’ I asked him gently. Sometimes he did talk, but most times he didn’t like to talk about them.
He did say he spoke to his psychologist about his dreams so I’m glad he has someone he can speak to.
‘No not really. Is it time to go home?’ He asked me quietly.
‘Yeah it is baby. Sorry I was late.’ I said feeling guilty I wasn’t here soon enough to wake him from his nightmare.
Now is not the time to go flirting with people Chloe. You have a son who needs your full attention and support at the moment, I scolded myself.
‘It’s okay. Let’s go home.’ He said getting up and stretching.
I grabbed my bag from behind the desk and threw my arm around his shoulder as we walked out.

The drive home was quiet with both of us lost in thought.
Walking inside I asked him if he was hungry.
‘Yeah a little.’ He said to me.
‘Okay you sit down. How does frozen pizza sound to you.’ I said looking in the fridge and freezer for any food. I needed to do a big shop tomorrow. I could do that while we were also out tomorrow to get school supplies for Hendrix.
‘Yeah that sounds good.’ He said sitting on the couch and turning the tv on.
‘Have you done your homework?’ I asked him.
‘Yes Mum of course. I did it during the day while you were working.’ He said rolling his eyes at me.
‘Alright, was just checking.’ I said to him.
Teenagers! So moody.

30 minutes later I had set the table and was serving dinner up. I had also made a salad to try and make it a bit healthier.
‘Dinner is ready.’ I told Hendrix who got up from the couch to sit at the table.
‘So how are you feeling about school Monday.’ I asked him.
‘Um yeah nervous I guess. I haven’t been there since everything happened and I’m worried about being too far behind.’ He said looking worried at me.
‘Hey it’s going to be okay. If you feel overwhelmed at any time you just call me and I’ll come and pick you up. About being behind I spoke to Susan and she said she has found a teacher who is willing to stay after school with you for a couple days a week to help you catch up and go over other school work you may need help with. We have a meeting on Wednesday after school to meet them.’ I said.
‘You also have Harlow, Mackenzie and your other friends as well there to help you. Don’t forget people love and care about you. They will be there to help you in anyway.’ I said gently to him.
‘Yeah I know. Thanks Mum. You always know what to say to make me feel less nervous.’ He said smiling at me.
Hearing those words I felt my heart burst with pride. He was the best son ever. I could not ask or want anyone else to be my son but him. If anything good came from marrying Pierce, it was definitely gaining Hendrix as a son.
‘Also don’t forget we have a meeting with the social worker and Toadie Thursday evening next week. We have to finalise a date for the family court and organise a few more things before we can officially make you a Brennan.’ I reminded him.
‘Oh yeah I forgot about that. With worrying about school I forgot about the meeting. You don’t think anything bad will happen to stuff things up do you?’ He asked me sounding concerned.
‘At the moment I don’t have any indication something will go wrong. But Toadie did mention to try and stay out of trouble at school okay. I know you’re a good kid Hendrix, but you’re also very loyal and will do anything to stick up for the people you care about. Now while I love that about you, we need to try and stay out of trouble. We don’t want any hiccups okay.’ I said to him.
‘What if they decide to take me away from you.’ He whispered sounding terrified.
‘I won’t let that happen. If you want to stay with me, then I will fight with everything I have in me to keep you here with me.’ I said to him, looking him in the eye so he knew I meant every word.
‘Of course I want to stay with you. Your my mum and I don’t want to live with anyone else or any other family.’ He said starting to get upset.
‘Hendrix, hey baby calm down okay. Let’s just focus on one thing at a time okay sweetie. I know you’re under a lot of stress right now with school and this family court situation but let’s try and control what we can okay.’ I said getting up from the table and going over to his side to give him a hug.
He let me hold him for a minute before pulling back.
‘Yeah you’re right. I need to stop getting worked up and stressed over everything.’ He said looking up at me.
I wiped a stray tear that slipped from his eye.
‘Hey I know it’s hard to do, because I myself am very guilty of letting things get to me easily but I am working on it though. We can both work on it together.’ I said to him.
He nodded his head.
‘Alright it’s late and we have to go shopping tomorrow for school supplies and food so I suggest you go to bed soon.’ I said to him.
‘Yeah okay, I’ll help you clean the dishes then go to bed.’ He said to me.
After washing and drying the dishes Hendrix went to bed and I followed not long after him.
After peeking into his room to make sure he was okay I went across to my room.
After getting changed I climbed into bed.
What a week! I couldn’t get Elly out of my mind. Ever since I met her on Monday she had consumed my thoughts.
Her charming but cheeky smile, her stormy grey and bluey coloured eyes and the way her brown hair fell over her shoulders. Yeah, I was smitten.
I had never felt like this with anyone else before, not even with Pierce while I was dating and even married to him.
I knew I had to focus on Hendrix though, and officially making him my son legally, which was a longer process than I was hoping for.
With thoughts of Elly and Hendrix in my mind I finally drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Elly POV

Monday. Start of another school week. Walking into my office this morning Susan was waiting for me in the room.
‘Morning Elly, how was your weekend?’ She asked me.
‘Morning Aunt Susan. It was great. I just relaxed mainly and went over lesson plans for this week. Also, I went over plans for the student you asked me to tutor.’ I told her giving her a quick hug.
‘Yes, about that student, Hendrix. He will be starting back today. I checked his timetable, and you have him for double period English, the last 2 periods of the day.’ Susan told me.
I quickly glanced at my schedule on the wall.
Yep Year 9 English, period 5 and 6. I had year 10 and 8 this morning. Then after recess I had double period off. Not too bad of a day.
‘So..Hendrix, is there anything I need to know about him?’ I asked Susan.
‘Hendrix is a good kid. His been through a lot lately, as you know he hasn’t been at school for a month. I won’t go into the details but something horrible happened with his father. Anyway, his living with his Mum now.’ Susan said looking a bit sad.
‘Oh gosh I hope it wasn’t anything too serious.’ I said.
‘Look it’s not really my place to say, but we’ll be having a meeting with Hendrix and his Mum Wednesday to go over the details of his tutoring. And Elly thank you so much once again for doing the tutoring sessions. I would have done it myself but I’m just so busy at the moment.’ Susan said looking apologetically at me.
‘No of course. No worries. I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t want to do it. I haven’t met too many people here, so I have a lot of spare time on my hands.’ I said smiling at her.
‘Okay thank you.’ She said before looking at her watch.
‘I better leave you to it. Class begins in 15mins.’ She said before leaving the room.

Finally, the last 2 periods of the day. I stood at my desk as the bell rang waiting for the students to come in.
I saw Harlow and Mackenzie walk in and behind them walked in a boy with a stylish looking coat on that was definitely not part of the school uniform.
Considering I hadn’t seen him in my class before I deduced that was Hendrix.
Once everyone was at their desk I introduced myself.
‘Okay class settle down. Welcome back to school Mr. Greyson. I am Ms. Conway, as the rest of the other students already know me. Don’t worry you haven’t missed out on too many of my classes. I only started here last week.’ I said smiling at him.
I noticed he gave a slight flinch when I said his name. I frowned slightly, was that the wrong name, I thought.
After instructing everyone on todays lesson I sat down behind the desk.
I quickly looked over my class roll to find Hendrix’s name. Yep it was Greyson.
I glanced up from my desk to make sure no one needed my help. Looking over to Hendrix I caught him whispering something to Harlow. She giggled and pointed back to the book they were supposed to be reading.
He looked bored and began to make a paper plane with some paper in front of him.
‘Is everything okay Mr. Greyson. Do you not have a copy of the book?’ I asked him.
He looked at me with a bored expression on his face.
‘No Miss. Conway. I accidentally left it at home.’ He said not looking like he cared really.
‘Well I’m sure Harlow would let you share her book for today.’ I said. Harlow eagerly nodded her head at me.
I sat back down and saw Harlow trying to get Hendrix to stop playing with his paper plane.
20 minutes later once everyone had finished reading the chapter, we went over some analysis questions based on that chapter.
After that, I got them all to begin writing an essay based on the question I had up on the board.
The rest of the class was quiet while students worked on their essays.
Suddenly the bell rang for the end of the day. That went quickly!
‘Okay class I want everyone to hand me in their completed essay by Friday this week okay.’ I said.
I spotted Hendrix quickly getting up and getting his things before following Mackenzie and Harlow.
‘Mr. Greyson, would you mind staying back a minute please.’ I told him as he went to walk past me.
He quickly glanced at his companions. I heard them say they’ll wait outside for him.
‘Is there anything wrong Ms. Conway?’ He asked me.
‘No I just wanted to check how you felt your first day back was. I know it can be hard to settle into things again.’ I kindly told him.
He looked like he was surprised I hadn’t told him off for anything.
‘Oh um yeah, it was okay. And I’m sorry I forgot my book. I’ll bring it in for tomorrow I promise.’ He said to me looking like he meant it.
‘It’s okay Mr. Greyson, sometimes we forget things. I would appreciate it if you don’t try and distract your classmates though.’ I gently scolded him.
‘Uh yeah sorry. Also, could you please stop calling me Mr. Greyson, um, I would prefer if you called me Hendrix.’ He asked me quietly.
‘Of course, sorry Hendrix. Last thing. You do know the coat you’re wearing is not part of the school uniform right.’ I said arching my brow at him.
‘Yeah I know.’ He said a bit smugly. Ah there was the attitude he had during class.
I could tell Hendrix was a sweet boy when he wasn’t around others that he thought he had to act all manly and disinterested.
‘Right, well do you have permission to wear that.’ I asked him. I was new so I wasn’t going to tell him off, if it had been ticked off by another staff member.
‘No not really. But Mrs. Kennedy did tell me it was a nice coat one day and that’s it.’ He said.
‘Okay then. Now, you would probably be aware that your mum organised a tutor to help you after your classes to catch up on what you’ve missed. I’m actually the tutor that will be helping you. So, if you need anything or any extra help, don’t hesitate to come and ask me.’ I said to him.
‘Oh um thanks. Yeah I really appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to give me some extra tutoring sessions.’ He said sincerely to me.
He really was polite.
‘No worries Hendrix. Enjoy the rest of your day and I’ll see you tomorrow.’ I said to him.
‘Bye Ms. Conway. See you tomorrow.’ He said smiling at me before leaving the room.

Hendrix POV

I walked out of Ms. Conway’s room to see Harlow and Mackenzie waiting for me.
‘Everything okay with Ms. Conway?’ Mackenzie asked me.
‘Yeah it’s fine. She just wanted to know how I was settling in. She’s also going to be the tutor helping me after school.’ I told them as we walked to my locker to grab my bag.
‘Oh cool. She seems really nice so far.’ Said Harlow.
‘So do you still want to come over to mine. Mackenzie is also coming over and we’re just going to work on our essays. Try and get them done for Friday.’ Harlow asked me.
‘Yeah okay. I’ll just quickly text Mum to let her know I’m going over to yours.’ I said pulling my phone out.
As we walked out of the school I sent her a message.

Hi Mum,
Going over to Harlows to study. I’ll see you once you finish work.

We caught the bus back to Harlows place and went inside to have a snack first.
Just then I got a reply.

