We do not own Eastenders, Ashes to Ashes or Waterloo Road
Chapter 37
Alyssa nodded at him then turned her head and smiled brightly at Rowan as she rose from her chair. She leant over and gave her a hug. She was careful not to hurt her but still she clung tightly to her best friend.
Rowan clung to Alyssa.
"I want to know the second they tell you when you're allowed out. I don't care whether it's the middle of the night" she whispered before she let go.
"I don't think they'll release me in the middle of the night," Rowan giggled.
Alyssa straightened up and squeezed Rowan's hand. Rowan squeezed her hand back. Alyssa let go and took Jack's instead.
"See you soon," she promised and smiled at both Rowan and Chris before allowing Jack to lead her away.
Jack walked over and gave Rowan a quick peck on the cheek. She blushed and waved them off.
"See you tomorrow."
She waited until she was sure they were gone before turning to Chris.
"Hold me please."
Chris looked at her, startled and then took her in his arms and held her as she sobbed.
"Ro, it's okay, shhh," he stroked her hair.
She got control of herself and sniffed.
"Sorry, everyone is just so worried and upset I just, I'm a bit overwhelmed," Rowan said softly.
Chris nodded in understanding. He climbed onto the bed and laid down next to her and held her close. He watched Rowan settle in his arms and drift off. He stroked her hair and cursed himself soundly again for not being there to protect her. He sighed and rested his cheek on the top of her head and nodded off.
/\\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\
Chris woke up as the nurse brought in Rowan's dinner and placed it on the table. He rubbed at his eyes as she left and slowly untangled himself from Rowan and stood and stretched. He was hungry himself.
Rowan stirred but kept on sleeping. He leaned over and kissed her and then went in search of something to eat.
Rowan woke up and looked around. Chris was gone and there was a dinner tray on the table. She reached for the table and hissed in pain but managed to get two fingers hooked on it and drag it close. She ate the food with little enthusiasm and sighed.
She spotted the bag of grapes and smiled as she reached for it and pulled some out to munch on.
Chris returned a short time later. He sat next to her on the bed.
"You should go home to sleep," she told him. "I don't think they'll let you get away with sleeping with me for the night."
"Need a shower and all," he muttered, unhappy with the idea of leaving her alone but understanding her reasoning. He leaned back next to her and grabbed a grape out of the bag.
"I'll go when they kick me out," he said with a grin and kissed her.
About an hour later the nurse walked in. She checked Rowan over and gave a satisfied nod. She then turned her attention to Chris.
"I'm afraid you're going to have to leave, sir," she told him. Chris knew better than to argue as much as he hated the idea of leaving Rowan alone.
He waited until the nurse left and gave Rowan a long kiss.
"I'll call you when I get to leave," she told him and picked up her journal. "Here, Alyssa forgot this. Go ahead and take it back to the flat and give it to her if she's there."
Chris nodded and kissed her one last time before heading out the door.
Rowan switched on the TV and watched it blankly until she fell asleep.
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Alyssa looked back briefly and saw Rowan hidden from view by Chris. She smiled at the couple. They were so good together. She tightened her grip on Jack's hand as they walked through the hospital back to the car. She let go as he went to open the car.
"Thank you" she told him sincerely before he could unlock the door and get inside. She wasn't sure how she would have managed today if it weren't for Jack. He had kept her positive and soothed her when she broke down. It was because of him that she wasn't a burbling wreck right now.
"Any time," Jack said softly and folded her in his arms. He slowly let her go and put his hand on her cheek and smiled at her. He reached down and opened the door for her.
Alyssa leant her cheek into the warmth of his hand then turned her face to kiss it tenderly, before she moved and slipped inside his car. She relaxed into the seat and buckled herself in as he got in the other side.
Jack drove her to a bowling alley he'd heard some of the students mention. He pointed at the chippy next door to it and looked at Alyssa.
"So, do you need to fuel up before you kick my ass?" he asked her with a grin as he got out of the car.
Alyssa shook her head. She wasn't hungry. She hadn't been especially hungry when he had cooked for her earlier but she had eaten it anyway. She got out of the car.
"I don't need sustenance to beat you Jack, I can do it naturally" she replied cheekily. If he wanted food she would probably snaffle a few chips, just to keep her going, but she didn't feel she could eat a whole portion.
Jack chuckled at her remark and slung an arm around her shoulder as they went inside. He recognized a number of students from the school and began to wish he'd suggested somewhere else. He led her to a likely-looking open lane after they got their shoes and gamely picked up one of the balls. He turned and looked at Alyssa.
"So, are you going to show me how to do this or what?"
Alyssa smirked at him and typed their names into the little machine. Happy and ready to go she chewed her lip as she looked at the variety of bowling balls on offer. She picked up a deep green one and tested the weight. Happy with it, she stepped up to the mark and took her position, she looked back at him.
"Watch and learn," she said to him and then faced the pins. Her face changed to one of pure concentration as she swung her arm back and then released the ball. She took a step back and then turned to walk back to him without watching what was happening on the lane or seeing if she had hit her target.
Jack was happy to watch Alyssa as she threw the ball. He grinned at her as she walked back to him not even watching as the ball knocked all the pins down.
"I'm impressed, now really, are you going to teach me or not?" he asked. He slid an arm around her shoulders and leaned his face close to hers. "I have a confession, I just threw the bowling idea off the top of my head. I don't actually know how." He chuckled. "I had no idea you'd jump on it like that."
Alyssa looked at him in shock. He had never been bowling! she slipped an arm around his waist and kissed his cheek.
"You've never been bowling?" she questioned incredulously. She shook her head and grabbed his hand.
She pointed to the row of bowling balls with her free hand.
"First thing, pick one of those out," she told him.
She looked up at the screen to check how many pins she had knocked over. Why hadn't he said something before. She had gone on about how she was going to kick his ass at bowling and all the time he hadn't a clue how to play. She blushed, but was determined to teach him. Bowling was not a hard game.
Jack gamely followed her instructions. He looked up and down at all the other people, to see what they were doing. He took several rapid steps forward, swung his arm to release the ball and promptly tripped and fell flat. He groaned in disgust as the ball slipped from his hand and went into the gutter.
He levered himself up and walked over to Alyssa and gave her a shamefaced grin. She was marking his score.
"That counts?" he asked in mock outrage. He picked up another ball. He gave a couple of experimental swings and this time kept his eyes facing front as he quickly stepped forward and smoothly released the ball. He turned and held out his arms.
"I stayed up that time," he said with a grin as he walked back to her, not bothering to look at where the ball ended up. "I could use a drink, how about you? Beer?"
Alyssa laughed and peered over his shoulder to watch what happened to the pins.
To her delight he had managed to knock some of them down.
She nodded. "Beer is fine," she smiled at him.
Jack put a hand on her cheek and then went to get them a couple of beers. He nodded at the occasional student who hailed him, but turned to gaze at Alyssa as he waited for the drinks. He had to admit to himself he was falling for her. He wasn't sure he was ready for it. He paid for the beers and handed Alyssa hers when he got back.
Alyssa had chosen a ball and weighed it against another while he had been gone.
She took a sip of the beer and grinned at him before going up to the lane with her chosen ball.
She was still fairly shocked that he had never been bowling before. It seemed to her such a normal pastime, if you didn't know what to do for your birthday, you went bowling.
If you felt competitive, you went bowling. It seemed such a natural thing. She sighed and released the ball and sent it spinning down the lane.
She swept around and took another gulp of her drink before tilting her head to look at the screen.
