JENNA: THE PAIN NEVER GOES AWAY

Reader Jenna writes about the pain of losing a parent in this bittersweet and heartbreakingly honest post.

Jenna says:
Losing anyone that has a huge impact on your life is tough. Friends, family - they are the people who are there for you, during the good times and the bad. They pick you up when you fall down, brush you off and help you to try again. If you have someone like that in your life, you're a very lucky person. But when they're gone? Well, that's a completely different pain.

My dad passed away six years ago. He was my best friend and meant the world to me. He was the best man I ever met, always there for me when I needed him, when I struggled, when I was happy, no matter what - he was always there. Teaching me things about life, lessons I still keep with me today. Losing him was hard, but at first I coped by pretending he'd gone away for a while and would be back, he just couldn't contact me right now. It worked, for a few years.

As time went on, little things happened that I needed my dad for, or wished he was there for: birthdays, Christmas, school work, just reassurance that things would be OK.The fantasy world I had built began to fade and I began to truly realise he was gone, and then the grieving came on. I would go to school crying, feeling numb, wishing my dad was back beside me, that it was all a trick. But it wasn't, and I knew it wasn't, and that was the most difficult thing of all... knowing that he wasn't coming back.

The friends I had at the time didn't understand what I was going through. There's a quote that says 'hard times reveal true friends', and I definitely learnt who my true friends were. Rather than supporting me, they said I was attention seeking. 'I don't understand why she's still crying over her dad, it's been three years - she should be over it by now!' They never knew I overheard this, didn't understand what it felt like. Letting these people go was the best thing I ever did. Here is something I want you to know in case any of you are going through the same situation... there is no end time to bereavement; the pain will never fully go away. It may die down a little but it will always be there. You've lost someone who had a huge impact on your life, and that's not something you can get over straight away. It's about you and time. If you have people in your life that say hurtful things, they are not your friends... but remember they haven't been through what you have In time, some may come round and begin to understand.

Life now, six years on, is still difficult. I miss my dad - I always do. Like I said, the pain never fully goes away, but it does become easier to deal with. I think about my dad every day, remembering the memories we shared. Some days are more difficult than others, some days I wish he was here to give me a hug, some days I cry and get upset, but it's OK. No one is alone in this.

Artwork by talented reader NIAMH, age 12.

Cathy says:
This is such a brave and powerful post. Losing someone close to you is huge at any age, but as a young teen it can turn your world upside down. Have YOU ever lost a loved one? Or do YOU have any words for JENNA? COMMENT BELOW to have your say.

LAURA: THESE BOOKS WERE MY ESCAPE!

When I met reader Laura at Cheltenham Book Festival in the autumn, she told me how my books had shaped her teenage years... and I asked her to share the story!

Laura says:
From a very young age I have always had my head in a book, from Enid Blyton to Jacqueline Wilson and more. Reading was my favourite hobby and I loved that I could do it almost anywhere! But then, aged ten, I discovered a new book which to this day - thirteen years later - is still my absolute favourite book. It was called DIZZY. I fell in love with the book straight away, loved the uncertain adventures Dizzy has with her mum Storm, the excitement of the festivals and the turbulent relationships she has with Finn and Mouse.

The next few years were a whirlwind of dreamcatchers, pin boards, tie dye t-shirts, camper vans, reindeer antlers, blue eyes kittens, rocky relationships, daydreaming and dreadlocks. I was mesmerised by each and every new Cathy Cassidy story and felt consumed both by the characters and the plots. I would write to Cathy, aged eleven, and she would write back to me, as well as sending me stickers with inspirational quotes to put at the front of my books. For me, growing up, that meant the world. Cathy's books came at a time when, as a child, I had a lot of family struggles. Her books to me were a means of escape - I would delve into the story and forget about the world around me. All that mattered was what was going to happen with Hannah and Joey, or where Indie and Misti would move to.

I am now twenty-three years old and working as a primary school teacher in Cheltenham. I often think of Cathy's work as I teach my class story writing. I try to inspire them with the same creative ideas that inspired me as a child. Recently, I attended the Cheltenham Literature Festival to hear Cathy talk about her books - this was a dream I had waited for for thirteen years to come true. Afterwards, I had the amazing opportunity to meet Cathy and share with her my signed stickers from all those years ago. She was exactly as I imagined her - kind, creative and full of joy. It was an absolute pleasure and I hope she continues to inspire young people for many years to come!

