To the guest reviewer: Thank you so much, your reviews mean a lot an help me to keep writing! Creative compliments are also fab, hope you enjoy this chapter!
Also Happy Birthday Amy! Sorry this is a day (almost 2...) late.
It was a month after the holidays had started and Danny had been away for 2 weeks so when he finally came to visit again Clara was very ready to see him. She'd been progressing well in the last couple of weeks, opening up more about her feelings and working hard on the techniques they'd given her. When Louise opened the door Clara ran in and hugged him tight, Danny lifted her up a little and span her around. "You okay?" he whispered in her ear.
Clara relaxed her grip but didn't let go, "yeah, don't worry," she leant on his shoulder briefly before Louise cleared her throat.
"I'll be watching through the one way glass okay, you know the drill," she smiled and left.
They sat down on the sofa, Clara leaning into Danny, "good holiday?"
"Not the same without you, but yeah it was good. Nice to get away for more than a few days though this time. How have you been getting on?" he asked, playing a little with her hair.
She considered how to answer this, "it's going well. I'm opening up more I guess, trying hard to get better, but there are some side effects to that too. Today's a pretty good day which isn't a huge surprise but they're not all this easy," she shrugged. "They're getting fewer though, I'll keep working hard and you'll have me back before you know it."
"Yeah you better," he grinned and kissed her head. "Life just isn't the same without you."
Clara raised her eyebrows and looked up, "really? That line?" They both chuckled. "Thank you for all your support, it means a lot," she smiled.
They continued to chat, less shop and more relaxed. Time passed and before they knew it Louise came back in. "Time to go love, dinner time." Clara nodded, she'd been eating like clockwork even on the bad days, determined to get back to normal. She stood up with Danny and they hugged one last time, saying their goodbyes and he left. "You okay?"
"No, but I will be. Gets harder to say goodbye to everyone every time, but it's motivation to work hard I guess. Dinner yeah?" she stood up and went out towards the canteen.
#-#-#-#
"How's she doing?" Gina asked when Danny got in.
"Better I guess, it just gets harder to say goodbye everytime I see her, but she looked happier and she's been eating - looks so much healthier," he sat down. "It's just hard for her, her Gran and her Dad and I wish I could make it better."
Gina sighed and moved to sit on the sofa by him, "Danny you're just-"
"Please don't say I'm just a kid, I know, I just want to make it all better," he looked down. "I need to keep busy, can I do anything?"
"Sleep, you look shattered. I'll call you when dinner's ready," Gina told him sternly and he couldn't really argue.
Danny slept all night, waking to eat and then sleeping until almost midday on Sunday. His parents had left a note telling him not to worry about the café but just to relax. He grabbed breakfast and sat on the sofa, vaguely watching the TV. Half an hour later he suddenly had an idea and ran upstairs, pulling out his photo album. He loved physical pictures, regularly getting a few printed. Once he found the scrapbook he'd never used and a glue stick in the bottom of his drawer he set out on his plan.
#-#-#-#
"Morning, something's come for you," Louise threw the package at her.
Clara looked up, a little confused but nodded, opening it up. She took the letter out first, reading it. Many a memory in here, I thought it might help. I love you, I hope you love this. Danny x. She took the book out, opening it up. There were 2 pictures on each page - labelled with the date, place and what they were doing. Some were with their respective family too, all in chronological order and all well detailed. She teared up a little and Louise walked over, concerned. "No, happy tears. This is beautiful, honestly I'm so lucky," she turned it round so Louise could see.
"Wow, Danny did all this?" Clara nodded, "you are lucky, but you deserve this," she flicked through. "Hey is that Hayley and Greg?" she asked.
Nodding, she looked at the picture, "yeah they came over one day to check how I was," she looked at the picture. "Greg kept making those stupid jokes, Hayley and I were laughing. I guess Danny must have caught it…"
"You have a wonderful smile, let's see if we can bring it back like that hey? Come on - breakfast and then group sessions, keep that attitude going for me - today will be a good day," Louise smiled and they went off.
After the morning sessions Clara met Louise for lunch. "I have a question for you," Louise put forward as they sat down at the table. Clara looked up, "how do you fancy setting another date to aim towards?"
"Yeah, it worked before, it's good to have something to aim for," she agreed.
"Okay, what about the final day of the school holidays? 3 weeks away. I know it's short but I think if we set some goals you could make it, and I was thinking if you do really well, you could go the night before?" Louise smiled.
