Tracy POV

It had been a rough week for us all. No one seemed to be getting along, we'd had yet another foster fail with Tee and Johnny, and the paperwork following Dennis' exit was immense.

I was keeping out of the way as much as possible, after my attempts to help the situation had only made things worse.

Mike entered the office as I was filling out yet another form. He didn't greet me, instead he slumped down at his own desk, before sighing and getting out a pen.

I watched him for a moment as he began to fill something in. Mike definitely wasn't himself. He had been getting angry at me lately which he never did, and I didn't know how to make anything better.

I carried on with what I was doing for a moment. It was tedious, but unfortunately it needed to be done. I sighed, putting my pen down. I couldn't think how to word what I wanted to say, my brain feeling like it was full of mush.

Gina came into the office. "Well, that's Liam and Johnny sorted anyway." She sighed. "Why can't they just learn to get along?"

I looked up at her. Mike didn't pay her any attention.

"I need to go and make lunch. That took longer than I realised."

"I'll make it if you want." I jumped at the chance to have something else to do other than paperwork.

"Oh, if you wouldn't mind." Gina took a seat at her desk. "Will mean I can get on for a bit."

I gave her a smile and headed down to the kitchen.

I decided on salad for lunch. It was a warm day, and the preparation would get me out of the office for a bit. I got some things out of the fridge to start making it.

I was chopping vegetables when Mike came in a few minutes later.

"I need a coffee." He took the kettle and filled it up at the sink. "Did you want one?"

"Not at the moment."

He put it to boil and then turned to me. "I had a look at your paperwork. Why have you got so much left?"

I sighed. "It's just so mind-numbing. I'm getting on with it, I promise."

Mike let out a frustrated sigh. "If you could, please. I don't need anything extra to do, I'm swamped already."

"Ok." My tone was short and defensive, wanting Mike off my back.

"No, Tracy, I mean it." Mike's tone had shifted. "I'm not spending an extra week on this because you can't be bothered to get on with it."

I looked at him, fire in my eyes. "Can't be bothered? Do you have any idea how long I've spent in that office? How many late nights I've done to try and take the pressure off? I know it's not going as fast as you want it to, but I'm trying my best!"

"If what I saw just now is your best then we've got no hope! I can't see any evidence of you working later!"

I flashed my eyes at Mike. I could feel the anger rising inside me. I didn't understand why Mike was taking all his frustration out on me at the moment. "Just because you think you're so perfect doesn't mean you are! If you think you can do a better job then you do it!"

I took a lettuce and a few other greens over to the sink to rinse them, before rolling up my sleeves.

Mike was quiet for a moment, before he went over to the kettle as it boiled. He got out a mug and some coffee, and poured the water in. He took a sip and then spat it out.

I cautiously turned to look at him.

He opened the lid of the kettle and looked inside. "Kids have been doing science experiments again. I don't know why they never clean up after themselves!"

I stayed silent, turning on the tap.

"And why on earth you decided on salad today is completely beyond me. We're busy, just make a few sandwiches and the kids can help themselves to fruit. No need for all of this."

I turned off the tap, glaring at Mike. "Will you lay off me for five minutes! I can't seem to do anything right at the moment!"

"Stop giving me reasons to tell you off and I won't have to! Only last week you nearly killed yet another of the kids! I'm so sick and tired of having to pick up after you!"

My anger rose further. Gus' fall through the attic floor had been terrifying, but not entirely my fault. And Mike had stood up for me at the time. "Just stop!"

Mike picked up the kettle and came over to the sink. "Why, because it's true? Seriously, Tracy, after this paperwork is done we need a proper conversation about what's ok and what isn't. I can't have you putting the kids in danger."

I turned away from Mike, going to turn on the tap again.

I screamed.

Neither Mike or I had seemed to notice the other moving. As I'd put my hand across the sink he'd emptied the kettle into it.

The boiling water landed on my arm.

I jerked it away from the source of the pain, but it was too late.

Mike swore. He almost dropped the kettle onto the side, just about managing to place it down safely. As I stood there frozen he looked at my arm, and swore again.

Gina came rushing into the kitchen. "What on earth is going on?"

"I, Tracy, she's burnt her arm." Mike seemed to snap out of his trance to answer Gina. He took my arm.

