The Greatest Sacrifice

[Sabrina]

I loved that chapter.

I'm so happy Rachel said 'yes'.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

[charmed60]

I am so so sorry yet again for the delay. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you as always Carina, Red Ranger, Soph, Shezza, Zetti and Sabrina. You're all wonderful Hope you enjoy this next chapter!

“Guys that’s so fantastic” Martha beamed, balancing her daughter carefully on her hip and she reached forward and embraced Tony tightly before doing the same to Rachel. “Let me see the ring” she squealed, “oh Tony who knew you had such taste?”

“He did a very very good job” Rachel winked at her fiancé, unable to pry her fingers away from Martha’s tight grip. “And we’re hoping this beautiful little one will be our flower girl” she added.

“She would love to” Martha smiled, “wouldn’t you” she cooed to her daughter who gurgled in response.

“Congratulations Dad, I’m really happy for you” Jack smiled, shaking Tony’s hand before patting his hand. “No-one deserves it more than you” he whispered to him.

“Thanks son” Tony smiled warmly, “the wedding wont be for a while yet, we want to get settled back in.”

“Well that’s fair enough” Martha piped in “you’ve been through hell this past year but hey you’re out of it now, things can only get better.”

“Yes it can” Rachel smiled, leaning her head into Tony’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“Anyway we better be off, we’re taking Jessica for her first swim, wish us luck” he cringed, dreading how she was going to react.

“Let’s just hope she’s not like her father; you screamed from the minute I put you in until the second I took you out” Tony laughed, waving them off.

“Well I think they were happy for us” Rachel giggled, reaching out for a cuddle as Tony joined her on the couch.

“Yeah they were” he smiled, kissing her head. “I guess they’ve been with us throughout everything; they know what you’ve been through.”

“What we’ve both been through” Rachel mumbled; aware that she wasn’t the only one who had suffered.

“Hmm” Tony sighed, “so what did you want to do today? Fancy crashing Jessica’s swimming lesson – I’d love to see how Jack handles her inevitable tantrum.”

“You’re mean” Rachel teased, poking him playfully in the chest. “Actually, there was something I wanted to do.” Her face turned serious as she pulled away from him and turned to face him. “I’m not sure how you’re going to feel about it though.”

“You’re not gonna drag me shopping are you?” Tony moaned; “please I am begging you…”

“I’m not going to drag you anywhere near the shops I promise you” she half smiled, placing her hand over his. “I did want to go back to the prison though, to visit Barbara. I want you to meet her.” Rachel held her breath as she waited for Tony’s reaction.

“Rach, I really don’t think that’s a good idea.” Tony shook his head, his head and heart resisting completely against it.”

“I need to” Rachel begged, squeezing his hand. “She wrote to me Tony, I can’t ignore her. We didn’t even get to say a proper goodbye and she’s going through a lot at the

moment.”

“Sweetheart look, I know that you care about her and you feel that you owe her a lot for what she did for you. But you’re not ready. It’s only been a few weeks and you are just starting to get your life back on track. I think that going back there is just going to set you back again” Tony pleaded with her.

“I’ll be okay” she promised him. “I’ve got you.”

“You know that I’ll support whatever you decide” he sighed reluctantly. “But I really don’t agree with this. And anyway even if I did, you wouldn’t be able to go today, it takes days for those applications to get processed.”

Rachel quickly looked away as she swallowed heavily. “She sent me an application just before we went away and I sent it back, it’s been accepted.”

“Rach” Tony sighed disappointedly, “why did you hide this from me? I thought we were going to be honest with each other?”

“We are” she assured him; “it’s not that I was trying to hide it from you I just knew you’d react like this, I wanted to wait until I was sure that it was something I could definitely do.”

“And you feel that it is?” he hesitated, already knowing the answer.

“I promise you, I’ll be fine. But I’ll need you to be there, I can’t do this with you” Rachel replied, secretly not convinced that she would be able to handle it.

Tony nodded, knowing he had no choice but try to support her, no matter how much he hated the idea of her going back there. As he watched her smile and wrap her arms tightly around him, he knew he’d done the right thing. But he couldn’t ignore that nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach that this was the wrong thing to do.

**********

As the car turned the corner and pulled up to the gates; the sight of the prison building coming into view caused her stomach to turn. Her legs suddenly felt weak and her hands began shaking so much that she clasped them tightly in her lap before Tony noticed.

