A/N So, I think I'd better explain the chapter title hadn't I? Well, during the song that the last chapter had the name of, the characters were all doing impressions (Joe Pasquale being one I remember well for some reason). And Dorothy (Dani) was sitting there getting more and more fed up that they were having an impression battle, and so in the middle of it all she got up (she'd been sitting down because she was pregnant) from the side of the stage, and just went "I can do an impression better than both of you." And Bobby Davro (I think, or it was Andrew Flemming, one of the two) went "Oh yeah?!" like she wouldn't be able to. So Dani cleared her throat, and said in her normal voice (as she had an American accent for the play) "Hi, I'm Tracy Beaker." And I just went absolutely crazy because it was so weird but so awesome at the same time! :-D

Charlotte was in Gus' room.

"How do we get into the attic?" she said. "Dennis locked it."

"What?" I said walking into the room. "Why do you want to get into the attic?"

"We need to conduct a forensic investigation," said Gus. "And the only way to do that is to get into the attic."

"Right," I said. "Well, I can help if you want."

Charlotte smiled. "Yes please."

I smiled back. "Let's go."

Five minutes later we were still trying to open the attic.

Elektra had a screwdriver, and was trying to unscrew the latch that had the padlock on.

"This is useless," said Charlotte.

"Have you got a better idea?" said Elektra.

Just then Rick came up, and took a hammer. He pulled the latch off in one movement.

"Wow," I said.

Rick didn't say anything, but put the hammer down and walked away.

"Can you keep watch?" I asked, before me, Gus and Charlotte went into the attic.

As we shut the door, I heard Elektra say one word.

"No."

We were searching through the attic, looking for clues, when Gus found something.

"Tracy, Charlotte, look at this," he said.

We both came over, my eyes widening as he started pulling cigarette butts from the sack of sawdust.

Suddenly there was a shout.

"Who's up there?!"

Dennis.

Gus began to back away, and Charlotte followed him as I went to stop Dennis.

"It's just me, I just wanted to take the kids' stuff down so they could decide what to keep," I said, lying to save Gus and Charlotte.

But he had obviously seen them.

Suddenly they both screamed, and I heard a cracking sound.

"NO!" I cried. I ran to the hole in the floor to see Gus lying on Lily's bed, and Charlotte being hugged by Tee.

"Are they alright?" I asked.

"Yes, they're alright," said Tee.

Dennis roughly pushed me aside, and I landed on my wrist.

"Ow!" I said. I gently cradled it, desperately wanting it to stop hurting.

"Stupid, stupid idiot!" shouted Dennis. "They could have been killed!"

"I know," I said. "I'm so, so sorry."

"Come down to the office," he said. He hauled me up, before dragging me down to the main landing.

Mike was there, and looked shocked when he saw me. "What happened?"

"Charlotte and Gus fell through the ceiling," said Dennis.

"Are they alright?" asked Mike.

I nodded. I then let out a cry of pain as Dennis grabbed the arm of my injured wrist to keep me moving.

Mike was there in an instant. "Get off her."

"She needs to come with me," said Dennis.

"I said get off her," said Mike, his anger obviously growing.

Dennis pulled me again, and I let out another cry of pain.

Mike pulled Dennis off me, wrapping his arm protectively around my shoulders. "Do not lay another finger on her."

I gave a small smile, before we made our way down to the office.

When we got down to the office Gina was already there. Dennis shut the door and then turned to me.

"They could have been killed!" he shouted, repeating what he'd said earlier in the attic. "Then what have happened, hm?"

I felt tears come to my eyes. "I don't know."

"I've been looking at your record," he said, "and I can't even begin to imagine how you've kept your job for two years!"

Mike gently put his hand on my back. "Tracy's a good care worker, that's why."

I gave a small smile.

"You might think so, but you don't have me fooled," said Dennis. "You've covered every mistake she's ever made, every day from day one right up until now."

I turned to Mike, tears in my eyes, knowing that wasn't true. I hadn't made that many mistakes, and Mike had always done what was right.

