Pat's emotions

A/N I am upset with myself for using the wrong too/two in last chapter. It narked me when I realised.

Wrote this chapter after a 13.5 hour shift whilst watching Glastonbury highlights. I hope you enjoy.

CH19

When Russ went outside he could see that Jack was setting up the chess board.

Henrik was sitting opposite. Russ topped up Henrik's wine glass. "Don't give him an easy time Jack. Wipe the floor with him."

Jack laughed, "You may be my new best friend but I am not going to let you win." He directed to Henrik.

"I like a challenge." Henrik replied.

Jack clapped and made the first move. Pat was talking with Russ whilst Tony and Andy played footie with his kids.

"So seems like you have lucked out with Henrik."

"Very much so." Russ agreed.

"How did you two meet? Oh tell me if I'm being too nosey."

Russ smiled. "Jack is probably going to ask you more about his new best friend later."

"You are on my page then Russ. I suspect that Henrik will be mentioned a lot over the next few days."

Russ took a drink before giving Pat a quick history of knowing Henrik before going into the present. "So having known Henrik for some years I looked him up as a mentor for one of my mentees. I had to work my charm for reasons I will not go into now. Long story. However I ended up working at Holby for a spell, mainly to help Henrik out and I suppose we just got closer."

"So what the bloody hell are you doing in Leeds when you should be in Holby with Henrik."

Russ gave a sad smile. "I know it's a tough one. But Billie wanted to be here. Near to family. To help us with little man. She was all for me staying in Holby, but Henrik insisted that I put Billie first. Problem is that Bilbo and Henrik both want me to be happy. Billie said I should have stayed in Holby. So here I am stuck between a rock and a hard place." Russ threw his hands up as if to show his frustration.

"Oh shit... who is going to break the news to Jack that Henrik lives at the other side of the country." Russ observed.

"Oh Jeez. I forgot about that little fact. He will not take that well." She pulls a face of gloom as she knows this will trigger Jack.

He will obsess over when Henrik is next coming to visit and assume that he will get to see Henrik when he does come up."

Russ could feel himself getting emotional. It may be the wine. It may be the fact that as well as himself and Billie there will be another person waiting for Henrik's next visit. Pat went in for a hug. "It is good to see you happy again Russ. I am certain that despite the distance you can make it work eh."

"Yeah. I know you are right. Do not worry I will make sure when Henny is up for a visit that Jack gets a visit from his friend."

"Best friend." Pat corrects him.

"Ah yes, best friend. Maybe we could go out for tea or do something with Jack. Give you and Tone a break."

Pat laughs. "Tell Henrik he can come up whenever he wants."

Russ held up his index finger. "I have just had a brilliant idea." Pat looked at him inquiringly. "Obviously I will run it past Henrik but what if he and Jack became pen pals?"

"That, Russ, is an excellent suggestion. It means that Jack can stay in touch with Henrik in a reasonable manner. If Jack had Henrik's phone number or email he would be a nightmare. At least with 'snail mail' it isn't bombardment."

"See I am not just a pretty face. Plus I know that Henrik is the kind of person who has letter writing sets... and he has excellent penmanship. I will mention it to him. That way he can suggest it to Jack. Sounds better coming from his new best mate."

Pat was beaming. "Guess what the kicker is to what is a good day for us?"

"Go on?" Russ queried.

"I'm not the designated driver today." Pat held out her glass and Russ grabbed the bottle on the table and topped her up.

"Why thank you. Shall we go and see how the chess tournament is going?"

"Are we team Jack?" Russ asked.

Pat laughed. "Henrik probably needs the support more. People at college won't play chess with Jack now because he always wins. Which is a little sad."

"But I bet he's whipping the other schools and collages in the chess 'tourney's."

"Russ I should be able to claim tax deductible mileage for the running around I do for chess club. But it's worth it to see Jack happy."

They were walking over to the table where Jack and Henrik were playing as Jack was setting up for a second game.

'Mum, guess what?" Jack asked excitedly.

Pat jokingly rubbed her chin. "Did you win?"

"Yeah course I did. Henrik plays better than Dad. But I still beat him. But no, I have another thing to tell you."

Pat and Russ both looked confused as Henrik smiled. Jack was really animated, "I know Henrik doesn't live close, because I asked him. So he said he will write to me and I can write back. Henrik said that Russell can give you his address mum. That way you can post my letters yeah."

Russ and Pat both laughed. The situation had handled itself quite nicely. They sat down at the table as the second game of chess went under way. Pat just could not quite believe her luck today. It had all been win. She was waiting for the thing to upset the apple cart, whilst this seemed a negative approach... She was a realist. But as she sipped her wine she decided to make the most of the situation and relax.