Jack began to wonder if Alyssa was somehow upset that he didn't know how to bowl. It was something that never crossed his mind.
He'd always spent spare time in the pub. But he liked watching her. He wondered if she knew how to shoot pool and if he could control himself enough to teach her how to play if she didn't.
He would endeavor to do better on his next turn.
Alyssa smiled at her score, she hadn't knocked them all down but had got most. She waited for her ball to come back through and then threw it once more. She turned back to Jack smiling.
"Your go," she said sweetly and swigged her beer as she watched him.
Jack tapped her on the nose as he walked by and picked up the ball. He thought he was getting the hang of it and did much better than previously. He was determined to impress her. He hadn't realized she was quite so competitive which meant she would want a challenge. He wondered if he would be able to distract her at all.
He put his hands on her arms after he took his turn and leaned down to whisper in her ear and pressed against her briefly. He gazed at her innocently as he took a drink of his beer and gestured for her to take her turn.
Alyssa's eyes widened. She struggled with her desire to show him how much she approved of what he had said. She bit her lip and fought back her reaction to his words. So he wanted to play dirty? She smiled as she picked up her ball, she intended to ignore it for now, however if it got any worse then she would have to fight back. His mind was filthy.
She closed her eyes as she faced the lane and took all thoughts that he had evoked in her mind and put them to the back of her mind. Focused, Alyssa threw the ball. She whipped around grinning and took a swig of her beer.
His eyebrows flew up but he schooled his expression quickly before she turned back. Clearly that wasn't going to work. He shoved his hands in his pockets and gave her a winning smile. He raised his beer to her and took a drink. He didn't mind losing but he regretted he couldn't be more of a challenge for her.
However, he had thoroughly enjoyed whispering in her ear. He was definitely going to have to do it again. He gamely took his turn and tried to do better.
Alyssa took a seat as she watched him. She sat quietly and studied his movements. She had to admit, the view of his arse from her was very flattering. She smiled to herself and sipped her drink. He was getting the hang of it. She watched the ball go flying down the lane and noted how many pins it knocked down, she beamed at him.
Jack walked back over and realized the drinks were getting low.
"Another round?" he asked her. Maybe he should try getting her drunk.
Alyssa nodded. She drained the rest of her drink and smiled.
"I'll get this round" she said and pulled out her purse. Before he could protest she started over towards the bar. She flashed the barman a smile and handed over the cash for a refill on their drinks. She carried them back over and handed one to him before setting hers down and picking up a ball.
"My go?"
Jack nodded and went to get some food while she took her turn. He was starving even if she wasn't hungry. He got her some chips anyway.
After a couple of hours his game had improved slightly, at least to the point he thought he was making a good showing but he was getting tired. It had been a long day.
He slid his arms around her waist as she walked back after finishing a turn.
"Let's get out of here," he said low in her ear.
Alyssa nodded and kissed his cheek. She was feeling sleepy and wanted it to be tomorrow so that Rowan would be home. She missed her best friend and the house lacked something when Rowan's presence wasn't there. She placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Thank you for everything today, I don't think I would have coped as well without you," she told him quietly as she slid her hands down his chest and took his hand.
Jack drove her back to her flat, trying to keep his yawns under control. He was glad he'd only had three beers or he'd be in bad shape. He pulled up and parked.
"Can I walk you to the door?" he asked, making his voice crack and putting on a show of being a nervous teenager by clearing his throat and fidgeting in his seat.
Alyssa laughed at his behaviour; she looped her hair behind her ear and grinned at him. She nodded and got out of the car. He really was a Muppet at times. She loved that he could make her laugh. She shut the door behind her and waited for him. She let him escort her to her door.
"I don't suppose you want to come in for coffee?" she mumbled and she fiddled with the key in her hands, not opening the door just yet.
He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels.
"As long as it's just coffee, I'll get in trouble if I'm late getting home. Mum'll have a cow," he grinned, keeping up the pretence. He loved hearing her laugh.
He leaned closer to her and cleared his throat again.
"Can I kiss you?" he whispered, his eyes full of laughter.
He had cleared his throat. Either he was aware that he habitually did that when he was nervous or uneasy, or he actually was nervous. She smiled.
Alyssa bit back the giggles and nodded her head at him shyly to confirm her approval and took a tiny step towards him. Her eyes shining with mirth.
Jack brushed his lips against hers and it was his undoing. He dropped the pretence and pulled her tightly into his embrace and kissed her deeply. He broke off the kiss and looked at her.
"I vote we skip the coffee, I'd rather have something else," he said, his voice low and husky.
Alyssa looked up at him. Her eyes were wide; he had startled her slightly at his loss of control. She rubbed her hands up his arms.
"Won't your mum be angry if you're back late?" she asked him breathlessly.
"I'm not bothered," Jack replied, "and I'm not so tired I can't…." he broke off and started whispering in her ear as he slid his hand down her back and to her arse and pressed her to him.
Chris walked up to the flat and hesitated as he saw Jack and Alyssa standing on the steps locked in a clinch. He cleared his throat noisily and waved when they looked at him.
"All okay?" Jack asked as she shifted Alyssa out of Chris' way.
Alyssa looked on as Chris walked up and tried to stifle her reaction to Jack's whispered words. She watched Chris retreat.
"Yea, nurses kicked me out. She'll call when it's time to go but I don't plan to wait that long," he unlocked the door and shoved the brick they used to hold the door open in front of it with his foot.
"Night, Chris," she called after him as his figure faded into the darkness of the house.
"Good night," he said as he headed up the stairs and into the flat. He grabbed a quick shower and crawled into the empty bed.
She looked back at Jack and locked her arms around his neck.
"He's missing her already," she sighed.
"She does make her presence felt," Jack agreed and hastily added, "I meant that in a nice way."
He ran his fingers through her hair as he looked at her.
"Are we going up?" he asked her and leaned close to her again. "I'd like to get you into bed if you're agreeable."
He looked at her and raised an eyebrow at her as he put his hands on her hips and pulled her close to him to let her know what he was thinking.
Alyssa smiled at him and nodded. She kissed him briefly and took one of his hands.
"I quite like that idea," she murmured to him
Alyssa dislodged the brick and led him upstairs, putting her keys back in her trouser pocket as she went. She got into the flat and listened. She could hear Chris' breathing from his and Rowan's room, she put a finger to her lips and dropped Jack's hand so she could quietly shut the door behind him as he entered behind her.
The lights in the flat were off and Alyssa decided not to turn them on. What was the point? She didn't think they would get around to using any other rooms and they both knew the way to her bedroom. The light was dim and fading but there was just enough to see by. She kissed the back of his neck as she passed him and linked her fingers with his as she moved towards her room.
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Molly took Alex's hand and noticed she had discarded her coffee. Molly gulped down the remainder of the hot, chocolaty liquid and threw the polystyrene cup in the nearest bin. She looked around at Gene once she reached the car and beamed at him as she got in.
Alex smiled nervously at him as she followed her daughter's example and got in. This time she buckled her seatbelt. She looked at him as he got in.
"So, work or home?"
"I need to check how things are at the station. Need to make sure that scrote is still alive as much as I'd like to see otherwise," he grumbled. "Then we can go home unless there's something else you'd rather do."
He started up the car and drove carefully to the station. He swept out of the car and went inside without waiting to see if Alex was going to go into the station too. He wanted to be done quickly.
He checked on the cells, Brian in particular, and swallowed against the gagging sensation in his throat. He let out a long breath and walked away to find Peterson and make sure all was in order.
He handed Peterson the tape Rowan had given him.
