Nick
The morning after the first evening shift where I first met Yvonne was a tiresome one. Had it not been for the flirty, slightly suggestive text message I received just as I was getting in my car.
If it hadn't been for that message, I would've probably gone straight home to my lonely, cold, single person flat and crashed out on my double bed, the bed which was more often than not too big for just one person. I found myself wishing more and more these days I had someone with whom I could share that bed. I used to be happy and contented, living the single life, on my own. I had never felt the need for a woman in my life. I wasn't that I didn't love the company of women; in fact it was more often than not the other way round. When I first started at Holby City Emergency Department my ways with the opposite sex, were already well known around the wards of Holby. Then I got a diagnosis that was going to change my outlook on life forever. I discovered I had a life threatening brain tumour.
If it hadn't been for Zoe I would have died, as I refused to sign the document that eventually saved my life. It was only after I had come round from my operation that I realized just how much Zoe had sacrificed, by putting her career on the line and that I loved her for that. Or at least I thought I did. However over the course of our relationship, which lasted a year a half, as much as I had wanted my feelings to intensify, I couldn't help feeling we were nothing more than best friends who occasionally slept together.
I had just climbed into the driver's seat of my car when the text tone of my phone went off. As I opened the message I had a feeling of apprehension, I was nervous and couldn't have explained why. Her question had been a simple one and yet it sent my mind whirling in several different directions all at once.
As i typed back a quick a equally fun message, I remember my hands were shaking with excitement. Yvonne had asked me if I had eaten yet. I pondered on how to answer that question as I had a feeling there was more to the seemingly simple words then met the eye. I was hungry, that was for sure, but it wasn't until I got that message that I realised what I wanted probably wasn't on any food menu. I wanted Yvonne, I just hadn't realised just how much.
There was only one explanation for the way I was feeling; I had to be falling in love with her. Was it really possible or was I just being foolish? Only time would tell and if Yvonne was really up for it; I would be in our relationship for the long haul, something I had never been fully prepared to do before...
This is it now, discharge day. Finally I get to take Yvonne home. She now keeps nagging at me to sell my house and move in full time with her. It makes sense I suppose as I have practically been living there for six months anyway, looking after her. Now we are getting married, she doesn't see the point to having two houses between us. I will do whatever she wants I am just so grateful to have her back after being on the verge to losing her forever that was a horrible feeling I never want to have to go through again. It is almost as bad as the time I had with the brain tumour and I know fully understand how frustrated Zoe must have been feeling. I sit there waiting for Yvonne to come out of the bathroom, my bum slowly going numb on the hard plastic seat I am impatiently jigging up and down on. I am balancing a steaming hot coffee on my knee, impatient to get home. I now also understand how the patients must feel, when they have to be in hospital twenty four hours a day, sometimes for months at a time. Even I have to admit it is horrible and boring.
The door to the bathroom slowly opens and Yvonne comes wheeling out of it a massive smile on her face, something I never thought I'd see again. Right at that second I am sure my expression mirrors hers. God I love this woman so much. Ever since her proposal all she had talked about was wedding dresses, wedding this wedding that. If I was still the Nick Jordan that I had been when I first met her it would have got on my nerves pretty quickly but to my surprise these days when I hear her talk about our wedding all I feel is happiness. I know I am ready to spend the rest of my life with somebody; and that somebody is Yvonne.
I walk over to the wheelchair and position myself behind it gently taking her hands off the wheels to prevent her from trapping her fingers in the spokes. I lean down and gently brush her damp hair out of her face behind her ear.
'Ready to go, you look beautiful by the way'.
'Why thank you Mr Jordan and yes I think I am more than ready to go home'.
At that moment Zoe comes walking up the stairs looking slightly stressed, a panicked expression in her eyes which instantly makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
'Nick Nick can you please come quickly there is an emergency downstairs and we are one Senior Clinician down. I know you've booked some more time off but I wouldn't ask if it wasn't desperate'.
'Zoe are you sure there is nobody else that can do it? Where's Tom?'
'No Tom is out on call at an emergency at the local quarry and anyway I don't think that will wash with the woman who bought her in as she is hysterical and wants to speak to someone in charge and didn't like it when she was told I was in charge temporarily. She won't let us treat the little girl until she could speak to the 'proper person in charge'. Please. I wouldn't ask unless I was desperate'.'
I look at Yvonne before looking back at Zoe, torn about what to do. As much as I love my job I love Yvonne more. Then Yvonne lifts her hand to lay over mine and softly squeezes my fingers in reassurance.
'Go on; go, after spending nearly a month in here a few hours won't make much difference'.
'Are you sure my love? I wouldn't want to spend any more time in this hospital than is necessary, and you are the most important person in my life right now. If you say no Zo will have any choice but to find someone else. Isn't that right Doctor Hanna?'
I feel rather than see Zoe's nod. Yvonne grabs my face between her hands, the heat radiating from them, turn my cheeks slightly pink.
'I'm serious go. If we go home now and something happens to this little girl, you will never be able to forgive yourself. See? I know you Mr Jordan.'
'Alright, but the moment you feel tired or unwell, you ring me and we will go straight home, to our home. Okay?'
'Hang on a minute does that mean-'
'Yes it does. I have been thinking about it and well you have changed me Yvonne Rippon. I love the man I am when I am with you. I love you so much and I can't wait to marry you, for you to become my wife so yes I will give up my bachelor pad and lifestyle and move in with y-.'
Yvonne kisses me fully on the lips, cutting me off, before releasing her hold on me. I turn intending to follow Zoe to paediatrics, but Zoe stops me mid stride and speaks directly to Yvonne.
'Actually Yvonne if you are feeling up to it I could really do with your help too. You see this young girl has been admitted due to a facial burn, but when Dixie and Jeff where called out, they spotted several old injuries. We suspect this child is being abused. The problem is the little girl won't let anybody near her, let alone touch her. She's just so scared. I just think she needs a softer approach. I can come across a bit hard sometimes and I know from what Nick has been telling me that you are really good with children. Please Yvonne.'
I can feel my blood start to boil as Zoe's words fade into background noise.
Zoe knows Yvonne is recovering from a life threatening infection, why would she ask her to do this? I can't keep a lid on my emotions much longer. I have to ask Zoe why.
'Doctor Hanna, may I have a word please?'
'Oh Nick can't it wait? We need to get to this patient quickly'
'No it can't, if you have forgotten already, about a month ago my beautiful, talented partner was paralysed and lost her legs in the Holby Riots. I don't think she is well enough to do this' I don't get any further as we are interrupted by Yvonne who wheels up behind me and puts her arms round me and whispers in my ear.
'Now don't you think that is my choice, babe?'
I turn round to see Yvonne looking at me, a stern expression in her eyes. Looking at her then I knew there was no chance I was going to win this argument as I knew Yvonne missed her job so much, she is so bored without it, I can see that. Yvonne lives to help people just like me; I think that is why we fit so perfectly.
Yvonne is hungry for something to do and she keeps telling me when she has recovered she wants to return to work doing paperwork. But I know that's not a very good idea, in fact I know it is a bit foolish as she will get bored easily. But I have to let her do this. It will keep her happy and that is all I want.
