Chapter 18

Rhydian's POV

I wake to the smell of bacon. I open my eyes slowly to see rosa standing there with a tray full of food.

Me:"what time is it rosa?"

Rosa:"12 in the afternoon. I bought you a very late breakfast."

Me:"thank you."

Rosa:"Chica... Are you ok?" Rosa looks close to tears. I get out of bed careful not to wake Maddy. I walk up to rosa and hug her.

Me:"rosa I'm fine. I'm ok now."

Rosa:"you scared us all. We thought we'd lost you."

Me:"I know. I'm sorry." She moves away and places a palm on my cheek. She kisses my forehead and smiles.

Rosa:"don't let your food get cold. And the boys have been wanting to come see you all morning. Text me when you've finished eating and I'll send them up. there are classes going on downstairs so just warning you. I nodded and locked the door as she left the room.

I went to the bed and sat besides Maddy just watching her sleep for a moment. I placed a kiss on her head and then gently shook her.

Me:"mads. Mads. Wake up Maddy." She slowly opened her eyes. She smiled as she looked at me but the events of yesterday dawned on her and she quickly shot upright.

Mads:"Rhydian are you ok? What's wrong? I'll go get Mia." I had to grab hold of her and pull her flush against me to calm her down and stop her from running off. "Rhydian what's the matter? Tell me what's wrong Rhydian?" She said softly.

Me:"mads it's 12 in the afternoon. I woke you up so we could eat. I'm ok. I'm fine. I promise." I felt her relax against me and she kissed my chest. "Let's eat before the food gets cold." I feel her nod.

I let go of her and we both quickly brush our teeth. Then I go to pick up the tray from the dressing table. Placing the tray down between us we eat in a comfortable silence. I'm famished so I end up clearing my plate. This makes Maddy smile. When were done I text rosa to send jack and Nicko up. I have texts on my phone from our four friends saying they are going to come see us after school. Me and Maddy play with jack and Nicko for a while although Maddy demands constant rests for me. There's a knock on our door. I open it to see all my family stood there including Shan Tom Harry and Ava. Mia walked in first.

Mia:"how are you feeling babe?"

Me:"better." I reply taking my place next to mads once more.

Mia:"babe I've arranged for the funeral to be on Saturday. Is that ok?" I nod.

Me:"what day is it today?"

Mia:"Wednesday."

Me:"how's the school build getting on?"

Santos:"we've made good progress. I think it'll be usable in about 6-7 weeks."

Me:"that's great."

Mia:"right I'm going to go make dinner. Are you gonna come down and eat or do you want to stay in your room?" she asks me.

Me:"I'm going to come down and eat with all of my family."

Mia smiles. She kisses my head whilst standing up and soon there's only six of us left in the room. Tom sticks the TV on as we all discuss what happened yesterday night. Maddy tells me that she told mum our decision. Emma and dan seem happy to. I was really touched that they stayed over just to see I was ok.

Harry:"so Maddy. You coming to class tomorrow."

Mads:"yep. I can't wait. I actually missed school."

Me:"luckily I'll be there to make sure you don't wolf out."

Mads:"I won't wolf out and who said your going."

Me:"I am going. I'm fine now. do you remember when I came back from the wild. I'd snap easily. You need to be careful for the first couple of weeks back."

Mads:" Rhydian you are not going end of. You have to rest. I have four people looking out for me."

Me:"Maddy I've been resting. I'm coming to class. End of. It's at home anyway."

Mads:"no..." Maddy was cut of.

Shan:"for heavens sake. You both sound like an old married couple."

Me and Maddy blush a little. We are practically married. Well in wolf form we are so when were humans we are to right? We just don't have the papers and we haven't had the ceremony. And I haven't asked her or given her a ring. I have to do something about that.

Ava:"Rhydian I think you shouldn't go yet."

Me:"Ava I'm fine. Plus it's Maddy's first day back. I wouldn't miss that for the world." Everyone smiles at me.

Ava:"I have such a sweet brother." She says grinning wildly.

