A large group of them sat around a handful of tables in the pub; Mo, Sacha, Chrissie, Jac, Jonny, Serena, Ric, Edward and so on. Jac had been persuaded by her joyful husband to come out for the evening. In fact it had taken him several hours and a really rather pitiful sulk to drag her out.

The pub around them was bustling, as were the streets with merry-men and their partners. Most of them completely and utterly intoxicated with alcohol. Others high on laughter and love, being with the people they love the most. The group of medics were a mixture; several had clearly consumed more than they could handle and the rest were in charge of making sure they stayed safe. Admittedly though the red-haired Consultant was the only group member to be (fully) sober enough who would be able to clearly remember the evening the following day. Whilst everybody else knocked back one alcohol beverage after another, she stuck with a never ending supply of diet coke. Unlike any other year though she was surrounded by people she had come to love and care about; a self-built family. In previous years she'd spent the time alone hidden in her flat or working tirelessly at Holby.

The barman rang the bell that was screwed to the wall and in unison the groups of drunk (and sober) punters counted down loudly.

'TEN, NINE, EIGHT, SEVEN, SIX, FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE- HAPPY NEW YEAR!' they all shouted as friends and relatives hugged each other in ways you only see on such occasions.

Jonny grabbed hold of his wife and kissed her before shouting above everybody 'Happy New Year sweetheart!' just twelve months ago she'd sat in her office as the streets around the hospital came to life with cheers and fireworks.

Smiling she replied 'Happy New Year Jonathon' before being bombarded with seemingly endless hugs, kisses and best wishes from their work colleagues.

Within seconds the separate groups of people were gripping each other's hands and singing the famous 'Auld Lang Syne'

'Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne,
My dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne...'

As the clock approached half two in the morning, New Years day, the pub slowly started to empty. Weary and drunk people deserting their friends for their beds. Ric had long left the Holby group, bidding them all farewell shortly after the clock had struck twelve; the festivities too much for his head (and body) to handle. Jonny sat enjoying his friends company whilst Jac sat next him; her head slumped on his shoulder whilst she slept. The Scotsman cradled his shattered wife whilst chatting quietly with the rest of his colleagues. Seconds afterwards Jac let out a short moan as Jonny suddenly jolted whilst laughing.

'Looks like it's past somebody's bedtime!' joked a tipsy Sacha, Chrissie nudging him softly in the ribs

'Hmm. Best get her home...Jac come on, Jac wake up' he announced before continuing to shake the woman a little

'What? Are we going yet?' she questioned, slowly opening her eyes and yawning

'We're off home. Come on' ushed the male helping his wife up

'N'aww would you look at that, being looked after by her Nurse' laughed Mo, completely drunk

'Well least I won't have a hangover in the morning, unlike some!' Jac answered sarcastically as Mo rolled her eyes.

Jonny lagged behind his wife as he said his goodbyes and ensured they would all manage to get home safely. The grumpy and tired Consultant on the other hand had already started to walk towards the exit, putting her coat on as she did- ready to brace the icy air.

As her husband caught up he made it clear of his plans 'Hey, Jac- wait up! We're getting a taxi!'

'No-no we're not. We live ten minutes away, I'm sure even you after several pints can manage that' she smirked and linked arms with his, digging her hands deep into the pockets of her coat. He grinned at her determination. She was heavily pregnant, tired and cold but still she refused to let anybody look after her.

The two of them dodged the late night drinkers lining the streets, the streetlights guiding their way.

'So Jac, our daughters due this year!' he shouted excitedly when they were alone

'And don't I know it!'

'Excited?'

'If you'd have asked me that a year ago I would have laughed in your face but now...yes-yes I am excited. A new chapter in our lives with my handsome husband'

'You're gonna be a great mum, you know that don't you?'

'So you keep saying, time will tell Jonny'

'No, I know you're gonna be a great mum! Don't ever doubt it...and whilst you teach her manners and how to succeed in life I'll ferry her from one dance lesson to another and play 'shop' for as long as she wants'

'Do I get a look in on the fun side of things, or am I just going to be seen as the strict parent?'

'Oh I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement!' he joked

Approaching the front door with the Christmas Wreath hung on the door and the lights changing colour occasionally, they paused outside.

'Happy New Year Jac, this is gonna be the best year ever; you'll see!' spoke Jonny softly before embracing his wife.