Casualty
From a friend, to a lover
"Lara! Patrick!" waved Jack maniacally. "These two letters arrived this morning for you."
Opening the letters up Lara pulled out an invitation to Hope Newman's christening the next day. Patrick watched the doctor as a smile worked across her face. Emma had told Patrick a lot of times about it and he had told Lara numerously.
Tonight was Valentine's day. There were bound to be some interesting injuries, not that Patrick or Lara would be around for them, they were both doing the early shift.
"Lara, how would you like to go for a drink later?"
"Yeah," admitted Lara, "Sure."
Turning off in her own direction Lara smiled happily. Nothing could spoil her day today, nothing.
Still with his coat on Patrick patted his pocket. The jewellery box was there, waiting to be given. Leaving it in a secure place Patrick went in his direction.
~*~
Hannah knocked on Hazel Rose's door. Hazel was her flat mate and from all the rolling around she heard last night, Hannah expected she was having another of her 'mad' sessions. Pushing the door open she was surprised to find only one occupant in.
"So, headed off early did he?"
She heard a long groan.
"W-what?" she asked raising her head slowly. Slumping her head back on the pillow she turned away. Hannah pulled open the curtains and glanced at the neatly folded clothes at the end of her bed.
"I don't feel too good!" she moaned.
"I knew something was up. You never miss a chance to go clubbing."
"Hannah, shut up!"
"What's up? You were moaning of not feeling well last night."
"Just get me something. I had a really bad ache last night, I was rolling around in agony. And it lasted for hours!"
"What about work?"
"I'm not going in," Hazel turned away and slept again.
It was Hannah's day off. Turning the T.V up she watched the dreary, boring daytime programmes. Stepping into the shower she kept herself busy. The falling water prevented her from hearing Hazel vomit and scream in pain as she tried moving. Coming out of the shower Hannah was alarmed when she heard Hazel's crying sobs. Running to her room all she heard Hazel say was,
"Get an ambulance Han!"
Hazel knew where she was going, Holby hospital. The paramedics wheeled her in and Lara was her doctor.
"Right Hazel, what would be the problem?"
"Doctor Spiller," she said bluntly.
"Sorry?"
"I want Doctor Spiller," she spelled out slowly.
"Sorry, I don't think he's free right now."
"Don't care. Doctor Spiller." She repeated once more. Lara was puzzled and tried hard not to look annoyed. Who was this rude woman anyway? She had her knees held onto her chest on the bed and her arms folded around them with a determined look in her eyes. It was almost as if she was staring hatefully at her.
"I'm not telling you what's wrong," she said curtly. Giving in Lara located Patrick by reception.
"You sure you're not trying to wind me up?"
"Would I joke about work?" she answered wryly. Wondering what life could possibly throw him now he walked into the patient's room.
"Hazel!"
"Surprise?" she tutted, "Patrick its nice to see you again, after what five years?"
"Four actually," he corrected, "The last time we met was at Christine and Jason's wedding."
"Of course it was," the fact registering in her head.
"What are you doing here?" asked Patrick, remembering they were in a hospital environment.
"Oh yeah. You see last night I was in agony for several hours. I don't feel very well and I still don't. And my back is extremely sore."
"Has this been the only time?"
"No it's been like that for several nights now," she finally admitted. Hazel clutched her stomach and retched over the hospital floor. When she settled back Patrick said,
"Hmm, I think I know what's up. I'm going to send you for a Cholangiongram."
"What the hell is a Cho- whatever."
"If you hadn't had interrupted I would have said. All it is is an X- tray that requires you to take a dye."
Lara was walking past the window. Hazel punched Patrick in the arm. Walking past, assuming Patrick had said something insulting she didn't give it a second thought.
"You know I hate injections!" she whined,
"Tough, you're getting one!"
Punching him again Patrick had an evil glare in his eyes.
"Right," he said. Gripping onto her bed he began wheeling her down the corridor. They stretched out in front of him empty. Pushing it down the corridor quickly Hazel giggled all the way there. Jack dodged into another corridor and blinked as who he thought went past, went. Patrick zoomed past Lara who had to crane her neck to watch him travel down the corridor at that speed. What was going on?
A few hours later Hazel was back in her room. Patrick got the x-tray, placing it against the light.
"Hazel, you've got gall stones in your gall bladder."
"How did that happen?"
"I'm not sure. I do know it starts with the concentra-"
"Woah, shut up! I'm not a scientist!"
Hazel turned to the X-tray as Patrick started pointing things out.
