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things into gear more. This one is much like the last one, it's quite long; this was before I tried to condense the stories. Sorry again about the length, but this one I also couldn't justify cutting things out. The next one will be almost half as long.\n\nThis story is about Felix and Eliza's first day at school, ever. Placed in the special learning class with the twins because of delayed learning and mental health reasons. Felix and Eliza being notably nervous and unsure of what to expect as well.\n\nDownload the .doc file for best experience, inkbunny preview isn't the best. If you have any critique or have found any errors please let me know.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Another story since I want to kick things into gear more. This one is much like the last one, it's quite long; this was before I tried to condense the stories. Sorry again about the length, but this one I also couldn't justify cutting things out. The next one will be almost half as long.

This story is about Felix and Eliza's first day at school, ever. Placed in the special learning class with the twins because of delayed learning and mental health reasons. Felix and Eliza being notably nervous and unsure of what to expect as well.

Download the .doc file for best experience, inkbunny preview isn't the best. If you have any critique or have found any errors please let me know.", "writing": "Felix and Eliza were stressed and nervous, putting on the school uniform on for the first time and having their backpacks filled with books and a lunchbox. As they sat at the table, with their cereal bowls now empty, they held hands tightly to feel strong together. The twins chatted to each other at the table in their special language, walking their fingers on the table. Rita kissed Nathan on the cheek and came over to the table, rubbing the shoulders of the twins as she also kissed them also.\n\n``Are you two alright?'' Rita asked as she stood up straight after kissing the twins.\n\n``We're fucking scared.'' Felix said bluntly. Tobias and Elijah looked up, Elijah shocked and Tobias looking unimpressed.\n\n``Don't say swears.'' Tobias said flatly.\n\n``Tobias, you are right, but leave it alone. Felix and Eliza are nervous about going to school. You two were scared beyond believe and crying when we took you two to school for the first day.'' Rita said sternly to the boys.\n\n``We were terrified!'' Elijah exclaimed.\n\n``So be nice to Eliza and Felix, they are trying to cope.'' Rita walked away and grabbed her bag, she turned around and waved goodbye. ``Bye loves, see you in the afternoon.'' And with that Rita left to go to work. Nathan walked over and stood behind the twins, they looked up at him as he pleasantly smiled at them.\n\n``I hope you two are up for learning today.''\n\n``We are.''\n\n``That's good to hear.'' Nathan left to the kitchen as he double checked Eliza and Felix's bags. ``Alright, your bags should be ready, but before I forget. Eliza, your bag has a spot for you to put Mary into. Come over here and I'll show you.''\n\n``Can't I just hold her?'' Eliza said with a slight slur.\n\n``You can have her on your desk in class, but it would be safe to have her in your bag. Let me show you where.'' Eliza slowly got off her chair and walked over to Nathan. Nathan put the bag on the ground, knelt down and showed the front pocket with a zipper. ``May I have Mary for a moment? You will get her back.'' Eliza handed Mary over and Nathan put her in, her head stuck out as Nathan mostly zipped it up.\n\n``Ohh I see.'' Eliza said looking at it. ``But I want to hold her.''\n\n``I know. The problem with that, Eliza, is that someone could snatch her from your hands. Or you could accidentally trip and land in the dirt. Having it in your bag means she is safe and close to you at all times. When you sit down for lunch or morning tea, you just open it up and keep her close as you eat. It's just for when you are carrying your bag not in class, Eliza. Does that make sense?''\n\n``Yeah.'' Eliza smiled with relief at Nathan, she understood where he was coming from; she never thought about other kids taking Mary, or her getting dirty. \n\n``I'm glad.'' Nathan smiled sincerely and moved Eliza's bag towards her. ``Put it on like I showed you last week. Is it too heavy?'' Eliza grabbed the straps and put them on her back, she then looked at Nathan and shook her head.\n\n``No. I'm strong!''\n\n``You definitely are.'' Nathan chuckled, he stood up straight with a bit of a crack from his back. ``Well, it's time we get going you lot. Get your bags on and follow me to the car.'' Nathan grabbed his keys and walked towards the front door, the twins rushed to their bags and put them on while Felix slowly followed and doing the same. Once the door was locked, everyone in the car and ready to go, Nathan looked back and smiled reassuring to Eliza and Felix. ``It's going to be alright; your teacher Ms Baker is a great teacher.''\n\n``If you say so.'' Felix said flatly, Nathan tried his best but Felix wouldn't calm down. Nathan nodded softly before turning to the wheel to slowly back out of the steep driveway and drive to school. Felix looked out of the window with his arm resting on the windowsill, he saw everything fly past and it felt like he was losing his freedom, again. He didn't want to be an idiot, he wanted to learn, but this was scary and unknown to him. Eliza poked Felix on the arm, looking at him with worry and concern. Felix reached a hand towards her, grabbing her hand and firmly holding it; she was braver than he was. Perhaps it was also the shame that this is his first day of school at the age of 11, Eliza is 7 so it feels far less bad. So much was on Felix's plate that he didn't know what to expect and focus on. As they arrived at school, only a few kids were playing around; because of Nathan's work it required them to be early. As they pulled into a teacher's carpark Nathan breathed deeply as he smiled to himself, to give himself the confidence and hope that this will be a good day for them. \n\n``Alright, everybody out now.'' Nathan said as he unbuckled himself and hopped out of the car. Eliza could feel Felix tremble as it came to leave the car, as they let go they unbuckled and left the car so they could swiftly meet together. Nathan helped the twins out of the back, carrying them momentarily before putting them down.\n\n``Carry me.'' Elijah asked.\n\n``Not now, Elijah. At school it is best that you walk, you know that.'' Nathan knelt down to Elijah for a hug. \n\n``Ok...'' Elijah looked down with a frown momentarily before his mood whiplashed to oblivious bliss as he held Tobias's hand before walking off.\n\n``Where do we go?'' Felix asked with apprehension.\n\n``I'll take you there, follow me.'' Nathan stood up once more and walked ahead, Felix and Eliza held hands and followed behind. There were undercover areas, playgrounds, bag racks plenty of covered walkways. Eliza and Felix looked around as they closely followed Nathan, it reminded them of a few things but they couldn't put a finger on what. A lot of the buildings had plants and bushes around or near them. Nathan pointed ahead at a building they were coming up to, it looked older than the other buildings but it had plenty of charm from what Eliza and Felix could see; cute murals of butterflies, a child reading a book and a pleasant meadow were along the walls of the building. There was a gated section that wrapped around the back of the building with well-tended plants and bushes along the building with a single, but large, bench in the middle for what felt like a small class could sit at. There was a ramp going inside, presumably for disabled kids. Nathan and Eliza stared as they walked closer to it, it certainly had a kinder, yet more juvenile, look to it and the surroundings. Felix could see what looked like painted sheets of paper pegged to a rope near the ceiling; suddenly he felt as if he was being put into a grade 1 class.\n\n``It looks nice.'' Eliza said with a cautious smile.\n\n``It's nicer inside, it's bigger than it looks.''\n\n``It looks like a baby class.'' Felix added, feeling increasingly self-conscious.\n\n``It's a special class for a wide range of ages, Felix.'' Nathan turned around and felt increasing worry for Felix. ``Once we're inside you two can just sit down and chill, there are toys if you want to play but you don't have to.''\n\n``I'm ok, really. I'm just feeling overwhelmed and nervous.'' Felix said as he crossed his arms.\n\n``That's not what I'd call ok, but I won't press it.'' Nathan sighed and began to lead once more, they walked up the slight ramp into the building. There were 2 separate bag racks with many cubicles for bags to sit in. All with different colours and most had names attacked to it. ``Put your bags right here.'' Nathan said as he walked over and displayed at two cubicles, ``This will be where you'll keep your bags when sitting in class, and Eliza you are allowed to take Mary from your bag and put it at your desk.'' Eliza smiled widely as she heard Nathan say that, she rushed over to one of the cubicles and put her bag in so she could take Mary out. Felix put his back in the cubicle next to hers and then Nathan directed them to the classroom, Felix and Eliza followed closely behind once more. The entrance of the room opened to a large and spread-out classroom, a lot of desks in orderly fashion with a few apart from the rest; one of them was a double desk that sat in the middle of the class.\n\n``Are those two desks in the middle the twins?'' Felix asked.\n\n``Bingo, you have a keen eye, Felix.''\n\n``Well, it's the only one that has two desks next to each other only.'' Felix added, Nathan began to chuckle.\n\n``True, true.'' A lemur entered the room with a simple yet elegant dress, Nathan looked over at her and smiled as if he was proud of Felix and Eliza standing with him.\n\n``Good morning Ms Baker. This is Eliza and Felix, our new students.'' Nathan said pleasantly.\n\n``Oh hello! Good to meet you two.'' Ms Baker said with an excited wave. ``And these are your kids?'' Ms Baker asked Nathan.\n\n``Absolutely. I was just showing them the classroom, but do you know where they can sit? Or do I need to get the desks out?''\n\n``I'm afraid you do need to get the desks out; I was looking over the plans today and totally forgot to get them out.'' Ms Baker said as she walked closer to stand next to Nathan.\n\n``I'll best get them then, do you two want to stand and wait, or to sit and wait over there?'' Nathan asked Eliza and Felix pointing over where a small play area with toys were. Eliza and Felix looked at each other, Eliza didn't look interested in the toys over there while Felix shrugged. \n\n``I guess we'll stay here for now.'' Felix replied, Nathan walked off and entered a different room to grab the desks.\n\n``Oh! Who's this fella?'' Ms Baker asked in joy towards Mary.\n\n``Mary.'' Eliza said with a bit of nervousness.\n\n``She is delightful.'' Ms Baker smiled, ``My teddy bear was called George when I was growing up, he's over there on that top shelf.'' Ms Baker pointed across the room; an old but relatively well-kept brown teddy bear sat. Felix looked away to focus on something else in the room, since he wasn't involved in the conversation. He looked at an area that looked like it was for arts and crafts, then suddenly he heard Ms Baker ask him a question.\n\n``So, Mr Skye has told me that you and Eliza have never been in school before. If there is any questions what so ever, don't hesitate to ask. Today I'll be teaching you two while Mr Skye takes the rest of the class.''\n\n``Why? Why can't he do it?'' Felix asked with increasing apprehension.\n\n``Because as a teacher I need to see what you two know so I know what to teach you. That is what I will call, an evaluation. It will only be today if things go smoothly. Besides, I would like to get to know you two; I like to get to know my students.'' Ms Baker then turned as she heard Nathan entering the room carrying a desk. \n\n``Where do you want this?'' Nathan asked as he peered over it.\n\n``Right over here.'' Ms Baker moved and directed the location to Nathan, Nathan placed it down and wiped the top of it from any dust. ``Oh, and Mr Skye? I was just talking to Eliza and Felix; I'm going to spend the day evaluating and getting to know them. So, I need you to take over the class.''\n\n``No worries, Linda.'' Ms Baker cleared her throat at the very mention of her name. ``I'm sorry, Ms Baker. Slip of the tongue.'' Nathan smiled apologetically before turning back to grab the other desk.\n\n``Do you two want to sit next-''\n\n``Yes.'' Interrupted Felix with eagerness, Eliza moved closer to him as he said it.\n\n``Now don't interrupt me, that is rude. You wait until I've finished speaking, ok?'' Ms Baker said with a slight stern tone.\n\n``Alright, sure.'' Felix shrugged. Ms Baker wasn't too impressed with Felix's attitude but reminded herself that Felix has never been to school and is 11; she decided to cut him some slack.\n\n``Ok then.'' Ms Baker turned around once more as Nathan came back carrying the other desk. ``Oh, place it next to this one.''\n\n``Ah good, I was hoping that they can sit together. Eliza and Felix need each other to, not quite like Elijah and Tobias but more so that they can relax easier.'' Nathan explained as he placed the desk down next to the other. It then became apparent to Felix that Ms Baker didn't know what has happened to him, an intrusive subconscious thought convinced him that Nathan told her; Nathan was true to his word. \n\n``Oh really? How long have you two known each other?'' Ms Baker asked politely with a smile, Nathan looked like he wanted to answer but looked to Felix as if he sighed.\n\n``Two years.'' Felix said flatly, trying to hide his discomfort.\n\n``Two years? You two must know each other well then, I hope you two are happy to learn together.'' Ms Baker replied, she then checked her watch and then exhaled. ``Alright, Mr Skye, I got to get going to get my things together. Please supervise the classroom until I'm back.''\n\n``Of course, Ms Baker. Goodbye.'' Nathan smiled with a wave at her as she left. Felix felt his breath come back only to have it leave once more, he looked at Nathan with a stressed look.\n\n``I'm thankful for you not telling her about me and Eliza.'' Felix sighed. \n\n``She knows very little about you two, yes. Now I did mention a couple of days ago I told the principle small details. So, if Ms Baker learned anything else it won't have come from me.'' Nathan said reassuringly. Felix remembers Nathan telling him that he told the principle about him and Eliza; that they were abused. Felix remembers how angry and upset he was at the time, but knows that Nathan meant well. So long as Nathan doesn't do it too much then Felix won't feel betrayed, yet. Eliza bobbed up and down looking at Nathan as if to say `hug me'. Nathan knelt down with nurturing instincts kicking in, he hugged Eliza close who hugged him back.\n\n``Thank youuu.'' Eliza said as she hugged Nathan. A mother and her child walked in and upon seeing the sight she exclaimed in shock.\n\n``What are you doing, Mr Skye!?'' She was a german shepherd, her son Max standing next to her confused on what was going on. Nathan turned around after letting go of Eliza, and before he could answer, Felix snapped back; seemingly insulted of her assumption of Nathan.\n\n``He's our father, you stupid hag.'' Felix glared at her. She stepped back completely caught off guard and silent with shock. Max gave off a stupid laugh causing her to smack him to stop.\n\n``Felix!'' Snapped Nathan as he turned at him, before turning back to the mother. ``I'm so sorry for what Felix said, Mrs Peterson. I understand your shock, but these two are my adopted kids.'' \n\n``He's got a nasty mouth.'' She replied, finally catching her breath back. Felix narrowed his eyes as he growled to himself. Getting angry at the fact that she was making the assumption that Nathan was doing something very wrong.\n\n``Yes, he does, but that's because he and Eliza have had a rough life until now; this is their first day at school ever.'' Nathan explained, trying to not say anything specifically and trying to be polite.\n\n``Well, I hope he gets better manners.'' Mrs Peterson said as she gently pushed Max into the room. ``Have a good day at school Max, dear.'' She said as she waved goodbye. Max walked into the area with the toys and sat down, Nathan looked at Felix with a sigh; unsure whether to feel complimented, appreciated or disappointed at his sudden outburst. \n\n``Please keep your anger under control, Felix. This isn't home, where you can speak freely. At school you are required to be polite and follow rules.'' Nathan knelt down again once more and gave Felix a hint of appreciation with the glimmer in Nathan's eyes. ``I know you meant well, but you didn't have to call her those names.''\n\n``She assumed you were a pe-'' \n\n``I know. I know...'' Nathan spoke softly as he nodded. ``Unfortunately, in this line of work, teachers have to be careful; especially teachers like me. Just trust me to speak my way out of it next time, there are many misunderstandings in life and most of them can be fixed with plain speaking.'' Nathan smiled as he finished speaking, Felix looked down feeling guilt rise inside of him.\n\n``I'm sorry.''\n\n``I forgive you, Felix. Although I'm not sure she will, but that's ok.'' Nathan sat down on the ground crossing his legs. ``Now before I forget, Ms Baker will be asking a lot of questions and will try to see if you understand, can solve the problem she provides you, or see what you know about it. Now I know that kids coming into this class with delayed learnings often feel great shame in not knowing the things that she will show them. It's ok, you two. School is a place of learning things you don't know, so don't late it weigh on you that you don't know most or any of the things she asks. Because in a year or so time, you will.'' Eliza and Felix nodded at Nathan trying to take what he said to heart. ``It doesn't matter how old you are either, Felix. What matters is that you are willing to learn what you don't know.'' Nathan's reassuring and heart-warming smile gave Felix confidence, enough at least to not feel bad for the moment. Nathan slowly stood up once more, stretching his back and legs before turning to the board to write lesson plans on it.\n\n``What are you doing?'' Felix asked.\n\n``I got the class today, so I got to write the lesson plans. To show class what they'll be learning and to mentally prepare them for the day.'' Nathan said as he grabbed a whiteboard marker. ``Class will be starting in 10 or so minutes, you two can wait here or go wandering around if you want to.''\n\n``I ain't wandering this school, I'm afraid I'll get lost.'' Felix retorted; Eliza giggled.\n\n``Same.''\n\n``Alright then, now excuse me. I need to get to work.'' Nathan apologized as he began to write. Eliza and Felix sat at the desks that Nathan grabbed before and then looked at each other. They discussed which desk they wanted most; their consensus was that they had no actual preferences so they chose the desk that they already sat at. As they sat and stared around silently, Felix couldn't help but think about what Nathan said. ``Especially teachers like me.'' Was it because he's sensitive and kind? Was it because he's a teacher's aide? Was it because he was a male? Felix didn't know the answer, but it bothered him as he got lost trying to find it. The bell rang as class was called, both Eliza and Felix jumped in their seats when they heard it; they've only ever heard it in cartoons, in real life it was loud. Soon kids of various ages entered the building, putting their bags in the bag racks and then heading to their desks. The twins entered the room side by side holding hands, putting their bags down and headed to their desks as well. Elijah waved excitedly at Eliza and Felix, who smiled waving back.\n\n``Hello!'' Elijah called out as they neared. More chatter came as other kids entered, one being Danny who was walking fast to catch up to the twins to hug and say hi. As the kids sat down at their desks, they chatted amongst each other until one of them called out.\n\n``Are you teaching today, Mr Skye?'' A black bear asked with a slur.\n\n``I am.'' Nathan exclaimed with an excited look; all the kids cheered with some laughing. Felix noticed a much older kid enter the room after putting his bag in the racks, to Felix he looked like a mid-aged teenager. The kid was an odd-looking lion who was as tall as an adult. The lion looked at Felix and smiled and waved; to Felix the smile was goofy. Felix could tell from first glance that the lion was special, but as he heard from Nathan before, most of the kids in the class are. He smiled back at the lion but didn't wave, not feeling comfortable other than to secretly hold Eliza's hand underneath the desk. Ms Baker entered the room with a folder and greeted the kids as she walked through the class. Nathan began talking to the class as he introduced Eliza and Felix. The other kids turned and greeted vocally or by waving before turning to the front for a lesson of English. Ms Baker grabbed a chair and sat at the opposite side of Eliza and Felix's desks; she held the folder in her lap.\n\n``Hello Felix, Eliza. How are you feeling?'' She asked as she opened the folder.\n\n``Nervous.'' Eliza replied.\n\n``Yeah same.'' Felix added.\n\n``Yeah? I'm sorry to hear that. But don't worry I'm just going to show you two some things, you just let me know if you know what it is and what the answers are.'' Ms Baker explained, something both Eliza and Felix knew thanks to Nathan. The morning lesson went smoothly for the class, something to Nathan was a bit of a shock as some kids like to act up rather than learn. For Eliza and Felix, it was mostly looking at numbers and words as they answered Ms Baker's questions. When morning tea came, Nathan and Ms Baker excused the class to go and eat. Elijah and Tobias went straight to Felix and Eliza.\n\n``Come eat with us.'' Tobias said, Elijah nodded excitedly; Danny walked over and was immediately pulled in for a hug by Elijah. The 5 left to go to their bags to grab their bags to go eat, the twins leading Eliza and Felix to their eating spot. Back in class, Nathan pulled out a snack bar and a mandarin before following Ms Baker.\n\n``You did great, Nathan.'' Ms Baker smiled at him. ``I'm surprised even Tyler and Grace didn't act up.''\n\n``You and me both, Linda. And sorry about calling you by your first name before.''\n\n``Oh that? It's ok. I understand it was a slip of the tongue.''\n\n``So how do Eliza and Felix fare?'' Nathan asked as they walked to the backroom to look through the windows, watching the kids from inside to make sure everything was in order.\n\n``Well, Felix knows some basic spelling, adding and subtractions. But he has absolutely no idea what divide and times are. Eliza is much the same, but she could read better than Felix.'' \n\n``I see.''\n\n``Where did they come from, Nathan? I want to know their story.'' Nathan looked at Linda apologetically and sighed, chewing and swallowing the bar in his mouth.\n\n``I'm sorry, Linda. Confidentiality matters for them. All I can say is that they've come from a real rough time in their life.''\n\n``Enough to have mannerism issues and never been to school? Sounds like they had awful parents.''\n\n``That's the gist yeah I'm afraid.''\n\n``Poor dears. How's disciplining been?''\n\n``Well. Mostly I've been getting Felix to hold off on swearing as much as he can. Considering he hasn't sworn yet today has been a good sign. But he did call Mrs Peterson, Max's mother, a stupid hag.''\n\n``What on earth for?'' Exclaimed Ms Baker. \n\n``Confidentiality here, but as far as I know I've been the best father they've had ever. I give them compliments, encouragements and hugs to keep their confidence up and their stress low. Mrs Peterson entered the classroom as I was giving Eliza a hug, and she had no idea who they were to me.''\n\n``So, she thought...''\n\n``Yes.''\n\n``Oh god.'' Ms Baker sighed, resting her hand on her forehead. ``That's a nasty misunderstanding, a big misunderstanding for sure.'' Ms Baker knew that Nathan was close to his boys, since they need frequent hugs as rewards for good work; not once in her time she had any suspicions of Nathan. A few other kids have tried hugging him, to only have Nathan politely and kindly refuse, so to Linda he couldn't be a groomer or a potential threat to kids. Her time as a teacher has been positive, but unbeknown to Nathan, Ms Baker remembers a male teacher getting arrested for alleged grooming and abuse. She never did find out if he was guilty and convicted, but the fuss the school and the parents made scared her. If she was a male teacher she would be as susceptible as Mr Davidson, the teacher who had allegations, any mistake or misunderstanding could end a career. She looked at Nathan with sympathy and began to share the story with him, Nathan listened silently. \n\n``That is something that hits home. I should mention that my second year as a year 1 teacher nearly got cut short by a mother with a big mouth. I hadn't done anything to warrant it, but because I'm a guy she assumed I was a danger; to say the least. So, it has happened before, it just. It's never easy.'' Nathan sighed.\n\n``Perhaps you need to change your attitude and the way you carry on. Not that I'd want you to, but parents seeing a kind and caring and affectionate male teacher is a recipe for trouble.'' She frowned. \n\n``I've thought that. But honestly, if I had to change then I wouldn't be a teacher. I'd have to get another job.''\n\n``Yeah?''\n\n``Because I believe being genuine. Genuine, polite, friendly and caring. If how I carry myself about is an issue, I might as well leave because that's just how I am.''\n\n``I get it. Let's just hope no other incidents like this happen again.''\n\n``Let's hope, yeah.'' Linda grabbed a sandwich from a zip locked bag and took a bite. Felix and Eliza sat with Danny and the twins, eating the food in their lunchboxes. Nathan packed a sandwich, a snack back, a juicebox, a packet of chips and yoghurt tub in each of their boxes. Even at school the twins fed each other, they took a bite out of each other's sandwich before eating theirs. Felix was given a vegemite sandwich while Eliza was given peanut butter; something Nathan knew they both liked. The noise from other kids chatting and laughing was a completely new experience for the two of them. Felix ate with Eliza while the twins fed each other, Danny watched Felix before getting the courage to speak.\n\n``So why did Ms Baker sit with you two?'' Danny asked shyly, switching between Eliza and Felix to make it not look like he was only looking at Felix.