THE PATH YOU CHOOSE

APRIL 11TH
ST HUGH'S - 4:15 PM

"That the lot, then?" Dave asked, as he took the last bag and bunch of flowers from Polly.

"Looks like it! I can't believe I used to fit in to all this stuff!" She whined, pulling at the waistband of her now far too tight jeans.

"Give it a few weeks, Poll." Dave smiled half-heartedly. Sometimes women can be so paranoid about their weight!

After two days, it was finally time to go home. Dave had made at least four trips out to the car with cards, flowers and gifts but it was now down to the three of them. Samantha was observing the scene calmly from her capsule as Polly did a final check of the room, before taking the capsule in one hand and following her husband out into the corridor.

"Polly, wait up!" Dave turned and stopped her.

"What's up?" She asked, just wanting to get home.

"Let me get all this stuff into the car first, I'll be back." He smiled teasingly, she knew he was up to something. As Dave headed back towards the exit, Polly turned making her way back to her room to wait. She wasn't paying much attention until she heard her name being called frantically.

"Polly, Polly, Polly!" The young girl beamed delightedly. Turning quickly, Polly's face took on an expression of surprise and despondence as she recognised the child. It was Lisa George.

"Whoa, Lisa, hi." Polly put the capsule down on the ground as she bent down to hug the little girl.

"I knew I'd see you again. My mum said I couldn't, but I knew I would." The child boasted happily.

"Course you would. What are you doing here?" Polly smiled, looking around for where the child had come from.

"My auntie had a baby, and my mum and me came to see her." The bright seven year old answered, noticing the capsule next to Polly.

"Is that your baby?" She asked, bending over the infant.

"Sure is, Lisa. Her name's Samantha." Polly answered, carefully replacing the dummy that had fallen out of Sammy's mouth.

"Lisa! Lisa, where -?" Mrs George had come out of the room, looking for her daughter.

"Mum, it's Polly. I found her!" Lisa explained, bouncing between the two women. Mrs George found it awkward around the police woman. She felt so responsible, but yet extremely grateful, that she never knew how to act.

"Yes, you did." The woman finally spoke, forcing a small smile. The moments that passed seemed to drag on for hours, until Lisa broke the silence, announcing to her mother:

"Look, Mum. Polly has a baby too!" She took the infant's had gently, introducing herself.

"Congratulations." Mrs George muttered, doing the math in her head.

"Thanks. How's Lisa been doing?" Polly asked, feeling ready to bring up the subject.

"A lot better. It took her a while to get back to school and all, but everyone's been fantastic with her." Mrs George paused, having calculated nine months back from April.

"I'm glad. She's an amazing child, Mrs George." Polly smiled, watching the seven year old have a serious conversation with the drooling baby.

"When was your daughter born?" Mrs George continued, looking from the capsule to Polly.

"Two days ago. It certainly puts a different light on everything." Polly smiled, noticing Dave come up the corridor armed with a video camera.

"Lisa, come on, say goodbye. Miss Page is going home." Mrs George reached for her daughter's hand. Lisa stood up reluctantly waving goodbye to the baby. Dave approached just as Lisa was hugging Polly. He too recognised the child immediately and smiled warmly at Mrs George.

"Oh, so that's why you made me wait." Polly laughed as Dave showed her his new toy.

"Course." He grinned back, filming his daughter proudly. Lisa's eyebrows met in a definite scowl.

"Who is he?" She spoke, not leaving Polly's side.

"It's ok Lisa, that's Dave. He's my husband." Polly answered, realising that Lisa was just being protective.

"Congratulations again then." Mrs George smiled brightly this time, feeling a lot more comfortable. She took her daughter's hand and led her back towards the ward, as Polly and Dave continued down the hallway.

APRIL 30TH
SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 5:50 AM

"Dave, you look exhausted." Tony greeted the yawning man as Dave stumbled through the door into the locker room.