"These gall stones may block the duct," he said, "Your going have to have an endoscope. All that is the bladder being widened so the stones can pass out more easily."
"Yuck," she said in her childish way.
"It's going to be later today in a few hours. I've already contacted Hannah for you."
Patrick's shift end coincided with Lara's. Lara scanned the corridors for him and found him in Hazel's room. Their backs were turned to her.
"I've really got to go now. I'm meeting a friend."
"Oh really?" she asked in interest, tugging his trouser keg, "And who is it?"
That little gesture had Lara pressed against the window. That was not normal.
"Just a friend."
He began to stand.
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Leaning down towards her he gave her a hug. Lara's fingers were pressed sadly to his image but her expression read as horrified. Patrick leant closer to her face. Lara stood rigidly. Patrick had just given her a kiss! A long meaningful deep as you could get from where she stood. She started to walk rejected, nothing seemed real around her.
Patrick had taken his lips off Hazel's cheek but still held his hug there. He stood up again.
"You'll be all right Hazel."
"I better be. Imagine me suing a cousin!"
Patrick laughed and left the room. He waited in the staff room. Maybe she had forgotten. He certainly didn't expect her outside on the bench which was where she was.
Outside Lara was trying to think but all that came to her was that stupid Hazel Rose snapping at her for Patrick. She always thought there had been chemistry between them and even Patrick might have liked her. Well, he certainly wasn't as distant with her like the other staff. Tears welled up in her eyes as she climbed into the car. As far as she was concerned it was the same old story. In her head a flash back to the war zone in Sierra Leone came back to her. The nurses were always jealous, she had the male doctors drooling over her and sometimes, even the patients. So they would ask her out on a date or for a private moment. They all put up a perfect, adoring image to her and the next week nothing. Nope, they were all too busy trying to chat up a more attractive nurse.
So why put herself through it again? Because she thought he was different, because she thought he cared. She started the car, wiping her tears and was startled by the knocking oh the car window. The panel slid down she stared at Patrick displeased,
"What do you want?"
"The drink you promised me."
"I don't remember doing anything of the sort!"
"You know this morning when-"
"Don't patronise me Patrick Spiller! Just get back to your girlfriend and I'm sure you'll be happy."
Putting her foot down on the accelerator she sped away. Patrick stood very confused on the side wondering what she was talking about. He examined it slowly in his mind. Hazel! She didn't think he was… did she?
Lara stopped the car in her local garage. It needed looking at anyway. Setting home by foot she thought about how she was expecting to go home alone tonight. Soon after she had closed the door Patrick stopped his car outside her house. He stared longingly at it, undecided of whether to knock on its door. No, what had he done wrong? He wasn't going to apologise for being friendly with a cousin. Women!
At seven o'clock Lara hastily got ready to go out. She might as well have a drink seeing as how she had tomorrow off. That and she wasn't prepared to stay in and watch Cilla Black's Blind Date Valentine's Special. There was nothing more sickening then people gushing on T.V about how they had found true love.
Walking down the street she was unaware that a figure hung around the corner watching her attentively. She got into what he thought was a taxi and sighed in relief. He would have plenty of time. He'd come back later. These doctors were out all night.
Lara had in fact got into Patrick's car. He had opened the door out and asked for her to let him explain. Lara thought angrily against it but eventually gave in and reluctantly gave in. The way she saw I was that this was her chance to tell him how useless he was.
Patrick wasn't sure where he was driving to. The two figures in the car refused to speak to each other and Lara stared stonily out the window. Patrick was going to turn on the radio but doubted it was a good idea.
He stopped at the pub entrance. Lara stared sourly ahead and Patrick turned to her.
"La-"
No need. She climbed out the passenger seat and slammed the door shut with such force that he had to try hard not to make it look as if he was concerned at the possible damage done to his car.
Patrick walked to the bar and ordered two drinks. He carried them over to the corner where Lara was filling it with th stench of cigarette smoke. Stubbing it out in the ashtray she took a long gulp of her drink. The two were as stubborn as each other, neither of them wanted to make the first move.
"So, who is this Hazel?" With the tone she had used Patrick could detect poison in every word.
"Hazel's my cousin."
"Your cousin?" Lara's hand was on her chin and one was in her hair, "Let me think…that doesn't mean you can let her grope you!"
"What?"
"And the way you hugged her and gave her a long kiss!"
He stared hatefully at the doctor.
"I just gave her a peck on the cheek!"
"I was stood behind you. You didn't let her go for a long time, it was not that innocent!"
