Chapter 7

Over the next couple of weeks Ash would visit Rita every day. He would bring her chocolate, flowers and magazines to read. He was there for her when she needed comfort and when she just needed someone to make her laugh.

Rita recovered quite quickly and she finally felt ready to go home and maybe get back to work. So on that day she started to pack her bags whilst she waited for Ash to come as he was going to help her settle back in and make sure she was okay. But nothing. She waited for about an hour but still nothing. She then decided to phone Dixie not wanting to waste the wards anymore time.

Dixie came up to the ward to get Rita about half an hour later.

"Sorrt Rit, I would've come earlier but there was a car crash."

"Oh it's okay at least I know I can rely on you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well Ash was supposed was to take me but he hasn't turned up, that's why I phoned you."

"Right, well give us your stuff and we'll get you home Yeh?"

Rita passed Dixie her suitcase and followed her out of the ward. She couldn't help feeling angry at Ash even though deep down she knew there must be a good reason as to why he couldn't turn up today but the least he could've down was give her text.

During the car journey Dixie was informing Rita in on all the gossip of the ED even though she had heard most of it from Ash but she didn't want to make a fuss so she laughed and said 'yeh' when it was necessary.

After about half an hour of Dixie rambling on they eventually pulled up outside her house.

"I can help you get your stuff in if you want?" Dixie said whilst undoing her seatbelt.

"No I'll be fine, thank you." Rita replied softly.

"Are you sure your ready for this? We can go to mine if you want?"

"No, I need to do this. But thanks again Dix you've been a great friend."

"Are you sure your feeling okay?" Dixie chuckled.

Rita laughed sarcastically back. "See you tomorrow Dix."

Rita gave Dixie a hug, got out of the car and headed to towards her house. She turned around to wave Dixie off. Then she turned the key in the lock, took a deep breath and went in.

She was expecting the house to be in the same state as it was when she was rushed into hospital. But to her surprise her house was spotless, not one bit of glass on the floor. She walked into the kitchen to see a note left on the table. It read:

Dear Rita,

If you're reading this then you've probably just come home from hospital, I thought I would clean as a sort of welcome home gift and plus I know how hard it would've been for you to have to clean it up after everything you've been through. Anyway I hope you're feeling much better now and I will be expecting you to invite me around for dinner one night ;) only joking.

Love from Ash x

A smile grew across Rita's face. How could she be mad at him after he's written that? What a sweetheart. She thought to herself. However she still wanted an answer as to why he couldn't take her home today so she decided to phone his mobile. No answer. She tried again but this time she left a voicemail.

"Ash it's Rita, sorry to bother you actually I'm not sorry, where are you? You were meant to be taking me home today but I had to get Dixie to take me. I'm not angry. Well yes I am. But I'm not because I read your note and well thank you, you have been such a rock to me these past few weeks an I'm so grateful and I'm just rambling on now but if you could call me back or something that would be great. Bye."

Ash was sat in the waiting room when he looked down to check his phone. 2 missed calls and 1 voicemail from Rita. He felt bad for not answering her but right now he had to think about his wife. He was deep in thought when the doctor came out.

"Martin Ashford." The doctor called out.

Ash put his hand and replied with a small "Yeh, that's me."

"Hello, I'm afraid I have some bad news, the crash caused your wife to have a miscarriage." The doctor said with a sympathetic tone.

"What?" Ash replied with tears filling in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, did you not know?"

Ash just shook is head. "I'm sorry I need some air."

Ash grabbed his coat and ran out of the hospital. He stood outside for about 10 minutes when he remembered that he needed to check Rita's voicemail. He listened to it but he felt so angry. After everything I've done for her and she's angry! How ungrateful. But then how is she meant to know that his wife has just been in car crash. He thought to himself. He headed towards his car but stopped. He had to be there for his wife, this time he couldn't choose Rita.