Dixie was worried when Chantelle didn't turn up for work, hours had passed and no phone call. Nothing. Worry finally took over her, and she phoned her mobile, she cursed when it continued to ring for a while, Dixie was almost about to put the phone down when it connected.

"Hey, It's Dixie, you ok?" She couldn't speak fast enough, she automatically assumed it was Chantelle on the line.

"Hello Dixie, this is David. Chantelle's partner" David sat on the side of the sofa, stroking an unconscious Chantelle's hair.

"Oh, is she ok? Only she didn't turn up for work today?" Dixie spun around on her chair, swinging her feet about.

"I was supposed to phone earlier but I forgot, she has been awake most of the night, fever and headache. I told her to stay in bed"

"Probably for the best. Will she be in tomorrow?"

"I expect so" David stood up, remaining calm on the phone, he didn't want to cause any suspicion.

"Listen David. Is anything going on? Only she just seems a bit, I dunno, sad and jumpy. I was wondering if..."

"I'll talk to her about it, I reckon it's because her parents death anniversary was yesterday, she always gets herself in a state this time of year. Happened last year as well" David wasn't lying here, both Chantelle's parents would have died 22 years yesterday. Making her jumpy anyway.

"Poor love, well thanks anyway mate. Did you want me to come over?" Dixie stood up, she wanted to know if she could be of any help.

"No, we're alright, I'll look after her"

"OK. Well I'm here if you need me for anything"

"Thanks Dixie" David then hung up the phone, and glanced at Chantelle.

Dixie placed her phone back in her pocket, she did feel a lot better after finding out Chantelle was being looked after. It would be better for her to rest if she felt unwell, unbeknown to Dixie, Chantelle was actually unconscious.

Jeff came into Dixie's office, he could see a look of peace and content on her face. "What's happened to cheer you up then? Won a free year's supply of chocolate?" Jeff had noticed the sudden change in Dixie, she was genuinely smiling.

"No" Dixie poked her tongue out at him, and threw a cushion at him from the sofa.

"Oh, shame, that would have saved me so much money" Jeff mocked chuckling, throwing the cushion back.

"Shut it you cheeky sod" Dixie slapped him, but deep down she knew he was probably telling the truth, she probably spent the same amount of money on chocolate, that a smoker did on cigarettes.

"What's happened then?" Jeff sat on Dixie's desk, looking at her, he knew something must have happened to cheer her up.

"Well, I called Chantelle to find out why she wasn't in"

"Right" Jeff crossed his arms, continuing to listen.

"Her partner answered, saying she was unwell and he forgot to phone. It was her parents death anniversary yesterday, so that's why she has acted odd" Dixie sat back on the sofa, putting her feet up, she had no reason to worry anymore. She knew Chantelle was being looked after, little did she know what was really going on.

"Happy and satisfied now?" Jeff smiled, he was glad that Dixie seemed at peace, now she knew why Chantelle hadn't come into work. She had been worried all day, thinking of all the bad things that could have happened stopping her from coming into work, he had done his best to assure Dixie that he was sure Chantelle was fine. But she was having non of it.

"Yes. He sound's like a nice fella" Dixie wiped her eye, feeling glad that she had phoned. David sounded like a nice man, and like he had control of the situation, little did she know how much control he really had over Chantelle

"Well I'm glad Princess, do I get a hug now without you biting my ear off?" Dixie chuckled, before moving herself into Jeff's open arms.

Chantelle woke up, she must have fallen unconscious from the pain on the floor. She woke up on the sofa instead of on the floor, looking around her she was worried. Where was she? She could hear muffled cries from across the room, she saw David in tears.

"Baby I'm so sorry... You ok?" David wiped his eyes, taking a good look at her, she was lying on the sofa now, he had to pick her up and move her. The mail man came with a delivery, and he would have gotten suspicious if he left Chantelle on the floor. So he had to move her, that way he could just say she was sleeping.

"Mmm..." She tried to sit up, but it hurt too much. She saw David get up and rush to her side, popping some white tablets from an unmarked box.

"What's that?" She mumbled softly, he put the tablets in her palm gently. "Some strong pain killers. That's all" she nodded, unsure if he was telling the truth or not, she obediently took them anyway, swallowing them down.

"What's the time?" She attempted to sit up again, this time she was successful, despite the pain it caused her.

"Half three" David handed her a glass of water, she pushed it away, closing her eyes, so annoyed with herself.

"Shit... I need to get to work" She went to stand up, but David pulled her back to the sofa by her wrists, causing her great pain although she tried not to show it.

"I called you in sick"

"Wha... Why?" She looked at David, how did he get Dixie's number? And more importantly what did he say to her?

"I wanted to spend the time with you" He moved some of the hair away from her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. "Babe I'm so sorry. I swear I will never hurt you again. Please don't tell anybody" He whispered softly, he kissed her forehead and took her in his arms, holding her close.

"No. Course I won't" She replied weakly, she wouldn't have told anybody anyway. She would have been far too scared to open her mouth.

"I just lost it, finding out you have cheated on me"

"But I haven't" She felt his grip on her tighten, she held her breath, feeling him kiss her on the top of her head. "I know you Chantelle, you can't lie to me. Just remember you are lucky to have me, nobody else is going to want you. Ever" She felt tears in her eyes, knowing this was true, her self esteem had been destroyed. "Oh, and try to act more normal around your boss, we don't need her poking her nose in" He added, still keeping a light lock around her waist.

"Ok, I'm sorry" She mustered, she was going to have to try and avoid Jeff and Dixie, that would be the only way she could hide what was going on.

"There's a good girl, just get some rest now. I have a busy night planned for us" He kissed her forehead, Chantelle sat there, 'busy night' - She was now extremely worried about what this meant, the last time he planned a 'busy night' it ended with her being pushed down the stairs, she tried to relax in his arms, but it wasn't working, she couldn't stop herself from shaking.