“It’s my last day,” Diane announced, slightly sadly, as she turned the light on.

“It’s early,” Ric mumbled, closing his eyes against the glare. Next to him, Mitsy scrambled off the bed and hurried to the door, eagerly waiting for breakfast.

“It’s seven,” she replied.

“It’s early,” Ric repeated. “We don’t have to be in until ten.”

“I’m getting up.” Ric pulled the pillow over his head as Diane hauled herself out of bed and pulled the covers off.

“Why do you always do that?” he demanded, as she removed the pillow. He couldn’t remember the last time he had been allowed to wake naturally. Diane, always wide-awake in the mornings, was impatient with Ric’s routing of waking up slowly, and often felt the need to “help” him get up. Her idea of help usually involved taking the covers away, or kicking him.

“Because you’re lazy.” She tried to pull him into a sitting position, but he didn’t move. “I need you to help me here.”

“Don’t pull,” Ric said, gently detaching her arms. “I’m up, I’m up,” he added, gingerly putting his foot onto the cold floor. “I’ll be glad when I’m back at home. Why do you have cold floors?”

“It was never an issue before,” she replied. “Besides, I have a rug. Breakfast?”

“So early!” he groaned, following her into the kitchen nevertheless. “How can you be so cheerful so early?”

“How can you be so sleepy?” Diane countered. “You’ve had eight hours’ sleep.”

“No, we went to bed eight hours ago,” corrected Ric. “And even when you finally decided to go to sleep, I couldn’t. I don’t think you realise how much noise you make when you sleep.”

“I do not snore!” she immediately defended herself.

“I never said you did. You just turn over and over and over – and steal the covers.” He accepted the toast she handed him.

“Wimp,” she teased, scooping the cat food into Mitsy’s dish. “I’d have thought that you could handle a bit of sleep deprivation. There you go,” she added to Mitsy, putting the dish down. Mitsy purred gratefully, and settled down to eat.

*~*~*

“I can’t believe it’s Diane’s last day today,” Chrissie commented to Kath, as she pushed a patient through the doorway.

“The time’s flown by,” Kath agreed.

Chrissie nodded. “Mind you, I can’t see her staying at home for long. She’ll be back the moment Ric lets her.”

“I don’t know,” Kath mused. “I think she might like being a mother more than being a surgeon.”

“I certainly would,” Chrissie laughed. “I’d hate to be a surgeon – so much blood.”

“There’s a fair bit of blood in labour,” Kath commented.

The patient spoke up. “When my wife had our Billy, I passed out. Too much blood.”

“Passed out?” Chrissie repeated, disgustedly. “Really, Mr Wallis?”

“I wasn’t allowed to be in the room when Kay arrived,” Mr Wallis added. “I’m a bit squeamish, see?”

“Are you?” Kath queried absently, helping him into a bed as Chrissie rushed off to see to another patient. “Mr Griffin should be along to see you at about ten.”

“Thank you,” he replied, as Kath pulled the covers over him.

“You’re nil by mouth, Melissa,” Chrissie said, exasperatedly. “You can’t have anything to drink, I’m afraid.”

Melissa, a young girl of about sixteen, sighed. “But I’m thirsty.”

“All the fluids you need are in the IV, Melissa,” Chrissie replied. “If I let you have a drink, you wouldn’t be able to have your operation this afternoon.”

“Do I look as though I care?” Melissa demanded. “Please? I won’t tell anyone?”

“I can’t. I’m very sorry, but I can’t.” Chrissie walked away before Melissa was able to say any more. “Little devil,” she muttered to Kath.

“She’s just uncomfortable,” Kath sympathised. “She’s only a child. She’s scared and she’s taking it out on you.”

“Does she have to…?” Chrissie was beginning, when the call button sounded again – this time, from Mr Lloyd’s cubicle. “Must we see to him?”

Kath sighed, but started to walk towards the cubicle. “We’ve just got to treat him as a patient, Chrissie, not as Diane’s father.”

“Fine,” Chrissie replied, shuddering. “Rather you deal with him than me.”

*~*~*

“Let’s go for a walk,” Diane suggested eagerly. She was fully dressed and practically bouncing off the walls, whereas Ric was still in his dressing gown, watching TV on the sofa.

“It’s eight o’clock, Diane,” he yawned. “It’s dark. It’s cold.”

“It’s not dark,” she replied, pushing the curtains open. “Look – sunlight. Come on!”

“You get tired walking from the car park to the ward. You’ll be exhausted after ten minutes.” He was desperately trying to find a way out of this. It was early morning, he’d been woken up two hours too soon, and now she wanted him to do exercise? Ric did understand the importance of exercise, and was as active as anyone, but he resented being pulled out of bed for no reason other than the fact that Diane couldn’t sleep.