"Sam woke us up six times last night. Six! We've tried taking it in turns, but it's hopeless." He grumbled, trying to figure out which way to take off his jacket.

"How much sleep did you end up getting?" Tony continued, combing his hair back and adjusting his tie.

"Let's see. From about twelve to one, then fifteen, another twenty�All in all, about two hours." Dave stared down at his tie, not sure where to start.

"Here. Don't worry, Dave, she'll settle down. How's Poll coping?" Tony consoled, clipping his tie on for him.

"Getting less sleep than I am. I don't know how she manages." He answered as they closed their lockers.

"Is she coming back eventually?"

"Yeah, she wants to. We're not rushing into it this time though. Not until we get Sammy settled down." Dave responded, following Tony out of the locker room.

"Must be a shock to the system. Trading in a baton for a bottle." Tony chuckled, as they collected varying members of the relief along the way to briefing.

"How's it going, Dave?" Vicky smiled, patting his shoulder. He managed an exhausted grunt.

"That good, eh?" Vicky laughed.

"Too many women in his life, Vicks. They're keeping him up at night." Tony finished holding the briefing room door open for Dave.

MAY 12TH
SHOPPING CENTRE - 1:30 PM

"Now, Sammy. What would your Daddy like for dinner? Chicken? Exactly." Polly placed the carton of chicken strips into the trolley, as she spoke to her daughter. She continued down the aisle casually placing other required items into the basket.

"What? No, I won't forget Max's food." Polly chose the puppy food the dog needed and dropped that in as well.

"I think that's it, Sam." She sighed, making her way towards the checkout.

"Polly? Polly!" She turned as she heard her name.

"Andy!" Immediately recognising Andrea Robson, one of her best friends from high school, Polly made her way towards the woman, engulfing her in a hug.

"It's so good to see you!" The short, brown haired woman squealed, releasing Polly from the hug.

"What you doing here? I though you were in Birmingham!" They had maintained contact until about two years ago.

"I am. I'm just down here visiting me parents." Andrea had moved away six years ago when she was married.

"Fancy running into you! How long you staying?" Polly asked, as they continued towards the check-out together.

"Only til tomorrow. You doing anything this afternoon?" Andrea wanted to catch up. Noticing the infant in the trolley and the wedding ring on Polly's finger, she'd obviously missed out on a lot.

"Nothing. You wanna come back to my place for awhile?" Polly eagerly asked.

"Sure! Ok if I bring the gang?" Andrea gestured to her impatient five year old boy and six month old baby.

"Course. This must be Damien. But who's this?" Polly smiled, addressing the two children in turn.

"Louise. And the one with the hair?" Andrea giggled, running her hand through Samantha's thick hair.

"Samantha. The hair's another story." Polly replied. They had by that time, paid for their shopping and were making their way out towards Andrea's car.

"Where abouts do you live?" She asked.

"42 Asholm Street, but follow me." Polly hugged her once again before returning to her car and settling Samantha in.

SUN HILL POLICE STATION: BRIEFING ROOM - 2:00 PM

"561 and 361 sierra 1, 595 and 218 sierra 85, 432 beat twelve and 340 front office." Sergeant Cryer completed the postings as Andrew Monroe entered the room boldly.

"Sir, would you like to speak with them?" Bob asked as Andrew nodded and confronted the group.

"No doubt you are all fully aware of the break down in communication that may have resulted in injury being caused to two officers." Andrew began, as Luke lowered his head.

"This is not an isolated incident, merely the straw that broke the camel's back. Now, after much thought, I have decided that it would be beneficial to this relief if we were all to attend a team building retreat. It will last for three days and two nights commencing June third. Complete details will be posted on the notice board along with requirements and dorm allocations." He paused, interrupted by sighing and groaning.

"Also, there's a compulsory talent night element you must all participate in, so get your heads together and come up with some amusing ideas." He concluded, thanking Bob and making his way out of the room.