"Get off me!"

"We need to get it under the tap." He tried to move me back towards the sink.

"Get off!"

Gina stepped towards me. "Tracy, he's only trying to help. She turned on the tap. "Come on, under here."

She took my arm and placed it under the running water while Mike let go. I finally took the opportunity to look. My arm was red and angry, and a blister was already beginning to form.

"Mike, go and call an ambulance. Tell them what's happened. And call for someone to cover."

Mike left to go to the office. He seemed shaky as I watched him go.

"What did happen, babes? Did you spill something on your arm?"

"Mike poured the kettle on me."

Gina inhaled sharply at my words. She gently took my arm, holding it in place under the water while allowing herself a good look.

I pulled away as she accidentally got too close to the burn.

"Sorry, sorry." Gina let go of my arm and went to finish the lunch, allowing me to hold it myself as the water ran over it. I watched it, my head in turmoil. I knew what Mike had done wasn't on purpose, of course Mike would never hurt me deliberately. But the fact that he'd neglected my safety to the point of a hospital visit scared me.

I stayed under the tap for a few minutes before Mike came back.

"The ambulance is on its way," he said as he entered the room. "And Rob's on his way too." He made his way over to me. "Tracy, I'm so sorry, I..."

"Get away from me!" I stepped away from him as he put his hand out to touch my shoulder.

Mike stepped back, looking puzzled. "Tracy, I..."

"You poured boiling water on me. Just get out!"

Gina stepped towards me. "Tracy, Mike didn't mean to hurt you. Don't be angry at him."

"I know he didn't mean to, but the Mike I know would never have let me that near the sink while emptying a hot kettle. The Mike I know would have made me step back."

Mike sighed. "I'm sorry, Tracy. I don't know what else I can do."

"You can finish off my paperwork while I have to go to hospital."

Mike's eyes narrowed in anger. "Tracy, I know I've hurt you. That's no reason to treat me like that."

"Oh, it's not is it? Sorry, I forgot you were the only one allowed to tell people off around here."

"For goodness sake Tracy can you not just..."

"Or do you want a burnt arm too?" I reached for the kettle.

Gina was quicker. "Enough, both of you!" She took the kettle out of my reach and placed it back on its stand. "Mike, Tracy's right. That paperwork needs doing and she can't do it in AE. And you..." She turned to me at the sink. "Just stay there and behave yourself."

I went to argue before I thought better of it. Arguing with Gina never got me very far.

I stood in silence for a few minutes before I heard the doorbell ring. Mike showed two paramedics into the room, then left me to it.

"Hi, I'm Diane and this is John. We're here about a burn?"

I turned off the water and turned to face them. "Yeah, it's my arm."

"What's your name, darling?"

"Tracy."

Diane came over to me. "Can I take a look?"

I nodded.

She took my arm gently, looking it over. "What happened?"

"I had boiling water poured over it. We both moved at the same time."

"Oh, that must have hurt." Diane held my arm and turned to Gina. "Have you got any cling film?"

Gina got a roll out of the drawer and handed it to her. "Here."

Diane took it. "Thank you." She looked to John. "Could you check vital signs please?"

John came over with a machine. "Can I just pop this on your finger please?"

I put my finger into a clip as Diane carefully wrapped my burn in cling film.

"It's just until we get to the hospital, love. It'll keep it protected for a bit without sticking."

I looked over to Gina. "Am I going on my own?"

Gina looked troubled. "I can't leave without anyone else being here. We need two members of staff at the moment."

I sighed, though I knew it was true. The kids were getting into fights like anything at the moment, and Mike on his own after the shock probably wasn't a good idea.

"I'll come as soon as I can, I promise."

"Don't bother. I'll get a taxi home. You're needed here."

"Are you sure?"

"Keep Rob here for a bit though. I think he needs to cover Mike."

Gina sighed. I could tell she wasn't happy at my anger towards Mike, but even she couldn't disagree that it was completely out of character for him to be so careless. "I'll explain the situation when he arrives."

"Right, are you ready to go?" asked Diane.

"I think so."

"Have you got your phone on you?" Gina looked at me concerned. "Ring me if you need anything."

"It's in my pocket. I'll keep you updated."

