Important to me

Transition

"Let's just keep it on the low though for now, for at least a couple of days it's Cody's show tomorrow and Megan is just getting back in the rhythm, so I think we should sit the kids down tomorrow after Cody's show and tell them and I will ring Max.""That's fine." "Hi" It was the next day and Gillian and Ben had been interrupted by Cody who had come downstairs dressed for school. "Hi Luv all set for tonight"? Smiled Gillian. "I suppose" laughed Cody "I hate that song now Don't call me up it's in my head every time I go to bed" There was a pause. "Meg is fine you know" said Cody "she's coming down in a minute.""Oh I know" said Gillian."Then what's up"? Asked Cody."Nothing" said Gillian."Mum I know that face" said Cody. "Just leave it" snapped Gillian."Ok mum" insisted Cody not prepared to argue. "Mum's had her work cut out with me I wouldn't worry she was horrified yesterday" Cody and Megan chatted on the way to school. "Yeah I suppose" said Cody "I can't be bothered arguing there really is no point.""Ok.""Are you going to say anything else other than ok"? "I'm just tired from tonight but it's ok thanks for telling us" It was night time and after the successful dance show Gillian and Ben had finally told the kids the news. "Sam you're dad's here for good" insisted Gillian."Yeah" replied Sam."What is wrong with you guys"? Snapped Gillian. "We don't want you to get hurt" insisted Sam."Luv I won't get hurt" insisted Gillian."It's the same old story" said Cody."That's your dad you're talking about" snapped Gillian."He's only been back five minutes" snapped Megan "when he left we had to pick up the pieces.""Now you know that's not true" said Gillian "your dad remained in your life he still provided for you nothing changed." "So what "said Cody "we just act like this is great and then it goes wrong again"?"No" said Gillian "you're completely taking this the wrong way.""Are we"? Insisted Megan. "They are right" insisted Sam."Look I knew this wouldn't have been a bed of roses" said Ben "I knew it would be difficult.""I agree" said Gillian "but we're a family we have to work together we have to work around this too much has happened." "Max tried to sound pleased but you could tell by his voice he felt the same way as the kids" It wasn't long after the kids had gone to school and Gillian and Ben were chatting again. "It's understandable" said Ben "I hated leaving them I hated leaving you I don't regret having Emily she's the only good thing to have come out of this but I do wish things had been different we are gonna throw the ultimate sixteenth birthday party for the girls.""It's a bit far off yet " said Gillian."Yeah but we need to plan ahead" said Ben "I am thinking somewhere in town why not make it a surprise? We can go through the girl's facebooks and get people to come.""I don't know" said Gillian "I don't know what their views on it are I know Megan said she won't be celebrating until she's walking again." "Aw" It was dinner time and Cody and Megan were sat together in the canteen. "Lucy and Ava have got professional contracts with Man United" said Cody "they've just text me they're over the moon.""Always said they'd make it" insisted Megan. "And Demi Ashcroft" said Cody "god she had pace I haven't heard from her in ages but to be honest she wasn't really a mate she was a bit of an ignorant cow." "I flattened her" said Megan "didn't mean to but it didn't help our futures.""It was an accident" insisted Cody "and she was fine over it she was only injured for 6 weeks she was back playing again she got in the under 16s". "Do you remember when they threatened a strike when they got rid of us"? Smiled Megan. "Yeah laughed Cody "that wouldn't have gone down well.""Oh no" said Cody looking at her phone."What"? Asked Megan."They want us to go and see them at the training ground Friday night" said Cody "it's the final day and they're saying goodbye to the ones who haven't got contracts they said we are still apart of the team and they want to see us." "Will Ryan mind"? Asked Megan. "Never mind Ryan" said Cody "I don't want to go too many memories." "I'm in two minds they are our friends so I am wondering whether we should go"? "I really don't want to that's my honest opinion" It was after school and Cody and Megan were discussing their invite. "I don't see an issue with it to be fair" said Ben."It is hard for them though" said Gillian "I can see Codes view they've moved on.""I like Lucy and Ava though" Said Megan "I have kept in touch with them do you mind if I go just to see them"?"Meg I wouldn't stand in your way" insisted Cody "of course I don't mind.""You alright Codes"?"Yeah I'm just thinking.""You do a lot of that" Megan walked into the living room to talk to her sister."I think I need to go" insisted Cody "officially say goodbye to it when it happened I know I tried to move on I didn't want to play, but I've never been at peace with it and I think this is what I need.""I am not gonna pressure you into anything" insisted Megan. "No you're not this is me" said Cody "Friday night it's a date.""Congratulations! Where can we come and watch you next season"?"We play at Leigh Sports Village but even with the contract it's still a long way off before we make our debuts.""Lauren James made her debut at sixteen." "Lauren James is an absolute warrior that's why"! It was Friday night and Cody and Megan had greeted Lucy