Chapter 2
Destination: The Thomas Lyell Centre
That's what her SatNav read.
A security guard.
A phone call.
Her name confirmed.
Permission to enter.
She walked through the university.
To the other side.
Security doors.
And then the glass doors.
In front of her.
She took a deep breath.
And waited.
It didn't take long for the door to be opened.
An assistant pathologist sent to bring her in.
Alright then.
Where was that Dutch courage when you really needed it.
Not many people about.
Perhaps out working, she thought idly.
Maybe he wasn't even in, was that what she hoped?
What good would that do. Voices arguing in her head.
She shook herself mentally.
Get a grip.
She saw the back of his head, hunched over something.
Getting finger prints?
She waited, taking in the broad shoulders. The muscles clearly visible under that Henley.
Her thoughts threatening to move into dangerous territory.
And then he turned to look at her.
Eyes filled with warmth.
A smile on his lips.
He gestures her to come on in.
A smile back.
The top of her head barely reaches his bicep as she walks in.
"It's lovely to see you Bex. How are you?" he asks quietly.
They walk to a seating area.
"Well, thank you."
"I didn't mean to disturb you at your work."
"You're not. Not really."
He waited for her patiently.
Knowing there was a reason to this visit.
She was as busy a person.
A doctor.
Promoted to Head of General Surgery at the hospital the night he met her.
He was slightly startled he remembered that.
"Jack." She started.
A deep breath.
Looked him in the eye.
"I am pregnant.
About 9 weeks.
I know you are the father.
If you'd like a paternity test that's fine." she said quietly.
"We can do that." looking at him, unable to read him.
"I have no expectations.
But I do think you had a right to know."
He was quiet. Not exactly meeting her steady gaze.
After a beat, she continued.
"I am planning to have the baby. You are welcome to be a part of the baby's life as you like.
My agenda today has been to inform you and not much else", she finished evenly.
Introspective silence.
"I didn't want to say this over the phone or on a text." A pause.
"I'll take my leave now Jack."
She got up and started moving towards the door.
"Bex." he got up with her and turned to face her.
She looked up at him.
"Bex. Please give me a moment to take this in," his eyes were on hers, quietly asking her to stay.
She turned around but found herself not wanting to sit.
She slowly went to the window, looking down at the car park.
"I am sorry Bex. I….uh…should have been more careful. Taken precautions." That quiet baritone she remembered so well.
"Not your fault Jack. Or at least, not just your fault."
She looked over at him.
Their eyes met.
His apologetic.
Hers, accepting his apology.
"Not the ideal way I wanted to become a mother. But there you go."
"Are you okay? I mean, right now, do you need anything? Water?", concern starting in his voice.
"I'm fine, thank you." she smiled, looking away.
"I really just wanted you to be in the loop so-to-speak.
You don't have to worry about anything Jack.
It's all in hand." she said in an even voice.
"I am sorry if this messes with you personally.
I truly am.
I'll let you be now.
I need to be at work anyway.
Thanks for seeing me." looking up at him she ended with a smile.
She started towards the door.
He didn't stop her this time.
"Can I call you please? Would you be okay with that?" he said quietly.
"Sure." She gave him a quick smile before walking out.
Leaving him standing.
Stunned and unable to think.