With Josh now discharged from the ED, Tom was once again trying to settle back into his work, but with Sam watching his every move suspiciously he was beginning to feel uneasy about this whole thing. What if Sam ever found out? Would she still love him? Could she forgive him for lying? Was there a difference between lying and not telling the whole truth? Tom didn't want to take that risk. He loved Sam with all his heart and did not want to lose her.

Stood behind the reception desk Tom neatened up the pile of patient files that lay in front of him before looking up and seeing Sam approaching him. Just the way she walked looked so graceful and that cheeky grin that was plastered on her face that could just melt him like butter pretty much summed up why he loved her so much.

"Ok now?" She asked softly as she reached the desk.

"What do you mean?" Tom asked confused.

"Don't pretend not to know Tom. I saw your reaction earlier on with that kid, it was very unlike you." Sam spoke still smiling gently.

"Oh that. Yeah, I just don't like time wasters… the parents should know better really." He told her and looked back down at the files.

"Thing is though Tom, she asked for you, you clearly know each other." She said then smirked a little. "Is she an old flame of yours? Hm? Hm?" Sam walked around the other side of the desk and prodded him in the side playfully.

Putting his hands out to protect himself from Sam's prodding Tom just laughed it off. "No, no.."

Sam continued. "Oh Tom, the man slag. Come on spill the beans. How old were you? Was she your first?" she giggled softly.

"Sam just stop!" Tom suddenly snapped causing everyone around them to look. Sam looked at him in shock, she was only having a bit of fun. She never meant to make him angry.

He shook his head, "Sorry." He mumbled a little before going and grabbing his coat from his locker and heading out of the hospital doors leaving Sam still stood there at the desk bewildered by his sudden outburst.

….

After leaving the ED in the middle of a shift Tom had text Amanda asking to meet up and she had said in the park. He assumed that way they could talk in private as Josh played.

Tom soon found himself in the park walking along side the fence, the place was very quiet, a few people walking dogs and a couple of kids playing on the climbing frame and the swings, including Josh. He smiled to himself to see he was ok, he was glad the he wasn't too hasty in discharging him and it was clearly a simple act to get to Tom: no doubt a plan Amanda had thought up herself.

As Tom walked through the small gate he saw Amanda sat on the bench clearly engaged in watching Josh run and play. As he approached her she noticed him and looked at him with a small smile. He sat down and sighed a little.

"You shouldn't be here.." He spoke and looked at her. She nodded.

"I know Tom, but he's almost 10. He's been asking questions, what am I meant to say to him?" Amanda told him. "And before you start, he was ill today. He told me he was in pain, that why I brought him, but I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and speak to you too."

"What made you think I'd assume you were making it up?" He asked.

"Because Tom, I know what you're like. You don't trust anyone. Always said you needed to work on those trust issues." She sighed. "It doesn't matter, I don't want things getting messy. He doesn't deserve to be rejected."

Tom sighed as she spoke and looked from her to the young boy running around on the park playing with the other children.

"He seems like a good kid.." he almost whispered.

"He is Tom. He really is, He's so clever too. Must get that from you." She complimented.

He shifted his gaze from Josh and back to Amanda. "I have a partner now Amanda, I have a life. I don't have time for kids. Not now. And anyway, we agreed. I'd have nothing to do with him, I did you a favour and you helped me in return. You're doing a good job with him. He doesn't need me."

"But he deserves to know the truth Tom." She argued.

"Maybe. But maybe things are better as they are for now. When he is older then yes, I will sit him down and tell him. But he's happy, you're happy and I'm happy. No point in doing anything that will change that."

Amanda sighed and looked at her hands. "We need help Tom, I have been made redundant. There is more money going out than in, we can stay in the flat for much longer. I don't even think I can make this months rent."

"Hang on. This isn't about Josh. This is about you. You and money?" Tom frowned.

"No, it's not like that." She said looking at him. "It's not.."

"Oh no? Looks like it from where I am. You know all you have to do is ask Amanda. Not try and trick me." He spoke unusually angrily as he stood up. "I'll put a check in the post. I never ever want to see you again. And this time I mean it!"

Amanda wasn't given the chance to speak again as Tom turned and walked away. He was angry. Angry at the fact that his relationship with Sam was being compromised by her trying to trick him into handing over money.

Just as Tom was about to walk through the gate he heard a loud scream. He turned to see Josh hunched over in a great deal of pain. He screamed and collapsed onto the floor vomiting slightly. Tom and Amanda exchanged looks as they both rushed to their son's side.

Sorry about the slow updates guys. College has been a nightmare lately :'( damn dead lines. It should all settle soon so I should be able to update more often. I have no idea where to go with this, the next chapter is in my head but it's just a matter of getting it typed out and up on here but after that I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions are welcome, along with any comments and criticism.

Thanks for reading :)
L x