Clara looked shocked, "overnight? You think I'll be okay?"
Louise nodded, "yes, definitely. I need to speak to various people including at home we can sort that. You're working hard kid, you should be proud." They both ate for a while before she spoke again, "oh, when you're finished I need to show you something."
20 minutes later they stood up, putting their plates away and walked through to the visitors room. "I'm confused, nobody is due today?"
"I know, trust me, go on in," she smiled and let Clara open the door.
Clara was still looking at Louise when she walked in but she looked around eventually and was shocked at what she saw. "Dad?" He was sat in a chair rather than this wheelchair. He smiled, standing up from the chair slowly. "Oh my gosh!" she ran towards him but hugged him gently, "you're standing!"
"I can walk too," he kissed her head, "physio has been going great, I just didn't want to give you hope until I was stronger."
Stepping back she smiled, wiping a stray tear, "are you home?"
Dave wiped a tear for her, "not yet, but hopefully next week if they can assess me as being able to live independently."
"Is this why you wanted me to go for the night?" Clara asked Louise.
"It might have been," she smiled. "I'll leave you for a few minutes."
They sat down and Clara sat beside him, leaning in. "Did you know about it all?" she asked her Dad.
He nodded, "I spoke to Louise yesterday about it all and she suggested it. You can see Danny too, he can stay if you want, and we can spend some time together," he squeezed her a little. "You've been so good since i've been in hospital, I'm really sorry for all the things that happened at the home," he rubbed her back.
Clara smiled, "it's not your fault Dad, Danny looked after me. I've missed you though, it's not the same."
"Well I'm back now, and I'm going to support you all the way. Now I'm better, tell me honestly how you're doing," he told her knowingly.
She smiled a little, "sorry, I just didn't want to worry you. I'm doing better, working hard. I think it's working, but I guess it's difficult to tell for sure in here. I'm more confident," she told him. "It's slow progress, things still go wrong, but they don't go wrong as much."
Dave listened to her, "well that sounds good to me. You're doing great and I'm really proud. I do have to go soon because I know you have places to be and I'll be told off for being away too long, but I hoped this might give you a bit of motivation."
"It has, thank you Dad," she smiled, hugged him and left to go back out to Louise.
#-#-#-#
She worked harder than ever, doing every activity and opening up in every session, even a little more than usual in the group work. It was the day before her proposed visit and Clara was sat in her one to one session. Today wasn't a brilliant day - she'd not slept much, and the nerves about tomorrow were taking over a little. "You're quieter today Clara, anything you want to tell me?" She shook her head. "You've been doing really well, something's got you ruffled."
"It's nothing, can we get back to it?" she spoke quietly, staring at the wall.
"In a moment, I'll be back in a second." he stood up and left, shutting the door behind him. Clara stood up, looking out of the window into the empty corridor and left, heading the other direction and out into the garden area, sitting down in a little corner she'd found in the trees and taking deep breaths.
When Ian returned to his office both him and Louise were shocked. "Right, you take inside I'll take outside," Louise told him. "At a guess she's worried about tomorrow, we know how much she hates disappointing people." Ian nodded and they both went to find her.
Louise stepped outside and looked around, walking the garden bit by bit. Clara heard her moving about and bought her knees up to her chest, lightening her breathing to be quieter. "Clara you don't need to be scared, I'm not mad I just want to know you're safe and we can talk about it," Louise spoke into the open space, hoping Clara would hear. She quickly radioed in to let the other staff know she was still looking and kept walking and talking. "Are you scared of letting your family down? Because I know you won't. You're doing so well and you know we can come and get you anytime if you have a problem. Danny and your Dad will look after you, you know that-" Louise stopped when she heard movement.
"Are they really going to be proud after this?" she appeared from the corner she'd been hiding in.
Louise breathed a sigh of relief, getting on the radio to say she had her and walking over. "You got scared, that's okay you know? You're very strict with yourself and we need to try and reduce that a little, you get angry with yourself very easily and you shouldn't, you're a great kid. Now come and finish with Ian and then you've got a lesson or two. We'll chat properly after dinner."
She did as much, doing her best during the day. Sat in the lounge before dinner Clara was staring out of the window. "You okay?" Ellie sat down beside her. "You're visiting your family tomorrow right?"
"Mmm," Clara replied, not looking up.
"I thought you were excited about it?" Ellie questioned. "What's up?"
Sighing, she finally came back into the room. "Dad and Gran have only seen me in here since I came in, and last time didn't really go to plan… and Louise was there last time too."
