"Mum" Debbie said, jumping up and hugging Bea gently

"Debbie" the redhead said, as well as she could with the tube in her throat

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been hit by a truck!" Bea replied, trying to smile

Allie had gone to get help after Bea woke up, wanting to give her and Debbie some time alone. The young brunette had held it together really well considering, but she could tell she was putting on a brave face.

After locating one of the nurses Allie waited outside the redhead's room. Leaning against the wall, her heart felt like it was beating at a million miles an hour. The events of the last 24 hours finally catching up with her, the blonde fell to her knees as the realisation of how close she had come to losing Bea hit her head on.

Bea was uncomfortable, the tube was scratching her throat and every bone in her body ached. The nurse came in and checked her vitals, removing the tube once she was happy with the redhead's breathing. She brought her a drink of water, before leaving her to rest. Debbie rushed over to help her, the older woman struggling to sit up due to her injuries.

"Did he do this because of me?" Bea asked, gesturing to the cut on Debbie's cheek and the bruise that had formed around it

"He did it, but it's not your fault so stop blaming yourself"

"What happened, I don't remember much after he hit me. I think I must have blacked out"

"I came in and you were on the floor, he was kicking you. I tried to pull him away but I wasn't strong enough. He hit me, kicked you again then left. I was so scared, you wouldn't wake up. I called Allie and she talked to me, told me what to do. I was a mess, she came straight over and has been here with me ever since. She's been great"

"She is pretty amazing" Bea said, smiling at the thought of the blonde looking after Debbie

"The doctor asked us what happened, how you got hurt, I told her it was him. She said the police would want to speak to us both when you woke up. I'm sorry, I know you don't want to involve them but I thought you were going to die. You're not mad are you?"

"How could I be angry with you for trying to protect me?" the redhead replied, grabbing onto Debbie's hand.

Looking around the room Bea was expecting to see blonde hair, disappointment setting in when she realised there was no one else there.

"Where's Allie?"

"I'm not sure, she went to get the nurse but I would have thought she'd have been back by now. I won't be a sec" Debbie said, rushing out of the room in search of the other woman.

She hadn't gone far when she saw the blonde on the floor, sobbing.

"She's ok Allie, everything's going to be alright" Debbie said, kneeling down and pulling Allie into a hug.

"I'm sorry, you shouldn't have to see me like this, you've got enough on without me having a meltdown" the blonde replied, wiping her eyes on her shirtsleeve.

"You don't need to apologise, it really has been a shit day!" Debbie said, causing Allie to laugh

"You head back in, I just need a minute to sort myself out"

"She's asking for you, if I go back empty handed I'll be in trouble, and you wouldn't want that would you?"

"Come on then, let's go" Allie replied, linking arms with Debbie before heading back to Bea's room

They walked back into the room, Allie stopping a few feet from the bed, afraid that if she moved any nearer, the redhead would disappear.

"I need to go and call Maxine, let her know you're awake" Debbie said, excusing herself from the room

"You can come closer, I won't bite" the older woman said, the blonde still not moving

"Allie?"

Shaken out of her thoughts by the redhead calling her name Allie approached the bed slowly, her eyes never leaving Bea's.

"I thought I had lost you" she said, tears running freely down her face

"I'm right here, you haven't lost me, come here" the older woman said, reaching out her hand in an attempt to bridge the small gap that was still between them.

Sitting in the chair next to the bed Allie grabbed the outstretched hand, holding on as if her life depended on it.

"Do you remember what happened?"

"He was at home when I got back, he had a letter from my solicitor about the divorce. I guess he didn't take it very well!" the redhead said, trying to make light of the situation

"When I saw you lying on the floor I thought you were gone, I thought I had lost you"

"It'll take more than that to break me, wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction anyway"

"It looks like you got a good shot in at least" Allie said, her finger trailing over the bruised knuckles on Bea's right hand.

"He was talking shit about you, I didn't like it"

"Defending my honour, my hero. Just try not to almost get yourself killed next time, not sure my heart could take it!" the blonde replied, before placing a soft kiss on Bea's lips.

Bringing her hand to the back of Allie's neck as she felt her start to pull back, Bea brought their lips together again in a heated kiss.