Cathy says:
Gulp! This post means SOOOO much to me... it makes all the hard work worthwhile to know that my books have made a difference to someone like Laura. Do YOU have a book that means the world to you? COMMENT BELOW to tell me more!

YOUR STARS FOR JANUARY

It's horoscope time, and Skye Tanberry has been hard at work... does her star-gazing ring true for YOU this month?

CAPRICORN: Dec 22 - Jan 19
You're a natural-born planner and when it comes to sticking to those new year resolutions, you're top of the class! Beware not to over-do it and let your light burn out. Leaving room for error can be an important lesson to learn!

AQUARIUS: Jan 20 - Feb 18
Like a mountain-stream, you carve your own way through life. Powerful, creative and thoughtful, you don't let others tell you what to do. While these traits are admirable, don't allow yourself to become too self-centred. Help a sister out, if she needs it. Kindness is cute!

PISCES: Feb 19 - Mar 20
The visionary, the romantic, the dreamer! Yup, that's you! 2018 is yours for the taking but make sure you don't shy away from amazing opportunities. Take risks and face your fears, you may find rewards in the most surprising places.

ARIES: Mar 21 - Apr 20
Start your year as you mean to go on...with your heart on your sleeve and your hands reaching for the stars. Often without realising it, you inspire those around you. While your goals are important, make sure you leave time to indulge yourself now and again. 2018 has lots of treats in store for you!

TAURUS: Apr 21 - May 20
Being in the limelight isn't usually your thing, you are quiet, clever and practical. Maybe this year is time to try a new hobby, try to capture your creative side by taking a crafting class. Who knows, a new love interest may come your way.

GEMINI: May 21 - Jun 20
Your rainbow personality makes you a vibrant and loveable person to be around. Your warmth touches people, even if you do not realise it. Keep it up, this year has a whirlwind journey in store for you, just don't get lost along the way!

CANCER: Jun 21 - Jul 21
Like an ancient tree, you are earthy and wise. You bring people together in the most unlikely times. Things may be tough for you in the coming year, but you are strong, like wood. Be there for someone you love, for they may need your strength.

LEO: Jul 22 - Aug 21
Regal and elegant, you stride your way into 2018 like a queen! You have no problem letting your colours shine. You may chop and change your way through this year and at times it may appear muddled... but don't worry, things will work themselves out. For now, just live, love and laugh!

VIRGO: Aug 22 - Sept 21
Health and wellbeing is at the centre of your life. Why not try a new skincare routine, natural oils and fresh, healthy eating will give you an envious new years glow! While this is all well and true, NEVER forget the importance and natural healing powers of chocolate!!

LIBRA: Sept 22 - Oct 22
Peace, harmony and FASHION are your strong suits! See the new year in with style. Why not arrange a little shopping trip with your girl gang to grab the latests trends? This is a year of sisterhood, so keep your ladies close by your side.

SCORPIO: Oct 23 - Nov 21
Often quite skeptical of your chosen path, maybe now is a time to start believing in yourself more. When you shine, others respond. Start a dream journal, often our brains digest what is indecipherable and create sense out of it in the form of dreams. This may guide you as you start the new year.

SAGITTARIUS: Nov 22 - Dec 21
Love is in the stars for you this year. You may not be used to this kind of attention as you are often too busy daydreaming to notice boys! Just keep an eye out for a mystery-boy, someone new. Just don't let it derail you from your path.

Cathy says:
How exciting!! I hope mine comes true! Do Skye's predictions ring true for YOU this month? COMMENT BELOW to let us know!

DANNI: HE'S IGNORING ME!

It's problem page time again on DREAMCATCHER and reader Danni has a problem for CHERRY COSTELLO to solve! Take a peek...

Danni says:
Just before we broke up for Christmas, this boy in my year, K, gave me a Christmas card. Inside he'd written that he liked me a lot and hoped to get to know me more in 2018. I hadn't really noticed him much before, but he is in my French class, and I felt quite flattered that he liked me. I daydreamed about him all through Christmas. Then when we went back to school... nothing! He acts like I don't exist at all. I am so confused and hurt. I think he's quite shy but I don't understand why he would blank me.

Cherry says:
Arghhh - boys! I think he is probably quite shy and made a daring move before Christmas by giving you the card - then bottled out once the new term started. I'm pretty sure he still likes you, just isn't sure what to do now! Can you try smiling, saying hello and letting him know you liked his card? It might push him into saying something! I'm guessing you are both quite young, and this could be a factor too - you like each other, but are you ready for a relationship? Why not aim at building a friendship first, and take it from there? Much less pressure - and it worked for me and Shay!