“I’m not suggesting a marathon, Ric. Please?” She knew that he’d give in eventually. “Just a stroll – down to the park and back. Only ten minutes. Please, Ric, I’m bored!”

“Then read a book,” he sighed. But as she turned pleading eyes onto him, he stood up. “Fine. I’ll get dressed.”

“Thank you!” she squealed. She was squealing a few minutes later too, when they passed the park. “Swings! We have to have a go.”

Ric looked vaguely amused. “You’re not serious.”

“Totally,” she replied, sitting down. “Push me, please.”

“You’re twenty-eight years old, Diane.”

“Twenty-nine tomorrow. Can you please push me?” she repeated. Ric, still looking amused, obeyed. Diane laughed. “This is fun!”

“It’s also an activity for five-year-olds,” Ric retorted, watching her carefully. “You’re going a bit high on that.”

“Relax,” she reassured him. Nonetheless, she did slow down – the height scared her, too. She didn’t stop, though. It was too much fun.

*~*~*

“Chrissie!” Kath called desperately, from Mr Lloyd’s cubicle. “Need help!”

Chrissie appeared instantaneously, immediately fearing for Kath’s safety. It was not in her nature to accept things quietly, and since she had heard Diane shouting at her father the day before, she now had Mr Lloyd dubbed as a psychopathic murderer.

“Get Ed!” Kath ordered her, before Chrissie even had a chance to take in the fact that Mr Lloyd was unconscious.

Within minutes, Ed had arrived, but it was obvious that resuscitation was impossible. After nearly half an hour, Ed stood back. “Time of death: eight forty-two.” He sighed. “Thank you, everyone.” He left slowly, leaving Chrissie and Kath alone.

“What happened, Kath?” Chrissie queried, trying to delay the question of Diane.

“He complained of chest pain,” Kath began. “And then he blacked out, and I called you.”

They were silent for a few seconds, and then Chrissie spoke.

“We should call Diane,” Chrissie said, slowly.

“Poor girl.”

*~*~*

Diane was still on the swings when Ric’s mobile rang. He answered it, motioning for Diane to be quiet.

“Kath?” he asked. “Yes, she’s here… do you want to speak to her? Okay… Oh, God, Kath… What happened? I’ll tell her… Thank you.” He hung up, and looked at Diane, who, in spite of her pregnant stomach, was managing to look as innocent and carefree as a child. He couldn’t bear to think that he was about to break that spell.

“Diane?” he said, slowly.

“Yeah?” she replied. “Who was that?”

“Stop for a moment,” he told her, trying to stall.

She dragged her feet on the floor until she came to a stop, and sat waiting expectantly. “Who, then?”

“It was Kath.” He stopped, desperately hoping that Diane wouldn’t be upset, that she’d be relieved, anything. He hated having to tell her. And yet it was better that it came from him, rather than from Kath or Chrissie. “I’m afraid that – your father – he passed away…” He broke off. “I’m so sorry, Diane.”

“Oh.” Diane wasn’t quite sure what to say. Her first thought had been one of relief. He couldn’t get her now. But almost immediately, she had felt a sudden guilt. And she was upset. She wasn’t sure why. She felt like she wanted to cry. Only yesterday she had told him that she wanted him to die… ‘I hope I never have to see you again, because if I do, one of us will end up dead’. And now he was. She wasn’t sure what to think.

“Are you okay?” Ric asked, gently.

“I – I don’t know.” She looked up at him. “I’m not upset, it’s just a shock… I, just, I don’t understand.”

“What don’t you understand?”

“Everything.” Diane shook her head. “Why now? Why today?”

“Kath says that he arrested. They couldn’t resuscitate him,” Ric replied, knowing that that wasn’t what Diane meant. It was all he could offer. But when her eyes filled with tears, he offered her what she needed. He let her fall into his arms.

*~*~*

Tom was late. It wasn’t his fault, he told himself. He’d got engaged the previous night – surely that was a good enough excuse for being slightly behind schedule? Anita had just taken the day off. She had only had one appointment, at nine o’clock, and she claimed to be “too tired” to attend. Tom knew that the moment he’d left, she would be telling Josie everything that had happened the previous night – well, the proposal, anyway. But he couldn’t take a day off. If Anita took a day off, people just rescheduled their appointments. If he took a day off, people died.

“You look happy,” Ed remarked, catching up with him.

“I have my reasons,” Tom replied. He wasn’t going to add any more, but he couldn’t keep it to himself any longer. “I asked Anita to marry me last night. She said yes.”