and Ava at the training ground. "There's more who want to see you" smiled Ava as another girl Chelsea came over."Codes Meg I can't believe it" smiled Chelsea "biggest mistake they ever made releasing you and aw Meg look at you I heard about you're injury.""Long story but ruptured ACL and broken back just over 18 months recovery" said Megan "but they are taking me off the crutches fingers crossed next week I'm so much stronger now.""And I bet you'll be straight on that pitch again" smiled Chelsea. "Nah" insisted Megan "them days are over now can't risk it." "And you?" said Chelsea turning to Cody. "Same" said Cody "I haven't played since the man united days I've lost love for it now I just want to concentrate on other things.""Yeah well they've released me" admitted Chelsea "gutted today's my final day I got told on Wednesday they wasn't keeping me I can talk to other clubs and other clubs can show interest there's rules and restrictions on approaching minors but hopefully I get somewhere trying to stay positive.""Aw I am really sorry" said Megan. "Don't be" smiled Chelsea "I'm not upset I'm proud I've played for the biggest club in the world even if it's not professional my heads held high things happen like what happened to you the same happened to Demi Ashcroft.""Demi Ashcroft? Said Megan."Yeah well not to that extent" said Chelsea "she withdrew she had a number of injuries, minor, major she pulled her hamstring, groin she was injury prone so she quit.""Don't think I helped" said a guilty Megan. "That was nothing" laughed Chelsea "she even laughed it off don't beat yourself up over it honestly.""Cody, Megan"! What a lovely surprise just as the girls were leaving Ryan their old coach spotted them. "Hi" smiled Cody trying to be friendly."What you girls up to these days"? Smiled Ryan."Just school and that" insisted Cody "we don't really play now things have changed.""Oh well I'm sure you're smashing it" smiled Ryan "we miss you here we've always said letting you go was the toughest decision we've ever had to make". "You been hurt Meg"? Asked Ryan noticing the crutches."Ruptured ACL broken back" said Megan "well on the mend but my playing days are well behind me now on medical advice.""I'm really sorry to hear about that" said a sympathetic Ryan."Well what you can do"? Said an accepting Megan "I'm on the mend though."I'm glad you came" smiled Ryan "you are always welcome to come and see us two amazing girls and I wish you every success in what you do." "That went alright" "Yeah I guess it did.""We can move on to the next chapter now" smiled Cody "onwards and upwards." "At any point you feel uncomfortable just tell me" It was a couple of days later and Megan was at physiotherapy again this time lay down as the therapist checked her over. "Try and sit up for me" said the physiotherapist "while I check you're back over, your legs are looking good." "It doesn't hurt" insisted Megan."I'm really impressed" smiled the physiotherapist "and you're having regular hospital check-ups too"? "Yep" said Megan nodding her head."Well I would say you're more a less one hundred percent recovered" smiled the physiotherapist "and I think you can ditch the crutches have you had any pain at all"?"Occasionally if I've been sat down I'll get these shooting pains in my back but it's gone within a minute" said Megan "it's been coming and going but sort of stopping these last couple of weeks.""Yeah I think that's normal" said the physiotherapist "it's just the body's way of recovering so Megan I don't think we need any follow up appointments well done and good luck in everything you do" Megan started to cry. "Oh luv" said Gillian putting her arm around her. "I'm going to be able to walk into prom" sobbed Megan "what I aimed for what I've got""You are one remarkable girl" smiled the physiotherapist "you haven't moaned once, everything that's been thrown at you you've come through welcome to the rest of your life." 3 months later "Well it's the holidays anyway so I'll be home tomorrow" Cody and Megan were sat on facetime to Max."It's the ultimate party" laughed Megan "we are going all out super-duper sweet sixteen"! "At Sanders too" smiled Max "you must be the luckiest girls in the year to have a party there.""Credit goes to mum and dad" smiled Cody "they've gone above and beyond for us". "You deserve it" smiled Max "and I can't wait to get home to see you". "Max is buzzing he can't wait to come home"."I think everybody's smiling" laughed Gillian "everything seems good, prom dresses sorted, exams next month, you're looking well prepared, sixteenth next week what a difference a couple of months makes"."Bro come here give us a hug"! It was the next day and Max was greeted by an excited Cody and Megan who were thrilled to see him. "Look at you" smiled Max "how well do you look? I must say coming home and seeing you looking like that is just incredible"."We got there" smiled Megan "just the next month to get through now GCSES and then Lee's.""Lee's"? Said a confused Cody."Yeah" said Megan "Lee's college specialist in Media.""It's in Portsmouth" said Cody. "I know" said Megan there was silence. "I didn't say anything because I didn't wanna break it to you like that" said Megan "but now there's no reason to keep you in the dark.""You said you were coming to six form" insisted Cody "you've just recovered from a serious injury and you're going to the other side of the