Cathy says:
Good advice from Cherry! Have YOU ever had a crush at school? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

JANUARY BOOK CLUB: OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS

Reader Emma has a book to recommend to us this month... YA title OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS by Krystal Sutherland! Take a look and decide if it's one you might like too!

Emma says:
OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS by Krystal Sutherland is undoubtedly the most moving, heart wrenching YA novel of the year. It tells the beautiful, fragmented story of Henry page and Grace Town, who are brought together when they are both made editors of their school paper. Henry is ordinary, nice and slightly nerdy, but normal enough to get by; Grave walks with a cane, wears oversized guy clothes and frequently looks as if she hasn't brushed her hair. This novel, bought on my Kindle for only 98p, was one I thought I would dislike. Weirdo meets weirdo, they fall for each other's quirkiness and then they're in love. But OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS wasn't like that at all.

To start with, Henry and Grace's love story was mysterious, sure, but also very cute. There were lots of things that Henry didn't know about Grace, but that was just the beauty of their relationship. Then he starts discovering things about her - dark, awful things that should put him off her for good, but don't.

As well as having in depth, amazing main protagonists, Henry's friends were also very detailed and interesting. They added a whole new level of diversity o the book, as one was Australian and the other was descended from a few different cultures and was lesbian. The way the author handled these characters, by giving them quirks, problems and issues of their own created a new world inside of the book.

So if you are looking for an emotional read that will stay with you for a long time afterwards, OUR CHEMICAL HEARTS will definitely give you just that. With some more mature themes, it's probably more suitable for older readers, but all in all it is an important story that will stay with you forever.

Cathy says:
I'm curious now... I will have to check this out! Have YOU read a book that you really LOVED recently? Would you like to review it for the DREAMCATCHER BOOK CLUB? Email me via the EMAIL CATHY LINK on my website or COMMENT BELOW!

MARIANNE: A RAINBOW OF MOODS...

Reader Marianne shares her struggles with anxiety and bipolar in this courageous and inspiring post...

Marianne says:
My favourite thing in the world is art. I'd never really thought about it before, but now when I put pencil to paper I find that I can really express myself. I don't have to feel lost anymore, not while my hand is connected to the canvas as I sweep bold colours across the fresh, blank nothingness of a beginning. Bring yourself into the open world; find your 'me' thing and show your true colours to everyone. We all have a gift, and when you have a mental health illness you should definitely find and use it... we were made to connect and to live life peacefully the same way we walk and talk and eat and drink. We were born to enjoy and be happy, and we CAN be happy. We will always be happy in the end.

Once when I was feeling deep and depressing thoughts, and hadn't had a good night's sleep for ages, I ran to my mum in tears and she took me to a doctor... all because I had opened up a bit. ALWAYS talk to someone when you feel sad or emotional. I was diagnosed with GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disporder) and Bipolar Disorder, which made me feel quite sad and hopeless for a while, but my mum is very understanding and does everything she can to help which I am very grateful for. I take 5-htp which helps me to sleep and Celexa, an anti-depressant, and have regular therapy. Nothing much seems to have changed yet but I know that as long as I keep believing, there will be a space in the future just for me, and for others going through the same thing.

I feel sad a lot. When I have a bad day, I don't want to get up or go to school, I don't want to do anything at all except lie in bed. 'What's the point?' I ask myself. Because of my anxiety, I hate parties and large social gatherings - the heat, the noise, the crowds - it all gets to me and I feel like running away. I don't like answering questions, performing or speaking in front of others, and I don't like having to do certain tasks, because what if I do it wrong? What if I disappoint? What if I forget all the other things I have to do? I self-harm occasionally to punish myself for this, and to try to take my mind off the hurt inside. Thankfully, I don't do this anywhere near as much as I used to - hurting yourself is NOT the answer. Pain or violence never is. On a crazy day, however, I go wild and over-excited and out of control, and overall, it's as if I'm in a rainbow of moods sometimes. That's what Bipolar Disorder does to you. It's terrible - and beyond - but none of those 'don't likes' or 'let's do (something potentially dangerous)' or 'I can't/ won't/never' will stop me from being myself and doing what I really want. I have learnt that I can be a free person; I can choose what my soul wants to do, and not listen to the monster voice in my head that tells me I'm rubbish all the time.