John packed up the medical bag and put it on his shoulder. "Right, let's make a move."

I stood up, walking with Diane and John out to the ambulance. I saw Rob's car pull into the drive as the doors were opened.

Suddenly I didn't feel quite so brave anymore.

"No, I, I don't want to go." My legs refused to move as my body started shaking.

"Come on, Tracy, it's not much further." Diane tried to help me inside, but I was frozen. She signalled to John who went back inside.

I felt Gina put a hand on my back. "Come on, in you go. Rob's here, I'm coming with you."

"No, but..."

"No arguments, Tracy. You need to get your arm seen to."

"But the kids..."

"Will be fine. Come on."

I got into the ambulance, Gina following me in. We got settled before John began to drive, Diane sitting in the back with us.

Gina squeezed my hand. "You'll be ok. I'm here."

I gave her hand a squeeze back.

We got back from the hospital a few hours later. My blisters had been drained, and a burn bandage applied. Now that I was over the initial shock, it was really starting to hurt.

I could feel Gina's arm round me as we went through the front door. I looked around warily, watching for Mike. As I saw him appear in the office doorway I shrank back.

Gina tensed her arm to hold me.

Mike sighed. "Tracy, you're not really scared of me, are you? You know it was an accident."

"You poured boiling water on me. I don't want to be anywhere near you."

"Tracy, come on..."

"No! You don't get to hurt people without having any consequences!"

"But Tracy..."

"Mike, leave her. She's obviously very stressed by the whole thing. Just leave her be."

Mike looked surprised by Gina's instruction. "But, she..."

"No, no buts, no arguments. Leave her."

Mike sighed, but said nothing.

"Come on, babes." Gina led me to the quiet room. "You can take some time just to rest if you'd like. You're clearly still in a bit of shock."

"I'm not in shock. I just don't trust Mike."

"Which is exactly why I'm worried about you. You not trusting Mike is like me not having my mid morning snack: it's completely abnormal."

"What's abnormal is Mike pouring a kettle on me."

Gina sighed. "Tracy, you know it wasn't deliberate, don't you?"

I nodded.

"And you know he's very stressed at the moment?"

"Well all are."

"Right. So why can't you give him a bit of slack?"

"Because he hurt me!"

Gina sighed. "Accidentally."

"It wasn't accidental the rest of the time. You're lucky, he doesn't shout at you. But I'm small and inexperienced so he thinks he can."

Gina looked at me closely. "What's been going on?"

"I can't do anything right. Before this happened he told me off for not doing the paperwork quickly enough, and told me off for making salad instead of something quick." I felt tears coming and angrily pushed them away. "Yesterday it was that I didn't break up a fight quickly enough, that I made his coffee wrong. Day before that it was that I upset Tee." I put my head in my hands. "I can't take it anymore. I just want him to leave me alone."

I heard Gina leave. Then she came back with Mike. She very firmly told him not to come any closer than the doorway, before taking a seat opposite me.

"Look at what you've done."

Mike looked at her quizzically.

"You have spent days and days belittling Tracy. And look at her."

"She's a bit upset? I haven't told her off for anything unreasonable."

"Mike, snap out of it. What's happened to you?"

"Nothing's happened, I..."

"Then why are you being cruel to Tracy?"

Mike scoffed. "Cruel? I think that's a bit..."

"Just stop! Stop, stop, stop, both of you!"

Silence filled the room as tears began to roll down my cheeks. I looked up and glared at Gina. Then I glared at Mike, a long, hard glare, full of anger and hatred.

Mike looked into my eyes. He glared back for a moment, and then his eyes softened. He blinked a few times, then looked away.

There was a moment of silence before he spoke. "I've hurt you."

I rolled my eyes as I looked at my arm.

"No, I've hurt you inside, Tracy. And I didn't realise. Gina's right, I've been cruel."

I looked up at him.

"And you're right, I was careless earlier. Really careless. I can't believe I..." Mike closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "How is it? Will you be ok?"

"I'll live."

"She's just got to wait for it to heal. Thankfully it wasn't too deep." Gina gave me a look.

Mike gave a sigh of relief. "I'm glad." He looked at me closely. "I'm really sorry, Tracy. For everything."

"That's ok."

"No, it's not ok. Tell me what I can do to make it up to you."

