It had been just moments since Danielle had awoken from her unconscious state, but already various doctors and nurses had filled the room; one took Danielle's pulse, another tended to a machine at her right shoulder, writing a measurement down on a piece of paper at the end of the bed as they did so. Andy and Stacey were forced to step away from their perches at the side of the bed, now backing closer and closer to the door, but keeping their eyes fixed on Danielle's newly revived body. They looked on without any words and Danielle said nothing herself, except answering 'yes' and 'no' to questions as and when asked.

After what seemed like years, the final doctor left the room, having instructed Stacey and Andy that he would be back to check on Danielle shortly, but that they would soon need to leave her to get some rest. Stacey wondered why on earth someone who had just woken from unconsciousness would need any more rest, but she kept her thoughts to herself. An awkward silence fell between the trio, as Stacey and Andy moved back towards their seats, willing Danielle to say something – neither felt comfortable pushing her to speak if she didn't feel able to.

"Dad" Danielle spoke, eventually, after a few difficult moments of silence, "Is it ok if I speak to Stacey for a minute? Alone?" She smiled weakly at him, hoping he wouldn't be too offended.

Andy smiled, told her that of course that was fine and left the room, albeit a little reluctantly. After he had gone, Danielle looked up at Stacey and gulped. Her eyes widened with fear – she knew Stacey would want answers. But, she didn't really have any answers.

"I was so worried Dan, don't you ever do that again ok?" Stacey ordered her friend.

"I won't" Danielle replied sheepishly "I made such a big mistake. I should never have thought…" She couldn't finish her sentence, but Stacey knew exactly what was coming.

"Look, Dan. I heard what happened; I know what Ronnie said to you. You don't need her", she smiled at Danielle, "In fact, I've got a good mind to go and tell the woman that myself, right now", she waved emphatically towards the door, before jumping to her feet, but seeing the look on Danielle's face, sat back down again slowly.

"What do you mean, right now?" Danielle probed.

"Well, she's right outside, ain't she. She's got that sister of hers out there too. She's in a right state. Quite right too, I say"

Danielle's heart began to beat faster. Ronnie was in the hospital, she was right outside. What was she doing here? The last she'd heard Ronnie hated her, never wanted to see her again. Who'd want a daughter like you?, she had said.

"Look, don't worry Danielle. She can't hurt you anymore. I won't let her", Stacey was annoyed with herself for bringing up Ronnie, clearly the last thing Danielle wanted to think about. How stupid am I, she thought to herself, why do I always say the wrong thing?

"What's she doing here, Stace?" Danielle dissolved; she didn't know what to think anymore. Ronnie was the first and last person she wanted to see. Had Ronnie been in the room when she woke up she would've been both the happiest person in the world and yet the most angry. But, of course, she hadn't been there.

"I dunno Danielle" Stacey said, shaking her head. She couldn't think of anything more to say, anything that would suffice. In truth, she didn't know what Ronnie was doing. Roxy had said she'd been there after the accident, but Danielle clearly couldn't remember that. All she knew was the report Charlie had given her about the fiasco in the Vic, and that was all she needed to know. Ronnie was the last person she wanted Danielle to see. But Danielle loved her so much. At least, she had done.

Stacey softened slightly, "Look Dan, Ronnie stayed with you after the accident. At least, that's what Roxy told me. She went with you in the ambulance. But, I dunno what she's doing out there now"

Danielle was shocked; what had Ronnie been doing in the ambulance with her? Why would someone who hated her so much want to come with her to hospital? Maybe, just maybe…

But, if she had come with her, where was she now? Where was she when it really mattered? Somewhere else, Danielle thought to herself, thinking about something else, like she always had been. Always would be, no doubt.

But Danielle knew she had no choice.

"Will you talk to her for me Stace, if she's still here?" If Ronnie was outside she would have to face her eventually. Maybe this was the right time – Danielle knew what she had to do.

"Will you bring her here? I want to see her. I need to talk to her"