Mia calls us down for dinner. Emma and Mia have made hogs roast. Today I empty what is put on my plate. It isn't as much as I normally eat but it's more than I've been eating recently. Plus the amount I ate satisfied my family so that was enough for me. After dinner I offered to drop everyone of home. this didn't go as well as I hoped it would. Mia was adamant I wasn't well enough to drive yet. I told her I was and that I could do with the fresh air. She replied by saying.

Mia:"if you want fresh air stand in the garden."

I finally managed to convince her to let me go. She reluctantly handed over the range rover keys. I dropped our four friends of first then drove to the smiths house. Maddy was sat in the front with me. I pulled the brake up and all of us climbed out. I took Maddy's hand as we walked inside. Me and Maddy plonked down onto the sofa straight away. Emma and dan sat opposite us.

Dan:"thank you Rhydian."

Me:"for what Daniel?"

Dan:"for keeping our house safe for risking your life to save our daughters and most of all for bringing us home."

Me:"I didn't do anything. It was everyone else."

Emma:"no pet." She said placing a hand on my knee. "If it wasn't for you the others couldn't have done anything. Now let's leave this topic shall we?" I nodded grateful. "Right Maddy up to bed. Rhydian you'll always have the spare bedroom pet but I think Mia wants you home tonight."

Oh no. My face drops. How can I go home without Maddy. I can't sleep without her. I've grown used to having her sleep with me all the time. But how do I tell her parents that. I know Mia won't allow me to stay tonight. She still wants to keep an eye on me. But how do I tell them to let Maddy stay over? Emma and dan must have noticed as all of a sudden they began to laugh, I looked at them confused.

Dan:"you should have seen your face Rhydian. It was a definite Kodak moment."

Emma:"we were only teasing pet. Maddy can stay over for the rest of this week then next week your both staying here. Me and Mia talked about it. We'll sort something proper out later. Go on both of you. It's getting late." Emma and dan hugged both me and Maddy then stood at the door until we vanished from sight.

Me:"you know for a moment I thought they were being serious."

Mads:"so did I but I know they are very accepting of you. They want us to be happy." I nod as I turn into our lane.

I unlock the door and me and Maddy walk up quietly careful not to wake anyone. Once were in our room we change into our pyjamas and lie in bed. I pull Maddy close to me and catch her lips in mine. There was no point wearing our night clothes because soon they are strewn across the floor as our skin rubs together and we make slow passionate love before falling asleep wrapped in each other and a duvet.

"Brinnngggg. Brinnnngggg." The alarm clock goes of. My hand reaches out feeling the dressing table to turn the noise of. I try to find it with my eyes closed but end up knocking it off the drawer. I groan as I have to leave the warm comfortable bed containing Maddy to pick the damn thing up and turn it off. What was going through my head when I argued to go to school. It must have been the potions Shannon's been feeding me for my strength. I pick up the alarm clock which has flown across the room and turn it off. I turn to find Maddy snoring softly. How did she sleep through all of that bloody noise? Beats me. I take a picture of her in my iPhone. The opportunity is too good to miss. She looks so cute. I decide to let her sleep in a little and change before waking her. I grab my clothes and walk into the bathroom. I brush my teeth. Wash my face and quickly change. I look at my watch. It's 7:30. I shake Maddy gently waking her.

Mads:"what time is it?"

Me:"half 7."

Mads:"Rhydian we put the alarm on for 7 were going to be late. Well I am since your already changed."

Me:"mads have you forgotten. Our classes are held here. All we have to do is walk downstairs for half 8. You still have an hour."

Mads:"why did you dress so quickly then?"

Me:"I was hoping we could go for a run. But I didn't want to wake you. You looked so cute snoring softly."

mads:"I do not snore."

Me:"yes you do. But don't worry I won't tell anyone." I grin at her.

Mads:"if you tell anyone I'll..." I cut her of.

Me:"you'll what?"

Mads:"I'll do something. I'll fight you."

Me:"you can't fight me."

Mads:"yes I can." And before I know it she's leapt at me and trying to pin me down but I'm too strong for her and manage to flip her onto her back pinnig her down instead. Holding her arms in place above her head and both her legs between mine. On any other day I would have let her win but today I had a plan.