Hey,
Hope you’re first day went well. I finish at 6 so I’ll come by Harlows once I’m done, x

‘So how’s your Mum going?’ Mackenzie asked as we sat down to eat.
‘Yeah she’s good. Busy at Lassiters. They have some show coming up soon, so she’s working a bit later than normal to get it all organised.’ I told them.
‘Oh yeah the fashion show coming up. I cannot wait for that.’ Harlow said squealing in excitement.
I rolled my eyes at them.
‘And how is the whole custody thing. How long will it take for Chloe to officially adopt you.’ Harlow asked me.
My mood dropped at that question. I didn’t like to think about something bad happening.
Sensing my mood Harlow quickly apologised.
‘I’m sorry Hendrix. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sure it will all go through soon. The social workers and court will be crazy if they don’t let you stay with Chloe.’ Harlow said. Mackenzie nodded her heading agreeing.
‘Yeah definitely. Anyone can see how much you guys love one another. And Chloe would drop everything, to do anything for you.’ Mackenzie said.
‘Yeah. Let’s get started on these essays.’ I said wanting to change the subject quickly.
They both nodded their heads and we all got to work on them. I guess the good thing about having friends that were into school and studying was that I kept up to date with my homework and assignments as we always worked on them together, and they never liked to leave things to the last minute.
So immersed in writing and getting the essay written and done I didn’t even notice the time until I heard the doorbell ring.
Harlow got up to go answer the door.
As soon as she opened the door I heard mum’s voice.
‘Hi Harlow how are you?’ I heard her ask.
‘Hey Chloe. I’m good thanks.’ Harlow replied as they both walked into the room.
I got up from my seat.
‘Hey Mum.’ I said to her. I could see she was refraining from hugging me as she didn’t want to embarrass me in front of my friends.
‘Hey. You ready to go home?’ She asked me.
‘Hi Mackenzie, how are you?’ She quickly asked Mackenzie who was still sitting down.
‘I’m good thanks Chloe. And you?’ She replied.
I gathered my stuff and packed them into my bag.
‘I’m good. Tired, its been a long day getting ready for the fashion show coming up soon. Will you two girls be attending.’ She asked them.
‘Yes definitely!’ Harlow squealed with excitement.
‘Yes of course!’ Mackenzie also replied.
‘Okay let’s go before you three decide to get into a conversation about dresses.’ I said to them all.
‘Yeah yeah, says mister with his Burberry coat on.’ Mackenzie said teasingly.
I stuck my tongue out at her.
‘Bye guys see you tomorrow.’ I said walking to the door with mum.
‘Bye Hendrix, see you tomorrow at school.’ They both said.
As soon as we got outside, Mum linked her arm with mine, as we walked across the road to the house.
We got in and I dumped my bag at the door.
‘Nope, put your bag in your room, not the door way please.’ Mum said to me as she headed to the kitchen.
I grabbed my bag and brought it to my room and also got changed into some more comfy clothes.

I walked back into the kitchen to see Mum getting ingredients out to make steak.
‘Do you need any help?’ I asked her.
‘Do you want to peel the potatoes?’ She asked me.
I went over and got the peeler from the drawer and started peeling potatoes.
‘So how was your day?’ She asked me.
‘Yeah it was okay. I’m tired though.’ I said honestly.
‘That’s understandable. It will take a couple of weeks to get settled back into a rhythm again. What classes did you have?’ Mum asked.
‘I had math and science in the morning which was not fun at all to start my first day back. Then a free period and then geography. After lunch I had double English.’ I told her.
‘And all the teachers were okay. No one gave you a hard time.’ She asked me.
‘Yeah they were okay. They still called me Mr. Greyson though. I did ask them if they would just call me Hendrix. Only my English teacher said she would.’ I said frowning a bit.
I hated being called Mr Greyson. I didn’t want to have anything to do with my father and that included having his name.
‘Hey that’s not fair. I’ll have a chat to Susan about that. They should know briefly what happened and why you don’t want to be associated with that name.’ She said sounding a bit angry.
I smiled a bit. It was nice to have a parent that cared about my feelings and actually wanted to defend and stand up for me.
‘Thanks mum. Also my English teacher Ms. Conway, she is going to be my tutor as well. She seems really nice.’ I said thinking about how kind she was and she didn’t tell me off too harshly about not having my book and getting distracted in class.
‘Oh that’s great Hendrix. I’m looking forward to meeting them on Wednesday.’ She said.

—————-

Walking into school Wednesday morning with Mackenzie and Harlow, Adam one of the guys from school called out to us.
‘Hey Greyson, knew it was a good choice to ditch you when I had the chance.’ He said coming up to me with his friends.
When I first started at Erinsborough High Adam was my first friend here. But when he started bullying Mackenzie I didn’t like it and our friendship had ended after that.
‘Can’t believe you’re still hanging out with the tranny.’ He said laughing with his friends.
We all knew that Mackenzie used to be a boy that had fully transitioned their gender to female, but that didn’t bother me or Harlow. It shouldn’t matter to anyone really.
‘Shut up.’ I yelled trying to defend Mackenzie. I knew how sensitive the subject was to her still.
‘And your Mum. For a dyke she’s pretty hot.’ He said laughing with all his mates.
At that comment I saw red. All of a sudden he was on the ground with a black eye.
‘Don’t you dare talk about my Mum like that. You have no idea about anything.’ I yelled at him furiously.
I knew Mum was bisexual, she told me and my father during their marriage. Once again, not something I really cared too much about.
Mum could love whoever she wants as long as she’s happy and they weren’t some crazy lunatic like my father.
Adam got up from the ground and punched me back in the face and suddenly a whole crowd had gathered around us.
‘Hendrix stop!’ I think I heard Harlow screaming.
‘HEY! What is going on here.’ I heard someone say. All of a sudden the crowd parted and their stood Ms. Conway.
Shit! I was in big trouble. Mum told me not to do anything stupid and now I had a black eye. Can’t even hide that from Toadie at the meeting on Thursday. God I was so screwed.

‘Hendrix, Mr. Page, come with me to the principals office right now.’ Ms. Conway said looking at us both in the eye.
I quickly gathered my bag and followed Ms. Conway. I didn’t even look up to see Harlow and Mackenzies faces, knowing they would be annoyed at me for fighting.
Walking into Susan’s office she was sitting behind her desk.
‘What happened!?’ She asked immediately standing up and looking at us both.
I couldn’t look her in the eye.
‘I don’t know. I was on yard duty when I spotted a crowd of students gathered around in a circle. When I walked over to see what was happening these two students were on the floor throwing punches at one another. Can one of you explain to me what on earth you two were doing.’ Ms. Conway said sounding very angry.
I continued to stare at the ground. Adam sat silently next to me.
‘Okay well if neither of you want to speak up maybe you’ll want to talk when I call your parents in.’ Susan said looking at us both.
My head shot up at that.
‘Please don’t call my Mum. She’s busy at work and I don’t want to bother her.’ I said desperately to them.
‘Well maybe you should have thought of that before you started throwing punches at each other.’ Susan said sternly.
‘Well if Adam wasn’t being a rude arsehole and saying horrible things about Mackenzie, I wouldn’t have had to punch him. He deserved it.’ I angrily yelled at.
‘Watch your language Hendrix.’ Ms. Conway said to me.
‘What did you say about Miss. Hargreaves?’ Susan asked Adam.
Adam refused to answer.
‘He called her a tranny!’ I angrily said glaring at Adam.
‘Is that true Mr. Page?’ Susan asked.
‘Yes.’ Adam whispered quietly.
‘I didn’t hear that, speak up.’ Susan said.
Adam looked up.
‘Yes I called her that.’ He said.
‘You know that is not acceptable at all Mr. Page. We aim to be an inclusive school where everyone can feel safe no matter who they are or where they come from.’ Susan said.
‘Was there anything else said?’ Ms. Conway asked.
We both kept quiet.
‘If I bought another student in to give me the full story, is that all they would tell me was said?’ Susan asked us.
‘I may have said something about his Mum.’ Adam said quickly.
‘Adam don’t.’ I whispered quickly.
‘No Hendrix, we need to know. What did you say Mr. Page.’ Susan asked him.
I didn’t want my Mum bought into this conversation. I was happy to leave it at what he had said about Mackenzie.
‘I may have called his Mum a dyke. That’s when he punched me.’ Adam said.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Ms. Conway rub her forehead in frustration.
‘Right well that is completely unacceptable behaviour from you Mr. Page. And you too Hendrix. You should have not thrown the first punch. You should have come to me or any other teacher and told us what happened. There will be consequences for both of you. Now I’ll be calling your parents in Mr. Page. Hendrix, your Mum is going to be coming in tonight to discuss other things so we will also talk about this then. Hendrix you are dismissed. Please go to your class. Mr. Page, please remain seated.’ Susan said looking at us both with disappointment in her eyes.

I quickly got up and grabbed my bag and left the room.
Going into the bathroom to see what my eye looked like I could see a nice bruise forming around my left eye and my lip was split.
Immediately I flashed back to a month ago when my dad was beating me up.
I splashed some water on my face to calm myself down.
Mum was going to be so angry and disappointed in me.
Why do I always have to screw up. Why am I such a screw up.
Walking out of the room I spotted Ms. Conway waiting for me.
Just great, I thought.
‘Are you okay?’ She asked me.
‘Never been better.’ I bit back. I knew I shouldn’t have done that but I was just not in the mood.
‘Okay well I wanted to make sure you hadn’t left the school for the day. I’ll walk you to class since you have me for English now.’ She said looking at me.
I sighed and followed her in the direction of the classroom.

