The morning after

The morning after the night before. So strange, waking up and she's not there. Helped having mum around, being able to dedicate her time to the children. I wonder how she is this morning. Can't say it's been easy for her either. Last night everything happened so quickly noone really knew what was going on. I've going to go in and see Mr Middleditch later, sort a few things out. I know she won't be awake yet, Maddie said she'd be sedated for a while, and that she won't be fully awake until mid morning.They said they'd ring when she was up to visitors. They rang earlier, saying she had a comfortable night. Comfortable could mean absolutely anything.

Later that morning Gordon made the short journey to the Royal. He wasn't sure what they knew, so wasn't sure of what to expect on his return. As he walked through the familiar white doors, he was met by Lizzie and Ken, who were standing behind reception, talking.

"Dr Ormerod... What a nice surprise" Lizzie said, smiling broadly.

"I'm not staying today, I'm just here to pick up a few things, speak to Mr Middleditch. Is he in his office?"

"Yes, he said to expect you. You're not leaving are you?" Ken said, saying what everyone else was thinking. Gordon laughed.

"No. Of course I'm not leaving. I'm just taking some time off. I'd best get going. Would hate to keep him waiting!"

They obviously don't know. Which is a good thing. Once Lizzie knows it'll spread around like wildfire, and soon everyone will know. Right. This is it then. Time to face the music...

Gordon hesitated before knocking on the door, and walking inside. As was expected Mr Middleditch was sitting proudly behind his desk, but to his surprise Matron was there too.

"Ah... Gordon. Please sit down. I've asked Matron to sit in, I hope that's alright?" Gordon nodded nervously.

"I'm sorry to hear about Jill... how is she?" Mr Middleditch asked, looking sympathetically towards Gordon.

"Well she was taken into theatre late last night, and she's been sedated for the time being. But all the early signs are good"

"Oh that is good to hear, I'm glad she's doing well. Always been a fighter young Weatherill. Never thought otherwise. Do they know what happened yet?"

"They'll tell her when she's awake, but it's nothing serious. That I am certain. " Gordon looked at Matron, who hadn't yet said anything.

"Do we know how long she'll be off for? It's just we'll need to arrange a locum" Matron asked.

"I'm not sure yet, there's a long way to go yet. My guess is 8 weeks maximum. Depending on the outcome that is" Gordon replied, somehow managing to confidently answer the vast amount of questions that were being fired at him.

"Yesterday. Jill mentioned something. I've been thinking about it and now I'd like to ask for your opinion"

"Go on"

"Well, she said that we need a new doctor. Someone to lighten the load a little, and what with Jill off and I'll not be working for a couple of weeks, It'll be easier for everyone. She said she'd been thinking about it for a while"

"Well, that is a good idea. Come to mention it, we seem to have had a lot of new patients registering lately. Another doctor would certainly even it out a bit. Yes, leave it with me and I'll make a few phone calls"

"Thank you" Gordon made his excuses and left, hoping not to be interrupted on his way out. He desperately had to be somewhere, and no-one was going to stop him. They could try, but they'll never succeed. For he, was a man on a mission...

She's going to get her wish. Just like I got mine. Can't wait to tell her. Should brighten up her day. Yeah. She'll like that.