"This is the victim's statement. I'll read the transcript tomorrow so make sure it's on my desk first thing."
The man handed him a file.
"What's this?" he asked opening it.
"They just came from the photo lab, Guv," Peterson began. "They're the photos..."
He broke off as Gene looked down at the contents of the file before Peterson could finish his sentence.
"Oh bloody hell," Gene spat and slapped the file closed.
"I tried to tell you they were the photos of the victim Guv."
Gene glared at him and threw the file on the desk.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Gene huffed and went to his office.
Alex sighed slightly as Gene stormed off. She twisted in her seat to look at Molly.
"I've got some files to sort out and another case to check on," she told her daughter as she undid her seatbelt.
Molly followed suit. She was not sitting alone in the car. She scrambled out and wandered inside.
Alex left her to her own devices. Molly knew the rules in the police station. Don't touch, don't disturb, stay out of the way, follow instructions, cells were off limits unless she had Alex's permission. She cautiously poked her head around the doors and inspected offices curiously. She reached her mum's office and recognised the litter of personal items that always cluttered her desk.
She smiled and went out of Alex's office into the corridor. She peered through a window and saw a huge room. She could make out a figure and recognised Gene.
Alex spotted Molly watching Gene's office but left her alone and moved to her desk. She kept the door open in case Molly needed her and tried to ignore the comings and goings of police officers and suspects or witnesses as she worked.
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Gene sat at his desk going over other cases. His mind strayed to the bottle in his desk. Damn Peterson for not warning him about the pictures. He'd seen a lot in his career but seeing someone you knew in a state like that was not something you could get used to.
He put the files aside and rubbed his face.
He noticed Molly outside his office and stood up and walked out to her.
"Any place in particular you want to see?" he asked her.
Molly shook her head. She had been eavesdropping on the various conversations as officers past her. She knew now that 2 officers were planning on getting a curry tonight, PC Jacobs was pissing off his fellow officers and the Ginger policeman wanted to get laid. She sighed and looked at him.
"It's the same as every other police station," she shrugged.
She had also heard snippets of information regarding Rowan's case and she knew that Gene had given her the watered down version. She didn't mind, from what she had heard she wasn't sure she wanted the proper version of what happened.
"That it is," Gene nodded. He noticed Alex's door was open but turned and walked down the hall to the men's room. He went inside and got his flask out of his pocket. He took several long pulls before he closed it and put it away. He let out a long breath and went to the sink and splashed water on his face. He scrubbed his face dry with a paper towel and tossed it in the bin before walking out.
He went to Alex's office and leaned in the doorway.
"I'm finished now, Bolly. I'll be outside when you're ready," he told her.
Alex nodded and picked up her files. She finished leafing through them and decided than rather than keep him waiting she could continue the work at home. Paperwork didn't take long and it was easy enough to do. She gathered the folders into her arms and shut her door behind her.
"Come on, Molls," she said and ushered the girl after Gene.
She slipped her files onto the dashboard and got into the car.
Molly got into the back. How typical of her mother to bring work home, Molly remembered her old home, Alex's study was littered with cups of old coffee and sheets of paper everywhere. She sighed and settled herself in the back.
Gene drove home carefully and got out of the car slowly after shutting it off. He leaned on the hood and lit up a cigarette. He was sure Alex was still upset with him and he still could not figure out what he'd done. The whole business was beginning to make him a little crazy.
Alex collected her folders and traipsed inside. She dumped them on the kitchen table and switched on the kettle. If she was going to finish her paperwork she was going to need a strong cup of coffee. She leant against the counted and shut her eyes as the kettle boiled. She thought of the pregnancy test in her bag, she was tempted to do it now. 'No.' She thought calmly, 'finish the paperwork, then check if you're pregnant' She jumped slightly as the kettle switch flicked back and she made herself a strong, milky coffee before starting on her work.
Molly went and got her book from her room. Gene smoked an awful lot. She looked out of the window as she went into the living room, he was having one now. 'He must be really stressed or worried about something' she mused and wondered if she should ask him what was wrong, she decided against it. She didn't think Gene Hunt was the type to talk openly about his feelings. Molly sighed and settled on the sofa to read.
Gene came in after finishing his cigarette. He hung up his coat and dropped onto one of the kitchen chairs and picked up a file and flipped through it. He sighed and put it down again and glanced at Alex. He tapped his fingers on the table and heaved another breath.
"Fancy a takeaway?" he finally asked for lack of anything else to say.
Molly looked up. Takeaway? She beamed at him.
"What sort of takeaway?" she pressed him. She licked her lips in anticipation. She loved take out food, everything tasted better than if you cooked it yourself.
Alex ignored him as he leafed through her work. She nodded at the mention of food without looking at him, she was determined to finish so she could prove to herself whether she was carrying a child. She hadn't got much more to do. Then she would see.
Gene grabbed his coat and led Molly out to the car and drove to a nearby Chinese restaurant.
Gene nodded at the woman at the counter and placed the order and handed over the money. He flopped onto the seat by the counter to wait and leaned his head against the wall with a sigh. He looked over the paper takeaway menu he still had in his hand and noticed the place delivered. He carefully folded it and stuck it in his coat pocket.
"So, getting a job at the café then," he commented and turned his head towards Molly. "Good, that means we can charge you rent now," he added and snorted a laugh.
Molly looked shocked for a moment then realised he was joking. She hoped he was joking.
"I'm looking forward to it. I like Rowan; she's lovely." she chewed her lip for a moment then folded her arms and faced him.
Gene nodded in agreement with Molly's assessment. "Bird's a cracking cook too," he admitted. "Chris did well there."
"I'm not paying rent" she told him firmly.
He burst out laughing at her comment and leaned over, putting his arms on his knees, as he laughed.
"That was a joke," he attempted through the laughter and stood up to get the food as the lady said his order was ready.
He shook his head, still chuckling as he led Molly back out to the car.
He knew he shouldn't but getting out of the house and Molly's lack of hostility had improved his mood.
"So," he said as he revved up the Quattro, "we should probably hurry back before the food gets cold?" he looked at Molly and raised an eyebrow, a grin of anticipation creasing his face.
Molly grinned back as she sat with the hot food placed on her lap.
If they didn't get home quickly her knees would burn from the heat radiating through the packaging. She shrugged at him.
Her mum was working and even though Molly knew it wouldn't take Alex long until she finished, she had noticed her mum had been unusually quiet today. She frowned.
"What's wrong with Mum?" she asked him curiously. She figured that if she didn't know then Gene probably would. Her mum had told her that she loved Gene, surely he would know why she was acting odd.
"I think she's mad at me. I'm not sure what I did, but," he shrugged and revved the engine again.
"Seat belt on?" he asked and looked at her to check. He slammed out of the parking lot and shot off down the road, swinging around the corners and expertly dodging traffic as he went. He slowed as he neared the flat, he didn't want Alex any angrier with him than she already was.
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Alex sat in thought. She held the stick that confirmed her pregnancy in her trembling hand. She screwed her eyes shut and slowed her rapid, panting breaths as much as she could.
So she was pregnant. Gene would be a father. He would have to be. There was no way she would ever give up a child. She would never forgive herself if she did. The thought of even contemplating it threatened her emotional state. She would not cry. She was not going to cry. Alex shook herself violently in an attempt to rid herself of her unwanted emotions. She opened her eyes.
She didn't care what anyone said, she would have this baby. She allowed herself to smile. Gene would make a great father; his developing relationship with Molly was proof.
Hopefully, it would have blossomed even more in the 9 months leading up to the baby's birth. Molly had already begun to accept him. Molly. How would she take this news?