Chloe POV

Of course, the meeting at Lassiter’s would run over time like usual. Paul was had been on my back all week about everything and today felt like he turned up his hatred an extra notch. Everything I did was wrong supposedly and not up to his standard.
Running late for the meeting I quickly parked my car in the school parking lot. I sent Hendrix a text telling him I had just parked and would only be a few minutes.
I looked down at my screen to see his reply. He was just waiting in Susan’s office.
Walking in the direction of her office I quickly checked my reflection to see if I looked okay and quickly straightened my hair.
I arrived at her office door quickly knocking then opening the door.
Sitting behind the desk was Susan, Hendrix was sitting in a chair in front of the desk but hadn’t looked up when I opened the door, and then standing slightly towards the corner and behind Susan’s desk was Elly.
I quickly did a double take.
Elly!! What was she doing here!!!
‘Elly!!??’ I said at the same time she said, ‘Chloe!!??’ While also looking at me in confusion.
‘What are you doing here!?‘ We both asked at the same time.
Susan just sat looking between us in confusion.
‘Um I teach here.’ Elly said looking at me.
‘Oh right. I never really did ask what you job was. I’m here for Hendrix. I’m his Mum.’ I said to her.
I looked as her eyes widened in shock.
‘What! Your Hendrix’s mother!’ She said sounding so shocked.
I nodded my head looking over towards Hendrix who hadn’t turned around to face me really.
Something was wrong.
‘Is everything okay?’ I asked looking at Hendrix confused. I know I was here to meet Hendrix’s tutor which was apparently Elly, but I felt like I was missing something here. The mood in the room was tense.
‘Yes, there was a little incident this morning. I was going to call you in earlier but because you were already coming in this afternoon for a meeting, I told Hendrix I would wait until you came in.’ Susan said looking at us both.
‘Hendrix, look at me.’ I said to him going over to sit in the chair next to him. His right side was closer to me so I couldn’t see his face as he was staring at the ground.
‘Hendrix what has happened.’ I asked him trying to get him to face me.
I could see out of the corner of my Elly standing silently observing us.
Slowly Hendrix turned his head to face me.
I let out a gasp. He had a black eye around his left eye and his lip was split.
‘What the hell happened!?’ I yelled out.
‘Oh my god Hendrix are you okay?’ I said reaching out to him.
‘I’m fine Mum.’ He said to me.
‘You don’t look fine. Who hit you. You should have called me straight away.’ I said turning towards Susan with anger.
‘I’m sorry Chloe, but Hendrix insisted we wait until this afternoon, and I also had to deal with the other student involved, and his parents.’ Susan said looking at me.
‘Hendrix, why don’t you tell your Mum what happened this morning.’ Susan said looking over to him.
Hendrix continued to stare at the ground.
‘Hendrix what happened? I told you to not get into trouble with everything happening with the family court case.’ I said to him.
I could see Elly looked confused at my words.
Hendrix looked up at me.
‘I know you said that, Mum. And I know it was wrong and stupid of me. But he called Mackenzie a ‘tranny’ and was horrible to her. I couldn’t let him get away with that.’ He said angrily.
God poor Mackenzie, I thought.
‘Hendrix, I know that was a horrible thing of him to say and I know you were trying to only stick up for her, but to use your fists.’ I said exasperated.
‘That wasn’t all that was said though. Hendrix do you want to tell your Mum.’ Elly said.
I looked between them in confusion.
Hendrix refused to look at anyone in the eye, going back to staring at the ground.
‘From what Adam the other boy involved told us, Hendrix didn’t punch him until he mentioned something about you Chloe.’ Elly said looking between Hendrix and I.
‘Hendrix is that true.’ I said turning towards him.
He just shrugged his shoulders. I was getting a bit frustrated at his lack of response.
‘From what Adam told us, he called you a dyke and that’s when Hendrix punched him to the ground and Adam responded in kind.’
I closed my eyes. I never thought my bisexuality would be an issue or cause any issues, but now it was affecting Hendrix.
Hendrix looked at me with anger in his eyes.
‘He had no right to call you that. Not after everything you’ve done for me. He doesn’t know you! What you’re like! I don’t care who you like. And he shouldn’t be saying anything either. I just wanted to defend you after everything you’ve done to defend me.’ He yelled out in frustration. I could see the hurt and pain in his eyes.
‘Look Hendrix sweetie, I know your intentions were noble and your heart is in the right place in wanting to stand up for me, but I told you not to get into a fight with anyone, even if you were defending my honour. You don’t need to do that. Do you think I’ve never had other people call me horrible names because of my sexual orientation. We have a meeting with Toadie and the social worker on Thursday, which is tomorrow. What are they going to think about my parenting skills when they see you with a black eye and a split lip.’ I said beginning to raise my voice towards the end there.
After a frustrating board meeting back at Lassiter’s, I knew it wasn’t fair to take out my anger and annoyance on Hendrix, but I specifically told him not to do anything stupid that could jeopardise me adopting him.
‘I will explain it wasn’t your fault! It wasn’t my fault either! I wasn’t going to let him get away with what he said.’ Hendrix yelled back.
‘Guys I think you both need to calm down and take a breath.’ Elly said looking at both of us.
I had forgotten she and Susan were in the room and we were still in Susan’s office.
‘Look, I think we will have to leave the discussion about tutoring another time, but we do need to discuss punishment for fighting, Hendrix.’ Susan said looking at me.
I sighed, this was just too stressful for me.
‘As horrible and unacceptable Adams words and behaviour was, Hendrix did throw the first punch, when he knew he had the opportunity to walk away and let a teacher deal with Adam. Therefore, I will be suspending Hendrix for 4 days. He will be able to come back next Wednesday. Adam will be suspended for the full school week, due to his bigger role in this.’ Susan said.
‘Will this go on Hendrix’s record. The social worker will probably find out about this.’ I said, thinking out loud with the last sentence.
‘Look I normally would have put the suspension in Hendrix’s record, but I know you Chloe, and I know how important this meeting with the social worker is. I will keep the suspension out of his official school record, but with Hendrix’s black eye and split lip, there will be some explaining to do anyway. I’m sorry I can’t do anymore.’ Susan said looking regretfully at me.
‘No it’s okay. You’re already helping us enough by keeping the suspension out of Hendrix’s record.’ I said gratefully to her.
‘If that’s all, I think I’ll take Hendrix home now. Is there any extra work he needs to do during his suspension.’ I asked Susan and Elly.
Elly, I would need to explain everything to her. She must be so confused at the moment. I know we aren’t dating, but we were flirting with one another a bit and I feel she deserves a full explanation.
Not right now though. My focus was on getting home and going to my room away from Hendrix to calm down before I completely lose my cool and say something I would regret.
I know Hendrix was defending my honour, but this is exactly what I warned him about the other week. Not fighting or doing a thing that could jeopardise anything with the family court. Now I could lose Hendrix forever if they saw I couldn’t even be a good parent to him.
Maybe I couldn’t. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. Mark and Aaron did warn me it was going to be hard.
And with Paul being horrible at the moment to work with, it was all getting too much to deal with at the moment.
‘Yes, I have already given Hendrix the extra work he needs to complete for me and the other teachers when he returns to school on Wednesday.’ Elly said speaking up from her spot.
I nodded my head at her.
‘Okay you can both go now. Hendrix, I’ll see you Wednesday. Thank you Chloe, and I’m sorry for all this.’ Susan said.
I got up from my chair.
‘No need to apologise. I’m the one that should be apologising, wasting your time for all this and we didn’t even get to discuss the actual reason I was to come here in the first place.’ I told her.
‘Yes, we will have to discuss the tutoring next week. How about Tuesday?‘ She asked looking at Elly and I.
‘Yes, Tuesday is fine.’ Elly replied back.
‘Yes, also good with me.’ I said.
Turning towards Hendrix, ‘Come on let’s go.’ I said.
I nodded at Susan and Elly. Looking at Elly I tried to convey to her that I would explain things to her when I got the time.
She nodded her head in understanding.
Hendrix and I left the office and silently walked to the car.
The ride home was also silent. This was not how I was expecting the meeting to go, or how the day would end.
Walking inside the house Hendrix turned to look at me.
‘Mum I really am sorry again.’ He said looking remorseful.
‘I know you are sorry. I just need you to think before you do something okay. Actions like this have consequences, I could lose custody of you because of all this.’ I said to him with a little frustration in my voice.
I didn’t want to lose him. But there was a real chance I could after this, and it was making me anxious and stressed thinking about it.
And unfortunately, when I get anxious and stressed, I direct all my frustrations to the closest target, and today it was Hendrix as he was the one in closest proximity to me.
‘Yeah, I know, I screwed up.’ He said looking at me.
Before I could stop myself, I replied back, ‘Yeah you did screw up.’
Hendrix looked at me with so much hurt in his eyes before turning and heading straight to his room slamming the door shut.
Fuck!!
I really messed up. God, I didn’t even mean any of that. I let my insecurities get the better of me and unleashed onto Hendrix.
I know I needed to go apologise but I needed to calm down first.
This whole day had turned from horrible to actual hell.

Chapter Text

Hendrix POV

I slammed the door to my room and fell onto my bed in frustration and anger. How could this week start from being okay, to today with everything going all wrong.
Mum hated me. I don’t blame her though.
My dad was right, all I did was mess up anything good in my life and other people’s lives too. I sighed as I lay down on my bed.
A knock on my door jolted me awake. I must have fallen asleep because it was now 8.30pm. Hoping it was mum so I could apologise and talk, I quickly opened the door.
David, Aaron’s fiancé stood on the other side.
He must have sensed my disappointment as he quickly said, ’Sorry, your mum has gone out for a walk. Do you mind if I come in?’ He asked me. I nodded my head and sat on the end of the bed. He grabbed my desk chair and sat down on it.
‘How are you feeling? Have you put anything cold on your eye yet?’ He asked me.
I shook my head no.
‘You know, Chloe didn’t mean what she said to you before. She’s just scared and afraid of losing you. Unfortunately when Chloe does get scared and stressed, she takes it out on people closest to her, and this time it was you.’ David said looking at me in the eye.
I really liked David. Out of Aaron, David and Mark who all lived here as well, David was the one I felt most comfortable with so far, besides Mum of course.
I found it hard to believe what he was saying. He didn’t see the look of frustration and anger on Mum’s face.
‘She hates me.’ I whispered out looking down at the ground.
‘No! Quite the opposite. She loves you so much.’ David said.
‘David’s right. I do love you so much Hendrix.’ I quickly looked up to see Mum standing in the doorway.
I didn’t know whether to trust her words or not.

Chloe POV

After going for a walk to calm myself down I headed back to the house. Checking my watch when I walked in, 8.30, I must have been out for way longer than I thought.
Walking to Hendrix’s room I heard him talking to David. Slowing my steps I waited near his bedroom door.
‘She hates me.’ I heard Hendrix say.
I closed my eyes. For someone that promised I would love and protect him and not cause him any pain, I completely hurt him in the worst way possible.
‘No! Quite the opposite. She loves you so much.’ I heard David say. I decided now will be a good time to make my appearance known.
‘David’s right. I do love you so much Hendrix. I love you so much it physically hurts my heart.’ I said walking into the room.
Hendrix looked up at me with distrust and uncertainty in his eyes.
David got up from his chair to leave. I nodded at him in appreciation before I closed the door and went to sit next to Hendrix on his bed.
I felt him tense up next to me and I hated that I was the reason for it.
‘Hendrix I want to apologise for lashing out at you before and during the meeting.’ I said trying to get him to look at me.
‘It’s okay. You’re right. I do screw things up for everyone. You may as well send me off to another family to wreck their lives too.’ I heard him say to me.
‘Hendrix no! I was completely out of line and wrong to say that. You are not a screw up. If anyone screwed up tonight it was me. I wasn’t acting like a parent should. When I saw your face and your black eye again, I instantly flashed back to when I found you in your wardrobe a month ago. Fear that I would lose you again took over me. And I took that fear and stress out on you. I am so sorry baby.’ I whispered a few tears escaping my eyes.
He finally turned to look at me.
‘It is my fault the fight. I just couldn’t stand what he was saying about you. I know you warned me about not getting into trouble. I don’t know how we’re going to explain it to Toadie and the social worker tomorrow.’ He said looking frightened and remorseful all at once.
‘I know I told you that, but I should not have reacted the way I did when, all you were doing was defending me. I want to thank you so much for accepting me and who I am.’ I said to him.
‘Of course I accept you. I don’t care who you like, you could fall in love with a frog, maybe I’d think you were a bit weird, but I would still love you.’ He said so sincerely.
God I didn’t deserve him as a son.
‘You are amazing and I don’t deserve you as my son. You make me so proud sweetie. I want to earn back your trust after breaking it tonight. When I tend to get stressed and anxious over something I tend to lash out at the people closest to me. Tonight that was you, and there was no excuse for me to do that. I need to work on that, for you and everyone else around me. I promised you I would never hurt you, and tonight I did, maybe not physically but I did hurt you emotionally and I am so so sorry for that.’ I said pulling him close to me. He returned my hug and we just sat there holding each other for awhile.
Pulling away Hendrix reassured me it was all okay.
‘It’s not okay. And I don’t know if I will lash out at you again, but I promise you if I do, I do not mean it. I’m a work in progress and this whole parenting thing is new. Not that, that is an excuse for my behaviour.’ I said gently stroking his cheek.
‘Hey you’re still the best mum in the world to me.’ He said genuinely.
‘I don’t want to lose you Hendrix. You are my whole world, and I hope once I finally get to adopt you, no one will be able to take you away.’ I said.
‘I don’t want to be taken away from here. You’re my mum, the best parent I’ve ever had. Pierce will never measure up to what you’ve done for me already in the short amount of time I’ve been living here. And David, Aaron and Mark are like uncles to me already. I don’t want to go to another family.’ He said looking distressed.
‘We’ll have the meeting tomorrow with Toadie and the social worker. They will want us to explain what happened to your face. We will have to be honest about it though. We can’t afford to lie to them about anything.’ I said to him, already dreading tomorrows meeting.
‘What am I going to do tomorrow now that I don’t have school for 4 days?’ He asked me.
‘Well I have work still. I think Aaron has the day off, so you can either stay home here with him or come in to work with me. I expect you either way to work on one of the assignments assigned to you though.’ I said to him.
‘Can I come in with you?’ He asked me sounding unsure.
‘Of course, and then straight after we can head to Toadies for the meeting. Now it’s been a very long and emotionally draining day for the both of us. Is there anything you need before I head to bed?’ I asked him softly.
‘No, just thank you for still caring about me and I’m sorry again for everything.’ Hendrix said.
‘Hey, I will always care for you and I will always, always love you no matter what. And I am sorry for what happened as well today. It looks like we both have areas we can work on together. We’re both finding our way in this mother-son relationship, but I promise I will never give up on you, no matter if you drive me crazy, I will love you and always fight for you.’ I said giving him a quick hug.
‘Get some sleep. I have an early start tomorrow morning so we have to leave here at 7.30’ I said to him. He groaned at that.
‘Sorry sweetie, unless you want to stay here we have to start early. I’m so busy with the fashion show event coming up, but I am going to talk to Terese and tell her I need to cut back on my hours. You are my number one priority always and I need to be here more.’ I said to him.
‘No I don’t want you to feel you need to do that.’ Hendrix protested.
‘No I want to. I’m also so exhausted and overworked so it’s for me as well. For my own sanity.’ I said smiling at him.
‘Okay if you’re sure. Goodnight Mum. I love you.’ He said to me getting into his bed.
I went over and tucked the covers over him before bending down and giving his forehead a kiss.
‘I love you too. See you tomorrow kid.’ I said smiling then heading towards the door. I opened the door and left his room before leaving his door just ajar.
He still didn’t like having his door fully closed at night, and wanted to have some light from the hallway coming through to his room.

I sighed and headed towards my room. I glanced at my phone to see a message from Elly.

Hey Chloe,

Just checking in to see how you are, and also Hendrix.

Elly

I looked at the time to see she had sent it half an hour ago.