\n\n``Testing us, I guess.'' Felix paused and looked down momentarily before switching his attitude to his stoic and hard image. ``Eliza and I never did go to school before, so all of this is new. The teacher kept showing picture after picture seeing if we knew what the hell she was talking about. I sure as hell feel stupid.'' Eliza giggled at Felix's tone and tapped his leg with her foot.\n\n``Well, I don't know much either. So, it's ok.'' Danny smiled shyly before taking a bite out of his apple. \n\n``I don't know much either!'' Elijah yelled excitedly.\n\n``We're trying though.'' Tobias added. Felix shrugged, trying to not let it bug him that 6-year-olds were trying to make him feel better that he's an idiot; it did however make him not feel alone, so that did make him feel better.\n\n``She kept showing us numbers and signs. I only under stood the plus sign, said it was a health pack.'' Eliza giggled.\n\n``Oh, that's the plus sign.'' Elijah laughed.\n\n``Dad says it's called `addition'. The other one is called... `subtraction?'.''\n\n``Wow... those are weird words.'' Eliza said looking at Felix.\n\n``Says you, miss `I got myself a -vibrosword- to kill the -Shyrack-'.'' Felix's sass was met with laughs and giggles, Eliza poking Felix back as revenge. \n\n``I don't know those other words.'' Eliza retorted back, ``and neither do you.''\n\n``Yeah, yeah. Rub it in.'' Felix and Eliza smiled at each other, so into the jest of the conversation that Danny stared dreamingly at them both. They were so cool; Felix was so cool. The way he talked and carried himself was unbelievably appealing to Danny. Danny looked away as he drunk his juicebox to hide the feelings on his face once more. Another bell was heard, causing Felix and Eliza look around worried that it was time to come back already. As the bell rang, the twins covered the other's ears to block out the sound; when it ended the twins put their lunchboxes into their bags.\n\n``What's going on?'' Eliza asked with a look of confusion.\n\n``It's play time.'' Tobias replied, the twins stood up putting their bags on their backs and looked at Eliza. ``We're going to play in the sandpit. Want to join?'' \n\n``Sure!''\n\n``I'll pass, I'll be nearby but I don't want to join.'' Felix said brushing off the invitation. The 5 kids moved down a walkway, passing plenty of other kids as they headed to the playground. There was a big sandpit underneath a light tarp hanging above by 4 poles on each of the corners of the sandpit. Eliza, the twins and Danny sat in the sandpit and began to build; the twins worked together while Eliza and Danny worked together. Felix climbed a playground momentarily before jumping off as he felt discomfort of many other kids rushing past and around him. He settled down underneath the shade as he watched from a far, monitoring what was going on. A teacher walked over and her voice snapped him out of his focus.\n\n``Hello, young man. What are you doing in the year 1 & 2s play area?'' She asked. She was a dalmatian wearing sporty clothing; she was the school sports teacher. Felix looked at her, unsure on what to say; not wanting to cause a scene and get Nathan into trouble once more. ``Well?'' Her tone got increasingly judgmental and irritating, Felix bit his tongue and narrowed his eyes as he tried his best to not sass or snap at the rude teacher.\n\n``This is my first day of school. Over there in the sandpit are my brothers and sister. My father is Nathan, Mr Skye.'' Felix said sternly, he was this close of failing his attempt.\n\n``That's quite a story.'' She remarked; it was clear to Felix that he wasn't being believed. ``How old are you? And what grade are you?'' She asked.\n\n``Why do you care?'' Felix began to slip, his tone and mood shifting greater and greater by the second; the teacher was not impressed.\n\n``Why? Because I'm on playground duty, that's why. And you're in the wrong area telling fibs. I've never seen you before so I know you must be confused. Come with me, we're going to the playground you should be in.''\n\n``I ain't going with you! I don't know you; I don't trust you.'' Felix said loudly, startled as he stood up and backing up defensively. Eliza, the twins and Danny looked over from the sandpit; Eliza's anxiety picked up and she sprang into action. Eliza got up and ran over, kicking sand in the process, to get to Felix.\n\n``Leave my brother alone, you mean bitch.'' Demanded Eliza as she ran up, standing between Felix and the teacher. The teacher was horrified at the language and shocked by the scene, still not believing that they were brother and sister.\n\n``That is very rude language young missy; no bad language at school! Do you want to go to the principal's office!?'' \n\n``I want to go to my daddy!'' Eliza stared at her fiercely. Felix was frozen as Eliza stepped in, feeling proud and beyond appreciative. Another teacher walked into the scene, a red fox with blue dyed hair.\n\n``What's going on, Susan.''\n\n``This boy is in the wrong play area and refuses to leave, this girl swore at me. I think they need to go to the principal's office. Can you take them, Mandy?''\n\n``Alright you two, come with me to the principal's office.'' Felix couldn't believe what was going on, he was so confused, and angry, and emotional. He didn't want to be at school anymore if adults were going to act like fucking children. The fox gestured rather aggressively to tell Eliza and Felix to follow her, Felix looked at Eliza and gave a begrudging look.\n\n``We better, I guess.'' Felix sighed. As Felix and Eliza left to go down to the principal's office, Elijah began crying and muttering. Tobias and Elijah stood up as Elijah cried, attempting to leave the sandpit and stop their brother and sister from leaving. But Danny got up and grabbed their hands, pleading at them to stay, not wanting them to get into trouble as well. Danny managed to keep them from leaving, Elijah crying even more, so much that the dalmatian came over.\n\n``What's wrong, Elijah? Do you have sand in your eyes?'' She asked concernedly, her tone completely different towards them. Elijah kept crying and eventually shook his head, Tobias then stared intently at the teacher, as if angry while also shedding a tear.\n\n``Why did you pick on our brother and sister? They did nothing wrong. You're mean.'' Tobias said as flatly and yet aggressively as he possibly could. The teacher's eyes were wide and shocked, confused about what was going on and only now realizing she had fucked up. Felix and Eliza were told to sit down and wait for the principal to call them in for a talking; they held hands tightly as they were scared, upset and clueless about what was going to happen. Felix braced himself for the worst; if any hand was to lay on Eliza, he was going to lose it. Soon they were called inside, they held their breath as they entered and was told to sit down on the chairs. The principle clasped his hands together and stared at them, unsure of what to say about the situation.\n\n``What did you two do to get yourselves here?'' He asked calmly, trying to gather the situation.\n\n``This is our first f- I mean, this is our first day at school, ever. I got in trouble for being in the wrong playground.''\n\n``And a teacher was being mean to him, telling him to go. So-so-so I r-ran up to help.'' Eliza said emotionally, annoyed and barely holding it together. The principal took a deep breath and nodded. \n\n``Excuse me for a moment, I need to make a call.'' He said, grabbing the phone next to him. He dialled and called, asking for Nathan to come into the office before hanging up calmly. ``This is a big mess, and I know it's not entirely your fault.''\n\n``Really?'' Felix asked sceptically, the principal nodded.\n\n``Of course. Not every teacher knows who you two are, and which family you are with. I just called your father; he's coming down right now.'' The principal took a deep breath as his brow frowned. ``Swearing at a teacher is very, very ill-advised. On this occasion I will excuse your bad language.'' He looked at Eliza and then Felix. ``Please work on that, so you don't get into trouble again.'' He then looked to the door as a panting and sweaty Nathan was standing at the doorway.\n\n``Mr Andrews, I'm so sorry for whatever happened. I hope this has been a big misunderstanding.'' Nathan said out of breath.\n\n``Mr Skye, thank you for coming down. This has been a misunderstanding for sure, something I'm going to have to talk to with all other teachers sooner than expected.''\n\n``What happened?'' \n\n``Please sit down, Nathan, catch your breath back.'' The principal gestured to a chair as he smiled. Nathan grabbed a chair and sat down as he breathed in and out. ``From what I was told, Mrs Higgins came across your son, Felix, in the grade 1 & 2 playground. She did not believe him when he said it was his first day and was watching over his siblings. However, he did not initially cooperate with her as she tried to get him to leave. While it is totally understandable between us, it wasn't right there.'' The principal grabbed a glass of water on his desk and took a drink. ``She then said your daughter, Eliza, came running from the sandpit and swore at her to back off. Now I don't have to tell you why she would be in trouble.'' Nathan looked at Felix and Eliza with a sigh before looking back at the principal.\n\n``This has been a horrible misunderstanding.'' Nathan repeated.\n\n``Relax, Mr Skye. I understand the situation. Eliza and Felix won't be having detention, nor are they in trouble. I will be excusing them this time on good conscience. I was hoping that nothing would happen before teacher's meeting on Wednesday, but such as life. I'll be calling a teacher's meeting today instead of Wednesday. There are other plenty things to discuss thankfully so it won't go to waste.'' Nathan nodded with a sigh of relief, he looked to Eliza and Felix once more with a smile that read `thank fuck' to them. A knock was heard on the door, the dalmatian from before looking rather sorry and worried.\n\n``Mr Andrews? This has been a big, big misunderstanding.'' She turned to Felix and Eliza. ``I'm so sorry for not believing you two, and I'm sorry Mr Skye for the fuss.'' It felt good to hear the teacher squirm and apologize to him, yet Felix wasn't sure if he could truly forgive her; or at the very least he could not trust her.\n\n``I'm sorry for swearing.'' Eliza replied. ``I didn't like, h-how you were treating my brother.'' \n\n``Sounds like apologies accepted all around.'' The principal added.\n\n``I don't mean to rush this meeting, but. Mr Skye, your boys are crying up a storm and they won't react to anyone. They need you. I should have listened.'' The dalmatian sports teacher said in great concern.\n\n``I'll be right over there now.'' Nathan said, he turned to Felix and Eliza once more. ``Are you two going to be alright?''\n\n``I don't want to be at school anymore.'' Felix said flatly, crossing his arms, looking down and away; he was mentally done with today.\n\n``Can you hold onto next break?'' Nathan asked concernedly, Felix looked at him bothered before covering his face with his hands exhaling.\n\n``Fine.'' Felix eventually replied.\n\n``Alright, that's good. ``I'll take you two home after break. Hold in there you two.'' Nathan got up and squeezed past the other teacher as he ran off to the playground where the twins were. The sports teacher left leaving Felix and Eliza with the principal.\n\n``I don't want to be here.'' Felix muttered quietly, Eliza got off her chair and hugged Felix tight as he covered his face with his hands.\n\n``You two need to get going now. Head back to your classroom. You two are strong kids from what Nathan has told me, so I hope you two can remain strong until next break.'' The principal said as he got up from his chair, he walked to the door and held it open as he gestured them to leave. Eliza tugged on Felix's arm, getting him to comply; they stood up, put their bags back on and left. As they walked back, they could see Nathan carrying the twins behind them, carrying each of their backpacks on each of his shoulders, walking fast so he could catch up to them and walked beside them.\n\n``I know you really want to go home. I'm sorry, Felix.'' Nathan said with sympathy, Elijah and Tobias clung to Nathan sniffing and coughing slightly; walking behind trying to catch up and not go into a coughing fit was Danny. \n\n``Why can't we just go home now?'' Complained Felix. ``I really don't feel so good.''\n\n``I know, I'm sorry. But if we go now, next time you go to school you'll have Ms Baker right in front of you again. I can tell you two aren't big fans of her.''\n\n``She's mean, complains about the things we say and do.'' Eliza said looking up at him.\n\n``Unfortunately, that's the teacher's job. We're supposed to pull kids up on behavioural mistakes and issues.''\n\n``But I thought we were here to learn?''\n\n``Part of learning is developing good behaviour and discipline.''\n\n``That's so bullshit.'' Felix complained. \n\n``Felix, please watch your language. I know you're fed up, but please bear with me and Ms Baker.''\n\n``Ugh, fine.'' Once they got to the classroom, Nathan put the twins down, took their backpacks off of him and gave it to them. The twins put their bags in their racks and walked into class silently, Eliza and Felix doing the same to get to their desks.\n\n``Thank you for being with the twins, Danny.'' Nathan said as he turned around and bent down a bit, he smiled sincerely and with upmost appreciation mixed with sweetness. Danny smiled back feeling nice and warm.\n\n``I didn't want to leave them.'' Danny replied as he put his bag in the rack.\n\n``I know, you're an amazing friend Danny. A wonderful boy.'' Nathan squinted his eyes endearingly, Danny smiled more before rushing off to sit at his desk. Ms Baker walked in and looked at Nathan expectingly; she wanted to know why he had to rush off before, but she guessed it was because of the twins.\n\n``Are you alright, Nathan?''\n\n``I'm alright, thanks Linda.'' Nathan smiled at her as he opened Eliza and Felix's bags to grab their pencil cases, handing them to Linda.\n\n``Thank you, Nathan. I was going to ask them to get it but you saved us some time.''\n\n``It's the least I could do.'' Nathan said as he walked to the whiteboard to begin teaching, Ms Baker walked over to Eliza and Felix's desk, sat down and put their pencil cases before them.\n\n``Ok, until break time we're going to do some writing. I want you two to write as well as you can.'' She said smiling, she could feel something was wrong with the both of them; it then became clear to her that perhaps it wasn't the twins that Nathan went running after for. For the rest of the lesson, Felix and Eliza did their best with writing. Felix was notably better than Eliza, but perhaps it was because Eliza's hand was shaking from what happened earlier. The lesson was much longer than the last as Ms Baker got them to sharpen their pencils to try again at writing. Halfway through the lesson, Felix rested his head on his arms on the desk, looking exhausted and done with today; he couldn't think and couldn't give a damn. ``Felix, we're not done yet.'' Ms Baker said, Felix didn't react and just stared into oblivion. Out of the kindness of her heart, Ms Baker didn't push it any further, she then turned to Eliza. ``You two can rest at your desks for now. I'll be back in a little while.'' Something both Felix and Eliza were thankful to hear, Ms Baker got up and left with the folder she was carrying and sat at a corner desk in the room; the desk that Nathan normally would sit at as he waited for a kid needing help. As the kids in the class focused on solving a math problem, Nathan moved over to Ms Baker and looked at her with gratitude\n\n``Thank you.'' Nathan whispered; Ms Baker nodded back smiling before opening the folder as she evaluated her findings. Nathan noticed during the class that the twins were hardly focusing; they haven't had the time to recover from what happened before. They began talking to each other, something Nathan had to sort out by having them leave their desks and go sit in the quiet room to calm down. The quiet room was at the opposite side of the classroom from where the bag racks were, inside was a beanbag, pillows and not much else. The purpose was for a kid who cannot function or control themselves to sit in the room to calm down; mostly used for autistic children who need a timeout. The twins went into the room, closing the door behind them. Elijah sat into the beanbag as Tobias turned the light off, sitting with Elijah as they remained silent to readjust themselves. The lesson ended for lunch and the class was excused. Nathan went and retrieved the twins from the quiet room, Danny waited behind to be with the twins. ``Elijah, Tobias? How are you feeling?''\n\n``Better.'' Tobias replied, Elijah nodded; to Nathan this was `they are alright, but they still will find learning hard'. All because of Elijah's lack of speech, something that he holds back when he's disturbed or upset by something beyond a mediocre level. \n\n``Well, would you two like to go home? I'll be taking Eliza and Felix home too.''\n\n``I want to go home.'' Tobias replied, Nathan nodded caringly.\n\n``Alright, alright. We'll be going home.'' The twins walked over and Danny stood with a sad look, sad to see all of them about to go home. The twins hugged Danny who hugged them tightly back.\n\n``I want to go with you.'' Danny said looking up at Nathan, while his heart broke, he couldn't just say yes.\n\n``The twins are tuckered out, Danny. Do you two want Danny to come with us?'' The twins looked at Nathan, after a moment they nodded. ``Ok, but now I need to call your Mum. To see if this will interfere with any plans, alright?''\n\n``Alright.'' Danny smiled slightly as his hope built up. Nathan pulled out his mobile and called Lauren, after a short conversation it was given the all good; Danny smiled bigger as he hugged the twins more.\n\n``Can we go now?'' Felix said tiredly.\n\n``Absolutely you guys. Let's get you all to the car, grab your backs and follow me.'' Nathan looked over to Ms Baker, who was still in the room the entire time. ``I'm sorry, Linda.''\n\n``It's not a problem, you handled the class well today and I'm so thankful for that. I'll call for substitute teacher to come help.'' Ms Baker replied; she has known and worked with Nathan so long that she is used to him having to suddenly go. It wasn't his fault and more than often enough the last bit of the day is far more manageable than before and after morning tea. Nathan took the 5 kids back to where he parked the car, helping the twins in the back while having Felix sit in the front passenger seat so Danny can have his seat in the back. As Nathan drove home a huge sense of relief and bliss filled Felix, he felt like crying as he felt the cool air-con hit him. Nathan looked at Felix and Eliza and felt awful about how their day went, he regained focus as he drove, trying not to get lost in his thoughts. Once home and inside, the twins and Danny went to the twin's room while Eliza and Felix went to lie down in Felix's room. Closing the blinds and the window before turning the air-con on before they laid down. Nathan walked down the hallway and stopped in Felix's room, sitting on the chair nearby.\n\n``I'm sorry the day didn't go well.'' Nathan sighed, looking disappointed in himself. ``I completely forgot about the twins and Danny going to that sand pit, and the trouble that might have brought.'' Felix rolled over and faced Nathan, unable to feel mad or hurt at him.\n\n``It's not your fault. It's that bitch who wouldn't listen.'' Nathan sighed and closed his eyes as Felix swore, unsure whether it was valid or a swear to begin with.\n\n``Please don't use that language, I know it's technically correct but it isn't a nice description; even if she was the one that started the conflict. She didn't know and she apologized.''\n\n``Oh whatever. If she is so sorry, then why was she such a fucking bitch to me?'' Felix sighed as blinked, rubbing his muzzle into the pillow. Nathan didn't know what to say. Chastising Felix for swearing once more wasn't going to help, so he sat silently as he nodded in understanding. ``So, what's wrong with the twins anyway?''\n\n``From what Danny quickly told me, them seeing you get taken away by teachers really upset them. I think they quickly got the message, or idea, that you two were in trouble. They don't like seeing people get in trouble for something they didn't do, the concept for punishment for no cause makes no sense. And that really upsets them. The fact it was you two, probably made it worse.'' Nathan explained as well as he could, Felix began crying and then began sobbing. \n\n``They're so nice to care, even when they don't understand what the fuck is going on.'' Felix's emotions just burst, so much happened today that he got so worn out; his emotions were getting the better of him.\n\n``They are wonderful boys and they love you two very much.'' Nathan said comfortingly. \n\n``I just feel so fucking worthless when bad memories hit me and remind me how fucked up I am. Especially when some bitch treats me like shit, not believing a word I say. To hear that the twins cared enough to have a mental breakdown is just so...''\n\n``Touching?'' \n\n``Yeah... I don't deserve it. It's so hard and so fucking confusing when I'm told that I matter and get treated like I fucking don't matter. I can't handle it.'' Felix continued to sob. ``Why do some of the teachers act like fucking assholes until they're proven wrong! Why were -they- acting like children?'' Nathan didn't answer, finding it was best that Felix cries his heart out. ``Am I to be treated nicely or to be treated like fucking shit? It doesn't make any sense.'' Nathan held back his own tears as Felix cried out, Eliza looked either too tired or unable to process what Felix was going through. Soon Felix sat up and climbed out of bed, stumbling to Nathan with red eyes and a shaking body. He held his arms out, a sign he needed to be hugged; something both he and Nathan have an understanding of when it is alright to touch him. Nathan stood up and sat at the end of Felix's bed with a spot for him to sit next to him, Felix sat down and held Nathan tightly as if he wasn't going to let go. Felix cried into Nathan as Nathan rubbed Felix's back comfortingly, resting his cheek on Felix's head making `shhh' sounds.\n\n``Cry your heart out, Felix. It's ok. It's ok.'' Nathan whispered; Felix's body quaked as he breathed in trying to catch his breath back. Eliza sat up and moved up to behind and between them, Nathan saw her and smiled with a tear in his eye. ``You want to squeeze in between us, Eliza?'' Eliza nodded silently with a strong determined look in her eyes, Nathan helped her in as he loosened the vice grip that Felix had over him so now Eliza can hug Felix as well. Nathan continued to whispering to the distraught and emotionally fed-up Felix, rubbing his back as he whispered encouragement to him. ``It's not your fault, none of this had to happen. It was just a shitty day, you are fine. You are at home safe. We got Eliza with us and she is giving you her strength. Cry your heart out, Felix.'' Felix felt every word hit him, causing him to cry a little harder; all of what Nathan said made him feel better. ``I love you; Rita loves you; Elijah and Tobias love you and most of all, Eliza loves you.''\n\n``Thank you so fucking much. Thank you for being the best teacher I've seen. Which isn't a lot.'' Felix wheezed as he sobbed. Off in the twin's room, Elijah laid in the middle of Danny and Tobias on the bed. Danny's presence helped the twins, even if Danny wasn't sure if he was. Tobias sniffed into Elijah as a way to calm down, while Elijah stared into space feeling drained. The air-con was a good temperature for all three of them, cool but not cold enough for Danny to start coughing. Danny felt bad that the silence of the room was broken with his frequent coughing, he wanted to try holding it back but that never goes well in the end. \n\n``Are you two ok?'' Danny asked with concern. Tobias looked up from sniffing and nodded softly, Danny knew then that they were alright. For a normal kid, lying in bed doing nothing with autistic twins recovering did not sound fun or enjoyable but to Danny, he didn't mind it one bit. He understood that they needed time and he got to be with them; leaving school early with the Skye family also made him feel so honoured and special. So very thankful that his Mum said it was alright. A knock on the front door was heard, with no answer; it was Lauren coming over with Danny's medication. This isn't the first time that the twins had to come home early and that Danny came with, so Lauren knew it was alright to enter the house. She could hear Felix crying down across the house, she bared that in mind as she got closer. She wanted to see what the fuss was, to see if she could help in anyway, but time was short so she had to get to Danny; she knew he would be with the twins and most likely in their room. She knocked on the door and opened it slowly, Danny looked up from the bed, excited and happy to see her.\n\n``Hey, Danny my boy.'' She said with open mouth smile and a wave, she walked in slowly as she saw how out of it the twins were.\n\n``Elijah and Tobias aren't well.'' Danny replied as he sat up cross-legged. \n\n``I see, well we'll be nice and quiet for them. You want it here?''\n\n``Yes please.''\n\n``Awesome.'' Danny was given his portable nebulizer `nebi' for him to begin inhaling. When it was eventually done, the twins had sat up holding hands watching silently. ``There we are. All done.'' Lauren smiled; Danny took the mouth piece out handing it back to his mum. Lauren kissed Danny on the forehead and rubbed her cheeks against it affectionately. ``Alright, I got to get going now. Dad will come pick you up before 6. Have fun.'' She packed everything up and waved goodbye leaving the three boys together. Lauren could hear no more loud crying, but she could hear sniffling and coughing down at the end of the hall. She checked her watch and made the split decision to quickly check on what's going on. She peered through the doorway and softly knocked it with the back of her middle finger, Nathan looked up and smiled in greeting.\n\n``Hey Lauren, good to see you. Danny's meds taken?''\n\n``Yeah, yeah. Just done it. I heard crying.''\n\n``Not a good day for Felix and Eliza.'' Nathan rubbed Felix's back once more, who was clinging onto him still refusing to let go. ``Well, not a good day for all.''\n\n``I'm sorry to hear that, it was their first day too. I hope Wednesday goes better.'' \n\n``Thanks Lauren, I hope so too.''\n\n``I need to get going now, Robert will pick Danny up before 6.''\n\n``Alright, I have to thank you for allowing Danny to come with, he was giving me sad eyes and everything. Danny being with the twins has been incredibly helpful.'' Nathan's sincere, sweet and grateful smile making Lauren smile uncontrollably. \n\n``I'm glad.''\n\n``Alright, safe travels Lauren.''