The time had come for Matt to leave. His taxi was due to arrive any minute. In a moment of last minute madness he grabbed a pen and paper. He looked around the room, god the times he and Zoe had shared in this room. He felt warm hot tears begin to tall and stain his paper. Stuff it – she can know that I cried.

'Dear Zoe

I don't have a clue what to say... I just... I want you to know all of this before I leave.

Zoe, you have given me the best two years of my life, and I don't want it to end here. I've never deserved you, I've never deserved what you gave me. I went and proved that.

You're beautiful Zoe... don't listen to anyone who says you are not. You're kind and caring... You're a fantastic listener, a great speaker too! You're funny, charming... you're amazing Zoe! And don't you ever believe you are not, please. Do that for me, keep your head held high no matter what life throws at you... show them that spirit, show them the Zoe I know and love.

I realise what I've done to you is indescribable. I know sorry is just a word. But I truly mean it Zoe, I am sorry. Another thing I know, you won't want me back. You deserve a guy who will never hurt you in the way I have. I can't promise you he'll love you more than I love you... I don't know if that is possible. But honestly Zoe, I love you... forever and a day.

If this really is the end of us, I want you to promise me one thing. Just one thing Zoe. You never put up with any crap. You never give up and you continue on that upwards ladder! You're a princess Zoe not just an anybody. And if life ever gets too much, don't turn to the drink Zoe, turn to the people closest to you, turn to Alice. If you can't imagine me holding you in my arms... because that's what I'll imagine when I'm down, I'll imagine you.

I'll be back in a matter of weeks I know, well months, but...

I love you Zoe... more than my life.

All my love forever and always.

Matt xxxx

PS. Go in the drawer with all your little bits in, I've left you something in there which I want you to have'

Matt sniffed before quickly placing the letter on Zoe's side of the bed. He kissed it softly. Before taking a deep breath, he grabbed a photo of him and Zoe quickly before leaving the room.

"Matt." Danny nodded to the taxi. "Thank you for all your service. We look forward to your return."

"Thanks Danny." The pair shook hands as Alice gave him a hug.

Soon the goodbye's were finished. Matt looked to the long road into Leopards Den. Zoe wasn't coming. He got in his cab and took one last look at Leopards Den. This was it for a few months... now he had a time of exams!

X

Zoe thrust the jeep into gear! She couldn't let Matt go like that. She loved him, needed him!

Zoe drove up to Leopards Den and rushed into the house. She noticed Danny and Alice sat at the kitchen table looking at their wedding photos. Both looked up at her with pity in their eyes.

"He's gone hasn't he?" Zoe asked softly.

"I'm sorry." Danny replied.

"I don't want your sorrow or pity Danny!" Zoe shouted. Danny was taken back by Zoe's temper. Alice placed a hand on his arm as Zoe punched the wall angrily.

"Let me deal with this, go on." Alice whispered as Danny looked at her with worry. "Don't worry." Alice insisted she handed him the album.

Danny left the room, Alice took a deep breath.

"Zoe."

"What?" Zoe snarled. "I don't want any of the pity!"

"I'm not here to pity you. I'm here to help you Zoe." Alice said softly.

"I don't need help." Zoe growled. Alice shook her head. This reminded her of someone – herself. Except Zoe was so heartbroken she couldn't even cry, just shake. It was very typical Zoe style. She had a temper that was worse than Alice's. She got angry rather than upset. She'd break down later, after her anger.

"Let me sort that hand out then." Alice insisted. She had to get Zoe calmer. The smallest thing could set Zoe off... and Zoe in a rage was not what anyone needed. She could be petrifying when she was angry. She reminded Alice of someone and for once it was not herself.

"Fine." Zoe sighed sitting down and allowing Alice to clean her hand up. She felt like a teenager again, punching walls. It's what stroppy teens did not heartbroken adults. That's when it hit her. Matt was gone. All of a sudden Zoe burst into tears, she felt alone until Alice wrapped her arms around her. Zoe clung to her sister as she cried into Alice's shoulder.

"Shh it's okay Zoe." Alice soothed her. She knew how this felt. She remembered the pain of splitting with Danny. She hated thinking about that... besides Zoe was her priority.

"No it's not Alice! I love him!" Zoe shouted. Her voice broke as he voice became quieter. "I love him."

"I know you do..." Alice whispered, "I know."

Zoe continued to cry into Alice, telling her every detail. Alice kept hold of her, rubbing her back gently. She decided to let Zoe speak, to answer shortly and softly. It was the best way to deal with this.

"I'm so useless!" Zoe cried.

"No you're not Zoe... not one bit." Alice argued, Danny had decided to come back into the kitchen. Alice had been ages. He came and saw Alice holding Zoe. Zoe couldn't see him but Alice forced a smile and gazed at him softly. He shot her an apologetic look before sighing. He'd never seen Zoe like this. Vulnerable. She was like Alice, you never expected this.

Danny pointed to their room, Alice communicated with him with her eyes. He smiled and nodded before walking off.

"What am I going to do?" Zoe asked.

"You're going to be Zoe. You're not going to turn to drink okay?" Alice began, she felt Zoe nod. "You're going to get up, pick yourself up and get on with your life. You're gonna go out tomorrow and you are going to have fun with the girls!"

Zoe pulled away and wiped her eyes.

"But hey Zoe, just because you're the type of person who needs to carry on with life, it doesn't mean you have to keep it bottled up, talk anytime yeh?" Alice whispered.

"Yeh, thanks Alice." Zoe half smiled before hugging her sister. "Thanks so much. I'm gonna go to bed."

"Same here." Alice smiled, "Night Zoe."

"Night Alice."

The pair went their separate ways. Alice saw Danny lying in their bed, he rolled over as she turned the light back on and groaned sleepily.

"Alice?" He mumbled.

"No, Vivian!" Alice laughed, "Of course it's me."

"Oh okay, hello me." Danny yawned sleepily.

Alice shook her head as she got into her night clothes. She climbed into bed beside Danny before turning their light off. She snuggled into his side and closed her eyes as his arm wrapped around her.

"So, how's Zoe?" Danny asked at a whisper.

"Not good, but she'll be ok... hopefully." Alice added. She felt Danny wrap his over arm around her.

"Hmm. We'll have to help her through it." Danny murmured, his words slurring slightly with sleepiness.

"Yeh, I love you Danny." Alice smiled propping herself up slightly.

"Love you too" Danny replied as the pair kissed quickly on the lips. Alice took a deep breath, content with her surroundings and happily in Danny's chest, she closed her eyes and drifted off into a deep slumber.

a/n – Zoe's sad ;'(

Alice to the rescue lol!

x