The Greatest Sacrifice

[Sabrina]

Fantastic chapter!

I love how protective Tony is of Rachel.

I hope Rachel is able to help Lucy.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

[KirstyEkua]

I really loved this chapter Tony was so sweet and protective; i love that side of him. I think it says a lot about the strength of his feelings for Rachel and i'm excited to see how its all going to develop. However the whole situation is quite worrying. I understand why Rachel is so concerned about Lucy but i can't help feeling she is getting too far involved. I think that's always been a part of who she is though but i think this time she should listen to Tony. Going to her house is only going to make things worse i think. It seems like something pretty awful is going on while i feel terrible for Lucy and her daughter, i don't want Rachel to get hurt!

I liked getting an insight into how they feel about each other. Even though it's early days in their relationship they already seem to have a solid base and that's lovely Very cute that Tony surprised her with dinner! I loved how he was interested in her work and was determined that he was going to go with her to the house. I'm glad she agreed! Getting to hear both their perspectives was really good and i think it really helps the story. I think you've captured both their personalities really well and this chapter was really well written. I always love Tony's romantic side

[charmed60]

Thank you so much Carina, Red Ranger, Sabrina and Kirsty - my ever faithful readers and reviewers! I appreciate it can be difficult following a fic when it's not updated regularly so I'm going to try my best to pick the updates up a bit. I've also noticed how many JM readers there are reading this so I'll be including as much as I can to suit the story of them for you I hope you enjoy this one

*** WARNING - Just wanted to warn readers there is some sensitive material in this chapter dealing with sexual abuse so read with caution ***

“Okay so you’re just going to call me if you need me…”

“To what? Come in and rescue me?” Rachel giggled, “sweetheart we need to monitor your viewing habits, you’re watching far too may action movies.”

“You’re mean” Tony blushed, “go on go and get this over and done with so I can stop worrying about you.”

“I’m going” Rachel smiled, feeling her heart do tiny somersaults. “I’ll be back before you know it, enjoy your paper” she winked before planting a soft kiss on his lips and stepping out of the car, the nerves beginning to feel evident. She hadn’t even considered the danger she was putting herself in; she’d just desperately wanted to help Lucy and was prepared to do whatever it took. However since Tony had started fretting over her, she wouldn’t admit it to him but she was actually slightly worried, if Lucy’s husband came home…well she didn’t even want to think about it. Shaking it off she stepped onto Lucy’s doorstep and glanced over the house number to assure herself she was at the right address. She knocked on the door and paused, glancing over briefly to Tony to see him watching her carefully over the mornings’ paper. She smiled to herself before turning her attention back to the door as she saw a tiny girl pull back the netting covering a glass pane beside it. Rachel noticed how vacant her eyes looked before realising that she had to be about six years old; definitely too big for nursery.

“Can you open the door sweetheart?” Rachel called through the letterbox, her concern rising as each moment passed. The door clicked and the little girl timidly poked her head through. “I’ve come to see your Mummy” Rachel explained, “can you let me in.”

“Mummy’s sad” the girl whispered, “she doesn’t want to see any peoples because she’s sleepy as well so has gone to bed.”

“Well do you want to know a secret” Rachel asked, crouching down to her level. “I’m a doctor so if your Mummy’s sad then I can make her feel better again. Is your Daddy home?” Rachel noticed the girl flinch and her eyes looked down at the floor.

“No he’s at working getting money for us so that we can have the nice things that we have” she mumbled, her hands clasped tightly in front of her body. Normally this sort of comment from a child would make Rachel laugh but not this time; she could tell she was afraid.

“What’s your name darling” Rachel asked, desperate to get inside the house but with the way the little girl was guarding the door she knew she would need to gain her trust first.

“My name is Sophia and I’m five years old, I’m nearly six though” the little girl beamed, holding her fingers up to show Rachel.

“Wow you’re a big girl” she laughed, noticing how Sophia had suddenly gained a sparkle in her eye.

“I am the biggest out of me and my sister. Her name is Evie and she’s smaller than me by two whole years. I look after her a lot, especially when Mummy doesn’t feel well.”