Because I self-harmed and still occasionally feel the urge to do so, I always wear long sleeves and tend to keep myself to myself and not go out much. I have the NHS, CAMHS (Children & Adolescent Mental Health Service), an awesome group of friends, my best friend who always knows what will make me happy and my family who are really understanding and supportive, including my star older sister; all of these people are helping me to see hope and light in the darkness again. Sometimes, we are not OK and need help, someone or something to break through the barriers for us. I wish life could be simple and things could always work out right; I wish there was no pain, no sadness, no anger. But there is. There is, because to find happiness and love in the stars, you need to start from rock bottom, don't you?

Cathy says:
Powerful words from Marianne, which I know will strike a chord with many of us... the honesty and hope in this piece are really moving. Have YOU ever struggled with mental health issues? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

MEG: INSPIRED BY SUFFRAGETTES...

Student Meg describes how the topic of suffragettes and feminism inspired an amazing dance piece for a recent college show...

Meg says:
I am studying Musical Theatre (HND 1) at a performing arts college, and our recent Christmas show was created by the HND 2 students as part of one of their assessments. It involved multiple dances across the years in college, whole class songs and solos which were auditioned for. We also performed pieces we had created within class. Our topic was feminism and the Suffragette Movement - we'd never worked on something like that as it was our first term of college, but our tutor Jenny guided us and helped us see what was possible.

The work progressed from discussion to practical movement. We printed off speeches by Emmeline Pankhurst, Emma Watson, Ashley Judd and the 'Nasty Woman' poem by Nina Donovan. We picked out key quotes and ideas began to flow. Most of the piece was created by us students, developing ideas into choreography, and forming small groups to create parts which could be added together to form a whole. Our teacher wrote the song we danced to and choreographed the final two minutes of the dance, which included sign language of a key phrase from Emma Watson's speech, 'If not me, who? If not now, when?'

Before beginning the project, some of us had a lot of knowledge on the subject and threw ourselves into the discussion right away - others in the class learnt as we went along and are now just as passionate about it! With this dance piece we wanted to make people more aware about the global situation in regard to gender equality and how it truly is a big deal. Feminists are not just working to change things for women but to make a fairer world for everyone. With this performance we felt that we could give our all in spreading this important message in an unusual and powerful way. The performance stood out, and we closed the show with it - we received huge applause and many people were moved to tears, including some of us whilst performing! It left us feeling empowered and full of positive energy afterwards.

Musical theatre to me is a sort of safe space in the way I can let all my emotions out and do so wholeheartedly - I am passionate about it. It means a lot to me, and it's something I feel comfortable doing. However, every time I perform or try something new I push myself further in order to make myself just a little bit better than I was yesterday!

Cathy says:
Wow... this performance took place not far from where I live, and it made quite a stir! I love that a concept like feminism can be developed into something so creative and so get the message across in a new and powerful way! Do YOU have passion for dance - or feminism? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

NESSA: NEW YEAR, NEW ME?

It's problem page time on DREAMCATCHER again and reader Nessa has some big changes to make in the year ahead - what advice can SUMMER TANBERRY offer to help her?

Nessa says:
I have been bullied at school for two years and I am sick of the way my life is now. I'm at middle school, so in September 2018 I get the chance to start again at a different school to the one where the bullies will be going. I want to make this the year my life changes for the better. I want to lose weight, get more confidence, get fitter, get a trademark style and find some true friends. It's a lot of changes I know, but I am determined. I just don't really know how to start. In the past, I have tried to be different and at the first hurdle I give up, because my confidence is at rock bottom and I don't really have faith in myself. Please help!

Summer says:
You've summed it up - this problem really is all about confidence. Work on boosting self-esteem first, and the rest will follow... and go steady. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, as the proverb goes. Read Cathy's book LETTERS TO CATHY, a non-fiction guide to growing up with a big focus on confidence to help kick start your journey... as the book says, you have to learn to like yourself first before you can expect others to do so. The bullying may not go on after middle school, but that's still another six months of it to suffer - my strong advice is to get help from your parents and teachers to tackle this now. See it as step one of the new, no-nonsense you. Next, look at health issues. Don't attempt to lose weight (that went very badly wrong for me) but focus instead on getting fit and healthy. Find an exercise or activity you love - cycling, swimming, dance, running, kick-boxing, judo - something that will get you moving and boost your feel-good endorphins and keep you smiling too. As for style, think about the things you love, the things you value, the things you admire - and base your style around that rather than trying to copy someone else or follow the latest trends. Be true to yourself and let your new, more confident personality shine through - the friendships will follow! Good luck, and Happy New Year!

