Title: Accidents Do Happen
Author: Kate Webb
Rating: PG-13
Keywords: Andrea/Neil.
Summary: Andrea and Neil have been having an affair in complete secrecy, getting closer and closer each day. When it turns out that Philippa's been in a serious car crash, Neil's feeling vulnerable and turns to Andrea for support. As her condition deteriorates, Neil is forced to pull the plug on his wife, effectively leaving it open for him to be with Andrea. They use his vulnerability as an excuse for their newfound closeness, but can Yvonne get close enough to unravel the truth about their relationship, and what about Jake?
Archive: Anywhere else that wants it, just let me know first.
Spoilers: None that I can think of.
Disclaimer: The Bill, and its characters don't belong to me. They never have and never will. I'm just playing with them for a bit. Although, If anyone wanted to give them to me as a present I would be over the moon.
Author's Notes: Not much to say really. A big thank you to my biggest fans Gem and Claire, you are the inspiration that keeps me writing fan fiction. Also thanks to Katie Todd, who's story I was going over earlier, kick started my brain into producing this. I forgot where I got the idea for this one, probably from a twisted dream. If you read this leave me a review to tell me what you thought, even if it is to say you hate it.
- Chapter 1 -
It's a Wednesday afternoon and I'm sitting in one of the patrol cars with Tony Stamp driving. It's been a quiet shift so far with only a couple of domestics and an old lady who had had her purse stolen. Deep inside I know that something big is going to happen today; call it a gut feeling.
It'd nearing 4pm when we get a call to a serious RTA on the Priestfield Estate. We make our way to the location to see that Honey and Yvonne are already there. On stepping out of the car I survey the scene. Two cars have had an head on collision and three more have gone into the back of them.
I approach the nearest car cautiously, a silver land rover. "Hello, can you hear me?" I say to the occupants, whilst I try to pry the door open.
A little boy mumbles something, sounding a little like 'Mommy.' I turn around and call for a paramedic before taking in the sight of the mother. Recognising the face I take a step back in astonishment, almost certain I am imagining things. On my second glance into the vehicle, I realise that I was right, it's Phillipa the DI's wife. I saw her up in CID a few weeks ago. She look's to be in a pretty bad way, and it would be too dangerous for me to attempt to move her, so I inform the paramedic, then return to trying to free the young boy.
I search my memory for the name of their son, almost certain that Neil's mentioned it to me a few times. "Hi, Jake is it?" I ask, finally recalling the name, "can you tell me where it hurt's sweetie?" I try to keep detachment in my voice, not wanting to alert anyone else, but it's not easy.
With the help of the paramedic, we manage to get Jake out of the car and onto a stretcher, before returning to free Phillipa. It turn's out that Phillipa's injuries are life threateningly serious, and she is immediately rushed to the nearest hospital. Once I am certain that everything is under control, I approach the paramedic who is looking after Jake, to find out how he's doing. He doesn't know me, but I do feel a little protective of him, being so close to his father.
"It's looks to be mainly superficial cuts and bruises, with possibly a broken arm and leg. Nothing too serious, but we'll take him to St Hughes for X-rays and to patch him up." the paramedic explains, "Although we could really do with contacting a parent or guardian."
"His mother was taken away in the first ambulance," I explain, "but his father's the DI at our station. I'll call him."
"Great, but we need to take him to hospital to ensure there's no internal bleeding or other complications, would you be willing to travel with him?"
"No problem, I'll just tell my colleagues what's happening," I state, before going to find Tony to tell him where I'm going.
We arrive at the hospital 20 minutes later and Jake is taken straight up to X-ray. I remain in the reception area, to fill in the appropriate paperwork, before stepping outside to call Neil on his mobile.
He answers on the first ring with a pleasant 'Hello.' At least he seems to be in a good mood.
"Hi," I say, "I don't want to worry you, but I've just attended an RTA, and Phillipa and Jake were caught up in it. They've both been taken to St Hughes. I don't know anything about Phillipa's condition, but Jake doesn't seem to be too bad, a few cuts and bruises, possible broken arm, anyway, I think you should get down here."
"Alright I'm on my way, are you there?"
"Yeah, by the main entrance. They wouldn't let me get any closer."
"I'll be there in a few minutes," Neil says before cutting me off.
He arrives at the hospital 10 minutes later and almost walks right past me.
"Hey," I greet, grabbing his shoulder.
"Hey, how are they?" are the first words from his mouth.
"The doctor will explain," I say leading him to where the doctor is waiting outside Jake's room.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Fred Jones, and you are?"
"Neil Manson," Neil greets anxiously.