Sitting back down in the chair Allie took the older woman's hand in hers again, happy for any contact, no matter how small.

"I need you to do something for me" the redhead said

"Anything"

"I need you to keep an eye on Debbie for me while I'm stuck in here. Harry hit her again and I need to know she's safe, I hate the thought of her being alone with him"

"I've already got it covered, she's staying with me until you get out"

"I don't want to put you out"

"You're not, besides I like having her around. I feel like I've got a little piece of you with me when she's there"

"Thank you. I bet you're regretting helping me that night now, you should have just left me there"

"Never, running into you was the best thing that's ever happened to me" Allie replied, leaning over and kissing the redhead gently.

Breaking apart at the sound of the door opening, they turned to see the nurse approaching. "The police are here Bea, they need to speak to you. Am I ok to send them in?"

"Can you give us a few minutes?" Allie asked, feeling Bea tense up at the thought of having to give a statement.

"Sure, let me know when you're ready" she replied before leaving them alone again.

"You need to tell them everything. I know you had your reasons for keeping quiet before, and I get that, but Debbie will be away from here soon"

"I did what I did to protect her, not out of any loyalty to him, I need you to know that"

"I was never in any doubt. He'll never lay a finger on either of you again, I'll make sure of it" the blonde said, Bea laughing at the scary face she was trying, and failing to pull off.

"Don't laugh, I'll have you know that I'm pretty badass!"

"Sure you are!"

They had been speaking to Bea for over an hour, needing to take statements from Debbie and Allie as well. The blonde suggested they go to the station once visiting was over, not wanting to miss any time with the redhead. The chances of them being allowed to stay at the hospital overnight now Bea was awake were slim, not that she wouldn't try her luck.

When visiting hours were up the nurse came in as expected, asking both Allie and Debbie to leave, telling them they could come back the next morning.

Debbie said goodnight to her Mum before heading into the corridor, leaving her alone with Allie.

"Thank you for being there for Debbie, I would hate to think she was going through all this alone, it's hard enough on her as it is"

"There's nothing to thank me for, I'm exactly where I want to be. Well not exactly, I'd rather we weren't in a hospital, and that you hadn't been hurt again, but I'm glad I'm with you, both of you"

"You'd better go otherwise that nurse will be after you"

"She's go no chance, I've only got eyes for you!" the blonde replied, winking at Bea

"I should hope so. Goodnight Allie"

"Goodnight beautiful, we'll see you in the morning."

Right, you're staying with me tonight, and no arguments, I can be stubborn too you know!"

"I don't have any clothes with me"

"Good excuse to buy new ones then. I should warn you that I'm the master of shopping, hope you can keep up kiddo!" the blonde said before calling a tax to take them to the mall.

Debbie had been quiet on the way back from the police station, Allie deciding to leave her be. The taxi dropped them off outside the house, the blonde helping her with the bags. It looked like Allie had met her match in the shopping department, she just hoped Bea wouldn't be mad at her.

Allie had called Kaz while Debbie had been talking to the police, letting her know that the younger Smith would be staying with them for a few days. Hearing how exhausted Allie sounded, she offered to cook dinner for them all.

Kaz had been on her best behaviour through dinner and Allie was thankful for that. She loved her dearly but the older woman could be a little harsh sometimes and Debbie really didn't need that with everything else she was dealing with. Despite the circumstances that brought them all together they had a nice evening.

Debbie helped Allie clean up after dinner, despite the blonde's protests.

"So stubborn" the blonde had joked, earning her a laugh from the brunette.

She gone to bed once the dishes were done, the events of the past two days finally catching up with her. Settling into Allie's room she noticed a drawing on the wall, her Mum's signature on the bottom. Bea was very private about her drawings, she must care for Allie a lot to share something so personal to her.

Allie settled herself on the sofa, calling Franky to ask for some time off work, before sleep took over.

They had breakfast the next day before heading over to Bea's house to pick up Allie's car, making sure to wait until Harry had left for work.

As they rounded the corner Allie took in the sight before her. The windows were smashed in and someone had keyed 'junkie whore' into the paintwork on the driver's side.

"What the fuck!" she yelled, running across the street to her car.