Me:"so your going to fight me huh? You don't really look like your in a position to fight."

Mads:"Rhydian let go of me."

Me:"nope not until you tell me I'm the best."

Mads:"in your dreams."

Me:"fine them I'll have to resort to plan b." I held both her hands in one and began to tickle her.

Mads:"Rhydian... No... Stop." She said between guffaws. She was laughing so hard.

Me:"say I'm the best then."

Mads:"no."

Me:"then I won't stop." I said continuing my relentless attack."

Mads:"ok...ok... Fine...your... The ... Best."

Me:"thank you." I stopped and with her still pinned down I kissed her passionately for a long moment before pulling away. I knew this would annoy her. I quickly let her go and jumped of the bed and opened the door.

Mads:"no fair. Where are you going. I was enjoying that."

Me:"I know but I'm going to get you breakfast. We do have school you know. In like 45 mins." I say looking at my watch. I wink at her then closing the door behind me I head down to get breakfast.

I walk into the kitchen to see Letty frying eggs. She turns when she hears me enter the kitchen. She smiles warmly as I go to give her a hug.

Letty:"hey bubba. Feeling any better." I nod.

Me:"where's Mia this morning?"

Letty:"told her to sleep in before school said I'd handle breakfast. You want some?"

Me:"yes please. I'm taking it up for Maddy too."

She nods smiling at the same time. She plates up breakfast puts it in a tray and hands it to me. I walk upstairs and into the bedroom. Maddy is making the bed. The clothes that were lying on the floor from the night before were hung neatly in their place. She smiled when I walked in. She was dressed in her uniform her hair brushed and down like normal. She had one of my hoodies on. The weather was cold as we were in winter. And Christmas was nearing.

Me:"don't mind helping yourself to my clothes." I say putting the tray down on my bed.

Mads:"thanks Rhydian. I won't."

Me:"you cheeky little minx." I say encircling my arms around her waist. She laughs. God I love her laugh. I peck her lips before letting go and steering her to the bed. "Breakfast is served."

Mads:"did you make it?"

Me:"no Letty did."

Mads:"oh thank goodness. I couldn't believe you would be able to make breakfast look this good."

Me:"oh haha. I can cook you know."

Mads:"sure you can. Burnt food doesn't count."

Me:"mads I can cook without burning. And I'm going to prove it to you. I'll cook you breakfast tomorrow morning."

Mads:"ok then we'll see."

Me:"yes we will. Anyways I have a surprise for you well kind of a surprise. It's not really a surprise." I blubber as we start breakfast.

Mads:"Rhydian what are you not telling me?"

Me:"if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise would it?"

Mads:"but you know I hate surprises."

Me:"I know but I think you'll enjoy this one. I think."

Mads:"so it's an activity?"

Me:"my lips are sealed."

Mads:"give me a hint. or just tell me please."

Me:"ask no questions hear no lies. Now hurry up. We need to be down in 10 minutes."

mads:"fine. But this isn't over."

Me:"mads you won't have to wait long enough for this to end." This makes her smile. We wolf (get it wolf. Yeah I know lame joke) down breakfast and head downstairs placing the tray in the sink. Mia walks in behind us holding a cup of coffee. She smiles as she kisses my cheek and gives Maddy a hug.

Mia:"your guys class is in the games room. Mr Jeffries has you first." She winks causing Maddy to look at us and pout. She's figured Mia's in on the secret. Just then our four friends walk into the kitchen Ava talking loudly.

Ava:"bro are you ready for the surp..." She freezes as she sees Maddy. "Hey Maddy. You ok."

Mads:"so everyone besides me knows?" I smile at her sheepishly. We walk into the make do classroom to see everyone is wearing there coats.

Mr. J:"oh good your all here. Nice to have you back Maddy. No need to take your coats of. Were going to spend the morning at school as we need the hall. So let's go everyone." Maddy pulls me down slightly and whispers in my ear.

Mads:"has this got anything to do with the surprise."

