The Outbreak (The Nursery Nurse)

Twenty Two

Mia was kneeling on the floor, shoving things into a suitcase when she heard movement behind her.

"What are you doing?" Reece asked confused as he watched her.

She barely turned her head to acknowledge him, "What does it look like I'm doing." She huffed bluntly as she shovelled more things inside.

Reece moved forward so he was next to her now, "Mia." His tone was concerned.

She got up and walked towards the wardrobe, opening it up and looking through the hung up outfits inside, "Don't Reece."

He looked down and studied the things inside with a frown.

Mia picked a few things from the hangers and hurried back to the suitcase, she shoved the remaining things inside and zipped it up.

"I need to get Char out of here, I need to get out of here." She said, her tone rushed and low.

Reece raised his hand and placed it on the back of her shoulder, she froze.

"Let's talk about it first?" He asked gently.

She shook her head and slowly stood, her back turned.

"It's not safe out there, where will you go?" He said slowly.

She tensed slightly before sucking in a deep breath, "I know a place, it's not far from here, she just needs some time out."

Reece could sense the frailness of her tone and he simply waited for her to continue.

"I don't know what else to do, I don't know how to help her." She whispered and before she knew it she could feel the tears as they fell.

Reece moved his hand and guided her back towards himself, she stared up at him for a second before he pulled her into his arms.

She began to cry, for the first time in a long time. She would never let this happen with anybody else.

She hated Reece for his unexplained safe presence. He was familiar to her.

He patiently waited for her to regain composure, she stepped backwards and wiped away her tears profusely.

"Oh god, you and your damn warmth." She chuckled sadly as she looked away, taking a deep breath.

Reece smiled slightly before it faltered he looked down to the suitcase and contemplated, "Maybe you're right, a change of scenery will be good for her, for both of you."

Mia looked back to him and nodded.

"You're sure it's safe?" He asked suspiciously.

"I wouldn't take her there if it wasn't." She replied quietly.

Reece sighed, "You'll be back though right? You're not leaving." He said cautiously.

Mia smirked slightly, "Don't give me ideas."

She picked up the suitcase and began to walk out the room.

"Mia." He said quickly.

She stopped.

"Merry Christmas." He whispered.

-

Mia kneeled next to the bed and placed a hand on her girlfriend's face, Charlotte opened her eyes, her expression frozen.

"Morning baby, I've got a gift for you." She whispered.

She watched as Charlottes eyes lit up briefly, "What is it?" She asked, her voice hoarse and broken.