The day of his surgery had arrived faster than Charles had hoped. He was terrified; Hospitals were a place that he associated with great pain and trauma. Rebecca had finally allowed Sam to visit, with Sam by his side and Molly on shift he tried to talk himself calm. "I know your suffering my darling but let's hope this is the last time we ever need to do this. That leg can only get better from here" Beth tried her hardest to reassure her son, It hurt her to see him in such turmoil.
She was pleased to see Molly lingering, flashing him a cheeky smile or blowing him a sneaky kiss each time she passed which she thought was sweet. His smile grew bigger each time she passed. Molly watched at the porters approached to take him down, drawing the curtains around them so she had a moment without Sue's eyes watching her.
"Good luck, I love you and I'll be waiting for you when you come around. See you in a few hours."
He kissed her deeply "I love you. Don't work too hard."
She felt his hands shaking as she held him "You'll be okay I promise" her eyes filled with tears as she watched his mother and son kiss him, waving him off as they wheeled him away.
"Molly, do you have a minute?" Sue had been watching her intently all morning, she wasn't stupid, she had an inkling of suspicion during his last stay that they had known each other previously, Molly was too emotionally involved for it to have been a random meeting. She was a fantastic nurse and her professionalism could never be called into question, that's until she was around Charles.
Molly stood before Sue, tail between her legs; she knew exactly where this was going "Molly I know you're in a relationship with Captain James and I know you knew each other before he was admitted on his previous stay. That must have been so hard for you and I applaud you for the job you did. I'd like to make sure that this stays between us, so please be a discreet as possible whilst he is in our care. We don't want those higher up having any cause for a moan up."
Molly smiled to herself "You mean I'm not in trouble?"
Sue laughed "No love. Well not this time anyway. Like I said just be sensible whilst he's here. No funny business"
"Thanks Sue. He means the world to me" Sue squeezed her hand "I can see that. Now take 10 minutes to compose yourself and get back to work"
The 4 and half hours he'd been in surgery were pure torture. Mrs James and Sam had disappeared off somewhere, leaving Molly to wander around the quiet ward aimless until he came back to her. Mrs James had been cool with her in the presence of Sam. Molly couldn't help but wonder if she still held things against her, her earlier jealousy of Sam had been a problem for her. Her shift had finished but he still wasn't back.
"Put your civvies on Mol and wait in his room, you'll wear away my shiny floor at this rate."
She curled up in the chair next to his bed, shattered from a 12-hour shift and the stress of him being in surgery. Elvis observed her from the doorway, he couldn't help but notice the bags under her eyes, she looked absolutely done in.
He'd avoided her since their bust up at her flat. He'd been heavily chastised by Georgie who was firmly team Molly when it came to Charles and Molly. She'd accused him of being jealous of not wanting Charles to rely on anyone except him. Maybe she was right. Anyone who knew him could see that Molly was bringing a broken man back from the brink.
He cleared his throat to announce himself "Sorry Dawes, I thought he'd be back by now."
She opened her heavy eyes to look at him "Anytime now I'd imagine. It's been ages."
He pulled up a chair to join the wait "Look Molly I'm sorry. I was a twat and I'm sorry."
She gave him the warmest smile she could muster "It's okay, I get your reasons behind it. But I promise you I'm not going to hurt him again" he nodded, this time he believed her.
Molly's heart began to race as an unconscious Charles was returned to her "How'd it go? Successful?"
"Complete success Molly. He's going to be fine! He has a lot of work to do but if he commits himself, he'll be as good as new" sighs of relief could be heard all round.
Sam and Mrs James had arrived just in time to hear the good news, Elvis scooped Sam up into a celebratory hug "Sammy my man, we've got daddy back. I bet he still won't beat us at rugby though! What do you think?"
Sam and Elvis caused a stir in the corner as Mrs James loving stroked her boys head "You know Molly, no matter how old they get, they are always your babies. He's been through so much; he doesn't deserve it. Maybe now is his chance for happiness" she squeezed Molly's hand "Thank you for being so dedicated to him."
Molly smiled "I love him."
Mrs James wiped a single tear from her eye "And that's good enough for me" she kissed him on the forehead and gathered Sam's things "I'd best get the scamp here back to his mother. Will you call me if anything changes? I'll be back tomorrow."
"I promise I'll call if anything changes. Have a rest"
Sam kissed his Dads hand goodbye, giving Molly a shy wave before they headed away, taking Elvis with them. His face looked so peaceful, almost younger than when he'd gone down. He shifted uncomfortably in bed, wincing as he attempted to move his bad leg "That's it baby. You've done it" his eyes flickered open just for a moment as he gave her a brief smile. He knew she was there and that when he woke, she'd be waiting for him.