Yes, she had begun to accept Gene and she had certainly become accustomed to his presence. But Alex knew there was still some reluctance. How would she take the news of this pregnancy? She was only just getting used to her relationship with Gene, how would she react to a sibling? Especially when Gene was the father?
'So many questions!' Alex thought in frustration. And there were still more to ask. Alex instinctively covered her abdomen with her free hand. She bit her lip. What about his reaction? How would he take the news? Would he be happy? Overjoyed? Or would he lean the other way? Angry? Shocked?
Alex definitely expected shock, god knows she had been shocked. Would he get pissed in a vain attempt to try and make some sense of the situation or to block it out and convince himself it wasn't real? That he had dreamed it. That it was just a bad dream? Alex sighed and stood, still clutching the positive pregnancy test. At least it would prove her claim. It was evidence that she was pregnant. She had needed evidence, being a police officer it went with the territory. She suspected he would need it too.
Alex steeled herself. She wasn't sure if she was scared, apprehensive, anxious or just a mucked up mess of all 3 emotions. She decided the best thing to do was to come out with it and to just tell him. She pinched the bridge of her nose and took a shaky breath as she reached out and opened the door. She stepped out of the confines of the bathroom and listened. Nothing. They were still out. She sighed and placed the test on her bedside table. She would tell him in here. She took another calming breath and left the bedroom. Alex went and poured herself a glass of wine to steady her nerves and sipped it twice before taking a gulp.
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Molly mulled this over in her mind. Her mum didn't seem angry, just preoccupied. She sighed and carefully got out of the car when he stopped. Her legs were warm from the food and she smiled as she carried it dutifully up the steps. She rang the bell with her nose and waited.
Alex jumped slightly at the bell. She had got through two glasses of wine. She moved to the door and opened it to allow Molly in. The girl smiled and walked past her into the kitchen. She placed the food on the counted and moved to get plates.
"I got you Yuk Sung mum," she called.
Alex smiled at her and waited for Gene. She made him pause as he moved past her by touching his wrist.
"Gene, I need to talk to you" she told him sincerely. She had made up her mind and now felt compelled to tell him as soon as possible.
Gene jumped slightly when Alex touched his arm but he nodded. He pulled the takeaway menu from his pocket and dropped it on the counter and slid off his coat and hung it up. He turned and looked at her expectantly. He hoped she didn't yell too much, she was unbelievably sexy when she was angry and he wasn't sure about kissing her in front of Molly.
Alex eyed Molly apprehensively and then grabbed his hand and pulled him into the bedroom. She sat him down on the bed and shut the door behind her. She faced the door with her palms spread out over it and took a deep breath. She rested her head against the wood for a moment and then slowly turned to face him.
Molly looked up as her mum lead Gene into the bedroom. She eyed the door sceptically as it shut behind them and then ran to her room to fetch her MP3 player. If they were going to do stuff, she didn't want to hear it.
Gene could not hide his confusion as she dragged him to the bedroom. He was clearly in for it. He let her sit him down and waited calmly for the hurricane. He watched her. She was acting oddly and it was beginning to become unsettling. She wasn't angry. He felt his confusion grow.
She leaned back against the door for support then realised it wasn't such a good idea to be in such a vulnerable position, especially when she couldn't predict his reaction. She moved forward and perched on the end of the bed a little way away from him.
"Gene..." she paused and tried to find the words. She sighed and reached over to her bedside table and picked up the stick. She tapped it on her hand a couple of times then nodded.
She held it out to him so he could see. "It's positive," she murmured.
She held out something to him and heard her words but nothing registered. He looked at what she was holding and back at her.
"Alex…..I don't….." he broke off as he caught sight of the box on the table. Pregnancy test. He'd seen it happen to a lot of people but this was the first time he'd ever felt the blood drain from his face. His mind was in confusion. He looked at her, his eyes wide and wild. He couldn't breathe.
She was pregnant.
He felt his breath becoming labored and he stood up and threw open the bedroom door. He ripped off his tie and tossed it aside and yanked open the top buttons on his shirt as he slammed out the door. He stood outside the door and took great gulps of air. He patted himself down, found his cigarettes and fumbled one out and lit it. He noticed his hands were shaking and ignored it. He paced next to the car as he smoked.
Alex felt the tears begin to form as she saw his face go white. Shock. She half-choked when he left the house and she felt the tears spill. She looked down at the box he had dropped to the floor and felt a sudden desire to stamp on it. She exhaled, angry with herself. She shouldn't be angry, she was going to have a baby. This should be a happy moment. She threw her body back onto the bed. How was she supposed to be happy when he clearly didn't want her to have his child. She sat up, feeling restless.
She wasn't going to lie there crying, what good was that going to do? She roughly wiped her tears away only to have more take their place almost instantly, she screwed her damp hands into fists and began to pace.
Molly watched Gene stormed from the bedroom. She peered inside and saw her mum crying. What had he done to make her cry?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
She was pregnant.
He wasn't sure he could get his head around it. He wedged the cigarette between his lips and ran his hands through his hair. He'd barely had the chance to adjust to living with her when he'd helped her get Molly. Now this. He dropped the cigarette to the pavement and crushed it under his heel. He scrubbed his face and was surprised when they came away wet. He quickly swiped at his eyes with his sleeve.
She was pregnant, with his baby.
He turned and slammed back into the flat and stalked to the bedroom. He swung the door shut behind him, not caring if it slammed. He grabbed Alex by the shoulders and kissed her hard.
Alex turned as she heard the door slam and barely had time to look at him before she felt his mouth against hers.
He slid a hand around her back and pressed her to him. He broke off the kiss and looked into her eyes, his gaze narrowed. He smiled a slow smile.
"So, does this mean I get to make an honest woman of you?" he asked in a low husky tone.
She sobbed as he broke away and wrapped her arms around him, holding his body against hers in a hug. She felt relieved. He wanted this child, or was unwilling to leave her because of it. She wasn't going to answer his question, she decided. At least not until she had calmed down from her tidal wave of emotions.
/\\/\\\/\/\/\\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\
Molly glared at him out of the window and tried to speak to him when he marched back into the bedroom. She heard the door slam and saw it tightly shut behind him. He had better not hurt her. Molly fumed. Her eyes were wild with a mixture of worry and anger. She knew Alex would call out if something was wrong and so she didn't go to the door. She clenched her fists and stomped around the kitchen trying to find cutlery.
/\\/\\\/\/\/\\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\
"You just aren't happy unless you're shocking me into heart failure, are you woman?" he asked, his voice still low. He pulled back from the hug and put his hands on her cheeks and looked into her teary eyes.
"I love you Alex," he breathed and kissed her again, gently this time.
"We should go out, your girl in there is probably ten ways to upset by now."
Alex nodded and glanced in the mirror to check her reflection. She wiped her eyes and smoothed her hair to try and make herself look a little more normal. She wasn't prepared to tell Molly just yet. She needed some time to adjust to Gene knowing and seemingly accepting her pregnancy.
She took a calming breath and squeezed his hand as she opened the door to their room. She saw Molly pacing and smiled as she looked in her direction.
Molly's head snapped in the direction of the bedroom door as she heard it open. She narrowed her eyes at her mother and gave her a searching look.
Alex moved out of the room and saw that Molly had got everything ready. She went to the fridge and pulled out a beer for Gene and was about to reach for the wine before thinking better of it. She picked up the wine glass and put it in the sink before getting a glass of orange juice and putting the wine away.
Molly watched her mother busying herself in the kitchen and then frowned at Gene. He looked a little out of sorts. What had they been saying?