"That's what it was. Your view of things are different if you stand from behind and the girl was going to have an operation in a few hours!"
"How do you explain running down the corridor then?"
"She punched me on the arm!"
Lara settled down and contented herself with looking into his eyes.
There was a distracted look in his eyes.
"You're lying."
"Sorry?"
She knew he had heard her. Getting up she stood unsure for a second before she tipped the remaining content over his head.
"Do you understand now?"
Sweeping out she got a taxi home.
All around him people looked at Patrick curiously. He defiantly finished his drink and when he walked out the door he snapped,
"What are you lot gawking at?"
He slammed the door shut and sat in his car. Patrick found himself starting the car and slowly driving in a familiar direction. Why are you driving this way, asked a voice.
Because you love her.
~*~
Brad Chesters had had no trouble getting into the house. This was his first time and all he did was break the glass in the back door. Doctors were bound to be loaded and he looted through the house looking for anything of value. He still had to be quiet though in case the neighbours heard something
Brad was currently upstairs going through her jewellery box. He giggled quietly in delight as he stuffed a necklace deep into his pocket.
Lara opened the door. She closed the door, but not properly as she thought. Flinging her shoes into any old place she preceded upstairs. Brad froze as he heard a creaking step sound off. With every second she was getting closer up. Pulling out a pocket-knife he waited in anxiety.
Patrick's car for the second time that day pulled up outside her house. This time he was going to walk up to the house, explain as best as he could and hope that all went well. Well done, congratulated the same voice, you're not even a couple yet and you've managed to have your first argument. He walked up to the door and hesitantly kept his finger a centimetre away.
Lara switched on the lights. She stared at Brad and stood frozen as he walked towards her with the knife. She backed out slowly, not really knowing where she was going. They neared the staircase. With all her strength she lunged at him, taking him down to the floor. Brad was sweating and making a spear of the moment decision he fought back dropping the knife by his side and as he got up Lara pulled him down again. Brad pinned her down, grabbed his knife and snarled,
"You stupid girl!"
He held the knife above her. Lara screamed loudly. It echoed through the house and to Patrick outside. He didn't give a second thought as he bolted upstairs. He found them quickly, lunged to the floor and pulled Brad off. Blindly swishing his knife he cut into Patrick's wrist. Ignoring the fresh blood he yelled at a surprised Lara,
"Get 999."
Ignoring his advice as Brad struggled up she pushed him towards her wardrobe. The two hurriedly shut the doors on him, pushed against it and deftly with his foot Patrick pulled Lara's chair towards him and lodged it under the two knobs and sat down on it as extra support. Lara dashed to the phone, called the police with the banging racket in the background. She went to her room and pushed against the banging door along with Patrick. When she heard the police sirens she opened the front door and they rushed up. Patrick pulled away from the wardrobe and Brad tumbled out. Looking up at the officers he swore out loud. The police gave him the usual talk and dragged him kicking and screaming down the stairs. Patrick and Lara followed him down and smiled satisfied as the car pulled away.
She stared hesitantly at Patrick.
"I'll be going now," he mumbled.
"Patrick, wait," she said to the retreating figure. She walked up to him and took his left hand. Twisting it around with both of her hands she looked at the cut.
"This looks nasty. You better come in."
Sitting patiently at her kitchen table he let Lara dress the cut on his wrist. He watched as she quietly did so.
"Thanks,"
"For what?" said Patrick trying to sweep away the events of the last few minutes.
"For saving my life."
The two looked at each other embarrassed. Pulling his hand away Patrick out them in his pockets,
"There's something I want to give you."
Pulling out the slim box he placed it on the table. Curious, Lara pulled it across and opened it up. Patrick watched the gasp on her face, breaking into much needed happiness.
"It's an…Amethyst diamond…it's er…meant to…"
"Promote Intuition and Intelligence," she finished off for him. She looked adoringly at the heart shaped diamond.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, taking in the sparkling, purple jewel and the delicate gold chain it was placed onto.
"Here, let me put it on," he said awkwardly. Fixing the catch he looked at Lara when he finished. Picking up the Amethyst he kissed it,
"For protection, when you need it."
Lara looked adoringly at him. Placing both hands on his face she leant forward and gave him a kiss on the lips.
"Happy Valentine's Patrick,"
She looked into his eyes. Patrick responded with a deep, meaningful kiss and the two lonely figures held onto each other tightly and found the happiness they had both long craved for.
Happy Valentine's Lara, happy Valentine's Patrick.