“I’ve gotta admit Rach; the sight of this place is making me feel sick so I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re feeling” Tony shuddered, hoping she would have a last minute change of heart.

“It’s okay, it’ll be worth it to talk to Barbara and make sure she’s okay” Rachel lied, gritting her teeth together. As Tony stepped out of the car she forced herself to do the same; her hand gripping the car handle tightly.

“You sure about this?” Tony hesitated, reaching his hand towards hers for support.

“Yeah” she stuttered in reply, clasping his hand gratefully. They began to walk slowly towards the building, every footstep causing Rachel’s heart to pump louder and quicker. She swallowed forcefully as a nauseous feeling hit the back of her throat and a cold sweat washed over her.

She tried to talk to Tony but every attempt she made no sound came out. It took her right back to her days inside, when the women had forced their hand over her mouth and beat her until she begged them to stop.

“Tony!” Rachel felt the panic rising and her chest tightened with fear.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” he soothed as her hand squeezed his so tight he could hardly feel it anymore.

“I cant, I can’t do it I’m sorry” she mumbled, before turning around and walking quickly back to the car. She gasped for breath as she felt every kick in the ribs as if it was happening again.

“Rach” Tony called after her as he struggled to catch up. “Hey it’s okay” he soothed, worried about the effects being back at the prison had caused her. He knew it wasn’t a good idea and suddenly felt deeply guilty for agreeing to let her come.

“No it’s not” Rachel shrieked as she furiously wiped tears with the back of her cardigan. “Tony I promised her that I would come and see her; I can’t let her down.”

“She’ll understand love” he soothed, tucking her hair behind her eyes. “It’s too soon.”

“I don’t want her to feel like I just forgot about her” she breathed deeply, her voice lowering to almost a whisper. “I know what it feels like to be stood up and I don’t want her to have to go through that.”

Tony quickly averted his eyes to the floor with guilt.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that” she quickly averted.

“No its okay” he smiled. “I’m sure Barbara’s going to know you didn’t stand her up, she’ll realize it’s a big thing to ask. There are other things you can do to support her, you don’t have to see her.”

“Like what?” she asked, her eyebrow raised.

“Well….you said the reason she was having a hard time was because of this girl she used to look after right?” he started.

“Yeah Savannah, she hasn’t heard from her for a few months now, she’s really worried” Rachel explained, wondering where Tony was going with his idea.

“And you said that Barbara told you Savannah doesn’t live far from us, she gave you her address to check with social services to see if she’d been rehomed is that right?”

“Yes” Rachel nodded.

“So why don’t we go and pay Savannah a visit? You can see with your own eyes how she’s doing and let Barbara know yourself” Tony suggested, holding his breath in anticipation.

“That’s…actually a really good idea” Rachel smiled, looking forward to seeing the girl she’d heard so much about. “You sure you don’t mind?”

“Of course not, especially not when I get to see that beautiful smile” he winked, leaning forward and kissing her. “Come on, I've got a map in the back of my car."

"It's okay I bought my satnav we can use that, it's quicker" Rachel shrugged, rummaging around in her handbag.

"I am not using one of those natsav whatever you call them things; a good old fashioned map will do me just fine" Tony objected as Rachel laughed at his stubborn ways.

Preview:

Rachel and Tony visit Savannah

[soph1303]

Great update,

Glad that Tony was so supportive in that update !!

Aww they're gonna go and visit Savannah!! Maybe doing that will gave Rachel the strength to go and see Barbara !!

More soon please

[Red Ranger 1]

Nice update.Good that Jack and Martha were happy about Tony and Rachel's news and nice that Rachel wants to help Barbara.

[Zetti]

I like that chapter. It is good that Jack and Martha are happy about Tony/Rachel's announcement.

Hope to see more soon x

[Sabrina]

I'm glad Jack and Martha were happy for Tony and Rachel.

I love how supportive Tony was of Rachel.

I liked Tony's suggestion of going to visit Savannah.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

[HighwayUnicorn]

Deleted.

