Hi! Big hugs and massive thanks to all my reviewers, as usual (I can't believe I have over 50 reviews! :oD) Sorry it's been a while - I went on holiday, and didn't really have access to the internet (argh!) This is it folks! Last chapter. From my reviews so far, I'm not sure that'll be a popular decision, but never mind.

Chanelle: I'm 20. It is a weird question, but I don't mind! Just out of curiosity, why do you want to know? Sorry again for the lack of updates recently - like I said, on holiday. With Grandparents. Don't ask.

Work is already underway on another story, kind of a sequel, I think, well, definitely related anyway, written in a different style and involving more of the BSC characters, possibly with more people finding out about Kristy and Abby. Please let me know if this is a good idea, and also r&r this final chapter! Thanks and enjoy! :oD

Chapter 17.

Nannie was true to her word: she didn't say a thing about me and Abby. When we arrived home, she took Watson aside and told him about my panic attacks (Mum wasn't home yet). He looked extremely worried, but she calmed him down. I knew I wasn't supposed to be listening, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to know what she was saying.

"There's nothing wrong with her. Do you think I can't tell?"

"But if she fainted..."

"Watson, listen to me. She's fine. We wouldn't have even been called if it hadn't been twice in one day. Now, she told me what happened, and I'm absolutely positive it's just panic attacks. Which were probably brought on by you and Elizabeth going on and on at her all weekend. Plus, I don't think she slept much last night. We'll all keep an eye on her for a couple of days, but just, well, back off. And help me convince Liz to back off, too. If there are any more problems, then we should intervene. But I don't think there will be." He didn't look totally convinced, but he nodded.

"Okay, if you think that's best." He raised his voice, "Kristy,"

"Yes?" I replied, going into the room.

"How are you feeling?"

"Alright."

"Good. Why don't you go and rest, and then later you could try some of that homework?"

"Sure." I went upstairs to my room, and lay down on my bed, expecting to have trouble sleeping.

I woke up several hours later, far more relaxed and feeling much better. Everybody had arrived home, and I could hear them all downstairs, trying to be quiet, obviously having been told that I was asleep. I grinned and heaved myself up off of the bed. Glancing in the mirror, I quickly straightened my clothes and re-tied my hair. Then I took a deep breath and went downstairs.

Four people jumped up when I entered the kitchen. I laughed.

"Don't look so worried! I feel much better."

"Better enough to eat down here with us?" asked Nannie, turning from the stove and giving me a smile.

"Definitely."

"Good. Because you're just in time." I took my place at the kitchen table and talked to the kids for a while. They seemed to relax a little once I started chatting to them. They must have been worried.

"Oh, by the way," spoke up Charlie, "Abby said to tell you don't worry, the meeting went fine and she'll call you later to see how you are."

"Thanks," I said to him, in a slight state of shock. That had to be the first time ever that I had forgotten about a meeting completely. Also, I hate to admit it, but it was the first time ever that Abby being in charge of the meeting hadn't worried me at all. Just then the phone rang. It was her. We talked for a few minutes, as openly as we could. I told her I was feeling much better emotionally as well as physically, and would without a doubt see her at school the next day. I mentioned that I had had a long talk with Nannie, and told her 'all my secrets'. She wasn't mad or upset; in fact she didn't even seem surprised. She told me simply that she was glad I had someone I could open up to, and that she was relieved if it meant that I wouldn't be fainting randomly anymore. I laughed, and apologised for my extreme lack of cool under pressure. She told me it was fine, she hadn't started going out with me for my cool any more than she had for my chest size. I made the decision not to get into that particular discussion right then.

During that conversation, Abby reminded me that I don't need to be in control. I admitted out loud, for the first time ever, that she was right. She told me it was time to make use of that – use it for my own benefit, by not letting things worry me so much, especially other peoples' opinions. I agreed. Before we hung up, she told me again that she loved me.

As I looked around the big, noisy kitchen table, filled with food, laughter and people, I thought about the last few days. I still don't feel I'm able to be totally honest with my whole family. I'm still not sure I'll ever be able to tell them everything. But I don't think I'm going to rot in hell for all eternity, either. I mean, everybody has their secrets, right? Some are just bigger than others. I know for a fact that my parents and older brothers don't tell me half of what they get up to – and that's fine, because I'm fairly certain I wouldn't want to know.

My Mum came to talk to me after dinner that night, while I was attempting my homework. Watson had obviously spoken to her. She nervously asked me if I really was alright. It was the first time I had ever seen her at all unsure of herself. It was comforting, in a way. Before she left my room that night, she apologized for over-dramatising things. I think it was then that I realised that the only reason my Mum doesn't tell me she loves me is that she doesn't like to state the obvious. I wonder how she would react, if I told her about Abby. Maybe one day I will. Maybe one day I'll get up the courage to tell her who I really am, and not even care what her reaction is. Maybe I'll never be that strong. Maybe this is one area where I'll never actually make a decision. A week ago that thought would have filled me with horror. Now it makes me smile.