Bob observed the groups that had unconsciously formed: Tony, Dave, George and Luke were laughing and suggestively pulling at their jackets, Reg was scribbling down quiz questions and Deb and Vicky were killing themselves with hysterics as they watched Sam and Gary imitating Rod Skase and John Boulton.

June Ackland was shaking her head in disbelief as she smiled at the scene.

"Alright you lot, settle down. Save the rehearsing for the retreat, we've got a city to police." Bob responded, pleased that they had reacted positively to the exercise.

POLLY AND DAVE'S FLAT - 2:10 PM

"You'll have to ignore the mess. I haven't quite figured out how to juggle housework, a puppy and a baby yet!" Polly apologised as she brought Andrea into the living room.

"You kidding? Darling, you never figure it out. Just pretend you do!"

They spent a few minutes organising the children before getting down to the conversation.

"You start." Polly smiled, placing the hot cups of tea on the table.

"Nothing's changed much. Still with Martin, going on seven years now. Louise was born last October and it's pretty much just gone on as usual. You, on the other hand, where do I start? Ok, husband?

Andrea sipped her tea slowly, waiting for a response.

"Married three months yesterday. His name's Dave. Dave Quinnan. He's in the job too. I've known him for years, but well, we kinda broadened the relationship about nine months ago after too much to drink at a friend's birthday party. It sorta went on from there." Polly answered, smiling as Andrea's face lit up.

"Poll, you naughty thing. Didn't your mother ever have that talk with you about alcohol and sex? Tut, tut." Andrea giggled, although a tad surprised. Of all the people they'd known at high school, Polly was the last one Andrea thought would get knocked-up after a one night stand.

"Yeah, I just didn't listen. Anyway, they let me stay at work right through which was great. I would've gone nuts with nothing to do!" Polly finished, awaiting the next question.

"Right through til Samantha was born? That's good. I had to leave after five months." Andrea replied, having worked as a counsellor.

"Good, except that it resulted in Sammy being born at the nick!" It's a long story, but there was a hold-up and a bunch of us were locked in cells for hours. I'm guessing Sammy wanted to make the situation more interesting." Polly explained, watching Andrea's eye's widen.

"My God, that would've been horrible." Andrea responded, glad that she'd had her two in the comfort and safety of a maternity ward.

"Yes, but luckily there were no complications." Polly answered, forcing herself to brush over it.

"So, any idea when you'll get back to work, or gonna leave it awhile?" Andrea continued, not picking up on Polly's reluctance to go into Sam's birth.

"No, hopefully in a few weeks when I get everything sorted out a bit." Polly answered honestly.

"How's work been going? Still got that determination about it all?" Andrea remembered only too well Polly's eagerness to join the force. She'd driven everyone nuts with details.

"Fine, I mean, it'll be good to get back to it. I'm not sure I really comprehended the change Sammy was would make to my life at the time." Polly spoke seriously.

"I know. They steal your life, but you get theirs, so it kinda balances out." Andrea looked down at her contented son, playing with building blocks on the floor.

"I suppose you're right. I just don't think I was quite done with mine." Polly replied.

"You're what? Thirty? That's not too young. Anyway, once they get to his age, you get some of it back again, unless you do as I did and get pregnant again!" She laughed, finishing her drink.

She'd felt a strange dynamic that hadn't been there been in their friendship before. Polly no longer had the innocent bubbliness she had back at school. She had a degree of conservatism that Andrea had not seen before.

"I'm not planning on that for quite sometime. I mean, this was an accident that just happened to have some positive consequences." Polly supplied, taking empty cups out to the kitchen, Andrea trailing behind.

"Nice." She spoke approvingly, noticing the various photos lining the hallway.

"That was our wedding, would you believe it! In the station and all!" Polly giggled, pointing out other pictures.

"Nup. This has to be my favourite." Andrea replied, noticing the photo that Dave had given Polly for her birthday.

"Isn't it great." Polly laughed.