[charmed60]

Thank you so so much Soph1303, Red Ranger, Zetti, Sabrina and HighwayUnicorn. I know I haven't updated in 3 whole months! I wasn't sure whether people were too interested in it but in the spirit of Tachel's 3 year wedding anniversary (I can't believe it was that long ago!) I thought I'd update what I've been writing. Hope you enjoy

“So you’re a friend of Barbara’s?” the pregnant red haired woman who introduced herself as Marie asked as she waddled across the living room with mugs of coffee in her hands. Two small children, one still in nappies ran in front of her feet causing her to almost lose her balance. “Boys can you go and play in the garden, I’ve already asked you once” she tensely snapped, her lips tight with frustration. “Sorry it’s a bit of a madhouse in here.”

“I’m sorry, maybe we could come back another time?” Rachel offered, trying to wedge herself on the couch next to a huge pile of laundry.

“No don’t be silly” the woman replied, “it doesn’t get any calmer than this.” Rachel noticed that despite her small laugh, her eyes looked desperately sad. “Where did you meet her?”

“Erm” Rachel hesitated, afraid that if she told the truth she would be asked to leave.

“Was it in the prison?” Marie assumed, noticing a flicker of regret in Rachel’s expression. “I saw in the news about what happened to you.”

“Sorry I should probably have said something when I first came in.” Rachel smiled slightly as Tony tucked his hand in hers.

“No honestly it’s fine. If I was concerned about you, I wouldn’t have let you in the house with my kids. Plus if Barbara liked you then you can’t be bad; she’s always been a

good judge of character…” Marie stopped suddenly, realising the irony of her statement.

“She’s very concerned about Savannah” Rachel began, “about what’s happening to her now that you’re unable to keep her.”

“I feel terrible about it, she’s such a sweet girl” Marie smiled, her eyes tearing up. “But I just can’t cope with another child now that this one’s coming along.” She rubbed

her stomach tenderly, her eyes downcast.

“Have you found her a home yet?” Rachel asked optimistically, hoping she would have some good news to tell Barbara.

“No” Marie shook her head sadly. “Nobody wants to adopt an older child, they all want babies. If we don’t find someone in the next couple of months then I’m going to have to send her back to the children’s home. It’s not something I want to do, she already feels so unloved but I won’t have any choice. I won’t be able to care for her as well as my other children and a newborn baby. My husband works around the clock trying to provide for us so he’s not home much.”

“It must be really hard for you” Tony sympathised, remembering his own experience of raising two children by himself. He couldn’t even begin to imagine how Marie was coping with seven.

“Would you mind if we met her?” Rachel asked, curious as to how the little girl was coping with all the uncertainty.

“Not at all” Marie smiled, relieved that she would be able to get back to her housework duties. “She’s in her bedroom, although perhaps maybe only you should…it’s nothing

against you” she apologised to Tony, “it’s just she’s quite distrusting with men. I’m sure you’ll understand.”

“Of course” Tony smiled, wincing as a football smacked into the window and he saw Marie resist from screaming at them again. “Why don’t I go and keep the boys amused

outside while you go and see Savannah?” Tony offered, Rachel and Marie smiling gratefully at him.

**********

Rachel took a deep breath as she pulled down the handle to Savannah’s bedroom, that she shared with her three other sisters. “Hello Savannah” Rachel whispered, her heart breaking at the sight of the little girl; clutching her ragdoll tightly. She had her back turned and was aimlessly staring out of the window, stroking her dolly’s hair absentmindedly.

“I’m a friend of Barbara’s” Rachel added, crouching down to the little girl’s level. She smiled as Savannah’s eyes lit up and she turned towards her.

“My Nanny Barbara?” Savannah sweetly enquired, her eyes searching Rachel’s as if she was trying to figure her out.

“That’s right” Rachel smiled, enchanted by her innocence. “She wanted me to come and see you and make sure you’re okay.”

Savannah frowned, her bottom lip trembling. “Like a gardinan angel?”

“I guess you could say that” Rachel laughed, tucking Savannah’s long chestnut coloured hair behind her ears.

“Are you going to take me to your home and look after me?” Savannah asked, her eyes widening as she instinctively wrapped her arms around her ragdoll. Rachel felt a lump form in her throat and a feeling wash over her that she’d never felt before.

“No sweetie I can’t” Rachel frowned, swallowing back tears. “But I promise you that I’m going to help find you a really nice home okay?”

Savannah nodded sadly before walking over to the spot she’d been crouched in before. She sat cross-legged on the floor, her doll tucked carefully in her arms as she mimed brushing her hair.

