Serena froze, her whole world screeching to a standstill. She stood and pushed past Chantelle and onto the ward. She watched in a helpless silence as Ric gave demands about
emergency theatre slots and paging surgeons, catching names like 'Jac' and 'Hanssen'. She felt a soft arm on her shoulder belonging to Chantelle. Serena wanted to push her as far away as possible and shout and scream but instead, found herself frozen to the spot in shell
shock. She stared at the vulnerable, lifeless girl on the bed who looked worse than death itself. Surely that wasn't her happy-go-lucky, charming daughter? She felt another hand, rougher this time, close around her arm and let them pull her away from this horrific scene.
"That's not Eleanor," She whispered quietly.
"I'm so sorry, Serena. We are doing absolutely everything for her, she's in the best hands possible," She glanced up at the American who was trying to soothe her and broke down, the tears streaming down her face. He pulled her close, resting her head against his chest. As she sobbed, her tears soaking Michael's scrubs, he rocked her gently, every now and again stroking her hair, knowing no words would hold any comfort for her.
"What happened?" She asked.
"It was an accident. The car she was in lost control, no ones to blame." She realised she was in the staff room as Michael sat her down. He proceeded to make a cup of coffee for her in silence while she threw her head into her hands refusing to believe it. He placed the cup in front of her and pulled a chair up beside her.
"Hey, come on," He whispered, rubbing her back soothingly. "Hanssen and Jac are operating on her now. She's in the best hands possible and you know it." Sinking in the information, she looked up at him.
"Hanssen and Jac?"
Michael sighed, reaching for her hand. "Look, her injuries mean the operation she's having needs a CT/GS collaboration. I'm not going to lie, they are bad. But she has a strong chance of pulling through."
"Michael, the last bit of communication between us was an argument. What if she - what if something happens? It's my fault, had I not had to stay, then she'd never of gone out." She admitted, the guilt slowly but surely eating her up.
"Hey, come on now. If we all thought like that then we'd live a life full of guilt. We can blame ourselves all we want, but you have no reason to."
Serena didn't know how long she and Michael were sitting in the staff room, him holding her why she sobbed until she had no tears left. The next thing she was aware of was the door opening.
"Serena," She looked up sharply when she heard the familiar voice.
"Is she ok?" She asked, taking in the tall figure moving closer, still dressed in his scarlet scrubs. Hanssen sighed and pulled another chair up to the other side of her. She found some comfort in being sandwiched between two men she cared about, she didn't feel so alone.
"The operation went well. She's in recovery now. She's going to be absolutely fine." Serena nodded and relief flooded through her.
"Thank you." She whispered. "Can I-?" Hanssen nodded stood up, gesturing for her to join. She gave Michael a thankful smile and then she stood up and followed Hanssen. He guided
her silently to her daughter, his arm around her for support. He didn't care that the whole hospital could see them and make judgments, she needed his support right now and he was going to give it, regardless. He paused just outside the door.
"Prepare yourself. She looks bad but she's stable," She nodded and he pushed open the door. No matter how much she prepared, it was never the same as real life. She walked slowly to her daughter and sat in the chair beside her. She was as white as a sheet and she looked so vulnerable. Picking up her hand, she couldn't believe this was her daughter, various tubes and machines attached to her. She glanced up at Hanssen as he sat down next to her.
"She'll wake any second now," He informed her.
"Thank you," She said, allowing the fresh bout of tears to roll down her cheeks. He smiled at her held her spare hand.
"I would never have let anything happen to her," They sat there for a while in silence, the only noise being the regular beeps of the machines telling them Eleanor was alive.
"Mum?" A voice suddenly croaked. Serena and Hanssen both turned their heads sharply to the occupant of the bed.
"Eleanor," Serena grinned, standing up and kissing her forehead. "How are you feeling, darling?"
"Like crap. What happened?"
"You were in an accident. It was my fault I'm so sorry."
"Don't beat yourself up mum, it's my fault. I didn't mean a word, you really are an amazing mum." Serena smiled and Eleanor squeezed her hand affectionately.
"I don't mean to be rude, but who the hell are you and what are you doing here?" Eleanor asked, glancing suspiciously at Hanssen.
"Henrik Hanssen. I operated on you this afternoon," He informed her.
"An operation? Cool! Did Mr Griffin operate as well? I like him."
"No, it was myself and Ms Naylor." Eleanor nodded and closed her eyes. "Wait," She said suddenly, reopening her eyes. "Did you say Hanssen? As in mums boss? Tall, skinny and Swedish?" Hanssen nodded and Eleanor grinned cheekily. "I hear you're quite the enigma. I won't say what else she said about you." Serena tutted and smiled at Hanssen.
"It's not that bad," She reassured him.
"You should rest," Hanssen informed Eleanor.
"I don't need telling twice," She smiled, closing her eyes and snuggling down. "Night," She whispered.
"I can postpone you theatre list and get Mr Griffin to take care of your ward rounds," Hanssen smiled to Serena.
"Thank you," She sighed. He gently squeezed her hand before heading to the door.
"I'll be back soon," He smiled.

