Chapter 8

Nobody's POV

The following week went by agonisingly slowly.

Monday

the night before Rhydian, tom and Shan had gone back to their own houses. Shan had walked to toms house and the two of them walked to Rhydian's to pick him up. They had decided they were not going to leave him alone at all. They didn't want to give him the chance to be upset. Rhydian was just getting out the door when they arrived. He was confused to see them at first as he normally went to school with Maddy but he didn't mind walking with tom and Shan so he didn't say anything. Maddy must be getting late again Rhydian thought to himself. They greeted each other and started the trek to school.

They got to school just as the bell went so the headed straight to class. rhydian and Shan sat together as tom took a detour towards jimi and Sam first. As Rhydian and Shan sat down Rhydian asked if Shan had seen Harry yet.

Shan:"no I haven't seen him yet so I'll go look for him at lunchtime."

Rhyds:"ok."

Tom came and sat behind Rhydian and Shannon. They Both turned around to face him as Jeffries still hadn't come yet.

Rhyds:"Maddy still not here yet?"

Shan and tom just looked at Rhydian.

Shan:"Rhydian she isn't coming remember?"

Rhyds:"huh?" He just turns around and puts his head down as realisation dawns on him. He had talked to mads last night before bed. He had totally forgotten about the mess they were in. His heart strings pulled. He was missing her so much. Tom and Shan just looked at each other. Rhydian closed his eyes and imagined Maddy.

Conversation between mads and Rhyds with their minds.

Rhyds:"hey mads."

Mads:"hi Rhydian."

Rhyds:"are you ok? I miss you soo much."

Mads:"I'm ok . How are you? And I miss you soo much too."

Rhyds:"I'm ok too. I forgot you weren't coming to school so I asked Shan and tom where you were and they reminded me that your not coming. I hate you not being here."

mads:"I know. I'm sorry."

Rhyds:"don't say sorry mads it's not your fault. Anyways I hope you have a good day. I'll talk to you later. Jeffries will be here any moment."

Mads:"ok. I hope you have a good day to. I love you Rhydian." Rhydian smiles.

Rhyds:"I love you too Maddy."

Back in the real world.

Rhydian lifts his head just as Jeffries walks in with a girl who no one has seen before.

Jeffries:"right everyone this is Ava. She's just started at our school so I expect you to help her out with anything she needs and show her around."

Just then miss parish comes and calls mr Jeffries out of class saying there's a phone call for him. So he leaves and tells Ava to sit down. Ava walks towards the table were tom is sat.

Ava:"is this seat taken?"

Tom:"yes it is." He says a little harshly. Shan just looks at him.

Ava:"oh ok." She looks a little sad and turns away and sits at a table on her own at the back of the classroom.

Shan:"tom why did you just do that?"

Tom:"this is Maddy's place Shan."

Shan:"yeah I know but Maddy's not in today."

Tom:"I'm not gonna let anyone take Maddy's place ok. End of story."

Just then Jeffries walks back into the room.

Kara:"sir who was that on the phone? Was it your girlfriend?" Everyone laughs.

Jeffries:"no actually kara. It was mrs smith. She called to say Maddy won't be coming in for a while as her grandmothers ill so they had to move in to take care of her." He turns towards Rhydian, Shan and tom. "And she said to give all homework and notes to you three."

Shan:"yes sir. We'll be travelling down to her grandmas every weekend."

Jeffries:"ok that's fine. Now open to page 104."

The morning went by pretty slowly. Rhydian hardly listened to a word that was being said. Shan was trying her best to concentrate and tom was just fiddling with anything he could get his hands on. Finally the bell went for lunch and everyone rushed to get out of the classroom. Once out the door tom looked towards Shan and Rhydian, who were stood a little further away.

Tom:"you guys coming?" Rhydian nodded.

Shan:"I'll catch you guys up. I just gotta do something."

Tom:"ok." He puts his arm around Rhydian's neck as they start to walk.

As they head towards the canteen Rhydian tells tom he's not hungry and he's gonna go for a run instead. Tom is about to disagree but Rhydian has already taken of. Tom doesn't feel very hungry either so he just gets some chips and sits on a table on his own. He doesn't feel like mingling with other people right now. Ava walks up to tom.

Ava:"can I sit here." Tom looks up and frowns.

Tom:"no. Sorry these seats are taken." He says not actually sorry at all. Ava looks at him sadly and moves away to sit somewhere else.