Sue had taken pity on her and given her a pull-out bed to make herself comfortable on. Although Molly would argue that comfortable wasn't a word you could associate with it, better than the chair I suppose. She woke to the sound of groggy conversation between Charles and his doctor.
"All is looking good Captain. Plenty of hard work and rest and you'll be fit as a fiddle."
"When can I go home?" Charles couldn't wait to have her all to himself, even whilst high on morphine she was on his mind.
"Not for at least a couple of days. We're not rushing anything with you. There is a long, complicated injury history to consider and we need to get this right."
Molly meanwhile felt like she'd been hit by a bus, the long shift and lack of comfortable sleep catching up to her "Throw us a bit of morphine babe. There's a bastard drum going mental in my head" he held out his hand for her to come to him "I bloody missed you Captain James" she kissed him hard, exploring his tongue with hers "How are you feeling? Can I get you anything?"
He shook his head "I feel like death on a stick but I'm so happy you are here, but you look bloody sshattered Dawes. Get yourself home for some rest."
She wrapped herself around him "But I'll miss you" she dropped delicate little kisses behind his ear.
"In case you hadn't noticed, I'm most definitely not going anywhere for a few days. This hurts like bloody hell."
"Yeah, but you're all fixed anddddd drumroll please... you moved your leg, by yourself. I saw it with my very own eyes."
He smiled "Do you think I should do it again?"
"No, I think you should bloody rest it and let them tell you when it's time" he took his nurses order very seriously "You need to eat, drink and pee. The better you get at doing those things the quicker they'll assess your mobility for discharge and the quicker you'll be home."
He saluted her "Yes boss."
He winced in pain. Molly lifted the blanket to look at his heavily bandaged leg "I'll change these before I go" she didn't trust anyone to look after him like she did. He was like precious cargo to her, the person she loved the most in the world. He smiled as he watched her work, trying not to wince as she cleaned his wounds; an apology came with every flinch.
"Right, you get some rest I'll be back soon" she ran her fingers through his curls "Try not to get your fan club too excited alright" she giggled, kissing his softly on the forehead "I love you so much."
He pulled her hand to his mouth dropping a gentle kiss on each knuckle "I love you more, Make sure you rest" he watched her watching him as she left, already counting down the minutes until she'd be back.
The deep frown on his forehead made her feel guilty for sleeping for so long. She was back on shift now so he had her for the whole night. She checked through his notes to see he'd been struggling with his pain, an intravenous painkiller drip now in place, she clicked it watching his frown slowly fade as the pain subsided. She stole a kiss.
"You're back" his voice groggy and gruff.
"I am. Sorry I took so long. I've brought you something to eat. Sue said you refused everything today. You must eat baby" the smell of fast food aroused his nose.
"McDonald's?" He sniffed.
"Nah mate. Burger King? You got no standards?"
He laughed "Ever the piss taker Dawes but I really can't manage anything just yet" he closed his eyes for what he wanted to just be a moment but he drifted off again.
He looked rough, she wanted to curl up next to him and kiss him better. She'd seen in his notes he'd been having nightmares, he'd been doing so well, they seemed to come much less when he was with her. The hours seemed to fly by, she was busy and he was fast asleep, Peaceful and dreamless. She caught sight of Elvis through the tiny window of the locked ward doors, excusing herself to see what the hell he wanted.
"What you doing here, it's the middle of the night?"
He stared at his feet. "I couldn't sleep. I need to see him. Seeing him lying there after surgery, brought it all back didn't it, watching him nearly die. I can't settle Molly, not til I know he's alright."
She took pity on his tired face "Come on then, but be quiet coz everyone's asleep, including him" she snuck him past the nurse's station, although she doubted that they'd really miss a 6ft handsome soldier in the dead of night. He was awake now, sweating and shaking after another nightmare "Hey you. Bad dream?" She pulled the curtains around them for privacy, so she could kiss him 'Discretion' she reminded herself.
"It's this place Molly. Brings it all back."
She stroked his forehead "A few more days and hopefully you'll be well enough to be discharged"
Elvis and Charles smirked at each other "This isn't the way we're used to seeing in the small hours is it Charlie boy."
"No afraid not. Usually involves whisky and regret. Well regret on your part anyway" Molly excused herself, sensing there something that needed to be said between them.
