Consequences

Chapter 19

Authors note: this one is for ConnieBMasters

"Good morning sweetcheeks" A cheery voice woke her the next morning.

After a sleepless night, thanks to the comings and goings of the department, Connie had finally drifted off to now be disturbed by a random stranger.

"Who the hell are you?" She asked, taking in the guy's white tunic and black trousers uniform, not recognising his face or name badge.

"That's no way to greet your nurse, is it?" He winked.

"I dont need a nurse so..."

"Considering you're lying in a hospital bed, with an IV in, i'd say you do"

"Really?! Is that what this thing is?!" She remarked as she looked at her hand, clearly not impressed with his attitude.

"I know it can be difficult to accept help but..."

"Oh, now i've heard it all" she laughed. "Staff Nurse Masters, i suggest you go out there, and find me Dr Hanna or Charlie Fairhead"

"And why would i do that?" He asked, his muscular arms crossed over his macho chest.

"Because i'm the patient, as you pointed out and if you dont, you'll regret it"

As he pulled a face and turned to leave, Connie said something else.

"Oh, and Jacob, the name is Mrs Beauchamp; maybe you should've done your homework before starting to treat patients"

As the penny dropped, he turned slightly and then headed out the door; looking out the window, she noticed Charlie smiling at her, having heard the whole conversation.

"Someone seems better this morning" he smiled, checking her obs.

"Who the hell hired him?" She demanded angrily causing her to start coughing again.

"Ok, you need to take it easy; and Sister Freeman appointed him two weeks ago" he answered as he placed the oxygen mask on her.

"And in the two weeks he's been here, no one thought to mention it to me or tell him?" She vented, trying to remove the mask.

"Connie, you are on leave and right now, you're here as a patient; forget him." He ordered, repositioning the mask. "As irritating and cocky as he is, he's also a brilliant nurse; one of the best we've had. Give him a chance; Zoe will be in soon to see you and Grace is in the staff room with Max having breakfast. Can i get you anything?"

She shook her head and sighed, resting back against the pillows; within minutes, she was asleep again. He pulled the blanket over her and looked up at the door as Zoe entered; signalling to be quiet, they stood outside the door.

"How is she?" Zoe asked.

"Stubborn; Jacob came in without checking who she was"

"Ah, that's not gonna do her any good; you're off shift now so i'll stay and keep an eye on her"

"Dont worry about it; go home and i'll call you if there's any changes"

"You should rest too"

"I will; someone needs to stop prying eyes from disturbing her"

"Okay; i want a repeat xray this afternoon as well as a blood test. And keep Jacob away from her; she needs to stay calm"

"I'll do them myself"

"Thanks Charlie; call me if you need to?"

He nodded and looked back through the window as Zoe disappeared; he watched Connie sleep for a while until she started coughing again. Entering the room, he checked the mask and her obs before taking a seat next to her; only a few minutes later did she wake.