Playing with fire

Orthopaedics

"You're going to have to wait outside," Rita told him firmly,

He nodded, staying silent, "promise me that..."

"We'll look after her," Rita told him kindly. "Do you want a cup of tea,"

He shook his head, "no, I'll just wait here."

He stood for what seemed like hours outside of resus, watching as various people came in and out of where she lay. Jacob exhaled as Rita stood beside him,

"Well done," she commented,

"Sorry for running off," he told her

"I think were all glad you did,"

Jacob exhaled, "I just keep thinking of what he would have done to her if I hadn't got there in time..."

"It doesn't bare thinking about," Rita uttered and Jacob sighed as the doors opened,

"She's going to be taken to an orthopaedic ward for her ankle, they can't cast it now as it's too swollen, so they'll review her for theatre tomorrow morning," Charlie informed him, "she's could do with a friend,"

"How is she?" Jacob asked and Charlie smiled, "physically her head wound is superficial and her ankle fracture looks like it'll heal well,."

Jacob nodded, "I can't believe it took this for the police to finally arrest him Charlie,"

Charlie nodded, "I know, but you've done all you could, you couldn't do anymore,"

Jacob exhaled before pushing open the doors gently.

"Hi sweet cheeks," he smiled before walking over to her and sitting on the chair next to her,

She placed her hand gently on his cheek, her fingertips running across his skin, before he leaned forward and kissed her temple,

"Go to sleep," he whispered and watched as she closed her eyes. Her hand fell from his cheek onto his lap and he held it gently, "you had me worried," he spoke quietly, watching as her breathing slowed down as she slept,

She woke up on one of the orthopaedic wards, her whole body ached despite the pain relief she was hooked up too.

Her eyes fell to Jacob, who was dozing in the corner, his eyes meeting hers,

"I don't like to see you sat there like that," she spoke quietly,

"Come and join me in here,"

He stood up and removed his shoes, coat and shirt before navigating all the wires and slipping into the bed beside her,

"you saved my life tonight," she whispered as she cuddled into his chest, "I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you,"

He stroked her hair, "get some sleep, you have theatre early tomorrow,"

"You don't have to stay,"

He yawned, "do you want me to go?"

"No, I sleep better with you here," she told him and once again her honesty surprised him,

"I'll be here as long as you want me to be," he told her kindly.