When he had finally managed to sort out Serena's absence for the rest of her shift, he headed back down to Eleanor's room. When he entered, Eleanor was fast asleep and Serena was standing by the window, looking out absent mindedly.

"How is she?" He asked.

"Fine," She smiled, turning to face him.

"And how are you?"

"I'm ok, honestly," She sighed.

"Are you sure?" He stepped closer to her and cupped her face in his hands. She nodded as he leant closer still…

"Don't mind me," A sleepy voice called. Serena grinned and turned to face her daughter.

"I'm being serious," Eleanor grinned. "You two carry on snogging each other's faces off while I lay here, helpless and vulnerable, recovering from a lifesaving operation." Serena rolled her eyes.

"So," Eleanor smirked. "You guys are like…. Eew! Is it serious? Or just se-"

"Eleanor," Serena warned sharply. But she could help but smile, still so grateful she was even alive.

"Damn, I just thought, I can't even give you the 'mum's new boyfriend' treatment because you've literally just saved my life," She sighed, looking at Hanssen.

"I'll be sure to remind you of that fact every time you try," He smiled.

"It's weird, the first time we meet you were prodding and poking my insides before I got the chance to say 'hi, I'm Eleanor, you are'? Anyway, what are they like?"

Hanssen looked at her, confusion etched on his face. "Excuse me?"

"My insides. What are they like?" Both Serena and Hanssen looked at her if she was an alien who had just threatened to take over the world. "What?!" She protested to their looks. "I've always wondered what it's like to see someone's insides. It must be well weird."

"If it interests you, perhaps you should consider following in your mother's footsteps?" Hanssen suggested. "If you don't mind my asking, what are you aspiring to be when you leave education?"

Eleanor shrugged. "I'm not really sure. University and everything. Not my bag."

"I see," Hanssen nodded, clearly in deep thought.

"What?" Eleanor looked at him suspiciously.

"Do you have high enough grades?" Eleanor looked bashful.

"Yes, she does," Serena answered for her.

"Does it interest you? Being a surgeon?" Eleanor nodded. "A specific area? General, cardiothoracics-?"

"Cardiothoracics always sounds interesting." She smiled. "The heart is amazing. It's the most important thing in the whole body,"

Hanssen smiled. "Ah, if it isn't another one of those narrow-minded heart specialists who think the heart is the most important organ."

"What?"

"Mr Hanssen here is a GS surgeon. We always despise people who believe the heart is what makes the body work." Serena informed her daughter.

"The kidneys get on silently with their job, not feeling the need to boast about it, unlike the heart." Hanssen smiled, remembering his argument with Connie Beauchamp on this particular matter. As much as he never saw eye-to-eye with Connie – understatement of the century – he did miss her. She was like his match, his equal, verbally, and he enjoyed the challenge of trying to better himself. Jac had since her departure tried to fill Connie's shoes, as it were, but she never did have Connie's style.

"So, just to clarify, you're not going to look into something you are really interested in, because 'University and stuff isn't your bag'?" Eleanor nodded but then shifted slightly.

"You're making me feel guilty. What are you trying to say?"

"It's a no brainer when you think about it," Hanssen said. "What I am trying to say is don't throw away your chance of something you want to do because of a few years work in university."

"7 to be a cardiothoracic surgeon." She informed him. "7 years! And after that, one slip up and I'm out."

"And you know its 7 how?" Hanssen asked, clearly getting slightly impatient as he did that day when he was discussing a similar subject with the son of his first patient at Holby who chose against university because of his dad even though he had the grades.

"I looked it up." Serena looked at her in surprise, clearly unaware this had occurred. "And it's not just uni, from what I see you spend more time in your office with paperwork than in theatre." She sighed, looking at her mum.

"It's not always like that," Serena reassured her.

"As I said, a no brainer," Hanssen said. "But do consider GS," He smiled, hearing the door open.

"GS? I don't know, hearts are amazing,"

"Let us not forget the kidneys though,"

"Excuse me? Mr Hanssen, I do hope you're not trying to convert a heart specialist to GS," A familiar voice said from the door.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Ms Naylor. I'm not trying to convert a heart specialist. A future heart specialist actually."

Jac smiled – well, as much of a smile as Jac gave – and walked over to the bed. "So, a surgeon?" She asked. Eleanor shrugged.

"I don't know. Uni and paperwork and everything." She sighed.

"What? If you're interested, go for it. It's not as hard as it seems, if you want to be a surgeon. You clearly need advice from someone on a heart ward, not GS," She said, looking pointedly at Hanssen. "That's obviously going to be me." She sat on the spare chair. "Right, it's going to be hard. It involves a lot of work. A bit more time alone in your room studying than out at the bar, I'm not going to lie. But then end result, it's amazing. You get the chance to save peoples life daily. It's the most rewarding feeling in the world, trust me. Go for it!" She stood up and headed back to the door.

"I just came to check you alright," She smiled.

