They saw each other in passing over the next few shifts they worked together. They smiled and chatted but there was no time to sit and talk the way they wanted too. Both of them were pushing as hard as they could to make sure they weren't in that last elimination spot in a month's time and that left little time for anything else.

He eventually saw his chance and thought about approaching her as she was halfway through her lunch in the cafeteria. He wasn't sure she'd even talk about her personal life if there was a chance anyone could overhear, but it was now or never.

She had seen him looking over, trying to decide whether he should go sit with her so she gave a smile and raised her hand to show that she had seen him. His grinned in return, his whole face lighting up. This guy wore his emotions on his sleeve, it could take a while to get used to this she thought to herself.

"Do you mind if I sit?" he asked.

"Would I have waved if I minded" she smiled.

"True" he replied as he put down his tray and took a moment to settle himself. "Can we talk?" he asked.

She raised her eyebrows and looked around. He took the hint and took it slowly.

"So, enjoy your walk the other night?"

"Was a lovely evening for a walk" was the uncommitted reply.

"Sorry I didn't stop" he continued. "I had some stresses I needed to get rid of." He paused "And I wasn't sure that it'd be ok with Kashal?"

She looked at her plate for a moment while she figured out what she wanted to say.

"He's a good man really" she started. "We're just so unsuited in almost everything, he doesn't really know how act in a relationship. He thinks he's head of the house and stuff like that, you know? He's never laid a hand on me in any way, but he likes to know where I am and who I'm with which is hard work. "

Neil just sat and listened. He didn't want to interrupt her now she seemed to be opening up but the pause went on.

"Would he have been ok if I had stopped?" he asked.

"Probably fine, I doubt that he'd be upset or jealous. It's honestly at the point that he just doesn't care anymore. Neither of us have the guts to call it quits though" she said with a sigh.

"So we can be friends, that'd be ok?" he asked cautiously.

"Sure, friends is good" she replied while keeping her actual thoughts quiet.

He gave a sympathetic smile, still not sure about what to say. He didn't like to hear her talk like this but was glad that she felt she could share with him.

Suddenly, she gave a wicked smile. "So, what about you and Ms. Jessica Preston? Have you heard from her?"

He cringed at the question but of they were going to be friends, this sharing thing needed to be a two way street.

"Yeah, she's coming back into town in a few weeks for the summer" he replied trying to gauge her response.

"And..." she pushed.

He smiled and shook his head. "And she's asked if I'm around" he said.

"Aaahhh, a summer break booty call" she teased and laughed out loud at the shocked look on his face.

"Erm," he started. "I, um..."

She laughed again but soon after she had a more serious look about her. She leaned in a little closer so he sat up and did the same.

"I know we had that moment" she said in a hushed tone. "But nothing can happen. I know my marriage isn't perfect but I'm not the type to have an affair."

"Aud, I'd never" he said a little louder than he expected. "What kind of guy do you think I am?" Some people from nearer tables turned to look and Audrey shook her head. He sounded genuinely offended.

"Sorry, that's not what I meant" she said lowering the volume of the conversation again. "You know, in a different time and place I bet we'd be awesome together" she continued.

"I think so" he smiled back.

"Besides, you're still competing with me for a spot for next year. It wouldn't work out!"

"Hey, I don't think so" he exclaimed. "Competition goes both ways" he laughed.

"Bet you a dollar we're both good" she smiled.

"Deal" he said putting his hand out to shake on it. She grasped it and shook, and it felt to both of them that whatever this relationship was going to be, they were in for the long run.

X

The dynamic of the group had changed so much during their this first year. They had been thrown together as strangers almost 12 months ago and now they sat together as friends.

Despite his original protestations, Dr. Glassman had eventually agreed that when he gave the results for the year, they would receive the news as a group.

This was not the usual process but they petitioned him relentlessly saying that they wanted to be there for each other. At the back of their minds, they had all come to terms with the fact that Chen was not going to be around next year, even Chen himself. The other elimination spot was still anyone's to fill.

Dr Glassman stood at the head of the table, just like he did almost 12 months ago. He took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Let's get down to business" he started. "After today, as mentioned in your induction, there will be four of you moving into next year. The decisions have been made based on the assessments we've made throughout the year.

"I'm out" blurted Chen.

They all looked at him in awe and he just shrugged.

"Just trying to ease the tension" he smiled sadly. "Wouldn't take a genius to figure it out."

"Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your input and I am afraid you are correct. Your knowledge is phenomenal, I just think that maybe surgery isn't for you" Dr. Glassman finished.

"And secondly, one of our team has decided to make the move up the coast to Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Congratulations Dr. Perry. You will make a valuable addition to their team."

The four remaining residents breathed a collective sigh of relief. They stood and spent time consoling and congratulating each other as Dr. Glassman looked on. He sat at the head of the table watching then interact, thinking that these particular residents had a bright future at St. Bonaventure and he was looking forward to being a part of it.