"I..." I got up. "Just, leave me alone."

Mike moved out of my way as I left the room. I headed out into the garden, going to the old car seats. I knew I could always get peace and quiet there.

I began to sob.

All of the stress of the past week began to flow out of me. The fights, the deadlines, Mike's harsh words, the burn... I'd been holding my feelings inside for too long. It felt good to finally get some form of release from everything that had happened.

It felt like I was out there for hours. My sobs continued, exhausting my body. I curled up on one of the chairs and closed my eyes, though the tears kept coming.

I alerted to someone's presence by a hand on my shoulder.

"Tracy babes." I opened my eyes to see Gina looking at me worriedly. "You've been out here ages. Why don't you come inside where it's warm?"

I hadn't noticed it getting colder. I shook my head. "I'm fine out here."

"You need to have something to eat, too. You missed lunch, it's almost dinnertime."

"Just leave me alone."

Gina held a hand to my forehead. I pushed her away.

"You're definitely in shock. Come on, inside. I need to be able to keep an eye on you."

"I don't need keeping an eye on, I'm not a baby."

"You are injured, Tracy. And I know I told Mike your burn wasn't deep, but you saw the amount of fluid that came out of that blister, it was still quite a nasty burn. You need to stay warm and safe tonight. Please, for me?"

I sighed and stood up. "Where's Mike?"

"Working double speed on the paperwork so you don't have to do any." Gina gave me a sad smile. "He's worried about you too, you know."

"I wish he'd been a bit more worried earlier."

Gina sighed. "Tracy, it wasn't really your scream that alerted me something was wrong, it was the fact Mike was swearing. Do you really think Mike would have sworn if he wasn't worried about you?"

"I guess not."

"He made a genuine mistake. You could argue you shouldn't have put your hand over the sink while he was there with a kettle either. It's not like he went out of his way to deliberately hurt you."

"I know."

Gina took my hand as we made our way inside.

"Are you sure you don't want anything?"

Gina had already asked me twice if I was going to have some food. She asked again as we got to the kitchen.

"I might do later, I'm not really hungry now. I need to go and see Mike."

Gina gave me a smile. "Ok. Let me know if I can make you something later."

I gave her a smile back and then went in search of Mike. He was furiously writing, stacks of papers everywhere.

I entered the office hesitantly. "Mike?"

Mike stopped what he was doing, looking up at me. "Are you ok?"

"I, I don't know." I took a step backwards, stumbling slightly.

"Hey, sit down. You look pale, Tracy. Just sit down for a minute."

I remained standing, willing life into my legs, leaning on the doorframe for support. "I, I need to talk to you."

"I'm listening." Mike's voice was gentle, a rarity in the past week.

"I, I've always liked being around you, having you on my side. You're strong, you can fight off people wanting to hurt me, but you're so gentle and kind and you use your strength to protect me."

Mike gave a smile.

"But today, I, I..."

"It's ok, Tracy, you can tell me."

"You, you could crush me, if you wanted to. You're so much stronger than me, I wouldn't stand a chance. And I saw a glimpse of that today." I furiously wiped away a tear from my eye. "And it was scary." I pushed back even more tears. "If you chose to hurt me that would be it."

Tears came to Mike's eyes too. "You really think I'd want to hurt you?"

"I, I don't know anymore. You were so, not you, earlier. It scared me."

Mike didn't seem to know what to say.

I could feel my legs going. I slid down the doorframe and sank to the floor.

"Do you want me to come over, Tracy? Or do you want some space?"

"Space. Please."

"I'll stay where I am."

I watched Mike anxiously. He was above me now, making me look up to him. I watched for any signs of him breaking his word.

Mike was watching me too. After a few moments he got off his chair and sat on the ground. He gave me a small smile. "I don't want to be a threat, Tracy. I could see you were uncomfortable."

I avoided his gaze.

"Did you want to say anything else, or do you just need a minute?"

I looked to my arm, anger building inside me. "It f*ing hurts. It's so hot and it hurts and I can't do anything with it." I let out a noise of frustration, then swore again.

Mike looked shocked. I was pretty sure I'd never sworn in his presence, like he'd never sworn in mine until earlier today. Then he looked at me with concern.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Just..." I let out another noise of frustration. "I want you here. I want you here but I'm so scared. I'm so scared."