\n\n``Thank you, goodbye.'' Lauren waved goodbye as she headed back down the hallway, leaving the house and driving back to work. Nathan looked down back to Felix and nudged the top of his head with his chin. \n\n``Are you feeling better, Felix?''\n\n``I feel like crap. But I feel better I guess.'' Felix replied, Eliza slid out between them and laid back down.\n\n``I'm glad you're feeling better. Every small step forward is better than falling back down the stairwell.'' Eliza giggled at Nathan's remark. \n\n``That's funny.'' Eliza said with a big smile.\n\n``Oh, I'm sure it is funny, especially when it isn't yourself.'' Nathan smiled back in jest at Eliza. ``I've fallen downstairs. It's painful and honestly frightening. Thankfully it was just four steps.'' Eliza began laughing, causing Felix to laugh too.\n\n``Four steps??'' Eliza replied in disbelief.\n\n``It was a very scary four steps.'' Nathan's jesting tone working a treat getting Felix to cheer up.\n\n``Scary stairs!'' Eliza laughed, getting off the bed clinging onto Mary.\n\n``They were! It was dark and raining.''\n\n``Were you drunk?'' Felix asked with amusement, he pulled himself a bit away from Nathan so he could look at him.\n\n``Mmmmmaybe.'' Eliza sat down on the ground laughing; Felix laughed as he hugged into Nathan once more.\n\n``You moron.'' Felix's voice was muffled.\n\n``I was indeed! But when I came back the next week, I saw those stairs and I thought to myself. `Bugger that, I am going to walk around the pub instead'.'' Felix and Eliza's laugh were contagious, soon Felix let go of Nathan and pulled himself away to sit on the bed.\n\n``Got any more funny stories?'' Felix asked. \n\n``I do actually, plenty of them. One time we were eating lamb chops for dinner and we had a slight alcoholic mixed drink. It's where we make it ourselves. Rita loves having a certain sauce with her chops, so as I began to make my drink, I was distracted by the tv. I accidentally grabbed the wrong bottle and poured sauce into my cup.'' Eliza began to laugh as Felix chuckled.\n\n``Did you drink it?''\n\n``No, it would have been bloody awful.'' Eliza and Felix laughed harder. ``So, every time we've had chops since, Rita would remind me to grab the right bloody bottle.'' Nathan laughed with the two kids; he didn't mind putting himself down to make them laugh. \n\n``Got another?''\n\n``Another? That's a bit greedy but, fine.'' Nathan chuckled. ``I had a friend years back, a bit of a doofus but he was a nice guy. Had a pet cat who really hated him, don't know why. One time I was over with him drinking, watching the cricket and the cat walks in the room. He was quite drunk and picked his cat up, holding it over his shoulder as he patted it saying it was a good kitty. Meanwhile the cat is going `fffffffft' and `rarl-rarl-rarl' trying to get out of his grasp, scratching his back and biting his neck. He put it down and stumbled back to his chair and the cat was `fffft! Fffft! Fffft!', just so angry at him and ran off. Then my friend turns to me and says `I think my cat loves me now'.'' Felix's expression was amused shock while Eliza rolled on the floor laughing.\n\n``That poor cat.'' Felix laughed wiping his tears away. Man, you got good stories.''\n\n``Was he bleeding?'' Eliza managed to say while holding back laughter.\n\n``Yeeeeup.'' Eliza and Felix laughed some more before calming down, Nathan was so happy to see them laughing. Nathan's jestful tone and body language changed to his loving and nurturing self, he reached out to Felix and took a tear away. ``I'm glad you're feeling better, Felix.'' Felix smiled back, looking down and away for a moment as he regained his stoic self.\n\n``Please don't do that, that's weird. But, thank you. Thanks for being here.'' \n\n``I'll remember next time to not take a tear from your eye.'' Nathan said as he stood up. ``Want me to leave you two alone?''\n\n``You don't -have- to go, but I do want to be alone.''\n\n``Alright, I'll leave you to be with each other. Call me if you need anything.'' Nathan squinted his eyes endearingly and sweetly before leaving. Felix sat on the bed with a still giggling Eliza, she climbed up the bed next to him.\n\n``I'm sorry about how I keep falling apart.''\n\n``It's ok.''\n\n``And I have to say, you were fucking cool back there.'' Felix smiled at Eliza proudly. ``It felt nice having you back me up, AND hear you call her a bitch.'' Eliza giggled more before becoming slightly serious.\n\n``I didn't like she was picking on you.''\n\n``I know, me either. But you were really cool Eliza. Thanks.'' Felix hugged Eliza tightly, who hugged him back as well. \n\n``You saved me so much, I had to.'' Eliza replied. ``You feel better?''\n\n``I do, yeah. After crying like a fucking baby, I just feel numb, but I feel good too? Anyway, I'm starving.'' Felix let go of Eliza and stood up, Eliza grabbed Mary and did the same, together they walked down the hallway to get to the kitchen. ``Dad? We're hungry.'' Felix called out, they turned the corner to see Nathan looking at a small calender on the fridge.\n\n``You should eat the food that's left in your lunchbox.'' Nathan replied, his tone was flat but he looked at them with a smile.\n\n``Alright.'' Felix and Eliza got their bags open, pulled their lunchboxes out and began to eat what was left at the table. Nathan walked back to check on the twins and Danny. Opening their door, Nathan could see the three playing with dolls together; the twins were quiet, but to Nathan he was glad they were doing anything.\n\n``Hey you three, how are you doing?'' Nathan said forcing a bit of a smile.\n\n``Hello Mr Skye.'' Danny said as he put the doll in his hands down, ``I'm good. They're feeling better.'' Danny coughed and then smiled back.\n\n``I'm so glad. I'll leave you three to yourselves.'' Nathan waved goodbye and closed the door, his heart weighed heavily. It was 4 weeks away from the day of his friend's suicide murder. How bad the day went for Felix and Eliza also weighed on him; wishing and yearning that he could have done more, prepared them more, made the measures at school by letting the teacher on playground duty about his new kids. He could have done more to prevent a situation like that from happening. Nathan walked past the kitchen to lie down in the bedroom, reflecting on the day as he stirred thoughts in his mind about the what ifs. When Rita came home, she greeted the kids one by one and then came to the bedroom to see Nathan in his own thoughts.\n\n``What's wrong Nathan? What happened today?'' She asked as she put her bag down. Nathan explained what happened at school, all that he knew at least, as Rita laid on the bed next to him as she listened. Felix crept to just outside the bedroom so he could eavesdrop on what Nathan had to say, Felix could feel that something was wrong when Nathan passed them before; the lack of interaction that Nathan normally gives and the lack of a reply to a question that Felix asked as he passed gave Felix that vibe. Felix heard Nathan get emotional at what happened and blaming himself for not doing more, not blaming Felix nor Eliza for how things went down. \n\n``I just wanted them to have the perfect first day at school, and I failed them. I could have, should have done more and I just didn't.'' Nathan's voice got wavery, to Felix it sounded like he was crying. Then Nathan explained having to take them all home, which worked out, but on the way home he just blamed himself. Counting his blessings that the principal was understanding to not escalate the situation. Then explained how Felix was just a broken mess because of what happened, despite all the measures he had made it still didn't help Felix out. ``Seeing and hearing Felix cry and furious at the day for what happened, it just made me mad at myself even more. I didn't do enough, I caused this.''\n\n``Oh, stop it Nathan.'' Rita said, her tone was tired and agitated but compassionate. ``You did what you could, stop blaming yourself.'' Rita came in close and hugged Nathan, who was holding back a whine. ``You can't do everything to prepare or protect them, mistakes happen. Did you actually know the sports teacher would have been there?''\n\n``I had a hunch, but it could have been Miranda instead.''\n\n``Even if you did, who knows how the day could have gone? Kids are kids and there are some cruel ones; like the ones who bully the twins. They could have rocked up and caused a fight. You don't know and can't know everything that can and will happen. Felix and Eliza were stressed beyond all measures being at school for their first day, particularly Felix, and his emotions do get the better of him.''\n\n``I don't blame him at all.'' Nathan sighed. ``Besides, as I was signing the kids out, Susan was at the office too and she gave me her side of the story. From her account, Felix was rather controlled considering how she was talking to him.''\n\n``He didn't swear at her?''\n\n``No, it was Eliza who swore.'' Rita laughed abruptly at Nathan's response.\n\n``Oh, my darling, Eliza is getting her confidence. That is awesome. Still not good that she swore at a teacher, but I'm still surprised.''\n\n``Both of them did well, despite what happened.''\n\n``Then be proud of them. Don't be beating yourself up about what happened, because shit happens. Be proud that they both are getting better, and praise them for that.'' Felix looked down as he continued to listen, feeling simultaneously thick weight pile and then taken away as he stood there; he didn't quite know what to think.\n\n``I'll do just that; they need more encouragement; the right encouragement.''\n\n``Good.'' Rita kissed Nathan and nuzzled his face. \n\n``Felix and Eliza have come a long way in the months' time they've been with us. Discipline and manners is going to be a hard thing for them to accustom to since their previous families offered nothing but trauma.''\n\n``I'm sure we can get them there; it will help them in the long run by not having them get in trouble with coppers (aussie slang for cops). Now stop beating yourself up, Nath. It's not your fault and it isn't Felix or Eliza's. It was just a shitty day, just like you said to them.''\n\n``Thanks, Rit'.'' Nathan hugged Rita close as he breathed deeply to calm down, Felix left as he heard enough from his eavesdropping. Felix went and laid down once more in his room, reflecting on everything he heard; it hurt hearing that Nathan was blaming himself so much. Felix didn't really know how much effort Nathan made, but he got the message that it was a lot. Maybe he could have done more, he didn't know. But like he and Rita said, what happened at the playground wasn't in anyone's control. Knowing that Nathan and Rita feel proud about he and Eliza felt good, even if it still feels like they fucked up. It's why the thoughts were so confusing; was he supposed to feel good or bad? A nagging, urging, mind numbing feeling came over Felix as he laid in bed, and after a while he realized what it was; he hasn't smoked today. Felix grabbed his lighter and a cigarette, headed outside and sat on the wall to smoke. Eliza walked outside and put on the punching gloves looking over at Felix, Felix looked at her with a slight puzzled look.\n\n``What are you doing?''\n\n``I'm going to punch the bag, clearly.'' Eliza then punched the bag, having some difficulty with the bag moving about. Felix sighed to himself as he blinked,\n\n``Yeah that's... fucking obvious. Sorry. I can't think right now.''\n\n``Dad says that's not true. Says it's more like, like, you think too much.'' Eliza continued to punch the bag; Felix closed his eyes as he groaned to himself. \n\n``I guess.'' He huffed his cigarette deeply and exhaled it, feeling his worries leaving along with it. He started coughing as he softly kicked his legs as he sat on the wall. Watching Eliza struggle with the bag reminded him about the roos that came over last week, saying that someone had to hold the bag; at least that's what Felix barely remembers on the day he got heatstroke. ``Hey Eliza, hold on I'll finish my cig and I'll come down to join you. I think the neighbours said it helps if someone holds the bag.''\n\n``Don't take too long!'' Eliza called back. Felix felt impatient as he had a small amount left to smoke, so he smothered it on the stone wall so he could rush over to Eliza. Felix held the bag to stop it moving and Eliza grinned excitedly at him. ``Thanks.'' Eliza began punching the bag and Felix could feel the pressure from the impacts; he never felt how strong she was before. Eliza stopped and exhaled looking unsatisfied.\n\n``What's wrong?''\n\n``I feel like I'm missing something.'' Eliza looked down as she tried to think. \n\n``What do you mean?''\n\n``Like. I think Dad, or the roos, said we had this for something.''\n\n``Oh! I think Dad said we use this for getting our anger out. So, I guess if you think about that stupid teacher and punch the bag how bullshit today was.''\n\n``Oh yeah!'' Eliza began punching the bag, her face angry and red; this time her punches were way heavier. ``Stupid- teacher- being- mean!'' Eliza growled, soon after she was left panting and exhausted as she sat down on the concrete. \n\n``Feel better?''\n\n``Yyyyeaaahhh. Tired though.''\n\n``I hope you're not too tired to allow me a go.'' \n\n``Ok, but can you help me get these gloves off?'' Felix nodded back and crouched down to Eliza, taking the gloves off her hands. As he put them on, he could feel how moist it was inside, he made a face of creeped out disgust before turning his attention to the bag. Eliza moved behind the bag and held it; the first punch of the bag knocked Eliza a step back.\n\n``Shit, are you alright?''\n\n``Yeah. Wowwweee. You punch hard.'' Said Eliza in amazement.\n\n``Sorry. I was thinking of something making me mad.''\n\n``Do it again!'' Eliza giggled, she grabbed the bag still and stood a strong pose; just like the roos showed her. Felix punched the bag once again, this time Eliza stood firmly, so Felix felt comfortable enough to really think about things. He first thought about how much he hated his Dad, -thump-. Then he thought about the shitty foster homes he's been in, particularly the one that treated him like shit, -thump-. Then he thought of Noah, -thump- -thump-, and his stupid face, -thump- -thump- -thump-. Then the CPS that failed him, -thump-, then how hard it is to function normally, -thump thump- THUMP-. Felix ignored the tears he had as he punched the bag mercilessly, Eliza watched in concern as Felix went. Felix continued to punch as he began to think about the other kids at the Noah home, then he thought about Eliza, his punches got weaker and he cried more. He slowed down as he felt his hands and wrists get sore, before stopping to step back to breathe. ``Are you ok?'' Eliza asked. Felix panted with tears dripping down his face; his arms felt weak and twitchy, yet he felt a sense of ease come over him. He took the gloves off and walked over to Eliza, hugging her close as his slowly stopped.\n\n``I'm fine, I'm fine.'' Sniffed Felix, he cleared his throat and regained his composure. ``I had a lot on my mind.'' Felix let go of Eliza, he exhaled catching his breath back before smiling a little. ``I need to sleep.''\n\n``Me too.''\n\n``Let's fucking get there then.'' Felix said as he walked past Eliza heading straight for his bedroom, Eliza followed behind with a hopeful smile. Watching from the kitchen was Nathan, he waved at Felix and Eliza as they went past; he had been watching them since Eliza got Felix to hold the bag still. They waved back at Nathan before disappearing into the hallway to Felix's room to nap. The day ended, Danny went home and Nathan prepared for teaching the kids at home tomorrow. Nathan sat down at his laptop and messaged Linda, who gave him her findings of Eliza and Felix, while sending several textbooks of files to him. Rita came into the bedroom after showering and laid down next to Nathan as he laid with the laptop on his lap.\n\n``Linda sent me her review of Eliza and Felix. Care to listen?''\n\n``Sure love, I'm curious where they are at.'' \n\n``Eliza and Felix have the very, very basic knowledge of math; addition and subtraction. They can also spell basic words too.''\n\n``They sure have a vocabulary though.'' Rita chuckled.\n\n``Their reading is slow but can manage to read at least. Felix is a bit better than Eliza in everything, perhaps due to his age or maybe due to ingesting some education at some point. Well, everything except reading. I'm guessing Felix being in so many homes did that for him.''\n\n``Wait- surely Felix has been to school before though?''\n\n``What do you mean?''\n\n``He's been in, what, 3 homes and has never had an education?''\n\n``I'm not sure what happened, Rita, we can only speculate. If I were to have a guess... I think one other reason the child protection service got him out, aside from the abuse and neglect, was that he wasn't attending school. One of the homes treated him like trash, around the time he should have been going to school.''\n\n``That sounds probable, it's just. Oh, it makes me so mad.'' Rita growled to herself, Nathan wrapped an arm around Rita trying to calm her. ``Anything else?'' Asked Rita.\n\n``Well, Linda said that their writing was mostly the same; awful and messy. But she thinks it's because of what happened at lunch because when they weren't shaking, they weren't putting any effort in. So, we don't really know. Tomorrow I will try to get them to write and I'll evaluate them; I think the home environment will help their nerves especially, hopefully that will get an accurate result.''\n\n``You know what we need? Their own desks at home. We got the side room with the office stuff that has space for you to teach from and they sit at the front living room in their desks.''\n\n``That's an idea for sure. Especially if public school really doesn't work out, which may happen. I just want them to branch out and perhaps make some friends other than each other, the twins and Danny.''\n\n``Speaking of Danny, he's been acting stranger since Eliza and Felix came over, and I don't think he's been spooked.''\n\n``I know what you mean, I noticed it on the first day he met Felix and Eliza. I think he has a crush on Felix.''\n\n``Really?'' Rita exclaimed in surprise. ``And here I thought he had a crush of Eliza, with them wearing each other's clothes last week.''\n\n``I said I think, and I say that because Danny gets shy whenever they show up and he stares at Felix a lot. I might be wrong, anyway.''\n\n``Yeah maybe, who knows? Anyway, I need to get to sleep now, sleep well hun.'' Rita kissed Nathan on the cheek before lying flatter, turning over to sleep. Nathan took the laptop and left the room to go to the office, printing out paper after paper for tomorrow's lesson. Nathan checked them all and grabbed a folder, sliding them in the sleeves in order. All the while trying to remain hopeful that tomorrow will go fine; the occasional days that Eliza and Felix would be nearby or semi join the twins in their home lessons gives him confidence, but he worries that it will be different now that they will have to sit there. When Nathan finally got to sleep, after returning back to bed, he thought over and over what he had to do so tomorrow was smooth for the kids. When morning came it was business as usual, Nathan woke up the twins, got them dressed and made their breakfast before going to wake up Felix and Eliza. Rita kissed everyone, but Felix, goodbye as she headed off to work; the twins chatted about their dreams at the table as they idled. \n\n``I'm glad we're not going to school today.'' Felix said with a yawn.\n\n``You will still be learning today though, Felix.'' Nathan said as he sat down at the table with a hot coffee.\n\n``Yeah, but I won't be AT school. I reckon learning at home is better anyway.''\n\n``But Felix, the playground was nice.'' Eliza added.\n\n``Yeah, for you guys. What am I going to do next time anyway?'' Felix put a spoonful of cereal and milk in his mouth.\n\n``You are allowed to join them, Felix. But I do see where you are coming from, I'm not sure exactly what to suggest but you and Eliza could go running around the oval.'' \n\n``The what?''\n\n``The oval. It's a large grassy space that kids then to play sports at. There's a spot where kids tend to play soccer and another area where kids play footie. But the oval has some grassy tracks that was made for the sports carnival, where kids race each other around the oval or to spread a fair distance to see who's the fastest.'' \n\n``Why is it called the oval? Why not the sports, playground, thingy?''\n\n``Because the oval is literally an oval, like this.'' Nathan demonstrated the shape by rubbing his finger across the table. ``That's an oval, and it's large enough to hold every kid and teacher in school.''\n\n``Oh, I see.''\n\n``So, we can play sport out there?'' Eliza said excitedly. \n\n``Yes indeed. The sandpit is pretty close to it as well, maybe the twins can go there.''\n\n``No.'' Tobias and Elijah said in unison.\n\n``It wouldn't hurt to try.'' Nathan said smiling.\n\n``No.'' Elijah shook his head.\n\n``We play outside classroom and playground. We don't want to try another.'' \n\n``Alright then. You four don't have to be close at all times so it's alright.''\n\n``Can't we run back to them when we're done?'' Eliza asked as she shoved some milk and cereal into her mouth.\n\n``Or walk, whatever.'' Felix added.\n\n``First, don't talk with food in your mouth, Eliza. Secondly, yes you absolutely can if you want to meet back with them.''\n\n``Sorwy.''\n\n``It's fine, Eliza. Just remember for next time. Anyway, we'll start by watching educational tv until 9, then I'll be needing you all to focus.''\n\n``Alright. Mind if I go to the tv now?'' Felix asked, hoping to catch sesame street; something he still doesn't want to admit.\n\n``Finish your breakfast first.''\n\n``Alright.'' Felix ate his cereal and drunk the milk as fast as he could, before scooting his chair away from the table to go to the front living room to watch tv. Eliza and the twins soon followed, Nathan stood up and came over to sit nearby as he drunk his coffee. When the show was over, Nathan went to the tv cabinet and grabbed 2 dvd boxes. For the next couple of hours Nathan got the four kids to watch an educational video about writing and reading. Felix and Eliza used the armrests of the couch to write on their books while the twins laid on their stomachs on the floor. Then Nathan swapped disks and played an educational series about science for kids, `Backyard science' was the name. The entertainment was much appreciated by all, actually getting Felix to express, in delight, his surprise. They learned how to wash things and why washing detergent is necessary, then they learned about how water can stay in the bucket as its constantly being swung around. When the show was over, Felix and Eliza looked at Nathan with eagerness.\n\n``Can we watch another?'' Eliza asked looking enthralled.\n\n``After another lesson. Don't worry, there's plenty of Backyard Science to watch later on.'' Nathan got up and sat on the floor in front of the TV facing everyone. Beside the TV cabinet was a box full of lego and blocks; Nathan only ever used them for teaching math. He got Felix and Eliza thinking about math problems, about subtractions and additions. The twins, despite knowing some math, struggled to complete the problems without issue. While Eliza and Felix sat next to each other as Nathan came over with physical objects to help them solve the problems. One problem Felix solved almost instantly as the repetitive use of objects helped him; Eliza was a tad upset at him because she couldn't figure it out. Nathan's decision to give them different problems and encouraged them to not help the other. When it was lunchtime, both Felix and Eliza got a good grasp on subtractions and additions thanks to Nathan's help; he congratulated them with a cheerful smile in all sincerity. ``Alright, it's lunch time. I'll go make you lot some sandwiches, what does everyone want?'' The response Nathan got was all four replying with different requests. ``Ok, ok. One at a time. Felix, what do you want?''\n\n``Vegemite sandwich. They're bloody good when you make them.''\n\n``Alright sounds good. Now, Eliza what do you want?''\n\n``Jam sandwich please.''\n\n``Excellent choice. Now, Elijah and Tobias, what do you want?''\n\n``We already said?'' Elijah looked up at Nathan.\n\n``He couldn't hear us; we all spoke at once.'' Tobias reminded him.\n\n``Oh! Well, we want a ham sandwich.''\n\n``Ahhh the usual I see. I forget why I even ask.'' Nathan chuckled; Elijah giggled back. Nathan stood up and played the show once again as the four sat in the living room, this time the twins sat on the couch with Eliza and Felix. After eating, Nathan took all four for a walk; after getting them all prepared first. Once they got home it was back to learning, and the rest of the day was good. It was awkward teaching them all in the living room, however Nathan did promise that next time there will be desks that Rita ordered for them to come on Thursday. The lessons were over for the day and the twins ran off to their room while Eliza went into the back living room, Felix stayed behind momentarily.\n\n``Today was much better than yesterday.'' Felix said to Nathan.\n\n``I'm glad you think so.'' Nathan smile in adoration; it was good to see Felix actually happy. ``You still got to go to school tomorrow. It's going to be better than the first day, I promise.''\n\n``Alright.'' Felix shrugged. ``Why can't I just get home schooled?''\n\n``Because you won't make friends staying at home. Just bear with school for now, the future may surprise you.'' With that said Felix left with a slight nod. The rest of the day came to a close, everyone was fed, washed and in bed, Nathan felt relieved and joyful about how the day went. Rita listened to Nathan about how the day went and smiled, not just because it was a good day, but because Nathan was in a better mood. Nathan was so intense in his emotions, sometimes just unable to let go of things that is wrong. The next day came and everything went just like on Monday when it came to getting to class. When class started, Felix and Eliza struggled to learn as the noises from the other kids, some far louder than the others, kept them from focusing. Nathan walked on over and crouched before their desks and assisted them. His presence helped substantially, aiding them to think about the problems at hand. The more Felix and Eliza had Nathan to help them learn, the more they loved him. Lunchtime came and when it was time to play, Eliza and Felix went to the oval following the long undercover walkways that lead to it. \n\n``This place is big.'' Eliza said as she fitted her hat on.\n\n``Yeah wow, no kidding.'' Felix saw so many kids rushing off to play and could hear the sheer noise they made. They continued to walk down and saw seats under trees, behind it was an open field with kids running around. To the right had kids playing soccer, something both Eliza and Felix wanted to join but didn't have the courage to. Felix left his bag by one of the seats under the trees, Eliza kept her bag on due to the anxiety of losing Mary. ``Want to run around?'' Felix asked as he made sure his hat was comfortably on.