DON'T OWN EMMERDALE OR IT'S CHARACTERS...ITV'S PROPERTY

A what if story...did the same for Aaron years back.

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"...I just used you...I don't love you...it was all to do with the money..."

Ross Barton was seething with total anger as he sped the police car into the multi-story car park. Donna had got out after serving him that bomb shell and buggered off. Gary North was here. That was where they were meant to of met him, give him the envelope. Ross hit the brakes and smashed his hands over the steering wheel, and hit his head against the headrest several times. Tears of hurt and anger.

Donna was going to handle this alone. He couldn't do that to her. She didn't love him, but he stilled love her...

He got out and hurried to the stairwell and starting to climb. His injuries that he received from the heavies in the club were making him feel sluggish.

Donna was on the top deck and Gary North was with her. They were arguing.

"Donna!"

Ross started to run forward, but as the gunshot rang out, he realised the laser beam was on him, aimed at his chest.

It all happened so quick. One moment Donna was shouting and Gary was shouting, and the next minute they were handcuffed to the railing.

Ross's heart was in his mouth. Donna had forced Gary to remove his man with the rifle. Ross took his chance and swung forth and grabbed then both, with protest Donna shook her head.

"No Ross No!"

He grabbed the key from her belt and unlocked the cuff, Donna saw this as giving up what she was going to do, she shook her head, but Ross slapped his hands onto Gary North's chest and pushed him off, Donna gasped and feel to her knees, Ross grabbed her arm to pull her up.

"We've gotta go NOW!"

"I can't...I can't...", she was gasping for breath, "...they're be here soon...I sent for back up Ross...go...just get out of here..."

Ross shook his head at her, "so this is it...I GET to go on the run on my own? You really are a cold BITCH!"

"Just go!"

Ross spat on her and hurried away, Donna watched him go, then, when he was out of sight she feel onto her side...

...It was blurry when she woke up...she was in the hospital, she could smell it at first and then, as her eyes adjusted, she saw that she was in a hospital bed. Bob was sitting there. He stood up when he saw her move.

"Donna?! NURSE she's awake..."

A nurse came forward and placed a hand on her arm, "take it easy...do you know where you are?"

"..the...erm...hospital...", she then became panicky, "...where's April? Where's my little girl?"

Bob was at her side, "April's fine love...she's at home with Marlon...he was here till about an hour ago..."

"How long have I been..."

"a few hours, it's past 8 Oclock love..."

Donna shook her head, she looked at Bob, he had that look on his face, like he wanted to say something...and he did,

"...why Donna? WHY didn't you tell me? About your illness...when Marlon told everyone in the pub that he feared you were dead..."

"The pub? Does everybody know? It wasn't supposed to be like this!"

Bob shook his head, "love, calm down...it' all going to be okay...I just wished you'd said something...that's all"

Donna felt terrible and put her hand over his, "I'm sorry Bob...I wanted to tell you...but...it just got...ohhhh I don't know, I'm so tired"

Bob became all teary, "Love...you're Viv's little girl and I promised her if anything would happen to her I'd look out for you..."

Donna was close to tears herself, "...I'm sorry Bob...you've been so good to me and April...and this is what I do"

Bob stood up, "You rest now...I'll stop by tomorrow...and I think your colleagues want to question you...did they EVEN know?"

Donna shook her head.

"I thought not...but we WILL get it all sorted, I promise...I'll see you tomorrow sweetheart", and he kissed her on the forehead.

Bob waved at her from the exit and walked off. Donna laid back on the pillow and closed her eyes, then she sensed a shadow and snapped them open...

It was Ross.

Donna looked about her and shook her head at him, "Ross? Why are you here...why haven't you..."

Ross stared at her, "...long gone? I went back to the village you stupid cow...why didn't you fucking tell me? WHY Donna...why let me find out like this..."

Donna was trying to sit up and looking about her, Ross was in danger of coursing a scene.

"Ross calm down..."

"Don't tell me to calm down...", he sat in the chair Bob only moments ago vacated, and screwed his face up at her, his eyes full of pain.

"..say it's not true Donna...you're not dying...you're not...you look too healthy to be dying..."

Donna was shaking her head and at the same time trying to cool him down, "Ross...I can't do this now, it's getting late...Ross you've got to get away..."

Ross pulled himself together and his eyes met hers, although his was dark and angry, "...you don't remember do you? I KILLED Gary, I pushed him off that roof...there's NOTHING that can put me there..."

"Ross...you've gotta go, I'm too tired..."

Ross stood up and wiped his eyes with his sleeve, "I can't for the life of me understand WHY you never said...all I can think of is that YOU used me..."

"No..."

"Yeah you did...but, no...I'm not being used NO more, me...stuff yah! Stuff it all!"

And he stormed off, Donna glanced after him but he was gone. She put her hands to her mouth and tears began to fall.

Now everybody knew, now Ross knew, she knew nothing was going to be the same again...

TBC?

Feedback would be good...what me to continue? If enough of you like it, then I'll happily oblige!