Chapter 6

"Sam?" Jake tried to get Sam's attention as she sat at Kelly's. She seemed to be just staring off into space. "Sam?"

"Oh Jake, sorry - I was just thinking. How are you doing?" Sam gestured to the empty seat across from her. "Have a seat."

"Good – thanks for asking." Jake sat down. "So what has you so distracted? Something to do with your boyfriend's ex-wife?" Jake hadn't been at the Nurse's Ball but he had heard about Robin's return.

"Yeah - it's just that Patrick and I were doing so well and now that she is back I'm not sure what is going to happen. It was one thing when she left Patrick because she was certain she wasn't good for Patrick and Emma but now that we know she was sick, Patrick is torturing himself over not helping her." Sam shook her head. "I've barely seen him in four days. He's been at the hospital working almost non-stop. Emma has been staying with Robin so it's basically just been me and Danny, not that I mind, but…"

"You're beginning to feel neglected?" Sam nodded her head. "Have you talked to him about it? Maybe go by the hospital to see how he is doing?"

Sam played with her coffee cup. "I don't want him to think I am checking up on him."

"Going by to see your boyfriend at work is hardly checking up on him." Jake stood up. "Take him some lunch."

Sam thought about it and stood up. "You're right. Thanks."

"Not a problem." Jake left while Sam went to get Patrick some lunch so she could surprise him at work. "And Sam, if you need anything, just call me."

Sam smiled at him and went back to ordering Patrick's food.

Robin walked up to the nurse's desk with Marcus and smiled at the head nurse. "Hello Epiphany." It was Robin's first day back at work and she could hardly believe she had made it back to GH.

"Dr. Scorpio," Epiphany smiled back at the woman, "it is wonderful to have you back."

"It's wonderful to be back. This is Dr. Marcus Banks." Robin introduced Marcus as he put out his hand to greet the nurse.

"It is nice to meet you Nurse Johnson."

Epiphany shook his hand and took a moment to study the man. There was something about him she didn't like. "Likewise." Epiphany focused her attention on Robin. "Your office has been set up and Dr. Banks' office is next to yours as requested. I'll show you the way."

Epiphany came out from behind the desk and led the couple to their offices, Marcus staying close by Robin's side. "Dr. Scorpio, here is your office." Epiphany pointed a door a few feet down. "That is yours Dr. Banks."

Robin smiled at her. "Thank you Epiphany."

"Yes, thank you Nurse Johnson." Marcus gave her a brief smile before turning to Robin. "Will you be alright while I check on my new office and see if there is anything I need?"

"Of course I will. I know Epiphany already has my office set up the way I want. Plus, Epiphany has a few extra forms for me to fill out at the desk." There were additional liability waivers that Robin had to sign since she was HIV positive. "I'll wait for you out there."

"Okay." Marcus leaned over and gave Robin a gentle kiss on the cheek. "I will see you in just a few minutes."

Marcus headed to his office as Robin went back to the nurse's desk with Epiphany. "Spit it out Epiphany."

"I have no idea what you are talking about Dr. Scorpio." Epiphany walked behind the desk and got the forms Robin needed to fill out. She gave them to Robin and smiled at her. "Just be careful – there is something about that man I don't trust."

"He saved my life Epiphany and brought me home to my daughter." Robin put her head down and began filling out the forms.

"Just be careful." Epiphany took one last look at her and then went back to her charts.

"Robin?" Robin looked up and saw her ex-husband standing in front of her. "You really are coming back?"

"I told you I was." Robin returned her attention to the forms in front of her on the desk.

"No, Marcus said you were." He was hoping she would look at him again but she kept her head down. "How is Emma doing?"

"Great - she is at school right now and you are picking her up after to take her to dinner, right?" Patrick had decided that Robin and Emma needed some time together so Emma was spending the next couple of weeks at Wyndamere with her mom. Patrick would pick her up from school and take her to supper and then bring her back to Robin after they finished eating.

Patrick noticed that Robin's focus stayed on the papers in front of her. He needed her to look at him. He quickly grabbed the pen from her. It was childish but if that's what it took…

Robin finally looked at him. "Hey – give me that back."

"No – why won't you look at me?" Patrick moved from behind the desk to behind her. Robin spun around to find Patrick right in front of her leaning over her. "What are you afraid of?"

Robin looked away again. "Nothing – I just need to finish filling out these forms so I can start working."

Patrick took a moment and handed her the pen. "Good, I have a case I want you to consult with me on. It is a 10 year with a frontal…"

"I'm afraid that won't be possible." Marcus walked up and stood next to Robin. "Robin will only be doing research for the next few months – no consults."

Patrick shook his head at the man. "Shouldn't that be Robin's decision to make – not yours?"

Marcus put his arm around Robin's back and pulled her close. "You can tell him Robin – it's okay."

"Marcus is right, I won't be doing any consults for awhile. I hope you find someone to help with your patient." Robin still didn't look him straight in the eyes.

"Great – it's all settled. Now Robin and I have lunch plans but we will see you tonight when you drop off Emma. Goodbye Dr. Drake." Marcus led Robin away from the nurse's desk and Patrick.

"Goodbye Patrick." Robin left with Marcus. They got on the elevator and left the floor. The minute the doors closed Patrick kicked the desk and stormed away.

Sam stood in the hall, having witnessed the entire scene. She took the bag of food she was holding and threw it in the garbage before taking off.