“Savannah, I’m going to speak to your Nanny Barbara soon would you like me to give her a special message from you, I know that would make her really happy” Rachel carefully asked, disappointed at the barrier the little girl had suddenly put up. But Savannah didn’t even react and after several more attempts to get her to talk, Rachel gave up and quietly left the room.

“Hey, how did you get on?” Tony questioned, interrupting his football game with the two youngest boys. “You okay?”

“Tony we’ve got to help her” Rachel insisted, unable to ignore the feeling of protectiveness she’d felt over Savannah. “She’s too young to be dealing with all of this, it’s not fair.”

“I know it’s not” Tony soothed, rubbing her arm affectionately. “But there’s not much we can do love. But at least you got to finally meet her and can update Barbara.”

“How can I tell her that this little girl who means the absolute world to her is about to be put into a children’s home because nobody wants her? Tony she’s just desperate to be loved” Rachel choked; her eyes stinging. “When I went in to her room she thought I was coming to take her home. The second she realised I wasn’t she totally shut down and wouldn’t talk to me anymore. She’s been through so much.” Rachel shook her head in disbelief.

“I know you want to help love but there’s nothing we can do. We just have to trust that the right authorities are going to find her a really good home” Tony reassured her, smiling encouragingly. “Unless…you’re implying that you adopt her, you’re not are you?”

“No no” Rachel immediately answered, “that would totally go against our plans to take things slowly” she chuckled lightly. “I just…I think I want to help find her a home where she’s going to get the love and attention that she deserves. And I know someone we can speak to about that.”

*********

“Thank you so much for letting us come and talk to you” Rachel smiled as she entered the house, Tony following closely behind.

“Not a problem darl, it’s lovely to see you” Irene grinned, flipping the switch on the kettle as she invited them to join her at the kitchen table. “So I haven’t had a chance to ask you yet, how are you getting on?”

“Okay” Rachel answered honestly, “there’s good and bad days but on the whole I think I’m starting to get back to normality.” She linked hands with her fiancé. “And Tony’s been extremely supportive and understanding so I can’t ask for anything else.” He smiled before kissing her forehead affectionately.

“That’s wonderful I’m so pleased for you, for both of you. I remember how difficult it was” Irene mused, trying to block out the thoughts of her own experience. She never had anyone waiting for her like Rachel did when she came out; she had to just learn to look after herself. The downside to it meant she’d never really dealt with it, always pushing it to the back of her mind for fear of breaking down and never being able to recover.

“I never had a chance to thank you properly for what you did for me” Rachel tearily acknowledged.

“And me to” Tony agreed.

“Don’t be daft, I didn’t do anything” Irene brushed off. “I’m just glad that you’re out of that place and back here where you belong. Have you looked into going back to work?” she asked as she poured steaming water into the mugs and handed one each to Rachel and Tony.

“I’ve got a meeting with my supervisor next Thursday to discuss it so hopefully they’ll have me back” she breathed nervously, not even wanting to consider the prospect of not being allowed to practice medicine again.

“They’d be stupid not to” Tony smiled, having every confidence that she would be able to work again.

“Of course they would” Irene agreed, “so you’re just having to keep yourself busy until then?” she questioned, sipping her tea.

“I am” Rachel nodded “there is actually something that’s been taking my mind off of things; it’s actually the reason I asked to come and see you today.”

“Ah, I didn’t think this was just a social visit to your favourite neighbour” Irene chuckled, winking at a grinning Tony. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s more of a request for advice and a favour” Rachel began, unsure of how Irene was react. “There’s a little girl I’ve become quite close to; she’s had a really difficult childhood, her last adoptive father abused her and she’s now in a temporary foster home.” Rachel paused as she contemplated how to approach the subject. She’d been visiting Savannah every day since her first visit, desperate to give the little girl some hope that things would be okay. She prayed every day that a home had been found

for her but every single time found that her hopes had been dashed. It broke her heart to have to leave the girl each evening, looking desperately sad and alone. “The lady who’s been caring for her is about to have another baby and so can’t keep Savannah for financial reasons and so if they don’t find her a home in the next few weeks she’s going to have to go back to the children’s home.”

“Poor thing” Irene mused, her heart breaking as it did ever y time she heard about an unwanted child. “But you know the children’s homes aren’t always as bad as the horror stories you hear; most of them take good care of the children.”