Hey Elly,

Thanks for checking in. Hendrix and I have had a good talk and have sorted things out. I know you must be so confused about everything. I really want to organise a time when I can explain everything to you.

I sent the message and got myself changed into my pjs. As I was getting into bed my phone pinged with a message.

I would love to catch up for a chat. Admittedly, I am confused but it’s not like we’ve really had a proper chance to talk, where you could have told me about Hendrix anyway. I’m free this weekend if it’s not too soon.

I typed out a quick reply.

How does Saturday lunch sound, meet at the Waterhole at 1pm?

Sounds great, see you then. Goodnight Chloe, she replied back to me.

Night Elly, I quickly replied back.

——————

Hendrix POV

Rolling over in my bed to turn my alarm clock off, I groaned as I looked at the time, 6.30am. I know I needed to get up and get ready to leave by 7.30, and I didn’t want to keep mum waiting.
After having a quick shower, I got changed and shoved all my books and laptop in my bag to work on my assignment in mum’s office at Lassiter’s.
Walking into the kitchen, Mum was already in the kitchen eating some cereal.
‘Morning Hendrix, thank you so much for getting up early. I know you would still be pretty tired. I promise when we get to Lassiter's you can sleep on the couch in my office before you start on your assignments.’ She said handing me some milk to pour into my cereal. I took the cereal and went to sit down at the kitchen table. Just then Aaron and David walked in.
‘You guys are up early.’ Mum said looking at them as they both headed towards the coffee machine.
‘Yeah we figured it was going to be a nice sunny day today so we didn’t want to waste it.’ David explained to Mum.
‘Hey Hendrix, you sure you don’t want to hang out with us today. Sitting in an office all day doesn’t sound really appealing to me.’ Aaron said looking over at me.
‘No thanks. It’s fine. I need to get my assignments done anyway and I don’t want to get distracted.’ I quickly replied back, looking down at my cereal.
‘Yes and we’re going to head to Toadies straight after that for our meeting with the social worker.’ Mum told them.
‘I’m sure everything will be okay. Just explain what happened yesterday and go from there.’ David said looking at both of us.
I nodded my head.
‘Okay time to go.’ Mum said looking at her watch. She grabbed her handbag as I grabbed my bag and followed her out towards the car.
'See you two tonight.’ I said to Aaron and David as I walked out the door. They both waved back.
I yawned as I got in the car, it was too early.
‘Thanks again Hendrix for getting up on time. I can’t afford to be late with Paul breathing down my neck at the moment.’ Mum said looking a bit stressed already.
‘Paul’s not being a dick to you, is he?’ I asked her.
‘Language! And his been in a bit of a mood but I’m hoping he will get over it soon. Thank goodness for Terese honestly. Anyway, you don’t need to hear about my issues at work.’ She said to me as we pulled into the car park at Lassiter’s.

Walking into Lassiter’s I immediately noticed Ms. Conway coming out of the elevator. What was she doing here? She spotted us and started to head over to Mum and I.
‘Good morning, Chloe, Hendrix.’ She said looking at both of us.
‘Morning Ms. Conway.’ I said to her.
‘Hey, good morning. You heading to school.’ Mum asked her.
‘Yeah, I have first period off, but I need to get some things organised.’
‘How’s your eye Hendrix?’ She asked looking over at me concerned.
‘Oh um, yeah, it’s fine. I also want to apologise for being rude to you before English class yesterday. I took out my anger on you, and yeah, I’m sorry.’ I said feeling terrible at biting her head off yesterday when she asked me how I was.
At my words, I could see Mum out of the corner of my eye raising her eyebrow slightly in question at me. I knew I would have to explain to her what happened.
‘Hey no worries. Apology accepted. I better head off.’ Ms. Conway said smiling at us.
‘Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow Elly.’ Mum said to her.
She nodded her head in reply, and I watched Mum as she watched Ms. Conway leave.
Suddenly it all clicked in my head. Mum had a crush on Ms. Conway! Well, this was going to be interesting, I thought grinning to myself.
‘What are you grinning at.’ Mum asked turning back to face me.
‘Oh, just you having a giant crush on Ms. Conway.’ I said teasingly. Her face went bright red. Ha, I knew it.
’No, I don’t.’ She replied back quickly. I raised my eyebrow at her.
‘Okay it’s complicated. And she is your tutor now as well. I will not jeopardise your education for my own relationships. Now come on, I need to get to work.’ I followed her to her office.
‘You’re going on a date with her tomorrow.’ I said to her as I dumped my bag on a chair in her office.
‘No, it’s not a date. I am meeting up with her to explain the whole situation with you. As she is going to be your tutor, I want her to have a brief overview of our custody situation with the social worker and court.’ She said as she gathered some paperwork from her desk.
‘Okay if that’s what you say. I like Ms. Conway, so if you wanted to date her, I wouldn’t mind.’ I said as I laid down on the couch.
She looked up from her work smiling gently at me. ‘Thanks Hendrix. That means a lot. But like I said, Elly and I are not going to be dating. That reminds me, why were you apologising to her.’ She said raising her eyebrow at me in question.
I sighed, hoping she would have forgotten about that. ‘I may have snapped at her when she came to find me after the meeting.’ I said not looking her in the eye.
‘Hendrix... you know what I’m going to say already. Please don’t do that again. She was only trying to be nice.’
‘Yeah, I know. It won’t happen again.’ I said to her. Besides, if I wanted Mum to go out with Ms. Conway I would have to be nice. Suddenly these extra tutoring sessions didn’t seem too bad, it would give a chance to suss out Ms. Conway.
‘Alright, I have a meeting now. Have a sleep. When I come back from my meeting, I expect you to then start one of your assignments.’ Mum said as she got up with her paperwork heading towards the door.
I nodded my head in understanding.

I quickly woke up when I heard a bang. I looked up in a daze to see Paul had slammed the door open. Mum and Terese rushed in after him.
Paul looked over at me on the couch. I felt slightly intimidated as he came to stand over me.
‘What are you doing here.’ He roared out at me. I shrunk back immediately into the couch.
‘Hey, leave Hendrix out of this. I know the meeting didn’t go as well as we would have liked, but Hendrix has nothing to do with it.’ Mum said standing near me.
‘What happened to your eye. I warned Harlow to stay away from a delinquent like you.’ He said to me completely ignoring Mum.
‘Hey that’s enough Paul.’ Terese snapped at him. ‘Let’s just focus on what just happened at the meeting.’
‘This was your fault, Chloe. You are in charge of Sammy, and she had printed off the wrong documents. I looked like an idiot when I showed the documents to our client, and they were for a different company.’ Paul yelled out.  I quickly got up from the couch to stand near Mum.
‘Hey, stop yelling at her.’ I snapped at him. I couldn’t stand him practically bullying Mum.
‘Once again what the hell are you doing here. Get out now.’ Paul said looking at me in pure fury.
‘Hey, don’t you dare speak to him like that. Hendrix is having some time off school, so I bought him in to work with me so I could keep an eye on him while he works on his assignments.’ Mum bit back at Paul.
‘Hey, let’s all just calm down here. Paul you are out of line going off at Hendrix like that. Hendrix if you wouldn’t mind going for a walk around the hotel while we sort out what to do, that would be really helpful.’ Terese said looking over at me. I glanced at Mum, and she quickly nodded her head at me.
‘Yeah, okay. Let me know when it’s safe to come back.’ I said looking over at Mum, before heading out of the door.

Walking around the front of Lassiter’s I spotted Ms. Conway heading back inside.
Now was a good chance to ask her some questions.
‘Hey, Ms. Conway.’ I yelled out as I headed over to her. She stopped to look around to see where the voice had come from. After spotting me she started to walk over to me.
‘Hello again Hendrix. Is everything okay?’ She asked as we stood out the front of Lassiter’s.
‘Everything is all good. How come you’re staying here?’ I asked her.
‘Oh um, I’ll be here for one more week, then I’ll be moving into my Aunts place.’ She explained to me. I nodded my head at her. Not wanting to beat around the bush I asked her straight away, ‘So do you like my Mum?’ She looked taken aback at the question and definitely not expecting me to ask it.
‘Hendrix, that’s a bit complicated. You’re my student, and to date a students parent can become very hard especially if things go wrong. Your mother and I are just friends.’ She said to me.
‘Yeah but that didn’t answer my question to if you like her.’ I probed back, wanting a straight answer from her.
‘I don’t think that’s really appropriate for me to answer. What are you doing out here anyway?’ She asked me, quickly changing the subject. I knew what she was doing, I’d let it slide this time, but I will ask her again at one of our tutoring sessions.
‘Mum’s having a meeting with Paul and Terese in her office. Paul was angry at her when I left.’ I said. She must have noticed the sour look on my face.
‘Don’t worry. I’m sure your mother can handle Paul.’ She said trying to sound reassuring.
‘Yeah well, I don’t know how long they’ll be and I left my school bag in her office so I can’t even start my assignments yet.’
She went to say something when my phone buzzed with a message.
Quickly looking at it, it was from Mum to let me know the meeting had finished and I could come back.
‘Good timing, just Mum letting me know I could come back.’ I said looking back up at Ms. Conway.
‘Alright, well it was nice chatting with you Hendrix. I might see you around before you’re back at school. If not I’ll see you Wednesday.’ She said as we both headed back inside.
‘See you later Ms. Conway.’ I said waving to her before heading back to Mum’s office.

I knocked on the office door, just to make sure Paul and Terese weren’t still around.
‘Come in.’ I heard Mum say. I opened the door to see her look up from her desk.
‘Is it all clear.’ I asked her, looking around her office quickly. She got up from her chair.
‘Yeah all clear. I’m sorry about before. You can start on one of your assignments now.’ She said handing me my bag.
‘Is everything okay with you, Paul and Terese. It sounded pretty intense while I was still here.’ I asked her worriedly. I didn’t like how stressed out she looked.
‘It’s all good Hendrix. Nothing you need to worry about. I’ve told Terese I need to cut back on my hours to focus on you. She understood, and starting next week Monday I’ll be finishing at 3.30 everyday.’ She said as she headed back behind her desk to work on something on her laptop.
I got my laptop and books out and started on one of my assignments.
We worked in comfortable silence, only stopping to have some lunch before going back to what we both were working on.