Cathy says:
Great advice from Summer... big changes can be daunting, but breaking them down and taking them one bite at a time means you can achieve just about anything if you set your mind to it. Have YOU ever made a big change to your life? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more!

LISA: WINTER WONDERS...

Don't miss out on the magic of winter... embrace the season and make it special with reader Lisa's top ideas for finding the fun at the coldest time of year!

- FEED THE BIRDS! Put out bird feeders or sprinkle nuts, seeds and crusts on a bird table, unless you have a resident cat who might cause trouble! Most importantly, provide fresh water if it's freezing!

- MAKE A SNOW ANGEL! If it snows, you just HAVE to do this, right? Brrrrr!

- THROW A SNOWBALL! It's the law, y'know!

- DO A GOOD DEED WITHOUT TELLING ANYONE! This is like a sort of 'secret santa' without the santa bit... and you'll feel great for doing something kind, but doing it quietly!

- HAVE A DUVET DAY! Curl up with a hot water bottle, a blanket, Netflix and plenty of snacks... and do nothing, all day. Once in a while, a total go-slow is just what you need!

- WRITE A LETTER TO AN OLD FRIEND! Yes, a letter - take pen and paper and pour your thoughts out the old-fashioned way. A faraway friend or family member will get the thrill of seeing they have got post - and they might even write back!

- INVENT THE PERFECT HOT CHOCOLATE! Experiment with hot choc variations... add a spoonful of coffee for a rich mocha drink, try different milks like oat or coconut instead of cow's, add cream and marshmallows, a cinnamon stick... or make the hot choc from scratch by crumbling chocolate into a pan of warmed milk for a truly decadent treat!
- GO FOR A WINTRY WALK! Let your boots crunch over the frosty grass and slow down enough to look all around you - everything looks different and more magical with a frosting of snow or ice! Arrange to meet your friends at the other end for a cosy hot chocolate break!

- WRAP UP WARM! Winter fashion is all about comfort. Choose cosy jumpers, bobble hats, fluffy boots and gloves, and wrap a scarf around your neck and over your mouth on the coldest days - doctors say it can help prevent cold germs taking hold!

- LIGHT UP THE DARK! Hang fairy lights around your bedroom to get a bit of twinkle into the dreariest of days!

- CURL UP AND READ! The perfect pastime for a cold winter's day... and the fastest way to escape the gloom for somewhere warmer or more exciting!

Robin photograph by Bethanie Denyer; hot chocolate photograph by Lisa W. Thank you both!

Cathy says: 
Some great ideas to liven up the dark winter days... I'll definitely be trying some! What would YOU add to the list? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

*WIN*WIN*WIN* THE BIG PARTY-THEMED CC QUIZ!

All partied out after Christmas and New Year? Curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and our fab CC quiz... then enter your answers into a FAB festive comp to win an exclusive MYSTERY PRIZE BUNDLE!

1. Which two CC characters rescue a mystery animal in a blizzard after a New Year's party in the story SNOWFLAKES & WISHES (first an e-book and on sale via amazon.co.uk at only £1.49 currently - but also included in the story collection LIFE IS SWEET)!

2. ...And what WAS the mystery animal rescued by those two characters in the e-book story SNOWFLAKES & WISHES?

3. Which CC character shows us how to host a cool Easter vintage tea party in the book CHOCOLATE BOX SECRETS?

4. In which CC book does the character Jude reluctantly go to an Elvis-themed New Year's party at her dad's house?

5. Which CC character turns up to gatecrash the party in Q4 so that he can see Jude, on whom he has a huge crush?

6. Who invites Alice Beech to a Wonderland themed sleepover party in the book LOOKING GLASS GIRL?

7. How does the dramatic Wonderland sleepover in LOOKING GLASS GIRL end?

8. Which CC character invites an English teacher to her 13th birthday party in the book GINGERSNAPS to the alarm of her friend Ginger?

9. How does the ever-so-slightly eventful party in GINGERSNAPS end and why?

10. The book GINGERSNAPS opens with Ginger looking back at her 11th birthday party - at what venue was it held?

11. Why was Ginger's 11th birthday in Q10 above such a nightmare?

12. Where is the 13th birthday party of twins Summer and Skye held in the book MARSHMALLOW SKYE?

13. Why does Skye leave the party in Q12 early?

14. In the CC book MARSHMALLOW SKYE, the Tanberry-Costello parents host a festive party for their friends and neighbours on which day?