Meanwhile Shan walks to the music room hoping to find Harry. As she enters the room she sees Harry sat on his own his head in his hands. He looks up as he hears someone coming in. he quickly stands as he realises it's Shannon.

Harry:"Shannon! Erm I'll just leave. I'm sorry I've been pestering you. But I get it now."

Shan:"no Harry don't go. I want to talk to you. And don't apologise. I'm the one who should be apologizing."

Harry:"you don't need to apologise... So what did you want to talk about?" Shan walked towards Harry and took his hand. She made him sit as she sat beside him. She kept hold of his hand.

Shan:"look Harry I'm really sorry for avoiding you. It's just there's been so much going on and to top it all of Maddy and her family have had to leave stoneybridge. And as you know Maddy is my best friend. She's practically my sister. And now me Rhydian and tom have to figure out how to bring her and her family back home. I just didn't want any more complications in my life. And I mean I really like you but guys... They leave you one day or another. I wouldn't be able to deal with the pain of you leaving as well. There are so many girls that want you. And I mean a lot of them will be so much better than me." By the time she had finished Shan was in tears. Harry out his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close as she cried onto his shirt.

Harry:"Shan how could you think that. Not all guys are jerks you know. And your gorgeous. I don't want anyone else Shan I want you." He says lifting her head and looking straight into her eyes. "Shan I want you to trust me. I'm not going to leave you. Why would you think other girls are better than you? Your beautiful and you have brains. Your not a bimbo." Shan laughs slightly laughs.

Shan:"yh. Rhydian kind of had a go at me about that to."

Harry:"Rhydian?"

Shan:"yes Rhydian. He asked me why I was avoiding you, he said I should give you a chance and that he trusted you."

Harry:"so I have Rhydian to thank for you coming to me?"

Shan:"yes... I'm sorry harry."

Harry:"it's ok. As long as next time you come talk to me first. I get jealous you talking to other guys." Shannon smiles hearing this and playfully swats his arm.

Shan:"Harry! Rhydian is like my brother ok. So is tom. They are my family. They will always come first in my life."

Harry:"I know. i just hope one day I'll be as important to you. I'd love to get to know them and be a part of your family Shannon." This made Shannon smile.

Shan:"you will be soon enough."

Harry:"Shannon. What did you mean when you said that Maddy and her family had to leave and you, Rhydian and tom have to find a way to bring them back? I thought they went to Maddy's grandmas?" Shannon gulped. She had spilt everything out to Harry but she couldn't tell him the truth.

Shan:"it's complicated. I can't tell you the exact reason. But they haven't gone to Maddy's grandmas. Its dangerous for them here at the moment so they had to leave."

Harry:"is someone after them? Is someone trying to kill them?"

Shan:"no. No one trying to kill them. It's complicated Harry. And I can't tell you I'm sorry so please don't ask me questions."

Harry:"it's ok Shannon. Look I don't want secrets in our relationship but I understand you can't tell me right now. I just hope you trust me enough to tell me in your own time. I want to help. I don't like seeing you upset." Shannon nods. "Come on let's go get some lunch."

Shan:"ok." Harry stands and holds his hand out for Shannon to take. Shannon takes it and Harry pulls her up. He kisses her cheek and keeping hold of her hand leads her to the lunch hall. As they entered the lunch hall Shannon spotted tom and led Harry towards the table tom was sat at. Tom smiled at them both as they sat down.

Tom:"hi Harry."

Harry:"hey tom."

Shan:"tom where's Rhydian?"

Tom:"he went for a run." Shannon looks disbelievingly at tom.

Shan:"and you let him go on his own?"

Tom:"what else could I do." He gives her a look that says stop talking, there's people here. She shakes her head at him as her and Harry go grab some chips too.

They came and sat back down and ate in silence. just as they were done they saw Rhydian approach the table. He smiled as he saw Harry sitting with Shannon. He and tom would be having words with Harry later Rhydian thought to himself.

Rhyds:"hey harry."

Harry:"hi Rhydian."

Rhydian:"tom you coming playing football?"

Tom:"definitely."

Rhyds:"Harry?"

Harry:"yeah sure." As he said this tom and Rhydian started laughing at Shannon's facial expression. "What's so funny guys?"

Rhyds:"have you seen Shannon's face. She hates football. She doesn't even understand it and now she's going to have to watch it."