“We understand that and I’m sure you’re right” Tony began. Whilst he hadn’t yet met Savannah he could see how passionate Rachel was about finding her a good home and how important it was to her.

“We just think that she needs special attention; she’s gone from home to home never feeling like she fits in anywhere. And I’m really worried that if she goes back to the home then she’s never going to get out of there and she’ll never get a chance of being part of a family.” Rachel knew she was being slightly hysterical but Savannah’s wellbeing had become really important to her; not just because of her link to Barbara but also because she genuinely cared for her. Just like she’d cared for Joe.

“They all need special attention darl” Irene smiled kindly.

“I know” Rachel admitted, sighing with defeat.

“Rachel love, what exactly is it you’re trying to ask me” Irene enquired, noticing Rachel shift her eyes to her lap as she laced her fingers together.

Tony watched Rachel hesitate, her cheeks pinking as if she was ashamed to say.

“We wondered…” Tony paused, as if to ensure Rachel was happy for him to ask. “How you would feel and if it would be possible for you to take care of Savannah, just until she finds a permanent home.”

Irene breathed in deeply, her eyebrows raised.

“It wouldn’t have to be for long, I just know what an amazing person you are Irene and I’ve seen how you’ve changed the kids you’ve looked after. I know that Savannah will feel safe with you and I can help out to, I’ll look after her whenever you need me to. I wouldn’t expect you to do this on your own. Plus there are no men in this house so she’d feel really comfortable.” Rachel’s breathing was rapid, her emotions high.

“Darl, I dunno about this” Irene dragged out. “The kids I usually take in are older than Savannah, I’m not sure I have the right experience for her.”

“Irene she’s living in a house at the moment with five other children; all younger than her so she’s constantly getting ignored. She shares her bed with two other girls and spends all her time staring at a wall. All she needs is something to tuck her into bed at night, give her a cuddle and listen to her. She just needs to feel loved.” Rachel pleaded with Irene with everything she had. In all honesty she had no idea how she was going to find her a home even if Irene did offer to take her in but that was something she was willing to deal with at the time. And with Tony supporting her every step of the way, it made her feel that what she was asking wasn’t impossible.

Irene sighed, rubbing her arms across her forehead. “I don’t get to make these decisions, even if I agreed to take her in, the social workers may not allow it” Irene warned.

“I know” Rachel answered tentatively.

“I’d have to meet her” Irene began, relenting. “She might not like me; I’d have to see how she feels.”

“She’s going to love you, I promise” Rachel beamed, resisting every urge to scream and shout out loud. She turned to Tony who was equally as ecstatic as she was and he squeezed her hand encouragingly. “Thank you so much Irene, you have no idea how much this will mean to her, how much this means to me.” Rachel swallowed quickly as a lump formed in her throat. “Can I hug you” she asked shyly.

“Of course you can” Irene laughed, shrieking as Rachel wrapped her arms tightly around her. “What AM I letting myself in for?” Irene shook off the hesitation she felt, wondering genuinely whether she’d done the right thing; whether she’d ever be able to help this fragile and broken little girl. But as soon as the thought entered her head she shook it right out. This is why she’d decided to become a foster parent; to give children love that otherwise would never have experienced it.

*******

Rachel sighed heavily as she gloomily dragged her feet along the sandy beach, fighting back the tears which were stinging her eyes. She fought the urge to go and see Tony; partly because she knew she’d burst into tears and didn’t want to embarrass herself or him and partly because she was meeting him in an hour anyway so didn’t want to disturb him at work. She hadn’t expected them to treat her the way they had, to have such little faith in her abilities. It made her question whether perhaps she was wrong to have confidence in herself. They’d seemed sceptical that she was even ready to go back and she suddenly wondered whether they were right, maybe she was making a mistake.

Wondering what she could do to pass the time other than wallowing in self pity; her mind turned its attention to Savannah. Irene had been granted temporary custody of her, much to Rachel’s delight and she was settling in well. Rachel had been spending every spare moment she could with her and whilst she still had moments where she would hide herself away in her room, Irene had miraculously managed to bring her more and more out of her shell. She even walked over to Rachel while they were colouring in the other day and wrapped her arms around her; an act which caused Rachel’s heart to swell.

