A/N - thanks to all the positive comments they really help me write :)

Chapter 6 –

The noise of the ED department hit Sam hard as she left the cubicle, still dressed in scrubs she knew that if she lingered long someone would get her to look at a patient and there was absolutely no way that she could cope with that. In a slight trance Sam walked away from the hustle and bustle and into the relative sanctuary of the staff room, thinking that she was alone Sam pounded hard on her locker door before she buried her head into her hands.

"Sam?"

The sound of the voice caused Sam to drop her head against the metal door, it sounded much worse than it felt but it still caused a slight whisper of pain to leave her mouth as a hand rested gently of her shoulder.

"Sam what's wrong?"

The voice was unmistakable but their flirtatious relationship was in its infancy and Sam was unsure about showing her vulnerability to Tom.

"Sam it's ok."

Tom's voice dropped as he moved closer so that he was standing behind Sam, he put his hands on her shoulders and persuaded her body to turn around, Sam couldn't bring her head to look at Tom but he didn't care as he held onto her and let her tears sock into his chest. Slowly Sam lifted her head and edged away from Tom sitting down on the wooden bench as she wiped her eyes.

"I'm sorry Tom."

"Don't be silly Sam, is it your niece I saw the police earlier?"

"Yes she was assaulted by her mother's boyfriend."

Sam left it like that for the time being not wanting to over burden Tom with her problems.

"Oh god Sam that's awful."

Tom quickly sat down next to Sam as she took a deep breath glad that she hadn't said anymore as Tom's face was full of concern.

"Yes well I'd better get back to her and you were now leaving?"

"Yeah my shift finished forty minutes ago but I wanted to finish up my last patient. Do you need me to do anything?"

"No we're ok thanks I'm hoping that I'll be able to take Chloe home soon."

Tom nodded his head before he leant across and tenderly kissed Sam on the lips.

"I'm only a phone call away Sam please don't shut me out."

Sam could only nod her head in response as she watched Tom stand up knowing that she would be unable to stop the tears from falling if she opened her mouth to respond.

Zoe took a breath as she reached up and placed her hands on Chloe's knees gently edging her legs down before she walked up along the bed until she was beside Chloe's head unsurprised to see that the girl still had her eyes tightly shut.

"I've finished Chloe, thank you."

Zoe rested her hands on the metal bars of the bed her voice soft as slowly Chloe opened her eyes and looked at her.

"Are you ok Chloe?"

"Yes, thank you Doctor Hanna."

"I'm sorry that I had to do that Chloe but you were really brave, do you want me to go and get Sam?"

"Can I have a minute alone?"

"Of course you can, I've got to take these swabs to the lab so I'll find Sam after that."

"Thank you."

Chloe's voice was weak as she spoke causing Zoe to frown slightly before she reached across and stroked Chloe's hair away from her face she didn't want to leave her alone as Zoe knew that Chloe was going to break down but after all that she had been through Chloe deserved a moment to herself.

As soon as the curtain was pulled shut Chloe closed her eyes and allowed her emotions to flow freely. Although Doctor Hanna had been incredibly gentle the invasive examination had been painful and brought back memories that she had buried deep and now needed a small piece of solitude to bury them again, she was unsure of how Sam would react if she knew the whole story. Chloe reached up with her good hand and covered her eyes, she knew that she would not have long alone and needed to get a handle on her emotions, taking a deep breath she willed the tears to stop, blocking the pain and memories as much as possible.

Sam waited until Tom had left before she changed into her jeans and jumper and ventured out of the staff room heading to the toilets as she splashed cold water onto her tear stained face, she didn't want Chloe to see how upset she had been. Checking her watch Sam noted that Zoe had been with Chloe for nearly forty minutes and it shouldn't be too long before she could go and see Chloe again. Sam looked in the mirror, cringing as she did but at least the tracks of her tears had disappeared for the time being. Heading out Sam scanned the area for Zoe and noticed that the entire shift had now changed, quickly she began to worry that Zoe too had left but then she heard the familiar sound of heels clicking on the hard floor.

"Sam?"

Zoe nodded towards her office and Sam dutifully followed her worried that Chloe had been left alone but grateful that her colleague had not abandoned either Chloe or herself. Sam shut the door and stayed standing noticing how tired and withdrawn Zoe looked, she opened her mouth to talk but Zoe beat her to it.

"She wanted a moment alone Sam and although I didn't want to I respected her decision, she was incredible strong throughout the examination."

"Were there any complications?"

"No but I've sent samples off and I've got the usual prescriptions for her to take as well as some pain medication. I thought that the two of you would like to leave."

Sam breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes for a second.

"Thank you so much Zoe you've been unbelievable throughout today."

"It's not a problem Sam, come on I've got some clothes for Chloe and then we can discharge her. I'll give you a lift home."

Zoe smiled as she opened her filing cabinet and brought out a pair of jogging bottoms and sweatshirt that would be small enough to fit Chloe without drowning her unlike any of Sam's clothes.

"It's ok Zoe you've done enough for us today, my car is here and you look like you need to head home and get some rest."

"Ok but I don't expect to see you at work again for a week and give me a ring if you need anything or some extra time off."

"Thank you Zoe."

Zoe nodded her head as she smiled and patted Sam on the shoulder before the two of them went to find Chloe and tell her that she could go home with Sam.