We'll Always Have Holby : pt 8
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
From: Maggie
To: Charlie
Subject: Still in one piece!
God I miss you. Sorry, had to say it.
Right. Now that's over and done with, I can bring you up to speed with what's been going on. The hospital has some internet access and if I can grab five minutes to myself then these emails could become a regular thing. Chances are I'll start something, save it, and compile as I go along. One of the nurses has agreed to print off any mails from you so I can take them with me to read later - so tell all!
Things are going pretty well out here. I know I said I was only coming down for a couple of weeks but I seem to have become a bit of a local celebrity and I think the only way I'm going to be able to leave is if I snuck out under cover of darkness. Everywhere I go people are talking about the "Western doctor" like it's some new thing. The Red Cross are everywhere - they're the ones who helped me get this placement - but apparently it's all about me. I think there's even a fan club. Never got this at Holby. You save a kid's life and yeah, the family are grateful and everything, but weeks later if you were to pass them in the street would they still stop, grab your hand and thank you?
I spoke to Tess the other day, no doubt she's told you. She mentioned something about Adam and Jess? What's the story there? And I know you're rolling your eyes at this, Charlie Fairhead, but if you love me then you'll do this.
(and no, you're still not allowed to say it. Yes, I know I'm bending the rules a little, but I know you'll forgive me for it)
Any more news on the Jade front? Or are you two doing your "manly" thing and not talking about it? If that's the case get over it. Or tell Louis to email me - he knows how these things work better than us so there's no excuse.
Not much to tell over here though. Working in the small hospital they have here is so different to at home. I swear I'll never complain about NHS resources again. They have just about what they need and that's it. If they need anything "big" then they have to be taken to Belgrade for it. By big I mean an MRI, certain treatments... I'm hardly backwater here, but it's still shocking to see first hand how some people live.
I used to think I couldn't survive without a coffee in the mornings. Remember that little cafe around the corner? How they started opening in the middle of the night for us? Thought nothing of ordering a latte at three in the morning when things were quiet in the ED. Haven't had a latte since I left the city, it doesn't feel right. There's a place near here that tries, but it's not the same. When in Rome and all that. Besides, Natasa's grandmother insists on bringing me at least one home cooked meal a week, even though they don't have much.
Listen to me, prattling on about the gap between east and west when there's so much more to this place. I've been out taking photos, I'll try and get some back to you. The forests here are amazing; but so easy to get lost in. They say that people go missing and are never seen again - probably just stories told to kids to stop them running off, but there's the chance that there's some truth in it and that's enough for me.
A few times I've driven out of town and pulled off the road, sat on the bonnet and watched the sun set. Never did that at home, don't know why. It's the same sun but out here it's almost magical.
Right, just re-read that last paragraph and I wouldn't be surprised if you can hear me laughing from there. Magical? From nurse to doctor to poet, such is the life of Maggie Coldwell!
Tell you one thing though - the sun coming up is almost as good. And the reason I'm up at sunrise? I've taken up running. Oh yeah. Discovered it in Belgrade.
(Discovered? I really shouldn't stick to my promise not to edit these emails and to just send what I write. It's not fair - I'm coming across as ridiculous!)
I go out most mornings, heading out of town to the edge of the forest. There's a walking track that's popular with walkers and us brave few who venture out first thing. It's a distraction - you just focus on getting to the end point (without collapsing in my case) and it sets you up for the day.
Takes my mind off you for an hour.
I really need to get on. Talk soon. Love to Louis.
M
x
~~
She woke with a start, trying not to yell out. She glanced quickly beside her and was relieved to see that he'd not been disturbed. Well, not tonight in any case. Glancing at the clock she noted it had just gone four; still dark outside. It didn't put her off.
Careful not to wake him she pushed back the covers and slipped out of bed. Finding her clothes in the dark she quickly dressed, carefully creeping about and avoiding the floorboards that she knew groaned under her weight. Her running shoes were in the hallway and she laced them up before stepping out into the cool morning air. At the bottom of the steps she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and stretched out her muscles before starting off on a light run, turning onto the main road.
The last of the partygoers were making their way home and she ignored the drunken calls of the men who'd failed to pull in the various bars and clubs of the city. This was the time when she could focus her mind, clear it of everything that she didn't want to dwell on.
By the time she reached the park the sun was coming up. It was only now that she stopped, looking up at the rooftops which were being lit in varying shades from light grey to a warm red. It reminded her of the warm bed that awaited her and she started up again, turning right at the end of the street in order to make her way back home.