Harry looks towards Shannon and sure enough her face is screwed in annoyance. He laughs a little to. They all stand and Harry takes Shannon's hand and drags her up. They all headed outside and started playing as jimi, Sam and a few other boys joined in. Tom noticed Ava watching the game. soon after the bell went so they all headed back inside. This time Rhydian sat with tom and Shan and Harry sat together on the table in front of them. The afternoon went a little faster than the morning. As soon as the bell rang for home time. Rhydian took of saying he had something he had to do. Shan Harry and tom started walking together but tom left and Harry walked Shannon home saying he would see her in the morning. Shannon pecked his lips. She wanted him to know that she felt the same for him. He smiled as he kissed her back a little more deeply. They said goodbye and Harry watched Shannon walk in. It was too early to go to her house yet.

Tuesday

was kind of the same as Monday. Rhydian, tom, Shannon and Harry sat together. Ava seemed to be following tom around. Shannon told him to make friends with her but tom refused. At lunch Rhydian went of into the woods back to his and Maddy's tree. He was supposed to be talking to Shan and tom about a birthday party for Maddy. It was her birthday on Saturday. He already had his gift for her. And the Vaughn's were giving him more pocket money as he was already 16. They said they wanted him to learn responsibility. He felt they were giving him a little too much. £20 a week and he wasn't even their real son. Mind you they had treated him like one. As he hadn't been spending much he already had £70 saved up and this weeks added equaled £90. That would be enough for decorations and food. Plus Shan and tom would chip in too. He hadn't had a chance yet so he would talk to them as soon as he got back. Him and tom still needed to have a talk with Harry as well.

Rhydian got back just before the bell. Shan, Harry and tom were leaving the darkroom as he was walking down the hall. Rhydian still couldn't face going in there. He caught up to them.

Rhyds:"guys we have to plan Maddy's birthday."

Tom:"oh yeah. But bro how are we going to." He quickly stopped as he realised Harry was with them.

Shan:"guys I kinda told Harry that Maddy's not actually at her grandmas place. But I haven't said anything else." She looks down embarrassed. Harry looks at them all confused.

Tom:"oh Shan!" He says exasperated.

Harry:"do you guys want me to leave you alone for a while?"

Rhyds:"no it's ok. Stay."

Tom/Shan:"WHAT?!"

Rhyds:"look guys I don't know why but something keeps telling me that Harry needs to know. We won't tell him yet obviously. We'll have to discuss it with Maddy, her parents and even with mum. So it doesn't matter that you told him Shan and that's why he should stay. As long as he won't tell no one. Do you trust him Shan?" Shannon looks at harry and without hesitation replies.

Shan:"with my life Rhydian." Rhydian smiles and as he begins to walk to class Harry puts a hand on Rhydian's shoulder to stop him. Rhydian turns back to look at Harry.

Harry:"thank you. I won't let any of you down. And you can all trust me... Bro."

Rhydian smiles:"good... Let's go bro." tom smiles. He feels so happy for Shan but he knows him and Rhydian will be having words with Harry soon enough.

They all took their seats and discussed the party preparations.

Rhydian:"how are we going to deal with Jana?"

Harry:"Jana? Where did she come from?"

Rhyds:"you'll understand soon enough bro." Harry just nods baffled.

Tom:"we'll figure something out later."

Rhyds:"ok so with my £90 well buy food."

Harry:"how many people are there?"

Rhyds:"25-30 including children. Shan you said you've got £50 and tom you've got £40 so we can use some of that for decorations and the cake."

Harry:"I'll put in my £40 too."

Tom:"bro it's ok you don't have to. Your helping us prepare that's more than enough."

Harry:"tom, you and Rhydian both just called me your bro and I called you mine. That means were family so Maddy's like my sister. So yes it does matter. we'll put that towards the cake or the presents."

Shan:"yes presents. My parents always get Maddy something from all of us and tom so do your parents so that money will come from them. Harry me and you can give one together if you like? Rhydian what are you going to get her?"

Rhydian:"I already have her present. Mr and mrs Vaughn will want to get her something though and I'm going to go get her a gift that will be from Emma and Dan and one from Bryn and mum."

Tom:"your not gonna tell us what you got her are you?" Rhydian shakes his head.

Harry:"who's Bryn?"

Tom:"Rhydian's little brother."

Harry:"Rhydian you have a foster brother?"

Rhyds:"no he's my real brother."

Harry:"oh ok." he looks even more confused now."

Rhyds:"like I said you will understand everything soon enough." Harry just nods.

