Ps Hi guys- thanks for all your support on this story -this is the final chapter . i hope you enjoy it.

Rob

I'm so relieved Karen now knows the truth, I've hated lying to her but it was necessary for me and Aiden. Hopefully, now I can put the past behind me and move on to a happier life. Whether Karen feels she can be part of that future is a decision only she can make. All I can tell her is that I really want her to be and I hope she can find it in her heart to forgive me but my main priority has to be Aiden. I have to get him better, I told his mum I'd look after him whatever happened and I'll keep that promise. I look over to where Ronan and Vicki are huddled together, equal looks of shock mirrored in each of their faces. I can't believe I have put their lives at risk. I'm a caretaker for God's sake but I can't take care of my own son, there is a missing link somewhere. I look over to Jess being consoled by her mother. Karen looks at me with anger in her eyes and I give up on the hope of understanding. The warm eyes that once looked at me are now looking at me as cold as ice. Suddenly a policeman walks over to us and I know it's time to say goodbye to my son. I don't want to but I know I have to for his own good. Aiden takes one look at the policeman and huddles in closer to me.

'Don't let them take me dad, please don't let them'.

'I have to Aide for your own good, I'll come and see you every week and speak to you every day. I love you son'.

The policeman takes hold of Aiden's arm and slowly pulls him away but he will not release my arm.

'Aide, you have to go. You will get better, I promise. You will be sedated if you don't go with them and I know you don't want that'.

Aiden looks at me with pure fear within his eyes. I'd seen that look only once before.

'I love you dad'.

Aiden holds his arms out to me and we embrace before he is taken by the policeman.

I wipe the tears away hastily when I see Karen approach me. The look in her eyes is softer now as she realises my anguish.

'Rob are you okay?'

'What do you think? I've just had to send my son away again to receive psychiatric treatment'.

I know she means well but her question hits me in a sore spot. Tears well up in my eyes and I only realise this when Karen puts her arms around me. We stand for a moment lost in our thoughts until Karen pulls back to speak to me again.

'Rob, after what has happened today I have to put the welfare of my pupils first and I will have to cease your employment with the school. I'm so sorry and it's the last thing you want to hear but I think honesty is the best policy in a situation like this'.

'I completely understand but what about us? I was enjoying getting to know you before this blew up and I hope we can get back to that'.

'It depends if you're willing to let me know the real you, the person you were before all of this happened'.

'I know I've lied about a lot of things Karen but I'm not lying about the way you make me feel. I haven't felt this way about anyone since Naomi. I think I might be falling in love with you. So if you could please forgive me I will be honest with you from this moment on. You know everything now and there is nothing left for me to hide'.

'We'll see, let's concentrate on Aiden and the kids for now. They need us more than we need each other. Let's see how it goes'.

I watch Karen walk away and feel a glimmer of hope for the future, whatever that may bring.