Chapter 17

Rachel was bored.

She found herself on the couch at home watching reruns on the 'Disney Channel' one evening after tea. She must have seen the specific episode of 'Hannah Montana' about twenty times. It was so repetitive she almost knew the whole episode word for word.

The little girl huffed and looked around the room as she pondered what to do with herself. Her eyes landed on Frank who just so happened to be having a snooze on the couch.

Rachel smirked as she came up with a cure for her boredom. She knew CC was in the bath and Frank was clearly out for the count. The blonde quietly tiptoed into the adults room and collected the items she needed before returning to the living space.

Withholding her giggles, she got to work with drawing a cartoonish moustache above Frank's top lip. She had just started to apply some bright pink eye shadow when Frank began to stir. She quickly pulled back but unfortunately the man had cottoned onto what she had been up to.

"What the hell? What are you doing?" Frank demanded.

At first, the little girl was scared but then she decided she had faced worse than Frank and promptly burst out laughing. She held up a small hand mirror in front of Frank's face and tried to hold back another giggle.

Frank examined his own reflection and immediately he felt his blood boil. He hated being humiliated - let alone at the hands of a young child!

"You stupid girl! What are you playing at?" He spat out and glared at Rachel who jumped up and sat herself down on the furthest possible seat just as Carla appeared dressed in her bath robe and a towel on her head.

Carla looked between her fiancé and daughter, and it didn't take a genius to work out that things were about to go south. "What's going on?" She asked no one in particular.

Frank scoffed and gestured towards his face. "Have you seen this?!" He spat.

Carla covered her mouth as she attempted to hold back her amusement, "awww. Can I take a picture? It would be great for memories!"

Frank unexpectedly jumped up and began pacing. He then stopped in front of Rachel and pointed a finger in her direction, "who do you think you are?! You stupid little girl!"

Rachel flinched at the verbal assault and crept over to where she felt more secure which happened to be by Carla's side. Carla frowned and wrapped a reassuring arm around the girl, "hey, come on. It was just a joke. Lighten up." The dark haired woman tried to smooth out the situation.

Frank continued to glare as he watched his soon-to-be wife coddle their child, "a joke? I don't find this," he once again gestured towards Rachel's 'artwork', "a joke. I call it disrespect. Since when is it ok to mess around with someone's face whilst they're sleeping? It's diabolical!"

Carla took in a deep breath and looked at the clock. It had been a long day at the factory and Rachel had gone to after school gymnastics. They were all tired. An early night would be the best course of action in this case.

"Ok. I just need you both to chill. Obviously we are not all on the same page here and to be honest, I'm in no mood to deal with any dramas. I think I might be coming down with the flu so I think it's time we all call it a night." Carla explained diplomatically. She turned to the girl who was somewhat shaken up by Frank's fury, "come on, let's get you into bed. I could do with another chapter or so of 'Harry Potter' before bed."

Rachel held her arms out towards Carla who promptly lifted her up. The child rested her head on Carla's shoulder and the woman aimed her next words at her business and current life partner, "we can discuss this when I come to bed."

Frank huffed and traipsed into his and Carla's shared bedroom.

Carla made sure Rachel was sound asleep before she decided to confront Frank on his fowl mood. She took a moment to watch her girl sleep peacefully before moving onto her next point of call.

When she arrived in their bedroom, Frank had settled himself in the bed. Carla breathed a sigh of relief when she took note of the fact that he seemed somewhat calmer now that his face was makeup free.

"You wanna tell me what that was all about? Rachel was absolutely terrified. I had to sing and read her three whole chapters before she fell asleep." Carla told him as she changed into some nightwear.

Frank scrubbed at his face tiredly. "I know. I was probably a little too short with her but at the same time she shouldn't be messing around like that. I mean it's almost like she has no respect for me." He complained.

Carla pouted and cuddled up to him under the duvet. "That's not true. She respects you." Was all she said.

He scoffed in response. "Oh yeah? Well it would help if you didn't find everything she did so amusing. I know you want to be her best friend as well as her mother but there has to come a time when you show her who's in charge." He pointed out.