Tom:"how are we going to carry it all?"

Rhydian:"well we leave Friday night so I'll go first and bring Alex, Adam and Aaron with me. They'll keep it a secret as they don't like or trust Jana either. I'll let Dan, Emma and mum know about it so they can help once we get there. We'll keep the stuff in the fridge and keep Maddy away from there. Then I'll take her away somewhere whilst everyone sets up. You guys can give me a signal when to bring Maddy back."

Harry:"so Jana's a bad guy?"

Rhyds:"yes."

Harry:"and were are you guys going? Can I come to?"

Shan:"Harry..." Rhydian cuts her off.

Rhyds:"of course you can. Didn't we just all agree your family." Shan and tom just look at Rhydian like what the hell. Rhydian looks back at them and smiles.

Rhyds:"just trust me."

Shan:"oh yeah on Thursday after school were going to Maddy's house just to clean it up a bit. Do the dusting and the Hoover. Harry you'll have to make sure you pack some spare clothes we leave on Friday straight after school."

Harry:"ok. Cool."

Mr Jeffries came into class and they all turned to face him. As soon as the bell went for the end of the day, Rhydian said a quick goodbye and ran off. Tom said bye too and also ran off. Shan and Harry walked at a much slower pace as Harry dropped Shannon of home.

Wednesday

In the morning Rhydian got out really early to avoid walking with tom and Shannon. As much as he loved them they were constantly with him and if they weren't with him they bombarded him with texts and calls to see if he was ok. He understood they were looking out for him, but sometimes it just got too much. He just wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Everyday so far after school he had been going to the smiths house, straight to Maddy's room. He would lay on Maddy's bed and just cry his heart out. This is when he would talk to her. He would head home a few hours later. Mrs Vaughn could see how upset he was. She didn't question what he did. But she tried to be there for him.

As soon as he was out of the house he ran full out. When he reached his and Maddy's tree he plonked himself down and put his head on his knees. He could still smell her scent. She smelt sweet but not vanilla sweet. She smelt like spices with a hint of honey, with a crisp clean finish and little hints of flowers. He closed his eyes and called her name.

Maddy and Rhydian's convo with their minds.

Rhyds:"Maddy."

mads:"Rhydian. Are you ok?"

Rhyds:"I'm surviving. How are you?"

mads:"Rhydian don't talk like that. I'm ok. I just miss you so much."

Rhyds:"I miss you too mads. What else am I supposed to say. I hate it here without you. I just want you home."

Mads:"I know Rhydian I want that too. But let's not focus on that right now. We'll just get more upset. Tell me how everyone is?"

Rhyds:"everyone's fine. I managed to convince Shan to carry on going out with Harry. Oh yeah talking about Harry he's coming with us on Saturday is that ok? I don't know why but something kept telling me he should come with us. Oh and there's a new girl called Ava. I think she likes tom but tom seems to be ignoring her at the moment. The 3 K's are the same as always. Jimi and Sam are the same to and Liam isn't back at school yet. How are things there?"

Mads:"everyone here is fine too. I was actually gonna talk to you about Shan and Harry and tell you to hook them up so it's cool. About him coming here I don't know I mean what about Jana. Try to hook tom up with Ava. He needs someone to. Me and Bryn are getting really close and I'm learning lots here. Your mums taught me loads. I've managed to avoid Jana so far but don't know how long that will last. That's about it."

Rhyds:"I'll try. It's just so hard to do anything right now. Tell everyone I said hi and I'll talk to you later. I've got to go school now. Even though I don't want to."

mads:"ok. You tell Shannon, tom and Harry I said hi too ok. We'll talk later then. I love you."

Rhyds:"I will do. I love you to mads."

Back in the real world

Rhydian gets up from his and Maddy's tree and starts walking to school. As soon as he gets there he throws his bag into his locker and slips into the classroom. He sits at his table and puts his head down. A minute later he feels someone tap his shoulder. As he raises his head he realises that Ava has sat down besides him. He smiles at her as he sits up.

Ava:"hi. It's Rhydian right?"

Rhyds:"yeah that's me."

Ava:"can I just come right out and say it?"

Rhyds:"sure. What is it?"

Ava:"we'll your toms friend right and everyone can see how close you guys are. And the thing is I really like tom. I know it's only been 3 days but no one can control their feelings right? And well he just seems to ignore me and I've heard him mention some Maddy girl a few times. So is he going out with someone or is he in love with this Maddy?" Rhydian feels anger rise as Ava talks like Maddy about that but he takes a deep breath thinking it's not her fault she doesn't know who Maddy is.

