Chapter 1
When faced with the option to go and celebrate New Year's Eve with the rest of the staff at Holby, Lofty had thought it a good idea at the time. His reasoning was that his friends wanted him to be there and it was only right he accompany them when they asked so nicely for him to join them. The only problem with this decision was the immense guilt that followed, when Dylan had innocently told Lofty he was welcome to join himself and Dervla for a quiet night in with a takeaway to welcome the New Year. It had sounded perfect to Lofty when Dylan mentioned the idea, the thought of him eating Chinese food watching mediocre Friday night television before counting down to the fireworks, with the doctor who was now quite frankly his favourite within the ED. It sent a buzz down the nurse's spine thinking of how nice the evening would be. This buzz then disappeared immediately when he realised he had already made plans with the others.
"Oh I – I really would love to… but I kind of promised Robyn I'd go out with her and the others…" Lofty had hesitated. Dylan's face went from hopeful to understanding in an instant, but Lofty knew the doctor was disappointed.
"Oh no that's completely fine, don't worry about it. I hope you enjoy it, Ben." Dylan had half smiled, putting on a brave face to give the impression he didn't mind at all. Who was he kidding? Of course Dylan minded. Aside from Zoe, Lofty was the only colleague in the ED who he could confide in, who he could genuinely call a friend. He was ashamed how reliant he was on the younger nurse's company, but didn't know how to handle it.
"You should come with me! I – um – I – I mean you should come with us… it could be fun – the team has been through so much this year, it would be good if we're all there?" Lofty screwed his face up at his weak attempt at convincing the other man. Dylan merely shook his head in amusement.
"Oh no, not really my thing. Given my reputation, I'm sure I would find a way to put a damper on the occasion… it's best if I just leave them to it." He sighed, checking his watch for the time.
"Anyway, I better get going. Dervla will almost certainly get the hump with me if I'm late to pick her up again." Dylan moaned, giving Lofty a nod before turning away towards the ED exit.
"Happy New Year, Ben." The doctor half smiled, giving a slight wave as he walked. Lofty stood watching him go, still consumed with the feeling of guilt for turning Dylan down. Suddenly, he realised he had not replied to Dylan, but he barely uttered a "Happ-" before an exuberant Robyn bounded out of the ED and jumped in front of him, snatching his attention away.