Carla frowned feeling lost, "aye? Are you trying to say I don't know how discipline our daughter?" She asked, slightly offended.

Frank took in a deep breath before replying. "All I'm saying is that you need to be a little bit tougher on her. She needs to realise that what we say goes."

"You're behaving like she's some sort of delinquent. She knows all the basic rules and has no problem following them." Carla told him.

Frank deliberated her words before relenting, "ok but I sometimes feel like you undermine me a little at times. Take - for instance - the time she switched all my clothes around in the drawers and wardrobe. She knows I like things neat and tidy and she just went ahead and mixed all my trousers in with my shirts. She didn't do that with your stuff. You found it funny and high fived her! I mean, who does she think she is coming in here and touching everything? I would never do that to my father - even now! I respect peoples personal items!" He near ranted.

Carla somewhat took in his words before signing, "ok, ok. I'll talk to her. Just calm down will you? I really don't want to delve into this right now. I feel like crap. You might have to manage the factory on your own tomorrow. I think I might need a 'me' day."

Frank's face softened slightly as he felt her forehead. He hummed as if he came to some sort of conclusion, "you do feel a bit warm. Don't worry about a thing tomorrow. I'll get Rachel off to school and look after the factory. You can just relax. In the evening, I'll cook us all a nice tea and we can get another early night. I'll get you as right as rain in no time." He pledged tenderly.

Carla gave him a small peck on the lips and smiled, "thanks, love. I would be lost without you." She told him.

They laid in silence for a while until Carla eventually fell asleep. Frank stayed awake for about an hour longer thinking about all the things that had been going on since he had met Carla. Sure, he loved his business partner and he was slowly starting to feel a small amount of affection towards Rachel but he couldn't help but feel like he had to fight for what he had. He had managed to grow his own little family and he wasn't going to let anyone ruin that. Not Peter Barlow and Carla's relentless affection towards the man and certainly not the little girl who clearly would rather not have him involved in hers and Carla's life.

The next morning, Frank placed a bowl of cereal down on the dining room table in front of Rachel. The little girl was unusually quiet and pouty as she looked between the bowl and the smartly dressed man.

"Come on, eat up." Frank told her, "if you had gotten out of bed when I first called you then there would have been time for a cooked breakfast."

"But cereal is just for the weekend or after school snacks." Rachel retorted. Most of the time, she was able to put on a tough girl persona. However, that morning she felt on edge. It didn't help that her routine had gone down the drain ever since she had woken up.

On any normal day, Carla would have gently roused Rachel from her sleep before cuddling with her for a few minutes until Frank eventually shouted up that breakfast was ready. This particular morning was different though. Frank had been the one to give her a quick wake up call and he had left the room before he was even sure she was awake. The little girl had just been about to drop off again when Frank had called a sharp 'breakfast!'.

Rachel was aware that Frank hadn't quite gotten over her version of a makeover and the fact that her CC was no where to be seen that morning made her feel even worse about the whole thing. What if Carla was upset with her as well? She hated disappointing the woman.

Rachel was once again made aware of her predicament by Frank who let out a huge sigh of impatience. "Like I just said…we don't have time for a proper breakfast. Cereal is going to have to do for today. Now eat."

The blonde child reluctantly began to tuck into the sugary food. She decided she was in enough trouble and she didn't think it would be a good idea to test Frank's patience on that particular morning. Usually she found it amusing to push the man's buttons but something told her to hold back on that particular occasion.

"Where's CC?" The little girl asked, still frowning at the morning meal that was front of her.

Frank let out a sigh of frustration but quickly composed himself so he didn't sound snappy in his response. "She's feeling a little poorly so she's staying in bed."

Rachel was instantly concerned. Carla, her CC, wasn't well and was still in bed even though it was way past seven in the morning? She didn't like the sound of that. Carla must be really and truly sick if she couldn't even get out of bed.

"I'm going to go and give her a cuddle. That always makes me feel better!" The young blonde announce and went to leave the table.

