Second from last chapter of this fic, I hope you enjoy xx

Please review x

Katie xx


A month later

Zoe stood her hand gripping tightly to Max's outside the entrance to the ED. It was the first time she's been back here since being discharged nearly 3 months ago.

She felt herself begin to shake. She couldn't focus. She just had to get through today! The first day back is always the worst she told herself. She took a deep breath and began to walk into reception.

Faces turned to look at her and clapping rung out.

"Nice to have you back." Many familiar faces commented.

She felt alienated. For so long she's tried to leave this place and now she was back. Was it too early or would it never get easier.

Max kissing her broke her trace.

"I'll see you later?"

"Yeah see you later."

Zoe set her stuff down in her office before her pager went off. Here goes nothing Zoe muttered to herself.

"Oh hello Zo! Nice to have you back."

"So Dixie what have we got"

"This is Matthew, he's 25. He got hit by a cyclist and has sustained a fractured tibia, and lacerations to the head and arms. His abdomen is tender. His bp is normal, he's had 5mg of morphine and has had a gcs of 14 throughout. On my count. 1,2,3."

Zoe froze. Her hands and mind wouldn't coordinate. This is the place she was brought after the accident.

She could see herself lying there, practically lifeless on the bed, max as white as a sheet outside the door.

"Zoe zoe!" Dixie called."are you okay?"

"Sorry!"

Zoe turned around and walked out! She couldn't do this. Not now not ever. She quickly gathered her things and got into the car and drove home.

Dixie handed the patient over to lily before going to find max.

"Max. Stop come here."

"Sorry I'm really busy make it quick."

"It's Zoe."

"What's happened?"

"She's gone.?"

"Gone where?"

"I don't know, but she left resus and drove off I think."

Max didn't even reply he told Big Mac to take over grabbed his jacket and ran home in the hope he's find zoe there.

He opened the front door. He heard the sound of crying coming from inside.

"Zoe is that you are you okay?"

No reply. He walked into the living room to se zoe sitting on the floor her knees pulled up against her chest. Tears sliding down her cheeks.

"Hey you come here." Max said as he sat down beside her pulling her into a hug. "It's going to be okay."

"Is it? I can't do it max."

"Zoe yes you can your stronger than anyone I've ever know. We will get through this together. Me and you. I'm right here by your side and trust me I'm never going to leave."

"Max." She lowered her voice and whispered something to him.

"Are you sure?"

"I've been thinking about it ever since I was discharged. But only today I finally realised its what I need, what we both need."

"I don't know what to say."

"Say yes please I need to do this!"

"Fine yes!"

"Thank you. I'll speak to connie in the morning. Now you'd better get back to work."

"No I'm not leaving you."

"Max I'll be okay"

"Okay I'm going. I'll tell them you don't feel well."

Max left the house and took two car back to work. The rest of the day seemed to go by without any problems and max returned home to find zoe asleep on the sofa.

"Tomorrow is will be the next step I suppose." He whispered to her before making himself some toast and then heading upstairs to bed.


Please review. The last chapter of this fic is the next one xx