Chapter 17

"Get off , you're hurting me!"

"Where does it hurt and how did it happen?" I asked Zoe, scared that I'd hurt her.

"My hip, I think I whacked it on the side as I came storming in here" she replied with a tear forming in her eye.

"Show me, please" I asked concerned for her and at this Zoe lifted her blouse.

"Oh, that looks nasty, come on let's get you home and into a nice hot bath"

"No, I don't want to walk through the ED with my makeup like this it shows how weak I really am. Imagine what Ash will say"

"Does your hip hurt when you walk?"

"Yes, why, you never answered my question"

"Because I'll carry you through the ED bridal style then that way it will look like your asleep in my arms and Ash will not say a thing, trust me he's already been given a bloody nose"

"By who?" Zoe asked with the smallest of smiles appearing on her face

"Me, I punched him square in the nose, after he said, what he said to you early"

"Oh okay"

"Right you ready to go" I asked preparing my arms to lift her bridal style

"How cold are your hands?"

"Coldish, why?"

"I'd like you to put one hand on the bruise, so it doesn't hurt as much"

"But it's gonna hurt because I'd be putting pressure there"

"I don't care please just do it"

"Okay" I gently placed my left hand on the bruise on Zoe's hip and I felt her wince into my chest.

"I've just felt you wince, you sure that you're okay like this"

"I'm fine know let's just go shall we"

On my way to the main entrance I bumped into Charlie.

"Hey, how is she?"

"In a lot of pain, can I have an ice pack please"

"Yeah what for?"

"Hip, bumped it"

"Okay, here's that ice pack"

"Thanks Charlie"

"No problem, your welcome, look after her yeah"

"Yeah course I will"

"What this the sluts legs unable, no work now" Ash sneered from by the main reception.

"Dr Ashford, if you say another thing against Dr Hanna, you'll have a lot more than a bloody nose. And I'll have you know that's she's asleep."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Yes I am, now if you'd excuse me I need to go home and put Dr Hanna here to bed"

"Laters Nick"

"Yeah laters Charlie, do me a favour and keep Dr Ashford over there in line for me whilst I'm away."

"Of course"

2 hours later back at home.

Zoe has been asleep since we've been home, so I thought that now would be the perfect time to book the holiday I'd promised Zoe all those years ago, as I'd book us this weekend off without Zoe knowing so that Adam and Jess can get settled back in Holby without being spotted by Zoe. I also took this opportunity to text Adam.

Hey Adam,

I'm taking Zoe away for the holiday I promised her all those years ago. Should you'd have until Monday evening to get settled in. We leave Friday lunchtime.

Nick.