The factory boss was quick to intervene. He held onto the kid's arm to stop her from going into his and Carla's shared bedroom. "No. I just told you she's resting. She's not to be disturbed. Now eat your breakfast and get ready for school, will you? Carla needs to focus on herself. She doesn't need to worry about you getting to school on time. Have I made myself clear?"

Rachel looked at the hand holding her arm and shrugged it off. She sat back down in her seat and choked down a couple mouthfuls of cereal before she then wordlessly headed towards the bathroom.

For a 'tough cookie' the eight year old could be pretty sensitive at times and as she got herself ready for the day ahead, she found it difficult to withhold her tears. All she wanted was to see her CC before having to face six hours of schooling. However, with Frank making it near enough impossible for that to happen, Rachel felt on edge. It was like that small part of her routine being taken from her made it almost impossible to function. The little girl couldn't help but feel like something terrible was about to happen.

As she tied her hair up into a simple ponytail, Rachel composed herself before heading downstairs. Frank was waiting for her by the doorway with her backpack and jacket.

"You ready?" Frank asked a little impatiently. At this point, he just wanted to drop the child off at school before going over to the factory. He didn't want to have to deal with Rachel whilst she was in one of her 'difficult' moods. He neither had the time nor the patience.

Rachel gave a small nod as she put on her shoes and accepted the rest of her belongings. With one last look in the direction of Carla and Frank's room, she morosely followed Frank out of the flat and towards his awaiting car.

That morning at school was pretty rough for Rachel. She couldn't wait to go home so she could see Carla. To say she was feeling anxious would have been an understatement. On a couple of occasions, she had been distracted from her studies and the teacher had to call out her name a few times to bring her back to the present.

Things only got worse for the little girl at lunch time play. Faye was off sick from school which meant she didn't really have anyone to hang around with. She was left on her lonesome which made her an easy target for Cassie Jones and her friends.

"Hey, nerd!"

Rachel sighed and looked up from the swing she had been sat on only to see that Cassie and her friends were now surrounding her. "What do you want?" She spat out. There was no way she was going to let the small group of girls intimidate her.

"You've been on that for ages and you haven't even been swinging on it. Get up. It's my turn." Cassie demanded.

The blonde on the swing looked to the other piece of play equipment beside the one she was sat on. "Use that one. I was here first." Rachel retorted when she saw no one was using the other swing.

Cassie placed her hands on her hips, "I want that one!"

Rachel glared at the girl. "Well you can't have it. Now bugger off!"

"Ohhhhh," Cassie dragged out teasingly, "I bet your mummy wouldn't like you using a word like that…oh wait, you don't have one!" This caused the other girls to giggle and Rachel felt a couple of them poke at her.

"I do have a mum!" Rachel stated.

Cassie laughed devilishly, "what? That lady with the dark hair? Please, everyone knows she's not your real mum. No…your real mum threw you away!"

"CC is my real mum. She loves me."

The gang laughed out loud once more. Cassie then squinted at the girl on the swing, "she only adopted you because she felt sorry for you. To be fair you two are a perfect match….yeah, you're both ugly!"

Rachel got to her feet and glared, "take that back! My CC isn't ugly."

Cassie stepped forward so her and Rachel were practically nose to nose, "nope. My mum says your 'CC' is a gold digger and that she's only with your so called 'dad' for his money. Do you know what a prostitute is?"

Before she could stop herself, Rachel let out an angry shriek and shoved Cassie hard. The taller girl lost her balance and fell flat on her back. Rachel didn't waste any time in pouncing on top of the bully to carry out her frustrations.

Cassie was wailed whilst Rachel spat out insults and just as the two girls started to pull each other's hair, two teachers came running over. The adults pulled them apart and demanded to know what was going on.

"Rachel started it, miss! We were inviting her to play with us because she was lonely and she just freaked out and started attacking Cassie!" One of Cassie's minions lied.

"Is this true?" The teacher who had a tight grip on Rachel demanded to know.