Alex set the plates on the table and looked at the array of food. She spotted the Yuk Sung and pulled it towards her.
Molly joined Alex at the table and started on her own meal.
Gene ate but had a hard time keeping his eyes off Alex. He was still a bit in shock from her news but he was also, happy, yes, happy about it. He would have preferred it a bit further down the line. He'd barely adjusted to Molly's presence and now in another few months there would be a baby.
He reached over and squeezed her hand and turned back to his dinner.
Alex finished very quickly. She felt ravenous for some reason. She presumed the baby would effect her eating habits. At least she wasn't having cravings like she did with Molly, she had been hooked on eating bowl after bowl of dry cereal, it varied from Shreddies to Coco Pops, but never cornflakes or anything like that. She picked up her plate and put it in the sink before picking up empty plastic boxes that had contained their meal.
Molly had kept a close eye on her mum and Gene throughout the meal. Alex didn't seem sad anymore and Gene looked quite pleased too. She wondered what secret they were hiding from her. Alex had been asking her prompting questions and engaging conversation while she was eating and she was acting normal again. Molly was confused.
Gene jumped up and began to help Alex clear the dinner mess. He nudged her away from the sink and quickly washed the few dishes they'd used and stuck them on the drainer to air dry. He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her ear. He couldn't believe how much he wanted her at that moment.
Alex sighed happily in his embrace and placed her hands over his to hold herself to him. She leant back into him and shut her eyes peacefully. This would be fine, Gene seemed happy. However she was anxious about telling Molly, her daughter's stony expression had unnerved Alex slightly. She couldn't predict her reaction. She wouldn't tell her just yet. Leave it for a while.
Molly looked on at Gene and her mum. Alex was hidden from view by Gene's body but she could make out the side of her head and could see her legs in the gaps between Gene's. She looked at the empty table and made her way back to the sofa and her book, leaving them to it.
Gene was aware of Molly leaving the room and slowly slid a hand down Alex's body and rested it on her abdomen.
"I'm guessing you're going to put off telling her," he murmured in her ear.
Alex sighed again and made a weak groaning noise in her throat at the thought of Molly's possible reactions to the news. She nodded.
"She's not ready yet, I don't want her taking it the wrong way and, well, going off on one. It's the last thing I need right now" she told him.
Her hand had travelled with his down to her belly and rested there too. She should have recognised the morning sickness; she had it when she was pregnant with Molly. She let her shoulders drop; there was no point in dwelling on it, at least now she knew why she had been throwing up.
She turned in his embrace to face him, her expression serious.
"You are not stopping me from coming to work just because of this," she stated firmly
"Not as long as you're careful, woman. No dangerous cases for you," he told her just as seriously. He kissed her and pulled her close.
"I am not sitting in that office all day doing paperwork!" she mumbled into his chest as she moved her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder.
"I didn't say that, I just said you don't go out when it's dangerous," he assured her and chuckled.
"And what exactly are you classifying as 'dangerous'? she asked and waggled her fingers as she said dangerous.
"Don't wriggle your fingers at me woman," he growled. "Anything with shooting involved I'd say off the top of my head. We'll play it by ear."
Alex lowered her hands and pondered his words.
"Fine by me."
If they did it this way then she was not confined to her office and stuck doing endless masses of paperwork. She liked the thrill of police work, she enjoyed the danger. He was not depriving her of it just because she was pregnant. This way she could deceive him if the need arose. She was not going to accept special treatment. She glanced at Molly. She was still absorbed in her book, she had her MP3 player on as well. Alex smiled up at him and nodded. She kissed his chin and made her way into the bedroom. She didn't think Molly would appreciate it if they started in the kitchen.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Bradley slid behind Shaz and grabbed the washcloth and soaped it up and began to rub it over Shaz' back and her arms. He kissed the back of her neck as he slowly slid the soapy cloth and his soapy hands over her chest and breasts.
Shaz moaned gently and leant back into him, resting her head on his shoulder as he wiped the wash cloth over her creating a soapy foam in it's wake that was immediately washed away by the flow of water coming from over their heads.
Bradley turned Shaz to face him and pressed her against the wall and kissed her. He slid the soapy cloth between her legs and then broke off the kiss to slide it down over her legs. He stood back up and moved her under the stream of water and his slid his hands over her to help rinse away the soap.
"All clean now," he said in her ear and kissed her again.
Shaz kissed him back fiercely. She had held in her reaction to him washing her but let it out as he claimed her lips. She pulled him under the flow of water and took the still soapy wash cloth from him.
Bradley let Shaz pull him into the water, enjoying her aggressiveness. He smiled as she took the washcloth from him.
Shaz slowly traced the wash cloth down his chest, she made rhythmical circles to create a soapy foam all over him. She watched the bubbles grow and get washed away by the water as it past over them both.
Bradley traced his fingers down her arms and let himself enjoy her ministrations.
Encouraged by his touch Shaz moved lower and dragged the soapy cloth down the inside of his thighs and then back up.
Bradley dragged in a hissing breath as Shaz moved to his legs. He felt his body responding as she moved back up. He moaned her name.
Shaz smirked and then teasingly moved down to his feet. She went in between each toe and then up the sides of his legs, ignoring his reactions.
Bradley struggled to keep himself under control. He knew his arousal was obvious and there was nothing he could do about it. He forced himself to keep still and let her get on with what she was doing, even if it was driving him insane.
Shaz moved behind him and started with his shoulders. She kissed the back of his neck as she created more and more foam over his body.
Bradley waited until his back was rinsed before turning and capturing her lips with his. He reached over and hurriedly shut off the shower and then carefully moved to step out, unwilling to release Shaz' lips. The moment his feet were on the bath mat on the floor he swung her up into his arms. He snagged a towel and carried her, dripping, to the bed. He put her down and swiped at her roughly with the towel before claiming her lips again. He lowered her to the bed and broke off the kiss to run his hands over her body as he climbed onto the bed next to her. He dropped onto his back and pulled her atop him, moving his hands up her back and to her neck and sliding his fingers into her damp hair as he kissed her.
Shaz ran her hands over his soaking wet chest, the water droplets clinging to her palms as she touched him. She moved up to his shoulders and placed her hands there firmly before breaking the kiss and staring down into his eyes.
Bradley met Shaz' gaze and reached up to run a finger down her cheek. This woman had got far under his skin and he couldn't seem to get enough of her.
Shaz closed her eyes and reveled in the touch of his hand. She sighed and looked at the time. He had promised Doctor Who and food but it probably wasn't a good idea. She rolled off him.
"Stacey will be wondering where you are," she said as she gazed at the ceiling.
Bradley sat up.
"She can wonder all she wants," he said and looked down at Shaz and traced her cheek again.
"Shaz, I'm not going back, not tonight anyway. I'll decide further in the morning if I'm leaving for good, but my mind was made up before you got here," he stated firmly. He reached over and grabbed his phone off the bedside table leaned down next to her.
"I want you to stay with me, but whether you do or not, I'm going nowhere," he told her and flipped open his phone. "Now, I'm going to order pizza, am I ordering for one or two?"
Shaz sat up and shuffled back against the cushions. Pizza and Doctor Who with somebody else sounded a lot better than yesterday's shepherds pie and replays of old comedy programs.
"Two," she said confidently.
Bradley nodded and called and ordered the pizza. He picked his trousers up from the floor and fished out his wallet, pulling the trousers on as an afterthought. He grabbed up his shirt and walked over to the bed. He pulled the covers over her bare legs and then sat down and wrapped her in his shirt. He slid his hand along her neck and leaned in and kissed her, letting his hand slide further down to caress her breast briefly.