Rhyds:"Maddy is my girlfriend. She's the love of my life. Tom isn't going out with anyone and isn't in love with Maddy. Maddy's like his sister. Were a family. Maddy had to leave us unexpectedly and toms just upset and angry. Look if it makes you feel any better I'll try talking to him ok?"

Ava:"you would? Oh thank you thank you thank you." She says throwing her arms around Rhydian and giving him a hug. Rhydian is just frozen there. And tom walks in just as Ava is removing her arms from around Rhydian's neck. Ava doesn't notice and just gets up and walks to her seat. But Rhydian can see toms angry face. tom storms over.

Tom:"Rhydian what the hell are you playing at?" He says in a deathly whisper. "How could you do this to Maddy?"

Rhyds:"what are you on about tom. I didn't do anything. She just hugged me I didn't even hug her back. I wouldn't ever do that to mads and you know it."

Tom:"she shouldn't have been anywhere near you. What would Maddy say if she saw that."

That did it Rhydian couldn't take anymore. He scraped back his chair as he stood up, pushed past tom and ran out. He ignored Shannon calling after him. He just ran and ran and ran. He didn't stop until he came to the one place that could slightly soothe the pain in his heart. He didn't stop until he reached the smiths house. More specifically, Maddy's room.

As soon as he entered he flopped on to her bed hugging her pillow close to him and started crying his eyes out. Thinking to himself, how could tom think that he would cheat on Maddy. Maddy was everything to him. Maddy was his life.

Meanwhile Shannon and harry were looking for tom whilst tom confronted Ava.

Tom:"what the heck do you think you were doing with Rhydian?"

Ava:"tom I didn't do..." Tom cut her off.

Tom:"I saw you with your arms around him Ava. He's taken ok. So you stay well away from him." With that he walked off. Shan saw him and walked up to him.

Shan:"tom. Do you know what's up with Rhydian I just saw him run off."

Tom:"I saw Ava with her arms around his neck and I confronted him. I kinda had a go at him and he just left."

Shan:"tom did you even ask him what actually happened?" She sighed.

Tom:"I didn't have to. I saw enough. How could he do that to mads?"

Shan:"tom it was probably nothing. Look we are all angry but you can't take it out on others you know. He's already really upset and your lack of trust isn't helping. We both know Rhydian and we both know how much he loves mads and that he would never cheat on her or hurt her."

Tom:"oh Shan. What have I done. I just... I don't know." Just then the bell went.

Shan:"come on you can talk to him after now. He's probably letting of steam."

They walked to the classroom. Rhydian didn't show up for the morning lessons. At lunchtime tom Harry and Shan sat together. Shan was starting to get worried.

Shan:"tom maybe we should go look for him."

Tom:"Shan how can we. You know he can hide from us. And we'd never be able to catch up with him."

Just before the lunch bell goes Rhydian walks into school. He's walking into class when Shan and tom see him. Shannon runs to him but Tom stays a little behind.

Shan:"Rhydian! Are you ok? Where were you?"

Rhyds:"I'm fine Shan I just needed space." Rhydian walks into class and slumps down in his chair. Tom walks in and Shan give him a look saying sort this mess out now. Tom goes and sits down next to Rhydian.

Tom:"bro I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to flip out at you. I'm just angry."

Rhyds;"yeah well I'm angry too tom. I'm hurting to. I constantly feel like my heart is being ripped out and shred to pieces with bare hands. But I'm trying to be as normal as possible for you and Shan and Maddy. How could you think I would cheat on Maddy. and if you must know Ava likes you. She came to ask me if you were taken and what your problem was. I told her I'd talk to you and she got happy and hugged me. I didn't even hug her back." Tom looks at Rhydian shocked.

Tom:"bro I'm so sorry I should have asked."

Rhyds:"yes you should have."

Tom:"Rhydian I'm..." Rhydian cuts him off."

Rhyds:"look tom just forget it ok. Its done now. It's fine. are you going to come with me to get Maddy's presents after school?"

Tom:"yeah. Are Shan and Harry coming too?"

Rhyds:"yeah."

Tom:"ok."

