A Tough Choice

Chapter Fifty Seven

My shift finally ended and I quickly changed out of my uniform. I looked up as Ethan entered the staff room.

"I need to talk to you about something." he stated, sounding serious.

I raised my eyebrow and waited for him to continue.

"Is it alright if Kirstie stays with us for a while?" he asked.

"What?!" I spluttered.

"I don't even know her." I added.

"She's an old friend." he told me.

"A friend?" I questioned.

"Yeah we went to medical school together." he said a smile playing on his lips.

"What's so funny?" I frowned.

"I'm usually the insecure one." he said.

"Whatever." I sighed.

"I don't even know her." I added.

"She's really nice." he reassured me.

"I arranged her visit as a surprise so you have someone to wedding dress shop with. It might cheer you up." he added.

I smiled at him, even though there was a wedge between us, I still thought that it was a sweet gesture. He would always care about me and I really loved that about him. I just wish that I could open up to him, so that things could go back to the way they were.

"I guess she can stay for a while." I sighed.

"Thanks." he grinned.

I smiled slightly as he hugged me tightly.

"You ready to go home?" he asked.

I nodded slowly. He took my hand as we walked to the car. As we got closer to the car I noticed Kirstie was standing next to it. I felt my heart sink, I barely knew her and now she was going to be living with us. As much as I appreciated that Ethan was trying to help me, I hated the idea of a stranger living with us. How would she effect the dynamic between me and Ethan. Could I trust her?

"Hi I'm Kirstie, you must be Emma!" she squealed as soon as I reached her.

I smiled and nodded.

"Ethan's been telling me all about you." she grinned.

"Uh oh." I said nervously as I glanced at Ethan.

"Nothing bad." she giggled.

"That's a relief." I said as I climbed into the driver's seat.

"Do you want me to drive?" Ethan offered.

"It's fine." I said shortly.

"So how are things in Ireland?" Ethan asked Kirstie as I pulled out of the car park.

"Good, I love living in the countryside." she said.

"Don't you miss me?" he chuckled.

"Yeah of course I do." she laughed.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter as I listened to them laughing together. It was like I didn't even exist.

"You live in Ireland?" I asked Kirstie, trying to involve myself in the conversation.

"Yeah I moved there a couple of years after I left Uni." she answered.

"So you work as a Doctor?" I said.

"Yep, but I got made redundant so I thought it would be a perfect time to visit for a few weeks." she stated happily.

I gasped as my breath caught in my throat. A few weeks! When Ethan asked if she could stay, I thought he meant for a few days not weeks. I couldn't help feel angry that I hadn't been involved in the plan. He hadn't even consulted me about it. Kirstie seemed to sense my trepidation.

"Are you sure it's okay for me to stay, I'm sure I could find a hotel?" she asked.

I opened my mouth to speak but Ethan beat me to it.

"Don't be silly it's fine, isn't it Emma?" he prompted me.

"Sure." I said quietly.

Eventually we made it home. I quickly walked into the house and virtually ran to my bedroom. It was going to be a long few weeks.