He broke off the kiss and grinned. "It's the finale tonight," he enthused. He stood up and got the money for the pizza out of his wallet.
"I'll see if I can't get us a couple cokes from downstairs to go with the pizza," he told her. "Be right back."
He grabbed his jacket off the chair, pulled it on and zipped it up to hide the fact he wasn't wearing a shirt and winked at Shaz as he left the room. He bounded down the stairs and asked the lady at the desk if there was a chance of some soft drinks. She directed him to an aged vending machine at the back and he thanked her.
Shaz watched him leave and settled down under the sheet he had pulled over her. She propped some cushions behind her to make herself more comfortable and wrapped the shirt tighter around her so she was less exposed. She could smell his scent clinging to the fabric and inhaled deeply.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\
Ryan slammed the door to his room in frustration. Another fight with Janine. He could not believe what a petty bitch she could be and he was getting heartily sick of it. He went around his room and began to shove his belongings into his bag. He'd go see if he could maybe stay with his sister. He couldn't stay in this flat anymore.
Pat answered the door and saw Ryan standing there, bag in hand. She rolled her eyes and huffed out a sigh.
"You can't possibly think we have room here," she said to him in disbelief.
"Look, Pat, please, just a couple days on the couch and I'll have something sorted. Please, I can't stay there anymore."
"I thought you loved her. She finally seemed happy," Pat objected with a frown.
"She's a petty bitch and seems unwilling to change, Pat. I've just had enough of it. We're fighting all the time, the flat is frankly disgusting and I'm just done with it. Now can I please borrow your couch for a couple of nights or do I go sleep in the park?"
"Fine," Pat replied flatly and moved to let him in the house.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\
Stacey sat outside on the steps and watched Ryan with his bag in hand walk from the flat he shared with Janine to Pat's house. She wondered what was going on there. She ran her hand absently over her abdomen and frowned.
/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Janine changed back into her clothes. She'd worn lingerie in expectation of something other than a fight. She certainly hadn't expected Ryan to walk out on her. She stalked across the Square wondering where he might be. He had money; he might be at the B&B. He could be at Pat's she thought, but there wasn't much room there. She walked in and raised an eyebrow at seeing Bradley as he walked by carrying two cans of Coke.
"Well, hello, Bradley, whatever are you doing here?" she asked sweetly as she traced a finger down the front of his jacket. He pulled away from her.
"Minding my own business, Janine, you should try it," he snapped.
"Temper, temper, Bradley," Janine sing-songed and inched closer to him. "My, aren't you forceful," she added and widened her eyes at him.
Bradley sighed and backed away. He was in no mood for this. He turned to see the delivery man with the pizza and hurried over to open the door as Janine watched him intently. He paid the man, shifted to avoid Janine and went back upstairs without a backward glance.
Bradley got back to the room, glanced back once to make sure Janine was not hot on his heels and hustled inside and locked it behind him. He handed Shaz a can of soda, dropped the pizza box on the bed and walked to the other side of the bed, switching on the TV as he did so. He unzipped his jacket and tossed it back on the chair. He kicked off his trousers and climbed into the bed next to Shaz with the remote clutched in his hand, and yanked the covers over himself. He grinned at her as he dragged the pizza box up and flipped it open and then popped the top on his soda.
Shaz relaxed her arms allowing the shirt around her to loosen slightly as she took her can from him. She sipped her drink and her eyes moved to the TV screen as the familiar theme tune started up. She picked up a slice of pizza and carefully took a bite, she was mindful not to drop any so that she didn't stain the sheets of the bed. She placed her soda on the small table next to the bed and snuggled down to watch the program.
When the show was over, Bradley closed the pizza box and tossed it carefully onto the floor. He grinned at Shaz and ran his hands over her body and spent the rest of the night feasting on her.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\
Janine sighed and wondered what Bradley was doing here. Maybe he and Stacey were getting out of the house for the night. She shrugged and asked the clerk if Ryan was staying here. The woman shook her head.
Janine huffed and went back outside. He'd gone to Pat's then. She folded her arms. She really wasn't in the mood to face off against Pat and headed reluctantly home back to the flat.
Janine trudged back to the flat. She looked around the darkening Square and stopped short when she saw Stacey stand up from where she had been sitting on the steps outside Number 5. Janine watched her brush off her pants and go into the house. Now, that was interesting. If Stacey was there, then what was Bradley doing at the B&B?
She shifted her stance and gnawed at her lip. He'd been barefoot and she was sure he didn't have a shirt on under that jacket he'd been wearing. That was a pretty big pizza for one person and he'd had two cans of soda. She raised an eyebrow and twisted her mouth as she mused on that. A sneaky smile crept its way across her face as she wondered who Bradley might be at the B&B with since Stacey was clearly not there.
She was still smiling when she let herself into the flat. Oh, the possibilities.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\
Rowan woke in the morning with a start and stifling a scream. She flapped the gown and wiped at her face. She was drenched in sweat and it was starting to burn a bit. She unhooked the drip from the IV and made her way to the bathroom. She grabbed a washcloth and ran it under cold water and wiped carefully at her skin. She had expected nightmares. No matter that Brian's hold had been broken what she had been through was admittedly frightening. But it was worse than she had expected. She splashed cold water on her face and looked at it in the mirror. She sat down on the toilet and looked at her arms closely in the bright light and sighed.
She knew the same fine white traceries of old cuts were all over her back as well. Now her front would match. She slipped out of the gown and pulled on the clothes she'd had Alyssa bring her. She walked back out and climbed back onto the bed. She brushed her hair and pulled it into a quick tail. She glanced around. The room was still empty so she switched on the TV. One of the nurses must have turned it off for her last night after she'd fallen asleep. She looked at the window and saw the sky was finally starting to lighten outside. She looked at her phone and gnawed her lip.
She was finding it harder to get used to being alone than she'd thought. She had people around her she cared about now. She took a deep breath and picked up the phone and called Chris.
Chris leapt awake when his phone went off. He fished it out from under the covers and saw it was Rowan.
"Hiya, love," he said.
"Hi. I've just woke up. They'll probably be in to check my vitals soon and I'll be able to maybe find out what time I'm out of here," she told him.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Had a nightmare, but that's to be expected. I may have them for awhile, word to the wise," she said.
"What time do you want me down there?" he asked, not that he intended to do as she said.
"Um, couple hours I guess? I'll ask when they come in and let you know."
"Okay. Do you want me to get Alyssa?"
"No, she probably didn't get much sleep last night. Let her sleep for now. I just realized that I've got used to having people around. It used to not bother me being by myself and now I find I don't like it at all," she chuckled.
"The flat's empty without you," he said quietly.
"Oh, acuisle, don't, please, I'm out of here today."
Rowan gnawed her lip a moment.
"I don't suppose you would be willing to tell me how you answered the last two questions?" she asked curiously, her voice hopeful.
Chris chuckled. "No, I don't suppose I would," he teased and heard her huff out an annoyed breath. "What was that?"
"Nothing," she sulked and heard him chuckle again. "I'll see you in a couple of hours." She said and blew a kiss down the phone.
"I'll be there," he told her and blew a kiss back, thankful he was alone. He climbed out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash up and get dressed and then start a pot of coffee. He grabbed Rowan's journal from the bedside table where he'd put it last night before climbing into bed and put it on the floor by Alyssa's door. He poured himself a cup and sat in silence at the kitchen table, sipping his coffee and waiting for time to pass.