"And the kids have told me that last month Mike gave you several days off for no reason," said Dennis.

I looked at him, shocked. Who had told him that?

And it hadn't been for no reason anyway.

As the tears threatened to flow I tried to leave the office, but Dennis held me back.

I span round. "Get off me!"

Mike was quick to release me from Dennis' grip. "Tracy, you can go." He then turned to Dennis as I left the room. "I've told you twice not to lay a finger on my kids, especially not Tracy, because she's not well. And that comment..."

I shut the office door, going to sit on the sofa in the hall.

"Are you alright?" asked Lily.

I nodded, despite there now being tears rolling down my cheeks.

Tee came to sit next to me, putting her arm around my shoulders. "It'll be OK."

Charlotte came to join us. "Do you miss your mum?" she asked, giving me a hug.

I nodded, giving her a hug back.

"None of us told him about that," said Carmen.

"Yeah, why would we?" said Johnny. He stopped. "I might have told Lizanne about it earlier though."

"I didn't tell anybody, I swear!" said Lizanne.

"Yeah right," said Liam.

"I didn't!" said Lizanne.

"Why did you tell her anyway?" asked Elektra.

Johnny looked to Lizanne and she nodded. "Because she had a panic attack yesterday."

"You never told me!" said Frank.

"Was it bad?" asked Carmen.

"Not really," said Lizanne. "I was alright."

I felt relieved, but suspicious at the same time. If Lizanne's panic attack had been anything like mine, why hadn't she got an adult?

Just then Mike came out of the office. "Trace, you need to come back in."

I nodded, stood up, and followed Mike into the office.

Less than a minute later (Gus timed it as 53 seconds) I was outside the office again, once again in tears.

"Come on," said Mike gently, his arm around my shoulders. "Let's go and get your things, yeah?"

I nodded, but my head was spinning again. All this fighting Dennis wore me out, and I needed a chance to relax.

"Are you alright?" asked Mike as I began to sway.

I didn't even have time to reply before the world faded to black, and I collapsed.

Mike POV

As Tracy fell to the floor I grabbed her, stopping her from hurting herself.

"Is she alright?" asked Carmen.

The kids all looked at me, and started asking me questions.

Dennis then came out of the office. "What's going on?"

"Tracy fainted," I said. I glared at Dennis. "If you'd just left her alone she'd be alright. You didn't have to sack her, you know."

And with that I gently scooped Tracy up, and carried her up to the staff bedroom.

Tracy POV

I opened my eyes. I was lying on the bed in the spare staff bedroom, and Mike was beside me, holding my hand.

"Are you alright?" asked Mike.

"I'm sorry," I said. "Did I scare the kids?"

"A little bit, but they were alright," he said. His face softened. "Are you OK?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't feel very well."

"Do you want me to help you get your things?" asked Mike.

I closed my eyes as I remembered what had happened before I'd passed out.

Dennis had sacked me.

I slowly sat up, giving Mike a nod. "Yes please."

Mike gave me a smile. "Do you want me to open the draw for your clothes?"

I nodded, and Mike opened the draw. I then took out my things, and put them in my bag.

As I closed my bag I could feel tears coming to my eyes.

"Do you want to stay up here for a bit, or..." Mike trailed off as he saw my face. "Come here, Trace."

He pulled me in for a hug as I began to cry.

We stood there for a few minutes, before Gina came up.

"Oh, babes," she said. She gently stroked my hair, before sitting on the bed.

"I don't want to be on my own," I sobbed. "I want to stay here."

"I know, I know," said Mike, rubbing my back. "I'll come and see you tonight though, yeah?"

I gave a small nod, glad that Mike still cared about me.

A few minutes later I finally stopped crying, and pulled away from Mike.

"You OK? he asked.

I nodded.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

I gave a brave nod.

Mike picked up my bag and my coat, and handed them to me. I put my coat on and my bag on my shoulder, before stopping.

