Another Sid fic!

This takes place during season 7. So there are SPOILERS!

Here's a little backstory for those of you who may not know. In season 7 there's an episode where an unwed mother has a baby and needs a place to stay. She winds up staying with Mrs. M, but I had other ideas.

Nell moves into Sid's vacant caravan instead of in with Mrs. M.

There is a TRIGGER WARNING! Rape. Nell (the mother) was raped by a man and became pregnant in the show. We will talk about that here. Be warned this will have a darker theme than my other Sid fic. Not depressing, just a more adult vibe.

Okay, enough of my ramblings.

Enjoy.

Prologue.

Nell climbed in the caravan and took a look around. It was in a state, and had a musty smell. She left the door open, and laid her baby boy down on the bed. She opened a window to let in some fresh air.

"Knock knock." Father Brown tapped on the door.

Nell turned, "Hello Father, please come in."

"I'm so sorry the caravan is in such a mess. Unfortunately, Sid isn't known for his housekeeping skills. I did hope to get here before you and clean up a bit."

Nell smiled, "It's no problem, Father. I appreciate having somewhere to stay."

"Well, seeing as Sid is travelling with Lady Felicia I didn't see why we couldn't put his caravan to good use."

Just then the baby started to fuss. Nell held her child tightly. "I'm so thankful that we are able to be together. Thank your friend for me, please."

Father Brown smiled at her. "Mrs. McCarthy will be by later with some provisions."

"Thank you, I'm so grateful. Just until I get myself on my feet. I'm going to make a good life for my son." she insisted.

"I know you will, Nell." Father Brown patted her hand.

"I have a job. At the bakery in town. It's not much...but it's something,"

"That is wonderful news!" the Father exclaimed, "Where will you leave he little one?"

"The baker's wife has agreed to watch him while I work. At least until I can find someone else."

Nell sounded sad. Leaving her newborn to go to work would be a challenge for the new mother.

"Well, since I'm here let me clear away some of Sid's things out of your way."

"Thank you, Father. I wouldn't want to misplace any of his things." Nell said quietly.

They helped each other rearrange and tidy up the caravan until Mrs. McCarthy arrived.

Chapter One

Nell wiped her brow, and without realizing smeared flour onto her forehead. She heard the bell on the bakery door alerting her that there was a customer. The owner had stepped out and Nell was manning the bakery all by herself. She'd been working for him for three months and she appreciated that he trusted her enough to leave her in charge.

"Can I help you?" she asked her customer, a tall dark-haired man.

He stared at her blankly for a moment, amused by her floury complexion, "Yeah, I'll have a loaf of wheat bread, and," he paused thoughtfully, "A blueberry muffin."

"Sure,"

She went about wrapping up his order. "You're in luck. I just pulled a batch of these from the oven."

"Reckon it's my lucky day," he said with a wink.

Nell could tell he was flirting, but a woman in her position had no business entertaining such thoughts. She gave him his change and watched him walk away. She had a painful past, and sometimes the yearning she felt for comfort and safety almost swallowed her whole.

She glanced at the clock. It was almost closing time, thank goodness. She was dead on her feet, and she missed her baby boy. It was a long walk back to her caravan and if she wanted to make it before dark she needed to get a move on finishing her tasks.

Not your caravan...

She reminded herself. Still, it had become home over the past few months. It gave her a sense of independence. She loved being a mother more than she ever thought possible. Watching her baby grow everyday was an amazing feeling. She still hadn't given him a proper name, she only called him "Bub".

"Almost time to close up, Nell." the baker informed her as he breezed back into the shop.

"Yes, Mr. Elloitt." she agreed.

"I see you've got everything almost finished here." he smiled proudly.

"Yes sir."

"I can lock up and put these things away," he told her, "You go on and get that precious boy of yours and head home."

"Are you sure?" she asked timidly.

He took the broom from her hands, "Yes! No go on."

"Thank you!" she beamed.

She untied her apron and hung it on the peg by the back door. She slipped out and headed next door to the Elliott's house to fetch Bub. He smiled when she picked him and rewarded her with a coo. She swaddled him closely and began her nightly walk home. Thankfully, it was still plenty light out. Spring had come to Kembleford.

New flowers were blooming, mornings were misty and warm and there was a promise of new things in the air. Almost a feeling that anything could happen. Her feet and arms were aching by the time they reached the caravan. Nell sunk down onto the bed and immediately fed Bub. He'd began to fuss heavily the last five minutes of their journey.

Once he was settled she went outside and made a fire. She heated her water and brought it into the caravan to bathe herself. Stripping off completely, she put her dirty work clothes in a laundry sack. Mrs. McCarthy had been kind enough to allow Nell to do her laundry at her house.

Dusk was fast approaching so she lit the lantern before finding her wash cloth and lathering it with soap. It smelled so good. Something gentle enough that she could use on Bub as well as herself. She didn't mind smelling like a baby, she rather enjoyed it. She smiled to herself as she continued her basin bath.

Without warning the door to the caravan swung wide open and a man stepped inside. Nell screamed blue murder and made an attempt to cover herself.

"Get out!" she tried to hide the fear in her voice but to no avail.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Calm down. I'm not gonna hurt you." the man said. "Who are you?"

"Stop looking at me! You!?" she recognized him as the man from the bakery.

Just then, Bub started to cry, awoken from her screams.

The man averted his eyes. "I live here. You mind tellin' me what you're doin' here?"

Nell slipped her robe on over her bare body and picked up her baby.

"Sid?" she questioned.

The man looked up, "Yeah. How did you know?"

"I'm Nell. Father Brown has been letting me stay here while you're away."

Sid eyed the young woman and the baby and knew at once there was a lot more to this story.

"Nice of him to tell me." he scoffed.

"Please don't throw us out. We don't have anywhere else to go!" Nell pleaded.

Her entire body was visibly shaking. Sid felt sorry for the poor girl. Still, this was his home. He was planning on staying put for a bit this time, and now he had nowhere to stay.

"Look, it's getting late. I'll sleep outside tonight." he said.

He stepped around her and rummaged under the bed for an extra blanket. It seemed odd to Nell. She knew this was his home, but having someone that was a stranger to her know exactly where things were was still odd.

He was outside within an instant and the slamming of the door made her jump. She felt exposed, and rocked to her core. Would he take all this away from her? She was just beginning to feel settled.

And not so very deep down there was another emotion.

Dark.

Dirty.

Terrifying.

He'd seen her naked body. It scared her. She still bore the scars from the evil reverend. The memories burned into her mind and body. They were tormenting on the best days. He'd forced himself onto her. Multiple times.

She'd vowed never to let a man see her unclothed without her permission ever again...

That vow was just shattered.

Once Bub was settled again she peeked out the curtain to get a glimpse of the man who had invaded her privacy. The sight of him filled her with fear, and she suddenly wished there was a lock on the caravan door.

She got no sleep that night watching him and making sure he wasn't there to hurt her or her baby. Regardless of his motives he'd just turned her life upside down.

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