Before I knew it was 3pm and time to head off to meet Toadie and the social worker. Packing up my stuff to put in my bag I tried to calm my nerves. My black eye was very prominent on my face and would take a couple of weeks to go.
‘Ready to go? I called Toadie before to let him know we’re going to swing around to his place earlier to explain to him alone without the social worker what happened yesterday at school. That way Toadie won’t be surprised and can plan around that.’ She told me as we headed to her car.
I turned the radio on as I couldn’t stand the silence and needed something to distract me. Sensing my nerves, Mum reached over to take my hands in hers and rub soothing circles on top of my hands to try and calm me.
I smiled over at her gratefully. We pulled up in our drive way and got out of the car. Mum looped her arm in mine as we walked over to Toadies house.
‘We’re in this together yeah. I will fight for you every step of the way. We just need to be open and honest.’ She said as we stood outside his door. Knocking on the door we heard Toadie shuffling around. Finally he opened the door and his eyes quickly landed on me and my black eye.
‘What the hell happened!?’ He asked in shock, stepping aside to let us in. He led us to the kitchen table sitting across from the both of us.
‘There was an incident at school yesterday.’ Mum started off.
‘Yes I can see. Clearly a big incident as you now have another black eye. What happened?’ Toadie asked looking at me.
‘This guy Adam was saying horrible things about Mackenzie and Mum and I couldn’t let him get away with it. I lashed out and punched him, and he punched me back.’ I quickly blurted out to him, looking down at the table. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him in the eyes, knowing I would see disappointment in them. Mum gently reached over and took a hold of my hand again. I nodded my head at her in thanks.
Toadie sighed in frustration. ‘Hendrix what did I say about getting into fights. I get that you were standing up for your friend and Chloe. This is just going to complicate things.’
I quickly looked up at him. ‘Complicate things how. I know it doesn’t look good that I have a black eye. But what’s the social worker going to do?’ I asked beginning to panic.
‘The social worker Amanda is a bit strict. She likes to place kids with families that have two parents. Now with your black eye, she will have even more reason to have another family look after you until you’re 18, which is another 3 1/2 years, which is a while.’ Toadie explained to us.
Mum looked increasingly upset at his words. Before she could speak the doorbell rang.
‘That must be Amanda. Just both of you stay calm okay.’ Toadie spoke as he got up to get the door. I glanced over at me to try and see what she was thinking.
‘Hello Ms. Brennan, Mr. Greyson. My name is Amanda and I will be your new social worker taking over from Lee who has gone on holiday for a few months.’ She said shaking mum’s hand and mine. She looked at my face.
‘What happened to your eye? Is everything okay at home?’ She quickly asked me glancing over at Mum quickly.
‘Mum didn’t do this to me. She would never lay a hand on me. It happened at school yesterday. I got punched in the face after I started a fight. I know I did the wrong thing, and it looks bad, but it was my fault not hers.’ I quickly said wanting to defend Mum as much as I could. This Amanda lady, I didn’t get a good reading off her.
‘Right, well you’re right it does look bad. Before I came here today, I had found a family for Hendrix to stay with temporarily for a month to see how he went with them. I was going to hold off for a bit, but seeing the state he is in, and you Ms. Brennan not being able to teach him that fighting is not the answer, I feel a lot better about my decision.’ She snarled out.
‘What! You can’t do that.’ Mum exclaimed getting up from her chair.
‘It’s not her fault I got into a fight. She did warn me and I didn’t listen. Please I don’t want to go to another family.’ I pleaded.
‘Exactly! Ms. Brennan clearly doesn’t have much authority over you if you ignore what she says. This family is a very nice couple who have been married for 17 years. They have a son that is a year older than you, so you will be able to have an older brother for guidance.’ Amanda said.
‘Amanda I don’t think that is necessary. Chloe is more than capable of looking after Hendrix. I know that the black eye looks bad, but I think once you have gotten to know Chloe and Hendrix better, you will see how much Chloe loves Hendrix and is the best mother for him. I think it will hurt Hendrix more if you take him away from Chloe.’ Toadie implored to Amanda.
‘Please don’t do this. Please give me a chance to prove I’m a good mother to Hendrix. I love him so much, and I don’t know what I’d do if you took him away. He belongs at home with me and my brothers, his uncles.’ Mum said looking close to tears.
‘I’m sorry Ms. Brennan, this is only a temporary thing. We will see how Mr. Greyson goes staying with the Brooks family, and after a month we will reassess. You have until Friday next week to get things organised before you have to leave Mr. Greyson. I will be picking you up Friday afternoon to take you to your new home. Now I have to leave as I have another meeting. See you next Friday.’ She said standing up and leaving.

We all sat in stunned silence.
‘I am so sorry Chloe, Hendrix. I did not know she was going to do this. I know she is strict but this is the worst she has been.’ Toadie said looking shocked at what just went down.
‘Isn’t there something you can do, Toadie please.’ Mum asked him.
‘I’m sorry but it’s out of my hands. Hendrix you’re just going to have to go live with them for a month. Once that month is over we will go to family court and a decision on your final custody will be then.’ Toadie explained to us.
‘No I want to stay with Mum. They’re just wasting their time.’ I cried out trying to remain calm but failing.
‘Mum please.’ I said looking over at her. She quickly pulled me into a hug.
‘It’s going to be all okay baby. I’m not giving you up without a fight.’ She said trying to reassure me and herself as well.
‘Let’s go home okay. I need to digest what just happened.’ She said to me. I nodded my head in agreement.
We both got up and turned to Toadie.
‘Guys, I’m so sorry. Hendrix because you are 14, when the time comes to say who you want to live with, they will take your decision into account. So if you still want to be with Chloe once the month has ended with the Brooks, the judge will listen okay.’ He said to both of us.
‘Of course I’m going to say I want to go back and live with Mum. I don’t want to be anywhere else.’ I yelled out in frustration.
‘Hendrix!’ Mum warned.
‘I’m sorry Toadie. I just can’t wrap my head around what just happened. It all happened so quickly.’ I said apologetically.
‘It’s okay. I don’t blame you both. Go home, get some rest okay.’
‘Okay, thanks Toadie for everything so far. I know it’s not your fault what happened.’ Mum said to him. I nodded my head in agreement. After saying goodbye we headed back across the road towards the house.

We got in to see Aaron, Mark and David sitting around the table.
‘Hey, how’d it all go.’ Mark said smiling at the both of us. His smile quickly dropped when he saw the looks on both our faces.
‘What happened?’ He asked us both.
‘I need to go lie down. I can’t deal with this at the moment.’ I said looking over at Mum.
‘That’s okay. Go lie down and I’ll be there in a bit to check on you okay.’ She said rubbing my back. I nodded my head at her, before heading towards my room.

Chapter Text

Chloe POV

I watched as Hendrix headed toward his bedroom before turning to face the others. Mark, Aaron, and David all had concerned looks on their faces.
‘Chloe what’s going on. What did the social worker say.’ Aaron asked me. I tried to keep my tears at bay, but a few slipped down my face. I went so sit down next to Mark at the table.
‘The social worker, she’s horrible. She’s going to take Hendrix away and place him with another family for a one-month trial period.’ I managed to get out. I was still a bit dazed at that speed it all happened in.
‘What!!??? She can’t do that! ‘Aaron yelled out.
‘Hendrix belongs here with you and us.’ David added in.
‘How long do you have until he has to go?’ Mark asked me.
‘She’s coming next Friday to take Hendrix.’ I whispered out, still in shock.
‘No way am I letting that happen. Surely, we can do something by Friday to keep him here. What’s her name? Maybe I can do some digging for information about her and see if I can get her taken off the case.’ Said Mark.
‘Can you really?’ I asked him, desperate for all the help I could get to keep Hendrix here.
‘Yes of course. I’m not letting someone take my nephew away.’ Mark said emphatically.
‘Thank you so much Mark.’ I said throwing my arms around him in a hug.
‘I need to go to bed. It’s been a long and insane day. I want to spend as much time as possible with Hendrix. I also need to call Terese tomorrow to tell her I won’t be in for the rest of the week and next week. I’m also meeting up with Hendrix’s new teacher Elly for lunch Saturday, and I guess I’ll need to fill her in on the latest that happened today.’ I said getting up from the table.
‘Wait, did you say Elly?’ Mark asked me.
‘Yes.’ I said looking at him confused.
‘Just started at Erinsborough High and has brunette hair?’ He questioned me.
‘Yeah, that’s her. How do you know her?’ I asked him.
‘I met her a couple of weeks ago at the Waterhole, and I’ve had a drink with her since then. She’s great.’ He said smiling as he spoke about her. Great! My big brother had a crush on her.
‘You’re blushing.’ I teased him, trying to quash down my disappointment. I couldn’t go behind Marks back, now that I knew he liked her.
‘No, okay maybe. I’m going to ask her out next week when we meet up again.’ He told us.
’So that’s the reason why you’ve been in an extra chipper mood lately.’ Aaron said grinning over at Mark.
‘But don’t worry, I am still fully focused on looking for information on the social worker.’ Mark said looking towards me.
‘Thanks again Mark. I’ll see you guys in the morning.’ I said before I headed to Hendrix’s room.

I peeked my head into his room to see if he was still awake. He was lying down on his bed just looking at the ceiling.
‘What’s so interesting up there.’ I teased as I walked into his room and sat on the edge of his bed.
He quickly looked at me. ‘I can’t sleep. I have too many thoughts in my head.’ He said sitting up on his bed. I nodded my head.
‘I am so sorry I couldn’t do anything to stop her. I am going to try everything I can to try and prevent her from taking you away.’ I said trying to sound reassuring.
‘It’s not your fault she is a bitch. I hate her. Why can’t she see I don’t want to go to a new family. She didn’t even interview us or try and get to know us.’
I didn’t bother scolding him for his language as I completely agreed with everything he was saying.
‘No, she didn’t. Hendrix if we can’t do anything to prevent this from happening, you may just have to stay with the Brooks for the month. Maybe you will enjoy being with them. All I want is what’s best for you and for you to be happy. If that’s not with me in the end, you shouldn’t have to worry. The main thing is that you’re happy and well cared for.’ I said honestly. I didn’t want to hold him back from being happy and safe at my expense.
‘You don’t mean that do you. How can you think I would be happier with them. I’m happy and safe with you.’ He cried out.
‘I know you are. But you haven’t experienced living with these other people either. I just want you to go into this with an open mind. Do not think for one second, I am giving up on you Hendrix. Because I am not.’ I emphatically said. ‘I love you and I always will. No matter what happens.’
‘See, you really are the best Mum though. You are willing to put your own happiness aside, just to make sure I am happy. I bet other parents who may be going through this will tell their kids not to get too close to the other family. This just proves how selfless you are.’ He said giving me a hug.
‘You don’t have to worry though. If I have to stay with the other family, I will always ask to come back to you.’ I held him tighter as he said those words.
I longed for the day when we didn’t have to worry about all this, hoping it would come sooner than later.
‘Go to sleep now and try not to think about all this.’ I said releasing him from the hug.
He nodded his head. ‘You should also try and take your own advice.’ He added.

——————-

Elly POV

I looked down at my phone to see a message from Chloe telling me she was 10 minutes away. I went and sat at a table in the corner to give us some privacy. Ever since Wednesday at the meeting at school I have been confused about how Chloe was Hendrix’s mother. Did that mean she was already married and taken. I didn’t think so, because I do remember Aunt Susan telling me that something happened with Hendrix’s father, and that’s why he was living with his mother now. I did try to get some information out of Aunt Susan, but she just brushed my off and told me it wasn’t her place to say anything. Lost in my thoughts I didn’t notice Chloe had sat down until I heard her say, ‘Hey, earth to Elly.’ I quickly looked at her and blushed.
‘Sorry I was lost in thought.’ I said, as I looked over at her. She looked amazing and beautiful like always but today she also looked tired and like she had a lot on her mind.
‘Is everything okay?’ I blurted out. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. You just seem tired.’ I said looking at her worried. She let out a small sigh and looked down at her hands fiddling a little bit with them.
‘Sorry, I am a bit tired. I guess my makeup couldn’t really hide it. A lot has happened since you saw me Thursday morning.’ She spoke.
‘Its okay, you really don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.’ I said trying to reassure her.
‘No, you need to know. If you’re going to be Hendrix’s tutor, I want someone besides me on his side. This explanation might be a bit long so just bear with me.’ She said before taking a breath. I nodded my head at her. ‘It’s okay, just take your time.’ I told her.

