Another filler chapter, the final chapter I'll do surrounding Christmas.


Chapter 20

Ethan felt completely nervous, he felt as if his blood was travelling through his body at a faster pace than usual. It was as if Connie knew that she would be making him nervous, the moment she decided to leave the bad news to him and Sam to deliver. It didn't sink into the doctor, and it made matters worse that the two people they had to break the news to, were both blissfully unaware.

Ethan turned to Sam, who finally managed to calm herself down, the moment she heard the news. She watched the window with intent, noticing that poor Louise was using the alcohol gel for the third time within the hour. Everyone weren't taking any chances she found, partially when the first case was brought in by her and Ruby none the less. It also ruined her chances to catch up with their friends, who are now being told the bad news about tonight.

"Okay Ethan," Cal breathed as he quickly covered the coin with the palm of his hand, "You call it?"

"Heads," Ethan sighed, still annoyed that they left the bad news to them.

"That means I'm Tails then," Sam muttered.

Cal watched the two of them, secretly heartbroken for them both. Personally, he can't understand why Connie didn't just postpone the Christmas party. If there was a flu outbreak, wouldn't everyone decide it'd be safe to just hold it off, especially with the news that everyone had the flu vaccine? It doesn't seem fair that Iain and Lily must be uninvited to the party, just because of the outbreak to keep them safe.

It also wasn't fair of Connie to leave breaking the bad news to Sam and Ethan.

"Okay," Cal removed his hand as Ethan and Sam watched with intent to reveal the face of the Queen.


"You didn't go to the chemo session?" Gem asked Lily, startled to learn that it was only Iain who went this week.

"I have to go in for six cycles," Lily explained to her, "Each cycle consists of three doses of chemotherapy. One dose a week."

"Lily's already completed one cycle," Iain explained to Gem, settling down next to Lily, "Her next dose is next week. That's when I'll be taking a break, even your body needs to rest."

"I thought it'd be a straight fix," Gem sighed, "Proves how little I know about cancer."

Lily pulled Gem into her arms, of course she feels guilty. The poor thing will be dealing with news that treatment isn't as quick as it possibly could. Gem was told of the side effects that chemotherapy could have on someone, she didn't know that there were measures that would need to be taken to ensure that the recovery is safe.

"Anyway," Lily smiled getting up, "I should be getting ready for tonight. I can't wait to see everyone for the Christmas party."

Gem smiled at the excitement. Of course, Lily was getting excited about the gathering at work, she hadn't seen everyone in a month, and she was looking forward to hearing the news that she has missed. Iain was also ready for a night free of any stress regarding work, treatment or the shock that he had somehow gained the approval of Lily's mother (something that Gem isn't really surprised to hear).

"Something changed in her," Gem looked at Iain, "I thought Christmas parties aren't her thing."

"They're not," Iain answered, "But after everything that has happened, she's just wanting to relax a little bit. Plus, I think she wants to show the ring off."

"Figures," Gem giggled, "But if I've had a ring like the one you've used, I'd want to show it off too."

"Nice try," Iain glared at her, "Not telling you what I've got you."

"You don't know, and you let Lily pick it out, didn't you?" Gem bluntly accused her brother.

"No," Iain lied, looking away from his sister.

"You did!" Gem laughed at him.

Iain was about to deny everything, but he was suddenly saved by the ring tone! He looked over at the phone, although annoyed that it was Sam (He wasn't entirely forgiving over what happened between her and Alicia). Taking a deep breath, he answered the phone, a bit relieved that Sam did save him from scrutiny.

"Hi Iain," Sam whispered, "How is everything?"

"It's good thanks," Iain answered, "You've just saved me from interrogation. Gem was about to accuse me of letting Lily buy her present."

"You did though," Sam mentioned, "I was there when she ordered it."

He didn't know what was happening, but Iain begun to realise that Sam was trying to delay something. It was as if Sam needed to tell him something but is trying to find a way out of doing so.

