"In here, we'll go in the back doors." John pointed the direction. The cabbie pulled into the driveway, winding around to the back parking lot of the hospital. Pulling along side the entry doors, the cabbie turned off the meter. John clicked the buckle loose, and slid out. Elizabeth dug in her purse to pay.
"I'd imagine she's working upstairs still." It had been a while since Constantine had set foot in the hospital.
"How do you know her?" Elizabeth caught up, walking along beside him.
"Archer was working the shift when I slit my wrists. She was there when I came back." He freed a Chicklet and popped it, punched another loose and held it out to Elizabeth. She put it in her mouth and slowly chewed. He watched her lips for a moment, enjoying the images that popped up from his memories of her mouth.
"So this is Ravenscar."
"Yeah."
"There's a dozen other hospitals in the area, but you brought me here."
"It's a familiar haunt, you might say. Always stick to what you know." He pulled the door open and ushered her in.
"Dr. Archer!" Constantine called, catching her attention as she passed him in the hall. She turned, recognizing him.
"John Constantine! It's been ages! How are you? Still healthy… or at least as much as possible?" She smiled, hugging him in greeting.
"Gave up smoking over a year ago. Stuck with gum." He smiled wryly.
"Still can't believe you're alive. That cancer was so aggressive."
"Works in mysterious ways." John smirked. He left out that it was Satan's work, but it didn't matter.
"So, how have you been? Haven't seen you in ages, which is probably a good thing when you're concerned." Leslie smiled. People passed around them, some in scrubs. An intercom call came, paging a doctor to the trauma room.
"Well, this really isn't a social call. I need to ask a favor."
She shook her head. "Why am I not surprised? What this time?"
"My wife is down in the waiting room…."
"John Constantine got married? The John Constantine?"
"Long story I won't bother to explain." Leslie raised a brow but said nothing. "I figured you could help her."
"What seems to be the trouble?"
"She thinks she might be pregnant." He said the words, but it felt like someone else was doing the talking. Much like how he'd come upon the idea of their marriage in the first place.
"Has she taken a home test? Any results?" Dr. Archer checked her pager, put the files she was carrying under her arm.
"I don't think so. She sort of sprung this on me. We were celebrating our anniversary…. It was last week actually, but we've been working." She nodded. John sighed, feeling the short of breath sensation come back.
"It's ok John. I can pull some strings and get her a pregnancy test. You'll know soon enough." She smiled "Were you trying for a baby?"
"No."
"Ah, the surprise kind. I know you hate surprises." Leslie chuckled. "You a father. That'll be a challenge right up your alley."
"An exorcism I can handle. A baby is another thing." He popped another Chicklet from the package and crammed it in his mouth before his fingers lot their hold on the tiny square.
"Bring her down to the ER, I'll meet you there. Ok?" She patted his shoulder, gave him a smile, and headed off. Constantine shook his head. He was probably worrying over nothing. Turning, he strode back downstairs to get Elizabeth.