\n\n``Sure! Me and Mary can outrun you.''\n\n``I'd like to see you two try, come on then!'' Felix and Eliza began sprinting. Felix's long legs gave him an advantage, but Eliza was surprisingly fast for her size. Eliza managed to keep up with Felix the entire time as they ran, despite how fun it was both of them felt out of place. They ran back to where Felix's bag was and sat down panting, Eliza smiled as she took her bag off to grab Mary for comfort. ``I'm so surprised you kept up with me.'' Felix panted as he smiled at her.\n\n``See! I told you Mary and I can outrun you.''\n\n``But you didn't outrun me, you kept up with me.''\n\n``But that means I still be faster because my bag slowed me down.''\n\n``Fuck, you're right.'' Felix facepalmed at the realization. ``Ok, yeah. You're faster.''\n\n``Told you!'' Eliza laughed. Eliza cuddled Mary close, closing her eyes as she began dissociation of her surroundings; the cheering, chatter and yelling of other kids simply no longer registered to Eliza. Felix noticed Eliza suddenly go quiet, but he wasn't worried. `She just needs to be with Mary right now' Felix thought. Felix remained seated to keep Eliza company as he watched other kids play soccer. Felix then noticed that 2 kids were looking back as they took a breather from running around, a kookaburra and an emu. After realizing they were looking back, Felix turned his gaze away in a panic. Soon he felt Eliza hold his hand grinning at him. ``Wanna go again?''\n\n``Hell, yeah I do.'' Felix smiled back, Eliza put Mary back in the front of her bag, put it on and stood up with Felix. They sprinted across the oval and back to their seat once more, almost collapsing and sliding as they got back. Eliza coughed and laughed as she panted, Felix wiped the sweat off his brow as he panted.\n\n``I want to play soccer.'' Eliza complained as she caught her breath back. \n\n``I do-''\n\n``But I'm afraid to. I don't know anyone else; I'm scared.'' Eliza interrupted Felix.\n\n``Yeah... I know exactly what you mean.'' Felix sighed; he took his hat off to wipe the sweat off his forehead before putting it back on. Then he saw the kookaburra and emu walking over to them. Felix tensed up, bracing, holding his breath. He clenched his fists and his eyes locked on the two boys; he was unsure what was about to happen.\n\n``Hey there, are you two new?'' The emu asked, his long legs with long socks stood out to both Felix and Eliza.\n\n``Yeah.'' Felix said, he could feel himself say `what of it?' but he held himself back, bracing harder.\n\n``Oh cool, nice to meet you. I'm Adrian,''\n\n``And I'm Jasper.'' The kookaburra added. ``What's your names?''\n\n``I'm Felix,''\n\n``And I'm Eliza.'' \n\n``Is this your first day? What class are you in?'' Felix's stare looked fierce and aggressive, unnerving the two birds. `What is it to you?' Felix thought angrily.\n\n``No, this is our second day.'' Eliza replied, kicking her feet. ``We're in Mrs Baker's class.'' Eliza added. The two boys looked at each other in a puzzled look.\n\n``I don't know that teacher, is she grade 5?'' The emu asked his friend.\n\n``Nah, nah. Grade 5 is Mr Brandon, Mrs Gilmore and Ms Bowden.'' The kookaburra scratched his head, the feathers moving as he scratched them.\n\n``We're in the special class.'' Eliza said, the two boys now a bit surprised.\n\n``Really? You two don't look special.''\n\n``We've never been to school before.'' Felix said flatly, ``This is our second day of school ever.''\n\n``Ahhh.'' The two birds replied.\n\n``That makes sense.''\n\n``Do you two wanna play soccer? We need more on our side.'' The emu asked. Felix loosened up as both he and Eliza strongly considered the offer. They looked at each other and after a short moment they nodded at each other.\n\n``Hell, yeah we do.'' Felix and Eliza stood up and followed the boys into the soccer field. For the rest of lunch was a brilliant blur for both Felix and Eliza, as they ran around, kicking and passing the ball around; neither were good at it, but it didn't matter. When the bell rang, all the kids stopped playing and left the oval to go back to class. As Felix and Eliza walked back the two boys walked with them, striking up a chat with the new kids.\n\n``So how old are you two? We're both 9.'' Jasper asked.\n\n``I'm 11, and Eliza is 7.''\n\n``Are you brother and sister or good friends?''\n\n``Technically brother and sister. We're adopted.''\n\n``That was obvious, no offense.'' Jasper said with a laugh. \n\n``Our foster dad is Mr Skye.''\n\n``Mr Skye!'' Adrian called out. ``Your dad is Mr Skye? Is he as nice at home as he is at school? My big brother was in his class for 2 years, said he was really nice and that Mr Skye was the best teacher ever.''\n\n``Isn't he the one with the wacko twins? The ones that hug and kiss each other all the time?''\n\n``Yeah! That's him.'' Adrian and Jasper chatted, they looked at Felix and Eliza expecting an answer.\n\n``Yeah, he's really nice.'' Felix replied.\n\n``He's the best!'' Eliza exclaimed, ``He makes the best sandwiches and gives the best hugs ever.''\n\n``Wow, Dean was right. Anyway, we hope to see you next lunch.'' Adrian and Jasper waved goodbye as they turned to go to their class, Eliza waved back with Felix just staring as they left.\n\n``They seem nice. Playing soccer was the best!'' Eliza said happily.\n\n``They seem alright, yeah. We'll see.''\n\n``You don't like them?'' Eliza frowned at Felix. Felix sighed and looked down slightly.\n\n``I don't know them; I don't trust them. But they seem alright. In time we'll see.'' Felix said darkly; he didn't want to get his hopes up. When class resumed it got cut off halfway as they took a trip to the library, which involved doing something they've never done before. Standing in line. Nathan quickly explained what they had to do, why they had to do it while also balancing all the other kids around him. Felix and Eliza looked at each other confused, but accepted it as they didn't care enough to complain. The twins held hands with each other in front of Eliza and Felix as they walked to the library. Once in the library, Ms Baker greeted the school librarian before turning around to face the class.\n\n``Alright, you all have 10 minutes to go looking for any books you want to take out. No more than three and as always, don't rip any pages.'' The class line dispersed as they all went to different parts of the library. Felix and Eliza stared at each other as they wandered around together. In the end they did take a book each out, because they liked the book covers.\n\n``A book each? That's excellent. Would you two want help reading those sometime?''\n\n``Yes please.''\n\n``Yeah, maybe. Depends on how much words I don't know.'' Eliza and Felix replied.\n\n``Wonderful.''\n\n``Alright class, get in line now.'' Ms Baker called out, the rest of the class stood in line and then they were off back to class. When lunch came, Felix, Eliza, Danny and the twins ate together.\n\n``Where were you two last lunch?'' Danny asked with a shy smile.\n\n``We were on the oval.''\n\n``Yeah! It was fun running around, you guys should join us playing soccer.'' Eliza said excitedly, Danny frowned and looked down with Tobias snapping his attention to Eliza expressionlessly.\n\n``Danny can't do that, because of his sickness.'' Tobias said flatly, Elijah moved closer to Danny and hugged up.\n\n``It's no fair, Danny.'' Elijah said sadly.\n\n``I know. I know...'' Danny replied, he coughed and began to eat once more.\n\n``Sorwy, I didn't know. I mean, I forgot.'' Eliza frowned back, Danny looked up and smiled back, not wanting to bum everyone out.\n\n``It's ok. I'm used to it. I think I could play with you two, but I'd have to be the goalie. But not for long, because I'll cough so much that it hurts.''\n\n``We play in the sandpit so we can be with Danny so he's comfortable.'' Tobias elaborated.\n\n``That makes sense, yeah. At least you three got each other.'' Felix said casually. They all finished eating by the time the bell rang for playtime, Eliza and Felix headed off to the oval again in hopes to play more soccer. As they were walking to the oval, Adrian and Jasper ran up to them in order to catch up, catching Felix off guard. ``Fuck!'' Felix exclaimed in shock.\n\n``Aw, sorry man. We did call out, sorry for spooking ya.'' Jasper replied, he had a grin but his tone sounded sincere enough.\n\n``That was a loud fuck, too.'' Adrian added.\n\n``Felix is jumpy.'' Eliza replied to them, Felix half glaring at the two boys.\n\n``I mean, he's a roo. But I get you. We're sorry, Felix.''\n\n``Come on now, let's get to the field!'' The two boys ran off ahead, Felix sighed and looked at Eliza; his face hadn't changed and Eliza felt like she was being scolded.\n\n``What?'' Eliza said with a frown, Felix blinked and relaxed his face.\n\n``Sorry, I didn't mean to give you an angry look. I'm really tense right now.''\n\n``Oh, ok!'' Eliza smiled, ``I'll race you there!'' Eliza ran off which got Felix to quickly join her; Felix could feel his heart pounding and receding to a normal sensation. Felix put his bag at a pile of bags near the tree while Eliza kept hers as they joined the field. By the end of lunch, when the bell rang for kids to go back to their class, Felix, Eliza and the two bird boys walked back together.\n\n``Sorry about the pass back there, Eliza. Good thing you had your bag on.'' Jasper remarked, Eliza grinned and nodded back.\n\n``Why do you play with your bag on? Also, why do you have a teddy bear?'' Adrian asked innocently enough, although his tone was a little judgemental.\n\n``Because I need her.'' Eliza replied, feeling uncomfortable.\n\n``By why?''\n\n``Because she needs it.'' Felix firmly said with an annoyed expression, he stood straight tall that easily cast a shadow over the two birds. Eliza stopped a few steps back as she turned around to see Felix staring down at the two boys, she felt worry overcome her. Both Adrian and Jasper were really caught off guard, Adrian nearly ran away until Felix relaxed himself; Felix didn't realize his fists were clenched too and began to feel awful. ``Eliza needs her teddy bear to stay calm, alright. I'm sorry for spooking you two.'' Felix apologized.\n\n``Oh, I see.''\n\n``Yeah, yeah. We get it now. Also, that's karma for us scaring you back there.'' Jasper laughed nervously, his kookaburra's laugh was far more distinct than any other laugh Eliza and Felix has heard.\n\n``Wow. You have a great laugh.''\n\n``Yeah... I got to agree.'' Eliza and Felix remarked, Jasper coughed and then chuckled nervously.\n\n``I'm glad you do, and I'm just glad you aren't going to bash me.'' \n\n``Yeah- I... I wouldn't have. Sorry, Jasper.'' Felix apologized once more.\n\n``Ah it's no problem, anyway we need to get to class. See you tomorrow!'' Jasper and Adrian ran off.\n\n``We won't be here tomorrow.''\n\n``Then see you next time!'' Eliza and Felix walked together back to their class as Felix continuously felt worse about himself.\n\n``Why am I such a fucking asshole?'' Felix lamented.\n\n``You're not a fucking asshole. You're good. We're just fucked up.'' Eliza replied, nothing felt so true and accurate, let alone such a perfect statement coming from Eliza. \n\n``I wish I was better though.'' Felix wrapped an arm around her, who in turn did the same behind him, hugging each other as they walked to class. A teacher who overheard the conversation walked around the corner and stopped silent behind them; it was the dalmation sports teacher that they encountered on Monday. She frowned in growing worry and sympathy for the two kids, and not just because of what happened that day. The meeting that day had the principal explain the conflict situation, expressing that Eliza and Felix, who are Mr Skye's children, are troubled children. Been in many homes, have never been to school before, and lived in great difficulty. Ms Susan Ranald watched them sadly as they walked down to their class, before turning around to go to prepare a sports lesson. The rest of the class was over before Eliza and Felix knew it. As kids left to go home, Eliza and Felix stayed behind in class staring at Nathan as he cleaned up tables, wiping the board clean and putting stuff away. The twins sat down nearby some toys; Danny already been taken home by his mum so they were left alone together. Nathan felt Felix and Eliza's stare, turned around to face them and smiled apologetically.\n\n``I'm sorry, I got a bunch of chores to do before we have to leave. Felix, Eliza? Can you two stay with the twins?''\n\n``But it's time to go!'' Elijah called out. Nathan walked across the room, weaving through desks to get to the twins.\n\n``I know, I know. I'm really sorry. But I need to do some stuff now before we leave.''\n\n``But we go now.'' Elijah's distressed voice picked up. ``We go when it's time to go.'' \n\n``Daddy knows, Elijah.'' Nathan kneeled down before Elijah. For the next 5 minutes Elijah cried while Tobias looked noticeably devastated on his face. Nathan tried his best to soothe Elijah and Tobias, reminding them that he loves them, that he promises he'll be back, that their big brother and sister will be with them and will get home as soon as he finishes his work. Felix and Eliza walked over and sat down with them, waiting for Nathan to be able to leave to do whatever he needs to do.\n\n``It's not right! This is not right! We go when the bell `ringies'!'' Elijah whined and cried into Nathan, Nathan rubbed his back and the back of Elijah's head to comfort him.\n\n``It's alright, Elijah. It will be alright. But daddy really needs to do this, so we can leave quick. You want to leave as soon as possible?''\n\n``Yes...'' Elijah mumbled into him.\n\n``Then calm down, take a deep breath and be patient. Sometimes we have to do something we don't like, but it's alright. I promise.'' \n\n``Ok...''\n\n``Alright?''\n\n``Ok...''\n\n``Alright, I'll be as fast as I can.'' Nathan let go of the twins, stood up with a crack and left the classroom in a swift motion. Elijah was held from behind by Tobias as they sat stunned, frozen by not leaving when `it was time to leave'. Felix's observation of the scene was of sympathy, slight amusement at one point, but he gained greater understanding of the twins. `They really like things the same, huh?' He thought. `Like... they really freak out when something out of the norm happens. But like... they made it worse by making a fuss, so Nathan took longer anyway.' Felix put his bag on the floor and laid down, Eliza saw and copied the action. They stared at the ceiling next to each other, silently, feeling almost tranquil. Until the twins laid on each of them; Elijah lying over Eliza while Tobias laid over Felix.\n\n``Ah! Ffff- what the hell you two?'' Felix exclaimed. Tobias rested his head on Felix's chest while Elijah hugged Eliza.\n\n``I'm sorry if I'm heavy...'' Elijah whined to Eliza.\n\n``You're not. You have to be fat to be too heavy.'' Eliza giggled, she hugged Elijah back. Felix put his right hand around and on Tobias's back; he was thankful he had the quiet and soft one on him if this had to happen. Ms Baker entered the room stood amazed as she saw them.\n\n``Oh, I thought you guys would be home right now.''\n\n``We have to wait, Elijah got really upset.'' Eliza explained.\n\n``And they just decided to lie on top of us.'' Felix remarked, his tone was sarcastic and defeated, getting Elijah and Eliza to giggle.\n\n``Oh, that's no good, about the twins. Change is very scary, isn't it?'' Ms Baker said softly. ``I'm sure he won't be long. You lot alright to stay here, or do you want to be in the quiet room? It's got bean bags to relax on.''\n\n``I'm afraid we're trapped.'' Felix replied.\n\n``Alright then, take care you four. It was good to see you today.'' Ms Baker waved goodbye as she left the building closing the door. Felix then began to consciously be aware of himself and Tobias. The hand around and over his back, how he could move it up or go down to rest it on his buttocks. Felix stared off in the horizon as his mind fixated on what he could do right now. Flooding thoughts of him squeezing Tobias's buttcheeks, putting his fingers between them, putting them under Tobias's tail. He didn't want to think of this, he never wanted to do anything like this, ever again. Then he was suddenly pulled back into reality as Nathan stood over them.\n\n``Felix? It's time to go. You can let go of Tobias now.'' Nathan smiled, Felix's eyes opened wide out of shock and flipped his arm off of Tobias, smacking it against a box.\n\n``Ah fuck!'' Felix exclaimed, Nathan bent down and picked Tobias up and off of Felix.\n\n``Oh! That look like it really hurt.'' Nathan said in concern as he put Tobias on his feet. Felix rolled over, sat up on his kness and shook his hand.\n\n``That actually did, yeah. Ow.''\n\n``Daddy can kiss it to make it better.'' Tobias said, his expressionless face more prominent than ever.\n\n``No, thanks. It's fine. Also, that's weird.'' Felix said as he got up putting his bag on, Tobias and Elijah looked at each other confused.\n\n``No, it's not.'' \n\n``Don't worry about it, you lot. Let's get you all home.''\n\n``Yay!'' Elijah cheered. Nathan locked up the classroom and took the kids to the car, driving them back home. Later that evening when everyone was fed, washed and in bed, Nathan turned to Rita with a relieved smile. He previously explained that Eliza and Felix had a better day and played soccer at the oval.\n\n``The day went much better, I'm so glad.'' Nathan exhaled with a smile.\n\n``So, what did you have to do at the end of the day?'' Rita asked with a kiss.\n\n``Ah, yes. I was given an interesting proposition; I haven't made my decision yet. I got some time to think of it. Basically, Mr Andrews needs a new school guidance counsellor, Ms Tracy had to leave at the end of last year for a transfer. So, he asked me if I would be interested, since I'm great with kids and kids like me, Mr Andrews reckons the way I speak and listen is also good counsellor material too.''\n\n``Oh, you definitely do! I have thought several times about why you haven't become a psychologist.''\n\n``Thanks, dear.'' Nathan smiled in adoration.\n\n``I reckon you would do a lot of good too.''\n\n``The problem is, I gotta stay and help all the kids back at class. So many of them depend on me to help them. I don't know if I can do two jobs.''\n\n``I know, Nathan. I can see why you are still thinking about it.''\n\n``Perhaps they can install the room in the spare room next to the entrance of the classroom, so I can be right there when I am needed. But I don't know, especially when Ms Baker was thinking of turning it into a dedicated toy room rather than have it along the side of the classroom. So, I got to talk to her about that, and Mr Andrews of course. If it can't work out like that, then I'm probably going to have to say no. Maybe I can be a backup counsellor, but that will be it. Ms Baker and the class needs my help, their wellbeing is my priority; and not just because the twins, Eliza and Felix are in there. Brian needs help a lot of time, Lisa really struggles to think clearly and Claire acts up a lot and she settles down quicker when I tend to her.''\n\n``I understand, Nathan. Just think about it carefully, I'm sure you'll make the right decision for yourself. Now enough worrying, relax and rest.'' Rita rubbed Nathan's back and hugged him before nuzzling.\n\n``Thank you, Rita. What would I do without you?''\n\n``Don't think about that, haw!'' Rita laughed abruptly; her ears folded back as she affectionately nuzzled Nathan more. As the night ended and everyone was asleep, Nathan stirred in his sleep about the role the principal proposed to him. It ended in a nightmare as the twins ran away and no one could find them; the grief and anger Nathan felt was so real as he should have been there. Waking up, Nathan got out of bed to check on the twins, just needing to see them was all he needed. He opened the door slightly and as quietly as he could, seeing the twins sleeping with Tobias being hugged from behind. Nathan sighed and felt his nerves relax, he smiled in joy as he could hear their breathing in the dark. Then he heard a voice, it was Tobias's.\n\n``Dad?'' He sleepily asked feeling dazed. \n\n``Hi Tobias.'' Nathan whispered, ``I'm sorry I woke you. I just wanted to check in on you two.'' \n\n``Kiss us.'' Yawned Tobias.\n\n``Alright, I'll give you two a quick goodnight kiss.'' Nathan softly and carefully walked into their room, bent down on Tobias's side; he could see Tobias's barely open eyes. He kissed Tobias and then Elijah on the forehead, then stroked their heads and ears. ``Sleep well, I love you.'' \n\n``Goodnight, love you.'' Tobias yawned once more and closed his eyes. Nathan left the room quietly and carefully, closing the door behind him and went back to bed. As he laid back in bed, he still couldn't let go the feeling of worry. The twins wouldn't just walk off and not be found, but what if they were found by the wrong sort of person? Nathan blinked as hard as he could to shake that thought out. It was just a bad dream, everything is ok.\n\n=====\n\nFelix and Eliza left their house and walked into town to go to the local pub. Neither wanted to drive since they wanted to drink a good amount and had enough common sense to know better than to drive over. It took them 20 minutes but they arrived at the pub and was thirsty for some beers. They got inside and both ordered themselves a drink before going to sit down and relax; there was a hanging TV in front of them playing an old cricket match as entertainment. \n\n``Oh man, I've been looking forward to this.'' Felix said as he licked his lips before taking a sip to savour the flavour.\n\n``I know right? Me too. Maybe we should get our own packs and have em at home.'' Eliza added before drinking a good portion of the beer.\n\n``It's a shame the twins don't like beer, then them three could join us. They'd have to catch a cab over but it would be great.''\n\n``To be fair they'd get torn to shreds by the old farts.'' Eliza had a laugh, ``They're too precious to bring them into a pub.''\n\n``Yeah, I guess. But like, we could find them a drink they'd actually like. It might take an hour and cost me $200 but, I want them to have something they could like.''\n\n``Aw...'' Eliza smiled at Felix, ``You want to spend more time with them?''\n\n``I mean, yeah. Yeah, I do. Life was simpler when we were still living with Nathan and Rita. Despite how I act and sound, I miss how easy it was to hang out. Best we can get is a movie night with crappy movies that they insist on watching; they can't even get a fucking good or classic movie to watch.'' Felix took a drink of his beer.\n\n``I get what you mean. But I like the crappy movies, they're honestly pretty funny, well, some of them are hilarious. The rest are kind of boring. And... I miss being around them a ton too; especially Elijah, his energetic nature was fun to play sport with. These days they just work their shifts and hardly do anything other than be at home.''\n\n``And when Danny is there, they don't want to leave him, because Danny has got that disease of his. Even when Danny specifically says that it's alright to come kick a ball around, they're just glued to him.'' Felix and Eliza took a break from speaking to drink up their beer. ``I'll get us another one, you'll buy the next?''\n\n``Yeah! Thanks, Felix.'' Felix stood up as Eliza leaned back watching the game on the screen. Felix came back with a drink for each of them and sat down once more. ``We should find more things to do to hang out with them.''\n\n``Do you have any ideas? Honestly I'm always drawing a blank since they have a specific routine.''\n\n``Then, why don't we somehow meet them on their break? My breaktime is flexible so long as I work the full hours still.''\n\n``I mean, when it comes to my breaks I tend to hang out with Jake on breaks.''\n\n``Oh yeah I forgot about that, shit.'' Eliza scratched his head as he contemplated his thoughts. ``I'm going to get us some chips so we can think.''\n\n``That's a good idea. See if they got chicken salt, will ya?''\n\n``Will do.'' Eliza stood up and left Felix sitting at the table by himself. Felix really did want to hang out with Elijah and Tobias more; to him they were special in his life due to them being so weird. Never in Felix's wild imagination did he imagine he would have two incestuous twins who are the most genuine people he's known. Neither of them could lie, they spoke blunt and direct that never sounded like they were being assholes. Growing up with them, Felix always admired their innocence and dreamt he was remotely innocent like them. Even as young adults the twins are innocent in their public appearance and never with malicious intentions to do with them. They were like big babies to Felix, in a way; but that might be because Felix had a massive growth spurt while the twins hardly grew. He loved them, with all their weird flaws to do with how they work and yet Felix couldn't think of anything that could bring them together more. ``I'm back with chippies.'' Eliza announced as he sat down, Felix tiredly smiled at Eliza.\n\n``Fuck yeah.'' Felix blinked as he took another drink.\n\n``Have you had any other thoughts about what we all could do together?'' Eliza asked before taking the first chip to eat; the sound of the chip's crunch told them these were good chips.\n\n``Honestly, no. I spent time thinking about them, strangely enough. I... hate that I couldn't have spent more of my childhood in the family home. But of course, life's shit. Bah, anyway.''\n\n``Maybe we could all sleep together more often. Like, they love sleeping with us.''\n\n``Yeah, but then we don't get to spend time `together' ourselves.'' Eliza laughed and blushed at Felix.\n\n``Oh, you fucking charmer.'' Eliza rested his head on his arms on the table, staring at Felix. ``Thank you, I needed that.''\n\n``No problem.'' Felix smiled back as he scooted closer. ``But I think you're right, we could do that more. Like it doesn't have to be actual sleeping, it could be napping in the afternoon when we're trashed.\n\n``That's an idea. Cause sometimes I don't really feel up for watching TV when I get home, I join you because I want to be with you.''\n\n``Great, let's talk to them about it and see what they think.'' Felix smiled as he took more chips.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Felix and Eliza were stressed and nervous, putting on the school uniform on for the first time and having their backpacks filled with books and a lunchbox. As they sat at the table, with their cereal bowls now empty, they held hands tightly to feel strong together. The twins chatted to each other at the table in their special language, walking their fingers on the table. Rita kissed Nathan on the cheek and came over to the table, rubbing the shoulders of the twins as she also kissed them also.