“Congratulations,” Ed responded, immediately. “Sounds like you’re having a better day than me, then.”

“What happened to you?” Tom queried.

“Already lost one patient,” Ed said, shortly. “Not just any patient, either. Diane Lloyd’s dad.”

Tom made a face. “Has she been told yet?”

“Kath rang Ric. He’ll tell her. It’s probably better coming from him than from one of us.”

“Poor Diane. It’s not news I’d like to hear – it’s her last day today, isn’t it?” Tom commented.

“Her leaving party’s tonight, anyway,” Ed agreed. “I assume that you’ll be bringing the wonderful Anita?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I have a date too, as a matter of fact,” replied Ed.

“Who?” Tom asked, intrigued.

“Tricia Williams,” Ed answered, trying not to look as embarrassed as he felt.

“Chrissie’s mother?”

“Yeah. Why shouldn’t I date her? Now I think you’ve got a patient, Melissa something, she’s kicking up a fuss about being nil by mouth,” Ed said quickly, trying to change the subject.

“She’s barely past being in paediatrics,” Tom replied. “Sixteen, but she needs a specialist. Well, we’d best go and see to her.”

“Can I have a drink?” was the first thing that Melissa said.

“I’m afraid not,” was Tom’s answer. “You’ll be able to have a drink when your operation’s over.”

“But I’m thirsty,” Melissa whined.

“You’re getting all the liquid you need from the IV,” Tom told her. “You’ll go down to theatre in twenty minutes, anyway.”

“Fine,” she pouted.

Tom left, and immediately turned to Ed. “That child is awful. What have her parents taught her?”

“So says the man who didn’t know he had a daughter until she was twenty.”

*~*~*

“I wish people wouldn’t stare,” Diane told Ric, as they walked through the corridor. “They’re all looking at me.”

“They’re not,” Ric lied, trying to make her feel better. She smiled at him, appreciating the gesture.

“Diane,” Kath said, coming over to them. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. It’s just a shock, you know? Unexpected and all that. He was only in his fifties.” Diane shrugged. “I think I’d have been fine if it had happened before I saw him.”

Kath nodded, unsure of what to say. “Erm, there’s a patient for you to see – a Mr Wallis.”

“John Wallis?” Ric queried. “Good. Have you got his notes?”

Kath handed them over. “Here you go.”

“John?” Ric greeted Mr Wallis.

“Mr Griffin, hi.”

“This is Diane Lloyd,” Ric introduced Diane, as she wandered into the cubicle, looking around warily for her father’s body. She didn’t want to see it. There was no reason as to why she would see it, but, for some reason, she was suddenly afraid.

“Hi,” she said, absently.

“So, do you have any questions?” Ric queried, once he’d explained the ins and outs of Mr Wallis’ operation. He was having his gall bladder removed.

“No… don’t think so.”

“Alright, then, we’ll see you in theatre,” Ric replied, taking Diane’s arm and steering her out of the room. “Are you alright?” he asked her, gently.

“His body… it’s here somewhere, isn’t it?” she said, shuddering.

“I don’t know.” Ric paused. “He can’t hurt you anymore, Diane. He’s gone.”

“I know… it’s just…” She shivered. “I don’t know. It’s nothing.”

“Sure?” She nodded. “Would you feel better if you were somewhere else?”

“Are you going to send me home?” she demanded.

“No,” he replied. “I mean, would you rather do some paperwork in my office?” He had expected her to disagree instantly, and was surprised when she nodded.

“Only for a little while, though,” she added. “I don’t want to skive off my entire last day.”

“What makes you think that I’d let you?” he laughed.

*~*~*

Josie was camped outside the bedroom door, waiting for Anita to emerge. She looked at her watch. Eleven-thirty? Was she planning to spend the entire day in bed?

Suddenly the door opened. Anita, looking sleepy, was shocked to see Josie, leaning against the banister. “So?” Josie demanded.

“What?” Anita queried, puzzled.

“What happened? With you and Dad? Last night?” Josie questioned eagerly, almost bouncing up and down in her excitement.

“I thought you had to be arrested to have the pleasure of answering this many questions,” Anita replied, making her way to the kitchen.

“Anita!” Josie complained. “Come on! Tell me!”

Anita laughed. “Fine. Doubt I could keep it to myself much longer, anyway, Jo.” She stuck out her hand. “Lookie!” she ordered, waggling her fourth finger. “Engagement ring.”

“Oh my God! You’re engaged!” Josie squealed. She thought. “Hey, you’re going to be my step mother!”

“Eeshk,” Anita mumbled, through a mouthful of toast. “I may have to call it off.”

