This is the sequel to Taylor-Made and Clement Weather. It will be similar style to Taylor-Made and will show the next stage in Ethan's relationship with Taylor, as well as a new romance for Cal. It begins 4-5 weeks after the end of Series 29 (Zoe's wedding). I hope you will enjoy reading this story.
Cal sat beside Ethan and peered into his face. One arm went around his little brother's shoulders and the other stroked his arm. Ethan blinked a couple of times before turning to face Cal and trying to smile. He had so many reasons to smile at his brother and the fact it was difficult was no excuse not to try.
After all, it had been a difficult few weeks for Cal too. They'd both failed FCEM – Cal getting only one mark more than Ethan - and Cal had also had his heart bruised again, if not actually broken. Ethan was secretly relieved that Honey was no longer at the ED, having left to open her own salon with a very large chunk of Noel's money. Ethan knew a part of Cal had been relieved to see her go, but he'd felt more deeply for Honey than anyone. Ethan believed Cal when he said he no longer loved Honey, but the experience had clearly affected him and he wasn't over her yet.
Ethan could tell from the fact that Cal had displayed absolutely no interest in any other woman.
He didn't even seem interested in a rebound relationship, though over the last few weeks, he'd had little time for anything but Ethan.
Cal patted Ethan's arm gently. "You don't have to go to work today if you don't want to, Ethan. I'm sure everyone would understand if you needed to take the day off. It's been a tough week."
Ethan shook his head and sighed. "Cal, I've just taken three whole weeks off and had one week part-time. I've only been back full-time for four days. The last thing I should be needing is another day off."
Cal took Ethan's hand in his own. The gesture was no longer awkward. Ethan had lost count of the number of times Cal had held his hand; held him in his arms; just been there.
He knew he'd never forget all the support Cal had given him, despite having to cope with his own exam failure. When Ethan had still been working, Cal had nearly worn himself out seeing to Ethan's patients as well as his own and also somehow managing to spend time in the staff room supporting Ethan through his latest mini-breakdown. When Ethan was signed off, Cal had phoned him throughout the day and then spent hours with him once he got home. Talking to him; listening to him; distracting him... whatever he felt Ethan needed.
Even now, when Ethan was back at work and officially better, Cal was still here. Still looking after Ethan and showing himself to be a much better doctor than anyone realised. A doctor who deserved to be a consultant - and Ethan believed he would be.
Ethan couldn't feel the same way about himself. He still hated himself for falling apart, especially at a time when so many other people were struggling. Dylan's boat had caught fire and he'd suffered severe burns. Zoe had nearly drowned, weighed down by her wedding dress as she'd tried to swim to safety. Charlie had been wonderful but had later collapsed with a heart attack. They'd so nearly lost him.
Not forgetting there had also been explosions of a different kind: Zoe's confession that she'd slept with another man on her hen night had ended her marriage to Max before it had begun.
All Ethan had done was fail an exam and got a letter from his ex.
But now he was finally back and the others were also gradually returning to work too. Dylan had come back a couple of weeks ago, though like Ethan, he was being kept on minors. Zoe had also recently returned after recovering physically and mentally from her ordeal. Charlie wasn't back yet, but Ethan knew he had every intention of returning, which was more than any of them had dared hoped for at one time.
Everyone was getting back to normal again.
Ethan could only hope that included him. He wanted more than anything to be Dr Hardy again. The serious and geeky but (he hoped) kind and unflappable doctor who always did whatever he could to help every patient.
"Ethan, if you need to take the day off, that's fine," said Cal. "No-one will think any less of you. You've done really well. Mrs Beauchamp is really impressed by how well you're coping. So am I. And you've been supporting Lily too…"
Ethan nodded as more sadness washed over him. Lily had been having a much more difficult time than lately - and she hadn't needed to take any days off. She'd started mentoring a new F2, Alicia, who seemed more than promising but the complete opposite of Lily. Then, about a week ago, Lily had been given the news that her father was seriously ill.