‘I was married to Hendrix’s father Pierce for 2 years. When we first got together, I didn’t even know he had a son until a month after we had married. To say I was shocked was an understatement. Hendrix was only 12 at the time and turned up on our doorstep after getting kicked out of boarding school. I could tell from the beginning that he was a sweet boy, that just needed some love and attention from his father. I tried to get Pierce and Hendrix to connect, but Pierce never seemed interested, and I could see that this was hurting Hendrix a lot. My marriage started well but after a few months and especially once Hendrix joined us, Pierce was more interested in his business and organising to go away. He wanted to send Hendrix away to another boarding school, but I put my foot down. I think the main reason why I stayed in the marriage for 2 years was because I didn’t want to leave Hendrix by himself. I had a plan to divorce Pierce and take Hendrix with me, and I could apply to adopt him. My plan was working, and I applied for the divorce papers. However, nearly 2 months ago Pierce found the divorce papers, before I showed them to him, and Hendrix was badly hurt because of me.’ She said looking down when she said the last part.
I sat there digesting all the information she was telling me. I could not help but admire this woman for wanting to take on a child that wasn’t biologically hers. I wasn’t surprised though, judging from the interactions I had witnessed of them together. I could see how much she loved him.
‘Um, probably 7 weeks ago, I came home one day, and Hendrix was nowhere to be seen. Instantly I knew something was wrong.’ She said continuing with her story, struggling to get her words out.
‘Hey, it’s okay.’ I gently said, as I took her hand in mine. She looked at me and our connected hands. I panicked and tried to release my hand from around hers, as I took her expression as she didn’t like it, but before I could pull my hand away, she squeezed my hand back in reassurance.
‘Thanks,’ She whispered out before clearing her throat.
‘Anyway, so, I asked Pierce where Hendrix was, and he just told me he found the divorce papers. He said he had taken care of Hendrix and we didn’t have to worry about him anymore. We could make a new family together. He was acting crazy and eventually I secretly got a hold of Mark who had called some police to come to the house. Once Pierce was arrested, I went to look for Hendrix and found him locked in his bedroom in his wardrobe, badly beaten up and almost dead.’ She said sounding traumatised, reliving that memory in her head again.
I sat there in shock. I couldn’t believe someone could do that to him, let alone his own father. I instantly felt sick.
‘We rushed him to the hospital, and I knew even more that I wanted to look after him. He is my son, and I was not letting anyone take him away. But now, I don’t know if I will ever be able to adopt him. We had a meeting with the social worker on Thursday night. She saw Hendrix’s bruised black eye and lip, and she’s placing him with another family for a month.’
‘What!? How can she do that!?’ I yelled out in surprise. ‘Sorry.’ I said lowering my voice when a few people turned to look over at our table.
‘I don’t know, but she can, and she is. She’s taking him away Friday afternoon.’ She said with devastation in her voice.
‘Chloe, I am so sorry. I don’t know what to say that will make you feel any better.’ I told her honestly.
‘It’s okay. I don’t expect you to be able to magically help me. It’s just nice to know I have someone to talk to. So, thank you.’ She said so sincerely to me.
I really just wanted to hug her to try and make her feel better, if only for a bit.
‘I just don’t understand how the social worker is placing Hendrix somewhere else after meeting you both once. Surely, she can see how much you guys mean to one another. I briefly saw your interactions at the meeting and on Thursday morning. You both had so much love and care for each other. I also ran into Hendrix Thursday afternoon, while you were having your meeting, and he was very protective of you.’ I said smiling, thinking about the other day.
‘He didn’t tell me that. I guess with everything happening it slipped his mind. He wasn’t rude was he. He can get very protective of people he cares about.’ She said looking slightly apologetic but also amused. I noticed her eyes lighting up a bit every time she spoke about him. I could see how proud she was of him.
‘No, he wasn’t rude. I thought it was sweet how protective of you he was.’ I reassured her. She nodded her head.
‘Elly, can I ask you to do me a favour?’ She said sounding a bit unsure.
‘Of course, anything.’ I said a bit too enthusiastically.
‘While Hendrix is away staying with the other family for a month, I am not allowed to have any contact with him. He is still going to be attending Erinsborough High and you will still be able to be his tutor. Can you just look out for him, for me. It kills me that I won’t be able to see him, let alone talk with him, and I just want to know someone is there to make sure he is okay. Please don’t feel you have to say yes though.’ Said Chloe.
‘Of course, I’ll look out for him, Chloe. You didn’t even have to ask me. I’ll make sure he is okay, and if he wants to pass on any messages to you, he can tell me, and I’ll let you know.’ I told her. I could see the relief in her eyes. ‘Thank you so much Elly. You’ve been so kind and helpful to me. I feel like I’ve known you forever, even though we only met a few weeks ago.’
‘I feel the same way too.’ I said smiling at her.
‘I told Hendrix that when he goes to stay with this family, I want him to try and make the best out of this situation. I just want him to be happy, and if that is with this new family and not me, then I will accept that. I know it was the right thing to say to him, but honestly, I think it will break me if he does decide to stay with them.’
‘Chloe, that is honestly so selfless and admirable of you. To tell your son, that if he wants to stay with another family if it makes him happy, even at your expense. I am in in awe of your bravery and love for him. I truly believe though, that he will want to come back to you.’ I told her.
‘I’m sorry for unloading all this onto you. I just find it so easy to talk to you and I feel like you understand me so well.’ She said looking a bit embarrassed.
‘Hey, don’t worry I feel the same way too.’ I replied to her. It was true though. Ever since I first laid eyes on her I felt an instant connection to her. Finding out she had a son didn’t change that at all. In fact, it made me like her even more. To see how selfless, she was and how she would do anything for her son to be happy.

‘Enough about my problems. Tell me more about you.’ She said. I could tell she wanted to change the subject a bit and I was happy to indulge her.
’There isn’t too much to know about me. I am originally from Sydney. I moved to Erinsborough a few weeks ago after leaving a long-term relationship. I felt like I needed a change of pace and scenery.’ I said glancing at her.
‘How have you settled in? I know it’s not easy being new in town especially a small place like this. I did hear though that you’ve met my older brother Mark.’ She said with a slight gleam in her eyes.
Wait, she was Mark’s sister! Taking her in again, I could see the family resemblance. She must have been the sister that he was referring to living with him, as well as his other brother.
‘Mark is your brother!? I don’t know why I didn’t pick up on the family resemblance before, but I can definitely see that now.’ I said grinning at her.
‘I think my brother has a crush on you.’ She teased me, but I think I caught a hint of something else in her eyes before it quickly went away. I swallowed thickly at that.
‘Oh, really. I just thought we were friends. I’m not really looking to see someone at the moment.’ I said looking down at my drink.
‘Hey, I’m sorry if I made it awkward. I understand, don’t worry. But maybe you want to tell Mark this when you see him next, because I think he is planning on asking you out.’ She said, with an odd expression on her face. I couldn’t figure it out.
‘Yeah, of course, definitely. I don’t want to lead him on. I still would like to be friends with him though.’ I said, fully meaning it. Mark seemed like a great guy. If I didn’t have a giant crush on his sister, well things may have been different.
‘I recall when we first met that you were only staying at Lassiter’s for a few more weeks before you moved in with your aunt. Whereabouts does she live if you don’t mind me asking.’ Chloe asked me.
‘You have a good memory. You already know my aunt Susan, as she is the principal at Erinsborough High. She lives on this street called Ramsay Street.’ I said waiting for her reaction. I remember Mark saying he lived on that street as well. Honestly, I was really looking forward to hopefully seeing Chloe more often once I moved into Susan and Karl’s place.
‘No way! I live on that street as well, with my brothers. I can’t believe we’re going to be neighbours. When are you moving in?’ She asked me excitedly.
‘I’m actually moving in next weekend on Saturday.’ I told her.
‘I think I remember overhearing that Mark wanted to hold a welcoming BBQ on the Sunday for a new person that was moving onto the street. I didn’t expect it to be you.’ Chloe said smiling at me.
‘Yes, he did mention he had already organised people to come. But, now with everything going on with Hendrix, I don’t want to put you guys out. I don’t want you to feel you have to do this still, especially if Hendrix has to leave Friday afternoon.’ I said, watching as her expression crumbled slightly.
‘Chloe I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. Just don’t feel like you have to pretend to be okay in front of me okay.’ I gently told her taking her hands in mine again.
‘Thank you Elly. I know this is probably not the right time to tell you this, but ever since I first met you, I’ve felt a connection. I’m not going to act on my feelings because I have a lot on my plate at the moment with Hendrix, and I don’t want to betray Mark either.’ She said biting her lip. I briefly closed my eyes. God, I really wanted to kiss her. Swallowing I looked away from her lips and up into her eyes. She stared back at me.
‘I really like you to Chloe, so much. I know starting a relationship is not on your mind at the moment. I am happy to be your friend and confidant. I honestly don’t like Mark in that way at all though. I wish things were different and we could be together, but I understand that Hendrix is your main priority. When you get him back, because I know you will, maybe we can give things a try. In the meantime, I’m just happy to be in your life in any way possible.’ I said meaning every word. ‘I will wait for you until you are ready.’
Without warning, Chloe surged forward to kiss me. I know this sounds cliche, but it was like nothing I had felt before. As quickly as her soft lips landed on mine, she pulled away.
‘I am so sorry. I just couldn’t help myself.’ Chloe blushed out.
‘Its okay, I definitely didn’t mind.’ I grinned back at her.

She sighed looking at her watch. ‘I don’t want to leave it like this, but I do need to go. I promised Hendrix I would be home by 4, and I want to spend as much time as possible with him. I will still see you Tuesday night for the meeting with Susan about the tutoring.’ She questioned me, looking apologetic, as she grabbed her handbag.
‘Yes of course. And Chloe, don’t worry about the kiss. I enjoyed it. I know you’re not ready for a relationship yet and I fully understand that. Just focus your energy on Hendrix okay. Also, about his assignments, tell him he doesn’t need to do them anymore. He has enough going on in his life without having to worry about doing those.’ I spoke.
’Are you sure. He was still in the wrong for punching that other kid, no matter if he was defending me.’ Chloe said looking surprised.
‘I am 100% sure. I just want him to enjoy spending time with his family.’ I told her truthfully.
‘Thank you so much Elly. I’m sure he will be very grateful once I tell him.’ She said.
‘Oh, and Chloe, I will look out for Hendrix and report back to you about him okay.’ I reassured her.
‘I am so glad I met you Elly. I feel like I’ve thanked you enough this afternoon, but just thank you again. It means a lot to me that you have Hendrix’s best interests at heart. I’ll see you Tuesday.’ She said beginning to stand up.
’No worries, he is a good kid. He deserves to be with you, and I will do anything I can to help you guys. See you Tuesday Chloe.’ I waved goodbye to her, before getting up to go pay the bill.

Chapter Text

Hendrix POV

I looked at the time quickly, knowing Mum wouldn’t be back until around 4pm.
Running around my bedroom, I grabbed my backpack and small duffle and shoved as many clothes into both as possible. If I couldn’t stay here, there was no way I was going to let the social worker place me with a new family.
After making sure everyone had gone out, I snuck into the kitchen pantry to grab some money from the stash hiding in a container there.
I knew I shouldn’t be taking it, and I did feel guilty, but it was an emergency, and I needed some money if I was going to survive on my own.
I’ll pay you back one day Mum, I promise, i thought to myself. Quickly grabbing most of it I shoved it into my wallet, grabbed my bags and left the house.
Just running on adrenaline, I walked to the closest bus stop and 10 minutes later got on a bus heading towards Melbourne. After sitting down, I was finally able to calm my beating heart a bit.
‘You okay love?’ A lady sitting across from me asked.
‘Oh, um yeah I’m fine thank you.’ I said clearing my throat a bit.
‘Aren’t you a bit young to be travelling on your own?’ She said, sounding a bit suspicious.
‘No not really, I’m meeting my mother in the city. I just stayed with my dad for a week. Life of a kid with divorced parents.’ I shrugged trying to sound as confident as possible.
Just then my phone started buzzing in my pocket.
I looked at the screen to see it was Mum calling me. 4.10, she must have just gotten back.
Immense guilt flooded me, knowing how worried she would be, but there was nothing else I could do now.
I let it ring out, knowing she would leave me a message.
30 minutes later I got off the bus once it arrived in the city. By now Mum had called me 5 times, and I had a few missed calls from Mark, Aaron, and David.
It was too late to turn back now, so I walked around the city trying to find a place to stay that would take cash. Eventually after stopping to buy some food, I found a dingy backpackers place, with a room to myself.
Lying on the bed I turned my phone back on to see my screen light up with all the missed calls and massages. By now it was 8pm and I had been gone for around 4 hours.
Biting the bullet, I began with the first one from Mum that came through a bit after 4.

Hey Hendrix, it’s Mum. Just got home from lunch. Not sure if you’re out for a walk or not. Call me when you get this message.

Second message 15 minutes later.

Hendrix, where are you? I’m beginning to get worried. Call me please.

From Aaron

Hey Mate, your mum is going a bit crazy here. Just give us a call when you get this message, please.

From Mum again.

Hendrix, I’ve been into your room and all your clothes are missing. Please baby, running away is not the answer. Please just call me and let me know you’re okay.

I skipped ahead to the latest one from Mum

Hendrix, I’m not mad at you. I’m just worried and need to know you’re safe. If you don’t want to talk to me, please let Harlow or Mackenzie know you’re safe. I love you sweetie.

I threw my phone to the floor not wanting to hear anymore. I wanted to go back and be in the comfort of my own home with Mum watching a movie on the couch, but I knew it would only be for a week before I was shipped off. I didn’t have a plan and I only had enough money to survive for 2 weeks by myself.
Lying on the bed I felt my eyes close as exhaustion finally hit me.