"Something's happened, hasn't it?" Iain asked her, "Sam you can tell me."

"Okay I did try to tell them they were being unreasonable," Sam explained, "Ethan tried as well, but it was no use. They wouldn't listen!"


Lily hung two options on her wardrobe door. The first option was a black knee-high dress, with a red waistline around it. The second was a navy dress, with a white collar and white seems at the bottom of the skirt. Lily made the decision to go for the navy dress, deciding it would look nice with her bleach blonde wig. Placing the black and red dress into the wardrobe, she made the decision to get ready in an hour for the party. No need to rush.


"Thank you for trying."

Iain placed the phone on the table, resting his head in his hands. This wasn't fair at all, three cases of influenza, and now he and Lily are now no longer able to go to the staff Christmas party. This was unfair! It could be the last chance they get to go enjoy Christmas, and they've been excluded from the festivities.

"What's wrong?" Gem asked.

"There's been three cases of flu within the hospital," Iain explained, "Because of that, I've just been told that me and Lily can't go to the party."

"That's not fair!" Gem shouted, standing up, "If you two can't go, then I won't, simple as."

Iain looked up, alarmed at his sister's maturity. He couldn't believe she was willing to sacrifice the opportunity to have a laugh because he and Lily were told that they shouldn't go in the first chance. It was bad enough that cancer was ruining both his and Lily's lives, but it shouldn't wreck the lives for Gem, Ethan, Sam or anyone else that they're close to for that matter.

"No," Iain tells her, "You're still going. I can understand that no one wants to take chances with us getting ill. It shouldn't stop you from missing out."

"But there's a risk I could pick something up," Gem insisted, "I could put you and Lily at risk!"

"Sam did say that you can stay with her to be safe," Iain explained, "Not that I'm kicking you out or anything."

"Doesn't sound like it," Gem muttered, "Has anyone told Lily?"

"Told me what?"

Iain and Gem turned to see Lily adjusting her blonde wig, clearly happy she made the decision on picking out what to wear. Iain felt bitter with Sam, at least she had a chance she could have gotten out of telling the bad news (Ethan apparently cheated with the coin). Now he must be the one to break the bad news to Lily.

"Iain?" Lily whispered, fearful.

"Sam was on the phone," Iain sighed, "There's been an outbreak of flu at work."

"Let me guess," Lily muttered, "They decided that the news would be best broken by either Ethan or Sam and they'd flip to see who had to tell us we can't go."

"If you can't go," Gem insisted, "I won't go!"

"Thanks Gem," Lily smiled, "But you should still go. Don't miss out because of us."

"Good try," Iain smirked at Gem, "I know this sounds unfair, but you've had a lot on. And we haven't exactly been helpful."

"It's not your fault," Gem insisted.

"Some of it was," Iain mentioned, "We've should have told you we weren't completely honest with Lily's mum. How did you get her to accept me anyway?"

"She's admitted who Lily dates is none of her business," Gem mentioned, "But I really don't want you two to miss out."

"We know," Lily mentioned, "But we don't need to have a big party anyway. We'll just have a quiet night in, just the two of us."

Gem felt conflicted. This was clearly not fair that Iain and Lily must miss out on something that they may not have the chance to do again. She didn't want to think about it, but she's scared that she could lose one or both to the cruellest thing possible, but there they are, insisting she doesn't miss out on living her life, just because of them. Feeling guilty, she weighed up her options, deciding that she really doesn't want to miss out on the party. It soon dawned on her that Iain and Lily knew this, which was why they were insistent on her going.

"Fine," Gem sighed, "Only because I don't want to miss it. I'll take up on Sam's offer."

"Thank you," Iain smiled, hugging her, "Please remember just because we have cancer, doesn't mean you should have to put your life on hold for us."


"Have you two decided who was giving them the bad news?" Charlie asked Sam and Ethan as he walked into the ambulance station.

"We flipped for it," Ethan muttered, feeling guilty that Lily and Iain were missing out on the party.