Me:"maybe." I whisper back.

Mr. J:"as the walk back is too long Mrs O'connor has kindly said we'll all be given a lift." Just then Rome Leo and Han walked out.

Han:"we can fit 6 a car. Rhydian's taking his own that will fit four. Me Jeffries you can sit with Rhydian."

As soon as Han said Rhydian's got his own car the whole class looked my way. Then Shan and Ava told Harry and Tom to go in another car as they both wanted to come with me. We all told mr Jeffries to sit in the front seat and mads sat at the back with her sisters. The rest of the class of 22 or 23 (including mr J ) filed into the 3 black range rovers. I drove ahead. Making sure not to break any road rules. I parked in the school parking lot but was stopped before I could get out.

Mr. J:"Rhydian. I haven't thanked you properly. I don't know how to. This school doesn't know how to. I'm proud of you son."

I choked up a little. This teacher had stuck by us through everything. He was there for us when we needed him. He did things no other teacher did for us. I realised the girls had discreetly left The car."

Me:"thanks sir."

Mr. J:" I want you to know that if you ever have a problem you can always come to me any time." Then he did something I never thought he would. He hugged me in a fatherly way. Then he took a piece of paper out and wrote something on it before handing it to me. "This is my personal number. You can call me anytime even at 2 in the morning. I'll be here for you always." I nodded.

We got out as the rest of the cars had also pulled up and the students had clamoured out. I quickly dried my eyes of the tears that had escaped. Maddy came and held my hand gently squeezing it and smiling up at me. Han told sir to call him when they were ready to come back. Since the fire this was the first time I was seeing the school again. The walls had been knocked down but new building work had begun. It looked worse than before. The inside looked even worse. The walls and floors were black. The furniture burnt. Even though they had closed that side of the school it could still be seen. But I followed the crowd as we were led away from the remains and into the hall. Once there we are all seated before mrs parish speaks up.

Mrs. P:"as some of you know some of the presentations are going to be repeated. By mr Jeffries request the first person up is Rhydian Morris. Come on Rhydian." I smile at Maddy as I make my way onto the stage. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves before facing my audience.

Me:"my presentation is about family. The word family to most people means parents, brothers and sisters, and relatives. To me the definition of family is different. Family doesn't have to be blood. Family is about bonds. This is my family." The side door of the hall opened and in walked my huge family. Mia Brian jack Nicko rosa Han tej suki Leo santos roman Letty and Dom. They all walked up onto the stage. "At the age of two I was put into foster care. The family I lived with took me to America only so they could continue receiving money. They didn't take care of me. Mia here saw me one day and took me in. That's the day I became part of the family. All of these guys are not even related but the bond of the heart is thicker than blood. These guys and me went through so much together and that's how our family came to be and grew so strong. We would give our lives to save each other without thinking." I pointed the remote to the projector and a picture of Vince Giselle Leon and Jesse came up. "Jesse here was killed. Leon was killed trying to avenge him. Vince was shot trying to save us and Gisselle died saving Han who was helping the rest of us save Letty. No details but as you can see my point. Were family. Mia has always been like a mother to me. Jack and Nicko are my little nephews. They've called me uncle since since they could talk. And then I had to move here. These guys tried to adopt me. Anything so I could stay with them but I ended up here. That when I met my girlfriend Maddy." Maddy smiles and I beckon her up. She shyly walks on to the stage.(can you imagine a shy Maddy?) "she invited me into her family and I found two new people to look up to." Emma and dan walked in on que. "Maddy's parents took me in as their own. Mr and Mrs Vaughn were the best foster parents to me. I found out the day they died they wanted to adopt me. Even though I wasn't blood they called me their own. Just like Maddy parents were there for me when the Vaughn's couldn't be. Maddy stuck by me and told her friends that whether they liked it or not. Whether they accepted me or not I would be a part of her life. That day I made a new brother and sister. Shan and Tom became a huge part of my life. Then Harry and Ava. They stood by me and then my family from America moved here just to be close to me. Me Jeffries is my teacher but he cared for all of us. he gave me something my father who I've never met couldn't give me. He gave me advice and he gave me time. Somehow he's more of a part of my life than I myself know. So that's what family is to me."