~~
Louis shuffled into the kitchen, still half asleep. Charlie couldn't help but smile at the sight of him; hair ruffled with sleep, eyes almost closed, feet dragging on the floor. Louis went to the fridge and pulled out the orange juice.
"Glass," he said as Louis took a swig straight from the carton.
"Maggie out running again?" Louis asked.
"Yeah."
"She have another nightmare?"
Charlie didn't have an answer for that. He wanted to say no but he knew it was pretty likely that she had.
"Least she didn't scream the place down."
"Louis," he chided.
"What? Freaked me out."
It had freaked him out too. Woken with a jolt in the middle of the night by her screaming out, sitting upright so quickly the bed had moved. When she'd finally let him near her he'd found she was shaking so much it had terrified him. They'd sat together, huddled up on the bed, saying nothing. At first she'd been unable to then she'd been unwilling to, dismissing it as just 'one of those things'.
"She still seeing that counsellor?" Louis asked.
"Far as I know."
"She talking about the dreams?"
"Louis..."
"She told you what happened to her ring?"
"Yes."
"Believe her?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Because it doesn't make sense."
"And what would you know about it?" he asked.
"I'm going back to bed," Louis said, putting the carton back into the fridge. As he headed off they heard the front door open and close gently. "Morning, Maggie," he called out as he walked down the hallway.
"Your dad up too?" Charlie heard her ask before she joined him. "Sorry, I didn't wake you did I?"
"Not this morning, no," he said pointedly.
"Think it's going to be a good day," she continued, moving to the fridge and taking out the orange juice. She was about to pour herself a glass when she saw the look on Charlie's face. "Oh he's not been drinking out of the carton again?" She put it back and pulled out a bottle of water instead. "Think I might grab a shower if everyone's up."
"Think Louis' going back to bed."
"I'll be quick."
"You could come back to bed too," he suggested.
"I'm all sweaty," she said, neatly sidestepping him.
"I don't mind."
"I do."
"Maggie..."
She kissed him gently. "Ten minutes, OK? Quick shower then I'll come back to bed."
He nodded and let her leave without saying anything else.
~~
Staring at her reflection for a moment, Maggie ran her hands down her face before through her hair. Unable to stop herself she glanced at her bare finger, missing the ring more than she'd admit. But it had been the right choice.
tbc...
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
From: Maggie
To: Charlie
Subject: Still in one piece!
God I miss you. Sorry, had to say it.
Right. Now that's over and done with, I can bring you up to speed with what's been going on. The hospital has some internet access and if I can grab five minutes to myself then these emails could become a regular thing. Chances are I'll start something, save it, and compile as I go along. One of the nurses has agreed to print off any mails from you so I can take them with me to read later - so tell all!
Things are going pretty well out here. I know I said I was only coming down for a couple of weeks but I seem to have become a bit of a local celebrity and I think the only way I'm going to be able to leave is if I snuck out under cover of darkness. Everywhere I go people are talking about the "Western doctor" like it's some new thing. The Red Cross are everywhere - they're the ones who helped me get this placement - but apparently it's all about me. I think there's even a fan club. Never got this at Holby. You save a kid's life and yeah, the family are grateful and everything, but weeks later if you were to pass them in the street would they still stop, grab your hand and thank you?
I spoke to Tess the other day, no doubt she's told you. She mentioned something about Adam and Jess? What's the story there? And I know you're rolling your eyes at this, Charlie Fairhead, but if you love me then you'll do this.
(and no, you're still not allowed to say it. Yes, I know I'm bending the rules a little, but I know you'll forgive me for it)
Any more news on the Jade front? Or are you two doing your "manly" thing and not talking about it? If that's the case get over it. Or tell Louis to email me - he knows how these things work better than us so there's no excuse.
Not much to tell over here though. Working in the small hospital they have here is so different to at home. I swear I'll never complain about NHS resources again. They have just about what they need and that's it. If they need anything "big" then they have to be taken to Belgrade for it. By big I mean an MRI, certain treatments... I'm hardly backwater here, but it's still shocking to see first hand how some people live.
I used to think I couldn't survive without a coffee in the mornings. Remember that little cafe around the corner? How they started opening in the middle of the night for us? Thought nothing of ordering a latte at three in the morning when things were quiet in the ED. Haven't had a latte since I left the city, it doesn't feel right. There's a place near here that tries, but it's not the same. When in Rome and all that. Besides, Natasa's grandmother insists on bringing me at least one home cooked meal a week, even though they don't have much.