"Never understood the appeal of that job, Poll. Putting your safety on the line at every corner." Andrea spoke her opinion, not realising the thin ice she was treading on.

"I know." Polly muttered, rinsing out the cups.

"Jeez, the stuff you hear about. I mean, just a few months back there was that story about the female officer getting attacked and -" Andrea looked up startled, hearing the cup fall to the ground and smash.

"Poll?" She looked up at her friend, who was staring blankly down at the broken cup on the floor.

"You, you heard about that?" Polly spoke hastily as she carefully bent down to retrieve the broken pieces.

"Yeah. While back now though. Weren't many details. Some police woman was raped." Andrea was surprised Polly hadn't heard about it.

"You must have been told. Apparently it caused a huge uproar in the Met, regarding the safety of officers on the beat." Andrea suddenly realised that it probably would've been a bit of a scare to all the W.P.C.'s. She probably shouldn't have brought it up.

"I'm sorry, Poll. Didn't think as usual. Must've been a shock for all you lot. I mean, police women cop enough flack about their suitability for -" She was cut off by Polly's choked whisper.

"It was me, Andrea." She looked up, not sure what Polly meant.

"You?" Andrea replied blankly.

"I was the W.P.C. who was attacked." Polly made her way towards the table, taking a seat. Andrea followed, only just catching on.

"You? Polly?� It was�I didn't know�"Andrea trailed off, sitting in the chair across from Polly, not knowing how to react.

"Most of London does. You must have read a filtered version, without names." Polly muttered, refusing to break down.

"It was mentioned in a few papers, I remembered because it was so shocking and I knew you were in the job down here. I'm sorry, Poll, I shouldn't have brought it up." Andrea consoled, feeling guilty.

"No, in a way, I'm glad you did. Saves me having to find a way to tell you and also gives me an idea of how many people know." Polly finished, looking up expectantly.

"Polly, I'm sure not many people noticed it. I just looked deliberately." She tried to brush over it, but suddenly phrases like 'gang-raped over police radio', 'abducted' and 'severe physical injuries' played through her mind. Trying to remember the time frame, Andrea realised it was just before Louise had been born. Polly must have been pregnant.

"I know. It doesn�t matter anyway. It's a good idea for the public to be told, so they can take measures to ensure their safety." Polly replied bluntly.

"Polly, it was a few months back. Were you pregnant?" Andrea asked, suddenly spooked by the alternative possibility, praying that it wasn't true. Polly nodded her head slowly.

"Only just." She whispered before they were interrupted by a crying infant.

"It's Louise." Andrea muttered as she smoothly stood and proceeded to the bedroom.

SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 5:30 PM

June sighed as she opened the door into the front office. She let out a sigh and gently lifted the newspaper off the sleeping man's chest.

"Dave?" She whispered, feeling sorry for him.

"What� no, huh?" He woke suddenly, looking around confused.

"It's June." She whispered, as Dave worked out where he was.

"Sarge, I'm sorry. I just, I didn't mean to fall asleep, but�" He trailed off, straightening up the desk.

"I know. Listen. Go get yourself a strong cuppa, I'll look after things here." She smiled softly as he slowly headed towards the door.

"Thanks." He muttered, leaving the room.

Stumbling into the canteen, Dave got his drink and joined Tony and George at a table.

"Mate, hate to say it, but you look dreadful." George consoled, noticing the bags under Dave's eyes and the yawn crossing his face.

"So I've been told." He grumbled, daring to sip the coffee.

"That'll teach you to get plastered at parties." Tony chuckled, the aftermath of Deb's party being a standard joke among uniform now.

"Never again, I promise." He chuckled forcing a weak smile, eyebrows meeting at the dreadful taste of the coffee.

"Oh, did you hear? We're getting a new plonk. Some young thing from up north." George informed the two officers.

"Yeah, heard that floating around. Becky, I heard her name was. Rebecca Roberts. She'll be here by the retreat, I think. They plan on using it as an introduction for her." Tony responded keenly.

