A Good Kind of Different

Chapter 5

As Ethan re-entered the ED, he found Dylan in the entrance.

'Hey mate, you seen Jacob?'

'Yeah, he's in his office, but his shift's over now, so you can probably head right in.'

'Thanks. Enjoy the nightshift!' Ethan turned, walking on until he reached Jacob's door. He began to talk as he pulled the door open. 'Hey Jacob, you nearly- OH FUCK. I'm sorry.' This reaction was caused by what in Ethan's mind was a surprising and rather embarrassing sight. A rather flushed Connie and Jacob where leant against the wall, they had obviously been kissing. Connie was the first to compose herself, collecting her suit jacket from the floor ang straightening her rumpled blouse.

'Dr Hardy, whatever you think you saw today, you didn't. You will not breathe a word of this to anyone. Understood? I like to think I can trust you as a friend. But, if not, please do bear in mind that I am your boss.'

'Um, yes, of course Mrs B. And Jacob, you're wanted down in the pub, remember. We need you to beat Leon so we don't have to write that letter to Jan. you've probably got a few minutes, though, if you have some stuff to finish off. By the way, you do know that the entire department knew it was only a matter of time.'

Ethan hurried back into the Hope and Anchor, slumping back into his bar stool.

'Jacob will be back in five.'

'Oh, no need.' Fenisha replied. Robyn won, meaning, Leon, you owe us a round.'

'Seriously, I did that for nothing?' Ethan said, lowering his voice so only Fenisha could hear him.

'Why, what happened?'

'You don't want to know' he muttered darkly. This exchange was interrupted by Leon.

'So, Fenisha, what are you having to drink?'

'Um, lime and soda, please.'

'You're not drinking? Why not?'

'Erm, well.' Fenisha hadn't thought this far ahead. She squirmed for a second, attempting to formulate a viable excuse.

'Ah, you see, I have decided to quit drinking, Ethan began, hurriedly scribbling something onto a napkin and sliding it across to Fenisha, all without stopping talking. She glanced down at it quickly, it contained just two words: trust me. 'Did you know that the average brit spends £38,000 on beer in their lifetime, just in pubs. I feel I'm rather too close to it already. Fenisha here agreed do me a favour - join me for a couple of months, just to help me get started. Isn't that right?'

'Um yeah, exactly that.' The napkin was back in front of Ethan now, with another comment underneath. Thanks. Above them, a lightbulb flickered, before going out completely. As the bartender rushed off to find a replacement bulb, Ethan nudged Rash.

'How many time lords does it take to change a lightbulb? Rash rolled his eyes.

'I don't know Ethan, how many time lords does it take to change a lightbulb?'

'None, they just wait for it to regenerate.' That caused Fenisha to smile slightly.

'You know, that's kind of funny. Total Dad joke though.' This allowed them to exchange a small, knowing smile.

'Oh, for goodness sake, don't encourage him. I've had to listen to this for years.'

'Ignore him. Anyway Fenisha, I didn't know you watched Dr Who.'

'I didn't. but, you seemed so enthusiastic at comic-con, so I figured I'd give it a go. I've watched all the first ones, that Eccleston guy. I just started the David Tenant ones.'

'Eccleston isn't the first Doctor.'

'Oh, really?'

'No, he's the 9th. There was like a 15-year gap between the 8th and 9th doctors though.'

'Ah, that makes sense.'

'You might like some of the earlier ones actually. Especially the Tom Baker ones – he's the 4th. The one I was dressed as at comic-con.'

'Alright, I'll check it out. You know where I could watch it?'

'I don't think it's on any of the big streaming services right now. I've got the DVD. I could lend it to you if you want?'

'Oh, thanks.'

'Or, let me know if I'm overstepping here, but we could always watch some together? My place, pizza, popcorn, make an evening of it? Actually, don't worry, stupid suggestion.'

'No, not stupid at all. I'd really like that. You free a week from Sunday?'

'Yes. 5:00?'

'That works. I'm in charge of food though.'

'Deal. Rash, stop smirking. We're just two friends, one of whom requires an education in history's greatest television.' Rash raised an eyebrow. 'Well, you can come if you like.'

'No thank you. Really, no. You guys probably have some stuff to discuss.'

'That's one way of putting it' mumbled Fenisha. 'Anyway, I've got to go now, see you guys around.'