CHAPTER 10- She Returns

"Zoe!" Ash greeted her relieved as she walked into the doors of the ED. Many stunned colleagues watched as she strode in. They hadn't been told. They hadn't been warned. But, they were all glad. They needed all the help they could get. It was a friendly face, as well. Someone who knew them. Someone who could offer support. However silent. "Thank you for coming. Especially at such short notice."

"No problem." Zoe said back, smiling gently. Then her voice turned serious as she and Ash made their way to the staffroom. "How is everyone involved?" Charlie hadn't told her the details over the phone, and she itched to know. They were her friends. Even Connie at the best of times.

"Tess and Lily are a bit shaken up, but no harm done to either of them." Zoe released an audible breath that she hadn't realised she held in apprehension. But, not the worst part came. They walked into the staffroom; Zoe dropped her stuff and sat on the stool next to Ash- who had sat by her. "Connie has a head injury. She's in theatre at the minute." Before Ash could say anymore, he was interrupted by Zoe.

"Will she make it?" Zoe questioned worriedly, fingers crossed for the clinical lead. She may not always get along with her, but she was Connie, and Connie was a friend- even if the question in person didn't think this.

"I don't know. We have a brilliant team up there." He reassured her- not that it did much good. They did have a brilliant team up there, but even they couldn't save everyone that passed through. There was always a chance. Always a chance someone would not be saved. "I think Guy's operating on her. He won't let his number one die." Ash joked slightly- trying to ease up the tension- without much success.

"Ethan?" Zoe asked. She had grown fond of the awkward doctor who arrived less than a year before. She realised Ash left him to last. That couldn't be good. Her breath caught in her throat when he heard the words Ash muttered next.

"Touch and go, I'm afraid." He spoke, honesty and dread seeping from his tone. "He's having a chest x-ray as we speak. Should be going to CT afterwards." He continued, then thought to add in who exactly was treating him. "Cal's talking great care of him. I think his caring side might have come out." He joked slightly- to which Zoe smiled.

"What about you?" Zoe asked- gesturing towards the sling which held Ash's arm in place. Ash looked down. He had forgotten all about it. He was too worried about everyone else.

"I'm fine, just a dislocated shoulder." The answer was plain. They had no more time to talk between themselves as Charlie walked in. His face turned into one of surprise. He hadn't realised Zoe had arrived yet.

"Zoe!" Charlie spoke. It wasn't quite happiness that laced his voice- but it was as close as it could be without being happiness. "Er…just thought I'd tell you that Connie's out of theatre." He added- realising the reason he entered the staffroom in the first place. Zoe and Ash smiled at one another before turning back to Charlie.

"Is she alright?" Ash asked Charlie- though he doubted Charlie knew much anyway.

"Hopefully it's just a matter of waiting for her to wake up." Charlie hesitated. He decided to leave out the bit that read she was not in a good way in theatre, and that she nearly lost output. He knew that news wouldn't fare well.

Cal watched the CT scan. He just hoped and prayed his brother would be alright. Watching him in this condition was heart-breaking. He knew there was nothing on the chest x-ray. No broken ribs at least. He just hoped that he didn't miss anything. If he did, Ethan would be in big trouble.

Memories flashed across Cal's vision. He thought of all they had been through since he had come back to Holby. The regret was there when he returned, but Ethan and he had finally learned to get along with each other once again. To finally become brothers once again. Cal couldn't lose him. Not now. Not ever.

Zoe opened the door quietly and saw a very young, very peaceful, very innocent looking Connie. Her figure was noticeable beneath the sheets. She didn't have the usual colour in her cheeks- and she looked unwell. Her arms lay upon the sheets- her fingers looked so fragile. No one was by her, and so Zoe took to sitting in the chair by Connie's bed. She needed someone with her- even if it was Zoe.

Connie's eyes were closed, and the monitors were beeping steadily. The only noise in the room was the constant beeping. Connie had a bandage round her head where the surgery was performed. It was still touch and go for the clinical lead- but, for now, she was stable. That was all that mattered.

Zoe thought about what must have happened. By the way it sounded, a van rammed Holby's car onto its side- injuring the five involved. She knew their conditions. Two were critical. Three were minor. She just hoped the critical would pull through.

She thought of Ethan- who was still fighting. Cal must have been having a hell of a time. It shouldn't have been up to him to treat Ethan. That was his little brother. Zoe knew she probably should have taken over treating Ethan when she arrived- but, she knew Cal probably would fight against her anyway- his protective side coming out.

For now, Zoe knew she had to be with Connie. She had no one else with her- and she needed a friendly face to greet her if…no, when she woke. What a mess, Zoe thought. So many things had happened to the staff at Holby ED. It was a wonder everyone managed to get on with their day- though, today might be a different story. As long as everyone made it- then Holby would continue. As normal. That was all Zoe prayed and hoped for.

Connie had to wake up. To be okay. To get back to her clinical lead self. Ethan had to get better. To be okay. To get back to his awkward self. If there was one thing Zoe was certain of- things wouldn't be the same for a while in Holby. Not after today.

The sudden opening of the door broke Zoe out of her thoughts. A worried looking Ash spoke. "Zoe, we need your help, urgently!" His speech was rushed, but Zoe could understand. Then the name Ash spoke made her bones grow cold. "It's Ethan."

Busy again…sorry! Hope you enjoyed this. It was more of a filler chapter, making Zoe come in- and a little cliff-hanger for you! Please review? It makes my day when I see someone has reviewed!