"Can't wait!" George brightened, grinning from ear to ear.

"Forget it. I get first go." Tony cut him off sternly.

"Knock it off, you two. Believe me, it's not worth it!" Dave moaned, his head lowering to the table in exhaustion.

POLLY AND DAVE'S FLAT

"We'll be sure to keep in touch this time." Polly smiled as she hugged Andrea, who was laden down with capsule, baby bags and an energetic five year old.

"Promise. Shame I won't get to meet Dave. Be sure to pass on my regards." She kissed Polly on the cheek before heading off towards her car. Closing the door after her, Polly turned around to survey the state of the flat. Shopping bags cluttered the table, building blocks and stuffed animals littered the lounge room and cups and plates covered the sink.

Twenty minutes or so later, just when Polly thought she could finally get a few hours rest, a familiar wailing began.

"Ok, Sam, it's ok." Polly picked the screaming infant out of her crib and tried to settle her down. From what she'd heard from Andrea, Sam was a easy baby, as far as they went.

"What would be worse, Sammy? I literally wouldn't function on any less sleep. I hope your Daddy's alright at work. You really shouldn't do that to him. If he doesn�t get enough sleep, he can't work. How about you and me make a deal? You limit us to three awakenings tonight and we'll visit your grandparents tomorrow? Deal? Good." Polly smiled down at the gurgling baby.

"What? Oh, sorry, one feed coming right up." She laughed at the now clean and dry baby looking expectantly up at her.

SUN HILL POLICE STATION

Dave, having thrown cold water over his face in a desperate attempt to wake up, returned to the front office.

"Bit better?" June asked sympathetically, patting his shoulder.

"Thanks Sarge, I'll survive. As long as she doesn't do it again tonight." He smiled gratefully at June.

"She better not. You'll have to get Poll to bring her in. This lot can't wait." She continued.

"Will do."

"Oh, I was just wondering. The retreat next month. Does Poll wanna come along?" June asked awkwardly, not really sure what was happening about Polly's return to work.

"I'll ask her about it. I think it would be good for her. Give her a bit of a break and all. Sam should be able to stay with her grandparents." Dave brightened up.

"How is she?" June spoke this sentence seriously and directly. Dave paused, about to give the typical reply. He took a breath and considered his response.

"She's coping with the change really well, I think. I mean, we're both exhausted, but it seems to be good for her. She plans to come back of course, but I'm not sure when." Dave sighed, feeling guilty that he was the one who got to work.

"Tell her Vicky and Deb want her back, as do we all. When she's ready this time." June spoke sternly, but compassionately.

"I will, Sarge. Thanks for the break though." He smiled, as June left the front office.

MAY 14TH
SUN HILL POLICE STATION - 1:45 PM

"Dave, that's too much!" Polly laughed as he adjusted the ribbon in his daughter's hair.

"They won't see it under the hat." He replied, carefully fitting the miniature W.P.C. hat on her head. They'd decided that for Sam's first appearance it'd be appropriate for her to wear the present from Tony: tiny black trousers, white shirt complete with epaulettes and the little hat.

They made their way towards the front of the station, Dave carrying the empty capsule and baby bag as Polly perfected her daughter's appearance.

"Afternoon, Tony." Dave smiled cheerfully at Tony as they approached the front desk.

"Ay ay, what we got here then?" He smiled at Polly and Sam.

"How ya been, Tone?" Polly asked.

"Same old, same old. Doing me best to conceal Dave's chronic fatigue syndrome." He introduced himself seriously to the observant child.

Promising to catch up on their way out, Polly and Dave proceeded into the station, heading for the briefing room.

Dave stuck his head in the door first, noticing that briefing hadn't quite commenced yet. He entered, followed by Poll and Sam, everyone gradually turning and the room quickly filling with excited chatter and buzzing.

"Ohhh, look at the little epaulettes!" Debbie squealed delightedly.

"And that hat!" contributed Cass as they crowded around the baby.