All characters belong to BBC's Casualty, fiction based on current synopsis' from , previews from the official Casualty website and my imagination.

Return & Depart

The Return

Tess entered the ED, stopping to take a deep breath to steady her nerves. She had made a number of decisions whilst she had been away and now she had to face the music. She placed her things in her locker, still deep in thought but jumped as the door of the room opened and Fletch entered, his cheeky smile surfacing at the sight of her. 'You're back. Nice haircut.' he said. Tess turned back to her locker causing Fletch to frown as he approached her, checking around them before putting his hands around her waist. Tess shut her locker door, her hands lowering to his and resisting holding them against her as she turned and backed away from him. 'Fletch, I-' she started, but Fletch quickly cut across her, sure she was about to reprimand him for the less than professional behaviour in the workplace. 'I...I've just missed you.' he said. Tess avoided his searching eyes - she would not be weak - "Tess, are you okay?' Fletch asked, a worried frown creasing his brow. 'I'm fine.' she lied.
'No you're not!' Fletch stated.
'Fletch just leave it.'
'Tess-' Fletch started, but the door opened and new nurse Rita entered causing them both to look up. 'Morning.' Rita said.
'Rita this is Sister Tess Bateman, our Senior Nurse Manager.' Fletch said, making the necessary introductions. Rita and Tess shook hands. 'Pleased to meet you.' Rita said.
'You too.' Tess said. 'Excuse me, I have a ton of paperwork to catch up on.' she said, approaching the door. 'Tess-' Fletch started.
'Later.' she said simply before leaving. As she made her way to her office she met Zoe and they walked the corridor together. 'How was your break?' Zoe asked.
'Good. I spent some time with Sam, went to lunch with Saskia.' Tess answered.
'Being mum.' Zoe said simply, knowingly watching for Tess' reaction as they reached the office and entered. Charlie was still off and so the office was empty and Tess turned to her friend and confidante. 'Did you have the procedure?' Zoe asked.
'No.' Tess answered simply.
'So you're keeping it?'
'I don't know.'
'You know the longer you leave it the more invasive the procedure.' Zoe said. Tess' eyes focused on someone behind Zoe and she turned to see Lily standing there. 'Dr Hanna, we need you in resus.' Lily said. Zoe looked back at Tess. 'Duty calls.' Tess said and followed Zoe from the office. Lily stepped in front of her, offering her hand. 'Lily Chao.' she stated in her usual professional manner as Tess shook her hand. 'Lily is our new Junior Doctor.' Zoe said as they all headed towards resus. 'I'm Tess Bateman.' Tess answered.
'I know.' Lily said confidently as they pushed through the doors to resus.