country you're mad.""I'm not mad" insisted Megan "this is what I want like the Man United days sometimes things don't work out and you have to try new things.""I don't believe this" snapped Cody "everything we do together it's like you're stabbing me in the back I can't believe you've just dropped a bombshell like that." "I did know and I respected you're sister's wishes because she was doing it for the right reasons" It was about half an hour later and after explaining Megan's bombshell Cody was stunned Gillian already knew. "She originally planned to tell you after the exams" said Gillian "she was worried for a number of reasons that it would upset you that you two will be separated and that it will throw you off your exams but she felt guilty for keeping it from you so she's told you.""I have to be selfish and put myself first for a change you do understand that don't you"? Cody and Megan had gone for a walk to try and talk. "Of course I do" said Cody "it's about time you were happy but its Portsmouth why do you wanna go that far"? "Max has gone far" insisted Megan."He's gone to Oxford" insisted Cody "that's different it's uni you move out then if you want to but it's college it's a bit extreme 16 years old to go that far.""My Media Studies teacher told me she thinks I've got a real passion for the subject" said Megan "and I love it I want to be a journalist.""I just sit here and think why does it have to change"? said an emotional Cody "I don't wanna leave school if you want the honest truth I didn't mind knowing we'd be off to six form together but you're my partner Megs ever since we were put together in the heart of the defence for man united I know that makes me selfish but I love you and I need you with me.""No that just makes you the lovely girl you are" said an emotional Megan "and I love you too but we have to consider life now beyond school and this is what I want". "Mum"! "Go on don't be shy" It was about a week later and the girl's sixteenth birthday party was in full flow. They had argued the past week over Megan's plans, but had made up and were having the time of their lives at their party. It was that moment though when the DJ invited them up to the stage to make a speech and they had gone to pieces Gillian through laughter had encouraged them to do it but they were overcome with nerves. "Well I just wanna say a big thank you to my mum, my dad and my two brothers" said Cody "you know what family's about loyalty being there for each other not stabbing you in the back.""Have you been drinking"? Asked a stunned Megan. "No sis this is just me being honest" laughed Cody."You bitch" snapped Megan storming off upset. "You can't do anything without drama you get on my nerves." A furious Gillian had got Cody on her own and was giving her a piece of her mind. She was clearly drunk and Gillian had seen right through her. "I'm sorry" cried Cody breaking down "I didn't mean to upset Megs I was just.""Drunk" said Gillian cutting her off "look I know you're hurting but this is not the answer, now you've got a choice so far no real damage has been done, nobody knew what you meant apart from your sister, so you've got a choice to go in there now and make it up with her and enjoy the rest of your night." "I'm gonna miss her" cried Cody. "I know luv" said Gillian "but what you've got to consider is the next stage of your life A Levels it's an exciting time for you too" Meanwhile a distressed Max had made his way out to get some air. He sat down on a bench processing his thoughts. "You alright son"? Asked Ben sitting down with him."Yeah fine" said Max."Don't worry about them" said Ben "just typical girls scrapping they've made up now they're dancing in there.""I best go back in" said Max. "Are you're alright"? Asked Ben."Yeah just got a headache" insisted Max "I'm fine now""Well despite that little blip I'd say tonight went perfect" It was a couple of hours later and with the family home they were sat in the living room chatting."Yeah well I've forgotten about it" insisted Megan "tonight was ace thanks so much." "Yeah I agree" smiled Cody."Max you haven't said a word for hours" said Gillian "you were full of it before." "I'm fine" repeated Max."Thank god it's the weekend I'm shattered one day before revision starts again Monday" Cody walked up the stairs to get ready for bed. "Max I am seriously worried about you" said Cody opening Max's room "is it because you're going back to Oxford Monday"?"No" said Max "leave it.""So it is something then" said Cody."Dad's cheating on mum again" blurted out Max."What"? Said a shocked Cody."That blonde haired woman at the party the barmaid I seen him kissing her" said Max."Oh my god" said Cody."I know" said Max "I didn't mention it I just wanted everybody to have a good night". "When Mum took him back he insisted everything was going to be different how he'd made a mistake how mum was the love of his life and now he's doing it again doesn't make sense" said a confused Cody."I know" said Max "but I know what I saw this is just gonna rip the family apart again I don't think anybody should know.""I think Mum needs to know" said Cody "but are you one hundred percent sure that's what you saw"?"Yeah" said Max firmly. "Breakfast is ready.""Oo Bacon barms just what I like" A happy Cody came down the stairs smiling seeing what was on the table. Megan just looked at her."All that talking last night and all