Rachel was completely mesmerised by the innocence of the child standing in front of her but what broke her heart was how evident it was the her father’s abusive nature hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“Talking of your Mummy, do you think I could come in and see if I can make her feel better?” Rachel cautiously asked, noticing Sophia tense up again.

“Daddy said I shouldn’t let anybody in ever. Are you a real doctor?” she asked.

“I am” Rachel smiled, holding up her stethoscope. “See look, I use this to listen to people’s hearts. Why don’t I go and listen to your Mummy’s to make sure it’s okay?” As more time was passing Rachel was getting desperate, the fact that Sophia opening the door and talking to somebody hadn’t been noticed meant something had to be wrong.

“Okay but only if you promise to make her feel good. I don’t like seeing Mummy sad” Sophia frowned, pushing her long blonde hair out of her face.

“I’ll do my very best” Rachel promised, tucking some hair out of the little girl’s face as she walked in the door carrying her heavy medical bag. “Why don’t you wait here sweetie and I’ll go up and see her?”

“Okay. I’m going to go and play with Evie” the little girl cheered as she ran along the hallway and disappeared into a room.

Taking a deep breath Rachel looked cautiously up the stairs, stepping on each with a growing bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Rachel thought how ironic it was that despite the house appearing immaculate, with cheery, family photos adorning the walls and polished perfect ornaments displayed along the hallway, the atmosphere was dark and dingy and completely unwelcoming. She heard a noise coming from the end of the corridor which sounded like someone was crying and so she headed cautiously in that direction, taking deep breaths as she went. Tentatively opening the door she squinted against the darkness and called out her name.

“Lucy it’s er, it’s Rachel, Dr Armstrong from the hospital.” Rachel cringed as she realised how pathetic she sounded. “Can I come in?”

“He did it again” Lucy mumbled, choking on her words as she clutched the duvet closely to her chest and screamed into it to muffle her cries.

“What did he do Lucy, you can tell me” Rachel soothed as she ran to her and knelt beside her bed, desperate to identify if she had any injuries.

“He wouldn’t stop” Lucy gagged, “I begged him but he wouldn’t. He said that I was his wife and it was his right but I didn’t want to…”

Rachel felt like her heart had stopped beating for a second as it dawned on her what Lucy was trying to tell her.

“Lucy did he, did he…force himself on you” Rachel whispered, choosing her words carefully. She knew how difficult it was to say the word. She placed a hand on the young woman’s arm in an effort to comfort her but Lucy threw her own hand to cover her ears before banging them against her head. Rachel felt tears sting her eyes. She remembered that feeling, the absolute disgust and shame. The sights, sounds and smells came flooding back to her and she had to look away for a second to compose herself.

“I think I’ve lost the baby” Lucy cried as Rachel’s eyes widened in horror. “I’m bleeding, just like I did before. It’s happening all over again” she sobbed, covering her face once again with the duvet.

“I’m so sorry” Rachel feebly cried as her professionalism was weakened for a split second. “Lucy I need to just check if you’re still bleeding okay” she hesitated, knowing how uncomfortable it was going to make her. She pulled the duvet back slightly after Lucy nodded and noticed fresh blood staining the sheets. “Okay Lucy I’m going to call an ambulance, we need to get you into hospital” Rachel calmly declared, concerned about the amount of blood she was losing. She’d originally put Lucy’s pale complexion down to the shock of what had happened but now she was concerned that it was something serious.

“No I’ve got nobody to look after the girls” Lucy slurred, her mind switching from hysteria to utter numbness. “Please don’t make me.”

“I have no choice, I,I don’t have the right drugs to stop this bleeding” Rachel stuttered, the adrenaline running through her veins as she fumbled around in her bag for her mobile phone.

“Please no…”

“Lucy, think of your daughters. They need you to be well okay and I’m not going to let them be left without their Mum.”

“My baby” Lucy suddenly cried as it hit her again, “I’ve lost my baby.” Rachel clambered to her feet as she squeezed Lucy’s arm comfortingly, knowing there were no words she could say. She stepped outside the door and called an ambulance before ringing Tony to ask him to come and take the girls and look after them. He sounded terrified when she phoned, thinking she was in danger but after reassuring him she went and opened the front door for him before running upstairs to be with Lucy, praying that the ambulance wouldn’t take long.

