Thank you for your comments and everybody who is reading this, here is the next installment, enjoy!

Caroline sat at her desk she couldn't help but feel distracted flustered even, she wasn't quite sure what to do with these feelings, they were more powerful than anything shed ever felt other than to having the boys. She leaned back into her chair and swiveled it a little trying to focus unsuccessfully, Beverly entered her office with a sharp knock "Hi Caroline tea?". She watched as her usually focused boss the impeccably presented, but a little up tight and guarded boss Dr Caroline Elliot was off into her very own world A relaxed and contented smile on her face.

Beverly had noticed she hadn't been quite herself recently but she also knew more than she should have done. She had always prided herself on being a confidant and never shared anything she shouldn't know, but as part of her job she often new an awful lot of things that were not for her ears. She had to admit she loved that side of having the gossip and watching Caroline hold herself upright and carry on as if nothing was going on. Even when Beverley knew even if nobody else did that the walls were closing in on some drama or crisis She had to admire Caroline's strong will and ability to rely on nobody.

But never the less Dr Caroline Elliot always remained glued together and focused ready to tackle anything that came her way. She was unflappable, completely in control and secure in that admitting a powerful persona of respect and elegance. So she could help but worry as she had seen this slipping the last couple of weeks. She was worried and hadn't risked asking any questions further than How are you? Is everything ok? To be given a snapped response of "yes fine thank you".

She had picked up on tip bits here and there she knew her marriage was struggling, and she had met john and couldn't really understand how they had gotten together. They were a rather unlikely couple she so focused, intelligent and in control. John on the other hand lacked direction, passion and conviction in anything he did, leaving Caroline to hold the family together. But a proud woman Beverley but had no joy in comforting her in any way, she had tried but Caroline wasn't one for chatting about her personal problems.

So as she had heard laughing and had finally watched a smiling Kate Mckenzie leave a spaced out smiling Caroline alone in her office, she had been intrigued. She couldn't help but notice the spark the connection between them, kindred spirits maybe if she believed in that sort of thing. Either way she was pleasantly surprised after working with Caroline for a long time and knowing her on a semi personal level. She was very aware Caroline had few friends and little or no time for any really, she was very confident in her qprofessional life but personally was reserved and private. She had never seen anyone break the outer shell to see the real Caroline, and yet the atmosphere left in her office this morning appeared that Kate Mckenzie had succeeded with very little effort.

"Caroline fresh tea?" Caroline slowly looked up registering somebody had said something "oh sorry Beverly miles away, what?" She watched yer assistant smile at her.

"What" Caroline asked quizzically smiling

"Nothing" Beverly flushed embarrassed not sure on wether to be frank or to avoid the subject.

"No come on spit it out" she smirked defensively at Beverely watching her face turn to confusion, "it's just you seem very happy today, it's nice to see. Whatever made you like this I'll pay you to keep hold of it".

She watched Caroline raise her eyebrows in a mock horror "I haven't been that bad recently have I? It was more a statement than a question.

"Anyway I only came in to give you a fresh pot of tea, so enjoy... Work to do must get on my boss is a dragon". She laughed and then hurriedly almost ran from the office as she listened to Caroline calling her name.

"Beverly hey, Beverly get back here I'm not that bad am I?" She couldn't help but smile she had a soft spot for Beverly she was always loyal and dependable..more, she seemed to notice the smallest changes in her. She classed her more as a friend really but as usual work had come first and she , had kept her distance to keep it professional.

But thinking about it she had to smile poor Beverly she had put up with an awful lot the last few weeks, she really must have been a nightmare. But it was as if one morning with Kate and the clouds were dissipating in front of her eyes letting the first rays of sun touch her face in months.

Beverly was right what ever it was that was making this change she needed to keep it... So that meant keeping Kate, she sighed... Well that's simple enough Caroline you've just got to get her first... Then keep her.

She ran her hands threw her hair a smile resurfaced on her face, she felt it widen she couldn't help it, the thought of her, her name created this euphoric happiness that filled her from her toes to the top of her head. She glanced at the clock, pouting only 4 hours to wait until Kate would be finished teaching and she could go find her.