"What's wrong Elvis?"
He sighed "I just ain't in a good place, I dunno what's up with me. Seeing you unconscious, it brought so much back, I needed to make sure you were alright I suppose."
Charles laughed "You really have gone soft in your old age Elvis. I'm alright, I always survive, don't I?"
Elvis nodded "You do mate. Credit where credit is due you've been through more than any soldier I know and your still here, still fighting on to get yourself back together. I'm in awe of you mate I really am."
"Now you are being a soppy old sod. Are you sure there isn't something else? You don't seem yourself."
"I've fucked up ain't I? I saw Smurf trying it on with Georgie and I knocked seven shades out of him. Gave him a few slaps on your behalf too, all what he's done to you, I just saw red."
Charles watched as he sat with his head in his hands, his usual bollocking didn't come "I'll sort Smurf, don't you worry about that."
Elvis sighed "That's not why I told you, I didn't want to burden you with it and I don't want you sorting my mess for me."
Charles cut him off before he could finish "Look I think we both know that little wanker owes me a favour or two. I'll sort it. Now piss off Harte, I'm in bloody agony here."
-OG-
Smurf cleared his throat as he knocked. He knew full well why the Captain had summoned him, to his hospital bed of all places. A place he had been responsible for putting him.
Molly pulled the curtains back, shocked to see Smurf of all people standing there "What the bloody hell do you want?"
"Do you greet all his visitors with such venom Dawsey?"
She rolled her eyes "No just the ones that make my skin crawl. What do you want? He won't be back for a while he's having physio" She felt his eyes lingering on her.
"I'd put myself in hospital every week if I had you looking after me" he laughed.
"That can be arranged. Only I'll be the one to put you there not the one tending you if you don't stop staring at my tits" he laughed, she was still a challenge to him. The Captain would never end up with someone like her, he needed a lady and she was just a bit of rough. She made an uncomfortable exit from the room after he'd parked his arse in a chair to wait for Charles. His cold eyes staring at her made her uncomfortable as he watched her work.
Charles had been snappy and grumpy since Elvis' late-night visit and now with the appearance of Smurf she knew something was up and wasn't best pleased about him being troubled with army things whilst he was recovering from major surgery.
The site of him being wheeled down the corridor brought a smile to her face "How did it go?"
He shook his head "Not very well, still in too much pain."
She squeezed his hand "Smurf is waiting for you" he rolled his eyes "Do you mind giving us a minute? I won't be long I promise" she nodded in agreement, worried at what was about to happen. Smurf was horrible and destructive; she didn't want him anywhere near Charles.
Smurf watched as Charles gingerly got up from his wheelchair, propping himself up against the nightstand to give him the height and authority needed for the bollocking that was about to commence, with only his drip stand for balance.
"I trust you know why you're here Smurf?"
Smurf nodded "yes sir"
"I think it's safe to say now that you owe me a favour or two, so here's what's going to happen. You're going to magically forget that Elvis assaulted you. I don't care what you tell them but he gets left out of it, and you're going to request a transfer out of my fucking section. I want you gone by the time I get back; do you hear me? You've been nothing but a pain in my arsehole since day one. Fuck off back to Newport and out of my fucking life" Charles could feel the anger building up as Smurf smirked back at him
"And why should I do that?"
"Because if you don't Smurf, then Major Beck will have to find out about you shagging an officer's wife, and getting me shot, oh and your little stunt in the bar that landed me with a broken leg. You've got form Smurf; you'll be gone before the ink is even dry on your discharge papers."
He climb to his feet, although no match for Charles in height or stature he had the upper hand as his Captain balanced on one leg, his arms folded, each hand tucked under his armpits. Charles raised his eyebrows in anticipation of his next move; Molly caught his eye, her pretty face full of concern as she watched Smurf walk towards him.
She decided they'd had enough time now as Smurf inched closer to the idiot that she loved barely keeping himself upright in front of the other idiot who had a habit of hurting him.
"You need to get back to bed Charles" he'd overdone it, he was in pain now and it was obvious on his face. He put nearly his full weight onto her as she helped him into bed, Smurf watching their every move "Leg up" he winced as she lifted his leg onto the bed "I'll get you an ice pack. You need to piss off" she warned Smurf as she pushed passed him. He pulled on his jacket and took a last look at the Captain that he'd idolised despite everything they'd been through. All he wanted was for things to be back to how they were before Rebecca, but that could never happen now.