"I lost," Sam muttered, hating herself for delivering the bad news, "I called Iain, he took it well. I think he told Lily straight away."

Charlie sighed, knowing that it's not fair for Iain and Lily to miss out on the celebrations for Christmas. But when he heard Jan and Connie discuss the options, he was shocked to learn that they were discussing several options, one of which that included cancelling the party overall. Charlie thought that would be the best option, since if someone did catch the flu, they could risk putting others at risk of becoming seriously ill.

It was unfortunate that Connie and Jan brought everyone to a meeting to discuss the fate of the party. Charlie knew that the moment this was discussed that no one wanted the party to be cancelled. As a result of this meeting, Connie and Jan made the decision to have the party, but to reduce the risk by telling Lily and Iain not to come.

To make matters worse, Connie then made the decision to leave breaking the news to the best friends of the couple. Charlie wanted to argue, but Connie then left straight away.

"This isn't fair," Sam sighed, walking to the ambulance, "I think I'm going to give the night a miss."

"Me too," Ethan muttered, "Parties aren't normally my thing. I only agreed to go because Lily was going."

"It's up to you two," Jan mentioned walking into the station, "But I had a message from Iain. Gem nearly blew off going as well. Maybe you two should go together."

"No way," Ethan muttered.

"Sorry Jan," Sam sighed, "It's a nice thought. But I've already upset Alicia, I nearly ruined one relationship. I don't want to cause problems for another."

"Me and Alicia are okay," Ethan smiled, "I made time for her. What was going off between us was a lot different for Lily and Iain. Besides, I think Iain misses Lily feeling uncomfortable around you," Ethan chuckled, "Now you've two became best friends. I think Iain is more scared that anything Lily tells you; you'll rub in his face."

Sam giggled at that. Ethan was right, she wasn't a bother towards anyone. And right now, they need a break between work, worrying and training for the fun run.

"Okay," Sam smiled, "Why don't the two of us go together? We'll let Gem join us as well."


"I'm sorry you're stuck with me for the night," Iain sighed, placing two mugs of coffee on the table, "You had your heart set on going to that party."

"Don't worry about it," Lily sighed, taking one of the mugs, "It wouldn't be my cup of tea anyway."

"You were excited about it," Iain mentioned to her, realising why she was down, "You just wanted to forget what was happening. Didn't you?"

"Yeah," Lily explained, "This party was going to be a nice distraction. Plus, we never got a chance to properly announce our engagement."

"Maybe next time," Iain suggested, pulling Lily into his arms, "Next party, we can tell everyone."

"Sounds good," Lily breathed into his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, soothing her after each drum.

The pair stayed in companionable silence, when they suddenly heard the buzzer going off. Lily and Iain quickly broke away, they weren't expecting anyone, were they? No one ordered anything. No one arranged to come and visit. No one was even going carol singing. Cautiously, Lily stood up, taking the steps to the front door. She peered through the peephole, startled to see who it was.

Breaking away, Lily opened the door, amazed that she has come face to face with two people, she'd never thought she'd see again.

"Dr Ashford?" Lily gasped in amazement, "Dixie?"

"You looked startled Lily," Dixie beamed before frowning, "Is this a bad time? You look as if you're heading somewhere."

Lily suddenly remembered, that in the commotion, she hasn't taken her blonde wig off. The wig liner that she got made wearing the itchy wig more comfortable, and now she feels more comfortable wearing it. She hasn't even removed the plait at the side, as it made the look feel more natural that way.

"We were," Lily mentioned, "But our plans had since changed. You'd better come in, it's freezing out."


Jan kept her eyes peeled to the sky; each star went brighter as the Christmas period approaches. Taking her time, she often wondered which star George's was and where the star was in the sky.

"Each bright star is a soul up in heaven," he always told her, "Each dim star is waiting for their soul to come to them."