Preview:

Tony's concerned about Rachel's reaction when she's faced with Lucy's husband.

[HighwayUnicorn]

I really hate Lucy's husband. Just because they are married, it doesn't make it his right!

That was such an emotional chapter.

& I really think you're writing this story beautifully & with such emotion.

You writing tis fic so realistically.

The fact that Lucy is scared for herself & her children, yet can't leave her husband.

It's nice to see you approach the topic sensitively as well, the fact that it's not so easy to walk away, despite what a lot of people say.

Domestic abuse is still a taboo subject & you're doing an amazing job with the emotions. I feel so sorry for Lucy & the children.

& I really hate Lucy's husband, with a passion.

Tony's protectiveness of Rachel was sweet.

& Rachel was so caring & kind towards Lucy as well which was lovely to read.

Well done & I look forward to more.

Love Carina xxx

[Red Ranger 1]

That was a wonderful chapter.The situation Lucy's in is horrifying and I really felt Rachel's fear and helplessness while trying to do the right thing for her.Utterly brilliant, looking forward to more.

[Sabrina]

Amazing chapter, Laura. I love how you're writing this.

I love how protective Tony is of Rachel.

I feel so sorry for Lucy and her daughters.

Looking forward to the next chapter.

[suzannelgnz]

Wonderful chapter as always Laura.

The situation with Lucy is just awful, hopefully it gets a bit better soon.

Tony and Rachel are being awesome as always.

Looking forward to reading the next bit.

[charmed60]

Aww you're all so lovely. Thank you Carina (such a lengthy kind reply thank you - I really hope I am portraying it in a realistic way) Red Ranger, Sabrina and Suzanne. Sorry this one took so long (again!) I hope it's okay

Rachel quickened her pace as Lucy was pushed through the double doors into the emergency unit; the paramedics repeating the vital information about their patient that the team of doctors needed to know. Rachel breathed a sigh of relief as Derek greeted them by the desk and directed them into resus where she grabbed a pair of gloves instinctively, prepared to help.

“Dr Armstrong, I think you should sit this one out” Derek advised kindly, not missing the fearful look she had in her eye.

“No, no I want to help” Rachel stubbornly replied, cursing under her breath as her shaking hands caused the glove to split. She tucked her hair violently behind her ear and crouched down to the floor to pick it up, causing the other glove to fall from her lap.

“Rachel, please” Derek pertinently pleaded, crouching down to her level. “You’re too emotionally involved, are clearly upset and therefore won’t be able to concentrate. Go and sit outside with Tony and the second I know what’s going on, I’ll inform you okay.”

Rachel nodded, knowing she was just getting in the way. She ran over to Lucy who’d gone into a trace like state and squeezed her hand gently. “Lucy I’m looking after your girls so you don’t need to worry about them okay. You’re safe here” she emphasised before stepping out of the way and heading towards the waiting room. She slowed down her pace as she saw Tony sitting with his arm around Sophia whilst the youngest one lay with her head on his lap as she slept peacefully.

“Hey” she mumbled, wiping her hands over her face in an effort to rid it of the tear stains and blotchy patches.

“Hey you okay, is she…” he looked up at her, his eyes full of concern as he tried to find out Lucy’s condition without frightening her daughter.

“They’re looking after her” Rachel smiled sadly, “they thought it was best that I waited out here.”

“That’s probably a good idea” he nodded in agreement, reaching his hand out to squeeze her reassuringly. “I know it’s hard but…”

“Yeah yeah I know” she whispered. She wasn’t used to being in this position, waiting in a busy room with people chatting excitedly around her as if they didn’t have a care in the world without knowing what was going on. It was a position she hated, which led her to the conclusion that not only were doctors the worst patients, but the worst relatives to. It was silly really, Lucy wasn’t actually a relative; she hardly even knew her. But her situation…it was just too close to home.

“Thank you for taking care of the girls” she smiled, her heart warming at how easily they’d taken to Tony.

“Oh it’s no problem” he waved off, “I’m just sorry that I haven’t been able to be there for you.”

