Look to the future
Against Zoe's wishes, Tess accompanied her to work the next day. 'Fletch is there. I need to be close by.' Tess told her friend as they travelled to the hospital. Zoe told Tess that if she insisted on being at work then she was to take it easy. Knowing her mind would not be focused on her patients, Tess agreed to spend her time going through her paperwork and spent the entire morning in her office, but her mind wasn't focused on the paperwork either, her pen spinning in her hand as she watched her phone for any sign of life with news of Fletch.
Natalie was upstairs sitting beside Fletch's bed as his eyes started to flicker. She saw his fingers twitch and pressed the nurse call button before holding his hand and leaning over him. 'Fletch...Fletch, can you hear me?' she asked. Fletch's eyes flickered open as he murmured. 'Fletch...' Natalie said, but her heart sank as she heard his fragile voice. 'Tess...' he breathed.
Tess placed a file in her filing cabinet as the door opened and she turned to see Zoe. 'Tess...' Zoe started and Tess dropped the file, expecting to hear that her nightmare had come true. '...No, Tess, it's okay. Fletch is awake and he's asking for you.' Zoe said.
'What about Natalie?' Tess asked.
'Apparently she left when she heard him say your name.' Zoe said.
Tess' feelings were mixed as she and Zoe walked upstairs to see Fletch; she was ecstatic that Fletch was okay and her heart melted at the thought of him wanting her by his side, but she felt guilty that Natalie had been hurt again because of her. They stopped outside Fletch's room and Zoe opened the door for Tess, allowing her to enter before closing the door and giving her and Fletch the privacy they needed. Zoe watched through the window as Tess approached the bed and she saw Fletch take Tess' hand, pull himself up and wrap his arms around her.
Tess held Fletch close as she sat on the bed beside him, her tears brimming whilst she thanked God for saving him. Fletch pulled back and brushed Tess' tears away. 'Tess...' he said softly.
'Fletch I'm so sorry, this is all my fault.' Tess said.
'No. I was stupid. I took my eyes off the road and-'
'Because of my call.'
'None of this is your fault Tess.'
'No?' Tess asked. Fletch smiled and kissed her forehead.
'Not in the slightest...' he said and placed a hand on her cheek. 'I'm in love with you Tess Bateman.' he said and kissed her lips. 'I love you, Adrian.' Tess breathed between kisses.
A week later Tess was sat at the computer in cubicles. As Tom and Sam approached they looked at the door and joined in as the nurses cheered. Tess looked around to see Fletch. As he approached, his friends gave him hugs and patted him on the back. His eyes were fixed on Tess as Sam hugged him. Zoe and Ash exited a cubicle and as Fletch moved closer to Tess she became uncomfortably aware of their audience. He reached her and took her hand, placing it to his lips before pulling her into his arms and kissing her. All was silent for a brief second before their colleagues clapped and cheered. Fletch moved his lips to Tess' cheek as he embraced her in a hug. Tess pulled back and looked up at Fletch. 'So when does your shift end?' Fletch asked her.
'About twenty minutes.' Tess answered.
'Fancy a drink before you head home?'
'You should be resting Nurse Fletcher.' Tess said with a smile.
'Look who's talking.' Fletch answered and placed his hand on Tess' stomach.
'Tess...' one of the nurses called. Tess looked around and nodded before looking back at Fletch.
'I'll meet you in the staff room.' she said. Fletch kissed her cheek and they both headed in different directions.
Tess entered the staff room to see Fletch resting on the sofa, his hand rubbing his side. She approached him and he looked up. 'Hey...' he said.
'Are you in pain?' Tess said as she reached him.
'It's just a twinge.'
'What did your consultant say?' Tess asked as she sat beside him.
'He's given me some painkillers and antibiotics to stop infection. He said I'll be off work for two to three weeks.'
'You shouldn't be alone.' Tess said, holding his hand.
'I'll be okay.'
'Fletch I'm sorry for pushing you away-'
'I deserved it. I hurt you.'
'I thought I was going to lose you.' Tess said and Fletch placed his other hand over Tess' and kissed her lightly. 'Never.' he said. Tess stood up and held out her hand. 'Come on.' she said.
'Where?' Fletch asked.
'Home.' Tess answered simply causing Fletch to smile as he took her hand and stood up.