Shan Ava Tom and Harry had also come up onto the stage and were grinning like idiots. Mr. J was also smiling broadly. Harry stuck his hand up.

Me:"Harry."

Harry:"tell us what you used to do in America? As in the family business."

Me:"we used to fix cars. Not only fix them but kit them up and make them into super cars."

Tej:"were actually planning on opening a garage here. Make sure you all bring your cars there."

Me:"that's why we all drive super cars."

Mr. J:"any more questions?" Nobody said anything. Mr Jeffries started to clap and soon the hall was full of clapping. I felt a smile slip onto my face as Maddy held my hand. "Excellent presentation Rhydian. Well done."

Me:"thanks sir."

After that we all got of the stage. Mia and the rest of my family decided to go home so goodbyes were said as me Maddy Shan Harry Tom and Ava sat down. Kay Jimi Liam Sam Harry Ava a boy called James a girl called lauren and another boy called George all did there presentations or re-did them if they hadn't already done them. With Maddy sat next to me, our hands entwined and secret glances being exchanged every few seconds the morning slipped away unnoticed. The pain and guilt of the Vaughn's death was still in my heart but happiness finally managed to seep through laying above it like a thick fog lies heavily in the sky. Soon it was lunch time. Everyone decided to walk to Bernie's for lunch then get picked up from there. Even though I had my car I walked alongside my friends all of us trailing at the back of our classmates. Mr Jeffries walked alongside us.

We got to Bernie's and huddled in inside. It was very squashy but no one seemed to mind. We all ordered and me Jeffries decided that this would be his treat to us. He wouldn't let anyone pay or even chip in. He sat with us and are and asked us all what we wanted to do in the future. He asked if we'd started our revision as exams were in 3 months time. And if we'd started looking at college choices. The 3 K's and Jimi Liam and Sam were even being friendly. The 3 K's were pestering mr. J about prom saying they needed to start planning now as 3 months would whizz by and Jimi and Liam were saying they should plan a trip to somewhere nice as a last time together kind of thing. This gave me an idea. The hour whizzed past faster than anyone would have liked. The cars were waiting outside for us. Someone had bought my car from school and parked it. We all got out thanking Bernie on the way.

Han:"I used your spare set of keys to bring the car here."

Me:"thanks bro." We drove back to our house. Once settled mr . J went over all the things we would need to revise. I actually listened. He taught some history and soon the school day was over. Soon everyone had left. Shan Harry Tom and Ava stayed over for dinner before santos dropped them off home. After mingling with the family for a while me and mads headed up to bed.

I wasn't looking forward to Saturday but it seemed Saturday couldn't have come quick enough. I was stood in front of the mirror tucking in a crisp white shirt into straight black pants. A tie around my neck untied. Maddy was in the bathroom just finishing her shower. As I straightened my shirt she walked out wearing a black dress that fell just beneath her knees and black skin tights. The dress was sleeveless but held up with thick straps.

Mads:"will you zip me up?" She asked walking towards me. I turned away from the mirror to face her as she turned her back to me. I zipped up the zip and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder.

Me:"can you knot ties?" She nodded. She turned around but I was too tall for her. So I picked her up and held her in my arms instead. She wrapped her legs around my waist and smiled. She tied the tie and gave a satisfied smile. I lent towards her and captured her lips. She kissed me back but pulled away quickly.

Mads:"we have to go." I reluctantly put her down and nodded. I put on my suit jacket and closed the single button. Maddy was going to wear the blazer from her birthday that mum gave her. I held it out for her to slip her arms in. As she slipped in her arms I wrapped my arms around her waist and placed my chin on her shoulder.

Me:"Maddy what if I can't do this?" She shifted a little looking back at me with love in her eyes.

Mads:"you can do this babe. And you will. I'll be with you every step of the way." I smiled at her as I realised what she had just said.