Ellie looked confused. "Clara you're awesome. We all have issues here but as a long termer I can tell you you're one of the best. I've never seen anybody so determined to get better. The very fact they're happy for you to go out on your own says so much. So what if you have a little wobble out there, does that matter? They're your family - and your boyfriend - they don't care Clara they just want to see you. I tell you what will worry them - if you turn up looking like that," she shrugged. When Clara didn't respond she stood up. "See you later."
Over dinner Clara couldn't stop thinking about what Ellie had said, occasionally forgetting that Louise was talking to her. "Hey you in there?"
"Yeah, sorry, lost in thought. You're right, I shouldn't be worried," she smiled and went back to eating. Louise was a little shocked, but didn't argue and also returned to eating.
#-#-#-#
Danny opened the door, Clara didn't know he would be there but she immediately hugged him, telling him quietly how much she missed him.
"Looks like you're all good then. Call me if there's any problems," Louise told her, aiming that slightly at Dave who was stood just behind. He nodded and Louise left.
Clara let go of Danny and moved to her Dad, "it's so good to see you at home," she told him. "It's pretty nice to just be home."
"How are the memories going?" he asked as they went to sit down.
"Yeah, getting there. Some of the sessions are really helping, and the book you made me," she looked to Danny, "it's amazing, thank you, so many photos bringing back things. I feel a bit more like me."
"So what do you want to do?" Dave asked.
"Honestly? I want to relax on the sofa with both of you watching trash and just chilling," she smiled, leaning against her Dad and sending Danny for the remote. When he rejoined them she held his hand and sat back happily.
A couple of hours later when the film credits were rolling Dave looked down, "I think someone needs their bed?"
"I'm not 7 Dad," she smiled.
"I know, that's why I'm saying it at 10pm not 8pm," he grinned. "Go on you two, head on up. I'll clear the mugs."
Danny squeezed her hand, "come on you, you look worn out. Tomorrow will be great but only if you sleep."
Admitting defeat Clara stood up and went up. She hugged up against Danny in bed, "I've missed this especially," she whispered. "You're very comfortable."
"I'll put that on my CV shall I?" he chuckled.
"Oh no mister, that's my secret," Clara smiled. "Goodnight."
They both slept happily that night.
#-#-#-#
"Good morning beautiful," Danny smiled as she opened her eyes. "How are you feeling?"
"All the better for waking up like this," she stole a quick kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too, now what do you want to do today?" he asked.
Clara lay back, "walk down to the park? I'll treat Dad to lunch."
"With his money?" he grinned.
Hitting him on the chest gently Clara rolled her eyes, "no, with the money Gran gave me. Now come on let's get up."
As she'd expected her Dad was already up and downstairs. She left Danny to go in the bathroom and went down, finding Dave in the kitchen. "Hey Dad, how are you getting on? Can I do anything?"
"Just about done actually, how are you feeling this morning?" he leant against the side with her.
Clara leant into him, "a little bit scared, I don't want to let you all down."
"You could never, don't worry," he reassured her. "Have you decided what to do today?"
"Park, we can walk up, relax by the lake and then lunch is on me. And before you argue it's the least I can do, you deserve it," she hugged him tight. "I love you so much Dad."
"Love you too chickadee, let's grab breakfast then eh?"
Just as planned after breakfast they walked down to the park and strolled slowly round the lake. "So do you have anymore goals to work for?" Dave asked.
"Only 1, but that's a secret at the moment," she grinned, "how about you? How's returning home been?"
"Just glad to be free at last, and I'm aiming to be back to work after Christmas. Seems like ages away right now but there's all sorts of things I need to do before I'm allowed back. What that does mean is I've got plenty of time to support you," he smiled.
Danny looked on as Clara interacted with her Dad, pleased to see them getting on so well. Dave did look like he'd recovered really well and he could tell Clara was pleased to see that, but she still had to go back tonight and he couldn't shake that feeling off. "Hey slowcoach what you daydreaming about?" Danny shook himself out of his thoughts and saw Clara stood in front of him. "You okay?"
"Sorry, yeah I'm fine," he smiled and put an arm around her to keep walking.
"Liar," she spoke quietly so her Dad couldn't hear but didn't take it any further. "Let's stop at the top and sit on the grass, it's nice up there."
When they got to the top end of the lake Dave sat on the bench while Clara and Danny went to the grass and lay down, looking up at the sky. "So what's really bothering you?" Clara asked, linking their fingers.