From a friend, to a lover
"Lara! Patrick!" waved Jack maniacally. "These two letters arrived this morning for you."
Opening the letters up Lara pulled out an invitation to Hope Newman's christening the next day. Patrick watched the doctor as a smile worked across her face. Emma had told Patrick a lot of times about it and he had told Lara numerously.
Tonight was Valentine's day. There were bound to be some interesting injuries, not that Patrick or Lara would be around for them, they were both doing the early shift.
"Lara, how would you like to go for a drink later?"
"Yeah," admitted Lara, "Sure."
Turning off in her own direction Lara smiled happily. Nothing could spoil her day today, nothing.
Still with his coat on Patrick patted his pocket. The jewellery box was there, waiting to be given. Leaving it in a secure place Patrick went in his direction.
~*~
Hannah knocked on Hazel Rose's door. Hazel was her flat mate and from all the rolling around she heard last night, Hannah expected she was having another of her 'mad' sessions. Pushing the door open she was surprised to find only one occupant in.
"So, headed off early did he?"
She heard a long groan.
"W-what?" she asked raising her head slowly. Slumping her head back on the pillow she turned away. Hannah pulled open the curtains and glanced at the neatly folded clothes at the end of her bed.
"I don't feel too good!" she moaned.
"I knew something was up. You never miss a chance to go clubbing."
"Hannah, shut up!"
"What's up? You were moaning of not feeling well last night."
"Just get me something. I had a really bad ache last night, I was rolling around in agony. And it lasted for hours!"
"What about work?"
"I'm not going in," Hazel turned away and slept again.
It was Hannah's day off. Turning the T.V up she watched the dreary, boring daytime programmes. Stepping into the shower she kept herself busy. The falling water prevented her from hearing Hazel vomit and scream in pain as she tried moving. Coming out of the shower Hannah was alarmed when she heard Hazel's crying sobs. Running to her room all she heard Hazel say was,
"Get an ambulance Han!"
Hazel knew where she was going, Holby hospital. The paramedics wheeled her in and Lara was her doctor.
"Right Hazel, what would be the problem?"
"Doctor Spiller," she said bluntly.
"Sorry?"
"I want Doctor Spiller," she spelled out slowly.
"Sorry, I don't think he's free right now."
"Don't care. Doctor Spiller." She repeated once more. Lara was puzzled and tried hard not to look annoyed. Who was this rude woman anyway? She had her knees held onto her chest on the bed and her arms folded around them with a determined look in her eyes. It was almost as if she was staring hatefully at her.
"I'm not telling you what's wrong," she said curtly. Giving in Lara located Patrick by reception.
"You sure you're not trying to wind me up?"
"Would I joke about work?" she answered wryly. Wondering what life could possibly throw him now he walked into the patient's room.
"Hazel!"
"Surprise?" she tutted, "Patrick its nice to see you again, after what five years?"
"Four actually," he corrected, "The last time we met was at Christine and Jason's wedding."
"Of course it was," the fact registering in her head.
"What are you doing here?" asked Patrick, remembering they were in a hospital environment.
"Oh yeah. You see last night I was in agony for several hours. I don't feel very well and I still don't. And my back is extremely sore."
"Has this been the only time?"
"No it's been like that for several nights now," she finally admitted. Hazel clutched her stomach and retched over the hospital floor. When she settled back Patrick said,
"Hmm, I think I know what's up. I'm going to send you for a Cholangiongram."
"What the hell is a Cho- whatever."
"If you hadn't had interrupted I would have said. All it is is an X- tray that requires you to take a dye."
Lara was walking past the window. Hazel punched Patrick in the arm. Walking past, assuming Patrick had said something insulting she didn't give it a second thought.
"You know I hate injections!" she whined,
"Tough, you're getting one!"
Punching him again Patrick had an evil glare in his eyes.
"Right," he said. Gripping onto her bed he began wheeling her down the corridor. They stretched out in front of him empty. Pushing it down the corridor quickly Hazel giggled all the way there. Jack dodged into another corridor and blinked as who he thought went past, went. Patrick zoomed past Lara who had to crane her neck to watch him travel down the corridor at that speed. What was going on?
A few hours later Hazel was back in her room. Patrick got the x-tray, placing it against the light.
"Hazel, you've got gall stones in your gall bladder."
"How did that happen?"
"I'm not sure. I do know it starts with the concentra-"
"Woah, shut up! I'm not a scientist!"
Hazel turned to the X-tray as Patrick started pointing things out.