Mike took my hand and gave it a small squeeze, before we made our way downstairs.

Mike POV

Poor Tracy was in pieces.

She was obviously still not well, and now Dennis was chucking her out.

And with Cam still in New York, and Tracy's repeated fainting, I was worried.

Very worried.

As we came down the stairs Charlotte ran to Tracy, giving her a hug. Tracy hugged her back tight.

"I don't want Tracy to go!" she said.

Tracy stroked her hair. "I don't want to go either," she said. "But Mike will look after you, yeah?"

Charlotte gave a sad nod, before she pulled away from Tracy and allowed her to walk towards the door.

"I, um, I, I guess, I guess this is where we say goodbye," she said.

"No, I reckon you'll be back," said Liam. "You've done things a lot worse than this."

She nodded. "Yeah, that's true."

I smiled to myself slightly: it certainly was.

Just then Dennis came out of the office, glaring at Tracy. Charlotte ran forward, yelling at him.

"Go away!" she shouted. "You're mean and horrible! I fell through the ceiling, and I don't want Tracy to leave! She's done nothing to you, and..."

"Charlotte, that's enough," said Tracy. "I'll come and visit still."

"Only if the visit is approved by the head care worker and your social workers," said Dennis.

I looked at Tracy sympathetically: Dennis wasn't going to make life easy for her.

I watched as Tracy swallowed the lump in her throat, looked down to the floor for a moment, and then looked back at us. "Bye, guys."

As everyone quietly said goodbye, I caught Tracy's eye, and gave her a smile. She gave me one back, before she turned and went out of the door.

As soon as Tracy had gone Charlotte stood in front of Dennis again, obviously angry.

"I hate you!" she said. "You shouldn't have got rid of Tracy. She was my best friend, and..."

"Get out of my way," said Dennis. He pushed her aside, and we all heard the thud as her head hit the wall with the stained glass window.

Charlotte screamed.

I ran over to her. "Are you alright?"

Charlotte began to cry, and I hugged her tight.

"Shh," I said. "It's OK, I'll make it better."

Charlotte buried her head in my chest, obviously in pain.

I glared at Dennis, and he looked away, obviously knowing what he'd done was wrong, but not willing to admit it.

"Come on," I said to Charlotte, gently picking her up. "Let's go and make you better, shall we?"

Charlotte gave a small nod, and I took her down to the kitchen to get some medicine.

Tracy POV

I sat down shakily on the sofa when I got home. Mike was going to come and see me tonight, but I wasn't sure I could manage until then.

I just felt so unwell.

I sat on the sofa for a few minutes, my head spinning (both with everything that had happened just now and with dizziness) before I lay down, planning on lying there for just a few minutes before doing something else (although what I wasn't sure).

I was asleep before half the time had gone.

Charlotte POV

Mike had his hand on my back a little while later, as he walked with me to Carmen and Lily's room.

"Girls," said Mike, talking to Carmen, Lily and Tee who were in there. "Could you keep an eye on Charlotte for me please and look after her? She's not feeling very well."

"My head hurts," I said.

Carmen smiled at me, and patted the bed next to her. "Come and sit up here."

Mike smiled at her, and then he left the room.

I looked up at Carmen. "I miss Tracy."

Carmen gave me a hug. "So do I."

"Do you think Mike will get another care worker?" asked Tee.

"It's up to Dennis," said Lily. "He's in charge now."

"I don't think he will," said Carmen. "We don't need four care workers."

I lay back on the bed, feeling sad. I didn't like it without Tracy here, it was strange.

I hoped she was alright, in her flat on her own...

Mike POV

That night I drove to Tracy's flat, having been worrying about her all day.

She hadn't been well when she'd had to leave Elm Tree, and I hoped she was feeling better now.

As I pulled the car up into a parking space in front of the flat, I could see one of the lights was on downstairs, so I walked to the door and knocked on it.

Tracy opened it after about half a minute, and looked relieved when she saw me.

"Hi," she said.