The smell of coffee pulled Jack from sleep. He looked at the tangle of limbs and hair next to him that was Alyssa and kissed her shoulder before climbing out of bed. He pulled his pants and trousers on and quietly went to the kitchen. Chris looked up as he walked in.
"Alright?" Chris said and nodded.
"Yea, you?" Jack replied and poured himself a cup of coffee. He sat down and yawned. "She's home today, then?"
"Should be, just waiting to go and see her. She wanted to see if the nurses could tell her anything before I went over there. Don't know what I'm going to do with myself this week. Help her as much as I can I guess, but she's pretty independent."
"You don't want her to think you're trying to coddle her," Jack guessed.
Chris nodded. "She may have been afraid of Brian, but not of anybody else that I've seen. She'll have my guts for garters if I'm not careful," he grinned.
"Do you need a ride over there? I have to go home and get changed, I can drop you," Jack offered.
"Nah, you're all right. I'll walk. Helps clear the head," Chris replied.
He looked at his watch again and drained his coffee. He rinsed it and put it next to the sink and patted Jack on the back as he left the kitchen.
"Thanks, mate, let Alyssa know we'll call as soon as we know what time she's out. Could use a ride then if you would."
Jack nodded. "Sure, of course. Happy to help."
Chris smiled and headed out with a final quick wave.
/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\
Alyssa buried her head into the pillow. Stupid birds. Why did they feel the need to get up so damn early, couldn't they lie in like normal people on a Sunday? Sunday, the day after Saturday. Rowan was out today. She sat bolt upright. She looked down at the space in the bed where Jack had been, and sighed. He was up. She covered the space with her hand, it was still fairly warm, he hadn't been up long. She reached down and picked up his shirt. She knew from experience that it was long enough to cover her and was fairly decent in case she ran into Chris. She buttoned it and spared a look in the mirror. Her hair was a mess. Tangled and looked more like a mane than the usual flowing curls that she moulded it into everyday. Oh well, Jack had caused it, if he was up no doubt he had already seen it. She pushed her door and caught sight of something on the floor. She picked up the little book and recognised it instantly. Rowan's little book. Alyssa caught her lip in her teeth. She went back into her room and placed the book on her dresser. She would read it when she was ready.
Alyssa padded into the kitchen and saw Jack nursing a mug at the table. She stood for a moment admiring him. He did look rather yummy when he had just got up. She moved to the kettle and placed a hand over it, still hot. She poured the water into another mug and spooned in some coffee. She stopped behind him on her way over to the fridge and wrapped her arms around his neck "Morning," she breathed into his ear and kissed the top of his head before letting go and moving to get the milk.
Jack patted her hand and smiled as she kissed the top of his head. He nodded.
"I take it Chris has already left?" she asked as the blast of cool air hit her, she quickly withdrew the milk as she shuddered from the temperature difference. No doubt he would be in a rush to get to Rowan. He hadn't left until he had been kicked out so it figured that he would go back as early as he was allowed.
"Just a few minutes ago, in fact. He wanted to walk but he did ask, well and I offered, a ride home when she's out," Jack replied.
He watched her make her cup of instant with a bit of surprise but said nothing.
As she made her coffee Alyssa wondered what Rowan was going to do with herself until the police had finished with the cafe and it had been cleaned. She reckoned that Rowan was not going to be idle, restless if she was confined to the flat, but Alyssa supposed that Rowan would find something that needed her attention. She added some sugar and went to take the seat next to him.
"Do we know what time she's released yet?" she asked him, assuming he had spoken to Chris. No doubt Rowan would have made contact with him, she was an early riser and Alyssa doubted that drugs would change that. She remembered that she had told Rowan to call or text her when there was any news and tried to think where she had left her phone, the obvious answer was either on her table by her lamp, on the dresser or in her bag. She guessed her bag or the pocket of her trousers from last night. She would finish her coffee then check it. She had sat down now and didn't really want to stand and rush around just yet, it was far too early for that sort of thing.
"Chris spoke to her before he left but no idea what time yet. He'll give a call. We could always go when we've showered and all. I have to go to the flat anyway and get something clean to wear."
He stood up and walked over and topped up his cup of coffee from the coffee pot and leaned against the counter and sipped it. He turned and picked up the loaf of bread on the counter behind him and tossed a couple of slices into the toaster. He turned back to her.
"Toast?"
Alyssa spotted the coffee jug and smiled. She was so used to instant coffee that she forgot there was proper coffee around. She'd have to put it on a post-it note on the kettle or instant coffee pot to remind her. She sipped her instant still smiling.
She shook her head at the offer of food. She wasn't hungry. She doubted she would be until Rowan was safely back in the house.
"No, thank you, not hungry" she told him with a sigh. Putting her mug down, she leant forward and rested her chin in her hands. They were still warm from the heat radiating off the mug and she smiled weakly.
"What are you up to today?" she asked. Alyssa wanted to know if he had stuff to do or whether he would be hanging around here. She knew he would have to go home and change at some point before they got to the hospital, but she knew from experiencing his workload before when she helped him that his paperwork was a hefty amount.
Jack buttered the toast and put it on a napkin and sat back down at the table before answering.
"Well, first I'm going to wait for you to take a shower. Then, we'll go to my place where you will wait for me to shower and get dressed, then we can either go to the hospital or I will do paperwork until Chris calls. At which point I will gladly ferry your mate home," he reached out and touched her cheek. "I won't hang about here though. You'll want time alone with her and I have a lot of paperwork to do. I'll try to be caught up by early evening though if you want to get together at all."
He tapped her on the nose and sat back and took a large bite of his toast.
Alyssa nodded. He had everything planned out. She drained her coffee and stood and ran her hands through her hair, she wrinkled her nose as she raked through tangles and knots.
"I'm going to get a shower while you eat then, I need to check my phone too, just in case there's anything from Rowan," she paused as she started to move. "Though, I don't really want to be a third wheel so if Chris and Ro want time alone, would it be okay if I came to yours?" she asked him.
"Of course," Jack replied. "You are always welcome around mine and I can always find a use for a willing slave," he grinned cheekily at her.
Alyssa laughed at him and rubbed her eyes. She shook her head amusedly as turned and she walked to the bathroom to freshen up.
Jack ate his toast and waited patiently for her to get ready.
It didn't take Alyssa long to get ready. She emerged from her room with a bag, she had put Rowan's little book in there as well as all her usual items, just in case she needed something to do. She would read it when she felt ready and wanted to keep it around in case that moment happened. She smiled at Jack as she quickly grabbed a glass of orange juice from the fridge.
"Ready?" she said as she drained the juice and slipped the glass into the sink.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\
Chris got to the hospital and went straight to the room Rowan was in. The curtain was drawn around the bed but he could hear voices behind it, he thought it sounded like her doctor. He sat down and waited quietly.
He held himself to an ecstatic smile as the doctor swept back the curtain some time later while telling Rowan he just needed her to sign her discharge paperwork and then she would be ready to leave.
"Thank you," Rowan said cheerfully and waved at Chris when she spotted him. The doctor nodded and left and Chris bounded over to her and grabbed her hand.
"Just have to wait for the paperwork and then I'm out of here!"
Chris carefully hugged her and touched her face. He gestured at her bag which had been barely touched. "At least you don't have to pack."
She chuckled and grabbed out her phone and dialed Alyssa's phone.
"Oh, Jack said he'd be happy to give you a ride home and all," Chris told her.
"Oh, that's lovely," Rowan said and tapped her fingers as she waited for Alyssa to answer.