So after school the four of them head to town. Shannon helps Rhydian pick out a gorgeous dress that will be from Emma and Dan. It's a full sleeve royal blue chiffon dress. It would fall just below Maddy's knees. It has a silver diamanté belt across the front that falls just under the breast bone. Rhydian knows Maddy hates heels and would never wear them so he settles for some silver dolly shoes. Now for a present that will be from Rhydian's mum and Bryn. Rhydian finds a blazer that would go perfectly with the dress. It's black and the edges are full of bead work. all together it costs him £60 in total. Just before they are about to leave, Rhydian sees a silver frame. It's very intricate. Has diamonds arranged as flowers and sister written along the bottom. He could draw a picture of Maddy and Bryn could frame it and give it from himself. It was a bargain for a fiver. As they left the town they said goodbye to each other and started making their own ways back. They had agreed that they would go Bernie's tomorrow after cleaning Maddy's house to get the food. And then they would store it back at Maddy's place.

Thursday

on Thursday Rhydian arrived in class just as the bell went. He sat down next to tom, behind Shan and Harry. They both turned to say hi. The morning dragged and Rhydian barely paid attention. The pain in his heart was so much worse. It had got worse as the week went on and he knew that it would carry on getting worse until he was united with his Maddy. At lunchtime tom dragged him to football saying he would have to play. Harry came along to so Shannon stood on the side lines to watch. As the match started Liam appeared. Jimi walked upto him.

Jimi:"what are you doing here. Your not welcome to play with us."

Liam:"Jimi look I said I'm sorry for what I did. Were supposed to be mates."

Jimi:"your telling me about mates. You were the one who backstabbed your class mates and called them werewolves!"

Liam:"and I said I was sorry. Whitewood was playing with my head."

Jimi:"whatever Liam just do one."

Liam:"fine." He walks of into school. Rhydian walks upto Jimi.

Rhyds:"Jimi he did apologise. He's your mate just forgive and forget now."

Jimi:"Rhydian he was supposed to be yours and Maddy's mate to. He betrayed you. Have you forgiven and forgotten?"

Rhyds:"yes me and Maddy both have. You can't blame him that whitewood is a nutcase. Just go talk to him."

Jimi:"fine. Come on Sam."

Just then Ava walks upto tom. Before she even has a chance to say anything tom just flips at her.

Tom:"what is your problem. Why do you keep following me. Do you not get I want to be left alone!"

Ava tries to stop her tears from falling as she runs to the bathrooms with Shannon at her heels.

Rhyds:"bro what is wrong with you?"

Tom:"she won't leave me alone."

Rhyds:"yeah because she really likes you tom."

Tom:"it doesn't matter. I just don't want anyone to take Maddy's place."

Rhyds:"tom do you think Maddy would want you to be like this? Do you think she would want you to be unhappy. No. She'd be upset if she saw you like this. She would want you to be as normal as possible. She would hate to see you like this."

Tom:"and don't you think Maddy would be upset if she saw what you were like?"

Rhyds:"what do you mean?"

Tom:"I mean how every lunchtime you run of to yours and Maddy's tree and use eolas to watch her. How you don't eat properly and at home time you rush of to the smiths house and spend hours in Maddy's room, torturing yourself with her scent and crying until you can't cry anymore?"

Rhyds:"how did you..."

Tom:"I'm not dumb bro. I kind of followed you with some tricks I learned in the wild. And apparently I have an instinct to and that let's me know stuff, although I can't explain exactly how it does that coz I'm not sure myself how it does it. But wouldn't Maddy get upset if she knew that was what you were doing?"

Rhyds:"it's hard tom."

Tom:"I know bro. Look if you promise to eat and not rush of today and tomorrow I'll go apologise to Ava and make friends. your looking weaker by the day."

Rhyds:"its a deal. Although I think Ava would like to be more than friends."

Tom:"let's just take it one at a time bro ok?"

Rhyd:"ok."

They walk back into class just as Shannon and Ava walk in. Shan gives tom a dirty as Rhydian pulls her away from Ava. Ava sits down in her seat and tom walks upto her.

Tom:"is this seat taken?" Ava looks up shocked to see tom. She doesn't say anything but she shakes her head. "Can I sit here then?" Ava shrugs her shoulders. Tom pulls the chair back and sits down. "I'm sorry Ava. I just... I'm just angry but that doesn't give me an excuse to treat you the way I did. Will you forgive me?" Tom holds his hand out for her to shake. "Friends?"

