10 weeks later and Bernie had decided to return to work after Serena's updates on how the 3 replacements chosen to cover Bernie were, in Serena's words, 'as much use as a chocolate fireguard.' Bernie had bonded well with her baby, loved him more than words could say, but she needed that work life balance back, she hired a nanny and returned on the condition of flexi time something in which Hanssen and Serena were happy to accommodate if it meant getting their trauma surgeon back. The flexi time enabled Bernie to spend quality time with her baby each morning or evening, depending on how tired he was, she would run back at lunch times if needed and she no longer now worked weekends. Things seemed to be going well for everyone. Serena had been actively involved in both Bernie and the baby's life, popping round to Bernie's house most days since she had left the hospital, the dynamic of their relationship had changed with regards to romance but the friendship between them had been stronger than ever, or so she thought.

Bernie was back in her scrubs and enjoying being back in her work, she had just finished with a patient and was about to move on to the next when she was called over by Fletch, ''Ms Wolfe, just a minute'' he said before handing over a patient file. Bernie took it automatically assuming she would be assessing notes when she was surprised to find an A4 Good Luck, Sorry You're Leaving card inside. ''Most people have signed it already, we're just waiting for you, oh and leaving drinks are on Friday night, I trust you'll be there'' he said cheerily.

Bernie hadn't realised there was someone leaving, she's normally to absorbed in her work to keep up with the rumour mill but with 10 weeks off on maternity also she felt completely out of the loop. She opened the card clicking her pen ready to sign when suddenly she felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her. Her legs had gone to jelly and her surroundings seemed to whirl around her in slow motion.

'To Serena, we will miss you, have an amazing time in France, Love Morven' xxxx

WHAT THE FUCK she thought, luckily the word did not spill from her lips.

Bernie continued to read the messages in the card.

'To Serena, To Serena, Dear Serena' She checked each one confused, ''all the best, good luck for the future Ms Campbell, can't believe you are leaving us'' other messages read.

Fletch noticed Bernie's face as she read the messages ''Earth to Ms Wolfe, drinks, Friday, you will be there right.''

''What, oh, yes, of course'' Bernie closed the file containing the card and handed it back to Fletch, luckily he hadn't realised she hadn't signed it, she couldn't bring herself to, she was sure this must all be some kind of misunderstanding, some kind of sick joke, but just the thought of Serena leaving made Bernie want to burst into tears, which was actually easily done these days, dam hormones.

Bernie took herself off to the office, she needed some space to think, to cry. She wanted answers, but Serena was in a meeting with Hanssen, she contemplated interrupting the meeting, her heart telling her to barge in and shout the words 'is it true' but her head told her other wise and instead she remained at her computer trying her best to focus on her work, letting the tears roll down her cheeks.

Surely she wouldn't have done this to me, she can't just go, after everything we've been through together, yes I suppose I did it to her, but that was different, things we're different. Her mind was on overdrive.

Serena walked into the office, ''Thank goodness that meetings over, fancy a coffee?''

Bernie stood from her chair, adrenaline racing through her body, her hands we're shaking. She had spent the last 45 minutes rehearsing and planning a speech in her head, she knew exactly what she was going to say and how she was going to say it, because after all this must have been a mistake. However the second she saw Serena's face that planned speech had left her mind and what came out was sharp and full of attitude ''I hear best wishes are in order.'' That wasn't how you were supposed to do it she thought to her self.

''Sorry'' Serena stopped in her tracks and took in the view of Bernie's tear stained face.

''You know, France, that's where your going isn't it?'' Again Bernie spoke with attitude while organising her desk, slamming things down and avoiding looking at Serena.

The tension in the room was painful.

''How do you?'' Serena paused she wanted to say ''how do you know before realising that finding the source of the leak was not the priority. ''I was going to tell you, I was just waiting for, you know, the right moment, the right words.'' Serena's voice was small and desperate.

''Oh you needn't of worried, the full ward found a way, and the right words too it seems, good luck, sorry your leaving I think was the words they used.'' Bernie was seething.

''Bernie'' Serena said in a small voice, she was devastated that Bernie had found out in this way, the very last thing she wanted was to hurt her.

''I've got patients to see'' and with that Bernie had stropped off out of the office, slamming the door on her way out leaving Serena devastated.

Serena tried several times to talk to Bernie over the coming days, she needed to explain but all of her attempts were refused or ignored by Bernie. If Serena walked in a room, Bernie walked out, the atmosphere was uncomfortable for everyone.

The week came to an end and before Bernie knew it, it was Friday night, Serena's leaving drinks night. Most of the staff got changed at work and headed straight for the bar however Bernie went home, still unsure as to whether she would be attending. She was still angry with Serena but if Serena was leaving tomorrow, she knew she couldn't leave things like this.

Bernie sought to her baby, feeding and changing him, spending some precious time before his bath and sleep. ''Looks like it's just the two of us now little man.'' She said with a sad smile as she cradled him in her arms.

Having decided she needed to see Serena before she left she arranged a baby sitter and began getting ready to go out. If tonight was going to be the last time her and Serena seen each other, she was going to make sure she gave her something good to remember.

She pulled out some black leather look skinny jeans, her highest heels, spritzed on perfume and put a small amount of lipstick on. Her hair softly tousled as usual, she couldn't remember ever making this much effort for a night out before.

She arrived at the bar to find it packed with people, all of which she recognised from working at the hospital. She scanned the room looking for Serena but her eyes found Jasmine, Morven, Fletch and Raff first. Morven's mouth open slightly and she nudged Jasmine at the sight of Bernie arriving.

Jasmine looked up at Bernie, ''Wow, Bernie, you look.''

Bernie's eyes widened as she panicked thinking she had over done it with how she looked.

''YOU LOOK HOT'' Jasmine finished, they all sat there speechless and Bernie let out a gaspy laugh in relief.

''Drinks?'' Bernie asked them, a shy smile growing and feeling her cheeks blush she needed to escape the attention and order herself a much needed double scotch.

Bernie stood at the bar on her own and felt the presence of someone stand, shoulder to shoulder beside her. She didn't even need to look to know it was Serena, she could smell her perfume and feel the sexual magnetism between them as they stood side by side both looking ahead.

Serena broke the ice first, ''you came'' she said looking directly at the bottles of spirits behind the bar.

''Of course I came, wasn't going to let you go without saying goodbye.'' Bernie smiled a big, shy grin.

Serena spoke to the barman and ordered her usual, a bottle of shiraz, Bernie swirling the ice in her scotch.

There was a painful pause while they both thought of the right words.

''Bernie''

''Serena''

They spoke at the same time and their eyes connected. Staring longingly into each others eyes hoping they could telepathically say the words I Love You without having to say them out loud. Were they going to kiss? Serena was moving closer to Bernie, pulling in like a magnet, eyes fleeting between eyes and lips, only seconds from connecting when. . .