``Are you two alright?'' Rita asked as she stood up straight after kissing the twins.

``We're fucking scared.'' Felix said bluntly. Tobias and Elijah looked up, Elijah shocked and Tobias looking unimpressed.

``Don't say swears.'' Tobias said flatly.

``Tobias, you are right, but leave it alone. Felix and Eliza are nervous about going to school. You two were scared beyond believe and crying when we took you two to school for the first day.'' Rita said sternly to the boys.

``We were terrified!'' Elijah exclaimed.

``So be nice to Eliza and Felix, they are trying to cope.'' Rita walked away and grabbed her bag, she turned around and waved goodbye. ``Bye loves, see you in the afternoon.'' And with that Rita left to go to work. Nathan walked over and stood behind the twins, they looked up at him as he pleasantly smiled at them.

``I hope you two are up for learning today.''

``We are.''

``That's good to hear.'' Nathan left to the kitchen as he double checked Eliza and Felix's bags. ``Alright, your bags should be ready, but before I forget. Eliza, your bag has a spot for you to put Mary into. Come over here and I'll show you.''

``Can't I just hold her?'' Eliza said with a slight slur.

``You can have her on your desk in class, but it would be safe to have her in your bag. Let me show you where.'' Eliza slowly got off her chair and walked over to Nathan. Nathan put the bag on the ground, knelt down and showed the front pocket with a zipper. ``May I have Mary for a moment? You will get her back.'' Eliza handed Mary over and Nathan put her in, her head stuck out as Nathan mostly zipped it up.

``Ohh I see.'' Eliza said looking at it. ``But I want to hold her.''

``I know. The problem with that, Eliza, is that someone could snatch her from your hands. Or you could accidentally trip and land in the dirt. Having it in your bag means she is safe and close to you at all times. When you sit down for lunch or morning tea, you just open it up and keep her close as you eat. It's just for when you are carrying your bag not in class, Eliza. Does that make sense?''

``Yeah.'' Eliza smiled with relief at Nathan, she understood where he was coming from; she never thought about other kids taking Mary, or her getting dirty.

``I'm glad.'' Nathan smiled sincerely and moved Eliza's bag towards her. ``Put it on like I showed you last week. Is it too heavy?'' Eliza grabbed the straps and put them on her back, she then looked at Nathan and shook her head.

``No. I'm strong!''

``You definitely are.'' Nathan chuckled, he stood up straight with a bit of a crack from his back. ``Well, it's time we get going you lot. Get your bags on and follow me to the car.'' Nathan grabbed his keys and walked towards the front door, the twins rushed to their bags and put them on while Felix slowly followed and doing the same. Once the door was locked, everyone in the car and ready to go, Nathan looked back and smiled reassuring to Eliza and Felix. ``It's going to be alright; your teacher Ms Baker is a great teacher.''

``If you say so.'' Felix said flatly, Nathan tried his best but Felix wouldn't calm down. Nathan nodded softly before turning to the wheel to slowly back out of the steep driveway and drive to school. Felix looked out of the window with his arm resting on the windowsill, he saw everything fly past and it felt like he was losing his freedom, again. He didn't want to be an idiot, he wanted to learn, but this was scary and unknown to him. Eliza poked Felix on the arm, looking at him with worry and concern. Felix reached a hand towards her, grabbing her hand and firmly holding it; she was braver than he was. Perhaps it was also the shame that this is his first day of school at the age of 11, Eliza is 7 so it feels far less bad. So much was on Felix's plate that he didn't know what to expect and focus on. As they arrived at school, only a few kids were playing around; because of Nathan's work it required them to be early. As they pulled into a teacher's carpark Nathan breathed deeply as he smiled to himself, to give himself the confidence and hope that this will be a good day for them.

``Alright, everybody out now.'' Nathan said as he unbuckled himself and hopped out of the car. Eliza could feel Felix tremble as it came to leave the car, as they let go they unbuckled and left the car so they could swiftly meet together. Nathan helped the twins out of the back, carrying them momentarily before putting them down.

``Carry me.'' Elijah asked.

``Not now, Elijah. At school it is best that you walk, you know that.'' Nathan knelt down to Elijah for a hug.

``Ok...'' Elijah looked down with a frown momentarily before his mood whiplashed to oblivious bliss as he held Tobias's hand before walking off.

``Where do we go?'' Felix asked with apprehension.

``I'll take you there, follow me.'' Nathan stood up once more and walked ahead, Felix and Eliza held hands and followed behind. There were undercover areas, playgrounds, bag racks plenty of covered walkways. Eliza and Felix looked around as they closely followed Nathan, it reminded them of a few things but they couldn't put a finger on what. A lot of the buildings had plants and bushes around or near them. Nathan pointed ahead at a building they were coming up to, it looked older than the other buildings but it had plenty of charm from what Eliza and Felix could see; cute murals of butterflies, a child reading a book and a pleasant meadow were along the walls of the building. There was a gated section that wrapped around the back of the building with well-tended plants and bushes along the building with a single, but large, bench in the middle for what felt like a small class could sit at. There was a ramp going inside, presumably for disabled kids. Nathan and Eliza stared as they walked closer to it, it certainly had a kinder, yet more juvenile, look to it and the surroundings. Felix could see what looked like painted sheets of paper pegged to a rope near the ceiling; suddenly he felt as if he was being put into a grade 1 class.

``It looks nice.'' Eliza said with a cautious smile.

``It's nicer inside, it's bigger than it looks.''

``It looks like a baby class.'' Felix added, feeling increasingly self-conscious.

``It's a special class for a wide range of ages, Felix.'' Nathan turned around and felt increasing worry for Felix. ``Once we're inside you two can just sit down and chill, there are toys if you want to play but you don't have to.''

``I'm ok, really. I'm just feeling overwhelmed and nervous.'' Felix said as he crossed his arms.

``That's not what I'd call ok, but I won't press it.'' Nathan sighed and began to lead once more, they walked up the slight ramp into the building. There were 2 separate bag racks with many cubicles for bags to sit in. All with different colours and most had names attacked to it. ``Put your bags right here.'' Nathan said as he walked over and displayed at two cubicles, ``This will be where you'll keep your bags when sitting in class, and Eliza you are allowed to take Mary from your bag and put it at your desk.'' Eliza smiled widely as she heard Nathan say that, she rushed over to one of the cubicles and put her bag in so she could take Mary out. Felix put his back in the cubicle next to hers and then Nathan directed them to the classroom, Felix and Eliza followed closely behind once more. The entrance of the room opened to a large and spread-out classroom, a lot of desks in orderly fashion with a few apart from the rest; one of them was a double desk that sat in the middle of the class.

``Are those two desks in the middle the twins?'' Felix asked.

``Bingo, you have a keen eye, Felix.''

``Well, it's the only one that has two desks next to each other only.''  Felix added, Nathan began to chuckle.

``True, true.'' A lemur entered the room with a simple yet elegant dress, Nathan looked over at her and smiled as if he was proud of Felix and Eliza standing with him.

``Good morning Ms Baker. This is Eliza and Felix, our new students.'' Nathan said pleasantly.

``Oh hello! Good to meet you two.'' Ms Baker said with an excited wave. ``And these are your kids?'' Ms Baker asked Nathan.

``Absolutely. I was just showing them the classroom, but do you know where they can sit? Or do I need to get the desks out?''

``I'm afraid you do need to get the desks out; I was looking over the plans today and totally forgot to get them out.'' Ms Baker said as she walked closer to stand next to Nathan.

``I'll best get them then, do you two want to stand and wait, or to sit and wait over there?'' Nathan asked Eliza and Felix pointing over where a small play area with toys were. Eliza and Felix looked at each other, Eliza didn't look interested in the toys over there while Felix shrugged.

``I guess we'll stay here for now.'' Felix replied, Nathan walked off and entered a different room to grab the desks.

``Oh! Who's this fella?'' Ms Baker asked in joy towards Mary.

``Mary.'' Eliza said with a bit of nervousness.

``She is delightful.'' Ms Baker smiled, ``My teddy bear was called George when I was growing up, he's over there on that top shelf.'' Ms Baker pointed across the room; an old but relatively well-kept brown teddy bear sat. Felix looked away to focus on something else in the room, since he wasn't involved in the conversation. He looked at an area that looked like it was for arts and crafts, then suddenly he heard Ms Baker ask him a question.

``So, Mr Skye has told me that you and Eliza have never been in school before. If there is any questions what so ever, don't hesitate to ask. Today I'll be teaching you two while Mr Skye takes the rest of the class.''

``Why? Why can't he do it?'' Felix asked with increasing apprehension.

``Because as a teacher I need to see what you two know so I know what to teach you. That is what I will call, an evaluation. It will only be today if things go smoothly. Besides, I would like to get to know you two; I like to get to know my students.'' Ms Baker then turned as she heard Nathan entering the room carrying a desk.

``Where do you want this?'' Nathan asked as he peered over it.

``Right over here.'' Ms Baker moved and directed the location to Nathan, Nathan placed it down and wiped the top of it from any dust. ``Oh, and Mr Skye? I was just talking to Eliza and Felix; I'm going to spend the day evaluating and getting to know them. So, I need you to take over the class.''

``No worries, Linda.'' Ms Baker cleared her throat at the very mention of her name. ``I'm sorry, Ms Baker. Slip of the tongue.'' Nathan smiled apologetically before turning back to grab the other desk.

``Do you two want to sit next-''

``Yes.'' Interrupted Felix with eagerness, Eliza moved closer to him as he said it.

``Now don't interrupt me, that is rude. You wait until I've finished speaking, ok?'' Ms Baker said with a slight stern tone.

``Alright, sure.'' Felix shrugged. Ms Baker wasn't too impressed with Felix's attitude but reminded herself that Felix has never been to school and is 11; she decided to cut him some slack.

``Ok then.'' Ms Baker turned around once more as Nathan came back carrying the other desk. ``Oh, place it next to this one.''

``Ah good, I was hoping that they can sit together. Eliza and Felix need each other to, not quite like Elijah and Tobias but more so that they can relax easier.'' Nathan explained as he placed the desk down next to the other. It then became apparent to Felix that Ms Baker didn't know what has happened to him, an intrusive subconscious thought convinced him that Nathan told her; Nathan was true to his word.

``Oh really? How long have you two known each other?'' Ms Baker asked politely with a smile, Nathan looked like he wanted to answer but looked to Felix as if he sighed.

``Two years.'' Felix said flatly, trying to hide his discomfort.

``Two years? You two must know each other well then, I hope you two are happy to learn together.'' Ms Baker replied, she then checked her watch and then exhaled. ``Alright, Mr Skye, I got to get going to get my things together. Please supervise the classroom until I'm back.''

``Of course, Ms Baker. Goodbye.'' Nathan smiled with a wave at her as she left. Felix felt his breath come back only to have it leave once more, he looked at Nathan with a stressed look.

``I'm thankful for you not telling her about me and Eliza.'' Felix sighed.

``She knows very little about you two, yes. Now I did mention a couple of days ago I told the principle small details. So, if Ms Baker learned anything else it won't have come from me.'' Nathan said reassuringly. Felix remembers Nathan telling him that he told the principle about him and Eliza; that they were abused. Felix remembers how angry and upset he was at the time, but knows that Nathan meant well. So long as Nathan doesn't do it too much then Felix won't feel betrayed, yet. Eliza bobbed up and down looking at Nathan as if to say `hug me'. Nathan knelt down with nurturing instincts kicking in, he hugged Eliza close who hugged him back.

``Thank youuu.'' Eliza said as she hugged Nathan. A mother and her child walked in and upon seeing the sight she exclaimed in shock.

``What are you doing, Mr Skye!?'' She was a german shepherd, her son Max standing next to her confused on what was going on. Nathan turned around after letting go of Eliza, and before he could answer, Felix snapped back; seemingly insulted of her assumption of Nathan.

``He's our father, you stupid hag.'' Felix glared at her. She stepped back completely caught off guard and silent with shock. Max gave off a stupid laugh causing her to smack him to stop.

``Felix!'' Snapped Nathan as he turned at him, before turning back to the mother. ``I'm so sorry for what Felix said, Mrs Peterson. I understand your shock, but these two are my adopted kids.''

``He's got a nasty mouth.'' She replied, finally catching her breath back. Felix narrowed his eyes as he growled to himself. Getting angry at the fact that she was making the assumption that Nathan was doing something very wrong.

``Yes, he does, but that's because he and Eliza have had a rough life until now; this is their first day at school ever.'' Nathan explained, trying to not say anything specifically and trying to be polite.

``Well, I hope he gets better manners.'' Mrs Peterson said as she gently pushed Max into the room. ``Have a good day at school Max, dear.'' She said as she waved goodbye. Max walked into the area with the toys and sat down, Nathan looked at Felix with a sigh; unsure whether to feel complimented, appreciated or disappointed at his sudden outburst.

``Please keep your anger under control, Felix. This isn't home, where you can speak freely. At school you are required to be polite and follow rules.'' Nathan knelt down again once more and gave Felix a hint of appreciation with the glimmer in Nathan's eyes. ``I know you meant well, but you didn't have to call her those names.''

``She assumed you were a pe-''

``I know. I know...'' Nathan spoke softly as he nodded. ``Unfortunately, in this line of work, teachers have to be careful; especially teachers like me. Just trust me to speak my way out of it next time, there are many misunderstandings in life and most of them can be fixed with plain speaking.'' Nathan smiled as he finished speaking, Felix looked down feeling guilt rise inside of him.

``I'm sorry.''

``I forgive you, Felix. Although I'm not sure she will, but that's ok.'' Nathan sat down on the ground crossing his legs. ``Now before I forget, Ms Baker will be asking a lot of questions and will try to see if you understand, can solve the problem she provides you, or see what you know about it. Now I know that kids coming into this class with delayed learnings often feel great shame in not knowing the things that she will show them. It's ok, you two. School is a place of learning things you don't know, so don't late it weigh on you that you don't know most or any of the things she asks. Because in a year or so time, you will.'' Eliza and Felix nodded at Nathan trying to take what he said to heart. ``It doesn't matter how old you are either, Felix. What matters is that you are willing to learn what you don't know.'' Nathan's reassuring and heart-warming smile gave Felix confidence, enough at least to not feel bad for the moment. Nathan slowly stood up once more, stretching his back and legs before turning to the board to write lesson plans on it.

``What are you doing?'' Felix asked.

``I got the class today, so I got to write the lesson plans. To show class what they'll be learning and to mentally prepare them for the day.'' Nathan said as he grabbed a whiteboard marker. ``Class will be starting in 10 or so minutes, you two can wait here or go wandering around if you want to.''

``I ain't wandering this school, I'm afraid I'll get lost.'' Felix retorted; Eliza giggled.

``Same.''

``Alright then, now excuse me. I need to get to work.'' Nathan apologized as he began to write. Eliza and Felix sat at the desks that Nathan grabbed before and then looked at each other. They discussed which desk they wanted most; their consensus was that they had no actual preferences so they chose the desk that they already sat at. As they sat and stared around silently, Felix couldn't help but think about what Nathan said. ``Especially teachers like me.'' Was it because he's sensitive and kind? Was it because he's a teacher's aide? Was it because he was a male? Felix didn't know the answer, but it bothered him as he got lost trying to find it. The bell rang as class was called, both Eliza and Felix jumped in their seats when they heard it; they've only ever heard it in cartoons, in real life it was loud. Soon kids of various ages entered the building, putting their bags in the bag racks and then heading to their desks. The twins entered the room side by side holding hands, putting their bags down and headed to their desks as well. Elijah waved excitedly at Eliza and Felix, who smiled waving back.

``Hello!'' Elijah called out as they neared. More chatter came as other kids entered, one being Danny who was walking fast to catch up to the twins to hug and say hi. As the kids sat down at their desks, they chatted amongst each other until one of them called out.

``Are you teaching today, Mr Skye?'' A black bear asked with a slur.

``I am.'' Nathan exclaimed with an excited look; all the kids cheered with some laughing. Felix noticed a much older kid enter the room after putting his bag in the racks, to Felix he looked like a mid-aged teenager. The kid was an odd-looking lion who was as tall as an adult. The lion looked at Felix and smiled and waved; to Felix the smile was goofy. Felix could tell from first glance that the lion was special, but as he heard from Nathan before, most of the kids in the class are. He smiled back at the lion but didn't wave, not feeling comfortable other than to secretly hold Eliza's hand underneath the desk. Ms Baker entered the room with a folder and greeted the kids as she walked through the class. Nathan began talking to the class as he introduced Eliza and Felix. The other kids turned and greeted vocally or by waving before turning to the front for a lesson of English. Ms Baker grabbed a chair and sat at the opposite side of Eliza and Felix's desks; she held the folder in her lap.

``Hello Felix, Eliza. How are you feeling?'' She asked as she opened the folder.

``Nervous.'' Eliza replied.

``Yeah same.'' Felix added.

``Yeah? I'm sorry to hear that. But don't worry I'm just going to show you two some things, you just let me know if you know what it is and what the answers are.'' Ms Baker explained, something both Eliza and Felix knew thanks to Nathan. The morning lesson went smoothly for the class, something to Nathan was a bit of a shock as some kids like to act up rather than learn. For Eliza and Felix, it was mostly looking at numbers and words as they answered Ms Baker's questions. When morning tea came, Nathan and Ms Baker excused the class to go and eat. Elijah and Tobias went straight to Felix and Eliza.

``Come eat with us.'' Tobias said, Elijah nodded excitedly; Danny walked over and was immediately pulled in for a hug by Elijah. The 5 left to go to their bags to grab their bags to go eat, the twins leading Eliza and Felix to their eating spot. Back in class, Nathan pulled out a snack bar and a mandarin before following Ms Baker.

``You did great, Nathan.'' Ms Baker smiled at him. ``I'm surprised even Tyler and Grace didn't act up.''

``You and me both, Linda. And sorry about calling you by your first name before.''

``Oh that? It's ok. I understand it was a slip of the tongue.''

``So how do Eliza and Felix fare?'' Nathan asked as they walked to the backroom to look through the windows, watching the kids from inside to make sure everything was in order.

``Well, Felix knows some basic spelling, adding and subtractions. But he has absolutely no idea what divide and times are. Eliza is much the same, but she could read better than Felix.''

``I see.''

``Where did they come from, Nathan? I want to know their story.'' Nathan looked at Linda apologetically and sighed, chewing and swallowing the bar in his mouth.

``I'm sorry, Linda. Confidentiality matters for them. All I can say is that they've come from a real rough time in their life.''

``Enough to have mannerism issues and never been to school? Sounds like they had awful parents.''

``That's the gist yeah I'm afraid.''

``Poor dears. How's disciplining been?''

``Well. Mostly I've been getting Felix to hold off on swearing as much as he can. Considering he hasn't sworn yet today has been a good sign. But he did call Mrs Peterson, Max's mother, a stupid hag.''

``What on earth for?'' Exclaimed Ms Baker.

``Confidentiality here, but as far as I know I've been the best father they've had ever. I give them compliments, encouragements and hugs to keep their confidence up and their stress low. Mrs Peterson entered the classroom as I was giving Eliza a hug, and she had no idea who they were to me.''

``So, she thought...''

``Yes.''

``Oh god.'' Ms Baker sighed, resting her hand on her forehead. ``That's a nasty misunderstanding, a big misunderstanding for sure.'' Ms Baker knew that Nathan was close to his boys, since they need frequent hugs as rewards for good work; not once in her time she had any suspicions of Nathan. A few other kids have tried hugging him, to only have Nathan politely and kindly refuse, so to Linda he couldn't be a groomer or a potential threat to kids. Her time as a teacher has been positive, but unbeknown to Nathan, Ms Baker remembers a male teacher getting arrested for alleged grooming and abuse. She never did find out if he was guilty and convicted, but the fuss the school and the parents made scared her. If she was a male teacher she would be as susceptible as Mr Davidson, the teacher who had allegations, any mistake or misunderstanding could end a career. She looked at Nathan with sympathy and began to share the story with him, Nathan listened silently.

``That is something that hits home. I should mention that my second year as a year 1 teacher nearly got cut short by a mother with a big mouth. I hadn't done anything to warrant it, but because I'm a guy she assumed I was a danger; to say the least. So, it has happened before, it just. It's never easy.'' Nathan sighed.

``Perhaps you need to change your attitude and the way you carry on. Not that I'd want you to, but parents seeing a kind and caring and affectionate male teacher is a recipe for trouble.'' She frowned.

``I've thought that. But honestly, if I had to change then I wouldn't be a teacher. I'd have to get another job.''

``Yeah?''

``Because I believe being genuine. Genuine, polite, friendly and caring. If how I carry myself about is an issue, I might as well leave because that's just how I am.''