Without even realising she looked up and noticed she was outside Irene’s house. She knew it wasn’t her responsibility to check on how Savannah was doing but after the morning she’d just had, she desperately wanted to see the little girl’s smiley face to cheer her up.

“Hello?” Rachel called out as she gently pushed the ajar door open and glanced inside the living room. Savannah was sitting at the table, her fingers held straight up in the air whilst Irene brushed her hair gently. “Hey sweetheart you look like you’re having fun” Rachel smiled, her heart melting at how happy Savannah looked.

“Iwene painted my fingernails” she beamed, holding her fingers up in the air.

“Wow they look so pretty” Rachel emphasised, sitting down on a chair next to her.

“They’re pink, just like your dress” Savannah noted before blowing carefully on her nails in order to dry the paint.

“She’s sure being pampered today aren’t you girlie” Irene winked at Rachel, before the sound of the telephone interrupted her conversation. As Irene answered the call and walked out to the other room, Rachel caught Savannah staring at her out of the corner of her eye.

“Are you okay sweetheart?” Rachel questioned, bemused by Savannah’s concentration.

“Uh-huh” she nodded before climbing onto Rachel’s lap, taking her by surprise.

“You hair’s pretty all curly wurly” Savannah continued, smiling a toothless grin.

“Thank you” Rachel replied, wrapping her arms around the little girl “although I think your hair’s much prettier. Maybe we could swap?”

“You can’t swap hair silly” Savannah giggled, wrapping her fingers around Rachel’s curls.

“Oh what a nightmare” Irene fumed as she stormed back into the house. “There’s been a problem with my bank account, some discrepancy with the interest or something or other; useless people. They want me to go into the city to sort it out now so that means we can’t go to the beach Savannah I’m sorry. Maybe tomorrow? Go and get your bag we’ve got to go darl.” Irene panted as she rushed around the room picking up keys, her driving licence and throwing random bills statements into her handbag.

“I’m hungry” Savannah frowned.

“Oh love you haven’t had any lunch have you” Irene sighed in frustration, running her fingers through her hair. “We will have to grab something at the station sweetie; I haven’t got time to fix you anything right now.”

“Well I’m about to meet Tony for lunch why don’t I take Savannah with me? We can grab something for her at the diner?” Rachel offered.

“Really?” Irene smiled before remembering the fragility of the young girl in her care. “Erm Savannah, how do you feel about that? Would you like to go and have lunch with Rachel and Tony darl?”

Savannah shrunk down in Rachel’s lap, her demeanour instantly changing as she placed her thumb firmly in between her teeth.

“Tony is my friend” Rachel began to explain, instantly recognising why she’d become so shy. “Remember you met him a couple of times before? And he gave you that pretty flower to put in your hair.”

Savannah nodded timidly, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “He won’t hurt me if I be good?” she questioned, her eyes wide with fear and inquisition.

“He won’t hurt you at all sweetheart I promise you. There are bad people in the world but there are good people to, and he’s one of the very good people” she smiled, stroking Savannah’s hair.

“So what do you say love?” Irene encouraged, aware of the time.

Savannah simply nodded before running to her room to grab her backpack.

“Thank you so much” Irene breathed as Savannah ran over to Rachel and held tightly on to her hand.

********

“Hey” Tony smiled as Rachel waved at him from across the diner. As she came closer he noticed Savannah hiding behind her leg. “I see we’ve got another one joining us for lunch.”

“Yeah, Irene had to rush off up to the city and needed someone to watch her for a bit” Rachel smiled apologetically, hoping he wouldn’t mind. She’d already been spending so much time with Savannah and even though he hadn’t directly said anything to her about it, she suspected he probably thought she was getting too attached.

“No problem” he smiled, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead. “Hey there Savannah” he crouched before her, “would you like me to buy you a milkshake?”

She nodded shyly, gripping Rachel’s hand even tighter.

“What flavour would you like?” he continued, backing back slightly as the waitress came over to them. He didn’t want to intimidate her.

“Nana please” she whispered.

“Banana” Tony laughed.

“That’s what I said” Savannah replied, pushing her chair closer to Rachel’s as she climbed onto it.

“So…..” Tony smiled, his fingers crossed that Rachel had good news.

“So what?” she questioned.

“How did the meeting go?” Tony’s heart sunk as her smile instantly disappeared and her eyes diverted down to the floor.