Ava wraps her arms around toms neck, she pecks him on the cheek and hugs him. Tom pauses a moment before hugging her back. She smells lovely he thinks to himself. The three K's walk in and see tom hugging Ava.

Katrina:"toms got a girlfriend. Toms got a girlfriend."

Ava and tom quickly let go of each other and look towards Rhydian, Shan and Harry who are all smirking at them. Tom stays sat with Ava for the rest of the afternoon. At home time Rhydian, Shan and Harry walk over to tom and Ava. Harry has his arm around Shannon's shoulders.

Harry:"you ready to go to Maddy's tom?" Asks Harry glancing at Ava. Tom looks at Ava then back at the other three.

Tom:"of course I am. Ava I'll see you tomorrow yeah."

Rhyds:"tom don't be so rude bro. You should invite your girlfriend to join us." Says Rhydian trying his best to hold his laughter. Ava blushes as tom glares at him.

Tom:"I'm sure Ava has better things to do then waste time with us cleaning. Right Ava?" He says gritting his teeth.

Ava:"I'm not doing anything. I'd love to come tom." She smiles at him and he is momentarily frozen. She had such a lovely smile he thought. He smiled back at her. He admitted to himself that he was glad she was coming along now.

They all walked together to Maddy's house. Shannon linked arms with Ava and they walked foreword. As soon as they were out of earshot Rhydian put his arm around tom in a manly way.

Rhyds:"I thought you were taking it one step at a time?"

Tom:"we are." He says elbowing Rhydian in the ribs knowing it won't affect him in the slightest. Rhydian didn't even wince.

Harry:"didn't look like it from where we were watching." Harry adds laughing. Harry and Rhydian high five each other at toms discomfort.

They reach the smiths house and Rhydian takes his key out and unlocks the door. They all walk in. As usual as soon as Rhydian enters he his hit with Emma, Daniels and Maddy's scents but today he can smell human. He puts his arms out to stop the others from entering. Seeing this tom switches to high alert immediately.

Tom:"Rhydian what is it?"

Rhydian:"someone's been here." Rhydian sniffs the air again and turns his head in the other direction. "The person is still here." Harry and Ava look at Rhydian bewildered. Then all of a sudden Rhydian takes of through the living room to the door that leads downstairs to the den. As he suspected it's unlocked. He walks through it and finds whitewood there with her back to him.

Rhydian:"what the hell are you doing here." Rhydian is fuming. He can feel his wolf trying to break free. Luckily Shan, tom, Harry and Ava arrive at that time.

Shan:"Rhydian!" She rushes to stand I front of him.

Ww:"look I was just looking for evidence. Maddy and her family are werewolves. And they ran away because i found out about them. They lied to you and you are her friends."

shan:"how much more delusional can you get? You are trespassing on private property. You can get arrested for that. In fact Harry call the police right now."

ww:"no there's no need for that. You have to believe me. Shannon your a scientist your like me. We can work together. We can bring Maddy and her kind down."

Shan:"I AM NOTHING LIKE YOU! You are sick and delusional and and mentally twisted. You make me sick. Maddy isn't a werewolf. Werewolves DO NOT exist. Harry have you made that call?"

Harry:"they are on their way."

Ww:"Rhydian. You loved Maddy and she lied to you. You believe me right. I had evidence but it got destroyed. I just came for evidence. If we don't act now she will change you to so you can be together. Do you want to be a monster?"

Rhydian:"I love Maddy. Not loved. She didn't lie to me about anything and she is not a monster. Rhydian can feel his whole body tingling. His wolf is at the surface. Shan can feel the strength through his clenched fists which she is holding.

Shan:"tom take Rhydian back upstairs. Look in my bag there's a little vial with red liquid in it. Make him drink it. All of it. NOW! Me Harry and ava will stay with whitewood until the police arrive ok."

Tom grabs hold of Rhydian who is reluctant to go. He just wants to rip whitewoods head of.

Rhydian:"no she deserves to be punished."

Tom:"and she will be but not now. Come on."

Tom channels his inner strength and drags Rhydian up the stairs. He finds Shannon's bag and roots around in it. There are lots of vials in it.

Rhyds:"tom hurry!" Rhydian hisses.