you're bothered about is stuffing your face" When they were alone Megan had confronted Cody. Cody had told Megan everything about what Max had seen but Megan couldn't believe how calm Cody was. "What am I supposed to do"? Asked Cody "I told Max we need to tell mum but I had a long think about it last night and now I am against it"."This is such a mess" said Megan. "I know" said Max appearing."You're going back tomorrow as well" said a concerned Megan."Right I'm gonna keep this simple leave now and I won't tell the kids the real reason" Ben was stunned by Gillian's comment. "What"? He asked innocently."I know what you did" said Gillian "I witnessed it with my own eyes so don't even deny it I want you to get out, the only reason I didn't say it yesterday because it was the girl's big night" Ben couldn't say anything he had been rumbled. "I can explain" he said."You don't have to" said Gillian there was a pause. "You were all over her" said Gillian "how long? You at least owe me that.""It just happened" said Ben "you and the kids I love not her.""How long"? Asked Gillian ignoring him. "Few weeks" admitted Ben "I met her when I went out with work the other week" Gillian was calm."I'm not gonna scream and shout anymore" she said "because you're not worth it but it's my kids who I worry about so if you go now I won't tell them you cheated.""Kids I need to talk to you about something.""Where's dad"? It was a couple of hours later and Gillian was preparing to give the kids the devastating news her and Ben had split again unaware they knew what their dad had done. "Dad's not here" said Gillian "I'm sorry but it's complicated there's only one way to put this we've split up again"."Mum there's something I need to tell you" said Max "about dad considering what you've just told us.""Trust me it's irrelevant" said Gillian "if you don't mind I'd rather you didn't tell me because me and your dad aren't connected anymore.""If you don't mind me asking why did you split up"? Asked Cody."We just wasn't working" explained Gillian."I'm so sorry" said Megan. "Don't be" smiled Gillian "it's ok and he's your dad, and same applies so he will remain in your life""I doubt that" snapped Cody sarcastically. "What's that supposed to mean"? Asked Gillian."Mum Dad cheated on you with a barmaid where the party was" said Max "I found out on the night why I was acting weird, I didn't want to tell you because I knew it would hurt you.""You knew"? Said a stunned Gillian."You knew as well"? Said a stunned Cody."Let me get this straight" said Gillian "so you knew you're dad cheated"?"Yeah" replied Max "listen I am so sorry for not telling you it's my fault.""It's not that" said Gillian "I understand your reasons for not telling me I'm just shocked you knew, and yes I found out I witnessed him with her but I kept it to myself for the sake of the party.""Oh Mum" said Megan hugging her "you did that for us? You didn't have to I would have had it out with him.""Listen do not fall out with your dad no matter how angry you are with him" said Gillian "it's me he's got a problem with and has hurt not you please don't lose touch with him.""We're just fuming" said Max. "I know" said Gillian "but he loves you and I don't want you to drift apart from him you only get one dad." "Luv please just go don't worry about me I'm fine"! It was the next day and a worrying Max was hesitant on leaving the family as he prepared to return to Oxford. It was just them two at the train station as Cody, Megan, and Sam were at school. "Mum he doesn't realise how lucky he was to have had you in his life" said Max."Well he produced four amazing kids" smiled Gillian "so there's some things I'm grateful for" the pair hugged."Keep me up to date over Sam's educational review" said Max "and the girls they've got an exam in two weeks haven't they"?"When they get in from school the first thing they'll reach for is the I pad to facetime" laughed Gillian the train suddenly pulled into the station. "Onwards and upwards son" smiled Gillian "a new chapter now I love you." "Mum's at work till 7 but she told me to specifically tell you she's ok" It was after school and Cody and Megan were doing their usual facetime with Max. "And how are you both"? Asked Max."Yeah great" smiled Megan "Miss said we smashed it in History revision today knew our stuff". "Sam's review went great too" smiled Cody "he's on track in all his subjects, and his mentor was full of praise for him." "By the way Dad's taking us for a curry next week " said Megan "his way of explaining things he said he doesn't want any bad blood, Mum said we are going and it's not fair to reject him." "Oh god" said Max. "Oh no it's fine" said Cody "we are doing it for mum and I can see what she means just because of what's happened doesn't mean we have to fall out with our dad" "It's alright you know" said Cody as they hung up the call. "What do you mean"? Asked Megan."Well mum's happy Max is happy we are doing fine so I'd say everything's pretty normal" said Cody."I guess" said Megan "but it still doesn't make it right." "This sounds a bit insensitive but we do have to sweep this under the carpet" said Cody "Mum doesn't want it dragging on so we just have to move forward now." "Listen I don't mean this in a nasty way but don't kick off" It was a week later and Cody and Megan had decided to do their usual facetime with Max just before they were due to go out with