Chapter three

The two returned to their work; treating a boy with a fractured rib, before finding solitude at reception.

"What is he going to do to me, Dylan?" Lofty's face was the definition of panic and concern. Dylan shook his head to signal he didn't know the answer, before looking up to see Jack searching the cubicles.

"Ben, hide. Now." He gasped, sharply looking back down to the medical records he was examining.

"Have you seen Lofty?" Jack interrogated. Dylan panicked and began to stutter.

"I-um, no. A-absolutely…" his voice trailed off, trying his best to appear like he was telling the truth. Jack's hopeful face reverted back to its previous focussed one, and the man walked away to continue searching for the nurse. Lofty gradually popped his head back above the counter, making sure the coast was clear. He let out a deep breath as Dylan turned to him.

"Can't you just tell him you're happy being an.. um-um-um-a grubby caterpillar?" Dylan stuttered, instantly biting his lip; that had sounded better in his head. He waited anxiously for Lofty's reply.

"It's furry, not grubby," Lofty defending himself in offence. "And I really wanna help with the auction – I do… but I don't want his daft makeover!"

"So tell him!" Dylan barked up, abruptly.

"Have you ever tried saying no to Jack before?!" Lofty argued, his eyes widening. Dylan rolled his eyes again, turning away from the distraught nurse. He spotted Dixie being pushed into the ED in a wheelchair, and decided this was his opportunity to escape Lofty's torment for a small time. Lofty tried to help a young girl and her mother, but Rita was adamant she could handle the situation without him. She told him to go on his lunch break and Lofty nodded.

"Gotcha!" Jack jumped on him, in his over the top manner. "Right, if you need him he'll be in the On Call room." He said to Rita.

"Will I?" Lofty asked, unsure.

"Your fairy godmother is here, and you my little ugly bug are going to the ball!" Jack's face had turned serious and threatening. Lofty was pulled forcefully behind the receptionist against his own free will and ordered to be 'transformed into Prince Charming' for tonight's auction.