Jan didn't want to believe that, especially when George told her this, three days before she had the dreaded phone call from her sister-in-law. He was five years older, he helped looked after her when she started school, then attended her graduation after she completed her training. Those words her brother said took place, ten years and three days ago.

Jan didn't want to go to the party, not considering what happened all those years ago. George was looking forward to spending his last Christmas with his wife as well as young Melody as well. Jan even made plans to take her children to go and visit them, despite knowing how weak George was.

Taking George's word into account broke Jan completely as she wanted to forgive him, she really did, but she couldn't forget.

"You okay?" Ruby walked next to her.

"I'm okay," Jan sighed, "Just been emotional. You're not going to the party?"

"Actually," Ruby sighed, "I'm going to visit my cousin, he's been in for a bone marrow transplant."

"Is this his first time?" Jan sympathised with her.

"First time," Ruby explained, "It isn't fair. He's young and he has so much of his life to look forward to. He had the leukaemia in the early stages, but now the symptoms are getting worse. But he's cracking jokes about the condition. I don't understand that."

"I think I do," Jan explained to her, "I lost a brother to cancer, and I'm not sure if you've heard about a paramedic and a doctor in the ED. They've been diagnosed with cancer, but according to their close friends, they haven't stopped laughing and joking. It's their way of coping with the illness."

"I think I've met the paramedic," Ruby explained, "Two days before he went in, my cousin and I went to a coffee shop, he started talking to this guy who was also battling cancer. In fact, he gave me one piece of advice."

"Was it 'Don't wind anyone up before they had their coffee?'" Jan chuckled as Ruby nodded, "Sounds like something he would say."


"First off," Dixie smiled as she and Ash settled down, "The ring! Jan hasn't told me that part."

"I haven't told her yet," Iain mentioned, "We don't know how many people knew about that."

Lily must admit, it felt strange seeing Ash and Dixie again, especially as they were both civil this time. Lily remembered the day of the accident, Jeff gave his life to help Ash and whilst he was able to get out, Jeff was caught up in the crossfire. Dixie hated Ash since then and although they've made peace, they still haven't moved past what has happened.

How did they end up talking to each other?

It couldn't have something to do with what has happened, could it?

"We've only told my mother a few weeks ago," Lily explained, sitting next to Iain.

"Have you've got a date planned?" Ash asked them both.

Iain and Lily looked at each other. What can they say to anyone? This Christmas, the two promised to celebrate it as if it would be their last? Is that how they were going to treat everything. What mattered to the two of them now, was to fight cancer and beat it! But what would happened if they did beat cancer? If, being the strong word. The two agreed to wait until their treatment is over before, but if they were treating Christmas as if it would be their last, how long would they have left?

"We haven't thought about it," Iain mentioned.

"We wanted to wait until after treatment is over," Lily sighed, "But we planned to treat this Christmas as if it would be our last. I know what it sounds like."

"Like you want to make it special," Ash smiled at the two, "That doesn't sound bad at all."

"It sounds like you don't want to waste any more time," Dixie smiled as well, "I think this proved life is too short."

"I guess we do need to start planning for it," Lily whispered, "There are so much I wanted to do, I felt as if I wasted time."

"Like what?" Ash asked her.

Lily thought about it. When she was younger, she always wants to see the world, travel to new places. See the world through her own eyes and not through photographs. She never told this to anyone, even Iain doesn't know about this. Did she put herself under that much pressure to be a consultant and make her father proud, she forgot about the things that she wanted to do outside of work?

The words she remembered Iain telling her still stuck in her mind.

"There's more to life than work."

"I've always wanted to see the world," Lily explained, "To go and explore the world. Egypt, America, Thailand. I've wanted to see the world through my own eyes."

"You never told me that," Iain mentioned.

"You never asked," Lily explained, "I've wanted to do that as a child. But, but."

"You were forced to make work a priority," Ash suspected, "So you put your dreams to one side."

"Something I've regretted," Lily sighed, "I never told anyone that. When I started dating Iain, I've found that my dream to travel the world could one day be a reality. Only, I never dared say anything."