"He's the boy's father," I explain.
"Ok, brilliant," says the doctor, before leading us both towards Jake's room, explaining his condition as we walk.
As soon as we enter the room, Jake spots his dad and sits up attentively. "Dad," he calls out.
Neil rushes to the side of the bed and pulls Jake into a hug, being careful not to further damage his broken arm.
After assuring his father that he's ok, Jake ask's "Where's mom? How is she? She looked really bad in the car! Is she ok?"
"I don't know, I've only just got here," Neil says to his son before turning to me, "Can you sit with him for a few minutes whilst I check on Phillipa?"
"Yeah, of course, go," I say, ushering him out of the room.
I sit down on the visitors chair, next to Jake's bed.
"How did you know my name?" Jake ask's me, "You called my name at the accident."
I carefully consider what I'm going to say before answering, "I work with your dad and he showed me a photo of you and your mom a few weeks ago," I explain, careful to keep my tone neutral.
"Oh," Jake replies, slightly disappointed that the answer was so simple. I think he was expecting something else.
Neil walk's back into the room about 10 minutes later, looking as white as a ghost.
"What? What's happened?" I ask.
"Phillipa," Neil struggles to get out, "It's bad."
"How bad?"
"She's in a coma, and they've got her on a ventilator. They're doubtful that she'll come out of it. They said that if she does pull through, then she'll be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life."
"Oh God?" I say shocked. I wasn't expecting something like that.
Neil steps closer to me and pulls me into a hug, needing the comfort as much as I do right now, regardless of who notices.
He finally steps back away from me when a voice breaks through the silence. "So this is where you're hiding then," Yvonne says standing in the doorway to the room, "What's going on?"
I silently glance at Neil, getting silent permission to tell Yvonne what's happened. He nods in response and I step further away from him and towards Yvonne in the doorway, so I can whisper the events of the past few hours.
Towards the end of my explanations, Inspector Gold appears beside us, and both her and Yvonne seem very shocked from what I tell them.
"How's the DI?" the Inspector asks, figuring I've been in the room the longest.
"Not too bad at the moment, but I doubt it's sunk in yet. I'll stay here and keep an eye on him if you want Ma'am." I say carefully, knowing that I'm probably the only person that Neil will feel comfortable talking to about this.
"Alright, Yvonne stay with her," Inspector Gold says, "I'm going back to the station, keep me informed."
The Inspector walks off towards another room, and I return to my position beside Jake's bed. As we were talking I failed to notice the doctor, returning to the room.
"We've got all the test results back, and your son is going to be fine," the doctor explains, "He will need to return in about six weeks to have the cast off his arm, but other than that he can go home as soon as you've filled in the discharge papers."
"Thank you Doctor," Neil says close to tears.
I can see that Jake also seems a little upset that his mom's so ill. I wish there was something I could do to help, but I know that nothing else will help ease there sadness.
The doctor leaves the room again and I step up close to Neil, well aware that Yvonne is watching my every move with hawk like eyes.
"I don't wanna go home without mommy there," Jake protests, when Neil tries to help him get changed and ready to go home.
"I know, but you can't stay here?" Neil tries to reason with him.
"No!" Jake shouts, shaking his head furiously from side to side in frustration.
I can see that Neil is getting really tired and doesn't know how to cope with this. I place my hand on his shoulder, silently asking him if I can have a go.
"Jake," I say to the boy, stepping up close to him, "Listen to me," I add, gently guiding his face to look in my direction, "I know your upset about your mom being hurt, but you can't stay in the hospital all night. It's not very comfortable I can assure you. Now you need to help your dad until she gets better, can you do that for me?"
Jake nods his head in a yes motion.
"Good boy, so why don't you get your clothes on and then he can take you home, so you can have something to eat, so that you'll get better too, ok. If you're really good, I'm sure he'll bring you back to see your mom tomorrow. Is that ok?"
"Ok," Jake responds in a tiny voice, "but I don't wanna go home. It'll be too weird without mom there. Can't we go to your house instead?"
I can't help but let out a small laugh at that, the boy sure is persistent.
"You'll have to ask your dad about that," I answer not wanting to encourage him too much, especially while Yvonne is still within hearing distance. I stand back up to my full height and step away from the bed.
"Thanks," Neil whispers to me, before proceeding to help Jake get ready to leave the hospital.
I lead Yvonne into the hall to give them a bit of privacy. They join us a few minutes later, a small rucksack swung over Neil's shoulder.
"You ready to go?" Yvonne asks them.
"Yeah," Neil answers with a sigh.
