"Mummy," Alice had ran up form the hospital to see Danny. He'd frightened her there. She was stopped in her tracks as a crying Robbie appeared. She knelt in front of him, "What is it, baby?"

"Feel sicky and my tummy's itchy."

Alice carefully lifted his t-shirt up and groaned. "Well Robbie, I think you've got chicken pox." Horror and panic crossed his face and more tears were about to start flowing. Alice pulled him close to her. "It's nothing to worry about, you'll be better in a few days. Come on you'll be more comfy in your PJ's." She held his tiny hand leading him into his room to help him change. Then she placed him on her knee and cuddled him close till he fell asleep. She lay him down and opened his window hoping the cool breeze would soothe his itchiness and allow him to sleep.

She crossed the hall and entered her and Danny's room. He too was sleeping but he didn't look like he normally did. He was as pale as the white sheets he lay on, there were black circles under his eyes and Alice swore he looked thinner too. "That's it. I'm phoning the doctor."

Just as she placed the phone down in the hall, Danny appeared. "Get back to bed you."

"Al, I'm fine." He argued.

"Danny you're not. Earlier was not fine. You were about to pass out! I've called the doctor he's on his way."

Danny groaned, "I do not need a doctor, for goodness sake!"

"Too bad! I want him to look at Robert too anyway."

"Why? What happened? Is he OK?" Alice placed a hand on his cheek trying to calm him.

"He's fine, I'm positive it's chicken pox but he's having a hard time with them that's all." He visibly relaxed. "Please, will you just talk to the doctor."

"Ok, Ok! But there's really no need." He continued, kissed her forehead before following his orders and going back to bed.

Alice exhaled before walking out onto the veranda, Rosie was walking up from the hospital. "Thanks for coming so quick Rosie."

"No thanks necessary Alice. I should have been here." she said looking away ashamed. "sorry."

"Don't be daft," laughed Alice, "I could do with a day off myself."

"Is dad ok?" Rosie asked worry etched in her face.

"He'll be ok, the doctor's on his way. Robbie's got chicken pox, the wee soul." Rosie nodded sympathetically. "You're dad's in bed you can go in see him if you want."

Rosie shook her head, "I don't think so. Look just phone me if there's any news and let me know if you need a hand with Robbie or Charlotte as well."

"I will. Speak to you soon."

They hugged before Rosie left. Just as her car disappeared the doctor arrived to replace the space left. "Alice! How are you?"

"Not bad, considering Harry, you?"

"Good thanks. Now lets see these men of yours."

It was confirmed that Robbie had chicken pox. The doc had prescribed him some painkillers as it was a pretty severe case, nothing dangerous just uncomfortable and Robbie being so young didn't understand the concept of not scratching the itchy bits. Naturally, he had to be kept away from other kids for a few days so was off nursery. Thankfully everyone else in the house had had them before.

"Just give them 3-4 days, he'll be less itchy and he also wont be contagious." Danny and Alice both nodded appreciatively. Alice stayed with Robbie as Danny went to speak to Harry.

"So, Danny, Alice said on the phone you hadn't been that well."

"I think she's being a fuss Harry. I had a bit of a flu and just felt a bit dizzy today that's all."

"What about the stomach pains?"

"Felt muscular, I was lifting a lion." Danny smiled.

"Yeah well maybe ease up on that, just till we get to the bottom of this one. Let me listen to your chest." Harry had Danny undergo many tests and strange actions. "I'm going to take a blood sample off you Danny just to double check."

"Double check what?" asked Danny.

"I think the flu has weakened your immune system and with young Robert having chicken pox it's just floored you."

"Can you not just give me medication?"

Harry's face changed to one Danny had seen and worn many times as a vet. One he's seen on doctors. It told him he wasn't getting the whole truth. "And if it's not that?"

"I'll speak to you soon. If Robert gets any worse don't hesitate to call me." said Harry getting in his car.

Alice waved him off, "Thanks Harry."

Danny was sat on the veranda and waved too. "Everything alright?" asked Alice sitting beside him. "What was Harry saying?"

"Oh nothing, I'm fine." said Danny smiling down at her as he wrapped his arm round her shoulders. "I just need to take it easy for a bit though, I've been overdoing it that's all."

"I could've told you that." laughed Alice. "I'm glad you're ok. I was worried." Danny didn't reply just kissed her head and hugging her tighter. After a few moments she stood up, "I'll help Nomsa with dinner, will you check in Robbie?"

"Sure." he said using the table to pull himself onto his feet. "Is Rosie still here?"

"No she left just before Harry arrived."

"I think you're right I should phone her. Clear the air."

Alice grinned at him and kissed him softly before leaving to move into the kitchen. Danny exhaled and his smile faded. He walked into his son's room and found him fast asleep. Danny sat on the bed and smoothed Robbie's hair down and fought back the tears that welled.

Hopefully the blood test results wouldn't bring everything crashing down round about him.