Rachel didn't respond. She was too upset to talk and she wasn't a snitch. She wasn't about to tell the teachers what Cassie had said about her and her CC.

The teachers quickly became impatient and decided to deal with the situation in a setting where they didn't have an audience. Rachel was practically dragged towards Mr Packham's office whilst Cassie was taken to the school nurse.

Rachel didn't care if she was in trouble. She was sticking up for herself and Carla. She just knew CC would be proud of her for doing so and probably would only give her a small telling off. However, she knew Frank probably wouldn't be too pleased.

'Oh well, I don't care what stupid Frank thinks.' Rachel thought to herself as Brian called out a quick 'come in!' after hearing someone knock on his office door.

Meanwhile at the factory, Frank was having a rather stressful day himself. For some reason the machinists thought it was ok for them to cease work and gossip way more than usual because Carla wasn't present. He felt like he was barking at them every five minutes to get back to work. Not only that, but he had to cancel some meetings for that day due to the fact that a lot of their clients were insistent that they deal with Carla over him.

Around lunch time, he was able to put five minutes aside in order to phone his fiancé to see how she was doing.

"Well you still don't sound one hundred percent, love." Frank responded when Carla said she was feeling a little better. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as she voiced her concerns over herself being out of action, "don't worry about that. Either me or Hayley will be able to do the school run."

At that moment, the office phone rang which gave him the opportunity to put an end to their conversation. "I'm sorry, Carla. I'm going to have to love you and leave you. Someone's trying to get through on the landline here. Probably some client chasing up their order…yes. Just relax. I'll get everything all sorted. Just focus on getting yourself healthy."

The call was ended which allowed him to answer the office phone, "Frank Foster speaking." He groaned as the receptionist from Bessie Street Primary School told him about the incident that had occurred on the school playground. "She's done what?"

"I know how upsetting this must be for you, Mr Foster. Mr Packham is quite adamant that you should come and collect your daughter right away. How long will it take for you to get here?"

Frank let out a puff of air and looked at his watch. "I can be there in about fifteen minutes. I just need to let my staff know that I'm going to be MIA after their lunch break. I'll be right over as soon as that's all sorted."

The call ended and Frank let out a frustrated sigh before calming himself down so he could call Hayley. He stood up from his desk and picked up his car keys whilst the phone rang.

"Oh, Mr Foster…is everything ok? Do you need us to come back early?" Hayley asked worriedly as she sat in the cafe with some of the factory girls.

Frank made his way out of the factory as he replied, "no, it's fine but when you come back I'm going to have to leave you to hold the fort. Rachel's got into a bit of bother at school and they need me to collect her. As you know, Carla's not well so I'm going to have to stay home so I can keep an eye on them both." He told her hurriedly.

"Awww. I hope Rachel's ok. Nothing too serious I hope? Don't worry about the factory. You just focus on your family." Hayley responded, feeling concerned for both Rachel and Carla. They had become somewhat a pseudo family the past few months. So much so that herself and Roy actually considered and referred to Rachel as their granddaughter.

"Thanks, Hayley. I owe you one. Are you going to be ok to lock up?" Frank asked.

"Everything will be fine. Just go get your girl." Hayley reassured him before hanging up.

It wasn't long after his conversations with Hayley when Frank arrived at the school. He greeted the receptionist who directed him to Brian's office.

Frank was able to resist the urge to barge into the room and instead knocked politely. There was some faint shuffling noises shortly before the head teacher opened the door.

"Afternoon Mr Foster," Brian greeted professionally, "please come in." He stood aside so his 'guest' could enter the office.

Frank looked around briefly but came to a stop when his eyes landed on the blonde child sat in front of the desk. Rachel looked at him for a split second and looked away when he shot her a glare.

It's not that Rachel was scared of Frank. She had just been hoping that Carla would be the one to come and not him. His presence was only making her mood darken and she felt herself becoming more defiant.

"Take a seat, Mr Foster. I just need a little chat before you take Rachel home. I'm sorry that I've had to drag you away from work. I know you must be very busy." Brian broke the tense silence as he sat himself down in his own chair.

