Saturday and Sunday passed in a blur. What with Bernie working and Serena having so much to do; including spending time with Jason. It was Sunday night and Serena had all but packed. Her suitcases and everything for the trip in, what was, Ellie's room.

Bernie had come in from work and she found Serena outside, smoking.

"Serena?" Bernie ventured out to where Serena was, she wrapped her arms around Serena's waist and took the cigarette to have a drag, "You OK?"

"Never better." Serena answered dryly.

It's going to be one of those nights. Bernie thought.

"Come on Campbell, spill."

Serena pulled away from Bernie and went to the house. Bernie rolled her eyes as she finished the cigarette. She let out a sigh and followed Serena into the house.

Serena was pouring a glass of wine, Bernie noted that it was not her first. Serena reached down a glass for Bernie and poured a glass for her too. She passed it over silently. Bernie accepted and put it straight down. "If you would prefer to be on your own tonight I can go." She paused, "Just call me when you need me."

Serena walked over and rested her forehead on Bernie's chest, "Don't go," she said quietly.

Bernie took a deep breath.

They stood in silence for a few moments, Bernie reached to hold Serena's hand and gave it a squeeze. "I know all of this is hard, but," She paused, "If you want my help you have to tell me what you want."

Serena leaned up. "Can we go out?"

"Out?" Bernie queried.

"Yes. I feel a bit stir crazy; and," Serena paused, and looked a little coy.

"And, what?"

"It would be nice if we could go on a date before I go." Serena admitted.

"Would that make you feel better?" Bernie asked.

Serena nodded, "I'm sorry for being," She threw up her hands, "I'm just a little emotional. I think if we went out and you took my mind off things it would help. I'm bloody sick and tired of packing."

Bernie moved from where she stood and collected their coats, she held out Serena's for her to put her arms in and then put on her own coat, "Your chariot awaits m'lady; where would you like to go?"

Serena laughed, "You will take me anywhere?"

Bernie smiled, "Mmmmm."

"Can we go to the cinema?" Serena asked.

Bernie picked up her keys, "Come on then Campbell."

Serena smiled and followed Bernie, "Food after?"

Bernie laughed, "Before, after; whichever. Suppose it depends on film times. Anyway what do you want to go and see?"

They were sitting in the cinema. Bernie sat on the end of the row with her legs stretched out feeling a bit out of place. She was not expecting Serena to want to go and see the new Fast and Furious film but she was not expecting to be dragged along to this.

Bernie looked across to Serena who looked positively excited as the trailers started, "This better be good?" Bernie said with some doubt.

"It's Beauty and the Beast, of course it will be wonderful." Her statement was met with a dubious look from Bernie.

Serena was enjoying the film and noticed from the corner of her eye that Bernie was starting to relax and seemed to be watching the film intently. Serena reached out for Bernie's hand and she took it.

All thoughts of the secondment and their parting were forgotten for a couple of hours.

At one point Serena could see that Bernie was engrossed within the film and she swore that she saw Bernie wipe a tear from her eye. Serena was obviously crying at the film and she didn't care who saw.

As they left the cinema Serena linked arms with Bernie as they walked to one of the restaurants on the retail park. "Did I see you shed a tear in there Major?"

Bernie pulled a face and shook her head, "Nah, I had something in my eye." She said not too convincingly.

They were settled in a booth in the new Mexican place to open up. Bernie let Serena choose where they went as this was her night. They laughed and ate and Serena drank quite a bit too but Bernie was pleased to see her relaxed and happy… even if it was short lived, it was nice and it would be a nice memory to hold on to when Serena went away.

"So, are you going to come and visit me then?" Serena asked as she swilled the wine around in her glass.

"Try and stop me." Bernie replied simply.

Serena smiled, "Do you think Jason will come out?"

Bernie looked at her, she really did not know. Jason liked routine. Jason liked what he knew. She was not sure how he felt about holidays and changing his routine. "I think he knows that myself or Alan would travel with him if he wanted to see you; but, you know…." Bernie left the sentence hanging knowing that Serena knew.

Serena nodded, "Not even sure if he has a passport." She laughed and sipped her wine.

Serena's phone went off, she looked at it and smiled. "Message from Sasha; wants to know if I am doing leaving drinks."

"Ha, um. Do you want to?"

Serena shook her head; "I think its best I slope off and fix myself up a bit. Doubt many people are going to miss that Serena much."

Bernie tipped her head, as if to say 'really, come on'. "Not as far as I have seen. Quite the opposite. A lot of people care about you and are going to miss you."

"Even when I was a bit of a bitch."

Bernie nodded, "Well however you see it people understand you are grieving."

"Jac Naylor?"

Bernie threw a confused look, "Jac Naylor does not like anyone, so I would not worry about her." They both laughed as Serena reflected and thought about Jasmine.

"How is Jasmine?"

"She's fine; she is going to miss you. She asked me to pass on her regards." Serena smiled, that really was more than she deserved she thought. "Another drink or shall I get the bill?" Bernie asked.

"Bill. We have wine at home sweetheart."

"You going to be alright; at home." She paused, "You seemed a bit down earlier."

Bernie caught the attention of the waiter as Serena looked at her, "I'm sorry, I just; I was a bit stressed after packing. I will be fine if I can relax with you."

Bernie passed her card over to pay the bill and then reached out for Serena's hand; "I'm there if you want me."

"I definitely want you." Serena said with a wink as she drained her glass. They got up from the booth keen to get to the car and get home.