"Wait, your names Naylor, right? As in Jac? You operated on me?" Jac nodded as the door opened.

"Naylor, your needed in theatre now," Michael announced, hand on the door handle.

"See what I mean?" She smiled. "Theatre's a big part of being a doctor!"

"What is this?" Eleanor complained. "Did you all mistake this room for a board room? Or is it just 'invite all the consultants to see Eleanor' day?"

"Sorry," Michael grinned.

"Actually, hi," She smiled to Michael, looking him up and down. "So you're the arrogant American, huh, Michael? Michael-?"

"Spence," He grinned, shaking her hand. "Charming. I'm not arrogant," He added, hitting Serena playfully on the shoulder.

"No, of course you're not arrogant," Serena said sarcastically.

"Right, I'm off to theatre," Jac said from the doorway.

"See you around, Naylor," Eleanor grinned.

"That's Ms Naylor to you," She said before leaving the room.

"Jeez – she's harsh." Eleanor grinned. "I hope not all heart surgeons have to not own a heart themselves,"

"Aww, the thing with our Naylor is she's a pussycat at heart, just like our Mr Hanssen," Hanssen looked at Michael with a hint of distaste; he never did like Michael much. "If you think she's bad, then you should've met our Connie." He looked at Serena. "You never did get the honour to meet our Mrs Beauchamp did you?"

Serena shook her head and Hanssen gave a small smile. "Unlike Mr Hanssen here. They used to be joint DOS, until she resigned. She had a baby, would you believe it? We swore she was plugged into the mains at the end of day! If you're looking for sweet and genius, then you have to meet our Professor Hope. He like Santa Claus all cute and cuddly." Hanssen stood suddenly and walked to the door.

"I'll be back," He announced before leaving.

"Charming!" Eleanor grinned.

"You were literally just complaining about everyone being here!" Serena laughed.

"Well, it doesn't mean I want them to suddenly walk out!" She protested. Serena sighed and shook her head in mock despair. Eleanor grinned at her before turning to Michael and striking up a conversation with him. When the topic turned to boys, Serena was about to interrupt when the door opened, saving her the trouble. Hanssen walked in, holding a leaflet. He handed it silently to Eleanor before sitting back down again.

"Cardiothoracics," Eleanor read out loud before opening it up. "Oh, wow, it tells you everything," she grinned. "Thanks," She nodded to Hanssen.

"Where did you get that from?" Serena asked.

"Professor Hope." Hanssen answered, looking ever so slightly pleased with himself.

"I'd best go," Michael smiled, "AAU doesn't run itself." He shook Eleanor's hand again, wishing her all the best, squeezed Serena's shoulder and nodded to Hanssen before leaving.

"Shouldn't you be going too mum?" Eleanor asked. "Your shift ends soon doesn't it?"

"I'm not going anywhere." Serena said firmly.

"Mum!" Eleanor protested. "Go home! I'm absolutely fine!"

Serena looked at her, unsure. "No-"

"She's right. You should go home. You can't properly look after someone else if you don't care for yourself." Hanssen joined in.

"See! Go ho-"

"Fine!" Serena sighed, getting up and kissing her daughters forehead. "Any problems though, get someone to call me. I'll be back first thing."

"Mum!"

"Sorry," She smiled. "Night," Hanssen held the door open for her and followed her out, closing the door softly.

"I don't want to go home alone," She sighed.

"Then come back with me."

She looked at him in surprise. "What?"

"Come with me to mine."

"Look, it's been a hard day. I'm not-"

"No! Just for company, so you're not alone." He smiled.

"Ok," She grinned.

"Good. Go and collect your things and meet me in my office when you're ready." She nodded and they both headed in different directions to their own offices.

Hanssen sighed when he heard someone knocking at the door. Serena could come any second.
"Come in," He called.
"Mr Hanssen," Elliot smiled, walking in.
"I was actually on my out, Professor Hope,"
"It won't take long," Elliot said, clearly not willingly to give up.
"Fine," He sighed, sitting behind his desk. "How can I help?"
"I'm going to get straight to the point, we need back up!" Elliot announced. "We are so understaffed on Darwin."
"There's not much I can do in this situation, Professor," Hanssen said firmly. "We've neither the resources nor money."
"If you want Darwin to thrive, then we need more staff," Elliot stood up and pulled open the door. "Even just a temporary consultant or registrar, we need the backing," He left the office, slamming the door shut behind him. Hanssen sighed. He knew he only had one choice. He knew one person who loved Darwin beyond words… Picking up the phone, he proceeded to dial a number. Half way through, he slammed the phone back down. He couldn't do it. He would – could – never bring himself to do it. There must be another way, he never wanted to crawl back to her and beg. But he knew deep down he didn't have a choice. He picked the phone back up with a sigh and dialled the number reluctantly.

"Hello?" A familiar voice answered.

"Mrs Beauchamp?"

Guys – please review, they mean so much to me!xx :) I've postponed the ending as I've

decided the Snow Queen should reign at Holby once again…x