Disclaimer: i don't own Casualty or any of its characters
As they walked into the Beauchamp household, Grace immediately headed up to her room whilst Connie headed for her ensuite bathroom; Jacob followed but was disappointed and concerned when she closed the door in his face. Sighing, he went downstairs to the kitchen and got his girlfriend – or whatever she was at the minute – a glass a wine before sitting on her bed and waiting for her to re-enter; after what seemed like ages, the door finally opened and Connie emerged, donning a dressing down and her dark, long hair left loose around her shoulders. She took the glass off him and sat on the bed; taking a long sip, she placed the glass on her bedside table and lay down on her side, away from Jacob. Now he was concerned. He preferred it when the Connie he knew would retaliate and argue; he didn't like to see the one in front of him: distant and hurting and suffering.
"Con, talk to me?" he tried but got not response, "Do you want anything to eat?"
When she didn't reply, he kissed her hair, pulled the blanket over her so she didn't get cold and went to ask Grace what she wanted to eat; knocking on the young girl's open door, he was surprised when Grace turned round to face him with tears in her eyes.
"Hey firecracker, what's wrong with you, eh?" he asked, not entering until she gave him permission to.
"Where's mom?"
"Resting; today really scared her, scared us all" he answered.
"I thought she was never coming home" she admitted.
"She wouldn't give up without a fight; you are the most important thing in her life. She's just got you back; she isn't going to risk that"
"And you"
"I don't know about that but i think she could probably do with a hug from her baby right now"
"Okay"
"How do you feel about Pizza tonight?"
"Ham and pineapple with stuffed crust and cheesy fries" she answered before walking past him and heading into her mom's room, lying on the bed and snuggling into her moms welcoming arms.
From the doorway, Jacob smiled as Connie looked over at him; she whispered 'sorry' to him for a second time that day before he disappeared downstairs to make the call. When the Pizza had arrived an hour and half later, Connie was sleeping somewhat peacefully so left her to do so whilst he and Grace bonded; with the youngster finally in bed, after kissing her mom goodnight, Jacob slid into the bed next to Connie and put a hand to her arm as she stirred suddenly. He noticed her pained expression and her breathing quickening, her head thrashing from side to side and small moans escaping from her lips.
"Con, wake up for me; you're having a nightmare. It's okay; you're safe. We both are; we're at home with Grace"
Slowly, with some reassuring words from Jacob, she came out of the nightmare and her eyes popped wide open in fear; taking some deep breaths, she let the tears fall as she gave in and collapsed into his strong embrace, needing to feel safe and secure in his arms.