"Are you alright?" I asked, suddenly seeing the colour of her face. "You look very pale."

"I'm fine," said Tracy. She gestured towards the hall. "Come in."

I did as I was told, and followed her into the living room.

Tracy POV

I felt a wave of relief come over me as I saw Mike at the door.

I'd been feeling awful ever since I'd left Elm Tree, and was glad Mike was here.

And it stopped me being on my own.

After letting Mike in, we went to the living room, where we sat down, me nearly falling as I had a short dizziness spell.

"You sure you're OK?" asked Mike. "You don't look very well."

"I'm fine," I said. "Stop fussing!"

Mike gave me a concerned look, before he changed the subject. "I had a chat with Dennis, well, I tried anyway. I don't think he's going to give you your job back."

I nodded, putting a brave smile on my face, but inside I felt like breaking.

I didn't want to be on my own.

"I can stay here for a little while though, although I'm on the nightshift, I've just got Gina to cover me," said Mike. And I can definitely come tomorrow."

I nodded, although I didn't want to be a bother to Mike, and I definitely didn't want to get him into trouble with Dennis.

I yawned, half real, half fake. "I think I'm going to go to bed, have an early night."

Mike gave me a smile. "Do you want me to go then? Will you be alright on your own?"

I nodded. "I'll be fine."

Mike gave me another smile, before getting up. I followed him to the door, going to show him out.

"Bye then, Tracy," said Mike. "I'll see you tomorrow." He paused, before remembering something. "Call me if you need anything, even if it's just a chat, yeah?"

I nodded. "I will."

"Bye, then," said Mike.

"Bye," I said. I watched Mike go to his car, before I shut and locked the front door.

It was going to be a long night...

I woke with a scream.

I put my hand over my chest, trying to slow my heart rate, as I wondered about going to go and wake Mike.

He was only down the stairs, and I was sure he...

I was at home.

Mike wasn't here.

Suddenly I felt sick with fear, and as I heaved I had to stop myself from throwing up.

I was all on my own.

I began to cry, tears making their way down my cheeks, and then I couldn't take it any longer.

I shakily took my phone, and dialled the number.

341...

I listened to it ring, willing for the phone to be picked up.

"Hello? Trace?"

Mike.

"Mike, I had a nightmare, and then I remembered I was on my own, and I feel sick and I don't like it and I don't feel well and I want..."

"Tracy, Tracy, slow down," said Mike gently. "I can't hear what you're saying, you're crying too much." He paused. "Start again, slowly and calmly."

"Come and get me," I said. "Please."

I heard Mike sigh on the end of the phone. "Um..."

"Please, Mike," I said.

"Of course I'd normally say yes, but with Dennis..." said Mike.

I started to cry again. Mike wasn't coming to get me.

"I hate you," I said. "I hate you, I HATE you, I HATE YOU!"

And with that I hung up, before I put my phone back onto the table, curled up into a tiny ball, and sobbed.

Mike POV

I felt tears come to my eyes as Tracy said she hated me. I knew she was probably just scared and unwell, and I was cruelly leaving her in that situation, but it hurt a lot.

As I turned to Charlotte on my knee (who had been crying all night because Tracy was gone), I knew I had to do something.

"Do you want to go and see Tracy?" I asked her.

Charlotte nodded furiously.

I smiled. "Come on, then."

We both got off the bed, and after checking everyone else was asleep (and knowing that Dennis was staying all night), we made our way downstairs and out to the car. I helped Charlotte into the back, before I sat in the front seat and drove to Tracy's.

When we got there I knocked on the door. I heard someone moving about, and then Tracy opened the door.

"Hi," I said.

Tracy stood there in shock for a second, then launched herself at me. "I'm sorry for what I said. I don't hate you."

"I know," I said, wrapping my arms around her. I paused. "Are you OK?"

Tracy nodded, obviously feeling a lot better now I was here.

"Can Tracy come back with us?" asked Charlotte.

Tracy looked at me hopefully.