Jack jumped up and nodded as Alyssa came out. He headed downstairs before her so he could get the car open while she locked the flat. He held the door open for her as she emerged from the building and then heard the tell-tale ringing of her phone. He paused and watched her with a smile, thinking it was likely Rowan.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Alyssa raised an eyebrow at his grin as her phone rang. She dug around in her bag, withdrew the phone quickly and answered it as she walked down the steps with Jack. A quick glance at the caller ID before the phone reached her ear had told her that it was Rowan. Alyssa was happy to hear her voice. The flat really did seem far too quiet without her.
"Ro? How are you feeling? What time are they letting you out? Did Chris tell you that Jack can give you a lift home? " she asked excitedly then paused "Sorry, I'm babbling, but can you answer the questions in that order please" she asked hopefully slightly embarrassed that she had let her mixture of anxiety for her friends welfare and excitement of her coming home become so obvious.
Rowan laughed at Alyssa's rapid-fire questioning.
"I'm fine. I'll be done in about an hour or so I have to sign the paperwork so waiting for them to bring it and yes, he told me," she replied in a matter-of-fact tone and then giggled. "So, get here when you're ready and hopefully they won't take too long with the paperwork, Chris, get out of my grapes," she scolded. "Sorry. So see you soon then?"
Chris grinned and ate his stolen grapes while Rowan tried to glare at him but was unsuccessful. She snatched the bag from the table and shoved it under the sheet and smirked at him.
Jack chuckled at Alyssa's conversation with Rowan. Since he was outside, he lit up a cigarette and leaned on the roof of the car and waited, admiring the view as Alyssa stood there, the sunlight shining off her hair.
Alyssa laughed down the phone at the tiny telling-off that Rowan gave Chris. She looked over and Jack and caught him staring, she pulled a face at him and walked closer as she listened to Rowan. She heard rustling and guessed the bag of grapes was being fought over, she also heard a small hint of triumph in Rowan's tone and would have bet almost anything that she had won.
"Well we've got to go to Jack's first so we'll probably be at the hospital after we've finished there" she said brightly "I'll give you a ring when we leave" she said and smiled at Jack as she spoke.
"That sounds fine, I'll see you then," Rowan said and flipped her phone shut. She leveled her finger at Chris who grinned and grabbed her hand. He leaned over and kissed her and casually reached under the sheet for the bag. Rowan grabbed his hand and broke off the kiss.
"What are your intentions, DS Skelton?" she asked him in a shocked tone. "And don't do that, the nurse could walk in any second. How embarrassing would that be?"
Chris shook his head and laughed. She relented and brought the bag out so he could have some grapes.
"They'll be here after they go to Jack's flat," Rowan told him. "Hope they hurry up with the paperwork."
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"Bye," Alyssa heard the phone cut out and shut hers off too, she placed it back in her bag and looked back up at Jack.
She wrinkled her nose in mock disgust.
"Well, somebody needs a shower," she teased and leaned a little closer to sniff his shoulder. She shifted her head and kissed him lightly on the neck before drawing away again.
"Oi!"Jack joked in an offended tone. "You can walk Missus."
He made an overdone frown face at her and then got in the car. He leaned over.
"Well, come on if you're coming, unless you can't stand the smell in here," he teased as he looked at her through the open passenger door.
Alyssa slipped inside the passenger seat and shut the door as she settled herself.
"If you drive quickly then I should live," she answered with a small grin.
He chuckled and headed off for his flat. He led her inside and peeled off his clothes and left them where they fell as he headed toward the bathroom and jumped in the shower. He showered quickly and towelled off as he walked to his bedroom for some fresh clothes and got dressed.
"Ready," he called out to her.
Alyssa had been studying his music collection as he got ready, he had a pretty random mix of stuff. She looked up as he spoke and smiled.
She laughed.
"Come on then, they're probably waiting for us," she called back to him and went to poke her head around his bedroom door.
Rowan sat and fidgeted as she waited for the paperwork to come. She nearly cheered when Elaine walked in with it. She chatted casually with the woman as she dutifully signed and filled in the blanks on the sheets.
She climbed off the bed and gave the nurse a quick squeeze before she left. She walked over to the window and looked out. Finally, she was getting out of here! One day was a day too many in her opinion. She felt Chris walk up behind her and gently slide his arms around her waist. She leaned back against him and sighed.
She loved the feel of him. She closed her eyes and let the his aura enfold her. She was going to have a lot to do tomorrow. She wondered idly if Ronnie might let her borrow her oven. She could have Chris do all the bending and carrying and Molly could help her get ingredients together and help prepare the pie dough and the batters for the cakes.
The first thing she was going to do when she got home was rummage in her herbal bag. She was sure she still had some comfrey in it and the stuff would do wonders for her injuries.
She opened her eyes and looked down out her window at the parking lot and saw a familiar car pulling in.
"I think Jack and Alyssa are here," she said and pointed. Chris looked over her shoulder out the window and nodded.
She moved back to the bed to wait for Alyssa to get to the room.
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Alyssa tried to distract herself as they drove to the hospital. She fidgeted in her seat and changed her position several times throughout the journey. She was anxious to see Rowan, it was odd waking up and not seeing evidence that she had been there spread around the kitchen. She had got used to the lingering smell of whatever Rowan had been cooking that morning filling the flat. The flat had been void of delicious aromas that morning, Alyssa guessed that that along with her worry for her friend had contributed to her lack of appetite.
She sighed and resorted to finding a radio station that was actually playing a song that she wanted to listen to. She got irritated half way through one song and furiously pressed the button and ran past radio stations catching snippets of songs as she past them. She gave up and sat back in her seat leaving the station on the one she had ended up at. She looked at Jack briefly and gave him a fleeting smile. She was worried about Rowan coming home and anxious to see her. She also knew that she wouldn't be completely satisfied or calm until Brian was properly banged up and safely away from Walford in a jail somewhere. Preferably one far away.
She sat up sharply as the hospital came into view, and her eyes widened in excitement as they drew nearer and parked in the car park. She clambered out of the car and waited as patiently as she could for Jack. Once he had locked the car she took his hand and squeezed it as she began to walk with him into the hospital. She walked as normally as she could to Rowan's ward trying to keep her face impassive. However the sight of Rowan through the glass of the door in her room, triggered the grin on Alyssa's face. She released Jack's hand and pushed open the door. She practically ran to Rowan's bedside and hugged her.
"You have no idea how empty the flat feels without you around," she whispered into her hear before she pulled away.
Rowan smiled as Alyssa flew into the room in a whirl of copper hair. She flung her arms around her flatmate as Alyssa hugged her and smiled at Alyssa's comment.
"Well, now you're going to have to put up with me again," she joked as she swiped away a few tears. She stood up and looked over at Chris as he picked up her bag.
"Get me out of here, please," Rowan pleaded. She walked over to Jack and gave him a quick squeeze. "Thank you, I really didn't want to take a cab."
"Any time, let's go. You can sit up front with me if you're nice," he told her as she followed him out the door. Chris grinned at Alyssa. He didn't care much for hospitals, either.
"And what exactly does that entail?" Rowan wanted to know.
"Well, you have to tell me how good looking, charming, wonderful, amazing, intelligent and funny I am," he replied flippantly.
"I'm sitting in back then," Rowan deadpanned and looked back to wink at Alyssa.
"What is it with the pair of you? She's telling me how bad I smell this morning and now you're insulting me. Guy can't win around here," he complained.
Rowan slung her arm around Alyssa's back. "Sensitive, isn't he?"
Chris snorted a laugh, but otherwise remained wisely silent.