"Lily that sounds amazing," Iain explained, "I've wanted to do that, that's why I joined the army."

"Sounds like you two got a plan once the treatment is over," Dixie smiled.


The party was in full swing, making Ethan and Sam feel uncomfortable that not one person had thought about the two people that they've practically forced to miss out at the party. Ethan watched as Alicia was gossiping with Louise, that she has forgotten that he was in the room.

He felt left out, would have done if Cal and Sam hadn't joined him.

"Gem is in the corner talking to Rash," Sam giggled, "He mentioned his parents are away, so it's a nice night in for the two."

"Don't tell Iain that," Ethan chuckled.

"Right," Cal smirked, "I'm going to get us drinks, I'll be back shortly."

Ethan and Sam watched as Cal walked over to the bar, determined to get drinks so that Ethan and Sam are okay.

"Ethan," Sam asked, "Is there anything that your brother might like for Christmas?"

"Why?" Ethan smirked, "Has he really made that lasting impression on you?"

"He might have done," Sam muttered under her breath, "I've been wanting to ask him out again."

"What is stopping you?" Ethan mentioned, "I've never seen Cal mad about anyone. I'll even walk away to give you some privacy."

"Ethan," Sam pleaded, "What if I make an idiot out of myself?"

"You'll be fine," Ethan smiled, "Besides, I want to speak to Alicia. I haven't seen much of her tonight."


Iain and Lily couldn't believe that they've done that! The two of them have made their first plan for after their treatment is over. To travel the world sounds incredible, and Lily can already feel the sand between her toes as they walked along the seaside. The thought sounds amazing, so much that they may announce their notices straight away.

"Do you think it's a good idea?" Iain asked Dixie, "That once the treatment is over, we go travelling around the world?"

"I think it's a great idea," Dixie answered him in the kitchen, "Iain, I'm jealous of this right now. The chance to see the world. How many people get that opportunity?"

"What if?"

"No ifs," Dixie smiled, "I don't mind helping you with this plan. And I'm sure Jan and everyone else would be supportive of this decision."

"Would they?" Iain asked, "Some people would think we're taking a risk."

"Others would believe that you want to make the most of life," Dixie explained, "I know if it was me, I wouldn't want to waste any time to do the things that I've wanted to do."

Iain looked at Lily who clearly talking to Ash. He wondered if Lily had been having the same doubts, he was having about travelling around the world. If someone fell ill suddenly, they'd be in trouble since the medical bills would be high. And their immune systems would be compromised at first with their treatment.

But would they regret not taking that opportunity?

"I think we might need more time to think about it," Iain whispered.


"Hey Alicia," Ethan walked over to her and Louise.

"Hey," Alicia turned to him and smiled, knowing he had left Sam's side to be with her, "How did Iain and Lily take it?"

"I think it was the right call," Louise mentioned, "I'm sure Lily and Iain would be exhausted with the treatment, beside there'll be drinking involved. It's the last thing they want."

Ethan ignored this comment, knowing that Louise was one of the members of staff who've objected against cancelling the party, along with Alicia and a few other nurses. He knew not to argue against her, he didn't want to cause problems between the two of them.

"They'll be back for the party next year," Ethan mentioned but he found himself ignored, as Alicia didn't hear him.

Ethan thought nothing of it, especially since the music in the background is blocking the sound of distance conversations. He turned to Sam, who was beaming the moment Cal walked over to the table, asking a question only for Sam to explain, something. The music was blocking the conversation, so he was unsure if Sam was plucking up the courage to ask his brother out, or if she was trying to change the conversation like she did breaking the news to Iain.

"Still," Alicia mentioned, "I know it sounds unfair. This could be the last Christmas they'll have."

Ethan froze. Does Alicia really think that? Didn't she hear what he just said? Was she ignoring him on purpose, just to hurt him?

"Anyway," Alicia changed the subject, "Let's forget about it for the time being! Let's go grab a drink Louise!"