their dad. "I won't kick off" insisted Cody. "I just mean what happened will be playing on your mind" said Max "but you have to control it." "Don't worry" said Megan "I wouldn't say anything anyway for Mum's sake." "So Sam how's that FIFA game coming on?""Alright I finished second with Liverpool" said Sam."Bit like real life that" joked Ben the two girls Sam and Ben sat in the curry house. Ben had tried to crack a joke but nobody reacted it didn't help with the mood being the way it was. "How's the exam's going and are you managing your stress"? Asked Ben changing the subject and turning to the girls"We had our first two exams yesterday" said Cody "they seemed alright." "Yeah well your mum still keeps me informed" said Ben."Yeah she's like that a good person" snapped Cody sarcastically. Ben didn't react. "You're mum says you've been having reflexology sessions for exam stress" said Ben."Yeah we had one yesterday after school" said Cody "quite relaxing it rewires your brain and when you come out you feel better about yourself, what you need at this time" Ben saw through Cody and knew she was having another dig at him. "I am trying here" insisted Ben."Dad shut up" said Cody in a calm voice. "Hey I'm your dad you do not talk to me like that.""I can talk to you however I like" said Cody "you don't get the right to tell us what we can and can't do". "I've just got you a meal you ungrateful brat" said Ben."Whoopee" replied Cody sarcastically an embarrassed and awkward Megan just sat there with Sam saying nothing. "I'm off" said Cody getting up "Where you going?" asked Ben"The toilet" said Cody "got wind curry does that to you" her smart and sarcastic response drew a laugh from Sam "Cody don't be so disgusting there's people eating" said a horrified Ben."She's not going the toilet" said Megan getting up and following her "I'll sort it stay there." Cody had walked out of the restaurant and had sat down on a bench. By the bench was a bridge that overlooked the motorway. It wasn't a huge drop but Cody just sat watching the cars go by. "That was a bit uncalled for" said Megan "I thought the reflexology would have taught you how to keep calm""Perfectly calm"? Said Cody "did I raise my voice once"?"Depends" said Megan "I wonder if telling a packed restaurant you've got wind counts"? This drew a laugh from Cody. "Deep breaths" said Megan "and then we will have to go back in dad will understand." "I used to love watching the cars go by when I was younger" said Megan changing the subject we used to come here quite a lot it's so relaxing. "What loud cars" laughed Cody? "Meg"!!!!!!! Screamed Cody realising Megan was standing too close to the edge Cody grabbed her hand but what happened next nobody expected. The wind blew hard and the two girls toppled off the edge of the bridge onto the motorway. As the girls dropped down they landed on the ground in a heap. An injured, shocked, and confused Cody lay motionless on the ground. She tried to open her eyes far enough to look at her sister. With one eye open she could see Megan was unconscious. A weakened Cody quickly moved her sister away from the road then she passed out. "Think they've stood me up son" said Ben meanwhile in the restaurant "Good job I'm paying the bill". "Sorry about all that before." "It's ok dad" smiled Sam. Ben paid the bill and then walked Sam home. Ben completely unaware of the circumstances was confident after chatting the girls would have made their own way home. "No what do you mean stormed off"?"Cody kicked off Megan went after her haven't seen them since I thought they were with you and would have calmed down.""No because believe it or not they've got more than one parent" snapped Gillian sarcastically "you can't even take them for a meal." Gillian was furious and overcome with worry after realising the girls were not with Sam after Ben had dropped Sam off. "I'll go back near the restaurant" said Ben "they can't have gone far". Ben set off to look for the girls. Meanwhile a police man in a car had noticed the two girls lying on the grass. They were quite far back so it was difficult to see them. The police man pulled in to a place where he could stop and approached the girls. "Ambulance" he said dialling a number and using his mobile "two girls look they've been in an accident both are unconscious". "Two girls potential head injuries" the doctor's quickly wheeled the girls into the hospital. "I can't find them.""What do you mean you can't' find them"? Meanwhile Ben had returned back to the house to inform Gillian his observation was wrong, and the girls were not by the restaurant. "They just walked off it appears like that " said Ben."Oh my god" said Gillian getting up "so you're telling me our sixteen year old daughters have just walked off into the night? " "I didn't know what to do" protested Ben "Cody said she was going the toilet but Megan insisted there was more to it and she went off to try and talk to her." "I'm gonna have to ring the police" said Gillian. She started to cry. "My two little girls are missing" all of a sudden there was a knock on the door. It was the neighbour. "Carol"? Said Gillian."I'm just checking Cody and Megan are at home" Said Carol."Why"? Asked a confused Gillian"Because apparently two young girls have been involved in an accident" said Carol "the two of them apparently went off a bridge" Gillian went white with shock. "They're not at home" she