Finally I let myself cry. There was nothing I could do to stop it. I sobbed, hoping Mike would prove himself to be the person I'd always seen him as.

A finger was placed in my hand.

I looked down, panic running through me for a moment. I pulled away.

Mike retreated.

"I'm sorry." My voice was thick with tears.

"Don't be sorry. It's not your fault."

Minutes passed. My sobs continued, though I felt like there should be no more tears left to cry. I flicked my eyes to Mike for a moment.

"Hold me."

"What?"

"Hold me."

Mike didn't move.

"Please!"

I felt his arms around me. The panic was there for a moment, before it was gone. I settled into his embrace.

"It's ok. I'm here. I'm here."

"I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry about your arm, I'm sorry for making you so scared. I'm sorry for all the times I had a go at you this week." Mike paused for a moment. "I've got you. It's ok."

"Don't let go."

"I'm not going to."

Gina came up towards the office. As she saw Mike on the floor she quickened her pace.

"Mike, are you... Tracy. Mike, I told you to leave her be! Why can't you..."

"She asked me." Mike's voice was calm. "She asked me to hold her."

I nodded.

Gina relaxed. I relaxed at the sound of Mike's voice. It was as I always remembered it, calm and soothing.

I closed my eyes. I was so tired, and the relief that Mike still loved me was running through me. I could hear Gina's voice fading as she called for dinner, Mike's touch melting away...

I woke up in the quiet room. There was a small lamp on in the corner, dimly lighting the room. I looked around the room for another presence, and saw Mike asleep on the opposite sofa.

I closed my eyes again. Mike must have decided to carry me in here while I was asleep, and must have decided he didn't want to leave me for the night.

There was a soft knock at the door. I opened my eyes as Gina entered the room.

"Oh, sorry Tracy, I didn't mean to wake you."

"No, I woke up a minute ago."

She gave me a smile. "I just wanted to check on you both. You went out very quickly. Mike was quite worried."

"He was?"

"I reassured him you were just exhausted." She looked at me closely. "That is it, isn't it? You don't feel sick, or dizzy, or have a headache?"

"No, I'm fine. I was just tired."

Gina gave me a smile. "You might want to let Mike know."

"I will when he wakes up."

Gina gave me a look.

"Now?"

She sighed. "I know you think Mike's big and tough and strong, but..." She trailed off for a moment. "He's got his weak spots. And you should know yourself that you're one of them."

I certainly did. The way Mike always fussed and worried over me always made me feel loved, though I hadn't really stopped to think about how it made him feel.

I went over to Mike, kneeling by his sofa. I gently shook him. "Mike. Mike."

Mike woke with a bit of a start. Then he turned to me. "Tracy! What is it? Are you alright? Do you feel unwell? I can take you to the hospital if you..."

"Gina told me to wake you to stop you worrying. I'm fine, Mike."

Mike looked over to Gina, then back to me. "So you really did just fall asleep earlier?"

"I really did. I was just so tired."

"How're you feeling now?"

"A bit better. I definitely need some more sleep though."

"The staff bedroom is made up if you want it."

"I was thinking of going home actually."

Gina jumped into the conversation. "No, you are not going home tonight. Staff bedroom or here are your only options."

"But..."

"No buts. It's not happening."

I sighed. "Fine."

Mike sat up. "I think I'd better make my way home."

"And who said you were going home either?"

"Gina, you can't..."

"You are in no fit state to drive, and I'm not leaving Tracy here on her own."

Mike sighed too.

"You can fight it out over the staff bedroom. I'm taking the other one." She turned to leave. "I'll see you both in the morning. If anyone needs anything you know where I am. I hope you both get a good night's sleep."

"Gina, wait." I went over and gave her a hug. "Thank you."

Gina hugged me back. "Oh Tracy. I'm just glad you're alright."

We hugged for a few moments more before she let me go.

"Night." I gave her a smile as she left the room. Then I turned to Mike. "Who's sleeping where?"

"You go upstairs. You'll be more comfortable."

"I can curl up on a sofa a lot easier than you can."

"Tracy, you went to hospital today. I'm not taking the bed."

"You haven't exactly had today easy either."

