A Tough Choice

Chapter Seventy Five

Emma's POV

I tossed and turned on the sofa, unable to fall asleep. It felt strange being alone and not having Ethan's comforting presence beside me. I hated being away from him, but knew that it was for the best. I'd disappointed him yet again, he deserved someone better than me. Someone who didn't keep hurting him.

I glanced at the clock as I heard footsteps. It was seven am already, Robyn must be getting ready for work.

"Morning Ems!" Max exclaimed as he bounded into the room.

"Please don't call me that." I sighed.

"Aww what's up?" he asked.

"Long story." I replied quietly.

"So I take it you and Ethan broke up?" he asked as he took a sip of his coffee.

"No, I just needed a break." I told him.

"I don't envy you having to live with him and Caleb, they don't exactly get along." he chuckled.

I shook my head slowly. I'd tried so hard to repair their relationship and now I'd made things worse. Maybe Ethan would never forgive him for what he'd done.

"Are you working today?" he asked.

I shook my head slowly.

"It's alright for some." he grinned.

I rolled my eyes and picked up a magazine.

"Max we have to leave!" Robyn called.
"See you later Emma!" Lofty called as they all left for work.

As soon as they left I sighed and threw my magazine onto the coffee table. I was bored and I missed Ethan like crazy. I wish that there wasn't this wedge between us.

I sat on the sofa for what felt like hours, watching rubbish daytime television. I quickly became bored of channel flicking.

On impulse I stood up and grabbed my jacket, I needed to see him. Luckily Robyn lived a short walk away, I reached the hospital within ten minutes.

"I thought you had some time off?" Lily asked when she saw me.

"Yeah I do, I just have to see Ethan." I answered.

"He's in resus." she told me.

I smiled my thanks and walked towards resus. As I glanced in the window I saw Ethan talking to a patient. I smiled as I watched the patient smile as he spoke to them. He had such a gentle nature. As much as I was struggling with everything, I was so grateful that he was mine. I glanced down at the engagement ring on my finger and smiled slightly. I needed to make more effort with him, otherwise I would lose him and I couldn't let that happen.

I felt my heart flutter as he walked towards me and slowly opened the door.

"What are you doing here?" he asked quietly.

"I missed you." I whispered.

"You did?" he said quietly.

"Yeah of course." I told him.

He sighed and looked away from me.

"I'm sorry." I whispered.

"I know you are." he sighed.

I smiled slightly and looked at the floor.

"Does this mean you're coming home?" he asked me.

"I'll come back tomorrow, hopefully things will settle down by then." I said.

"Cal and I aren't fighting anymore." he pointed out.

"Good." I smiled.

"I still don't like him though." he grinned.

"Fair enough." I said smiling slightly.

"I have something for you." he said as he took my hand and led me into the staff room.

When we reached the staff room he let go of my hand and rummaged in his bag. He smiled and handed me some leaflets.

"What are these for?" I asked.

"Have a look at them." he said.

I felt my skin tingle as he stood behind me and peered over my shoulder, his warm breath on my neck. I looked down at them and gasped as I saw that they were about self harming.

"We need to get you some help." he said quietly.

"How did you know?" I whispered as I felt a wave of shame wash over me yet again.

"I'm a Doctor remember." he said gently.

"I'm sorry." I sighed as tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Don't be sorry, everything will be okay." he reassured me.

I sniffed and remained silent, I had no idea what to say.

"Let me help you." he whispered in my ear.