said suddenly the phone rang. "Yeah it's me I'm their mum" said Gillian the hospital had rang to inform Gillian they had formally identified the girls in the accident and had found Cody's smashed up phone in her pocket and rang their mum. As soon as Gillian got off the phone she almost passed out. "They've been involved in an accident!!!!" she screamed "falling off a bridge"! Gillian rushed for the door she was on her way straight to the hospital. "I'll drive" insisted Ben."When you were about six I remember taking you to your first concert, JLS Meg had the blue hoodie, Cody had the green one you went mad for the tickets but seeing your little faces when they came out it was all worthwhile" a devastated Gillian sat round the girls as they lay each in a bed unconscious. They hadn't regained consciousness. "Codes, Meg I love you so much" cried Ben "I am so sorry, and Cody I know you hate being called Codes but it's stuck ever since you were about seven.""Mum, dad" said a voice. All of a sudden a confused Cody opened her eyes. "Oh my god" cried Gillian "are you alright Luv"?"Yeah" insisted Cody "just a little confused what happened"? "You fell off a bridge" said Gillian "you were out having tea with your dad.""I remember leaving the restaurant" said Cody "but not much else afterwards.""Where's Megan"? Asked Cody changing the subject. "She's still unconscious luv"? Said Gillian "are you in any pain"? "No" said Cody "but I need to see my sister" Cody tried to move. "That's not a good idea you need to keep calm" said Ben. "How am I supposed to keep calm when my sister's unconscious"? Screamed Cody."She's been very lucky there appears to be no damage some bruising but she is a very lucky girl" It was about half an hour later and Gillian was talking to the doctor and receiving an update on the girl's state. "I know it's the least important thing, but they are very hard working girls I know Cody will want to get out of hospital as soon as possible she's doing her GCSES" explained Gillian."We'll keep her in overnight" explained the doctor "but there appears to be no damage at all to Cody" said the doctor "she was knocked unconscious from the fall, but she is very lucky from where she fell it mustn't have been a huge drop." "It's not" said Gillian "it's a bit of a drop but it's an overhang still a big drop though listen I need you to be honest with me about Megan." "She's still unconscious" said the doctor "we've put her into an induced coma." "Is that bad?" asked Gillian "please I need to know." "We're giving her body time to recover" said the doctor "let's not discuss any further issues yet as it's too soon.""Further issues" said Ben "what are trying to say there's a possibility something's wrong with her"? There was silence. "We need to know" said Gillian. "We can't rule out a brain injury" said the doctor "I am going to say when she regains consciousness because we have every hope she will, but there is a chance she could be brain damaged, and in some cases she may not regain consciousness." "Luv you can't' discharge yourself against doctors' orders"! It was a few hours later and a distressed Cody upon hearing news on her sister had got up and was dressed trying to leave hospital. "I'm fine aren't I"? Shouted Cody "but Meg's isn't I need to be there for her." "Luv you need to rest" Ordered Ben. "Stop saying that" screamed Cody "my sister might die". Cody broke down in tears. An upset Gillian did everything she could to hold in her emotions and held her daughter in her arms and hugged her. "I haven't even told Max" It was the next day and an upset Gillian was on the phone to Ben. "I think he needs to know" said Ben."The poor kid hasn't had a break at all" cried Gillian "she got the life changing injury and now this Max would be straight back and I don't want him to come back he's made enough sacrifices as it is" there was silence. "If there's no change you will have to tell him" said Ben. "I know" admitted Gillian. The days went by and with no change in Megan's condition it was total hell for the family. They received important news though by the end of the week. The doctors were going to try and bring Megan out of her coma to see how she responded. "Right" explained the doctor "she may take a bit of time to respond she is going to be confused and distressed." "She's breathing quite heavy" pointed out Ben "is that a good sign or bad"?"She's breathing" insisted the doctor. Megan hadn't responded. It had been a couple of minutes since the doctor's had tried to bring her round. A broken Gillian began to cry and so did Ben. "Is that it"? Sobbed Gillian the doctor didn't respond. "I'm sorry Megan" cried Gillian."Mum" called a voice all of a sudden Megan responded. Everybody was that stunned nobody spoke. "Mum, Dad, where's Cody?" asked Megan."Are you sore"? Asked Gillian."No" insisted Megan "what's going on"? There was silence Ben went outside and signalled for Cody to come in. "We're all here sis" cried Cody the whole family embraced and hugged Megan. "We'd thought we'd lost you" Cried Gillian."So we fell off a bridge"? Asked a confused Megan "I remember going for tea and something Cody said about curry.""Let's not even go there" Laughed Cody."Why? I'm intrigued" smiled Gillian."She said she had wind from the curry" laughed Ben."Oh you dirty cow" laughed Gillian. "I feel a bit achy" said Megan changing the subject "and I've got a bit of a