Mike sighed. "Tracy, as your boss I am instructing you to..."

"No, you are not starting that. You start that and I'll go home anyway."

Mike sighed. "You've got a point that you're smaller than me. Are you sure you'll be ok on the sofa?"

"I'll be absolutely fine. I do need my pyjamas though. I think I've got some upstairs."

"Come on then."

We went upstairs together. I went and collected a pair of pyjamas, then headed to the bathroom. I was careful as I removed my top, pulling my sleeve off my arm. It still hurt like hell, but hopefully it was healing under there.

I went back to find Mike.

"Oh, Tracy." Mike came and cradled my arm as I went into the bedroom. "I didn't realise there was so, much."

"It was a big burn."

"Oh Tracy." Mike didn't seem to know what to say. He gently held my arm, holding back tears. "I can't believe I did this to you."

"It was an accident. If anything I put my arm under the kettle."

"I didn't realise, I didn't see, I, I didn't know..."

"Mike! It's ok. I'm ok."

Mike pulled me into a hug. He held me tight for ages.

Eventually I pulled away. "I'm ok, really. I would like to get some sleep though." I looked into his eyes. "Are you going to be ok?"

"Yeah, I just need to sleep too."

I gave him a smile. "I'll be downstairs if you want me. There's another sofa if you need to keep an eye on me."

"Do you want me to join you?"

"I think I could do with some space at the moment." I hadn't noticed the tears coming to my own eyes. "Today was a lot."

Mike gave me a smile. "Ok. I'm here if you need anything."

I went to the door, giving him a smile. "Night."

"Night night."

I headed down to the quiet room, pushing the tears away. It had been a very hard day, and I didn't want to worry Mike any more than I had already. I closed the door behind me and curled up on the sofa.

I hugged a blanket tight as I cried.

Mike's worry at seeing my bandage has set me off. To be fair seeing it myself hadn't been easy: I'd also forgotten just how far down my arm it went. There were just so many emotions still stirred up inside me that I needed a way to let them out.

I wasn't sure how long I cried for. I stayed sat in that same position, tears rolling down my cheeks, sniffles escaping every now and again. I wasn't even sure how much I was still conscious, sleep holding a veil over me but not quite managing to take a grip.

It must have been the early hours of the morning when the door opened. Gentle hands lay me down, pulling the blanket tight over me.

"That's it, lie down. Go to sleep, Tracy. Just go to sleep."

As a hand was given to me to hold I hugged it tightly.

"It's ok, I'm here. You're safe. Just try and sleep."

I couldn't make out whose voice it was, or whether it was even real. I didn't dare speak, not wanting to break the dream should it be one.

"Just try and sleep. I can stay for a bit. Just go to sleep."

I allowed myself to relax into the sofa. The presence stayed for a while, silent and still, their hand in mine the only evidence they were even there. The world kept fading to black, but sleep wouldn't take me.

"I'm scared."

My hand was squeezed. "I know. I know it's been a turmoil filled day. But I'm here. You're safe."

"I, I can't see you. I don't know who you are."

"It's Gina. It's Gina, babes. Gina's here with you."

"Why?"

I heard her laugh slightly. "I couldn't sleep. I'm as bad as Mike really. I wanted to check you were ok. And then I found you like I did. And I'm not leaving until you get off to sleep."

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "Thank you."

A hand was placed on my hair, gently stroking it. "Just try and sleep. It's late. Your body needs to rest, to heal. I'm here. You are safe and you are loved. All you need to do is sleep."

I felt some tears escaping my eyes. In my tired state everything was becoming overwhelming.

"Shh." Gina gently wiped them off my cheek. "Shh. It's ok. It's ok. Just rest. Just rest."

I let out a sniffle, then a sigh. Gina continued to softly shush me, giving my hand a squeeze every now and then.

I finally felt the world fading away, peaceful sleep coming at last.

Sun was shining through my window the next morning.

I looked down at the awkward position my body was in. It looked like I'd fallen asleep sitting up.

Oh.

It felt like a dream, but given the way the blanket was tucked round me I was almost certain it wasn't. Gina had shown me a level of care that I'd never seen from her before, not even with the kids.

I slowly sat up, my body aching from how I'd slept. I wasn't sure what time it was, but given how late I'd gotten off I was expecting it to be equally late now.