Me:"did you just call me babe?" She blushed and looked down. "Don't worry. I liked it... Babe." She looked up again and smiled. Then pushing me away slightly and taking my hand instead.

Mads:"come on or we'll be late." I nodded And followed her down the stairs.

Shan Ava Tom and Harry were already downstairs. Like me all the boys were wearing black suits white shirts and a black tie and all the girls were wearing black dresses. We'd ordered a horse and funeral carriage and the bodies had arrived this morning. We were going to walk from here to the graveyard. Maddy and me held hands and walked ahead behind the carriage as it took of. Jack was holding my hand and Nicko was holding Maddy's. It was a half hour walk to the graveyard. I looked back to see me Jeffries had joint the group. He smiled at me sadly and gave a nod of encouragement. Jack got tired halfway so I stopped a moment before picking him up and placing him on my shoulders. Brian came forward and told me to give jack to him. But I shook him of. Right now I needed my two little bundles of joy more than ever.

We reached the graveyard and the priest came out to greet us. He asked if we needed help lifting the coffins inside but we said no. Brian and Dom stood at the front and started to slide them out and the others lifted them onto their shoulders. The group stood side by side so I was able to hold a part of both the coffins. We carried them in and placed them at the alter. Then we took our seats. I sat jack and Nicko in my lap and Mia and Maddy sat on either side of me. The priest began to talk and I couldn't help the emotion that welled in me. Silent tears vegans to fall down. Jack and Nicko looked at me sadly constantly wiping at my face. Nicko put his arms around my neck hugging me trying to comfort me. Soon the speech was over. The priest asked if anyone wanted to say anything. I wanted to but I couldn't will myself to get up. They all looked at me and I shook my head looking down. Maddy placed her hand on my shoulder and I looked at her.

Mads:"go Rhydian say something. You'll only regret it later if you don't." she was right. So taking the boys of my lap I stood and walked over to the alter.

Me:"after I came to stoneybridge the Vaughn's took me in. They were different to the other families I had been fostered by. They treat me like their own son. The last proper conversation I had with them, they asked me to call them mum and dad."

Tears start falling down my face and I feel my chest constrict. I find it hard to talk. Maddy's besides me in an instant her hand holding mine squeezing it in reassurance. Her presence calming me slightly.

"The day they died I found out they had wanted to adopt me. They didn't deserve to die. Whitewood murdered them to get to me because I wouldn't help her. They were so good to me but they were killed because of me.' I turn to the coffins and fall down besides them whispering. "Mum dad I'm so sorry. Mum dad I'm so sorry."

Maddy is sitting on her knees besides me holding me close to her as I let the tears flow freely. Slow sad but soulful music flows through the church. (Dumbeldore's death music) and soon my family are around me. Consoling me but most of all being there with me. I soon calmed down and the priest asked us to follow the coffins so we could proceed with the funeral. I nodded solemnly. We follow the coffins outside to the graveyard. I know I should be strong but no one knew the Vaughn's like I did. I don't want to be strong right now. I just want to let go and let the pain and guilt and sorrow wash over me. These were my parents and know they're being buried. All because of me. They gave me so much life and love in the short time I knew them.

The coffins are lowered in to the ground. I bend and pick a handful of soil up. I throw it down on top of the coffin. Ava hands me a bunch of white roses. I place them on top. I stand there and watch the coffins get covered in the soil. Until they are no longer visible. A large headstone is placed on one side of the grave. It reads: In loving memory of Roberta and Robert Vaughn. Who left behind a loving son Rhydian. May they rest in piece.

I smiled at the last bit. Yes I was there son. And I was proud to call them parents.

Ok so I'm going to stop there. I don't really like the ending but I thought my last sentence was an appropriate end. So let me know what you think please. Sorry it's late but I've been having my A level exams and I've been super busy. Anyway I hope you enjoy it :) love you all. I'd also like to add that this chapter is dedicated to my sister Julia aka wolf200. The family bit on Rhydian's presentation. We may not be blood related but were closer. She made me realise this so when writing this chapter well that particular part all I did was think of her. She is an amazing person who fails to realise it. Love you sis :) xx