“Me? I’m fine” she insisted, amused by the unbelieving look Tony faced her with. “I am. It’s just…” Her attention was disturbed as she saw a blurry image move suddenly out of the corner of her eye causing a violent rush of sickness to rip through her.

“How dare he” she spat as she jumped up from her chair and raced towards resus, ignoring Tony’s pleas for her to ignore him. She knew she should but she couldn’t control the anger which was raging through her and a need to protect Lucy was driving her emotions. It was something she wished she’d had; someone to protect her.

“What the hell are you doing here” she screamed as she interrupted his frantic conversation with one of the nurses.

“You again” he seethed, rolling his eyes. “Are you responsible for this?”

“Responsible for what exactly?” Rachel questioned; her hands on her hips as she attempted to trick him into admitting what he’d done. She could feel her entire body shaking but didn’t let it deter her as she stood her ground and looked him directly in the eye.

“This is none of your business” he tutted as he pushed her to the side and placed his hands either side of the nurse, forcing her to look at him. “Tell me where my wife is” he screamed.

“Get your hands off of my staff” Rachel demanded as she grabbed his wrist confidently but he turned immediately and gripped her, causing her to flinch.

“You need to stay out of…”

“What you’ve done is disgusting do you know that” Rachel interrupted, ignoring the throbbing pain in her wrist caused by his tight grip. “You have hurt your wife in the most despicable way and your unborn child…how can you sleep at night” she shrieked, her eyes increasingly bloodshot as tears of anger and frustration forced their way through her body. “You don’t deserve her and you don’t deserve your kids.”

“How dare you” he spat. “I have no idea what you’re accusing me of doctor but whatever it is…”

“You know exactly what I’m accusing you of” she screamed, pulling her hand away from him. “And you need to leave my emergency unit right this second or I will have security escort you off of the premises.”

“You have no power over me” he laughed, the veins bulging in his neck; a look which Rachel recognised well. She felt her heart thudding violently in her chest and the room become blurry momentarily. “I will see my wife and there is nothing you can do to stop me” he whispered.

“Don’t threaten me” she shouted, aware of the attention she was causing. “Do you have any idea how much you have hurt her…”

Tony winced as he heard Rachel’s distressed voice echoing down the corridor. His natural instincts were telling him to run and be with her but knowing she’d entrusted him with the care of Lucy’s daughters he couldn’t leave. But as Lucy’s husband’s voice began to rise in pitch and volume he couldn’t take it any more and grabbed the opportunity to leave when he saw Julie walking past.

“Julie, can you just watch these two for a second, I won’t be long I promise” Tony begged as he ran towards resus, not even waiting for her reply. His heart rate increased as he heard other voices becoming involved and he just hoped Rachel wouldn’t be angry with him for interfering.

“Will someone please just show me where my wife is” the superintendent yelled as he headed towards the double doors behind him, determined to try each room until he found her. As Rachel saw him lift his hand she forced herself in between him and the door, trying to ignore the queasy feeling it was causing.

“I said I will call security and I meant it” she bravely warned, pointing her finger at him.

“You can’t do anything to stop me” he grinned, grabbing her wrist once again. He felt a sense of pleasure when he saw her eyes flicker with a cloud of fear and her face pale.

“Get your hands off her” Tony screamed as he sped over to them, shocked by the distressed state he found Rachel in. Putting his hand on the superintendent’s chest he shoved him away and placed his other arm around Rachel.

“I think you should take her outside” Dr Bentos suggested as he attempted to diffuse the situation. He turned to face Lucy’s husband and promised he’d take him to her as

soon as she’d finished being treated.

“No don’t” Rachel screamed, tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks. “Please don’t, he hurt her, he did this to her” she rambled as she tried to resist Tony’s attempt at moving her away. “He killed their baby.”

“She’s lying” the superintendent insisted. “I’ve been at work all day how could I? My colleagues will vouch for me. What's happened?”

“Come on” Tony soothed, “let’s get some fresh air” he suggested as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her towards the door.

“No Tony I can’t” she insisted, “they can’t let him in to see her.”

