Open when

by Madam-Wakefield

When a few years into their relationship Bernie is asked to go back to the army and deploy Serena isn't sure how she's going to get through the nine months without her girlfriend. What she doesn't expect is for it to be her girlfriend who has the perfect set of surprises to get her through both the best and the worst days. Canon divergent

3. Chapter 3

Open when you feel angry with me…

She feels awful for being mad at Bernie, but she can't help but be furious at the woman! She's certain that had Bernie been here the victim of the shooting would have survived. It is one of Bernie's specialities after all. She's furious that the woman left her here to look after the trauma unit, and how many other patients would still be alive if she hadn't gone away.

She slams her hands on the desk trying to get her frustration out before she has to head back onto the ward. As she does she catches sight of the box of envelopes. She thumbs through them roughly still feeling frustrated with Bernie's lack of presence. Her eyes come across the perfect envelope and she snatches it out of the box. Roughly ripping it open.

My Dearest Serena,

I'm sorry that I've made you mad, I obviously can't know what I've done from over three thousand miles away but I'm still sorry. I never want to hurt you, you know that, and whatever it is I won't have meant it. I hope you can forgive me and to help you, here are a few reasons why. I love you more than anything in the world. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. If you look in the envelope again there is a voucher for some flowers, so buy yourself some tulips like the ones I always do when I need to apologise. Know that I miss you like crazy and that all I can say is I'm sorry…again. I love you, Serena.

All My Love, Bernie,

Your Big Macho Army Medic x

Serena's anger dissipates instantly. Bernie isn't away having the time of her life, she's deployed to Afghanistan, for Christ's sake, risking her life every day in a way Serena will never totally understand. She feels guilty that she ever felt angry with Bernie. Yes, maybe she might have saved the victim if Bernie was here, but if Bernie was here maybe so many of the men and women Bernie is saving wouldn't have survived. And for all she knows maybe the victim wouldn't really have survived.

The idea that Bernie got her a voucher to get herself flowers when she was angry with her even though Bernie can't physically have caused it herself from over three thousand miles away fills her heart but also makes her feel like a bit of an asshole. If, when she goes to the shop to get her flowers, she buys all the supplies needed to send Bernie a care package, well, it makes Serena feel a little less guilty.