"I'll do as you've asked boss. All of it" Charles nodded, dismissing him "Just one more thing boss. Why don't you ask Molly about our night in Stockport" he flashed Charles a wicked grin before he left, not bothering to look back at the damage he'd left behind.
She closed the door behind her "Can you tell me what's going on? What was he doing here?" His discomfort was obvious, he frantically clicked his button to administer pain relief "It doesn't work like that Charles, you can't overdose. What's going on here?"
He battled with himself; surely nothing had gone on between them? He'd know, Elvis would know. His head was spinning as he looked at her, she'd been nothing short of amazing since he'd found her again. She certainly hadn't had the time or opportunity to be unfaithful and she hadn't said she'd been to Stockport. Her gentle hands held the ice pack onto his pain. She was concerned; it was written all over her face.
"Why don't you go home? You've had a long shift"
"I'm okay for a bit, I wanna spend some time with you. You don't seem right."
He sighed and closed his eyes "I just want to sleep Molly. I'll see you tomorrow"
It hurt her how he dismissed her like one of his soldiers. She leaned in for a kiss but he didn't reciprocate, she dropped a gentle kiss on his cheek "I love you" he'd already closed his eyes.
She'd wanted to call him as soon as she got home, to check that everything between them was okay, he'd been so distant with her, something wasn't right and she needed to know what it was. Maybe he was stressed about his recovery and there was clearly something going on with Elvis and Smurf. She consoled herself with the fact that he had so much on his plate right now, after all dating an army Captain was never going to be easy.
The dreams came all night. Terrifying dreams more real than any he'd had before. He needed her there with him but he'd sent her away, his head now full of doubts about his precious Molly. And she was exactly that, precious to him. No one had ever made him feel the way she does and he doubted anyone ever would. He felt guilty for how he'd treated her the day before; Smurf had to be full of shit. She'd never be unfaithful; she was too in love with him.
By lunch time she still hadn't arrived, she always visited before starting a shift and he knew she was due to start soon. Molly sat stirring her tea in the hospital canteen. He'd hurt her so much yesterday and been so snappy before that she could barely even bring herself to see him.
He'd decided to keep it to himself. It was impossible for it to be true; it was Smurf's last-ditch attempt to fuck up his life before he slithered off with his tail between his legs. He looked up at the tired green eyes staring back at him. She looked just as tired as he was.
"Coffee" she offered as she set it down in front of him. He made no move to kiss her and neither did she after yesterday's rejection. She checked on his wounds dutifully "These feel very warm, let me check your temperature" he watched as she checked him over, still making his heart flip as she brushed his cheek with her thumb. He took her hand and pulled her to him, placing his head on her stomach "I'm sorry. I'm stressed and I obviously don't feel well. I'm sorry I was an arse to you Molly"
She ran her hands through his hair "It's okay. Just don't do it again or I'll break the other leg."
He sniggered "Do you threaten all your patients?"
"Only you" He smiled, why would he ruin this on a spiteful, throwaway comment from Smurf.
"I'd best get you some meds, you've got an infection, that's why you're feeling rough. Plenty of rest for you today Mr"
She was startled to find Smurf loitering outside the ward "What do you want?" His silly looking face pissed her off the second she laid eyes on him.
"Just wanted to see the Captain. See how he is?"
She wasn't stupid; she knew there was ulterior motive with him "He's got an infection so he's not up to visitors. And to be honest whatever you and Elvis are stressing him about isn't helping things either. Leave him alone while he ain't well or I'll have you banned from the ward" she watched him as he nodded his head.
"I see how it is Molly. How are things between you two?" He smirked.
"That's none of your business, now sod off before I call security" she laughed as he walked away. Something about him chilled her to the bone; she needed to keep him away from Charles.
After 3 long weeks he was finally well enough to go home. Molly had worked out her notice and spent every day since she'd finished with him. Things had been strange between them. He couldn't get Smurfs words out of his head and as much as he hated himself for it, he was taking it out on her.
"Your mum can't make it today so I'm taking you back to mine until she's ready for you. Is that ok?"
He nodded "thank you for everything Molly" she was baffled by him lately. He was up and down with her and she tried to put it down to him being unwell but her heart was hurting. She'd given up everything for him.
"You don't need to thank me Charles. I'm your girlfriend, as much as I feel like you regret that lately" her words caught him.
"No Molly. God no, I'm sorry you feel that way. We're going home now; everything will be alright now I can get back to normal and back to work " he pulled her hand into his "I'm sorry."