“You’ve done everything you can, I’m sure when they speak to Lucy she’ll let them know she doesn’t want to see him. Come on.” He took her hand and pulled her reluctantly away from him, watching her shiver as the superintendent glared at her whilst she walked away.

As soon as they stepped outside into the cold air Rachel began to sob, a reaction which shocked Tony. He knew she’d been worried about Lucy as he imagined any doctor would, but seeing her so emotionally involved concerned him.

“Hey it’s okay” he soothed as he put himself in front of her and wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her close. He could feel her entire body shaking and his t-shirt quickly became soaked by her intense outpouring of tears. He kissed her hair softly and stroked her back as he tried to calm her down but her breathing was erratic and her fingernails were digging into his shoulder. “Just try and calm your breathing down” he advised, whispering in her ear. As she slowly began to regain her composure he took her hand and led her to a nearby wall so that she could sit down.

“Rach, I understand why you’re angry with him, trust me I do” Tony treaded carefully, not wanting to make her angry. “But surely you shouldn’t be…getting so involved” he hesitantly added. “I’m only saying this because I’m worried about you, it’s not because I think you’re doing anything wrong.”

“No it’s okay, I know I’ve been getting too involved” she sniffed, smiling gratefully as he passed her a tissue. “I just, I can’t stay away. I’m afraid for her.”

“But you’re her doctor Rach, not her friend. There’s only so much you can do” he advised, desperately praying that she would step back from it now. Seeing the superintendent threaten her like he did frightened Tony, he knew what a dangerous man he was and didn’t want Rachel involved in any way.

“This whole situation, it’s just…it’s” Rachel hesitated. She’d never had to speak about her experience before. It was something she dealt with by pushing it to the back of her mind and she knew deep down that she wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. Especially not to Tony. She didn’t want him to think differently of her.

“There is a reason that I’ve been…looking out for Lucy more than I would other patients” she began, avoiding his eyes for fear of him changing her mind. “But it’s something that I’m not ready to talk about yet. I want to tell you I do but I can’t, not yet. I will though” she promised, finally moving her eyes up to his. “Is that okay?”

She watched as his eyes flickered between concern, confusion and disappointment. “Rach I’m not going to force you to open up about something you’re not ready to do. But if it’s something that’s distressing you this much then maybe you need to…”

“No I can’t” Rachel shook, her voice becoming high pitched and her hand pulling away from his as the idea of speaking about it again made her feel violently sick.

“Okay, that’s okay” he soothed, pulling both of her hands into his. “I just want you to be able to trust me and know that you can talk to me at anytime.”

“I do trust you” she smiled, “and I will tell you. Just not right now.” She breathed deeply as her mind tried to process everything that just happened and as Tony reached forward and held her to his chest again she felt a sense of safety wash over her. She didn’t know what she was going to do now; she’d reacted too quickly and now Lucy’s husband knew that she was aware of what she’d been doing. She felt stupid. But what frightened her more than anything was that Lucy’s trust in her might have been broken, something she knew would stop her from being able to help anymore. All she could do was pray that losing the baby would be the driving force in ensuring Lucy finally spoke up about her abuse and that she could finally escape from the hell mirrored life she’d been living in for so much of her life.

Preview:

Rachel is threatened by Superintendent Reynolds

Tony is angry at Jack's betrayal and so takes matters into his own hands

[HighwayUnicorn]

Again, so sensitively dealt with & beautifully written.

I hope Lucy accepts help soon though.

Like I said last time, you really are approaching this perfectly.

The way you are writing this & dealing with this topic is fantastic.

& as I said before, even now, it's 2011 & domestic abuse still occurs yet hardly anyone talks about it.

& the fact that Lucy's husband raped her as well - that's still never mentioned these days.

I just hope that Rachel can help Lucy (without getting hurt in the process).

I love the conversation she had with Tony as well. & I loved his protectiveness of Rachel too.

Beautifully written, well done. I look forward to more.

Love Carina xxx

[Red Ranger 1]

Another great chapter.Lucy's husband really is a frightening and repellant individual, you've captured that feeling well.And I get the feeling she'll be too frightened to stand up to him.Liked Tony standing up for Rachel.Looking forward to more of this.