Frank sat down next to Rachel and gave her another look before he focused on Brian. "Yes well obviously Rachel is Carla and I's number one priority. Work can wait. Carla would have been here as well but unfortunately she's feeling a little under the weather. The last thing she needs is more stress so I'm hoping we can deal with whatever has happened amongst ourselves."

"I'm not going to beat around the bush," Brian began, "Rachel was seen fighting with another girl this dinner time. The scuffle was broken up rather sharpish and thankfully there were no serious injuries sustained." He explained, "however, your daughter has not said a word about what actually started the fight. We've asked Cassie - that's the girl Rachel had been fighting with - and she said that Rachel just 'lost it' and pushed her down to the ground."

Frank was at a loss. Rachel might have been a bit of a big mouth and often found herself getting up to mischief at home but she had been well behaved in school. Up until that point, at least.

"Is this true? You were the one who started the fight?" Frank asked somewhat dangerously as he turned and looked at the girl beside him.

Rachel was slumped in the chair with her arms crossed and head bowed. Instead of responding verbally, she just shrugged and refused to meet either adults eyes.

Frank looked over at Brian who just shook his head in disbelief. The relatively new father sighed and reached out to hook his finger under Rachel's chin in order to bring her gaze to his own. Rachel batted his hand away and turned in the chair so her back was facing Frank.

"Unfortunately, this is how your daughter's been ever since the fight happened. We just can't seem to get through to her. We was hoping you or your partner could get some answers." Brian stated.

"I think maybe she would be more comfortable to talk if she was at home." Frank suggested. At this point, all he wanted to do was get the kid alone so he could give her a good telling off. He didn't want to seem like a monster in front of the head teacher and he was aware of what was and wasn't PC when it came down to the discipline of children. He was brought up old school and he wasn't about to pussy foot around his own child.

Brian hummed and nodded in agreement. "I think you might be right." He said, "however, I do need to inform you of the punishment I have come up with for Rachel's involvement in the incident. Ordinarily, a child would be suspended for two days for fighting," Frank opened his mouth to plead Rachel's case but Brian was quick to hold up his hand as if to say 'give me a second', "but…Rachel has been an excellent student up until now and I don't think she is planning on making this mistake again. Myself and her teacher have agreed that the best course of action is to have her in what we call 'internal exclusion' for the rest of the week."

Frank frowned and shrugged, "ok. What does that mean?"

"Basically, Rachel will not have lessons with the rest of the class. Instead she will work in a segregated room with a teaching assistant. She will have her lunch in there and at play times she will remain inside. It's not ideal but this way Rachel will be able to remain in school and you and your partner won't have to worry about childcare." Brian told him.

Frank nodded along as he listened. "Thank you. I appreciate your understanding of Rachel's situation and I promise that nothing like this will ever happen again. I will have to discuss it with Carla but believe me when I say she will be punished at home as well." There was a small silence after they had each said their piece and Frank soon became impatient, "can I take my daughter home now? I don't think we're going to get anything out of her."

Brian nodded and stood up. He made his way over to the door and opened it. "Thank you for getting here so quickly at such short notice."

Frank stood up and gathered Rachel's belongings which were on the floor between the two chairs himself and the girl had been sitting on. He rested a hand on Rachel's shoulder and gave it a small squeeze, "come on, trouble. Let's get you home. Carla is going to be so disappointed when she hears what's happened."

Rachel perked up slightly when she realised that it wouldn't be long until she got to see CC again. She got up from the chair and followed behind Frank who shook Brian's hand. They left the office and as soon as the door was shut, Frank glared at her sternly.

"You've got some explaining to do, young lady. Now march."

Not a word was said as they made their way out of the school and to Frank's car. He waited until they were driving along before he started to berate her.

"What the hell were you playing at?! Getting into a fight! Do you know how embarrassing that was for me? Having to explain to your Nana Hayley that you had gotten into bother at school? The shame of being called into the head teacher's office? I don't know what's going on in that blonde head of yours but your attitude needs to change, missy!" He lectured whilst shooting her looks in the rear view mirror every now and again. The volume of his voice was loud but it didn't seem to phase the child in the back seat.

