Unfortunately I do not own She's Out because if I did I certainly would never have had Dolly die. However I can't blame Lynda La Plante for that when she does such amazing work. Enjoy my lovelies xxx

Dolly/Mike

Life Goes On

Julia parked the car and made her way into the Manor House. She had just walked through to the kitchen when Gloria and Connie suddenly stopped the converstion they were having.

"Why do you always stop talking mid-sentence whenever I walk into the room Gloria. It's bloody rude".

"Relax Julia. We weren't talking about you". Connie replied.

"What were you talking about then".

"If you must know Doc we were talking about Dolly". Gloria answered.

"Dolly. Why".

"Oh come on. You can't tell us you haven't noticed".

"Noticed what Gloria".

"She's planning something. I can feel it".

"Good god Gloria you really are stupid sometimes". Julia said.

"Well she could be".

"Why the hell would she need to plan another robbery Gloria. We have more than enough money already".

"Yeah. Like Dolly said herself. Enough to see us right for the rest of our lives". Connie replied.

"Well it was just a thought. She is acting weird though". Gloria said.

"Maybe her and Mike are having problems".

"Well you know what Connie. It was about to happen sooner or later. I mean really. Dating a younger man and a cop at that".

"Ex cop Gloria". Julia interjected.

"Well ex cop or not it was never gonna last".

"Christ sake. Would you two listen to yourselves. Dolly's meant to be our friend. Look at what she's done for us. You think we'd still be on the outside if it hadn't been for her and Mike. Stop back stabbing her and bloody well grow up". Julia said. Angrily walking away.

Mike had just walked in the front door when Julia went storming past him.

"Hey. You okay". Mike asked. Grabbing her arm to stop her.

"Fine. Sorry. Just Gloria being a pain in the arse as usual".

"Right. Understood. Is Dolly about".

"Upstairs in her room as far as I know".

"Great". He said. Smiling.

"Mike. Is Dolly okay".

"How do you mean".

"Come on Mike. She hasn't been her ususal self lately has she".

"Yeah I did notice. I just don't know what to say to her".

"Mike. You've been together nearly 6 months. Surely you know her well enough by now".

"Yeah I know but you know what she's like. She's not one to share her problems".

"Well do your best. I'm off out for some peace. I'll catch you later. Bye".

Mike walked up the stairs to Dolly's room. He noticed the door was slightly open. He walked in quietly and saw her sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Dolly. You alright".

Dolly was startled when she realised that she wasn't alone. Mike noticed that she hid something away as he got closer to her and took a seat beside her.

"Dolly".

"I'm alright love". She said. Quietly.

"No you're not. You've been so quiet lately. Distant. There's something on your mind".

"Do you love me Mike".

"Ofcourse I love you. Are you still having doubts because of the age thing because I've already told you that it makes no difference to me".

The more caring and understanding Mike became. The more Dolly realised how much she loved him and how scared she was of loosing him.

"Harry and I were married for over 15 years. I loved him. I really did but what he did. It hurt me Mike. Running off with that whore. Having a child I knew nothing about. All the years we were married. I had tried so hard to give him a child but I guess after 3 miscarriages. He just got sick of waiting".

"Dolly. I am so sorry".

"It was the betrayal more than anything. That's why I killed him. Running off and having someone else's child when I had tried so hard for him. The pain and loss I went through for him and I just couldn't accept him anymore".

Mike moved closer to her and drew her into his arms. Mike loved Dolly with every fibre of his being and he couldn't care less about what others thought of their relationship. People would judge. His own Mother had told him that Dolly was old enough to be his Mother and being with her was a betrayal to Shirley's memory but he couldn't and wouldn't accept that. He loved this woman and that was all that mattered.

"Dolly. Please tell me what's been bothering you. Please sweetheart".

Dolly moved from his arms so that she could look directly at him and he saw her bring out the object she had been hiding when he first entered and handed it to him. He took it and stared at it for what seemed like an eternity to Dolly.

"Say something Mike. Please". She asked. Now worried by his silence.

"I love you Dolly Rawlins. You know that right".

"What".

"Did you think I'd be mad".

"I honestly didn't know what to think".

"All that talk before about Harry. The secret child and the miscarriages. It was all because of this". He said. Holding up Dolly's pregnancy test.

"I'm scared Mike. I don't think I'd cope if I lost this baby too. I'm so much older now which makes this so risky for me".

"Hey. Listen to me right now. Nothing is gonna happen to you. We are gonna find the best Doctor out there for you and the baby. I'm not about to let anything happen to you. To either of you". He smiled.

"You have to be out of your mind love. Getting involved with me".

"I've always loved a challenge". He replied. Smiling back at her.

TBC...

If you like it enough to read it please review. Reviews make me so happy xxxx