I love strange and somewhat random pairings - and for some reason I was inspired to write this after tonight's episode. As usual I love reviews and am grateful for anyone who reads this.
"Ms Naylor? Ms Naylor?" Jac heard the soft innocent voice of the young nurse, but she desperately tried to ignore it. She was huddled in the stairwell, nestled within the secure confines of her grey Holby hoodie while simultaneously trying to ignore the war which was being waged in her abdomen. She heard a scuffling beside her as the nurse seated herself. Jac raised her head slightly, looking at the younger woman.
"Can I help you" she asked, her tone acidic and biting. She watched as the young nurse's face fell. She was innocent and naïve, and to an extent that annoyed Jac. The annoyance stemmed from jealousy. She couldn't even remember a time when she had processed those traits, let alone being able to carry them in to adulthood. She couldn't help but wonder, how much easier life would be if viewed through those rose coloured glasses.
"I just wanted to make sure you were ok" The young nurse answered, feeling slightly put out by the harsh tone of her senior. But she wasn't going to just leave. She couldn't do that. She could see the pain in the doctors eyes, in the way she was hunched over.
"Well I'm fine" The doctor bit back, drawing in a shuddering breath as a wave of pain swept over her abdomen. She was riding it out. Her painkillers were in her office draw, she'd been fine for so many days she'd been complacent and stopped carrying a strip in her pocket. It was stupid. And now she was stuck here, she didn't want people to see her in pain as she tried to get to the safety of her office, nor did she feel quite up to moving.
"I can tell when someone is lying" The nurse answered, her lips turning downwards in to a frown. It looked out of place on her face. She had one of those faces that was designed to be smiling and happy. Unhappiness looked out of place on her. Jac knew her own face was different, her face was set for sharp, stern looks designed to put the fear of god in to people. The young nurse's face was meant to bring sunshine.
"It's not any of your business nurse Lane" Jac retorted. The nurse shook her head. Normally she would have felt small and weak under the harsh gaze of the flame haired consultant, but in that moment she didn't. She was sure that later on she'd be left shaking by the encounter but right now she felt strong.
"Maybe but I can tell pain when I see it" Chantelle responded, watching as Jac tried to regain control. As her face contorted with pain and then relaxed a little as it lessened. The way she tried to alter her breathing as if she was trying to fight it, pain like everything should have been scared to bother Jac Naylor.
"It's fine" Jac breathed slowly and steadily, trying to sound much calmer than she felt. She couldn't deal with this right now. Sympathy and pity was not something she coped well with, particularly not from this over-grown child. Needing to get away, Jac pushed herself up from the stair, gripping the bannister rail as she tried to gain her balance. She could feel the nurses eyes on her.
Jac turned, trying to escape the gaze. She took a slow step, her grip tightening on the bannister. She closed her eyes for a second, trying to squeeze the pain away. She breathed slowly and deeply. But the strangled cry escaped her lips before she could stop it. The pain intensifying, causing her to bend forward.
"So this is fine?" Chantelle asked, slowly shifting in to a standing position. Gently, she guided Jac back down on to the step, feeling the weight of the consultant against her body. She could feel the resistance in Jac, but still she moved with her. Until they were once again sitting side by side.