As Elliot walked away from him, Joseph felt bile rising in his throat. Why should he have to treat Jac? Couldn't his mentor do it? After all that had happened over the last week, surely he deserved a bit of a break from the other registrar? Their history should have counted for something – there must be some form of a doctor-patient legislation referring to that...
*
Forced to, Joseph treated Jac. As she spoke to him, he could feel his blood beginning to boil. She had no right to be so nosy, especially considering that that was what put her in the hospital in the first place. He did not mean for the words about his and Faye's engagement to slip out, but they did. A part of him wanted to get back at her and, subconsciously, he guessed that was the best way. Yet it took his mind back to the days when they had been together; her face full of sincerity was similar to the one of the old Jac. However, when she said she would not tell anyone, part of him believed her. The other parts all protested wildly, reminding him of what she had done.
*
Jac's apology was a turn up for the books. He had never heard her apologise before, at least not without there being a blindingly obvious motive, or her voice being laced with sarcasm. Joseph almost wished he could go back in time, go back to when he and Jac were dating, but that would never happen. Not ever.
*
Joseph was worried when Jac was in pain and her monitor readings were going haywire. He knew he should not feel like that about his bitchy, cold-hearted ex, but he did. The erratic beating of the heart monitor only intensified his feelings.
*
After having guaranteed Jac a place for a much-needed CT scan, Joseph' heart missed a beat when she refused to have it. His confusion over his emotions was growing, but equally he had grown closer to believing she might have changed. With three people having said that to him in one day, it made him feel as though there may be a bit of truth in it.
*
Wheeling Jac Naylor down to the emergency theatre caused Joseph's heart to beat almost as erratically as hers had done earlier. Her lungs were filling with blood which, in turn, was now filing the chest drain. He put a hand on her arm, almost comforting himself as much as her.
*
Once she was stabilising, Joseph felt he could breathe again. Having her out of danger relieved him. He sat by her bed, waiting for her to wake up; that would be the final evidence that she was going to truly be okay.
*
He wanted to forgive her, he really did, but it was too soon. Maybe if she asked him again tomorrow, or next week, then the answer would be different. Joseph popped back in to check on Jac yet again. When he saw her sleeping form, he crept away, not wanting to disturb her; his emotions were mixed up enough as it was.
***
Okay, so this was a really old fic, from over a year ago – so you have my apologies for the bad writing style. It's when I look back at my old fanfic, that I see my style really has improved! (I think...)
Sorry for the apparent Jac-hating in this fic at the start – I was shocked at myself when I was typing it up! I do like her – honest! (fave char etc lols)
Reviews are appreciated :-)
Woody2792x