Roxanna stretched in her bed, feeling a little disappointed that Henrik was not next to her. A part of her had wanted to just jump into being together at all times, but she knew that was a little excessive. Still, the optimism of a new relationship was starting to flood her senses with a sense of hope, driving out the lingering sadness. She knew that she had also been putting in some hard work on herself, with Lydia's help, and that also made all the difference. Throwing caution to the wind, she grabbed her phone and took a quick selfie of her morning face, sending it to Henrik along with a short text. Good morning, darling! I'll miss not seeing you at the hospital today. Love you!
Putting the phone back on the charger, she threw back the covers and stood up, cracking her back before making her way over to the bathroom, stripping off her pyjamas before stepping into the shower and turning on the water. It didn't take long to get it to the right temperature, and then she was standing beneath the stream, allowing it to wet her hair and body. A song quickly came to her lips, and she twitched her hips as she washed herself, still singing. Lydia would be glad that she was feeling so happy and carefree, she knew, and with the progress she had made in her life since returning home from Chicago.
Still smiling and singing, Roxanna rinsed off the last of her body wash before turning off the water and reaching out for a towel, wrapping it around her body before padding over to the mirror above her sink. It had been a while since she had paused to really take stock of her reflection, and as she studied herself, she noticed that some of the sorrow had left her eyes, and she knew that was partially due to the care and affection Henrik had been showing her, once they had gotten on the same page.
It didn't take long for her to get ready, and then she was grabbing an apple on her way out the door, knowing that that would be the easiest thing to eat on her drive to work. She turned the radio up before pulling out onto the street, a pleased gasp coming to her lips as she recognized one of her favourite songs playing. It was so easy to start singing along as she drove, and one song blended into another as she went along, singing and thinking of Henrik. It wasn't until she was in line at Pulses that she thought to check her phone once more, and a secretive smile spread across her face when she saw a reply from Henrik on her screen. It always amazes me that you can look so beautiful in the morning, darling. Enjoy your day at work, and try not to miss me too much. H
He had also included a picture, and Roxanna couldn't stop a little giggle when she saw his tousled hair and the sleepy smile on his lips. "You're in a good mood today, Roxanna."
She jumped a little, pressing the phone to her chest as she turned to look at Sacha. He had an easy smile on his lips, and Roxanna nodded a little before slipping her phone into her pocket. "I am in a wonderful mood. I know there will be bad days to go with the good, but right now, I am happy."
Sacha took a deep breath before he nodded, and somehow, she knew that he wanted to hug her, so she stepped into his space a little more, allowing him to wrap his arms around her in a tight, warm, embrace. Though they were the same age, he felt like a father figure to her, and she relaxed against him as he rubbed her back. "I am so glad to hear that, Roxanna. I know that it there will be rough days ahead, there always are, but to hear that you're doing well today is a good thing."
She nodded as she drew in a deep breath. "It helps to be surrounded by great friends, too." Pulling away from him, she smiled up into his face as they moved forward in line. "Nine months ago, I would have told you that I would never reach this point in my life. My grief over losing David was so great, and as it is, it's still there, just muted today. I have Henrik, and you, and Serena. I'm really blessed."
"I would say that Henrik is probably better for you than us, Roxanna. He's known you the longest, after all." Sacha gave her a quick wink, and she felt a blush darken her face as she looked away from him to decide what she wanted to get that morning. "Things are going that well between you, then?"
"Am I that obvious?" she asked as she settled on getting a latte.
"Actually, he is. He's still himself, but there's a lightness to his step that tells me he's happier than he's been in ages. I know that you both are such private people, even to your friends, but there are these glimpses I catch of the love that you two share. It would almost be treacly sweet, were it not for your more dignified personalities."
She nodded a little before placing her order, waiting for Sacha to rattle off what he wanted before paying for them both. "There is a certain sort of softness to the air between us, yes. And I suppose that I can share this with you, since you've been such a good friend to me these past few months, but, well, he's the only song that I need."
They accepted the cups of coffee from the barista's hands before making their way over to the lifts. "I felt like that with Essie, but somehow, we were never singing our song at the same time. The one that you're singing? I have the feeling that Henrik is on the same exact beat."
"I certainly hope so," she murmured as the door opened, and they got on. Lofty joined them just as the doors started to close, and she gave him a small smile. "Running late this morning?" she asked as she pressed the number for their floor.
"A little. Dom and I got into it again, and I just lost track of time as I tried to cool off." He shivered a little as he shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. "I just love him too much to give up on him, but it hurts a little too much at times."
Sacha nodded as he reached out and patted Lofty's shoulder. "Sometimes you have to really talk about if you're on the same page or not. Mixed signals and desires can lead to a breakdown in communication that can be catastrophic to a relationship."
Somehow, Roxanna knew that he was talking about Essie, and she stepped closer to them both in an effort to show comradery. "He's right, you know. I mean, look at me, I fled to Chicago because of a breakdown in communication, and was too morose for you to talk to, as well. We should all strive to be open and honest with the ones we love."
Lofty gave her a hangdog look before nodding in agreement. "I suppose that you're right, Ms MacMillan. But I think we should talk about something a little happier today than my misery. How are things going with you and Mister Hanssen? Dom swears that he heard him humming a love song beneath his breath the other day in theatre."
"Really?" she asked, a pleased smile spreading across her lips. "I suppose that I'm not the only one with a song on my lips these days, then. The most I can tell you is that I am happy, and Henrik is happy, and while we both realise that could change in a moment, we're holding on to every precious moment that we have."
Hot tears prickled at her eyes, and Sacha reached out to rub her shoulder gently as she took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her suddenly heaving heart. "I think that might just be the most beautiful thing I've heard all week, Roxanna. Love suits you so well."
"I never said anything about love, Sacha," she said archly, knowing that she was being thoroughly transparent to the both of them, given the way they each swallowed a chuckle. "And there -are some of us who don't want to jinx a good thing, not when we're both coming out of something so horrific as John's betrayal and Fredrik's rampage. When we're ready, we'll publicly use that four letter word, but until that time, please, just recognize that we're both a little delicate?"
Sacha nodded as his arm came to rest around her shoulders, pulling her close to him. "I think that we can all abide by that, Roxanna. And if someone can't, well, I will be certain to make them aware of the thin ice they tread," he said as he squeezed her gently to him. "And maybe your good fortune will rub off on us all. I know that I, at least, could do with some joy in my life."
"I'll keep you in my prayers, then," she whispered, feeling him nod. "Let me guess, you do the same for us?"
"Guilty." She looked up into his face and winked at him, watching him blush a little before he winked back. There was something so precious about that moment, and she found herself so glad for these friendships she had found here at Holby.