ROLE CHANGE CHAPTER FIFTEEN

After a month during which Ethan heard nothing about the progress concerning his case, and during which he swung from optimism to the darkest degree of pessimism, he received a call from Liza.

"Good news, Ethan. You won't have to go to court with your claim, or appear before a panel."

"But I thought-"

"I think you might have been looking at worst case scenario. Because there were witnesses to the attack that led to your injury, you'll just need to keep corresponding with me either in person or by telephone."

"Well, I'd be happy with meeting in person… um… that is, if I meet you in person it means I get out of the house and that's always good."

"Of course" replied Liza evenly.

Ethan replaced the phone to see Cal sniggering at him.

"'I'd get out of the house and that's always good.' You fancy her, don't you. Ethan?"

"Stop being childish."

"Okay, then, let me tell you my news. I've an interview next week regarding retraining for a doctor's job."

"You don't sound all that happy."

"No" Cal sighed, "Retraining would be great and if I get the chance, I'll grab it. But it would mean I'd have to give in my notice with the gym."

"They'll miss you."

"I'd like to think so."

"Where will that leave you with Sophia?"

"She's my girlfriend, silly bugger. We'd still see each other… I just wouldn't get Bonus Time seeing her in the gym twice a week."

"Cal?"

"What now, pest?"

"Can you afford to retrain?"

Cal took a deep breath.

"I'm selling the car for a start."

"No! We need that car, Caleb!"

Cal would have snapped at Ethan for his selfish response, but knew how Ethan had loved the days out they'd had either alone or with Sophia.

"Look. My priority's to get a decent job again. I'm sorry but it looks as if I've no choice. I'm putting the ad in the paper next week."

"We'd better be going somewhere good this weekend, then" said Hardy the Brat.

Cal, Sophia and Ethan had a day trip to Rhyl that Saturday and maybe because they expected it to be one of their last, enjoyed every minute. Sophia was, as usual, willing to accept that she and Cal wouldn't be able to get 'up close and personal' with Ethan in tow, as she still felt unnecessary guilt about Paris. It was now July and the weather was perfect.

Cal sensed a little pang in his heart as he kissed Sophia goodnight later. It was the usual gym session the next day and he knew he would have to see Mark.

The mini bus made the usual stops, and the passengers were cheerful and chattering freely as it pulled into the car park.

Denise had found a new member of the scheme to work her wiles on; a middle aged man called Phil, whose weight problem was affecting his health. Phil was ashamed of this and determined to alter the situation. Her new found friendship meant that Cal had to walk to the building alone; he could have done with Ethan to chat to but his younger brother was tired out, having tried to do too much in Rhyl. Cal expected a miserable day and evening, until his mobile sounded.

The call was from Ethan, and Cal expected the worst, until he heard his brother's tone of voice.

"Cal, you won't need to sell the car! I've had a letter from Liza – I mean, the solicitor's office – I've been sent a nice fat cheque as an interim payment!"

"Blimey, Liza doesn't mess about! That's brilliant, Ethan! See you tonight."

He'd still have to give in his notice, payment or not, because of the training but now he felt better; he could take Sophia and occasionally Brat Brother out in the car now and then.

July wore lazily into August, at the end of which was Cal's last day at the gym. Ethan was with him, and seemed to be trying to contain his excitement. When it was time for the scheme members to leave and pile back on to the mini bus, Mark held up his hand.

"We've got extra time today, Cal… surprise!"

He opened the door to the dance studio, which was not in use that day. A huge banner saying "Good Luck Cal" hung the length of the back wall, and drinks and nibbles – for once, not Ethan related – set out on a couple of tables.

"Sessions restart at two so our group has to be out by then, but that gives us enough time to have a mini party in your honour. This is from all of us."

Cal gasped, grinned and opened the gift bag. An appointments diary which was obviously leather-backed and a Parker pen.

"Oh wow!"

Everybody had signed the card, and Cal felt a lump in his throat. He made, what to his mind must have been one of the worst speeches ever, which the others all loved.

Another door was opening.

Ben and Sara were equally looking forward to, and dreading, the birth of Sara's child, which was now imminent. It was early October. They both knew that this would mean their permanent separation couldn't be far behind if the baby was a boy, though David had assured Ben that he would play his 'role' as Prince Stefan until just before Easter the next year if that happened.

"You'll have another trip abroad after the Princess has given birth; if all goes well this means you can see your loved ones in the United Kingdom for Christmas while Princess Sara stays and performs social functions with her child" David said, his voice conveying sympathy for Ben. The latter wanted to rail against this brutal regime that would rip him apart from his wife so soon after she'd given birth, but he knew better than to query it. David put his hand on Ben's arm.

"For your own sake, Ben, try not to become too attached to your wife and child. The heartbreak will only be greater in the long run."

Ben knew David meant well but thought that David might as well tell him to try to survive without breathing.

Ben and Sara were enjoying a walk in the grounds one mild day in early October. Although there was the usual bodyguard riding ahead of them, which prevented them from speaking freely to each other, they could still share looks.

Sara suddenly bit her lip and clutched her belly.

Ben almost choked on the word he had to use to the woman he loved, but the bloody deception had to continue at all times:

"Madam?"

Sara's eyes told Ben she understood, but she tried to regain her composure.

"I'm fine, Sir."

A few paces further, though, and it was obvious that the Princess was not fine.

Ben paced the forest in rage. Because Stefan would have just gone for a long ride in the forest to escape the responsibilities of encouraging his wife throughout the birth, Ben had to do the same. Now Melusine, the mare he'd bonded with so well, was tied to a tree, patiently awaiting the moment when her master needed her again, and Ben was working off his angst among the trees.

And finally he was allowed to see his own child.

Sara looked so pale and fragile as she lay in the huge bed, but the way she was snuggling the tiny bundle against her breast.

"You have a son, Prince Stefan" she said calmly.