After walking through the house and banging on the majority of the doors, Caroline had finally come to the decision was not in the house. She sighed, as she walked round the back and noticed a dejected looking Evan sat on a fallen tree branch, staring aimlessly at the ground. She could see how hard this was for him, but at the same time he was pushing away his family, and no good would come of that.
"Evan." Caroline said on her approach to her Grandson, making him aware of her presence.
"Gran... please, I just want to be alone." Evan whispered turning away, evidently embarrassed.
"You're doing a good job of that one." Caroline told him, moving to stand in front him, "What use is it to push Danny away? Let him help you."
"I'm nothing but hassle for him." Evan spat moodily, "If I go, he and Alice can just get on with life without me..."
"They don't want that! Didn't you see the look on Danny's face? He loves you to pieces." Caroline exclaimed, "Please, don't do this to him, to yourself. You need each other."
"I endangered Bobby." Evan cracked, his pain and guilt evident in his hoarse voice. "I never meant too Gran, I just, it's so hard." He whispered, "I'm not angry at Danny, not really... I'm angry at myself for nearly hurting my little brother. Danny and Alice's reaction was natural, predictable, correct." He admitted.
"Swallow your pride Evan. Let them help you - don't push your family away." Caroline advised, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Give tempers time to cool and then go find them, apologize."
Evan nodded, watching as his Gran walked away. He shook his head, letting out a deep breath before glancing at his criss-cross arms. A feeling of shame washed over him, as he realised how he'd treated the family. The problem was, could he ever truly swallow his pride? Could he ever admit his problems to Danny? After all, the family had never had to deal with a bombshell like the one he could drop on them. It wasn't bad, not as such, and he was sure they'd support him, but to be the first in the family to feel such a way was unnerving - not to mention his exams, University life and of course, the grief he still felt from losing Dup. He glanced up at the sky, looking for the answers, only they never appeared, he'd have to work this one out for himself.
(x)
Alice and Olivia were sat on one of the sofa's in the lounge, chatting about Liv's list. They were alone, with everyone else occupied, including Danny who'd retired to the animal hospital, insisting Alice have the night off. She assumed it was so he could get some thinking done and so she'd left him to it, taking the opportunity to talk to Liv about her dilemma regarding the men in her life and that's how she'd ended up sharing hot chocolate and marshmellows with her step-daughter.
"That's a very one sided list." Alice admitted as Liv handed her list over, "So, did it clear things up?"
"Yes, it's obvious who I want but does he want me?" Liv asked, "Because if he doesn't then I lose Fatani-"
"Liv, you have to base this decision on you, not what other people want. Are you really happy to settle for Fatani? If it's not right, it's not right. It's better to be single and happy and true than in a false relationship." Alice warned, "It'll only cause heartbreak, and you need the love to get you through the hard times."
"But I do love Fatani, I'm just not in love with him, I mean maybe-"
"Liv." Alice stopped her with a stern tone, "Look, go see Fatani."
"What?"
"Either commit to him or finish it." Alice sighed, "You have to make the decision. If you want Thabo, go see him afterwards. Don't worry about anything else by the way, you'll always have a home and job here."
"Alice, can I do this?"
"Yes you can."
"I'm scared." Liv admitted, looking to Alice for reassurance.
"I'm here to catch you." Alice smiled, "You just make the right decision for you. I'll support you, Danny will support you, this entire family will support you. Just make sure it's the decision that's right for you."
"Thanks Alice... you're the best." Liv smiled, her tone sincere as she leant forward and hugged Alice. Alice chuckled, holding Liv tightly. "I think it's great news by the way." Liv promised, pulling away and glancing at Alice's stomach.
Alice grinned and ran a hand over her still flat stomach, "Thanks, though this is definitely the last one. No more!"
"You seem happy?" Liv questioned, remembering how Alice had felt last time.
"Elated." Alice admitted. "So, how about a chick flick?"
Both glanced at each other, before smiling.
"Pitch Perfect?" Liv suggested.
"I thought you'd never ask." Alice chuckled, as Liv also laughed, enjoying the rare quality time with her step-mother.
(x)
Rosie glanced at herself in the mirror. She knew this was wrong but what the heart desired, the heart needed - or that was what she was telling herself anyway. She was wearing a low cut top and shorts - a pair she knew Max had always loved her wearing. Max had volunteered to take Bobby on a drive to help him sleep - it had been the only way to get him to nod off in the past few days, and he'd needed a few moments with light company.
Rosie heard Max enter, and his low tones murmur to Alice that Bobby was asleep. She listened intently and heard Max hand her little brother over to Alice. At that moment, Rosie exited, walking with purpose towards him. She noticed his eyes bug wide and flare as he noticed her attire, however he noticed it and squashed his feelings straight away.
"I know what you're doing Rosie." Max whispered angrily, "It won't work!"
"It will." Rosie promised, "You just don't want to appear the bad guy. I'm not asking for a relationship, just one night..."
"You're a married woman." Max spat.
"You're my husband."
"Ex." Max corrected.
"I wouldn't even dare with anyone else..."
"Then don't dare with me." Max spat. "Look Rosie," He said softly, "Please don't make this harder than it has to be." He whispered before quickly walking away, greeting Caroline on his way out, leaving Rosie no option but to leave it.
"Going out?" Caroline asked.
"No... not any more." Rosie sighed, "Just not in the mood." She murmured.
(x)
Danny was scrubbing at his operating desk, his mind in turmoil and filled with thoughts of Evan. He didn't want to lose his son, and he didn't want him to leave. He wanted to help his son, give him everything he needed, support, professional help, everything and anything he could, but that was becoming so hard as he struggled to deal with the way Evan was acting. The way he was treating the family disgusted Danny and despite his problems, he couldn't allow Evan to get away with such a manner. His reverie was broken by a door opening.
"No Alice?"
Danny turned to see Evan stood in the doorway. He slowly walked in, closing the door behind him.
"I told her to take the night off." Danny admitted, hating the awkward air.
"Oh..."
"Did you want her?" Danny asked.
"No, well, yeh, I wanted both of you, but... Danny, can I talk to you?"
Danny nodded, leaning on his now sparkling table, waiting for Evan to speak.
A/N - Thank you for all your kind reviews. I've not checked this, so sorry if there are any mistakes! Hope you're enjoying this!
Anyone any ideas what Evan might admit to Danny?