“I’d actually forgotten about that” Rachel murmured, rubbing her temples.

“Don’t tell me they didn’t let you have your job back?” he questioned, a hint of anger evident in his tone.

“Not exactly” she began, “they said they’re happy to have me back but only on the condition that I agree to a supervised practice order.”

“Well what’s that exactly?” he interrupted. Despite never understanding half of the things Rachel would come out with when she spoke about her work, he always did his best to at least try to pretend he knew what she was talking about.

“It means that every decision I make, every drug I prescribe; I have to have it checked by and agreed with another practitioner. It’s totally impractical” Rachel fumed. “It’s a busy emergency unit Tony I don’t have time to check every scan I order and every blood test I want to take with another doctor when I’ve got an unconscious hypoxic patient practically dying in front of me. And do you want to know the even more ridiculous thing about it” she questioned, not even waiting for his reply. “They said that it doesn’t matter what grade doctor signs off my decisions, as long as someone else countersigns my work. Which basically means that I could have a junior doctor who has got seven years less experience than I have and working under my direction supervising me and signing off my notes. It’s like you having to get your members to check you’re carrying out your Health and Safety checks correctly. It’s stupid.”

“That does sound pointless” Tony agreed, smiling sympathetically. “What I don’t understand is why they’re treating you like the reason you…went away” he whispered, aware of being in a public place, “is because you made a mistake at work. But you didn’t Rach, so why are you having to get someone to check your work?”

“Exactly” she stressed, sighing heavily. “It makes absolutely no sense at all, they’re just trying to make it look like they’re doing something to the heads in charge, rather than just letting a criminal waltz in and start treating patients.”

“You are not a criminal” he reassured, placing his hands over hers.

“I feel like one” she frowned, smiling slightly as she turned and watched Savannah intently trying to retrieve the last drops of banana milkshake from the bottom of her

glass with a straw.

“What are you going to do?” Tony asked, turning her attention back to him.

“I don’t know” she sighed, “honestly though? I don’t want to go back.” Rachel’s cheeks blushed.

“Then don’t, you don’t have to” Tony reassured her, “I earn enough to support us.”

“There is no way I’m going to let you work hard every single day while I sit at home doing nothing” Rachel smiled, her heart warming. “I do want to go back to work, I really miss the patients and the buzz of the emergencies…I just…I don’t feel like I’m appreciated. Does that sound totally arrogant?”

“Course not” Tony laughed. “Seriously though, they haven’t supported you at all throughout this ordeal. Maybe you’d be better looking around at other jobs in the area? You mentioned there was a position opening up at that new emergency unit, why don’t you apply?”

“As lovely as that sounds, I don’t think I’ve got enough experience or qualifications for it?” she hesitated. Curiosity had led her to search positions in the local area and when she’d found this one at a bigger hospital only twenty minutes down the road, she had to admit it had attracted her immediately. The position would test her abilities and give her far more experience than she had been getting at Northern Districts yet would allow her to spend more time with her patients and less time with the paperwork. Plus there was a research component to the job linked to brain injuries that after what had happened to her Mum, she was desperate to be involved with.

“Rach, don’t be so down on yourself. You are an excellent doctor, you go above and beyond your duties to take care of your patients and I have complete confidence in you. It’s not going to hurt to apply right?” he encouraged. He’d never admit it to Rachel but the thought of her going back to that hospital and exposing herself to the same environment again frightened him.

“Thank you” she smiled warmly, a hint of confidence growing inside her. “Maybe you’re right, I should apply. Like you say, I have nothing to lose. I knew you’d know what to do” she smiled as he kissed her hands.

“Hey after lunch Savannah do you want to go down to the beach and put your feet in the sea?” Tony excitedly offered, aware that they’d been ignoring her for the best part of fifteen minutes.

Savannah nodded slowly, a slight smile on her face as she looked at Rachel for approval.

“That sounds like fun doesn’t it sweetheart” Rachel beamed, elated but slightly concerned by the feeling she had growing in her chest. She could get used to this.

[Red Ranger 1]

Wow, this one's back!Nice that Rachel and Irene are both looking out for Savannah, hope Rachel manages to find some sort of job she's happy with.

[Sabrina]

It's great that Irene has temporary custody of Savannah.

I hope Rachel is able to find a job.

Looking forward to the next chapter.