"Lily is part of the reason why I need to be there," said Ethan. He hated to think of Lily struggling alone, trying her best to be a good mentor to Alicia whilst knowing that bad news could come at any time.
"Lily will be okay," said Cal. "I'll be there and I'll look out for her. I know it's tough for her, especially with Little Miss Sunshine to deal with, but she's a strong girl. She knows she's got support and I'm sure she can handle this."
"And you think I can't?" said Ethan with some bitterness.
"I think you almost certainly can," said Cal. "But your situation is different from Lily's. She's having a tough time, but she isn't ill. You are – or at least you're convalescent. You're probably not at full strength yet, though you're getting closer every day." He paused and then his voice shook slightly with emotion. "But you're my little brother, Ethan, and even the smallest chance of you not being able to handle it scares me to death."
Ethan didn't know if he was more grateful for Cal's support or gutted his brother had doubts about him.
He tried to smile at Cal. He did his best to sound reassuring. "I'll be okay. I really do feel almost back to normal now. I really do think that getting on with my work is the best thing I can do."
Ethan could tell from the droop of Lily's shoulders that there had been no good news. He glanced at Cal and, without sharing a word, both brothers ran to catch up with their friend.
"Hey," said Ethan softly, putting a gentle hand on Lily's arm.
"Hi," said Lily. Her face was blank, as it usually was at work. Only Cal and Ethan knew of the emotion she was trying to conceal – and that was the way Lily wanted it. "How are you?"
Ethan actually felt quite wobbly, but he didn't want to worry Lily – or Cal – by saying so. "A bit tired, but okay. Thank you."
Lily scanned his face. "Perhaps you shouldn't have come today. Going from part-time to full-time is always a challenge after illness." She didn't look particularly worried about him. She didn't look anything but blank. But Ethan knew she cared. She always made the effort to ask after him and to listen to his replies – not just hearing the words but trying to understand how he really felt.
"Thank you, Lily, but I think I'll be okay," said Ethan. "I always did feel a bit tired after working for four days. I really think I'm getting back into the swing of things now."
"Okay," said Lily. "If you're sure."
"I'm sure," said Ethan. "But thank you. I really appreciate your support."
Lily nodded and lowered her voice slightly before saying: "And I really appreciate yours."
" I… I don't suppose you've had any news?" said Ethan tentatively.
It took Lily a moment or two to answer. "I spoke to my mother last night. There is no change."
Ethan squeezed her shoulder. He hated the fact he didn't know what to say. After all, he'd been in a similar position just over eighteen months ago - though at least in Lily's father's case, there was some hope. Ethan had known for some time that his mother's illness was terminal.
But he knew Lily's hopes were fading. She was a doctor. She understood illness.
"I hope you get some good news soon," said Cal awkwardly. "Listen. If you're finding Alicia a bit much, I'm more than happy to take her off your hands for a bit."
"Yes. I believe you would, Dr Knight," said Lily – but without the spirit she would usually have shown.
Cal gave a slightly embarrassed smile. It was quickly hidden, but Ethan still saw it. Nevertheless, he believed Cal when he said: "I didn't mean it like that. I really do want to help."
"I know," said Lily. "Thank you, Cal. I appreciate it. I think the best thing for me is to throw myself into my work, as Ethan is doing."
Ethan squeezed her shoulder again. "If it does get too much, or if you need a break or if you just need to talk, all you have to do is phone or text me and I'll be with you as soon as I can."
Lily turned to look at him and almost smiled. "Thank you, Ethan. I appreciate how kind you are. Both of you. And if you need a break, Ethan, I imagine you will want to be with Cal, but I am here for you too." They entered the ED. "Excuse me. I must speak to Mrs Beauchamp."
"Are you going to tell her?" asked Ethan. He hoped so. Lily had been struggling, particularly with mentoring Alicia, but only he and Cal knew the explanation for it. Ethan was sure Connie would support Lily if she knew what was wrong, but Lily preferred to keep her personal life separate from her work.
"No, I am not," said Lily. "I do not wish to make excuses. Mrs Beauchamp asked me to see her to update her on Alicia's progress. I will see you later."