headache.""Should I get the doctor"? Asked Gillian."Yeah if you don't mind" said Megan "you know me I panic." "They're gonna run some more tests, I feel alright nothing too bad.""Just to be on the safe side though" smiled Gillian. It was around ten minutes later and the doctor had said he would check Megan over. Meanwhile the family just chatted things had been all over the place but it was like it hadn't, they did say families pulled together in the toughest of times, and judging by the events of the last week that proved the saying was true. About 2 hours later the doctor appeared with some test results confirming Megan may have been feeling a bit groggy, but there was no lasting damage her head tests had come back all clear. "When I get out of here its straight back to exams" insisted Megan "I haven't actually missed an exam while I've been in here" Gillian laughed. "What"? Asked Megan."You you're unbelievable" laughed Gillian "talk about dedication the first thing you want to do is get back to studying". "Mum said she didn't mind" It was about an hour later and Cody and Megan were having some alone time. "And there's something else" said Megan "I wanted to tell you first.""What"? Asked a confused Cody. "I'm not going to Portsmouth" insisted Megan "regardless of how these exams go I'm staying at home." "You can't do that" Said Cody."You didn't want me to go" Insisted Megan"I don't think that's the right term" insisted Cody "I didn't not want you to go, I was just worried about you going this is your dream.""I went to Scotland and look what happened" said Megan. "That was different" insisted Cody "it was a tragic accident." "Was it though?" said Megan "was this a tragic accident? Is life one big disaster? And you can't take risks"? "It was important to you" said Cody "you went to Scotland because you loved football, you want to go to Portsmouth because you love Media it's important to you and that's why we try things in life." "Well you know what's important to me now"? Asked Megan there was silence. "Living my life" continued Megan "focusing on the things that are important, finishing these exams, being there with the family we both could have died, what if I go to Portsmouth and the same thing happens"? "In life we can't guarantee everything's going to be funky dory" said Cody "what you're not considering is what if you get amazing exam results and have the time of your life in Portsmouth"? "Are you trying to get rid of me"? Laughed Megan."It's not about me mum, dad if it's important to you then grab it" said Cody "things like recent events teach you that, sometimes you don't always get what you want so it's important to try and salvage everything" "I'm sick of chasing things though" said Megan Man United, Scotland, GCSES "I'm scared Codes.""So am I" said Cody "but do you know what's important to me"? "You're A Levels"? Insisted Megan. "Yep" said Cody "people have said oh there's no point going to six forms A Levels are just work, but I want to study them, it's important to me it might not be important to anybody else but it is to me, we can sit here now and hide from the world but if we hide we will never know what lies ahead.""Do you know what's important to me now"? Asked Megan. "What"? Insisted Cody."A Victoria sponge cake" smiled Megan."You are unbelievable" laughed Cody "this a serious motivational prep talk, and all you want is to stuff your face with cake" there was a pause. "I'll get you one" laughed Cody "might even throw in a bottle of pop because I love you." "I love you too" smiled Megan "and thank you.""Thank you for what"? Asked a confused Cody "I can get you a cake.""No for just being you" insisted Megan. "Meg" said an emotional Cody walking back over to her. There was a pause. "I just don't know what to say" said Cody trying not to cry. "You don't have to say anything" said an emotional Megan "you're amazing""I'm not though" said Cody "I'm weak I'm bricking it, I want you to go to Portsmouth but inside I feel like it's all over, we've never been apart I'm dreading it ,not only the final exams but what it will be like without you and I feel awful telling you." "I will miss you too" cried Megan "I feel exactly the same, but we may still be together it's not confirmed yet we will be apart.""What have you talked about ay"? Cried Cody "none of that it's all about positivity of course you're going" the two girls were now sat with their arms around each other. "We've been through so much though" insisted Megan "twins born on the same day, same hospital, in every class together at primary school, defensive partners at Man United.""We make a good team don't we?" smiled Cody "even if you get on my nerves sometimes.""Oi I think the annoying twin contest you've won it by a country mile" laughed Megan. "We're a team sis" insisted Cody "but that's what part of being a sibling is about, looking after each other, we guide each other in the direction of where we want to go, we support each other, so you are going to Portsmouth and when you bring a film out or you're a famous blogger I will be your first subscriber.""Jesus I'm gonna run out of tissues" insisted Megan. "Important to me, important to you, do whatever your mind says and don't let anyone tell you otherwise" said Cody "and we will miss each other, but we're twins we share the same DNA, same blood, same bond so the road will always lead us back to each other.""Anyway" said