Ethan watched as Alicia and Louise walked away from him and over to the bar. He couldn't believe how different Alicia is being throughout the whole night. It was as if he didn't matter so long as she was enjoying herself. It's not fair, he knows he's being selfish, but he wished Lily was at the party, then there was someone that he had in common that he would be able to talk to.

He decided to go outside with his phone, knowing it'll be nice to talk to Lily. The cold air was enough to clear his mind, taking away the negative experience. Maybe Lily hasn't taken the news as well as he thought, so maybe hearing that he was having a rubbish time would provide some comfort for her.

Ethan dialled for Lily's number, only for him to notice that there was no answer. The phone kept on ringing, and ringing, and ringing, but still no answer. Ethan was terrified, was Lily not happy with him for not being courageous about telling her she couldn't go? Was she upset about the process of not being able to do the things that she would love to do? Or was she down to the point where she cried herself to sleep?

Ethan thought about Alicia, was he really spending too much time with his brother's crush? Or was Alicia scared because this wouldn't have been the first time, he shown interest in his brother's crush?


"Okay," Ash smiled, holding onto the controller, "I think I've got the aim of this now. So, all I have to do is knock the other players out of the battlefield?"

"Exactly," Lily instructed, holding onto her pink controller, hoping her character will do her proud, "The most hits you take, the more at risk you'll be at being knocked out."

"So long as we wipe the smirk of Iain's face, I'm happy," Dixie smirked to Iain's glare, "Sorry, but you gloat. A lot."

The game loaded up, showing four characters on the platform before the one word is called out.

"Fight!"

Three of the fighters started to throw punches at each other, not taking notice of the woman in the robot suit who was able to shoot a homing device at one of them.

"Go easy on me Lily!" Ash called at her, "Remember I'm new to this!"

"Sorry, I was aiming for Mega Man," Lily beamed, "So long as I knock him out once, I'm happy!"

"Is this gang up on Iain day?" Iain moaned at them, "I haven't had this abuse in a while!"

"You always gloat when you win!" Lily shouted, seeing the sword, "Good luck avoiding this!"

Iain frowned the moment Samus threw Mega Man out of the field. Iain knew teaching Lily how to play this game would come back and haunt him, but he felt pleased that she had now fully grasped the gameplay, since she was now able to give everyone else a run for their money.

It was at that moment Iain noticed that Samus was slowing down on her gameplay, not being quick with her move set as she was doing the gameplay. He himself also found that his character was slowing down as well, despite being on full health after being thrown out of the battlefield. His eye lids have even dropped slightly, noticing that Lily had moved closer to him the moment he opened them slightly. The controller suddenly fell on the floor, but Iain's empty hand found Lily's, lacing his fingers with hers.

"Come on Iain!" Dixie called, "Don't give in."

"Dixie?"

Dixie frowned at Ash before she looked past him.

Both Iain and Lily's controllers have fell on the floor, being replaced with each other's hands. Their eyes were firmly shut, the only sounds coming from the two were their breathing. They looked peaceful in their slumber, neither one of them stirring. Dixie felt as if she was intruding on a peaceful moment between the two.

"I think we should leave them," Ash smiled at the picture, "They've been through so much. They need this rest."

"Definitely," Dixie smiled, noticing a red and white blanket, taking a hold of it before draping the blanket over the two of them, "Where are their keys?" she whispered to Ash, "We can lock up for the two."

"I'll write them a note," Ash offered, taking a pen and paper before resting it on the table.

"What do you think they'll be dreaming of?" Dixie asked him.

"I reckon, it'll be the thought of being on a hot beach," Ash smiled, "Sand within their toes."

"Or even at the airport," Dixie hinted, "Most love stories often end there."

"Yeah," Ash smiled, setting the note on the table.

"We'll let you sleep. Just remember, we're here if you two need someone to talk to. No one needs to be alone throughout the battle. We'll fight alongside you."


I hope you enjoy this chapter!