15. At the wedding party for Charlotte and Paddy described in SUMMER'S DREAM, whose date is the character Aaron Jones?

16. What gift does Eden give to Andie before the party in the book BROKEN HEART CLUB?

17. Where does Andie's 11th fateful birthday party take place in BROKEN HEART CLUB?

18. Where do Eden and Ryan hide out during the fight at Lara's disastrous teen party in the book BROKEN HEART CLUB? (Clue - Eden spends most of her time sitting on a washing machine while Ryan is sprawled in a laundry basket...)

19. Coco buys a fluffy tiger toy with proceeds from the purchase going towards an animal charity for her friend Sarah's birthday in the book COCO CARAMEL. What is Sarah's reaction?

20. The character Finch returns to Tanglewood for a brilliant Tanberry-Costello Hallowe'en party in the book MOON & STARS (e-book, just £1.49 from amazon.co.uk or read as part of the collection LIFE IS SWEET). But what message does Finch have for Skye Tanberry?

Cathy says:
So... list out your answers and email them to me HERE along with your name and postal address - at the end of January I will pick the winner and send them a special and exclusive MYSTERY PRIZE BUNDLE! (If there is more than one correct answer, I'll pick the winning entry from a hat.) Please COMMENT BELOW to tell me if you've entered, and whether the quiz was too easy or too tough!

FIVE MINUTE FICTION: A TANGLEWOOD NEW YEAR!

Talented reader KATIE has written a fab fanfic to take us back to Tanglewood just in time for New Year... curl up with a hot chocolate and catch up with the CHOCOLATE BOX GIRLS (a couple of years on from where the series left them)!

Katie says:
Skye simply could not stop herself from glancing out of the window every five minutes. She was a natural procrastinator after all, but this was something else. This essay on the American Civil War refused to write itself. Skye looked up at the Christmas tree and sighed. She'd got all of the Christmas presents she'd wanted, made a batch of truffles, reacquainted herself with the goings on at Tanglewood... but something was missing. Or more accurately, someone.

Skye pulled up her emails and read. It was right there. 'I'm sorry Sissy, Stuttgart Airport is closed and all the planes are grounded.I think the universe is telling me I need to do more dancing - this ballet school is seriously amazing. But don't worry, I WILL be with you by New Year's Day!' Skye sighed,  closed her laptop and went to join her family. It was nearly time for the encore of the Doctor Who Christmas Special.

Before Skye knew it, it was almost midnight on New Year's Eve. The celebratory truffles were laced with champagne and popping candy, so every bite resulted in a fizz and a pop. Skye felt fizzled out. The countdown began. 'FIVE!' How long would she even stay? 'FOUR!' Did her mum and Paddy know? 'THREE!' She probably felt overworked and exhausted, even more than Skye does. 'TWO!' Sometimes Skye wished she was as young as Coco, even now. 'ONE! HAPPY BEW YE-'

There was a loud knock at the door. Skye was the first to reach it, and in a burst of determination she even pushed Honey out of the way before flinging the door open wide. Skye took in every inch of the person standing outside. Long blonde hair, just like Skye, glittering teeth and dressed in - ski clothes? 'Who wants to start the New Year in France?' she asked, grinning.

Skye turned away. 'What's up, Buttercup?' Summer asked, frowning like a puppy.

'I just didn't expect... oh, Summer, what about a family New Year?' she said. 'Here, at Tanglewood? It's been forever since we've all done that. I have four essays to write and I still came home, while you've been swanning around Germany. And now you want to whisk me off to France!'

'Sis, in case you haven't noticed, it's the New Year,' Summer said. 'New Year, new possibilities! You saved me from not having any at all, remember? And we're grown ups now. Mum and Dad...' she smiled at Charlotte and Paddy charmingly - 'Won't mind, not really. Honey's staying on for a while and Coco still lives here of course. Cherry, how's the book going?'

Cherry nods brightly, writer-speak for 'I'm stuck right now, but I'm sure it will come...'

So a day later, Paddy drove the twins to the airport and they headed off to start the New Year with a whole lot of new experiences. They held hands as they glided down ski-hills, locked legs as they rode back up on the ski lift, smiled at each other as they chatted away and caught up over endless hot chocolates and champagne and raised a toast to 'New Year, new possibilities!'

Cathy says:
Awww! My eyes seem to have gone all misty! Love this story of Tanglewood revisited... just perfect! Should we have more fiction on DREAMCATCHER in 2018? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!