So here's chapter 2...

sorry it tooks so long - just been so busy.

this is loosly based on the ep where ruth goes for the job but doesn't get it.

Enjoy x x

The beginnings of a perfect day

Ruth felt optimistic as she sat in the passenger seat of her husband's car. With any luck she would soon be making some long-awaited progress in her dreams of becoming a surgeon. Of course it helped having her husband amongst those who would be making the decision.

'So you'll let me know…when I've got the position…won't you?'

Edward smiled kindly as he turned of the ignition and turned to face her. The expression formed small creases around his eyes as he held her gaze for a moment before looking down to undo his seat belt.

'You know nothing's certain yet. But yes, I'll let you know the outcome as soon as.'

He turned, pulling the door handle and they both got out of the car. Ruth walked round the bonnet to face her husband.

'How can I fail when I've got you right in there?'

She leant up towards him, one hand on his chest and they kissed.

How can I fail?

The thought gave Ruth comfort as they walked hand in hand to the doors of the ED. She had known Edward was right for her the moment they met. There was mutual respect, understanding and, crucially, his acceptance of her aims in her career and the importance this held for her. It seemed perfect. With him by her side she could become the brilliant doctor she had always dreamt of being. They parted ways by the lift, Edward embracing her and kissing her cheek before heading upstairs. She called after him, 'love you' as the lift doors closed, then headed to get changed.

xXx

Boring, boring, boring. I love my job.

Jay bent over the counter at reception, filling in yet another form.

'I don't see why Tess needs all these done now. It's a nightmare. All these stupid questions,' He read one out to Noel who wasn't really paying attention, 'Have you met all procedures following amendments to the Health and Safety regulations of your workplace/environment blah blah blah, what a load of cra…' He noticed the wary expression that had come across Noel's face as he minimised the webpage he had been looking at. He turned. 'Tess, just filling in these um… forms. Um, I'm almost done.' He smiled, trying to turn her concerned frown into a slightly less disapproving stare.

'Good, then you can help Dr Reid clear these cubicles. There's a Mr Johnston in cubicle 5, child called Henry in cubicle 2, oh and Mrs Jenkins is back, could you please deal with her – she seems to like you.'

She handed him the patient cards then hurried off.

Good morning to you too.

Jay smiled at Tess's focus. He would never in a million years envy her position but she certainly liked handing out heaps of work.

'Phew, that was a close one'

Noel had restored his page and was surfing for miniature figurines of goodness only knows what. Jay laughed at this comment, returning to his form. As he turned back he couldn't help but notice Ruth walking in with Edward. The sight made his anger boil up inside. He moved out of their line of sight and finished off the form.

What could have been.

The thought still made him feel sick. He couldn't help but feel it was mainly his fault. He had been the one that had broken it off, after he had found out about the abortion. At that point it had seemed right – he had thought he would never forgive her. But it had taken her marriage to make him realise that forgiveness was nothing in the long run. Without Ruth, he felt nothing.

xXx

This could be my last shift in the ED.

Ruth smiled. Finally her life was falling into place. She had already dealt with four patients, one of whom had had a nasty dislocated hip which she had managed to single-handedly manipulate back into place. She looked up at the screen, smiling to herself as she noted that none of her patients were remotely near breaching point.

'Good night last night eh?'

Lenny's joking comment caused Ruth to jump, turning round to call after him.

'At least I have someone to share it with'

The insult was meant to hurt. Ruth didn't like the cocky way that Lenny had taken his place amongst the ED doctors. She resented his confidence even though some small part of her told her that she had been just the same. All the same, what she had said didn't sit as easy with her conscience as she would have thought. She checked her phone. No message from Edward yet, but that could just mean the decision was taking a bit longer. No need to worry. She was practically made for this job.

xXx

Still as fiery as ever.

Jay watched Lenny walk away from Ruth shaking his head and couldn't help but smile. Ruth could turn the smirk of any man into sheepish surprise with her icy comments. He looked wistfully at the woman he had lost, caught in a downwards spiral of regret and sadness at his predicament.

'Cheer up mate, looks like you've seen a ghost'

Mac came round the corner pushing a trolley full of clean blankets.

'Nah, just…thinking'

Jay picked up notes and went to the next cubicle where a young man was refusing to let go of his bag.

'It's ok Cathy, I've got this.'

He held the curtain open for the other nurse to leave before approaching the man.

This is going to be a long day.

xXx

He's taking his time.

Ruth looked at her watch yet again before turning to cubicle seven. If Edward didn't arrive soon, she would have to take a break. She wouldn't admit it but her nerves were going haywire and despite her cool outward appearance, she was feeling the effects of her worry. She had already started to insult half her colleagues – Big Mac, Lenny, Noel and Kirsty – she didn't think they would stand for much more. Opening the curtain she found Jay, just placing the bag he had wrested from the young man in the bed on the floor beside it. The man made to jump out of the bed and grab the bag again but Ruth stopped him.

'I wouldn't if I were you.'

Her tone carried authority that surprised even Jay. He looked round, muttering to the man as he did so, 'I'd do what she says.'

'What was that nurse Faldron?'

'Oh Nothing' Jay was both amused and scared of her tone of voice and wasn't ready to cross her. The whole experience wasn't going to be much fun, but it would carry a whole other feeling once he related it to Mac and Noel at the pub that night.

Get rid of him or this will be awkward.

It already was awkward but Ruth still wanted Jay gone. She couldn't concentrate with him there and she felt that having any sort of meaningful conversation over a patient was highly unprofessional.

'Are you done here?' Her question carried a meaningful message.

Nothing, please nothing – not here, not now. Later.

He seemed to understand. She couldn't help admiring this. He had always understood her, more than she had understood herself. He nodded curtly and flashed towards her a look that made his intentions clear. He wanted to talk. He definitely wouldn't wait much longer. Ruth nodded back. She couldn't avoid this for much longer. It had all been highly embarrassing after he had turned up at her wedding. She hadn't been able to face him and his injured feelings since then. What they had had was over – had been over since he had found out about the abortion. Why couldn't he just accept it?

So, a meaningful conversation to follow. Will the rest of the day be as perfect as it started out to be?

xx