Cody "I promised someone a cake.""Don't worry about it" laughed Megan. "I can get my sister a cake" laughed Cody "you just sit there I'll surprise you if they've not got Victoria Sponge I'll choose you one"."Ok sis" joked Megan "just not chocolate"! As Cody left the room Megan looked around. "Important to me" she said to herself. For the first time in months everything was calm. She lay back against the pillows and shut her eyes. Everything stood still she was lost in the moment, but the first time in months she felt a sense of closure. They say everything happens for a reason falling from a bridge wasn't the brightest thing to do, but Megan felt for the first time in months everything was off her chest, it had given her perspective. The next couple of months didn't seem so daunting now in fact she was excited for what lay ahead because it was important to her. 7 weeks later "Wait up for me"!"You keep up.""I've not long started walking again don't be tight"!!!! It was a sunny Saturday morning and Gillian, Cody, Megan, and Sam were having time on the beach during a holiday to Spain. Through laughter Megan thought it was tight everybody had run off on her on the beach. "You seem a bit more cheerful" said Max to Megan. "Yeah it's all been hard but what can you do ay"? Said Megan. "Just think ahead" replied Max. It had been a tough week for the girls as they hadn't got the grades to study their chosen subjects. They both would have to retake English Language GCSE. Megan in the meantime still had her heart set on Portsmouth and had enrolled on a Media course at the local college to boost her chances while resitting English GCSE. Cody meanwhile was taking a gap year resitting English in November then applying to do A Levels the following year if all went well she had also enrolled on a social science diploma at the local college so she could get an extra credit qualification to boost her chances of getting onto the A Level courses. Max meanwhile had passed his first year at Oxford with a first. "It's not what's happened it's how you respond" insisted Cody "it happens, doesn't mean you've not put the work in, sometimes it doesn't go your way but you can't sit around moping, you just make sure you get the grades next time, it's how you respond". "And you two what you've been through of course you'll bounce back" smiled Max "all it takes is the right attitude and you've got it""I know" said Cody. "Come on let's get a selfie" insisted Megan. "Alright"! Laughed Cody "come on Sam let's all get in I'll hold it.""To family" said Megan as Cody held the phone up."To family" repeated everyone as the phone flashed. "Perfect" smiled Megan."What is"? Asked Max."Just all of us together" said Megan "thought I'd never see the day where we could all just be together with no drama.""Well that's what family's about" smiled Max "always finding their way back to each other.""Going to see dad next week" said Megan "I can't believe how much Emily's grown, she's doing so well I do love her she's a lovely little girl.""She's our sister" said Max "biology doesn't matter I don't have any bitterness towards dad he is our dad and he loves us lots, I thought it was so lovely the way he turned up with presents for you and Cody on results day, he said regardless of results he wanted to treat you"."You can't go through life hating people" said Megan "unless you've got a massive reason to do so there's no time for it you just have to move on, we didn't get the results ok let's have another go let's try again respond with actions not bitterness.""Don't look back in anger" said Max "excuse the Oasis reference"."So Sally can wait" laughed Megan."I heard you say" laughed Max. "You're my wonder wall" laughed Megan. "That's enough!" laughed Max "onwards and upwards, that's all we have to take from this."Two years later "I believe that in life we make our own luck in the world, we have setbacks but it's up to us how we deal with it, you can't blame anybody else when things don't work out, you have to figure out a way so that it does work out. I know that more than anyone. A key thing to consider is will it make a difference to my life, do I really want it? If the answer is yes then go and get it because it's important to you, so it's the most important thing in your life even if people don't agree with you". "Ready smile"!!! The camera flashed and everybody smiled. Max stood proudly in his cap and gown. A first class honours Oxford University graduate. "Look at him" smiled Cody "this is just the stuff of dreams." "I know" insisted Megan "could be you soon coming this place smashing the A Levels now aren't you!?""Let's just focus on Max today"? Smiled Cody."Thank god those pictures are done sweating like a pig here in my gown" laughed Max "glad it's over though, was a nervous wreck all day.""You're coming home for good" smiled Cody. "I know" smiled Max "god it feels good saying that I mean it's been incredible beyond words coming here but I've missed home.""And Mum's cooking" laughed Megan. "True laughed Max "I'm coming home for your big day though can't wait to go the Fact picture house in Liverpool to see you're film." "It's a screening for friends and family" laughed Megan "might not be any good.""In your opinion" smiled Max "and if people don't like it does it matter because"?"It's important to me" finished Megan smiling. "Exactly" said Max "and that's all that matters"