She smiled "It's okay. I just want you better that's all. We'll get there"
He'd been planning on asking her to move into Royal Crescent but had hesitated since his chat with Smurf "I've finally found a little flat to view, it's not too far from yours so until I get a new job, I'll be all yours whenever you need me. It's a third-floor studio, no lift though so you won't be able to visit" He smiled at the thought of her being close by all the time, would someone who'd been unfaithful really uproot their life to be close to him.
She settled him into her bed and made a start on packing her things together. She was excited for what the future held for them. After all these years they were finally starting a proper life together "Your mum will be here first thing to take you back, I'll follow behind with my stuff in a few days, try not to miss me too much" she giggled at the irony of their current situation, he probably wouldn't miss her at all.
"Molly, can we talk?" She stopped dead "Sounds serious, what's up? Are you ok?" She sat herself beside him, praying this wasn't what it felt like it was going to be
"When was the last time you went to Stockport?" She stared at him, confused "For my graduation. Why?"
He hated himself for doing this but continued anyway, "Smurf said that something had gone on between you. To ask you about your night together in Stockport" he regretted the words before he'd even finished them as he watched her green eyes fill with tears.
"Are you taking the piss? Is this you asking me what I think you're asking me? Have I cheated on you with Smurf?"
His brown eyes were pleading with her to forget what he'd just said, he knew instantly he'd been a fool. He'd fallen for Smurf's trap, this is exactly what he wanted to happen "Molly I'm sorry. I know it's ridiculous, I'm sorry, let's just forget I ever mentioned it."
Her tears were coming thick and fast "How can I ever forget that you don't trust me Charles? I'm not fucking Rebecca. I've given up everything to be with you, to take you home and see you through this. I've nursed you through everything, given you 100% of me since we found each other again. I've taken shit from Elvis and snide comments from your mates and everything else they've thrown at me. All whilst loving you and taking care of you and this is how you repay me" She was shaking with anger, he tried to get to his feet but the pain was too much.
"Molly please come here, let me explain."
She shook her head "I need some space. I need to be away from you right now" she turned on her heel and was gone. The front door slammed shaking the flat behind her. She hadn't left his side for a minute through all this but she'd left him now to think about what he'd done to them. How he'd treated her over the last few weeks. She knew he was helpless laying there but she needed time to think.
She sat for hours in the coffee shop watching the world go by. How can one little man be so destructive? And why did he have it in for Charles? All the lads adored him that much was obvious from when they visited him, what was wrong with the little welsh wanker that he had to ruin everything for Charles. Guilt got the better of her as she sipped the last of her tea. He was due his painkillers a while ago and she hated the thought of him stuck there in pain.
She could hear Elvis' big gob before she'd even opened the door, relieved that he hadn't been alone all this time "Dawsey. You alright?"
"I'm surprised you care to be honest" she wasn't in the mood for pleasantries.
"Look he's fucked up and he knows it. He's been a mess the last few hours, just talk please. Don't let that little prat come between you" she had no intention of making small talk with Elvis. He was still in the bedroom where she'd left him, pale and uncomfortable.
"Molly, thank god. I've been worried."
"No need to worry about me. I'm fine on my own, always have been, always will be" her words stirred guilt within him, he felt no better than Dave right now, he'd let her down.
"Can you please come and sit with me? I need you next to me" reluctantly she sat beside him "I'm so sorry Molly. I'm sorry that I let him get into my head again and I'm sorry for how I've made you feel. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me and you have single handily got me through since" he couldn't bring himself to say the words "since I got back. I'm sorry and I love you. Please forgive me."
He laced his fingers through hers as she stared into the eyes that she loved so much but it didn't feel the same, he had tainted it "I need a few days."
He was confused "a few days? A few days for what?" His voice was desperate now.
"A few days to myself, a few days to think about things, a few days apart from you" it hurt her to say the words and watch his face fall. His raised eyebrows told her that was the last thing he was expecting to hear.
"Molly this isn't the end though is it?" If she was honest, she didn't know what it was "Go Charles please. Get Elvis to take you to Bath. I'll see you in a few days."
She didn't turn back to look at him when she left the room. Elvis had heard every word and was already gathering Charles' stuff "Take care of him, won't you?" She asked.
"Of course. A few days though yeah?"
She nodded "yeah, just a few days to sort my head out."
She locked herself into the bathroom, she couldn't watch him go. It was the last thing she wanted but she couldn't look at him. She sank herself into the warm bath water, flicking through his photos on her phone. She'd never known pain like it, she'd only experienced it once before when she walked away from him but she was sure love wasn't supposed to hurt like this.