"These gall stones may block the duct," he said, "Your going have to have an endoscope. All that is the bladder being widened so the stones can pass out more easily."
"Yuck," she said in her childish way.
"It's going to be later today in a few hours. I've already contacted Hannah for you."
Patrick's shift end coincided with Lara's. Lara scanned the corridors for him and found him in Hazel's room. Their backs were turned to her.
"I've really got to go now. I'm meeting a friend."
"Oh really?" she asked in interest, tugging his trouser keg, "And who is it?"
That little gesture had Lara pressed against the window. That was not normal.
"Just a friend."
He began to stand.
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Leaning down towards her he gave her a hug. Lara's fingers were pressed sadly to his image but her expression read as horrified. Patrick leant closer to her face. Lara stood rigidly. Patrick had just given her a kiss! A long meaningful deep as you could get from where she stood. She started to walk rejected, nothing seemed real around her.
Patrick had taken his lips off Hazel's cheek but still held his hug there. He stood up again.
"You'll be all right Hazel."
"I better be. Imagine me suing a cousin!"
Patrick laughed and left the room. He waited in the staff room. Maybe she had forgotten. He certainly didn't expect her outside on the bench which was where she was.
Outside Lara was trying to think but all that came to her was that stupid Hazel Rose snapping at her for Patrick. She always thought there had been chemistry between them and even Patrick might have liked her. Well, he certainly wasn't as distant with her like the other staff. Tears welled up in her eyes as she climbed into the car. As far as she was concerned it was the same old story. In her head a flash back to the war zone in Sierra Leone came back to her. The nurses were always jealous, she had the male doctors drooling over her and sometimes, even the patients. So they would ask her out on a date or for a private moment. They all put up a perfect, adoring image to her and the next week nothing. Nope, they were all too busy trying to chat up a more attractive nurse.
So why put herself through it again? Because she thought he was different, because she thought he cared. She started the car, wiping her tears and was startled by the knocking oh the car window. The panel slid down she stared at Patrick displeased,
"What do you want?"
"The drink you promised me."
"I don't remember doing anything of the sort!"
"You know this morning when-"
"Don't patronise me Patrick Spiller! Just get back to your girlfriend and I'm sure you'll be happy."
Putting her foot down on the accelerator she sped away. Patrick stood very confused on the side wondering what she was talking about. He examined it slowly in his mind. Hazel! She didn't think he was… did she?
Lara stopped the car in her local garage. It needed looking at anyway. Setting home by foot she thought about how she was expecting to go home alone tonight. Soon after she had closed the door Patrick stopped his car outside her house. He stared longingly at it, undecided of whether to knock on its door. No, what had he done wrong? He wasn't going to apologise for being friendly with a cousin. Women!
At seven o'clock Lara hastily got ready to go out. She might as well have a drink seeing as how she had tomorrow off. That and she wasn't prepared to stay in and watch Cilla Black's Blind Date Valentine's Special. There was nothing more sickening then people gushing on T.V about how they had found true love.
Walking down the street she was unaware that a figure hung around the corner watching her attentively. She got into what he thought was a taxi and sighed in relief. He would have plenty of time. He'd come back later. These doctors were out all night.
Lara had in fact got into Patrick's car. He had opened the door out and asked for her to let him explain. Lara thought angrily against it but eventually gave in and reluctantly gave in. The way she saw I was that this was her chance to tell him how useless he was.
Patrick wasn't sure where he was driving to. The two figures in the car refused to speak to each other and Lara stared stonily out the window. Patrick was going to turn on the radio but doubted it was a good idea.
He stopped at the pub entrance. Lara stared sourly ahead and Patrick turned to her.
"La-"
No need. She climbed out the passenger seat and slammed the door shut with such force that he had to try hard not to make it look as if he was concerned at the possible damage done to his car.
Patrick walked to the bar and ordered two drinks. He carried them over to the corner where Lara was filling it with th stench of cigarette smoke. Stubbing it out in the ashtray she took a long gulp of her drink. The two were as stubborn as each other, neither of them wanted to make the first move.
"So, who is this Hazel?" With the tone she had used Patrick could detect poison in every word.
"Hazel's my cousin."
"Your cousin?" Lara's hand was on her chin and one was in her hair, "Let me think…that doesn't mean you can let her grope you!"
"What?"
"And the way you hugged her and gave her a long kiss!"
He stared hatefully at the doctor.
"I just gave her a peck on the cheek!"
"I was stood behind you. You didn't let her go for a long time, it was not that innocent!"