``I get it. Let's just hope no other incidents like this happen again.''

``Let's hope, yeah.'' Linda grabbed a sandwich from a zip locked bag and took a bite. Felix and Eliza sat with Danny and the twins, eating the food in their lunchboxes. Nathan packed a sandwich, a snack back, a juicebox, a packet of chips and yoghurt tub in each of their boxes. Even at school the twins fed each other, they took a bite out of each other's sandwich before eating theirs. Felix was given a vegemite sandwich while Eliza was given peanut butter; something Nathan knew they both liked. The noise from other kids chatting and laughing was a completely new experience for the two of them. Felix ate with Eliza while the twins fed each other, Danny watched Felix before getting the courage to speak.

``So why did Ms Baker sit with you two?'' Danny asked shyly, switching between Eliza and Felix to make it not look like he was only looking at Felix.

``Testing us, I guess.'' Felix paused and looked down momentarily before switching his attitude to his stoic and hard image. ``Eliza and I never did go to school before, so all of this is new. The teacher kept showing picture after picture seeing if we knew what the hell she was talking about. I sure as hell feel stupid.'' Eliza giggled at Felix's tone and tapped his leg with her foot.

``Well, I don't know much either. So, it's ok.'' Danny smiled shyly before taking a bite out of his apple.

``I don't know much either!'' Elijah yelled excitedly.

``We're trying though.'' Tobias added. Felix shrugged, trying to not let it bug him that 6-year-olds were trying to make him feel better that he's an idiot; it did however make him not feel alone, so that did make him feel better.

``She kept showing us numbers and signs. I only under stood the plus sign, said it was a health pack.'' Eliza giggled.

``Oh, that's the plus sign.'' Elijah laughed.

``Dad says it's called `addition'. The other one is called... `subtraction?'.''

``Wow... those are weird words.'' Eliza said looking at Felix.

``Says you, miss `I got myself a -vibrosword- to kill the -Shyrack-'.'' Felix's sass was met with laughs and giggles, Eliza poking Felix back as revenge.

``I don't know those other words.'' Eliza retorted back, ``and neither do you.''

``Yeah, yeah. Rub it in.'' Felix and Eliza smiled at each other, so into the jest of the conversation that Danny stared dreamingly at them both. They were so cool; Felix was so cool. The way he talked and carried himself was unbelievably appealing to Danny. Danny looked away as he drunk his juicebox to hide the feelings on his face once more. Another bell was heard, causing Felix and Eliza look around worried that it was time to come back already. As the bell rang, the twins covered the other's ears to block out the sound; when it ended the twins put their lunchboxes into their bags.

``What's going on?'' Eliza asked with a look of confusion.

``It's play time.'' Tobias replied, the twins stood up putting their bags on their backs and looked at Eliza. ``We're going to play in the sandpit. Want to join?''

``Sure!''

``I'll pass, I'll be nearby but I don't want to join.'' Felix said brushing off the invitation. The 5 kids moved down a walkway, passing plenty of other kids as they headed to the playground. There was a big sandpit underneath a light tarp hanging above by 4 poles on each of the corners of the sandpit. Eliza, the twins and Danny sat in the sandpit and began to build; the twins worked together while Eliza and Danny worked together. Felix climbed a playground momentarily before jumping off as he felt discomfort of many other kids rushing past and around him. He settled down underneath the shade as he watched from a far, monitoring what was going on. A teacher walked over and her voice snapped him out of his focus.

``Hello, young man. What are you doing in the year 1 & 2s play area?'' She asked. She was a dalmatian wearing sporty clothing; she was the school sports teacher. Felix looked at her, unsure on what to say; not wanting to cause a scene and get Nathan into trouble once more. ``Well?'' Her tone got increasingly judgmental and irritating, Felix bit his tongue and narrowed his eyes as he tried his best to not sass or snap at the rude teacher.

``This is my first day of school. Over there in the sandpit are my brothers and sister. My father is Nathan, Mr Skye.'' Felix said sternly, he was this close of failing his attempt.

``That's quite a story.'' She remarked; it was clear to Felix that he wasn't being believed. ``How old are you? And what grade are you?'' She asked.

``Why do you care?'' Felix began to slip, his tone and mood shifting greater and greater by the second; the teacher was not impressed.

``Why? Because I'm on playground duty, that's why. And you're in the wrong area telling fibs. I've never seen you before so I know you must be confused. Come with me, we're going to the playground you should be in.''

``I ain't going with you! I don't know you; I don't trust you.'' Felix said loudly, startled as he stood up and backing up defensively. Eliza, the twins and Danny looked over from the sandpit; Eliza's anxiety picked up and she sprang into action. Eliza got up and ran over, kicking sand in the process, to get to Felix.

``Leave my brother alone, you mean bitch.'' Demanded Eliza as she ran up, standing between Felix and the teacher. The teacher was horrified at the language and shocked by the scene, still not believing that they were brother and sister.

``That is very rude language young missy; no bad language at school! Do you want to go to the principal's office!?''

``I want to go to my daddy!'' Eliza stared at her fiercely. Felix was frozen as Eliza stepped in, feeling proud and beyond appreciative. Another teacher walked into the scene, a red fox with blue dyed hair.

``What's going on, Susan.''

``This boy is in the wrong play area and refuses to leave, this girl swore at me. I think they need to go to the principal's office. Can you take them, Mandy?''

``Alright you two, come with me to the principal's office.'' Felix couldn't believe what was going on, he was so confused, and angry, and emotional. He didn't want to be at school anymore if adults were going to act like fucking children. The fox gestured rather aggressively to tell Eliza and Felix to follow her, Felix looked at Eliza and gave a begrudging look.

``We better, I guess.'' Felix sighed. As Felix and Eliza left to go down to the principal's office, Elijah began crying and muttering. Tobias and Elijah stood up as Elijah cried, attempting to leave the sandpit and stop their brother and sister from leaving. But Danny got up and grabbed their hands, pleading at them to stay, not wanting them to get into trouble as well. Danny managed to keep them from leaving, Elijah crying even more, so much that the dalmatian came over.

``What's wrong, Elijah? Do you have sand in your eyes?'' She asked concernedly, her tone completely different towards them. Elijah kept crying and eventually shook his head, Tobias then stared intently at the teacher, as if angry while also shedding a tear.

``Why did you pick on our brother and sister? They did nothing wrong. You're mean.'' Tobias said as flatly and yet aggressively as he possibly could. The teacher's eyes were wide and shocked, confused about what was going on and only now realizing she had fucked up. Felix and Eliza were told to sit down and wait for the principal to call them in for a talking; they held hands tightly as they were scared, upset and clueless about what was going to happen. Felix braced himself for the worst; if any hand was to lay on Eliza, he was going to lose it. Soon they were called inside, they held their breath as they entered and was told to sit down on the chairs. The principle clasped his hands together and stared at them, unsure of what to say about the situation.

``What did you two do to get yourselves here?'' He asked calmly, trying to gather the situation.

``This is our first f- I mean, this is our first day at school, ever. I got in trouble for being in the wrong playground.''

``And a teacher was being mean to him, telling him to go. So-so-so I r-ran up to help.'' Eliza said emotionally, annoyed and barely holding it together. The principal took a deep breath and nodded.

``Excuse me for a moment, I need to make a call.'' He said, grabbing the phone next to him. He dialled and called, asking for Nathan to come into the office before hanging up calmly. ``This is a big mess, and I know it's not entirely your fault.''

``Really?'' Felix asked sceptically, the principal nodded.

``Of course. Not every teacher knows who you two are, and which family you are with. I just called your father; he's coming down right now.'' The principal took a deep breath as his brow frowned. ``Swearing at a teacher is very, very ill-advised. On this occasion I will excuse your bad language.'' He looked at Eliza and then Felix. ``Please work on that, so you don't get into trouble again.'' He then looked to the door as a panting and sweaty Nathan was standing at the doorway.

``Mr Andrews, I'm so sorry for whatever happened. I hope this has been a big misunderstanding.'' Nathan said out of breath.

``Mr Skye, thank you for coming down. This has been a misunderstanding for sure, something I'm going to have to talk to with all other teachers sooner than expected.''

``What happened?''

``Please sit down, Nathan, catch your breath back.'' The principal gestured to a chair as he smiled. Nathan grabbed a chair and sat down as he breathed in and out. ``From what I was told, Mrs Higgins came across your son, Felix, in the grade 1 & 2 playground. She did not believe him when he said it was his first day and was watching over his siblings. However, he did not initially cooperate with her as she tried to get him to leave. While it is totally understandable between us, it wasn't right there.'' The principal grabbed a glass of water on his desk and took a drink. ``She then said your daughter, Eliza, came running from the sandpit and swore at her to back off. Now I don't have to tell you why she would be in trouble.'' Nathan looked at Felix and Eliza with a sigh before looking back at the principal.

``This has been a horrible misunderstanding.'' Nathan repeated.

``Relax, Mr Skye. I understand the situation. Eliza and Felix won't be having detention, nor are they in trouble. I will be excusing them this time on good conscience. I was hoping that nothing would happen before teacher's meeting on Wednesday, but such as life. I'll be calling a teacher's meeting today instead of Wednesday. There are other plenty things to discuss thankfully so it won't go to waste.'' Nathan nodded with a sigh of relief, he looked to Eliza and Felix once more with a smile that read `thank fuck' to them. A knock was heard on the door, the dalmatian from before looking rather sorry and worried.

``Mr Andrews? This has been a big, big misunderstanding.'' She turned to Felix and Eliza. ``I'm so sorry for not believing you two, and I'm sorry Mr Skye for the fuss.'' It felt good to hear the teacher squirm and apologize to him, yet Felix wasn't sure if he could truly forgive her; or at the very least he could not trust her.

``I'm sorry for swearing.'' Eliza replied. ``I didn't like, h-how you were treating my brother.''

``Sounds like apologies accepted all around.'' The principal added.

``I don't mean to rush this meeting, but. Mr Skye, your boys are crying up a storm and they won't react to anyone. They need you. I should have listened.'' The dalmatian sports teacher said in great concern.

``I'll be right over there now.'' Nathan said, he turned to Felix and Eliza once more. ``Are you two going to be alright?''

``I don't want to be at school anymore.'' Felix said flatly, crossing his arms, looking down and away; he was mentally done with today.

``Can you hold onto next break?'' Nathan asked concernedly, Felix looked at him bothered before covering his face with his hands exhaling.

``Fine.'' Felix eventually replied.

``Alright, that's good. ``I'll take you two home after break. Hold in there you two.'' Nathan got up and squeezed past the other teacher as he ran off to the playground where the twins were. The sports teacher left leaving Felix and Eliza with the principal.

``I don't want to be here.'' Felix muttered quietly, Eliza got off her chair and hugged Felix tight as he covered his face with his hands.

``You two need to get going now. Head back to your classroom. You two are strong kids from what Nathan has told me, so I hope you two can remain strong until next break.'' The principal said as he got up from his chair, he walked to the door and held it open as he gestured them to leave. Eliza tugged on Felix's arm, getting him to comply; they stood up, put their bags back on and left. As they walked back, they could see Nathan carrying the twins behind them, carrying each of their backpacks on each of his shoulders, walking fast so he could catch up to them and walked beside them.

``I know you really want to go home. I'm sorry, Felix.'' Nathan said with sympathy, Elijah and Tobias clung to Nathan sniffing and coughing slightly; walking behind trying to catch up and not go into a coughing fit was Danny.

``Why can't we just go home now?'' Complained Felix. ``I really don't feel so good.''

``I know, I'm sorry. But if we go now, next time you go to school you'll have Ms Baker right in front of you again. I can tell you two aren't big fans of her.''

``She's mean, complains about the things we say and do.'' Eliza said looking up at him.

``Unfortunately, that's the teacher's job. We're supposed to pull kids up on behavioural mistakes and issues.''

``But I thought we were here to learn?''

``Part of learning is developing good behaviour and discipline.''

``That's so bullshit.'' Felix complained.

``Felix, please watch your language. I know you're fed up, but please bear with me and Ms Baker.''

``Ugh, fine.'' Once they got to the classroom, Nathan put the twins down, took their backpacks off of him and gave it to them. The twins put their bags in their racks and walked into class silently, Eliza and Felix doing the same to get to their desks.

``Thank you for being with the twins, Danny.'' Nathan said as he turned around and bent down a bit, he smiled sincerely and with upmost appreciation mixed with sweetness. Danny smiled back feeling nice and warm.

``I didn't want to leave them.'' Danny replied as he put his bag in the rack.

``I know, you're an amazing friend Danny. A wonderful boy.'' Nathan squinted his eyes endearingly, Danny smiled more before rushing off to sit at his desk. Ms Baker walked in and looked at Nathan expectingly; she wanted to know why he had to rush off before, but she guessed it was because of the twins.

``Are you alright, Nathan?''

``I'm alright, thanks Linda.'' Nathan smiled at her as he opened Eliza and Felix's bags to grab their pencil cases, handing them to Linda.

``Thank you, Nathan. I was going to ask them to get it but you saved us some time.''

``It's the least I could do.'' Nathan said as he walked to the whiteboard to begin teaching, Ms Baker walked over to Eliza and Felix's desk, sat down and put their pencil cases before them.

``Ok, until break time we're going to do some writing. I want you two to write as well as you can.'' She said smiling, she could feel something was wrong with the both of them; it then became clear to her that perhaps it wasn't the twins that Nathan went running after for. For the rest of the lesson, Felix and Eliza did their best with writing. Felix was notably better than Eliza, but perhaps it was because Eliza's hand was shaking from what happened earlier. The lesson was much longer than the last as Ms Baker got them to sharpen their pencils to try again at writing. Halfway through the lesson, Felix rested his head on his arms on the desk, looking exhausted and done with today; he couldn't think and couldn't give a damn. ``Felix, we're not done yet.'' Ms Baker said, Felix didn't react and just stared into oblivion. Out of the kindness of her heart, Ms Baker didn't push it any further, she then turned to Eliza. ``You two can rest at your desks for now. I'll be back in a little while.'' Something both Felix and Eliza were thankful to hear, Ms Baker got up and left with the folder she was carrying and sat at a corner desk in the room; the desk that Nathan normally would sit at as he waited for a kid needing help. As the kids in the class focused on solving a math problem, Nathan moved over to Ms Baker and looked at her with gratitude

``Thank you.'' Nathan whispered; Ms Baker nodded back smiling before opening the folder as she evaluated her findings. Nathan noticed during the class that the twins were hardly focusing; they haven't had the time to recover from what happened before. They began talking to each other, something Nathan had to sort out by having them leave their desks and go sit in the quiet room to calm down. The quiet room was at the opposite side of the classroom from where the bag racks were, inside was a beanbag, pillows and not much else. The purpose was for a kid who cannot function or control themselves to sit in the room to calm down; mostly used for autistic children who need a timeout. The twins went into the room, closing the door behind them. Elijah sat into the beanbag as Tobias turned the light off, sitting with Elijah as they remained silent to readjust themselves. The lesson ended for lunch and the class was excused. Nathan went and retrieved the twins from the quiet room, Danny waited behind to be with the twins. ``Elijah, Tobias? How are you feeling?''

``Better.'' Tobias replied, Elijah nodded; to Nathan this was `they are alright, but they still will find learning hard'. All because of Elijah's lack of speech, something that he holds back when he's disturbed or upset by something beyond a mediocre level.

``Well, would you two like to go home? I'll be taking Eliza and Felix home too.''

``I want to go home.'' Tobias replied, Nathan nodded caringly.

``Alright, alright. We'll be going home.'' The twins walked over and Danny stood with a sad look, sad to see all of them about to go home. The twins hugged Danny who hugged them tightly back.

``I want to go with you.'' Danny said looking up at Nathan, while his heart broke, he couldn't just say yes.

``The twins are tuckered out, Danny. Do you two want Danny to come with us?'' The twins looked at Nathan, after a moment they nodded. ``Ok, but now I need to call your Mum. To see if this will interfere with any plans, alright?''

``Alright.'' Danny smiled slightly as his hope built up. Nathan pulled out his mobile and called Lauren, after a short conversation it was given the all good; Danny smiled bigger as he hugged the twins more.

``Can we go now?'' Felix said tiredly.

``Absolutely you guys. Let's get you all to the car, grab your backs and follow me.'' Nathan looked over to Ms Baker, who was still in the room the entire time. ``I'm sorry, Linda.''

``It's not a problem, you handled the class well today and I'm so thankful for that. I'll call for substitute teacher to come help.'' Ms Baker replied; she has known and worked with Nathan so long that she is used to him having to suddenly go. It wasn't his fault and more than often enough the last bit of the day is far more manageable than before and after morning tea. Nathan took the 5 kids back to where he parked the car, helping the twins in the back while having Felix sit in the front passenger seat so Danny can have his seat in the back. As Nathan drove home a huge sense of relief and bliss filled Felix, he felt like crying as he felt the cool air-con hit him. Nathan looked at Felix and Eliza and felt awful about how their day went, he regained focus as he drove, trying not to get lost in his thoughts. Once home and inside, the twins and Danny went to the twin's room while Eliza and Felix went to lie down in Felix's room. Closing the blinds and the window before turning the air-con on before they laid down. Nathan walked down the hallway and stopped in Felix's room, sitting on the chair nearby.

``I'm sorry the day didn't go well.'' Nathan sighed, looking disappointed in himself. ``I completely forgot about the twins and Danny going to that sand pit, and the trouble that might have brought.'' Felix rolled over and faced Nathan, unable to feel mad or hurt at him.

``It's not your fault. It's that bitch who wouldn't listen.'' Nathan sighed and closed his eyes as Felix swore, unsure whether it was valid or a swear to begin with.

``Please don't use that language, I know it's technically correct but it isn't a nice description; even if she was the one that started the conflict. She didn't know and she apologized.''

``Oh whatever. If she is so sorry, then why was she such a fucking bitch to me?'' Felix sighed as blinked, rubbing his muzzle into the pillow. Nathan didn't know what to say. Chastising Felix for swearing once more wasn't going to help, so he sat silently as he nodded in understanding. ``So, what's wrong with the twins anyway?''

``From what Danny quickly told me, them seeing you get taken away by teachers really upset them. I think they quickly got the message, or idea, that you two were in trouble. They don't like seeing people get in trouble for something they didn't do, the concept for punishment for no cause makes no sense. And that really upsets them. The fact it was you two, probably made it worse.'' Nathan explained as well as he could, Felix began crying and then began sobbing.

``They're so nice to care, even when they don't understand what the fuck is going on.'' Felix's emotions just burst, so much happened today that he got so worn out; his emotions were getting the better of him.

``They are wonderful boys and they love you two very much.'' Nathan said comfortingly.

``I just feel so fucking worthless when bad memories hit me and remind me how fucked up I am. Especially when some bitch treats me like shit, not believing a word I say. To hear that the twins cared enough to have a mental breakdown is just so...''

``Touching?''

``Yeah... I don't deserve it. It's so hard and so fucking confusing when I'm told that I matter and get treated like I fucking don't matter. I can't handle it.'' Felix continued to sob. ``Why do some of the teachers act like fucking assholes until they're proven wrong! Why were -they- acting like children?'' Nathan didn't answer, finding it was best that Felix cries his heart out. ``Am I to be treated nicely or to be treated like fucking shit? It doesn't make any sense.'' Nathan held back his own tears as Felix cried out, Eliza looked either too tired or unable to process what Felix was going through. Soon Felix sat up and climbed out of bed, stumbling to Nathan with red eyes and a shaking body. He held his arms out, a sign he needed to be hugged; something both he and Nathan have an understanding of when it is alright to touch him. Nathan stood up and sat at the end of Felix's bed with a spot for him to sit next to him, Felix sat down and held Nathan tightly as if he wasn't going to let go. Felix cried into Nathan as Nathan rubbed Felix's back comfortingly, resting his cheek on Felix's head making `shhh' sounds.

``Cry your heart out, Felix. It's ok. It's ok.'' Nathan whispered; Felix's body quaked as he breathed in trying to catch his breath back. Eliza sat up and moved up to behind and between them, Nathan saw her and smiled with a tear in his eye. ``You want to squeeze in between us, Eliza?'' Eliza nodded silently with a strong determined look in her eyes, Nathan helped her in as he loosened the vice grip that Felix had over him so now Eliza can hug Felix as well. Nathan continued to whispering to the distraught and emotionally fed-up Felix, rubbing his back as he whispered encouragement to him. ``It's not your fault, none of this had to happen. It was just a shitty day, you are fine. You are at home safe. We got Eliza with us and she is giving you her strength. Cry your heart out, Felix.'' Felix felt every word hit him, causing him to cry a little harder; all of what Nathan said made him feel better. ``I love you; Rita loves you; Elijah and Tobias love you and most of all, Eliza loves you.''

``Thank you so fucking much. Thank you for being the best teacher I've seen. Which isn't a lot.'' Felix wheezed as he sobbed. Off in the twin's room, Elijah laid in the middle of Danny and Tobias on the bed. Danny's presence helped the twins, even if Danny wasn't sure if he was. Tobias sniffed into Elijah as a way to calm down, while Elijah stared into space feeling drained. The air-con was a good temperature for all three of them, cool but not cold enough for Danny to start coughing. Danny felt bad that the silence of the room was broken with his frequent coughing, he wanted to try holding it back but that never goes well in the end.

``Are you two ok?'' Danny asked with concern. Tobias looked up from sniffing and nodded softly, Danny knew then that they were alright. For a normal kid, lying in bed doing nothing with autistic twins recovering did not sound fun or enjoyable but to Danny, he didn't mind it one bit. He understood that they needed time and he got to be with them; leaving school early with the Skye family also made him feel so honoured and special. So very thankful that his Mum said it was alright. A knock on the front door was heard, with no answer; it was Lauren coming over with Danny's medication. This isn't the first time that the twins had to come home early and that Danny came with, so Lauren knew it was alright to enter the house. She could hear Felix crying down across the house, she bared that in mind as she got closer. She wanted to see what the fuss was, to see if she could help in anyway, but time was short so she had to get to Danny; she knew he would be with the twins and most likely in their room. She knocked on the door and opened it slowly, Danny looked up from the bed, excited and happy to see her.

``Hey, Danny my boy.'' She said with open mouth smile and a wave, she walked in slowly as she saw how out of it the twins were.

``Elijah and Tobias aren't well.'' Danny replied as he sat up cross-legged.

``I see, well we'll be nice and quiet for them. You want it here?''

``Yes please.''

``Awesome.'' Danny was given his portable nebulizer `nebi' for him to begin inhaling. When it was eventually done, the twins had sat up holding hands watching silently. ``There we are. All done.'' Lauren smiled; Danny took the mouth piece out handing it back to his mum. Lauren kissed Danny on the forehead and rubbed her cheeks against it affectionately. ``Alright, I got to get going now. Dad will come pick you up before 6. Have fun.'' She packed everything up and waved goodbye leaving the three boys together. Lauren could hear no more loud crying, but she could hear sniffling and coughing down at the end of the hall. She checked her watch and made the split decision to quickly check on what's going on. She peered through the doorway and softly knocked it with the back of her middle finger, Nathan looked up and smiled in greeting.

``Hey Lauren, good to see you. Danny's meds taken?''

``Yeah, yeah. Just done it. I heard crying.''

``Not a good day for Felix and Eliza.'' Nathan rubbed Felix's back once more, who was clinging onto him still refusing to let go. ``Well, not a good day for all.''

``I'm sorry to hear that, it was their first day too. I hope Wednesday goes better.''

