A/N This is one that should have been written a long time ago! I finally have somewhere to put it with this story
Series 3 Episode 5: Belonging - 19:22
Gina POV
I watched as Tracy left the room. I'd seen the hurt in her eyes as Christie had ripped into her.
Christie turned to me. "Can you believe she said that? She had no right to bring up my infertility like that."
"You had no right to bring up her being in care."
The shock on Christie's face grew. She had expected me to agree with her, as I usually did. But her comment to Tracy had been completely unacceptable.
"But, she..."
"Mike will talk to Tracy, she will be dealt with. And I understand that you're angry with her. But you both went too far."
Christie looked very flustered. "I'm going to go and get the girls." She left the office, going to see Poppy and Rosie in the quiet room.
As I left the office Mike exited the quiet room. He looked at me questioningly. "Is everything ok?"
I sighed. "Christie tore into Tracy and Tracy fought back. I don't think Christie was expecting it."
"Is Tracy alright?"
"I need to go and find her. She was quite hurt."
Worry came to Mike's face.
"She'll be ok. I'll send her your way if she needs it."
Mike seemed satisfied by my answer, and went back into the quiet room to sort out Christie and the girls.
I went to go and find Tracy.
I eventually found her in the garden. I knew Tracy often came out here when she needed space.
"Can I join you?"
Tracy nodded, avoiding my gaze. I could see tears landing in her lap, hear the small sniffles.
"You'll be pleased to know I told Christie to back off. What she said wasn't ok."
Tracy sniffled. "It's not my fault I grew up in care. It's not my fault I wanted a family. That doesn't mean I can't do my job. I know Steve didn't used to be a good dad, but that doesn't mean he can't be one now."
"I know." I put my hand on her knee and gave it a small squeeze. "Of course growing up in care doesn't mean you think all families should be together no matter what."
She exhaled shakily.
"And we definitely don't think that it affects your ability to work here. Your continued Tracy Plans however..."
She smiled. She knew just how much her ridiculous schemes wound me up!
"Do you want to stay out here a bit, have a breather? All the kids are out at the park."
She nodded, finally looking up at me. She gave me a smile of thanks.
"And Mike was quite worried. Go and find him if you need him, ok?"
"I will."
I gave her knee another squeeze. "I'd better get on. I'll see you later."
I stood up, leaving to go back to the house. I turned to look at her one last time as I went, glad she was looking a little more settled.
I headed back inside.