Chloe POV

4 hours ago

After getting back from lunch I found the house empty. That was weird, I didn’t think Hendrix was going out anywhere. Maybe he had decided to go for a walk. Quickly calling him to let him know I was back, I went to do some laundry. Living in a house with 4 men, the pile of clothes needing to be washed always seemed endless. After putting the washing on I went back into the kitchen to see what I could make for dinner. Just then the door opened. Looking up hoping it was Hendrix, I frowned when I realised it was just Aaron and David.
‘Hey, have you seen Hendrix?’ I asked them.
‘No, he was here earlier, before we left to go out. We invited him to come with us, but he said he wanted to work of his assignments.’ David answered me.
‘I called him before, but he didn’t answer me. I’ll try him again.’ Dialling his number, it rang out again. I left another message on his phone.

Hendrix, where are you? I’m beginning to get worried. Call me please.

‘Hey, I’m sure it’s nothing. He probably went to visit Harlow. You know teenage boys, they lose track of time.’ Aaron said trying to reassure me.
I had a bad feeling in my stomach.
‘It’s not like Hendrix to not answer or at least let me know his going somewhere.’ I said, my worry levels beginning to go through the roof.
I tried his phone again, and again it rang out.
‘How about I help you make dinner to get your mind off Hendrix. I’m sure he’ll walk through the door very soon, all sheepish that he missed all your calls.’ Said David, as he came around to my side of the kitchen bench to start chopping some vegetables.
‘What if he went for a walk and something happened. He fell and hit his head and is unconscious. That’s why his not answering his phone.’ I frantically said, picturing Hendrix alone in the bush lying on the ground with a cut on his head.
‘Here how about I’ll try ringing him. Maybe he doesn’t want to talk to you for some reason. Did you do anything?’ Aaron asked me.
‘No, I don’t think so. When I left, he was watching a tv show on the couch.’ I said, thinking back to this morning, trying to think if I did anything wrong to upset him.
‘Hey what’s going on?’ Mark asked as he walked into the house.
‘Mark, have you seen Hendrix anywhere. His not here and I’ve tried to call his phone, but his not answering.’ I asked him.
‘No, I haven’t seen him since this morning. Have you called any of his friends?’ Mark asked me, always the most logical one out of us three siblings.
‘No, can one of you guys do that. I’m going to look in his room. See if he left a note or anything.’ I said, beginning to feel lightheaded.

Hendrix where are you, I thought to myself as I quickly walked to his room.
I opened to door, finding nothing out of the ordinary. I couldn’t see his backpack anywhere though. Venturing further in, I looked at his desk to see if he left a note. Not finding any, something in me felt like I needed to have a look in his wardrobe. Opening it, I found it half empty of his clothes.
Oh god please know. Rushing to his chest of drawers I ripped the top one open to see most of his clothes were missing.
‘Mark!!’ I yelled out, feeling my heart beating wildly in my chest. I felt faint and dizzy, quickly sitting on the edge of the bed.
‘What, what is it?’ Mark said running into the room, followed by Aaron and David.
‘His gone.’ I whispered out, feeling my entire body freeze over in shock.
‘What, gone where?’ Mark asked stupidly.
‘His gone, run away. His backpack and duffle bag are gone and half of his clothes are gone too.’ I yelled out.
I could see Aaron out of the corner of my eye leave the room.
‘Okay, we all need to remain calm, Chloe.’ Mark said kneeling down in front of me trying to get me to look at him. I looked at him, tears blurring my vision.
Aaron came back into the room with the container we put money in, in case of emergencies. ‘Most of the money is gone from here. Chloe’s right, I think Hendrix has run off.’
At those words, my tears let loose, I couldn’t hold them in anymore. David came to sit next to me on the bed pulling me into a hug.
‘I’m going to call the station and get a team on the look out for him. He can’t have gone far.’ Mark said leaving the room.
I got my phone out of my pocket to dial Hendrix’s mobile again.

Hendrix, I’ve been into your room and all your clothes are missing. Please baby, running away is not the answer. Please just call me and let me know you’re okay. I said as I left the message for him.

‘We called Harlow and Mackenzie before. They haven’t seen him or spoken to him since yesterday. They said they’d call if they hear from him though. Chloe, his going to be okay. Hendrix is a smart kid.’ Aaron said as he sat on the other side of me, rubbing my back, trying to reassure me.
All I could see in my mind was Hendrix wondering around the streets alone, someone beating him up, or kidnapping him in their car. I quickly got up from his bed, trying to get those images out of my head.
‘Right well, I’m going to go around the street to see if anyone has seen or heard from him.’ I said, brushing my tears away.
I needed to stay strong for Hendrix.
‘Of course, we’ll come with you.’ Aaron said following me out of the room.
‘No, someone needs to stay here, just in case he comes home. I can’t stay here, or I’ll go stir crazy. I need to distract myself.’ I told them, walking to grab my bag from the table.
‘I’ll stay here, you two go. I’ll call if he comes back, or I hear anything.’ David said standing at the front door.
‘Thanks David.’ I said, stepping out the door with Aaron.
After going around knocking on our neighbours’ doors to see if anyone had seen Hendrix we walked back to the house in silence. By the time I walked back into the house Mark was back with a group of police officers.
‘Okay, time is very important here. The longer it takes to find him the further away he can go. I want two of you to go through camera footage near bus stops and bus stations to see if you can see him on that. I’ve put an alert out with a picture of Hendrix to police here and surrounding areas as well as Melbourne.’ Mark barked out his orders, as I went to sit on the couch. I stared at my phone willing Hendrix to call me. It was nearing 8pm and he’d gone for nearly 4 hours now. After hearing his phone ring out for the thousandth time I left another message.

Hendrix, I’m not mad at you. I’m just worried and need to know you’re safe. If you don’t want to talk to me, please let Harlow or Mackenzie know you’re safe. I love you sweetie.

‘We will find him. I’m waiting on computer equipment to come to the house in the next 10 mins. We’ll be able to use it to track his phone signal as long as he leaves his phone on.’ Mark said, as he sat down on the couch next to me.
‘Wait, seriously! Why haven’t we done that sooner!?’ I cried out.
‘Hey, we’ve had to get in from another town. We don’t have the type of technology here. Someone is coming to the house soon with it.’ Mark said. I sighed, sagging myself into the couch.
‘I’m sorry Mark. I didn’t mean to go off at you.’ I apologise to him. He pulled me into a hug.
‘It’s okay sis. I know you’re stressed and worried. We all are. We just want Hendrix back home and safe.’ I nodded my head at his words.
A knock on the door broke the silence, Mark went to answer it. I followed him, hoping it was the tech person.
‘Hey, my names Liam. Sorry for getting here so late. Traffic was crazy for some reason.’ He said, as he walked into the kitchen with all his computer gear.
After setting up everything on the table, he typed in Hendrix’s number into the computer.
‘If it’s switched on, the signal will be able to locate an area where the phone is. We won’t exactly be able to pin down an address, but I can pinpoint a block where the signal is.’ Liam explained to us as we watched the computer do its thing.
Please have left your phone on Hendrix, I thought holding my breathe. This was our best shot at finding him quickly.
Just then a ding on the computer sounded out.
‘And, we have a signal. Phone is switched on, let me just try and pinpoint a more exact location.’ Liam said working away. I felt myself release a breath in relief when I heard those words.
‘Okay so the signal is coming from Melbourne, and the block I can pinpoint it to is, between Swanston Street and Flinders Lane. Let me just look up accommodation in that block.’ He spoke.
‘Thank you so much Liam. You are a life saver.’ I said to him.
‘No problem, just doing my job.’ He said looking a bit embarrassed.
I quickly turned and headed to my room to pack a suitcase full of clothes. Aaron and David followed behind me.
‘Why are you packing a bag? Shouldn’t we be heading off to Melbourne.’ Aaron asked me looking confused.
‘I’m going to Melbourne to find Hendrix. Once I do, I’m going to stay with him in Melbourne for a few days before bringing him back here. He needs some time away to escape what’s going on with the custody stuff. That’s why he ran away in the first place.’ I said not looking up from putting clothes in my suitcase.
‘Are you sure that’s a good idea?’ David asked me.
‘I don’t know. But I want to spend time with Hendrix and try and keep his mind off things. I know what he did was wrong, but I don’t want to punish him. His scared of leaving us and my main aim is to reassure him, I’ll always be there for him. And don’t worry, I will be back here with him before Friday. I do not want Amanda thinking I ran away with him.’ I told them as I zipped my suitcase up and headed back into the kitchen.
After getting a small list of places Hendrix could be staying, I thanked Liam and informed Mark what was happening. I chucked my suitcase in the back seat before heading off to Melbourne.
I had a look at the list, only finding 3 places on it, thank god. After narrowing it down in my head to how much money Hendrix had and what I think he could afford, I picked the backpackers place as the first spot to look.
Reversing out of the driveway I decided not to call Hendrix again and let him know I knew where he was. I didn’t want to risk him running off again.

Hendrix POV

I was jolted awake by a knock on my door. Groggily I looked at the clock on the bedside table to read 10.30pm. Walking to the door I opened it to see Mum standing on the other side.
She looked like a wreck to be honest. My guilt returned ten-fold, knowing I was the reason for that. Instantly when my eyes landed on her, a wave of relief and comfort came over me. I had been on edge all day ever since I left home and seeing Mum standing in front of me I broke down.
‘Mum..mummy…I’m so sorry.’ I sobbed out. She rushed over to me and pulled me into her arms, closing the door behind her.
‘It’s okay baby. I’m here.’ She whispered into my ear holding me tight.
After a good 10 minutes I had finally calmed down enough to look at her again.
‘I stuffed up Mum.’ I croaked out, my throat dry from crying.
‘You were scared. I understand why you ran away. I’m just so glad you’re safe. Hendrix I was worried sick about you.’ She said, getting emotional again. I looked away ashamed.
Spotting her suitcase at the door I looked at her confused. ‘Why do you have a suitcase?’
‘I figured that because we’re already both in Melbourne, we could spend a few nights here. Explore the city and do some fun stuff. Get your mind off things. Eventually we will have to go back home before Friday, but I just want you to relax for a bit.’ She said, brushing some hair out of my eyes tenderly.
‘I don’t understand. Why aren’t you angry at me.’ I asked her.
‘You did the wrong thing, we both know that. But you having to leave for a month is punishment enough. I want us to enjoy the time we have together okay.’ Mum said to me. I nodded my head, not knowing what to say.
‘How about we get out of here. I booked a much nicer hotel for us to stay in.’ She said, looking around the room in disgust. I laughed a bit at her reaction.
‘What’s so funny.’ She said looking back over at me and smiling.
‘Sorry, just this place really is gross. I’m surprised you actually stepped foot into it to be honest.’ I said grinning at her.
‘Yes well, as disgusting at this place is, I would go to the ends of the earth to find you, always.’ She gently spoke. ‘I love you so much baby. Come on let’s get out of here.’ She said getting up from the bed we were sitting on.
I went to grab my bags from the floor, not having even unzipped them yet.
After checking out of the place, we headed back to her car.
‘Thanks Mum, for coming to get me.’ I told her, as we were driving to the hotel.
‘I will always come get you if you need me.’ She said squeezing my hand in reassurance.
We pulled into a swanky hotel that had a parking valet person waiting to park our car somewhere.
I mean I was used to staying in nice places when Dad would shove money in my face and ship me off to get me out of his hair, but I didn’t think Mum had that type of money.
Thinking about money, I felt sick knowing I had stolen from her and my uncles. I didn’t know if she knew I had taken the money, but I definitely needed to tell her and give it back to them.
‘Mum can we even afford to stay in a place like this?’ I asked her as we walked into the hotel lobby of The Hotel Windsor.
‘Don’t worry, I got a bit of money in the divorce settlement. A lot of it has been put away in an account for you, not that we need to talk about that now.’ Mum said to me, as she went over to the desk and checked us in.
After getting our room key, we headed up to our room on the 5th floor. Walking into our room, I collapsed on top of the couch in exhaustion.
‘Come on, off to bed. We each have a room to ourselves. I want you to get a good night’s rest before we go explore Melbourne tomorrow. Before we do that though, we do need to have a talk about all the events that happened today.’
I groaned and stood up from the couch. ‘Yeah, I know. I guess I was hoping we could just sweep it under the rug.’ I said looking down at the floor.
‘No can-do babe, sorry. But once we get that out of the way, we can go do whatever you want.’
‘Really! Anything I want!?’ I asked her my eyes lighting up and millions of things I wanted to do running around my head.
‘Yes, anything you want. I want you to relax and enjoy the time we have together okay.’
There was something I always wanted to do, but never got the chance to, because every time I asked Dad in the past, he would always tell me no.
‘Um, can we… can we go to the zoo? It’s just I’ve never been, and I know I’m probably too old to go now, sorry it was a stupid idea.’ I rushed out all at once turning my head away in embarrassment.
‘Hendrix, please don’t be embarrassed in front of me. I’m your mother okay, you can ask and tell me anything. I for one, think the zoo is an excellent idea. I love the zoo and you can definitely never ever be too old for that. Let’s go to bed, so we can enjoy a full day at the zoo tomorrow.’ She said walking in the direction of the bedrooms with her bag behind her. I followed her with my own bags.
Before we went into our own separate rooms, she pulled me into a hug. I allowed myself to melt into it.
I know normal 14-year-old boys shouldn’t want their mum hugging them or going out and doing activities with them, but after being deprived of any love and affection from my dad for so many years, I wanted to soak this all up while I could.
‘I love you Hendrix, forever and ever. Please don’t scare me like that again.’
‘I love you to Mum, and I’m sorry.’ I whispered back to her. She kissed my forehead then retreated into her room. I entered my own room, quickly getting changed into my pyjamas before getting into bed.
This was not how I thought the day would end. While Mum didn’t seem mad now, by tomorrow I think I was in for a real scolding. I deserved it though, I should never have run off. That’s what I do though, when things get tough, I run. Closing my eyes, I finally fell into a restless sleep.