Tom look around to see black veins crawling up Rhydian's face and his eyes have turned yellow. He quickly empties the entire contents of Shannon's bag onto the sofa. He spots the red vial and rushed to Rhydian with it. He pops open the lid grabs Rhydian's nose so he can't smell it, tips his head back and pours the liquid down his throat. He hears Rhydian gulp and groan. He has no time to see is it has worked as someone rings the bell and he rushes to open it. It's the police. He leads them in. Praying Rhydian is fully human. Tom leads them down to the den and explains what has happened on the way. Rhydian follows them a few seconds later. They get to the den and one of the officers arrests whitewood. As they cuff her one of the officers takes a screaming whitewood upstairs and into their car. The other officer turns to the friends.

Officer:"sorry about her. Even the hunters have complained about her harassing them and their son. We just don't have enough to arrest her and keep her locked up for. But if she carries on like this she'll be going to a phsyciartic hospital soon." they thank the officer and Harry shows him out.

Ava:"what's going on?"

Harry:"yh whats going on. Shan I know I said you can tell me in your own time but this is just crazy. Why is she saying Maddy's a werewolf? What evidence is she looking for? Non of this makes sense. How is Liam involved in all of this? And what did you tell tom to give to Rhydian and why?"

shan:"Harry I can't answer your questions. You just have to trust me."

Harry:"Shan I do trust you but this is something else. If your in danger or your best friend is in danger I deserve to know and the police should be informed."

Rhydian:"look Harry I told you that your answers will be answered tomorrow. You and Ava shouldn't have been here. But unfortunately you were but I can't explain this to you on my own. So just please wait until tomorrow."

Tom:"let's get this cleaning done for now yeah?"

Ava and Harry nod.

Shan:"right tom you and Ava do downstairs me Harry and Rhydian will tackle upstairs."

The three go up and tom and Ava are left alone. They head towards the kitchen first. The kitchen is already clean. they take out some cloths from one of the draws to dust the living room. As they are dusting Ava speaks up.

Ava:"tom, Maddy's ok isn't she. She's not hurt or anything?"

Tom:"no she isn't. She's ok. Were going to visit her tomorrow. Stay the weekend with her. It's her birthday on Saturday so we've planned a surprise party." Ava just nods. They are done 10 minutes later so tom takes the Hoover out and starts hoovering whilst Ava quickly wipes down the kitchen surfaces again.

Upstairs Rhydian is doing Maddy's room, Harry is doing Rhydian's old room and shan is doing mr and mrs smiths room. The rooms are already clean just the surfaces need dusting. Harry finishes first as he had the smallest room so he takes the upstairs Hoover out and hovers the small bedroom and the landing. Rhydian takes the Hoover of him as he finishes Hoovering Maddy's room. Just as he's done Shan comes out of the main bedroom and tells them to Hoover that whilst she does the bathroom. Harry does the main bedroom and Shan finishes the bathroom. Rhydian heads downstairs.

Downstairs Ava and tom are done. Tom puts the Hoover away and plonks down onto the sofa. Ava sits besides him.

Ava:"tom. I know we hardly know each other but I really do like you. I don't know what it is but I fell for you the moment I saw you. I know you don't feel the same for me but can we at least be friends?" Tom swivels a little and faces Ava.

Tom:"I thought we were already friends? Ava I do like you too. It's just there's so much going on in my life at the moment I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. I just don't want to bombard into anyone with it. Look we can be together but can we just take it slow." Ava nods. They both look at each other and are momentarily lost in each other's gazes. They lean forward. Their eyes flutter close. Their lips are about to touch.

Rhydian:"tom. oh sorry..."

They quickly move apart. Ava blushing red quickly stands and rushes past Rhydian and up the stairs. Rhydian walk over to tom.

Rhydian:"I approve bro. Sorry for interrupting." Rhydian laughs.

Tom whack him playfully.

Tom:"not a word to anyone I mean it. I do like her. The more I'm with her."

Rhydian:"your secret is safe with me."

5 minutes later Harry, Shan and Ava come down. Rhydian had locked the den and added the key to his house keys. They all grabbed their bags and coats and walked out. Rhydian locked up. By the time they reached Bernie's, it was half 5. Rhydian had already ordered the food so all they had to do was pick it up and take it back to the smiths house. They walked in. Bernie had everything packed and tom had had the brains to bring a pull along trailer from the smiths garage. They packed the trailer and headed back. Once they got there Rhydian unlocked the garage and they loaded the food into the massive fridge. As Rhydian was locking the door he was hit with the scent of a wolfblood...

Ok I'm stopping their. As I've already written 7508 words for just the story. I'd like to thank all my readers and reviewers For reading and reviewing. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the others. xxx