“Aw, I’ll be good, I promise. Just don’t turn all evil on me,” Josie replied.

“I won’t,” Anita promised.

“So, when’s the wedding?”

Anita shrugged. “We only got engaged last night. I always fancied a winter wedding, though. That’d be good.” She paused. “But whenever the hell we do it, it’ll be perfect.”

*~*~*

“So, you and Tricia Williams?” Tom prompted Ed. They were in theatre, nearing the end of Melissa’s operation.

“Yeah. Me and Tricia Williams,” Ed replied.

Tom waited for Ed to continue. When he didn’t, he began asking questions. “When did you ask her?”

“I didn’t. She asked me.”

Tom sighed impatiently. “Can you not tell me any more? Are you sworn to secrecy or something?”

“What am I meant to tell you?” Ed queried. “She’s an attractive woman, she asked me out, I said yes.”

“She’s older than you, and she’s Chrissie’s mother.”

“You’re one to preach about age gaps,” Ed retorted. “Aren’t you years older than Anita? And weren’t you her patient?”

“Yes, and yes. But this is different. We know about my relationship with Anita. We don’t know about your relationship with Tricia. Does Chrissie know yet?”

Ed shrugged. “I haven’t told her. I expect that Tricia has.”

“I think we’re done here,” Tom said, referring to Melissa. “Do you want to close?”

“Okay.” As he began to close, Ed looked at Tom. “You’re very gossipy today.”

“Must be Anita and Josie’s influence.” Tom smirked. “Let’s wait and see how you turn out after a few months with Tricia.”

*~*~*

“I’m bored.” Diane pushed the pen and paper away from her as Ric entered.

“You offered to do paperwork,” he retorted.

“I didn’t realise how long three hours was.” She stood up. “Please can we go and cut something up?”

“If you want to cut something up, there’s paper and scissors in my desk,” he replied. “If you want to operate, then Mr Wallis is being prepped at this very moment.”

“As tempting as the offer of paper and scissors is, I think I’ll settle for operating,” Diane teased. “See you in theatre.”

*~*~*

“Mum, Mum,” Chrissie hissed, as Tricia walked through Darwin ward. Tricia worked three days a week, and looked after Manda during the other days. Whilst she was working, Chrissie’s aunt looked after the baby.

“What?” Tricia asked. “My break finished ten minutes ago.”

“I’ll be quick,” Chrissie promised. “Can you look after Manda tonight?”

“Why?”

“Owen and I want to go to…” she lowered her voice in case Diane was around, “Diane’s party tonight. We won’t be late back or anything.”

Tricia shook her head. “I’m going.”

“You don’t even know Diane!” Chrissie exclaimed.

“I know that she’s having a party,” Tricia replied. “Besides,” she added, “I’ve got a date. Nice young man, one of the registrars, Ed Keating. Do you know him?”

“Ed?” Chrissie gasped. “Please tell me you’re joking, Mum.”

“No, I’m not. Why? Is he an old boyfriend?” Tricia queried.

Chrissie squirmed uncomfortably. “Something like that. You can’t go out with Ed, Mum!”

“He’s adorable,” Tricia protested. “You can’t dictate who I see.”

“Fine,” Chrissie sighed. “I’ll get Paula to watch Manda.” She looked at Tricia. “I’m not happy about this, though.”

“I’m not asking for your approval, Christine,” Tricia replied, frostily.

“Good, ’cause I’m not giving it.”

*~*~*

“Ah, it’s good to be back,” Diane sighed happily, as they finished their final operation of the day.

“You’ve not been away,” Ric commented.

“I know. I don’t know how I’m going to cope on maternity leave.”

“I’ve heard of career-minded, but you really do take the biscuit,” Ric teased.

“I try.”

Ric smiled at her. “Ah, Jess wanted to know if we wanted to go for a drink after work… celebrate your leaving, and your birthday, and everything.”

“Why not? Might be fun.” She paused. “It’ll be the first time I’ve ever celebrated with lemonade.”

“You could have orange juice,” Ric suggested, causing Diane to smile.

“I could.” As they walked out of theatre, she spoke again. “What time does Jess finish?”

“Seven.” It was a lie. Jess finished at six. But they’d decided that it would be best for everyone to assemble before Diane arrived. Jess had wanted a big surprise party, and Ric had, for once, agreed. It wasn’t his sort of thing, but he could see that Diane would like it. “She wants us to meet her there.”

“Okay.”

*~*~*

“Are you coming tonight?” Anita asked Josie.

“I don’t know the girl who’s party it is.”