Chapter Text

Chloe POV

I sighed as I got breakfast ready this morning. I knew we needed to get the chat with, so he understood what he did was wrong, but I definitely wanted it to be over as soon as possible, so we could get into the fun things. If this was my last week with Hendrix for awhile, I wanted to make it as memorable as possible for him.
‘Morning Hendrix.’ I said looking up from placing some pancakes on the bench in the hotel room. He shuffled over to sit on one of the stools, clearly not looking forward to the chat either.
‘Morning Mum. Thanks for cooking breakfast.’ He said nodding his head to all the food I made. Pancakes, bacon, toast, and eggs.
‘No worries, eat up. Then we can have our chat, and then go enjoy the rest of our time here.’ I said grabbing a plate and stacking it with food. If we were going to be walking around the zoo all day, I know I needed food to sustain me during the day.
We both ate in silence lost in our own thoughts. I cleared the bench and told him to go sit on the couch. Quickly joining him there, I tried to think of the best way to start this conversation.
‘Can you just please tell me what was going through your head when you decided to leave?’ I asked him, deciding it was best to get the full picture from the beginning.
He looked down and started picking at invisible stuff on his jeans.
‘I just want to start off by saying I’m really really sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight. When things get tough my first instinct is to run. I just know I don’t want to go to the Brooks family and I thought running away would solve that. Silly I know.’ Hendrix said looking outside the window.
‘Hendrix please look at me.’ I gently said to him, waiting for him to turn his head and look at me before I continued.
‘It’s not silly, wanting to run away. I know I did it a lot when I was a kid, maybe just to the playground. I would come back home after a few hours once I’d calmed down. Did you think that you running away would look bad for me in the eyes of the social worker. She already doesn’t like me, and if you weren’t there on the Friday, she would be blaming me and then that would definitely lower my chances of getting you back permanently.’ I told him being gentle but firm with my words. I wanted him to realise the consequences of his actions.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t think. I can see that now though. I also want to apologise for taking the money from the container. I know I shouldn’t have. I’ve got the money I didn’t spend to give back to you, and I promise I’ll pay you back the rest.’ Hendrix said looking guilty at me.
‘It’s okay. I understand. You can give me the rest of the money and you don’t have to worry about paying me and your uncles back the money you already spent, okay.’ I reassured him.
‘Hendrix, I know this whole situation isn’t ideal with the Brooks and everything. But if we just do what Amanda wants and we don’t give her any reason to doubt us as a family, she can’t tear us apart okay. I just want you to go to the Brooks with an open mind.’
He nodded his head. ‘Yeah okay.’
‘Promise?’ I asked him.
‘I promise Mum.’ He sighed.
‘Also please promise me that you will never ever run away again. I was worried sick about you yesterday while you were gone. You could have been injured, kidnapped, anything horrible.’ I said looking at him straight in the eyes.
‘I’m so sorry Mum. From the moment I got on the bus I wanted to turn back and go back home, but it was too late.’ Hendrix cried out.
‘Hendrix sweetie, it’s ever too late to come home ever.’
He nodded his head then came over to my chair to give me a quick hug. I squeezed him back tightly.
‘Okay, now that we’ve got that talk over with, let’s go have so fun at the zoo.’ I said clapping my hands together in excitement.
Hendrix’s eyes lit up at my words.

Watching Hendrix at the zoo I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. It was nice to see him really relax and enjoy himself. We went to sit down and have lunch at one of the cafeterias.
‘What animal has been your favourite so far?’ I asked him as we sat down. I watched as Hendrix took his time to answer.
’The lions have been my favourite so far. Also the two red pandas.’ He said smiling.
‘I’m glad you’re having such a good time.’ I told him honestly.
‘Thanks Mum, for everything, really.’
‘Thank you Hendrix, for wanting to spend time with me. I know this probably isn’t the coolest thing, hanging out with your mother, but I do love every minute.’ I said smiling at him.
‘Yeah, well I guess you’re cool enough.’ He said laughing.
‘I’m just going to go to the bathroom.’ Hendrix said getting up from his chair.
While he was gone, I looked at my messages. There was one from Elly.

Hey Chloe, I heard about Hendrix. Have you found him yet? Don’t worry about the meeting tomorrow at the school as well, that can be postponed. I hope you are okay.

Oh my god I totally forgot about the meeting.

Thanks so much Elly for thinking about Hendrix and I. I did fid him and am with him now. Hendrix and I are spending the week in Melbourne and coming back Thursday. I am so sorry I forgot about the meeting. Can we reschedule it? 

‘You’re grinning at your phone. Is that Ms. Conway texting you.’ Hendrix teased me as he sat back down.
‘No!’ I said quickly looking up at him. He had a cheeky grin on his face. ‘Okay maybe it was.’ I said, giving in.
‘I like her. You should go for it. With me not around for awhile, you’ll have time to focus on other things in your life.’ Hendrix said to me.
I put my phone back in my bag, mentally reminding myself to get back to her later, as I heard my phone ping with a message.
‘Hendrix, you are the most important thing in my life. I do not want you to feel I am putting my life on pause looking after you. You are my family, my son.  You will always come first. I am glad you like Elly, and I really like her to. We will see how things go.’ I said reaffirming his importance to me.
‘Yeah I know. Can we go look at the rest of the animals now.’
‘Sure, let’s go.’ I said getting up from my chair.
We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the zoo and feeding the animals. We ended the day in the gift shop.
‘Is there anything you wanted?’ I asked him as I watched him look around. I noticed he kept on looking at the stuffed lion but didn’t say anything.
He shook his head. ‘No, not really. Everything is expensive anyway.’ He said to me turning to glance at the toy lion again.
I wondered if he ever got any stuffed animals as a baby.
‘Okay, how about you take my keys and head to the car. I just quickly need to go to the bathroom.’ I said to him as I handed the keys to him. He took them and headed towards the exit. I ducked  into the bathroom quickly before going back into the gift shop. Making sure Hendrix wasn’t in site, I went and grabbed the lion and went to pay for it.
I never was able to give Hendrix any toys when he was a baby, so this was something I thought would be sweet to give him.
Quickly purchasing it, I walked to the car.
Spotting the gift bag I put into the back seat Hendrix asked me when I got into the car. ‘What did you buy?’
‘Oh just a gift for someone.’ I vaguely answered.
Driving us back to the hotel we settled down on the couch after a long day of walking around. I left the gift bag near the couch.
‘Thanks again for today Mum. It has been one of my best days ever.’ He told me looking over at me as ad came on tv. I pulled him closer to me, giving him a kiss on his forehead.
‘You’re welcome. Is there anything you wanted to do tomorrow?’ I asked him.
‘No, I don’t have anything in mind. Is there something you wanted to do?’ He replied back to me.
‘We could have a look around the shops in Melbourne and go to the museum if you want to.’ I suggested to him.
‘That sounds good. I’ve never been to the museum before.’
‘Okay, then let’s do that and I’m always to other suggestions to. I want this week to be memorable for you. I also have a surprise for you.’ I said getting up from the couch to grab the gift bag from the zoo.
'This is for you.’ I said handing him the gift bag.
He took it from me and removed the tissue paper at the top, reaching in to pull the stuffed toy from the bag. I really wish I had my camera on me to capture the moment in time. The look of awe on his face when he took the toy out.
‘Mum, wow, you didn’t have to do this. I love it. Thank you so much.’ He said holding the lion close to him.
‘I’ve never actually had a stuffed toy in my life. I wasn’t really given any when I was a little.’ He said looking at his toy in awe.
‘Then I am honoured to be the first person to give you your first stuffed animal. I never got to give you one when you were a baby, so this is me making up for that.’ I said hugging him. I released the hug and looked down at the lion, given his mane a pat.
'What are you going to name him?’ I asked Hendrix.
‘I know this is cliche, and probably like everyone else, but I always wanted a lion of my own and I would always imagine I would call him Leo. Leo the lion.’ He said grinning.
I gently smiled back at him. ‘Leo the Lion. Suits him perfectly.’

————

The rest of the week flew by quickly and before I knew it was Thursday. Tomorrow I had to hand Hendrix over to Amanda and the Brooks. It was the most amazing week with Hendrix. Just to see him happy, carefree and smiling. We went to the museum, carnival that was in town, rode on all the rides that Hendrix wanted to try, and spoiled him a little with new clothes. I was trying to stay positive for Hendrix, knowing I would most definitely break down when he was gone.
‘Hey sleepyhead, we’re back home.’ I said gently shaking Hendrix awake, after pulling into the driveway at home.
It was almost dinner time when we arrived, wanting to spend most of the day with Hendrix in Melbourne.
We walked into the house with all our bags, my brothers and David getting up to greet us.
‘Hey guys. Finally home. What did you do, buy out all the shops in Melbourne?’ Aaron said grabbing a few bags off me.
‘No, not all shops.’ I said defending myself.
We were all quiet during dinner, lost in thought about what was going to happen tomorrow. Hendrix excused himself early from the table to go to his bedroom.
‘How are you holding up?’ David asked me, once Hendrix’s bedroom door closed.
‘I’m trying to not think about it. Every time I do, I feel like crying.’ I replied honestly.
'Hopefully it will only be for a month, and he will be back here.’ Said Mark.
‘Yeah, hopefully. Anyway I’m going to go speak to Hendrix and head off to bed.’ I said, hugging each of them before heading to Hendrix’s room.
I knocked on the door. ‘Come in.’ I heard Hendrix say.
I opened the door to see Hendrix lying on the bed with Leo the Lion. I closed the door behind me.
‘Hey, I know you’re all nervous for tomorrow. It’s okay to be, I know I am.’ I said sitting down next to him.
‘I really don’t want to leave here.’ Hendrix said.
‘I know you don’t, I wish you didn’t have to. Like I said when we first were told you had to go for a month, I want you to try and embrace living with the Brooks. Just please promise me, you won’t run away from them.’ I said to him, trying to get him to look at me.
‘It’s very serious, I am not allowed to contact you, so I won’t know if anything has happed to you.’ I said firmly, wanting to get the message across to him.
‘I promise I won’t run away again. It was silly of me the first time.’ He said to me.
‘Elly has promised me she’ll look out for you, especially when you start your tutoring sessions with her after school. I know we aren’t allowed to contact one another, but if there is anything you want to tell me, let Elly know, and she will tell me okay.’ I said to him.
‘Okay, that’s nice of her, even though she doesn’t know me that well.’ said Hendrix.
‘She can see what a kind person you are, and is willing to help you. You have so many friends and family that love you Hendrix, and only want the best for you.’ I gently said to him. He nodded his head.
‘Have a good nights sleep okay. I love you, forever and ever.’ I said, tucking him into his bed.
‘I love you to Mum.’