As I opened the door I was greeted with the voices of Mike and Gina in the office."

"She's still asleep." Mike sounded worried. "Should I go and check she's ok?"

"You only checked her half an hour ago. And I told you she got off late. Leave her to rest, she needs it." Gina was the voice of reason, as usual.

I entered the office.

"Look, there she is." Gina gave me a smile. "Are you ok, babes?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"Gina said you didn't get to sleep until about three." Mike's face was full of concern. "Why didn't you come and get me?"

"I, wasn't really with it."

"What do you mean?"

I looked helplessly to Gina.

"She was half asleep when I found her. So I don't think she thought to go and find someone."

I gave her a grateful smile.

"Well, I'm glad you've had a rest. How's your arm?"

"Still sore."

"Not any worse I hope?"

"No, about the same."

"Ok." Mike turned to Gina. "I'm just going to go and make a drink. Do you want one?"

"Please."

Mike gave me shoulder a squeeze, before he left.

Gina gestured for me to take a seat next to her. I wheeled over a chair and sat down. She looked at me closely.

"You were really out of it last night. Are you sure you're ok?"

"I'm ok, really, the sleep did me good." I sighed. "I don't know what happened. I think I cried to the point of exhaustion and then just got stuck." I looked at her gratefully. "Thank you, for what you did."

Gina took my hand and gave it a squeeze, then gave me a smile. "I only sat with you for a bit. No big deal."

"You stayed, for ages. And you made sure I got to sleep."

"There wasn't much point leaving you still awake."

I gave her a look.

"I know, I know. I'm just glad you recognise me this morning."

"I wasn't even sure you were real. It felt like a dream, still does."

"And that's why I kept you here. I knew you weren't well. And why I came to check on you."

"Did Mike sleep ok? He's usually up all night when I'm struggling."

Gina smiled. "He says he didn't wake up once. I think he was just as tired as you were, and once he was asleep that was it."

I smiled too. It was good to know Mike had slept peacefully.

"I on the other hand got less sleep than you. You didn't want to let me go."

I looked at her, puzzled.

"Considered cutting my hand off and letting you keep it!"

I hung my head in embarrassment. The thought of clinging to Gina in my sleep wasn't one I wanted to stick around.

Gina gave a small laugh. "No, I'm only teasing." She waited until I looked back up to continue. "You weren't well. I'm glad I was there, Tracy. Long time since I've earned my night shift pay, but..."

"But what?"

Gina shook her head. "Nothing. Nothing."

I smiled. I had a feeling Gina would never tell me the end of that sentence, as it had something to do with caring about me. She showed it of course, but she'd never share with me how much I actually meant to her.

"Well anyway, thank you."

"It was noth..."

"Gina." I looked her in the eye. "Thank you."

Gina gave me a smile in reply.

"Right, I'd better go get dressed." I stood up. "I'll see you in a minute."

"See you soon."

As I headed out of the office I saw Mike coming back with two drinks. I darted into the entryway, waiting for him to pass.

"Hey, you ok?"

"Yeah, just a bit, wary, of hot drinks, at the moment."

Mike gave me a sad smile. "I understand." He headed into the office.

I waited until he had gone, before I made my way upstairs.

I came down dressed a few minutes later. I'd once again worn something with long sleeves to cover my burn, not wanting to be reminded of the bandage all day. I headed down to the office.

"Right, Tracy." Mike began speaking as I entered. "We have very nearly finished this paperwork. If we give it a push I reckon we could have it done by this afternoon."

"Ok." I sat down at my desk to get started. My pile was tiny. "Hang on, where have all my..."

"Mike's been working like crazy this morning. They've been done."

I gave him a grateful smile.

"Come on. When we've finished this we're taking the kids to the park to let off some steam. We could all use the break."

I obeyed Mike's words and got on with the paperwork.

An hour later we were finished.

Mike sighed, putting the last piece of paper away. "I never want to have to do that again."

"Me neither!" Gina dropped her pen to her desk.

I smiled. My pile had been further decimated by Mike and Gina as we'd gone along. The amount I'd actually completed was tiny.

"Gina, could you round up the kids? Tell them we're going out for a picnic."

Gina smiled, leaving to room.