Listen to me, prattling on about the gap between east and west when there's so much more to this place. I've been out taking photos, I'll try and get some back to you. The forests here are amazing; but so easy to get lost in. They say that people go missing and are never seen again - probably just stories told to kids to stop them running off, but there's the chance that there's some truth in it and that's enough for me.
A few times I've driven out of town and pulled off the road, sat on the bonnet and watched the sun set. Never did that at home, don't know why. It's the same sun but out here it's almost magical.
Right, just re-read that last paragraph and I wouldn't be surprised if you can hear me laughing from there. Magical? From nurse to doctor to poet, such is the life of Maggie Coldwell!
Tell you one thing though - the sun coming up is almost as good. And the reason I'm up at sunrise? I've taken up running. Oh yeah. Discovered it in Belgrade.
(Discovered? I really shouldn't stick to my promise not to edit these emails and to just send what I write. It's not fair - I'm coming across as ridiculous!)
I go out most mornings, heading out of town to the edge of the forest. There's a walking track that's popular with walkers and us brave few who venture out first thing. It's a distraction - you just focus on getting to the end point (without collapsing in my case) and it sets you up for the day.
Takes my mind off you for an hour.
I really need to get on. Talk soon. Love to Louis.
M
x
~~
She woke with a start, trying not to yell out. She glanced quickly beside her and was relieved to see that he'd not been disturbed. Well, not tonight in any case. Glancing at the clock she noted it had just gone four; still dark outside. It didn't put her off.
Careful not to wake him she pushed back the covers and slipped out of bed. Finding her clothes in the dark she quickly dressed, carefully creeping about and avoiding the floorboards that she knew groaned under her weight. Her running shoes were in the hallway and she laced them up before stepping out into the cool morning air. At the bottom of the steps she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and stretched out her muscles before starting off on a light run, turning onto the main road.
The last of the partygoers were making their way home and she ignored the drunken calls of the men who'd failed to pull in the various bars and clubs of the city. This was the time when she could focus her mind, clear it of everything that she didn't want to dwell on.
By the time she reached the park the sun was coming up. It was only now that she stopped, looking up at the rooftops which were being lit in varying shades from light grey to a warm red. It reminded her of the warm bed that awaited her and she started up again, turning right at the end of the street in order to make her way back home.
~~
Louis shuffled into the kitchen, still half asleep. Charlie couldn't help but smile at the sight of him; hair ruffled with sleep, eyes almost closed, feet dragging on the floor. Louis went to the fridge and pulled out the orange juice.
"Glass," he said as Louis took a swig straight from the carton.
"Maggie out running again?" Louis asked.
"Yeah."
"She have another nightmare?"
Charlie didn't have an answer for that. He wanted to say no but he knew it was pretty likely that she had.
"Least she didn't scream the place down."
"Louis," he chided.
"What? Freaked me out."
It had freaked him out too. Woken with a jolt in the middle of the night by her screaming out, sitting upright so quickly the bed had moved. When she'd finally let him near her he'd found she was shaking so much it had terrified him. They'd sat together, huddled up on the bed, saying nothing. At first she'd been unable to then she'd been unwilling to, dismissing it as just 'one of those things'.
"She still seeing that counsellor?" Louis asked.
"Far as I know."
"She talking about the dreams?"
"Louis..."
"She told you what happened to her ring?"
"Yes."
"Believe her?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Because it doesn't make sense."
"And what would you know about it?" he asked.
"I'm going back to bed," Louis said, putting the carton back into the fridge. As he headed off they heard the front door open and close gently. "Morning, Maggie," he called out as he walked down the hallway.
"Your dad up too?" Charlie heard her ask before she joined him. "Sorry, I didn't wake you did I?"
"Not this morning, no," he said pointedly.
"Think it's going to be a good day," she continued, moving to the fridge and taking out the orange juice. She was about to pour herself a glass when she saw the look on Charlie's face. "Oh he's not been drinking out of the carton again?" She put it back and pulled out a bottle of water instead. "Think I might grab a shower if everyone's up."
"Think Louis' going back to bed."
"I'll be quick."
"You could come back to bed too," he suggested.
"I'm all sweaty," she said, neatly sidestepping him.
"I don't mind."
"I do."
"Maggie..."
She kissed him gently. "Ten minutes, OK? Quick shower then I'll come back to bed."
He nodded and let her leave without saying anything else.
~~
Staring at her reflection for a moment, Maggie ran her hands down her face before through her hair. Unable to stop herself she glanced at her bare finger, missing the ring more than she'd admit. But it had been the right choice.
tbc...