"It's nothing important," he tried to reassure her. Clara knew better however and gave him a look. "Okay, it's just been such a long summer without you around and last night was lovely and now here… it sounds stupid but it just feels like it's going to be so hard to see you go back tonight," he sighed, their fingers playing around a little between them. "I didn't want to bring the mood down…"
"Danny please don't apologise," she interrupted, "it's hard for you too, I know that. I might be the one having the treatment but that doesn't make it any easier for you, Dad and Gran. It's okay Danny, you're allowed to be upset," she moved over a little and leant on his chest. "I'll be back before you know it."
Eventually they got back up and continued round the other side until they reached the café where there was a surprise waiting for her. "Gran!"
"Hello sweetheart," she smiled. "Danny called me over," she explained as he stood up and hugged her. "Oh it's good to see you here."
Clara stayed in the hug, it was comforting. "I love you Gran," she stayed close and they all sat down to look at menus. "Don't think this is going to stop me from paying," she told her Dad, "and have what you want, don't just go cheap - you know it's okay," she nodded to him.
"But that money-" he started, but Clara interrupted.
"Is to be used the way I want, including treating my family," she told him sternly. "Now order something will you?" she grinned.
They all had lunch, making jokes and having fun. After everyone had finished eating Danny handed his phone to Clara to show her a text. "Oh, Danny's cousins are outside we're going to pop out and see them, back in a sec," she jumped up and then went out.
"What was your Dad saying about the money?" Danny asked as soon as they were outside.
Clara sighed, knowing he was going to say that. "Between my Mum, my Dad's parents and my Grandad I've got a pretty reasonable inheritance. Most of it I can't reach until I'm eighteen but there's a small amount that I have access to. I don't use it much, usually for other people - presents and stuff."
Rolling his eyes Danny pulled her into him, "you're too generous Clara Oswald, you are allowed to treat yourself once in awhile you know?"
"I know, but I don't need anything," she replied when they reached his family and his cousins jumped on Danny.
"How you doing?" Gina asked Clara as she watched on.
"Okay I guess, just doing my best. How are you guys doing? I can't thank you enough for all you've done for my Dad and Gran," she smiled. "You didn't need to do any of that."
"Don't be silly, we're happy to help, you're family Clara, all of you."
She couldn't reply to that, just smiled gratefully and watched on, holding back the tears.
After they got back home Clara sat on the small sofa and rested against Danny. Her Dad and Gran sat on the other sofa once they'd made tea and the rest of the afternoon was relaxing. Danny and Clara sorted dinner together, it'd been awhile since they'd last cooked together.
"Ah you've started the washing up, thank you," Clara smiled. She walked up behind him slowly and reached over, dipping her hands in the water and flicking it in his face, quickly jumping back and grinning. Danny spun round, raising an eyebrow - Clara gave him an innocent look but that wasn't going to fool him and he ran at her with his wet hands.
She started to run, shrieking a little and running out of the kitchen, through the living room and upstairs. Danny followed, smiling at her family as he followed her up, "you don't get away that easily!" he grinned and just about caught her in the bedroom, both of them falling back onto her. "Hahaaaa gotcha!" he chuckled, pinning her down and wiping his wet hands on her face. They both chuckled, mildly out of breath but incredibly happy. Danny lay down beside her, looking over and smiling at how happy she looked. "You really thought I'd let you get away with that?"
"No, but that was really fun," she chuckled, "I do love you Danny Pink."
"I love you too, but we should probably go back down and finish dinner," Danny pointed out so they reluctantly got up and went back down, simply greeting her Dad and Gran on the way through with little explanation.
#-#-#-#
After a bit of a feast they all sat back down in the living room for the last hour or so, sticking a film on the TV. Clara lay down, her head on Danny's lap and before she knew it she'd dropped off. She only woke up when Danny gently woke her as Louise had arrived. "Hey, time to go back," he whispered.
"Mmm no I'm comfy," Clara replied in a half asleep state.
Smiling he rubbed her hair back, "Louise is here, you can't stay I'll lose the circulation in my legs."
Now she sat up, "I'm not heavy!" she told him in mock annoyance but he just grinned. "I know, I'm up I'm up," she ran her own hand through her hair, greeting Louise before standing up and grabbing her bag. She then went to her Dad and Gran, giving them both huge hugs before going to Danny, kissing him gently before leaving.
They left the house and got into the car. "Looks like that went really well. Might just be able to get you out for your birthday yet." Louise smiled and drove her back.