Rachel stubbornly stayed tight lipped as she looked out of the window. Her ignorance only seemed to rile Frank up even more, "answer me!" He yelled when it was clear she wasn't going to offer an explanation. Frank shook his head when he still received nothing from the child, "right, that's it. As soon as we get home I'm collecting all of your toys and games and anything else remotely entertaining from your room and I will keep them somewhere safe until you start behaving like a good girl. I think that's the problem here. Carla and I have spoiled you. Well, it's time you learn that you can't just go around doing what you want without any consequences. At least show me some respect of my authority when I'm talking to you and look at me!"

Rachel glared as the car came to a stop outside their building. Frank killed the engine and turned to face her, "still nothing? You deserve a good hiding but no, Carla's too soft and would never allow it!" He spat.

"I don't care! Hit me if you want! Cassie deserved what I did to her. She's a bi-" Rachel yelled back, her face bright red with anger.

Frank held up his hand in warning, "don't you dare finish that sentence. Do you know what? Get out of the car. The sooner you're out of my sight the better. You're going straight to your room as soon as we get inside."

"Fine!" Rachel huffed and climbed out of the car, slamming the door behind her.

Frank ensured the car was locked up before they headed inside the building. Not a word was said as they entered their home. Rachel dumped her school stuff and jacket on the sofa before going over to the fridge in the kitchen area to get her usual after school snack.

"What did I just say to you downstairs?" Frank whispered harshly. He made sure to keep his voice down so as not to disturb his fiancé. "Put your stuff away properly and go to your room." He demanded.

Rachel was tucking into a cheese string as she responded defiantly, "you can't tell me what to do. You aren't my dad!"

Frank took two swift steps closer and gripped her arm tightly. Rachel hissed in pain and tried to release his hold but with Frank being a full grown man and herself being only eight, she had no chance of escaping his clutches. Frank stooped down so she could feel his hot breath on her face. She pulled her head back but he grabbed her chin so she couldn't look away.

"Look here, blondie!" He began threateningly, "you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me. Carla had no chance of getting custody of you on her own. I knew that. She knew that and I'm pretty sure you did too deep down. Now start showing me some respect. It's not too late to ring that social worker of yours. You could be back in care as quick as I can click my fingers. Have I made myself clear?"

Rachel hesitated briefly and nodded shakily. She knew he was just trying to scare her and she was ashamed to admit to herself that he had been successful. However, she wasn't about to show him just how much he had shaken her up. She waited until he released his hold before she spoke.

"CC won't let me go back into care! She loves me. More than she loves you!" She insisted before barging past him and into Carla's room.

Carla looked over to the doorway and rubbed at her eyes, "hi, baby. I thought I heard your voice." She looked at the clock and frowned, "why are you home so early? You're not feeling poorly as well are you?"

Rachel promptly burst into tears and ran over to Carla's side of the bed. "I got into a fight with Cassie!" She admitted.

The factory boss frowned and opened up the duvet. She beckoned her daughter to lay down beside her and wrapped her arms around the girl as soon as she had done so. "What? Why?"

Rachel sniffled and buried her face into Carla's chest. "She was being really mean." Came her muffled response.

Carla pouted sympathetically and rested her chin on top of Rachel's head as she rubbed her back comfortingly. She had been aware that her daughter and this Cassie girl didn't see eye to eye but she didn't think it would ever escalate into anything this bad. She just assumed it was a bit of classmate rivalry. Clearly she was wrong.

"Oh, sweetheart. What did she do?" Carla asked softly.

Rachel explained everything that had happened in the school playground. From the swing situation to what Cassie had said about herself and Carla. She broke into sobs as she finished her story.

"Frank's already shouted at me. Please don't hate me. I'm sorry I let you down." Rachel stuttered out as she desperately clawed at Carla's clothing.

