Chapter 1
No one expected Lofty to simply waltz through the ED like he'd never been away, easily slipping back into the environment he had so radically been removed from a year ago. It even came as a surprise to Robyn, who had been consistently sending emails back and forth to the distant friend she has missed so much. Of course she had been telling Lofty every inch of gossip to pass through Holby's doors of her new boyfriend, of Lofty's replacement nurse whom she had befriended, of the loss of old colleagues like Dr Hanna and Big Mac. And as sure as the sky was blue and her hair was red, Robyn had been keeping him updated on how Dylan Keogh had been coping since Lofty's departure. Dylan had been ignoring Lofty's every email, text and phone call. The nurse was even tempted to write a letter, but somehow already knew it would get the same result. It was driving him insane knowing that the man he had previously regarded as one of his closest friends now wanted nothing to do with him. And he missed Holby. He missed it so much. While retraining in bereavement counselling, Lofty had grown up. He no longer felt like the bumbling idiot he had previously considered who he was. He was still the clumsiest person known to man, but didn't mind. Now Lofty felt surer of himself, more determined to do what he loved and be happy; he felt more mature than ever. And he knew exactly what he needed to do next – go back to Holby and face his past.
There was a large fuss when he reached the reception desk. A large majority of the noise was coming from Robyn, who was too busy squealing in joy that her friend had returned. Other colleagues like Max and Cal also added to the noise, cheering and hugging Lofty. It almost seemed like no one was actually attending patients for a brief moment, as practically everyone was welcoming Lofty back home. Everyone but Dylan Keogh. Lofty scanned the room but the man was nowhere to be found, it was almost disappointing. After the fuss had died down and everyone returned back to work, Lofty was able to inform Robyn why he had come back.
"I just missed everything, everyone. I don't know if I'm going to stay permanently yet, but I thought I could see how it goes." Lofty tried to explain. Robyn grinned at him and proceeded to introduce David. David outstretched a hand and Lofty took it confidently.
"David, Robyn's told me lots about you… oh no don't worry, all good things!" Lofty nervously laughed, realising that David was worried by the look on his face. His expression softened as Lofty patted him on the back and smiled, trying his best to put David at ease. Eventually, everyone had diffused back into the department, each minding their own business once again. That was until Lofty spotted his old friend marching down one of the halls, seemingly unaware that Lofty was even in the building.
"Dylan!" Lofty called, in his best effort to get the focussed doctor's attention. It worked.
Dylan was frozen in his tracks, suddenly clocking the familiar figure at reception. His eyes widened in panic; mind going completely blank at the sudden realisation that Lofty was back. He could feel his heart rate increasing as the temperature of his head got higher and higher, eventually causing him to break a cool sweat. His eyebrows seemed to be stuck raised and his mouth refused to close. For a moment it felt like everything was frozen still, like someone had taken a photograph of them. But then Lofty was walking towards him, and he still couldn't move. He felt like he couldn't even breathe. But Lofty was getting closer, closer; Dylan had to escape. He wasn't ready to face it all again. Bolting for the staff room, he rushed away from the curly-haired man without a second glace, leaving a confused Lofty in the hall. He hovered for a moment, considering whether it would be wise to pursue the doctor, but decided it was now or never.
"Dylan, please wait. Can't we just talk?" Lofty sighed as he ushered in after him. Dylan was stood facing the sink, avoiding eye contact with the other man. Max was sat at the counter, flicking through that day's newspaper. He looked over at Lofty and then at Dylan carefully.
"I have nothing to say to you." Dylan finally said, barely flinching. Lofty didn't really know what to do; he just knew he needed to sort this out before it was too late. He wanted to salvage their friendship; they had been through so much together before Lofty left. Max glanced at the two of them again, and cleared his throat.
"I'm gonna… um," he motioned towards the door with his fingers, awkwardly shuffling out of the room. He looked back at Lofty, who was trying his best to smile but failing, before returning a smile and closing the door behind him. He spotted his sister close by, and shook his head at her.
"Don't go in there. They're going to 'talk'…" Max warned. Robyn's face shifted to concern.
"Dylan doesn't do 'talk'." She stated, worriedly.
"I know." Max sighed, taking her arm and pulling her away from the tempting view from the window.