"That's what it was. Your view of things are different if you stand from behind and the girl was going to have an operation in a few hours!"
"How do you explain running down the corridor then?"
"She punched me on the arm!"
Lara settled down and contented herself with looking into his eyes.
There was a distracted look in his eyes.
"You're lying."
"Sorry?"
She knew he had heard her. Getting up she stood unsure for a second before she tipped the remaining content over his head.
"Do you understand now?"
Sweeping out she got a taxi home.
All around him people looked at Patrick curiously. He defiantly finished his drink and when he walked out the door he snapped,
"What are you lot gawking at?"
He slammed the door shut and sat in his car. Patrick found himself starting the car and slowly driving in a familiar direction. Why are you driving this way, asked a voice.
Because you love her.
~*~
Brad Chesters had had no trouble getting into the house. This was his first time and all he did was break the glass in the back door. Doctors were bound to be loaded and he looted through the house looking for anything of value. He still had to be quiet though in case the neighbours heard something
Brad was currently upstairs going through her jewellery box. He giggled quietly in delight as he stuffed a necklace deep into his pocket.
Lara opened the door. She closed the door, but not properly as she thought. Flinging her shoes into any old place she preceded upstairs. Brad froze as he heard a creaking step sound off. With every second she was getting closer up. Pulling out a pocket-knife he waited in anxiety.
Patrick's car for the second time that day pulled up outside her house. This time he was going to walk up to the house, explain as best as he could and hope that all went well. Well done, congratulated the same voice, you're not even a couple yet and you've managed to have your first argument. He walked up to the door and hesitantly kept his finger a centimetre away.
Lara switched on the lights. She stared at Brad and stood frozen as he walked towards her with the knife. She backed out slowly, not really knowing where she was going. They neared the staircase. With all her strength she lunged at him, taking him down to the floor. Brad was sweating and making a spear of the moment decision he fought back dropping the knife by his side and as he got up Lara pulled him down again. Brad pinned her down, grabbed his knife and snarled,
"You stupid girl!"
He held the knife above her. Lara screamed loudly. It echoed through the house and to Patrick outside. He didn't give a second thought as he bolted upstairs. He found them quickly, lunged to the floor and pulled Brad off. Blindly swishing his knife he cut into Patrick's wrist. Ignoring the fresh blood he yelled at a surprised Lara,
"Get 999."
Ignoring his advice as Brad struggled up she pushed him towards her wardrobe. The two hurriedly shut the doors on him, pushed against it and deftly with his foot Patrick pulled Lara's chair towards him and lodged it under the two knobs and sat down on it as extra support. Lara dashed to the phone, called the police with the banging racket in the background. She went to her room and pushed against the banging door along with Patrick. When she heard the police sirens she opened the front door and they rushed up. Patrick pulled away from the wardrobe and Brad tumbled out. Looking up at the officers he swore out loud. The police gave him the usual talk and dragged him kicking and screaming down the stairs. Patrick and Lara followed him down and smiled satisfied as the car pulled away.
She stared hesitantly at Patrick.
"I'll be going now," he mumbled.
"Patrick, wait," she said to the retreating figure. She walked up to him and took his left hand. Twisting it around with both of her hands she looked at the cut.
"This looks nasty. You better come in."
Sitting patiently at her kitchen table he let Lara dress the cut on his wrist. He watched as she quietly did so.
"Thanks,"
"For what?" said Patrick trying to sweep away the events of the last few minutes.
"For saving my life."
The two looked at each other embarrassed. Pulling his hand away Patrick out them in his pockets,
"There's something I want to give you."
Pulling out the slim box he placed it on the table. Curious, Lara pulled it across and opened it up. Patrick watched the gasp on her face, breaking into much needed happiness.
"It's an…Amethyst diamond…it's er…meant to…"
"Promote Intuition and Intelligence," she finished off for him. She looked adoringly at the heart shaped diamond.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, taking in the sparkling, purple jewel and the delicate gold chain it was placed onto.
"Here, let me put it on," he said awkwardly. Fixing the catch he looked at Lara when he finished. Picking up the Amethyst he kissed it,
"For protection, when you need it."
Lara looked adoringly at him. Placing both hands on his face she leant forward and gave him a kiss on the lips.
"Happy Valentine's Patrick,"
She looked into his eyes. Patrick responded with a deep, meaningful kiss and the two lonely figures held onto each other tightly and found the happiness they had both long craved for.
Happy Valentine's Lara, happy Valentine's Patrick.
