The day passed minute by minute, it was as if the clock had got stuck, like the batteries were wearing out. She was being dramatic and she knew it. She knew she had to keep her head down and keep working, but it was easier said than done. Her mind wandered constantly, she was unable to focus. Physically she felt better, mental however, she felt rubbish.

Julie had phoned earlier in the day to inform Gill she would be popping by later that day to pick up some papers. As Gill checked the clock for the millionth time that day, she realised it wouldn't be long before her friend of old arrived. She thought she could really do without Julie Dodson coming in; she's like a dog with a bone if she realises something isn't right and in this case, her life is far from being anywhere near right. Although she did love Julie, they went way back, before she knew Janet even, today just wasn't the day for having to smile and pretend.

"Hiya Slap" Gill called as Julie walked into the SIO office.

"Alright, ya fat-arsed bitch!" Julie shot back jokingly. "How's tricks?"

"Not so bad, and yourself?" Gill replied with a smile.

"Good, 'til I came in here. You've got a face like a wet weekend. What's up?" Julie asked.

"Dave just being a twat, gone off with that whore from uniform, trying to take Sammy and sending me texts". Gill just couldn't hold it in any longer, she didn't want it all to come out like this; but it was better to say something than nothing. There was a lot she was never going to mention to anyone, like how she was drinking, a lot, not eating and cutting herself.

"When did all this happen, what texts?" Julie asked, concerned for her friend.

"Few weeks ago, the texts were last night" Gill replied. "It's fine, really, I'm fine".

'Lies, lies, damned lies' she thought.

"Night out, you and me?" Julie asked, knowing she would get all the gossip out of Gill then. She had never been quiet and civil-tongued when pissed.

"Night in? Don't really fancy going out" Gill replied, knowing she may not be able to pretend so well if she was out, surrounded by alcohol.

"Ok, text me, got to go, see ya later" Julie called, rushing out of the door after looking at the clock.

"Will do" Gill shouted.

'You say I'm clever, and I'm good at what I do, but what you don't realise is…I'm a damned good actress too!' This summed up the last ten minutes perfectly for Gill.

She could do a night in with an old friend, no problem, just cover up and shut up…no problem…