Anita shrugged. “Neither do I. I met her the other day, she seems a bit weird. No, the way I see it is that it’s a night out, and your dad’s paying.”

Josie laughed. “When you put it like that…”

“Besides, it’s a chance to get to know all the people he knows,” Anita added. “Not that I’m checking up on him or anything.”

“Might be a way to make some new friends, I suppose,” Josie agreed. “Any cute doctors work there?”

“Yeah, but he’s your dad and he’s spoken for.”

Josie grimaced. “You have weird taste. Any doctors that I might find cute?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know the people very well.”

“What time’s Dad due back?”

Anita looked at her watch. “Twenty minutes. Then we’re off. So if you’re coming, I’d change.”

“I’ll change then,” Josie replied. “Call me when Dad gets here.”

“Will do.”

*~*~*

It was nearly seven, and Diane was feeling tired. “You know what, Ric? I don’t think I’ll bother.”

Ric panicked. “Come on… just one drink?”

“I’m not in the mood… I’m a bit tired, you know?” She yawned. “Jess will understand.”

“You can’t be that tired.”

“You’ve obviously never been pregnant.” She rested a hand on her bump. “Been kicking all day. Having someone kick you in the stomach from the inside out – tiring.”

“Okay…” He thought fast. “Well, I need to just see Jess about something, so just come in with me, yeah? I’ll be five minutes, tops.”

She nodded, standing up. “I can do that. C’mon.”

Ric sighed in relief, and, as they arrived, he gently pushed Diane in front of him. She opened the door, and nearly fell backwards as the crowd yelled, “Surprise!”

She swore under her breath. “Just a quick drink, huh?” she hissed to Ric.

“You’re not mad, are you?” Jess asked, appearing.

Diane laughed. “No… it’s nice to see that people like me!”

“Happy birthday, Diane! Jess organised it,” Lisa remarked, walking past.

“Thanks,” Diane replied, hugging Jess. “You’re a great friend, you know that?” She rubbed her eyes hurriedly, where tears had begun to well up.

Jess looked embarrassed. Ric, taking pity on her, decided to explain. “Pregnancy hormones. She cries at the least thing.”

“I do not!”

“Mention babies,” Ric suggested to Jess. At the mere mention of the word, Diane scrubbed her eyes again.

“Kind loving boyfriend, huh?” she demanded, smiling.

“Want a drink?” Ric queried, pushing her over to the bar.

“Yeah, lemon—”

“Lemonade? Do you drink anything other than that?” he asked, smiling. He ordered one, nevertheless, despite Jess’ protestations that ‘just one’ glass of wine wouldn’t hurt.

“It probably wouldn’t hurt, but it’s as well to be careful.”

In a little while, Diane was settled in a chair, with half of the party surrounding her – Jess, Ric, Alex, Chrissie, and Kath.

“So, are you ready for the baby?” Chrissie asked.

“Nope,” Diane responded, cheerfully.

“Not at all?” Kath asked.

“I need to move into Ric’s before I can start getting ready,” Diane explained. “And that’s not happening until tomorrow.”

“Can you still help?” Ric asked Jess and Alex.

“Sure,” Alex agreed, and Jess nodded. “Just… no heavy work?” he added.

“Oh, don’t worry. Diane’s going to have me doing the heavy work,” Ric replied.

“What about names?” Jess asked Diane.

“What about them?” Diane countered.

“Have you chosen any?” Jess persisted.

“I might have done.”

“Tell us!” Chrissie pleaded.

“No.”

Kath joined in. “Come on, we’d really like to know.”

“I dare say, but that doesn’t mean I’ll tell you.”

“What’s this? Names?” Ric commented. “Good luck. She won’t even tell me what names she’s chosen.”

“We’ve got no chance, then,” Jess replied, moving away to talk to Lisa.

“That’s the right attitude,” Diane said, smiling. “I’m not going to tell you, you know,” she added to Chrissie and Kath, who were still waiting.

“Fine, fine,” Kath replied. “So… do you know whether it’s a boy or a girl?”

“Yep,” Diane answered, smiling, as her hand found its way to her stomach, and rested there. “I’m not going to tell you that either.”

“Does Ric know?” Chrissie asked.

“He does.”

Kath smiled. “Ric?” He turned around. “Is it a boy or a girl?”

“Nice try, Kath, but Diane’s sworn me to secrecy on that one. I don’t know what she’d do if I told you.”

“Well, moving in would be off, for starters, babe,” Diane teased, smirking. And, as she sat there, surrounded by people who loved her, she almost forgot about her father. All that mattered was that tomorrow, she was moving in with Ric. And in two months, she would be a mother. Nothing else mattered.