Together, we all walk into the car park, Yvonne a few paces in front of us. "I meant what I said," I whisper to Neil, hoping he'll know what I'm talking about.
"I don't know," replies Neil, "It could be a bit awkward, especially with Yvonne and the others sniffing around. Isn't it a bit risky?"
"How is it? Both Yvonne and the Inspector know your upset and have had a big shock, my guess is that they will suggest you find someone to stay with for the night anyway."
"I didn't think of it that way. Alright then, but lets see if we can avoid it becoming public knowledge."
We arrive at the car and Neil settles Jake into the back seat. I automatically move to the drivers side. Neil's in no condition to drive today. Yvonne settles into the seat beside me, and Neil sits in the back beside Jake.
"Keys," I state, holding my arm out between the seats, for him to drop them onto.
He drops the keys onto my hand and I clasp my fingers around them, ignoring the pulse of electricity where our hands meet. I pull my arm back, insert the keys into the ignition and start the car.
We pull out of the car park and into the streets of Canley. Half way towards my house I realise that Jake and Neil will need a change of clothes at the least if they're staying with me and so swiftly change direction. We pull up outside their house within a few minutes, and Neil gently leads Jake up to the house, who is reluctant to say the least. I ensure Yvonne is out of hearing range, before whispering to Jake that he and his dad can stay at my house for tonight, and that I've bought them here so that they can get a change of clothes. I decide to sit in the car and wait for them to return.
"They probably shouldn't be left on their own tonight," Yvonne says to me, as soon as I've returned to my seat.
"I know, that's why I suggested they could stay at my house tonight," I reply, "I've got a spare room."
"Won't that be weird? Having the DI in your house?"
"Nah, I've had worse," I say, almost revealing that Neil's stayed over my house before.
"Well I'll come with you, to get them settled in and then I better head off home," Yvonne states.
"Ok," I acknowledge as I see Neil and Jake returning to the car.
They get into the back, dropping their bags by their feet. Once they're settled I continue the journey to my house. We arrive about five minutes later, and I help Jake out of the car with his bags, before leading them all up the path to my house.
I unlock the door and usher them inside, switching on various lights along the way. Neil automatically finds his way into my kitchen, having been here more than a couple of times, he knows his way around. I just hope that Yvonne hasn't noticed that little detail yet. We all settle into the kitchen and I put the kettle on for a cup of tea. Once the kettle has boiled I pour us each a drink. We sip on our tea silently, reflecting on the days events.
"I really should be getting home," Yvonne says out of the blue.
"Yeah sure, I'll give you a lift," I say without thinking, "Will you be ok on your own for a few minutes?" I ask Neil.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," he answers with a small smile.
"Ok, back in a bit," I say leading Yvonne to the door.
As promised, I drop Yvonne home and then return within about 15 minutes. Upon my return I find Neil settled on the couch with the TV on and Jake half asleep in his arms. I drop down beside them, and Neil rests his arm across my shoulders. I gently lay my head on his shoulder, tired from the events of the day.
"If your tired, you should be in bed," Neil states, "It was a late night last night."
I sigh in response before making the effort to crawl to bed. Neil settles Jake into the spare room before coming to check on me. He sits on the edge of the bed, reluctant to crawl under the blankets because we both know that if he does, he'll stay in here for the rest of the night and although that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, we know it's a recipe for trouble.
He eventually makes a decision though, and crawls under the blankets next to me, pulling me into his arms. "Just for comfort," he mumbles a weak excuse, that we both know is really pathetic. He plants a small kiss to my forehead, before settling down and falling asleep.
We are woken up a couple of hours later by Jake crying in his sleep. I carefully untangle myself from Neil's arms, before getting up to check on the boy. I approach Jake carefully, and gently rub soothing circles on his back, helping to free him from his nightmare. He wakes up with a jolt and clings to my waist tears streaming down his face. I sit with him until he falls back to sleep before returning to my own bed, knowing that this is probably the closest to comfort I can give to him.
I crawl back into bed and snuggle into Neil's arms, where I quickly fall back to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
To Be Continued ...
Author's Notes: So what did you think of chapter one then? There will be more eventually, when I get around to writing it, but it won't be for a while yet. I'm only releasing this chapter as a taster of what's to come. Hopefully a few nice reviews will snap me out of my latest bout of writer's block. Get the hint? If you have any suggestions/ideas for the next chapter, do let me know, I've got a rough idea of what I want to happen, but as always nothing ever goes to plan.
As for my other stories, well WRITER's BLOCK says it all really. I just can't get the chapters to work. I will update them eventually, but don't be surprised if it's not for a few months.