``Thanks Lauren, I hope so too.''

``I need to get going now, Robert will pick Danny up before 6.''

``Alright, I have to thank you for allowing Danny to come with, he was giving me sad eyes and everything. Danny being with the twins has been incredibly helpful.'' Nathan's sincere, sweet and grateful smile making Lauren smile uncontrollably.

``I'm glad.''

``Alright, safe travels Lauren.''

``Thank you, goodbye.'' Lauren waved goodbye as she headed back down the hallway, leaving the house and driving back to work. Nathan looked down back to Felix and nudged the top of his head with his chin.

``Are you feeling better, Felix?''

``I feel like crap. But I feel better I guess.'' Felix replied, Eliza slid out between them and laid back down.

``I'm glad you're feeling better. Every small step forward is better than falling back down the stairwell.'' Eliza giggled at Nathan's remark.

``That's funny.'' Eliza said with a big smile.

``Oh, I'm sure it is funny, especially when it isn't yourself.'' Nathan smiled back in jest at Eliza. ``I've fallen downstairs. It's painful and honestly frightening. Thankfully it was just four steps.'' Eliza began laughing, causing Felix to laugh too.

``Four steps??'' Eliza replied in disbelief.

``It was a very scary four steps.'' Nathan's jesting tone working a treat getting Felix to cheer up.

``Scary stairs!'' Eliza laughed, getting off the bed clinging onto Mary.

``They were! It was dark and raining.''

``Were you drunk?'' Felix asked with amusement, he pulled himself a bit away from Nathan so he could look at him.

``Mmmmmaybe.'' Eliza sat down on the ground laughing; Felix laughed as he hugged into Nathan once more.

``You moron.'' Felix's voice was muffled.

``I was indeed! But when I came back the next week, I saw those stairs and I thought to myself. `Bugger that, I am going to walk around the pub instead'.'' Felix and Eliza's laugh were contagious, soon Felix let go of Nathan and pulled himself away to sit on the bed.

``Got any more funny stories?'' Felix asked.

``I do actually, plenty of them. One time we were eating lamb chops for dinner and we had a slight alcoholic mixed drink. It's where we make it ourselves. Rita loves having a certain sauce with her chops, so as I began to make my drink, I was distracted by the tv. I accidentally grabbed the wrong bottle and poured sauce into my cup.'' Eliza began to laugh as Felix chuckled.

``Did you drink it?''

``No, it would have been bloody awful.'' Eliza and Felix laughed harder. ``So, every time we've had chops since, Rita would remind me to grab the right bloody bottle.'' Nathan laughed with the two kids; he didn't mind putting himself down to make them laugh.

``Got another?''

``Another? That's a bit greedy but, fine.'' Nathan chuckled. ``I had a friend years back, a bit of a doofus but he was a nice guy. Had a pet cat who really hated him, don't know why. One time I was over with him drinking, watching the cricket and the cat walks in the room. He was quite drunk and picked his cat up, holding it over his shoulder as he patted it saying it was a good kitty. Meanwhile the cat is going `fffffffft' and `rarl-rarl-rarl' trying to get out of his grasp, scratching his back and biting his neck. He put it down and stumbled back to his chair and the cat was `fffft! Fffft! Fffft!', just so angry at him and ran off. Then my friend turns to me and says `I think my cat loves me now'.'' Felix's expression was amused shock while Eliza rolled on the floor laughing.

``That poor cat.'' Felix laughed wiping his tears away. Man, you got good stories.''

``Was he bleeding?'' Eliza managed to say while holding back laughter.

``Yeeeeup.'' Eliza and Felix laughed some more before calming down, Nathan was so happy to see them laughing. Nathan's jestful tone and body language changed to his loving and nurturing self, he reached out to Felix and took a tear away. ``I'm glad you're feeling better, Felix.'' Felix smiled back, looking down and away for a moment as he regained his stoic self.

``Please don't do that, that's weird. But, thank you. Thanks for being here.''

``I'll remember next time to not take a tear from your eye.'' Nathan said as he stood up. ``Want me to leave you two alone?''

``You don't -have- to go, but I do want to be alone.''

``Alright, I'll leave you to be with each other. Call me if you need anything.'' Nathan squinted his eyes endearingly and sweetly before leaving. Felix sat on the bed with a still giggling Eliza, she climbed up the bed next to him.

``I'm sorry about how I keep falling apart.''

``It's ok.''

``And I have to say, you were fucking cool back there.'' Felix smiled at Eliza proudly. ``It felt nice having you back me up, AND hear you call her a bitch.'' Eliza giggled more before becoming slightly serious.

``I didn't like she was picking on you.''

``I know, me either. But you were really cool Eliza. Thanks.'' Felix hugged Eliza tightly, who hugged him back as well.

``You saved me so much, I had to.'' Eliza replied. ``You feel better?''

``I do, yeah. After crying like a fucking baby, I just feel numb, but I feel good too? Anyway, I'm starving.'' Felix let go of Eliza and stood up, Eliza grabbed Mary and did the same, together they walked down the hallway to get to the kitchen. ``Dad? We're hungry.'' Felix called out, they turned the corner to see Nathan looking at a small calender on the fridge.

``You should eat the food that's left in your lunchbox.'' Nathan replied, his tone was flat but he looked at them with a smile.

``Alright.'' Felix and Eliza got their bags open, pulled their lunchboxes out and began to eat what was left at the table. Nathan walked back to check on the twins and Danny. Opening their door, Nathan could see the three playing with dolls together; the twins were quiet, but to Nathan he was glad they were doing anything.

``Hey you three, how are you doing?'' Nathan said forcing a bit of a smile.

``Hello Mr Skye.'' Danny said as he put the doll in his hands down, ``I'm good. They're feeling better.'' Danny coughed and then smiled back.

``I'm so glad. I'll leave you three to yourselves.'' Nathan waved goodbye and closed the door, his heart weighed heavily. It was 4 weeks away from the day of his friend's suicide murder. How bad the day went for Felix and Eliza also weighed on him; wishing and yearning that he could have done more, prepared them more, made the measures at school by letting the teacher on playground duty about his new kids. He could have done more to prevent a situation like that from happening. Nathan walked past the kitchen to lie down in the bedroom, reflecting on the day as he stirred thoughts in his mind about the what ifs. When Rita came home, she greeted the kids one by one and then came to the bedroom to see Nathan in his own thoughts.

``What's wrong Nathan? What happened today?'' She asked as she put her bag down. Nathan explained what happened at school, all that he knew at least, as Rita laid on the bed next to him as she listened. Felix crept to just outside the bedroom so he could eavesdrop on what Nathan had to say, Felix could feel that something was wrong when Nathan passed them before; the lack of interaction that Nathan normally gives and the lack of a reply to a question that Felix asked as he passed gave Felix that vibe. Felix heard Nathan get emotional at what happened and blaming himself for not doing more, not blaming Felix nor Eliza for how things went down.

``I just wanted them to have the perfect first day at school, and I failed them. I could have, should have done more and I just didn't.'' Nathan's voice got wavery, to Felix it sounded like he was crying. Then Nathan explained having to take them all home, which worked out, but on the way home he just blamed himself. Counting his blessings that the principal was understanding to not escalate the situation. Then explained how Felix was just a broken mess because of what happened, despite all the measures he had made it still didn't help Felix out. ``Seeing and hearing Felix cry and furious at the day for what happened, it just made me mad at myself even more. I didn't do enough, I caused this.''

``Oh, stop it Nathan.'' Rita said, her tone was tired and agitated but compassionate. ``You did what you could, stop blaming yourself.'' Rita came in close and hugged Nathan, who was holding back a whine. ``You can't do everything to prepare or protect them, mistakes happen. Did you actually know the sports teacher would have been there?''

``I had a hunch, but it could have been Miranda instead.''

``Even if you did, who knows how the day could have gone? Kids are kids and there are some cruel ones; like the ones who bully the twins. They could have rocked up and caused a fight. You don't know and can't know everything that can and will happen. Felix and Eliza were stressed beyond all measures being at school for their first day, particularly Felix, and his emotions do get the better of him.''

``I don't blame him at all.'' Nathan sighed. ``Besides, as I was signing the kids out, Susan was at the office too and she gave me her side of the story. From her account, Felix was rather controlled considering how she was talking to him.''

``He didn't swear at her?''

``No, it was Eliza who swore.'' Rita laughed abruptly at Nathan's response.

``Oh, my darling, Eliza is getting her confidence. That is awesome. Still not good that she swore at a teacher, but I'm still surprised.''

``Both of them did well, despite what happened.''

``Then be proud of them. Don't be beating yourself up about what happened, because shit happens. Be proud that they both are getting better, and praise them for that.'' Felix looked down as he continued to listen, feeling simultaneously thick weight pile and then taken away as he stood there; he didn't quite know what to think.

``I'll do just that; they need more encouragement; the right encouragement.''

``Good.'' Rita kissed Nathan and nuzzled his face.

``Felix and Eliza have come a long way in the months' time they've been with us. Discipline and manners is going to be a hard thing for them to accustom to since their previous families offered nothing but trauma.''

``I'm sure we can get them there; it will help them in the long run by not having them get in trouble with coppers (aussie slang for cops). Now stop beating yourself up, Nath. It's not your fault and it isn't Felix or Eliza's. It was just a shitty day, just like you said to them.''

``Thanks, Rit'.'' Nathan hugged Rita close as he breathed deeply to calm down, Felix left as he heard enough from his eavesdropping. Felix went and laid down once more in his room, reflecting on everything he heard; it hurt hearing that Nathan was blaming himself so much. Felix didn't really know how much effort Nathan made, but he got the message that it was a lot. Maybe he could have done more, he didn't know. But like he and Rita said, what happened at the playground wasn't in anyone's control. Knowing that Nathan and Rita feel proud about he and Eliza felt good, even if it still feels like they fucked up. It's why the thoughts were so confusing; was he supposed to feel good or bad? A nagging, urging, mind numbing feeling came over Felix as he laid in bed, and after a while he realized what it was; he hasn't smoked today. Felix grabbed his lighter and a cigarette, headed outside and sat on the wall to smoke. Eliza walked outside and put on the punching gloves looking over at Felix, Felix looked at her with a slight puzzled look.

``What are you doing?''

``I'm going to punch the bag, clearly.'' Eliza then punched the bag, having some difficulty with the bag moving about. Felix sighed to himself as he blinked,

``Yeah that's... fucking obvious. Sorry. I can't think right now.''

``Dad says that's not true. Says it's more like, like, you think too much.'' Eliza continued to punch the bag; Felix closed his eyes as he groaned to himself.

``I guess.'' He huffed his cigarette deeply and exhaled it, feeling his worries leaving along with it. He started coughing as he softly kicked his legs as he sat on the wall. Watching Eliza struggle with the bag reminded him about the roos that came over last week, saying that someone had to hold the bag; at least that's what Felix barely remembers on the day he got heatstroke. ``Hey Eliza, hold on I'll finish my cig and I'll come down to join you. I think the neighbours said it helps if someone holds the bag.''

``Don't take too long!'' Eliza called back. Felix felt impatient as he had a small amount left to smoke, so he smothered it on the stone wall so he could rush over to Eliza. Felix held the bag to stop it moving and Eliza grinned excitedly at him. ``Thanks.'' Eliza began punching the bag and Felix could feel the pressure from the impacts; he never felt how strong she was before. Eliza stopped and exhaled looking unsatisfied.

``What's wrong?''

``I feel like I'm missing something.'' Eliza looked down as she tried to think.

``What do you mean?''

``Like. I think Dad, or the roos, said we had this for something.''

``Oh! I think Dad said we use this for getting our anger out. So, I guess if you think about that stupid teacher and punch the bag how bullshit today was.''

``Oh yeah!'' Eliza began punching the bag, her face angry and red; this time her punches were way heavier. ``Stupid- teacher- being- mean!'' Eliza growled, soon after she was left panting and exhausted as she sat down on the concrete.

``Feel better?''

``Yyyyeaaahhh. Tired though.''

``I hope you're not too tired to allow me a go.''

``Ok, but can you help me get these gloves off?'' Felix nodded back and crouched down to Eliza, taking the gloves off her hands. As he put them on, he could feel how moist it was inside, he made a face of creeped out disgust before turning his attention to the bag. Eliza moved behind the bag and held it; the first punch of the bag knocked Eliza a step back.

``Shit, are you alright?''

``Yeah. Wowwweee. You punch hard.'' Said Eliza in amazement.

``Sorry. I was thinking of something making me mad.''

``Do it again!'' Eliza giggled, she grabbed the bag still and stood a strong pose; just like the roos showed her. Felix punched the bag once again, this time Eliza stood firmly, so Felix felt comfortable enough to really think about things. He first thought about how much he hated his Dad, -thump-. Then he thought about the shitty foster homes he's been in, particularly the one that treated him like shit, -thump-. Then he thought of Noah, -thump- -thump-, and his stupid face, -thump- -thump- -thump-. Then the CPS that failed him, -thump-, then how hard it is to function normally, -thump thump- THUMP-. Felix ignored the tears he had as he punched the bag mercilessly, Eliza watched in concern as Felix went. Felix continued to punch as he began to think about the other kids at the Noah home, then he thought about Eliza, his punches got weaker and he cried more. He slowed down as he felt his hands and wrists get sore, before stopping to step back to breathe. ``Are you ok?'' Eliza asked. Felix panted with tears dripping down his face; his arms felt weak and twitchy, yet he felt a sense of ease come over him. He took the gloves off and walked over to Eliza, hugging her close as his slowly stopped.

``I'm fine, I'm fine.'' Sniffed Felix, he cleared his throat and regained his composure. ``I had a lot on my mind.'' Felix let go of Eliza, he exhaled catching his breath back before smiling a little. ``I need to sleep.''

``Me too.''

``Let's fucking get there then.'' Felix said as he walked past Eliza heading straight for his bedroom, Eliza followed behind with a hopeful smile. Watching from the kitchen was Nathan, he waved at Felix and Eliza as they went past; he had been watching them since Eliza got Felix to hold the bag still. They waved back at Nathan before disappearing into the hallway to Felix's room to nap. The day ended, Danny went home and Nathan prepared for teaching the kids at home tomorrow. Nathan sat down at his laptop and messaged Linda, who gave him her findings of Eliza and Felix, while sending several textbooks of files to him. Rita came into the bedroom after showering and laid down next to Nathan as he laid with the laptop on his lap.

``Linda sent me her review of Eliza and Felix. Care to listen?''

``Sure love, I'm curious where they are at.''

``Eliza and Felix have the very, very basic knowledge of math; addition and subtraction. They can also spell basic words too.''

``They sure have a vocabulary though.'' Rita chuckled.

``Their reading is slow but can manage to read at least. Felix is a bit better than Eliza in everything, perhaps due to his age or maybe due to ingesting some education at some point. Well, everything except reading. I'm guessing Felix being in so many homes did that for him.''

``Wait- surely Felix has been to school before though?''

``What do you mean?''

``He's been in, what, 3 homes and has never had an education?''

``I'm not sure what happened, Rita, we can only speculate. If I were to have a guess... I think one other reason the child protection service got him out, aside from the abuse and neglect, was that he wasn't attending school. One of the homes treated him like trash, around the time he should have been going to school.''

``That sounds probable, it's just. Oh, it makes me so mad.'' Rita growled to herself, Nathan wrapped an arm around Rita trying to calm her. ``Anything else?'' Asked Rita.

``Well, Linda said that their writing was mostly the same; awful and messy. But she thinks it's because of what happened at lunch because when they weren't shaking, they weren't putting any effort in. So, we don't really know. Tomorrow I will try to get them to write and I'll evaluate them; I think the home environment will help their nerves especially, hopefully that will get an accurate result.''

``You know what we need? Their own desks at home. We got the side room with the office stuff that has space for you to teach from and they sit at the front living room in their desks.''

``That's an idea for sure. Especially if public school really doesn't work out, which may happen. I just want them to branch out and perhaps make some friends other than each other, the twins and Danny.''

``Speaking of Danny, he's been acting stranger since Eliza and Felix came over, and I don't think he's been spooked.''

``I know what you mean, I noticed it on the first day he met Felix and Eliza. I think he has a crush on Felix.''

``Really?'' Rita exclaimed in surprise. ``And here I thought he had a crush of Eliza, with them wearing each other's clothes last week.''

``I said I think, and I say that because Danny gets shy whenever they show up and he stares at Felix a lot. I might be wrong, anyway.''

``Yeah maybe, who knows? Anyway, I need to get to sleep now, sleep well hun.'' Rita kissed Nathan on the cheek before lying flatter, turning over to sleep. Nathan took the laptop and left the room to go to the office, printing out paper after paper for tomorrow's lesson. Nathan checked them all and grabbed a folder, sliding them in the sleeves in order. All the while trying to remain hopeful that tomorrow will go fine; the occasional days that Eliza and Felix would be nearby or semi join the twins in their home lessons gives him confidence, but he worries that it will be different now that they will have to sit there. When Nathan finally got to sleep, after returning back to bed, he thought over and over what he had to do so tomorrow was smooth for the kids. When morning came it was business as usual, Nathan woke up the twins, got them dressed and made their breakfast before going to wake up Felix and Eliza. Rita kissed everyone, but Felix, goodbye as she headed off to work; the twins chatted about their dreams at the table as they idled.

``I'm glad we're not going to school today.'' Felix said with a yawn.

``You will still be learning today though, Felix.'' Nathan said as he sat down at the table with a hot coffee.

``Yeah, but I won't be AT school. I reckon learning at home is better anyway.''

``But Felix, the playground was nice.'' Eliza added.

``Yeah, for you guys. What am I going to do next time anyway?'' Felix put a spoonful of cereal and milk in his mouth.

``You are allowed to join them, Felix. But I do see where you are coming from, I'm not sure exactly what to suggest but you and Eliza could go running around the oval.''

``The what?''

``The oval. It's a large grassy space that kids then to play sports at. There's a spot where kids tend to play soccer and another area where kids play footie. But the oval has some grassy tracks that was made for the sports carnival, where kids race each other around the oval or to spread a fair distance to see who's the fastest.''

``Why is it called the oval? Why not the sports, playground, thingy?''

``Because the oval is literally an oval, like this.'' Nathan demonstrated the shape by rubbing his finger across the table. ``That's an oval, and it's large enough to hold every kid and teacher in school.''

``Oh, I see.''

``So, we can play sport out there?'' Eliza said excitedly.

``Yes indeed. The sandpit is pretty close to it as well, maybe the twins can go there.''

``No.'' Tobias and Elijah said in unison.

``It wouldn't hurt to try.'' Nathan said smiling.

``No.'' Elijah shook his head.

``We play outside classroom and playground. We don't want to try another.''

``Alright then. You four don't have to be close at all times so it's alright.''

``Can't we run back to them when we're done?'' Eliza asked as she shoved some milk and cereal into her mouth.

``Or walk, whatever.'' Felix added.

``First, don't talk with food in your mouth, Eliza. Secondly, yes you absolutely can if you want to meet back with them.''

``Sorwy.''

``It's fine, Eliza. Just remember for next time. Anyway, we'll start by watching educational tv until 9, then I'll be needing you all to focus.''

``Alright. Mind if I go to the tv now?'' Felix asked, hoping to catch sesame street; something he still doesn't want to admit.

``Finish your breakfast first.''

``Alright.'' Felix ate his cereal and drunk the milk as fast as he could, before scooting his chair away from the table to go to the front living room to watch tv. Eliza and the twins soon followed, Nathan stood up and came over to sit nearby as he drunk his coffee. When the show was over, Nathan went to the tv cabinet and grabbed 2 dvd boxes. For the next couple of hours Nathan got the four kids to watch an educational video about writing and reading. Felix and Eliza used the armrests of the couch to write on their books while the twins laid on their stomachs on the floor. Then Nathan swapped disks and played an educational series about science for kids, `Backyard science' was the name. The entertainment was much appreciated by all, actually getting Felix to express, in delight, his surprise. They learned how to wash things and why washing detergent is necessary, then they learned about how water can stay in the bucket as its constantly being swung around. When the show was over, Felix and Eliza looked at Nathan with eagerness.

``Can we watch another?'' Eliza asked looking enthralled.

``After another lesson. Don't worry, there's plenty of Backyard Science to watch later on.'' Nathan got up and sat on the floor in front of the TV facing everyone. Beside the TV cabinet was a box full of lego and blocks; Nathan only ever used them for teaching math. He got Felix and Eliza thinking about math problems, about subtractions and additions. The twins, despite knowing some math, struggled to complete the problems without issue. While Eliza and Felix sat next to each other as Nathan came over with physical objects to help them solve the problems. One problem Felix solved almost instantly as the repetitive use of objects helped him; Eliza was a tad upset at him because she couldn't figure it out. Nathan's decision to give them different problems and encouraged them to not help the other. When it was lunchtime, both Felix and Eliza got a good grasp on subtractions and additions thanks to Nathan's help; he congratulated them with a cheerful smile in all sincerity. ``Alright, it's lunch time. I'll go make you lot some sandwiches, what does everyone want?'' The response Nathan got was all four replying with different requests. ``Ok, ok. One at a time. Felix, what do you want?''

``Vegemite sandwich. They're bloody good when you make them.''

``Alright sounds good. Now, Eliza what do you want?''

``Jam sandwich please.''

``Excellent choice. Now, Elijah and Tobias, what do you want?''

``We already said?'' Elijah looked up at Nathan.

``He couldn't hear us; we all spoke at once.'' Tobias reminded him.

``Oh! Well, we want a ham sandwich.''

``Ahhh the usual I see. I forget why I even ask.'' Nathan chuckled; Elijah giggled back. Nathan stood up and played the show once again as the four sat in the living room, this time the twins sat on the couch with Eliza and Felix. After eating, Nathan took all four for a walk; after getting them all prepared first. Once they got home it was back to learning, and the rest of the day was good. It was awkward teaching them all in the living room, however Nathan did promise that next time there will be desks that Rita ordered for them to come on Thursday. The lessons were over for the day and the twins ran off to their room while Eliza went into the back living room, Felix stayed behind momentarily.

``Today was much better than yesterday.'' Felix said to Nathan.

``I'm glad you think so.'' Nathan smile in adoration; it was good to see Felix actually happy. ``You still got to go to school tomorrow. It's going to be better than the first day, I promise.''

``Alright.'' Felix shrugged. ``Why can't I just get home schooled?''

``Because you won't make friends staying at home. Just bear with school for now, the future may surprise you.'' With that said Felix left with a slight nod. The rest of the day came to a close, everyone was fed, washed and in bed, Nathan felt relieved and joyful about how the day went.  Rita listened to Nathan about how the day went and smiled, not just because it was a good day, but because Nathan was in a better mood. Nathan was so intense in his emotions, sometimes just unable to let go of things that is wrong. The next day came and everything went just like on Monday when it came to getting to class. When class started, Felix and Eliza struggled to learn as the noises from the other kids, some far louder than the others, kept them from focusing. Nathan walked on over and crouched before their desks and assisted them. His presence helped substantially, aiding them to think about the problems at hand. The more Felix and Eliza had Nathan to help them learn, the more they loved him. Lunchtime came and when it was time to play, Eliza and Felix went to the oval following the long undercover walkways that lead to it.

``This place is big.'' Eliza said as she fitted her hat on.

