Where I Belong
"Wow, no wonder you're all so shaken." Said Zoe after Max had finished explaining to her about how Jeff had died.
Max nodded. "That's why Connie needed you back, Zow... The team needs you." He said, gazing at her.
The pair were sat in the peace garden at the back of the hospital, the warm Summer breeze blowing gently.
"I figured that out.. She called me back for her, too."
"Ah, the Hayley Blake case?" Max questioned.
Zoe nodded. "Yeah, I can't say too much but she's really not coping."
"Ah." Max nodded. "And you?"
Her eyes met his, he held her gaze.
Tears filled Zoe's eyes, and she began to cry.
"Hey hey, shh, it's okay." Max said, holding his arms out in case she wanted a hug.
The consultant immediately accepted the hug, burying her face in his shoulder. He held her close, rubbing her back, soothing her.
She drew back a little after a few minutes. "I'm s-sorry." She gasped, struggling to breathe.
"What for? You don't have anything to be sorry about." Max soothed, gazing at her. Tears were running down her face, her makeup was smudged-to him, she still looked beautiful.
"I'm sorry for leaving you." She apologised. "When I was away, I lay awake many a night wishing that I was snuggled up, safe in your arms. I missed you so much." She said, and started crying .
"Shh." He pulled her close again, rubbing her back. "I missed you too, Zoe. So much." He closed his eyes and rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Really?" She mumbled against him.
"Of course I did." He smiled tenderly. "Zoe..." He gently lifted her chin up in order for her to look at him.
"Yes?" She sniffed.
"If you'd like, we can make another go of things. Properly, this time."
"As partners?"
"Yeah, if you'd like."
Zoe beamed at him. "I'd like that, very much." She said.
"Good." Max said, leaning into kiss her.
Zoe smiled and kissed him back, her arms looping around his neck.
"Happier now?" The porter asked after they broke apart.
"Definitely." Zoe confirmed.
"Our shift has ended now, how about a walk to the beach?" Max asked, his eyes searching hers.
"Yes please." She grinned, giving him a peck on the lips. "I'll go and get my bag and then we'll go, yeah?"
"Okay." Max smiled.
A few minutes later...
"Hi." Zoe greeted Max as she stepped out of the ED.
"Ready?" He asked.
"Yep." She said.
Max held his hand out for her to take. Zoe did so, and Max gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"I've missed this beach." Zoe announced. She let go of Max's hand for a moment to remove her shoes. She then stepped onto the sand. "Come on." She said to Max, holding her own hand out this time for him to take.
He took it, and the couple walked along the beach.
"Max..." Zoe said, stopping and turning to look at him.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I love you." She said, gazing at him. "I love you so much. I was going to tell you before I left, but you got there first." She chuckled, taking his other hand in hers. "So, what I'm saying is, I love you too. I love you so much that my heart could burst with love for you."
"Zoe..." Max smiled. "I don't know what to say, other than I feel the same."
"Really?" She grinned, her smile a mile wide, lighting up her face.
"Of course I do. Come here." He said, pulling her into a hug.
Zoe sighed happily, relaxing into his embrace. She was finally, truly, happy with the man whom she loved.
They stayed like that for a while, content in each other's company. They were at peace with the world, because they were back where they belonged-in each other's arms, with their soul mate.
The End :) x