"Can you come and help with lunch?"

"I, um..."

Mike's face softened. "No hot liquids, I promise. I could just use your help on the salad. The kids really enjoyed it yesterday."

I gave him a smile. "Ok. I'll come help."

Mike gave me a smile back, and we made our way to the kitchen.

I closed my eyes, letting out a deep breath.

The park was just what we needed. For the first time all week the kids were actually playing together rather than arguing. The lunch had gone down a treat too. I leant back against the tree we were under, allowing myself to relax.

"Are you ok?"

I opened my eyes to Gina's voice. "Yeah. Just taking the opportunity to have a breather."

She gave me a smile. "Aren't we all?" She looked over to Mike, who had started a game of football. "Hopefully things will go back to normal now."

I watched him too. Mike was happy, joking around with the kids, his usual self. I smiled, glad he was ok now the stress was over.

I felt a twinge of pain and pulled my sleeve up. I could still feel the heat as I placed my hand over the bandage.

"Does it hurt?"

"A bit."

Gina took my hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm sure it won't be long until you're healed too."

I rested my head on her out of habit, then pulled away. Gina likely wasn't going to be happy with me showing public affection the same way Mike was.

To my surprise she pulled me towards her, giving me a squeeze.

I looked up at her, a twinkle in my eyes.

"It's only because you're not well."

I stifled a giggle as I looked back to the kids, though couldn't keep the smile off my face.

We watched as the game continued, and another group of the kids began a game of tag. Squeals and laughter filled the air.

Mike groaned as a goal was scored, and the other team cheered. He picked up the ball. "Right!"

Everyone turned to look at him.

"Who wants ice cream?!"

There was a chorus of "Me!" from the kids. Mike headed over to the nearby van and bought some, bringing back three for the staff. He joined us on the rug, giving Gina a look as he saw her arm round me.

"She's not well. I'm allowed to look after her if she's not well."

Mike shook his head at her, before giving me a wink. I giggled as he handed me an ice cream. I released myself from Gina as we began to eat.

"How's your arm?"

"It's just a bit sore. Nothing to worry about."

Mike looked at me sadly. "I'm so sorry."

"It was an accident. Accidents happen."

"I should have been more careful."

"Really, Mike, it's ok. I'll heal, it'll be fine." I paused for a moment, taking a lick of my ice cream as it began to melt. "Don't I always get told off for blaming myself for things?"

Mike gave a smile, then nodded.

We sat in silence as we carried on eating. Partway through I rested my head on Mike. He took my spare hand, giving it a squeeze.

As we were almost finished I took a bit of ice cream on my finger. I waited until Mike wasn't looking, then placed it on his nose.

Mike gasped. "How dare you!" He took a piece of his and put it on my cheek.

I giggled.

I didn't see Gina coming with hers until it was on my forehead.

I gasped. "Right, that is it!" Gina soon sported a matching nose to Mike.

Mike and Gina looked at each other for a moment while we finished our ice creams. They waited for me to swallow mine, before I was mercilessly tickled.

"Ah, no, stop!" I tried to bat their hands away, but with two of them on me it was no use. "Help!" I squirmed away from them, to no avail.

Mike and Gina let up, both of them laughing. I joined them, my giggles filling the air.

Gina pulled me towards her, and Mike shuffled up so I was next to him too. I relaxed as we watched the kids beginning to play again.

"Thank you."

"What for?" Mike sounded confused. "The picnic? The ice cream? Surely not the tickles?"

I smiled, rolling my eyes. "The love."

Gina gave me a squeeze. Mike gave the top of my head a kiss, then rested his head there. We leant back against the tree, content.

We hadn't been content much recently. We hadn't had much time together at all actually. And the time we had, had been full of stress and worry.

But now we were together. Happy, peaceful, calm. Looking out for each other, loving each other, keeping each other safe.

I couldn't have asked for a better family.

A/N Gina being there for Tracy... What has happened to me? Apparently I like her now, stark contrast to when I first watched Tracy Beaker (and wrote it, and no we will not be discussing that story thank you very much!). I still think Gina wouldn't be as open as Mike, but she's definitely not as hard as she sometimes seems. Very tempted to write more Gina, she's very much grown on me. Hope you enjoyed this!