``Yeah wow, no kidding.'' Felix saw so many kids rushing off to play and could hear the sheer noise they made. They continued to walk down and saw seats under trees, behind it was an open field with kids running around. To the right had kids playing soccer, something both Eliza and Felix wanted to join but didn't have the courage to. Felix left his bag by one of the seats under the trees, Eliza kept her bag on due to the anxiety of losing Mary. ``Want to run around?'' Felix asked as he made sure his hat was comfortably on.

``Sure! Me and Mary can outrun you.''

``I'd like to see you two try, come on then!'' Felix and Eliza began sprinting. Felix's long legs gave him an advantage, but Eliza was surprisingly fast for her size. Eliza managed to keep up with Felix the entire time as they ran, despite how fun it was both of them felt out of place. They ran back to where Felix's bag was and sat down panting, Eliza smiled as she took her bag off to grab Mary for comfort. ``I'm so surprised you kept up with me.'' Felix panted as he smiled at her.

``See! I told you Mary and I can outrun you.''

``But you didn't outrun me, you kept up with me.''

``But that means I still be faster because my bag slowed me down.''

``Fuck, you're right.'' Felix facepalmed at the realization. ``Ok, yeah. You're faster.''

``Told you!'' Eliza laughed. Eliza cuddled Mary close, closing her eyes as she began dissociation of her surroundings; the cheering, chatter and yelling of other kids simply no longer registered to Eliza. Felix noticed Eliza suddenly go quiet, but he wasn't worried. `She just needs to be with Mary right now' Felix thought. Felix remained seated to keep Eliza company as he watched other kids play soccer. Felix then noticed that 2 kids were looking back as they took a breather from running around, a kookaburra and an emu. After realizing they were looking back, Felix turned his gaze away in a panic. Soon he felt Eliza hold his hand grinning at him. ``Wanna go again?''

``Hell, yeah I do.'' Felix smiled back, Eliza put Mary back in the front of her bag, put it on and stood up with Felix. They sprinted across the oval and back to their seat once more, almost collapsing and sliding as they got back. Eliza coughed and laughed as she panted, Felix wiped the sweat off his brow as he panted.

``I want to play soccer.'' Eliza complained as she caught her breath back.

``I do-''

``But I'm afraid to. I don't know anyone else; I'm scared.'' Eliza interrupted Felix.

``Yeah... I know exactly what you mean.'' Felix sighed; he took his hat off to wipe the sweat off his forehead before putting it back on. Then he saw the kookaburra and emu walking over to them. Felix tensed up, bracing, holding his breath. He clenched his fists and his eyes locked on the two boys; he was unsure what was about to happen.

``Hey there, are you two new?'' The emu asked, his long legs with long socks stood out to both Felix and Eliza.

``Yeah.'' Felix said, he could feel himself say `what of it?' but he held himself back, bracing harder.

``Oh cool, nice to meet you. I'm Adrian,''

``And I'm Jasper.'' The kookaburra added. ``What's your names?''

``I'm Felix,''

``And I'm Eliza.''

``Is this your first day? What class are you in?'' Felix's stare looked fierce and aggressive, unnerving the two birds. `What is it to you?' Felix thought angrily.

``No, this is our second day.'' Eliza replied, kicking her feet. ``We're in Mrs Baker's class.'' Eliza added. The two boys looked at each other in a puzzled look.

``I don't know that teacher, is she grade 5?'' The emu asked his friend.

``Nah, nah. Grade 5 is Mr Brandon, Mrs Gilmore and Ms Bowden.'' The kookaburra scratched his head, the feathers moving as he scratched them.

``We're in the special class.'' Eliza said, the two boys now a bit surprised.

``Really? You two don't look special.''

``We've never been to school before.'' Felix said flatly, ``This is our second day of school ever.''

``Ahhh.'' The two birds replied.

``That makes sense.''

``Do you two wanna play soccer? We need more on our side.'' The emu asked. Felix loosened up as both he and Eliza strongly considered the offer. They looked at each other and after a short moment they nodded at each other.

``Hell, yeah we do.'' Felix and Eliza stood up and followed the boys into the soccer field. For the rest of lunch was a brilliant blur for both Felix and Eliza, as they ran around, kicking and passing the ball around; neither were good at it, but it didn't matter. When the bell rang, all the kids stopped playing and left the oval to go back to class. As Felix and Eliza walked back the two boys walked with them, striking up a chat with the new kids.

``So how old are you two? We're both 9.'' Jasper asked.

``I'm 11, and Eliza is 7.''

``Are you brother and sister or good friends?''

``Technically brother and sister. We're adopted.''

``That was obvious, no offense.'' Jasper said with a laugh.

``Our foster dad is Mr Skye.''

``Mr Skye!'' Adrian called out. ``Your dad is Mr Skye? Is he as nice at home as he is at school? My big brother was in his class for 2 years, said he was really nice and that Mr Skye was the best teacher ever.''

``Isn't he the one with the wacko twins? The ones that hug and kiss each other all the time?''

``Yeah! That's him.'' Adrian and Jasper chatted, they looked at Felix and Eliza expecting an answer.

``Yeah, he's really nice.'' Felix replied.

``He's the best!'' Eliza exclaimed, ``He makes the best sandwiches and gives the best hugs ever.''

``Wow, Dean was right. Anyway, we hope to see you next lunch.'' Adrian and Jasper waved goodbye as they turned to go to their class, Eliza waved back with Felix just staring as they left.

``They seem nice. Playing soccer was the best!'' Eliza said happily.

``They seem alright, yeah. We'll see.''

``You don't like them?'' Eliza frowned at Felix. Felix sighed and looked down slightly.

``I don't know them; I don't trust them. But they seem alright. In time we'll see.'' Felix said darkly; he didn't want to get his hopes up. When class resumed it got cut off halfway as they took a trip to the library, which involved doing something they've never done before. Standing in line. Nathan quickly explained what they had to do, why they had to do it while also balancing all the other kids around him. Felix and Eliza looked at each other confused, but accepted it as they didn't care enough to complain. The twins held hands with each other in front of Eliza and Felix as they walked to the library. Once in the library, Ms Baker greeted the school librarian before turning around to face the class.

``Alright, you all have 10 minutes to go looking for any books you want to take out. No more than three and as always, don't rip any pages.'' The class line dispersed as they all went to different parts of the library. Felix and Eliza stared at each other as they wandered around together. In the end they did take a book each out, because they liked the book covers.

``A book each? That's excellent. Would you two want help reading those sometime?''

``Yes please.''

``Yeah, maybe. Depends on how much words I don't know.'' Eliza and Felix replied.

``Wonderful.''

``Alright class, get in line now.'' Ms Baker called out, the rest of the class stood in line and then they were off back to class. When lunch came, Felix, Eliza, Danny and the twins ate together.

``Where were you two last lunch?'' Danny asked with a shy smile.

``We were on the oval.''

``Yeah! It was fun running around, you guys should join us playing soccer.'' Eliza said excitedly, Danny frowned and looked down with Tobias snapping his attention to Eliza expressionlessly.

``Danny can't do that, because of his sickness.'' Tobias said flatly, Elijah moved closer to Danny and hugged up.

``It's no fair, Danny.'' Elijah said sadly.

``I know. I know...'' Danny replied, he coughed and began to eat once more.

``Sorwy, I didn't know. I mean, I forgot.'' Eliza frowned back, Danny looked up and smiled back, not wanting to bum everyone out.

``It's ok. I'm used to it. I think I could play with you two, but I'd have to be the goalie. But not for long, because I'll cough so much that it hurts.''

``We play in the sandpit so we can be with Danny so he's comfortable.'' Tobias elaborated.

``That makes sense, yeah. At least you three got each other.'' Felix said casually. They all finished eating by the time the bell rang for playtime, Eliza and Felix headed off to the oval again in hopes to play more soccer. As they were walking to the oval, Adrian and Jasper ran up to them in order to catch up, catching Felix off guard. ``Fuck!'' Felix exclaimed in shock.

``Aw, sorry man. We did call out, sorry for spooking ya.'' Jasper replied, he had a grin but his tone sounded sincere enough.

``That was a loud fuck, too.'' Adrian added.

``Felix is jumpy.'' Eliza replied to them, Felix half glaring at the two boys.

``I mean, he's a roo. But I get you. We're sorry, Felix.''

``Come on now, let's get to the field!'' The two boys ran off ahead, Felix sighed and looked at Eliza; his face hadn't changed and Eliza felt like she was being scolded.

``What?'' Eliza said with a frown, Felix blinked and relaxed his face.

``Sorry, I didn't mean to give you an angry look. I'm really tense right now.''

``Oh, ok!'' Eliza smiled, ``I'll race you there!'' Eliza ran off which got Felix to quickly join her; Felix could feel his heart pounding and receding to a normal sensation. Felix put his bag at a pile of bags near the tree while Eliza kept hers as they joined the field. By the end of lunch, when the bell rang for kids to go back to their class, Felix, Eliza and the two bird boys walked back together.

``Sorry about the pass back there, Eliza. Good thing you had your bag on.'' Jasper remarked, Eliza grinned and nodded back.

``Why do you play with your bag on? Also, why do you have a teddy bear?'' Adrian asked innocently enough, although his tone was a little judgemental.

``Because I need her.'' Eliza replied, feeling uncomfortable.

``By why?''

``Because she needs it.'' Felix firmly said with an annoyed expression, he stood straight tall that easily cast a shadow over the two birds. Eliza stopped a few steps back as she turned around to see Felix staring down at the two boys, she felt worry overcome her. Both Adrian and Jasper were really caught off guard, Adrian nearly ran away until Felix relaxed himself; Felix didn't realize his fists were clenched too and began to feel awful. ``Eliza needs her teddy bear to stay calm, alright. I'm sorry for spooking you two.'' Felix apologized.

``Oh, I see.''

``Yeah, yeah. We get it now. Also, that's karma for us scaring you back there.'' Jasper laughed nervously, his kookaburra's laugh was far more distinct than any other laugh Eliza and Felix has heard.

``Wow. You have a great laugh.''

``Yeah... I got to agree.'' Eliza and Felix remarked, Jasper coughed and then chuckled nervously.

``I'm glad you do, and I'm just glad you aren't going to bash me.''

``Yeah- I... I wouldn't have. Sorry, Jasper.'' Felix apologized once more.

``Ah it's no problem, anyway we need to get to class. See you tomorrow!'' Jasper and Adrian ran off.

``We won't be here tomorrow.''

``Then see you next time!'' Eliza and Felix walked together back to their class as Felix continuously felt worse about himself.

``Why am I such a fucking asshole?'' Felix lamented.

``You're not a fucking asshole. You're good. We're just fucked up.'' Eliza replied, nothing felt so true and accurate, let alone such a perfect statement coming from Eliza.

``I wish I was better though.'' Felix wrapped an arm around her, who in turn did the same behind him, hugging each other as they walked to class. A teacher who overheard the conversation walked around the corner and stopped silent behind them; it was the dalmation sports teacher that they encountered on Monday. She frowned in growing worry and sympathy for the two kids, and not just because of what happened that day. The meeting that day had the principal explain the conflict situation, expressing that Eliza and Felix, who are Mr Skye's children, are troubled children. Been in many homes, have never been to school before, and lived in great difficulty. Ms Susan Ranald watched them sadly as they walked down to their class, before turning around to go to prepare a sports lesson. The rest of the class was over before Eliza and Felix knew it. As kids left to go home, Eliza and Felix stayed behind in class staring at Nathan as he cleaned up tables, wiping the board clean and putting stuff away. The twins sat down nearby some toys; Danny already been taken home by his mum so they were left alone together. Nathan felt Felix and Eliza's stare, turned around to face them and smiled apologetically.

``I'm sorry, I got a bunch of chores to do before we have to leave. Felix, Eliza? Can you two stay with the twins?''

``But it's time to go!'' Elijah called out. Nathan walked across the room, weaving through desks to get to the twins.

``I know, I know. I'm really sorry. But I need to do some stuff now before we leave.''

``But we go now.'' Elijah's distressed voice picked up. ``We go when it's time to go.''

``Daddy knows, Elijah.'' Nathan kneeled down before Elijah. For the next 5 minutes Elijah cried while Tobias looked noticeably devastated on his face. Nathan tried his best to soothe Elijah and Tobias, reminding them that he loves them, that he promises he'll be back, that their big brother and sister will be with them and will get home as soon as he finishes his work. Felix and Eliza walked over and sat down with them, waiting for Nathan to be able to leave to do whatever he needs to do.

``It's not right! This is not right! We go when the bell `ringies'!'' Elijah whined and cried into Nathan, Nathan rubbed his back and the back of Elijah's head to comfort him.

``It's alright, Elijah. It will be alright. But daddy really needs to do this, so we can leave quick. You want to leave as soon as possible?''

``Yes...'' Elijah mumbled into him.

``Then calm down, take a deep breath and be patient. Sometimes we have to do something we don't like, but it's alright. I promise.''

``Ok...''

``Alright?''

``Ok...''

``Alright, I'll be as fast as I can.'' Nathan let go of the twins, stood up with a crack and left the classroom in a swift motion. Elijah was held from behind by Tobias as they sat stunned, frozen by not leaving when `it was time to leave'. Felix's observation of the scene was of sympathy, slight amusement at one point, but he gained greater understanding of the twins. `They really like things the same, huh?' He thought. `Like... they really freak out when something out of the norm happens. But like... they made it worse by making a fuss, so Nathan took longer anyway.' Felix put his bag on the floor and laid down, Eliza saw and copied the action. They stared at the ceiling next to each other, silently, feeling almost tranquil. Until the twins laid on each of them; Elijah lying over Eliza while Tobias laid over Felix.

``Ah! Ffff- what the hell you two?'' Felix exclaimed. Tobias rested his head on Felix's chest while Elijah hugged Eliza.

``I'm sorry if I'm heavy...'' Elijah whined to Eliza.

``You're not. You have to be fat to be too heavy.'' Eliza giggled, she hugged Elijah back. Felix put his right hand around and on Tobias's back; he was thankful he had the quiet and soft one on him if this had to happen. Ms Baker entered the room stood amazed as she saw them.

``Oh, I thought you guys would be home right now.''

``We have to wait, Elijah got really upset.'' Eliza explained.

``And they just decided to lie on top of us.'' Felix remarked, his tone was sarcastic and defeated, getting Elijah and Eliza to giggle.

``Oh, that's no good, about the twins. Change is very scary, isn't it?'' Ms Baker said softly. ``I'm sure he won't be long. You lot alright to stay here, or do you want to be in the quiet room? It's got bean bags to relax on.''

``I'm afraid we're trapped.'' Felix replied.

``Alright then, take care you four. It was good to see you today.'' Ms Baker waved goodbye as she left the building closing the door. Felix then began to consciously be aware of himself and Tobias. The hand around and over his back, how he could move it up or go down to rest it on his buttocks. Felix stared off in the horizon as his mind fixated on what he could do right now. Flooding thoughts of him squeezing Tobias's buttcheeks, putting his fingers between them, putting them under Tobias's tail. He didn't want to think of this, he never wanted to do anything like this, ever again. Then he was suddenly pulled back into reality as Nathan stood over them.

``Felix? It's time to go. You can let go of Tobias now.'' Nathan smiled, Felix's eyes opened wide out of shock and flipped his arm off of Tobias, smacking it against a box.

``Ah fuck!'' Felix exclaimed, Nathan bent down and picked Tobias up and off of Felix.

``Oh! That look like it really hurt.'' Nathan said in concern as he put Tobias on his feet. Felix rolled over, sat up on his kness and shook his hand.

``That actually did, yeah. Ow.''

``Daddy can kiss it to make it better.'' Tobias said, his expressionless face more prominent than ever.

``No, thanks. It's fine. Also, that's weird.'' Felix said as he got up putting his bag on, Tobias and Elijah looked at each other confused.

``No, it's not.''

``Don't worry about it, you lot. Let's get you all home.''

``Yay!'' Elijah cheered. Nathan locked up the classroom and took the kids to the car, driving them back home. Later that evening when everyone was fed, washed and in bed, Nathan turned to Rita with a relieved smile. He previously explained that Eliza and Felix had a better day and played soccer at the oval.

``The day went much better, I'm so glad.'' Nathan exhaled with a smile.

``So, what did you have to do at the end of the day?'' Rita asked with a kiss.

``Ah, yes. I was given an interesting proposition; I haven't made my decision yet. I got some time to think of it. Basically, Mr Andrews needs a new school guidance counsellor, Ms Tracy had to leave at the end of last year for a transfer. So, he asked me if I would be interested, since I'm great with kids and kids like me, Mr Andrews reckons the way I speak and listen is also good counsellor material too.''

``Oh, you definitely do! I have thought several times about why you haven't become a psychologist.''

``Thanks, dear.'' Nathan smiled in adoration.

``I reckon you would do a lot of good too.''

``The problem is, I gotta stay and help all the kids back at class. So many of them depend on me to help them. I don't know if I can do two jobs.''

``I know, Nathan. I can see why you are still thinking about it.''

``Perhaps they can install the room in the spare room next to the entrance of the classroom, so I can be right there when I am needed. But I don't know, especially when Ms Baker was thinking of turning it into a dedicated toy room rather than have it along the side of the classroom. So, I got to talk to her about that, and Mr Andrews of course. If it can't work out like that, then I'm probably going to have to say no. Maybe I can be a backup counsellor, but that will be it. Ms Baker and the class needs my help, their wellbeing is my priority; and not just because the twins, Eliza and Felix are in there. Brian needs help a lot of time, Lisa really struggles to think clearly and Claire acts up a lot and she settles down quicker when I tend to her.''

``I understand, Nathan. Just think about it carefully, I'm sure you'll make the right decision for yourself. Now enough worrying, relax and rest.'' Rita rubbed Nathan's back and hugged him before nuzzling.

``Thank you, Rita. What would I do without you?''

``Don't think about that, haw!'' Rita laughed abruptly; her ears folded back as she affectionately nuzzled Nathan more. As the night ended and everyone was asleep, Nathan stirred in his sleep about the role the principal proposed to him. It ended in a nightmare as the twins ran away and no one could find them; the grief and anger Nathan felt was so real as he should have been there. Waking up, Nathan got out of bed to check on the twins, just needing to see them was all he needed. He opened the door slightly and as quietly as he could, seeing the twins sleeping with Tobias being hugged from behind. Nathan sighed and felt his nerves relax, he smiled in joy as he could hear their breathing in the dark. Then he heard a voice, it was Tobias's.

``Dad?'' He sleepily asked feeling dazed.

``Hi Tobias.'' Nathan whispered, ``I'm sorry I woke you. I just wanted to check in on you two.''

``Kiss us.'' Yawned Tobias.

``Alright, I'll give you two a quick goodnight kiss.'' Nathan softly and carefully walked into their room, bent down on Tobias's side; he could see Tobias's barely open eyes. He kissed Tobias and then Elijah on the forehead, then stroked their heads and ears. ``Sleep well, I love you.''

``Goodnight, love you.'' Tobias yawned once more and closed his eyes. Nathan left the room quietly and carefully, closing the door behind him and went back to bed. As he laid back in bed, he still couldn't let go the feeling of worry. The twins wouldn't just walk off and not be found, but what if they were found by the wrong sort of person? Nathan blinked as hard as he could to shake that thought out. It was just a bad dream, everything is ok.

=====

Felix and Eliza left their house and walked into town to go to the local pub. Neither wanted to drive since they wanted to drink a good amount and had enough common sense to know better than to drive over. It took them 20 minutes but they arrived at the pub and was thirsty for some beers. They got inside and both ordered themselves a drink before going to sit down and relax; there was a hanging TV in front of them playing an old cricket match as entertainment.

``Oh man, I've been looking forward to this.'' Felix said as he licked his lips before taking a sip to savour the flavour.

``I know right? Me too. Maybe we should get our own packs and have em at home.'' Eliza added before drinking a good portion of the beer.

``It's a shame the twins don't like beer, then them three could join us. They'd have to catch a cab over but it would be great.''

``To be fair they'd get torn to shreds by the old farts.'' Eliza had a laugh, ``They're too precious to bring them into a pub.''

``Yeah, I guess. But like, we could find them a drink they'd actually like. It might take an hour and cost me $200 but, I want them to have something they could like.''

``Aw...'' Eliza smiled at Felix, ``You want to spend more time with them?''

``I mean, yeah. Yeah, I do. Life was simpler when we were still living with Nathan and Rita. Despite how I act and sound, I miss how easy it was to hang out. Best we can get is a movie night with crappy movies that they insist on watching; they can't even get a fucking good or classic movie to watch.'' Felix took a drink of his beer.

``I get what you mean. But I like the crappy movies, they're honestly pretty funny, well, some of them are hilarious. The rest are kind of boring. And... I miss being around them a ton too; especially Elijah, his energetic nature was fun to play sport with. These days they just work their shifts and hardly do anything other than be at home.''

``And when Danny is there, they don't want to leave him, because Danny has got that disease of his. Even when Danny specifically says that it's alright to come kick a ball around, they're just glued to him.'' Felix and Eliza took a break from speaking to drink up their beer. ``I'll get us another one, you'll buy the next?''

``Yeah! Thanks, Felix.'' Felix stood up as Eliza leaned back watching the game on the screen. Felix came back with a drink for each of them and sat down once more. ``We should find more things to do to hang out with them.''

``Do you have any ideas? Honestly I'm always drawing a blank since they have a specific routine.''

``Then, why don't we somehow meet them on their break? My breaktime is flexible so long as I work the full hours still.''

``I mean, when it comes to my breaks I tend to hang out with Jake on breaks.''

``Oh yeah I forgot about that, shit.'' Eliza scratched his head as he contemplated his thoughts. ``I'm going to get us some chips so we can think.''

``That's a good idea. See if they got chicken salt, will ya?''

``Will do.'' Eliza stood up and left Felix sitting at the table by himself. Felix really did want to hang out with Elijah and Tobias more; to him they were special in his life due to them being so weird. Never in Felix's wild imagination did he imagine he would have two incestuous twins who are the most genuine people he's known. Neither of them could lie, they spoke blunt and direct that never sounded like they were being assholes. Growing up with them, Felix always admired their innocence and dreamt he was remotely innocent like them. Even as young adults the twins are innocent in their public appearance and never with malicious intentions to do with them. They were like big babies to Felix, in a way; but that might be because Felix had a massive growth spurt while the twins hardly grew.  He loved them, with all their weird flaws to do with how they work and yet Felix couldn't think of anything that could bring them together more. ``I'm back with chippies.'' Eliza announced as he sat down, Felix tiredly smiled at Eliza.

``Fuck yeah.'' Felix blinked as he took another drink.

``Have you had any other thoughts about what we all could do together?'' Eliza asked before taking the first chip to eat; the sound of the chip's crunch told them these were good chips.

``Honestly, no. I spent time thinking about them, strangely enough. I... hate that I couldn't have spent more of my childhood in the family home. But of course, life's shit. Bah, anyway.''

``Maybe we could all sleep together more often. Like, they love sleeping with us.''

``Yeah, but then we don't get to spend time `together' ourselves.'' Eliza laughed and blushed at Felix.

``Oh, you fucking charmer.'' Eliza rested his head on his arms on the table, staring at Felix. ``Thank you, I needed that.''

``No problem.'' Felix smiled back as he scooted closer. ``But I think you're right, we could do that more. Like it doesn't have to be actual sleeping, it could be napping in the afternoon when we're trashed.

``That's an idea. Cause sometimes I don't really feel up for watching TV when I get home, I join you because I want to be with you.''

``Great, let's talk to them about it and see what they think.'' Felix smiled as he took more chips.

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