Role Reversal

Chapter 26

"Have you told him yet"
Connie glared at Cal, who had come to stand beside her as she flicked through some notes at the nurse's station.
"Not yet. I need to find the right time. It's not exactly something I can just drop into conversation is it."
"Tell him today Connie, or I will."
Connie spotted Jacob leaving his office.
"Don't you dare"
She quickly gave Cal a disapproving look before picking up the notes she had been looking for and walking away.

---
Connie and Jacob were both on their lunch break and were sat together in Jacob's office.
Connie was determined that she was going to tell Jacob the truth before the day was over.
Connie turned to face Jacob, who was sat beside her.
"Jacob...I need to tell you something. It's about the baby"
Jacob's eyes widened with alarm. He placed his hand on hers. "Is everything alright with the baby?"
Connie sighed and moved her hand away from his. "The baby is fine but...". She took a deep breath and looked away. Silence occupied the room for a moment, before she spoke again.
"Jacob, the baby isn't yours" Connie couldn't bring herself to look at Jacob and continued to focus her eyes on the floor.
Jacob stood up and walked to the other side of the room.
Connie waited for him to speak, but when she heard no response from Jacob, she looked up to find Jacob facing the wall, his back turned away from her.

"Jacob, say something, please" Connie's pleaded, desperately, as she felt the tears beginning to form in her eyes.
Jacob slowly turned around and looked at her. Connie could see the hurt in his eyes.
"What am I supposed to say Connie?"
"I am so sorry Jacob. I promise, it was just a one time thing, a stupid, stupid mistake... I know that there is no excuse for what I did, but I was feeling so lonely Jacob...you never have time for me during the day and I do understand that saving lives is important, but that week, you had been working late every night and I just...look I just don't know what I was thinking and I immediately regretted it. You have to believe me Jacob... it meant nothing, I promise...I love you Jacob and I hate that I let you down"

Jacob studied Connie's face. He watched the tears of regret stream down her cheeks. He looked into her eyes, which were full of guilt.
He remained where he was, a passive look occupied his face, his voice was emotionless.
"Who's baby is it?"
"I..."
They both looked to the door when they heard a knock, shortly followed by Charlie opening it.
"Mr Masters, I know it's your lunch break, but can we have you in resus please?"
Jacob nodded at Charlie and began to follow him out of the office. He turned back to face Connie before he closed the door behind him.
"We'll talk later"

Connie waited.
But after two painful hours had passed and Jacob still hadn't returned, it was clear he needed time to think, and she didn't blame him.
Her lunch break had ended long ago and she was supposed to be back in the department by now. She took a deep breath and wiped under each eye, she stood up and straightened her uniform, put on a brave face and left the office.

As the shift progressed, Jacob stayed in resus. He needed time away from Connie, time to process what she had told him.

Connie stayed away from resus. She realised she needed to give him time to think.

Connie entered the staff room and leaned against the side. She needed to take a moment to compose herself.

Cal followed her in.
"We need to talk Connie"
Connie stepped forward to confront him. "There is nothing more to talk about Cal. Why are you doing this, why are you so adamant that you want to be a part of this baby's life? I didn't even have to tell you...I wish I didn't tell you! Look, I told Jacob, that the baby isn't his, but I haven't told him who the father is. You, are not going to make things worse, by telling him it's you. I'll tell him it was a drunken one night stand, that I can't remember who it was. I want you to stay away Cal. You may be this baby's biological father but I don't need you in their life."

Neither had noticed that someone had entered the staff room, and they heard everything.