This is more a filler chapter than actual content, but I did want to show the individual and collective problems surrounding Dylan and Sam, and I also love seeing the increasing similarities between the two. Please review because I love reading your comments, even if it's only a word or two! Thanks xx

Even if he hadn't been listening at the reception doors, news of Sam's departure would inevitably have reached him at one point during the day. It was almost impossible for him to walk past a member of staff without creating a vacuum of silence around them. It was like someone had pressed the mute button on their conversation as soon as he came near, but it didn't take a genius to work out what everyone seemed so eager to discuss. Even Nick Jordan had fell quiet when Dylan walked past, avoiding eye contact and making the entire situation unnecessarily awkward. But, considering most people assumed he would be the first to have the information, eventually he had a stream of expectant nurses and doctors asking who the mysterious stranger was.

While diplomacy and politeness had never been attributes Dylan had ever possessed, even he could hear the excessive sharpness in his tone.

"Who Samantha speaks to and what she discusses with them is neither my concern, or yours. If I were you, I would seriously be re-evaluating my life if this is the most exciting thing to occupy your time."

Safe to say, he hadn't been pursued after that particular outburst, but he hadn't failed to notice Zoe's watchful gaze on him as he retreated into the safe confines of the quiet corridor. He almost groaned when he heard the tip-tap of her heels on the linoleum floor behind him.

"Don't. Just… don't," he said without turning.

"I won't. Now, come here," she replied, turning him round and pulling him into a hug. It was a strange feeling, Dylan decided, to let someone in, even if it was only partially and just for a second or two. He recognised the tensing of his body as being uncomfortable, but he had not been expecting his shoulders to relax, or his chin to slowly rest on her shoulder. He had never, ever allowed himself to get close to anyone – not unless he counted Sam, which at this particular moment, he wasn't – and it was for this reason that he pulled away hurriedly, uncertain as to what had just happened.

"Ok?"

He nodded, brows furrowing in confusion, and patted her awkwardly on the arm before stepping back.

"Sure? You look a bit… odd. Although, saying that, that's actually nothing new," Zoe joked, but the light chuckle quickly faded when she saw his normal, serious face.

"Right, well, as long as you're alright. And you're happy. About Sam. Not… happy about Sam, but… ugh, you know what I mean!"

Dylan forced a smile and tried keep his mind focused on the wall behind Zoe's head rather than her words slowly piercing his thoughts.

"I know exactly what you mean, and I appreciate the unnecessary, and fairly pointless-"

"Yes, ok, I understand. Let's just leave it at thank you, shall we?"

"Thank you," he responded monotonously.

Zoe smiled, realised that the conversation was over, and decided it was time to leave him to his own devices. If there was one thing she had learned since meeting Dylan, it was that he was at his happiest – and she used the word loosely – when he was alone. It would be futile to do anything other than accept this fact, which is exactly why she had become so good at reading when he needed some "me-time".

"I'll see you later," she said finally, giving him one final, quick smile before click-clacking back along to the reception area where she could already here Charlie calling for some assistance with a patient.

xxx

The reflection in the mirror was a depressing sight to Sam – her eyes looked sunken in and bloodshot, and her hair was a mess from having been wrestling with her hair bobble for ten minutes. In truth, she was more frustrated with herself than her appearance, and the added addition of gossip-mongers doing the rounds didn't help. She hated people knowing her business, and Matt's public display of fake, plastic affection was exactly the sort of thing that made other women swoon. But, as had been proved on many occasions, she was not like other women.

A splash of cold water to the face shocked her back to reality, but still she felt as though her mind was on a different planet. It had been a rough day in any case – one man had been sick all over her, while another decided to refuse treatment and then fainted – but it was Matt's absurd proposal to "run away with him" which was weighing so heavily on her shoulders.

"Hey."

Sam turned sharply, ready to do battle as was her nature, and was met with Scarlet's cheery smile. She sighed.

"Hi."

"You ok? I heard what happened… Must have been pretty awkward."

Sam couldn't help but laugh, considering what an understatement that truly was. "Just a bit, yeah."

"Especially with Dylan standing right there. I mean, I don't think I could have kept my cool with my ex-husband witnessing me being swept off my feet."

Sam froze. Her entire body seized up and her breath caught in her throat. He had seen? How? When? Why the Hell hadn't she noticed?

"Oh God, no," she whispered, leaning back against the cold, hard sink and closing her eyes.

It took her a second to realise she was on the ground, shaking uncontrollably as Scarlet gripped her hand like a vice. She blinked, wondering how on earth she had managed to collapse without noticing, but was too weary and too numb to care.

"Let me get someone," she heard Scarlet plead, and quickly shook her head.

"Fine… I'm fine. I just need a minute," Sam replied weakly, determined to pull herself together but unable to find the energy to do just that.

"At least let me get you a glass of water. Or some chocolate. Chocolate's better than any medicine, in my book."

"Great advice, Nurse Conway," Sam sniped, before realising she had been unforgivably rude. She looked up just in time to see Scarlet slamming the door shut, and couldn't believe what she had said. Even if she was tired and angry and confused, she had no right to take it out on anyone else, and certainly not the only person who had bothered to see if she was alright.

Placing her head in her hands, Sam wondered (not for the first time) how her life had become so chaotic and messy, but unfortunately, the answer was already right in front of her, and she could blame no one but herself.