Hello, just a quick message to say thank you for all your fantastic reviews on this story, it's really appreciated! I must apologise in advance if this chapter is a bit boring but I just needed a filler chapter as I'm preparing for something good in the next chapter so just bare with me! Thanks again :D

Chapter 12

Looking at his wife, he could see and feel the worry that she was going through. Through all the years that he had worked at Holby, he had noticed that the mothers always took bad news worse than the fathers. It's not because the fathers don't care, because they do, it's just that they tend to hide their emotions better. Nick looked at Zoe who had finally managed to stop crying but she was still looking rather pale but Nick was unsure whether it was due to the shocking news or whether it was because she felt ill this morning.

"Zoe," Nick said gently and he watched as Zoe turned her head towards him, coming out of her thoughts.

"Let's go somewhere more private and we'll grab a coffee, what you do you think?" Nick asked gently and Zoe nodded her head in agreement and Nick helped her up onto her feet.

As the duo walked through the double doors into reception, they were bombarded by people asking about family relatives and where they could find them but Nick and Zoe couldn't face dealing with patients or relatives at this time and directed them towards reception where Noel and Louise were being rushed off their feet but still managing to hold the fort well.

Opening the door to the staff room, the pair entered and could see Charlie stood making a cup of coffee. Zoe went and sat down on the sofa and watched as Nick went to help Charlie make some more drinks.

"Are you two okay? You both seem a bit upset." Charlie asked as Zoe's eyes were all red and puffy from crying and they both seemed to be a bit on edge, not their usual, happy selves.

"No, not really," Nick began to explain as he knew that Charlie would find out sooner or later. Nick could see Zoe huddled up on the sofa trying to compose herself as Nick was about to break the news to Charlie.

"Jeff and Dixie informed us that Abi is involved in the RTA as she is on the coach." Nick explained, watching as the shock rose on Charlie's face.

"Oh no, I am sorry. Is she okay?" Charlie asked gently as he was fond of Abi. She often came into the ED when she was waiting for her Mum and Dad to finish and she was always willing to help and cheer people up in any way she could.

"We don't know yet but Dixie is going to let us know as soon as she hears anything." Nick explained as he could feel a lump forming in his throat as he thought about his daughter in the ruins of a coach, surrounded by injured and terrified people.

"If there's anything I can do then you know where to find me. I best get back to work because as you can probably tell, it is mad out there." Charlie explained as he gave Nick a pat on the shoulder to show his support. He grabbed his coffee off the work top before leaving the room to give Nick and Zoe some private time together to get their head round what they had been told. Nick watched as Charlie left the room, feeling rather emotional due to the overwhelming support he was receiving from his friends and colleagues, especially since all Nick and Zoe can do now it wait.