Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed and follow. Much appreciated. Not too sure about this chapter, so apologies in advance.
It's fair to say the next morning was awkward, especially having to answer Jason's questions. They'd sat down with a cup of coffee after he left for work, Serena not knowing where to start or where to look. Eventually, everything spilled out. She didn't mean for it to happen but once she started, she couldn't stop. It felt quite a relief to be able to tell someone about her sort-of-relationship with Bernie, unbeknown to her that Raf already knew. He had done for weeks.
Raf knew that when Serena found out (and she most definitely would as secrets always find a way of coming out) she'd be absolutely furious. And hurt. Serena trusted him. When Bernie had called him the day after the heart-breaking scene on the ward, he wasn't that surprised. He'd been watching the women for weeks and knew they cared deeply for each other - this was more then just friendship. He knew Bernie couldn't just leave like that without having some kind of back up plan and, of course, the back-up plan involved him.
It was agreed that they would keep in contact regularly, at least once a week, that Raf would help Serena as best as he could without her becoming suspicious. That was easier said than done considering everything she was having to deal with, but he'd pulled it off. He'd warned the nurses and porters he caught gossiping, taken on extra shifts if he needed to and made excuses to Hanssen and Ric about her hangovers. Bernie knew she had no right to do any of this (Raf had no problem telling her either) but she didn't know how to talk to Serena. She'd hurt her so much, she was scared she'd be rejected. Raf knew this was unlikely, and told her over and over again, but she was stubborn. Both women were and that was the main reason for helping Bernie. By doing this he was somehow, hopefully, keeping the lovers together. Sort of.
When he'd found Serena in the state he had, he knew enough was enough. Bernie had got the trauma unit in Kiev up and running. She could come back early if she needed to and now was the time. She'd agreed on the phone that she couldn't stay away any longer and that she'd got her head together. It would take her about a week to tie up loose ends her end, but she'd be as quick as she could. The deal was to not tell Serena as she couldn't give an exact day but would text Raf when she arrived at the hospital.
So, a week has passed and Raf received the text this morning. Bernie was back in the UK and would be at the hospital by lunch. He was under strict instructions to keep Serena out of theatre and to keep an eye on his phone. The phone part was easy. The theatre part not so much. How was he supposed to keep a consultant general surgeon and co-lead of AAU out of theatre? There were a few close calls, but fortunately he'd managed it and Serena was safely in her office at 12:45. Bernie was right on time (no surprise there) with her text, instructing him to somehow get Serena onto the roof.
How the hell am I supposed to do that? Looking to the office and then to Morven, Raf cleared his throat, "Morven, I'm leaving the ward for 10 minutes. Page me if you need me." Before her could ask any questions, he was gone. He pulled out his phone as he entered the male toilets and text Serena.
Serena, I need to talk to you. I'm on the roof.
It wasn't long before he received a reply.
What? Why are you on the roof? It's bloody freezing!
Raf bit his lip. What was he supposed to say to that?
Bring your coat.
He didn't get a text back and only hoped she'd done as she was asked. Now it was down to Bernie. He pulled up Bernie's name in his contacts and text her.
She is on her way. Don't mess it up.