Chris remained silent, Why couldn't Penton walk her down and the most important question why would her father not walk her down the aisle? He felt like asking the questions but could already tell Annika wasn't coping.

"I just thought i'd let you know that my brother is currently at home and he's a bit of a roudy kinda guy so i'd stay clear of him" his voice shared a small insight of protection but more of alarm. James was capable of changing everything in a blink of an eye if Chris wasn't careful.

Annika pulled back a little and smiled. "So nothing like you?" She pulled him into a hug again. "I'll watch out" she took a deep breath and pulled away again, wiping at her eyes. "Okay. I think I'm good now" she walked into her bathroom, splashing cold water on her face and grabbing Chris's hand on the way out.

Chris laughed and walked back down with Annika, he felt much more relieved now and seated himself at a nearby chair. He glanced towards Annika gave her a quick smile and resumed doing small talk at the table. He studied Penton, the young man seemed rather hurt but Chris couldn't work out how or why. He glanced back along the room as the dishes started being taken away, "If you'll excuse me I might have a bit of a nap, it's been a long day". He yawned and slowly got up from his chair

Annika stared at her food, making Penton kick her under the table. He winced at the pressure but overall kept a straight face. Ann kept her tears under control until Chris left. Her mother came to her side and asked what was wrong but she couldn't get the words out anymore. She bit her tongue and shook her head. Penton watched from his chair. "Was it because of me?" He rested his head in his hands. "I messed everything up. I shouldn't have told you that. Now your worrying about me. Annika stop" he grabbed her hand and squeezed. Her mother sat up. "What's going to Penton? What do you mean you messed everything up?" His eyes widened then his brows furrowed. "Nothing" he stood on his wobbly legs then gripped the chair as he made his way toward the door. Annika shot to her feet and grabbed his arm, leading him up the stairs and to his room. He left her without a word, closing the door behind him. She stood there, motionless, for a few moments before turning and slowly walking to her room. She collapsed in her bed and stared out at the gardens, tears falling from her eyes in the most unladylike manner

Chris followed the instructions to his room and opened the door to a nicely cleaned and fairly large room. He laid his suitcase on the bed, took a quick shower and rolled into bed. He had wanted to spend more time with Annika but he had the feeling that the family really needed to talk.

Annika rolled over and stared at her bed then back at the gardens. She sat up and wiped at her tear stained cheeks. "Ugh I hate night time" she pulled herself from her bed and made her way to where Chris was staying. She knocked on the door then leaned against it

Chris layed still the dark night creeping into his room, he felt rather alone and it annoyed him. He lifted himself from his bed and opened the door, "Ann" he whispered silently. He grabbed her hand and pulled her in, "I was getting rather annoyed at all this silence" he smiled.

"Sorry" she whispered, not really in the mood for jokes. "I couldn't sleep" she whispered, her head resting on his shoulder. Her mind was racing, keeping her awake. She sighed and stared out the window. "Why can't life be easy? Why do people get hurt- mentally and physically?" She pulled away from Chris and ran a hand through her hair and down her face.

Chris frowned, "I don't know....but it really hurts..." he paused and looked towards the ground captivated in his own thoughts, "I need you to be honest with me, whats wrong?" he voice turned serious, he wasn't playing games anymore, he needed to know why she was this upset.

Annika bit her lip. "When-" she looked away. "When Penton was twelve, he got in an accident and broke his back... and he was paralyzed from the waist down" she bit her lip again in an effort to not cry. Seeing his face as he first found out he couldn't move his legs made her emotional. "I was fifteen and he had always said that he would be there right by my side through everything, but he was out in bed rest and life was really hard for me and him. I hadn't known he was working on standing because I was busy with learning to become queen. Then when we got back the last time he was standing and I was so excited! But now he's scaring me by saying he wants to walk be down the aisle but I don't know..." she shook her head. "He may not ba able to"