Carla kissed the top of the girl's head and resisted the urge to cry herself. Her girl had gotten into trouble for defending her. In a twisted way she was touched but she knew that she couldn't admit how proud she actually was about the whole fight thing. She was a mother now and she couldn't exactly condone violence even if Rachel had responded in exactly the same way Carla herself would have.

"Darlin', you haven't let me down. These things happen. I've been in my own fair share of fights." Carla admitted.

Rachel took in some deep breaths and looked up at Carla, "you have?"

Carla nodded as she wiped at Rachel's tear soaked cheeks, "but with that being said, try and remember that violence is never the answer. I love that you were sticking up for yourself and me but next time someone says or does something to you that you don't like, you go straight to a teacher. Or…if you don't want to tell a teacher you can always let me or Frank know and we'll make sure the person responsible is dealt with."

Rachel smiled and snuggled back up to Carla when she realised that the woman wasn't angry and that she still loved her. Although she was still a little weary of what Frank had done and said in the kitchen, she couldn't help but feel more relaxed now that she was back in her CC's arms.

The peacefulness of the room was soon interrupted by Frank. "Knock knock." He spoke and poked his head around the doorway.

Carla lifted her head and gestured for him to step into the room. "Rachel was just telling me about her stinker of a day."

Frank sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. He reached out slowly and placed his hand on the girl's blonde head. Rachel tensed a little and refused to meet his eyes.

"Yeah well, all I know is that she got into a fight. She wouldn't tell me why though." Frank stated.

Carla continued to rub Rachel's back as she filled Frank in on what had actually happened. He sighed and stroked the top of Rachel's head in a paternal fashion.

"I'm sorry to hear that Cassie was being mean, blondie." He said softly but Rachel didn't respond. "I wish you would have told me yourself. I would have understood and…I'm sorry if I was a bit harsh with you."

Rachel peaked out from Carla's chest at this but she was reminded of his harshness by the dull ache in her arm from where he had grabbed her. Carla raised an eyebrow at Frank and groaned when she recognised the look of guilt on his face.

"Oh darlin', please tell me you didn't snap at her." Carla sighed tiredly.

Frank held up his hands defensively, "I know. I probably went a bit too far. I was just getting worried when she wouldn't talk. All I wanted was an explanation and I took her silence as defiance." He explained. However, he was not about to disclose the full story of how he had gotten rough with her. He knew he would be out the door quicker than he could blink.

"No wonder why she was in tears when she came in here. The last thing she needed was for you to lose your rag and I know what you're like. That tongue of yours is like a knife sometimes." Carla lectured. She wrapped her arms around Rachel a little tighter and felt how tense the child was, "I can literally feel the stress coming off of her. Could you maybe give us an hour or so alone? I might get her in a bath. That should help her relax."

Frank nodded and stood up from the bed, "ok. You know where I am if you need me." He bent down and kissed Carla on the lips before giving Rachel a kiss on the temple, "sorry again, blondie. I'll find a way to make it up to you." Frank left the room and Rachel let out a small yawn and relaxed into Carla's arms.

"Awww," Carla cooed, "I think someone's over exerted themselves today. You rest here. I'm going to run a nice bubble bath and grab you some fresh pyjama's. Maybe we could have a little afternoon nap afterwards?"

Rachel nodded but panicked a little when Carla attempted to leave the bed, "five more minutes please? I missed our cuddle time this morning." She rushed out when Carla gave her a funny look full of concern.

Carla smiled and settled back into the pillows, "ok, ok. I won't go anywhere. Not until you say so." She whispered and cradled the girl's head just above where her heart was beating.

Rachel smiled and continued to take calming breaths. The day had shaken her up. She found herself between a rock and a hard place. She was aware that she should probably tell Carla about what Frank had done and said in the kitchen but she couldn't bring herself to do so. The little girl didn't want to ruin her new mother's happiness and she didn't want to risk being taken away again. It was clear to her that Frank was dangerous but as long as she stayed out of his way as much as possible, she was sure her and her CC could have a happy life together. She just hoped that Carla would find out what Frank was really like and kick him to the curb one day…