A Good Kind of Different

Chapter 4

Fenisha had just arrived back from a difficult call-out, a small child that had fallen off a roof. She was tired, since the baby hadn't been letting her get much sleep, and one coffee a day feel like nowhere near enough caffeine. She and Jan entered the break room to find the paperwork Jan had given Ethan, completed and alphabetised, along with a paper bag with Fenisha's name written on it. It contained a pot of guacamole, a bag of tortilla chips and a note. It read:

For the baby. (it was guacamole, right?) Thanks again for being so great about yesterday. Have a good day – E

'Who's that from, secret drugs deal?' Jan joked.

"Oh, just Ethan.'

'What's he done now? I can find him more pointless paperwork if you like. Or worse.'

'Thanks, I guess, but really you don't have to. I've got this under control. Anyway, we're sorting stuff out. He though he'd be a rubbish parent, trying to do me some kind of favour, I think. But, yeah, friends now. You want some guacamole?'

'Seriously, guacamole, of all things?'

'I mentioned I was craving it, shows he listened to what I was saying.'

'Dear god. Is this how he tries to be romantic?'

'I don't think so, not yet. He's got feelings for me though.'

'And you?'

'I dunno, maybe. We're going to try to get to know each other better before... anything else.'

-

'Oh, hey, Fenisha, it's good to see you. How are you?' Ethan was stood outside the ED, finishing off an energy bar.

'Fine, just bored. I mean, who injures themselves on a Wednesday afternoon? Oh, and thanks for the food yesterday. It was really thoughtful.'

'no problem, it just popped into my head on the way in. Also, Marty and Rash and people tend to head to the hope and anchor after work Fridays, want to come?' This caused Fenisha to raise an eyebrow.

'seriously, a pub, of all places? I might go back on that thoughtful comment I made a minute ago.'

'Yes, I know, I know. But I won't drink either if it helps. Leon reckons he can beat all the nurses at arm wrestling, but I think he might have forgotten about Jacob. Might be fun?'

'Sure, why not? May knock Leon's ego down a peg or two.'

'Cool, see you there.'

-

The pub was quite busy by the time Fenisha arrived, but she could still easily spot her friends, clustered around a table. Leon and Robyn sat opposite each other in the centre of the huddle, in the middle of an arm wrestle. As Fenisha approached, Leon glanced up.

'oh, Fenisha, I'm sure you'll back me up, at least. I reckon I can beat all of the nurses at arm wrestling.' His level of self-confidence caused Fenisha to smirk.

'So I heard. You don't stand a chance.'

'Wait, what!' At that point, Robyn slammed Leon's arm against the table. 'That's not fair, I was distracted. Rematch!'

'Fine by me. Anyway, if I lose, Jacob will be out in a min.'

'Oh no, I forgot about Jacob.' Fenisha felt his phone ping, a message from Ethan:

Told you so

She scanned the crowd, quickly spotting Ethan sat between Rash and Jade. He looked up, staring back at her, and she rolled her eyes. His response was a smirk and small shrug. She smiled back, and they both returned their attention to the table.

'So, to re-iterate' stated Robyn 'if I win this you buy everyone a round, and if you beat me, Jacob and Charlie, then everyone here has to come up with a reason why you are the best.'

'Yep, and then you all sign it, and we give it to Jan.' Marty and Jade both left to collect more drinks, allowing Fenisha to slide along next to Ethan.

'You didn't mention that I'd have to compliment him' she muttered in his ear.

'Don't worry' Ethan whispered back. 'Robyn's stronger than he looks. Trust me.'

'Well, you better be right, cos it's me who has to work with him three days a week. If that ego gets any bigger, his head might explode.'

'Tell you what, I'll go and get Jacob, just in case.'