I sighed, before I shook my head. "Sorry, Trace. I would if I could, but... Whoa!"

I caught Tracy as she collapsed, probably the stress and lack of sleep making her ill.

I gently scooped her up, before I carried her to the car. I lay her on the back seat, before I went back to the flat, took the key out of her door and locked it. I then put Charlotte in the back too.

"Can you look after her, please?" I asked Charlotte. "She's not very well."

Charlotte nodded, as I strapped Tracy into the car, Charlotte doing her own seat belt.

I then got in the front and we drove back to Elm Tree House.

Tracy POV

I woke up the next morning, sunlight coming through the window.

This wasn't my room...

As I looked next to me I saw a lump under the duvet, and pulled it off to reveal Charlotte, curled up asleep next to me.

I still didn't feel well, but at least I hadn't had any more nightmares.

Just then Mike popped his head round the door, giving me a smile as he was I was awake.

"Thank you," I said quietly. "I feel a lot better this morning."

Mike gave me a smile back and a little smile to Charlotte, before he left the room.

Just then I heard some shouting, and Dennis burst in.

"You, get out!" he said, directing his anger at me. "I told you not to come back here, and what do you do? Hm? You sneak in and spend the night here!"

I had actually been unconscious, but I didn't want Mike to get into trouble, so I didn't say anything.

"I actually brought Tracy here," said Mike. "She called me because she wasn't feeling well, so I went over to see her, and she passed out. I thought it would be safer to have her here for the night."

"And what's Charlotte doing in here?" asked Dennis.

Mike paused for a moment. "Charlotte missed Tracy a lot, and the only way I could stop her crying was to let her sleep in here."

"So if I set rules you're not going to follow them?" asked Dennis.

Mike took a deep breath, before boldly answering. "No."

The anger on Dennis' face grew. "I could get rid of you as well you know."

Just then Charlotte woke up. "What's going on?"

Dennis smiled, an evil smile. "I'm firing Mike."

I looked at Dennis in shock. "No!"

I got up, and suddenly I felt well.

Ready to fight for Mike.

"I'd think very carefully before you fire Mike," I said, "because me, Gus and Charlotte have forensic evidence to prove you started the fire in the attic."

I folded my arms, and put an accusing look on my face.

Dennis scoffed. "What evidence?"

Just then Gus came up from breakfast, and walked outside the door.

"Gus!" I called. "Can you get the cigarettes we found?"

Gus quickly went to his room, and came back with the cigarette butts in a bag.

I took them off him. "This evidence."

Dennis looked worried. "How do you know they're mine?"

"We've done a little investigation," I said.

Me and Gus then went on to explain how we'd worked it out. Dennis didn't have a leg to stand on.

"I think you should write your letter of resignation," said Mike, a smile on his face.

Dennis gave Mike an angry look, before he left the room.

Mike turned and gave me a big smile, before he wrapped his arms around me.

"Well done, Trace!" he said, hugging me tight.

I smiled back, hugging him back tightly too.

Charlotte hugged me too. "Does that mean you're back?"

I looked up to Mike, before we both nodded.

"Oh yes," I said. "I am well and truly back!"

A/N Well, that took (and was, actually!) a little bit longer than expected. I kept running out of ideas and leaving it and then I went on holiday, but I finally have it finished. And Dani Harmer had her little baby girl whilst I was writing this! YAY! :-D Little Avarie-Belle Betsy Rachel Brough (which appears to be on my autocorrect... XD). And she's so cute as well! :-D

I also have VERY EXCITING NEWS! I am going to see Dani Harmer again in December down in Bournemouth for a pantomime of 'Cinderella'. I CAN'T WAIT! :-D If anyone else is interested, it's at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre from Saturday 3rd December 2016 until Monday 2nd January 2017, excluding Christmas and New Year's Day. (I just know if someone said they were going and then didn't tell me anything about it I'd be very annoyed! XD) I will probably also do another story for that show, so you have something to look forward to after the 10th December (as that's when I'm going). Anyway, really hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review! :-D