When One Door Closes, Another Opens. Part One.

By Charlie

Disclaimer: All of the characters featured in this fic belong to All Saints and Channel Seven.  However, as the fic progresses, I may need to invent some new characters.

Rating:  At this present point in time the rating is PG. This may change as time goes by though.

Vincent had found himself being drawn to Sister Sullivan more and more lately. Maybe it had been because they were working so closely together, or maybe it was just because they had finally put their troubled past behind them. Whatever the reason, Vincent liked it. Although he tried to deny his feelings for her, he couldn’t. He enjoyed every minute he spent with her, her scent as she arrived for the start of her shift, her smile that lit up the room, and most of all the kindness that she spread so easily. A kindness that he had shut out previously.

Little did Vincent know that Terri had begun to feel the same way. Her eyes had been opened to the sensitive man that he really was. Although they had gotten off on the wrong foot, and disliked each other with a passion, Terri had begun to see him in the way that Charlotte did. She found it truly amazing that she could dislike someone one minute and be falling for them the next. She did feel guilty though, her husband Mitch Stevens had died less than a year ago and here she was, replacing him… replacing him like he meant nothing.

Vincent: (Knocks on the door and enters Terri’s office) Ah Terri, hi.

Terri: (she looks up from her pile of paperwork) Vincent, what can I do for you?.

 Vincent: (Hands her a file) I think this belongs to Charlotte . She left it down in emergency

Terri: (Smiles and nods as she takes the file and places it on her desk) Thanks, but why are you giving it to me?

Vincent: Because I can’t find her anywhere, and well…

Terri: (still smiling) Well what?

Vincent: Well… I was coming up here to see Mr Robinson anyway, so I thought I would leave it with you.

Terri: Oh I see. Ok I’ll give it to her when she gets up here.

Vincent: Listen Terri…

Terri: yes?

Vincent: Oh it’s nothing. Never mind (he turns towards the door)

Terri: Are you sure?

Vincent: Yep its fine (he goes out the door).

Terri smiles to herself as she replays Vincent’s odd behavior. She’d never seen him so nervous and distracted before. She wondered if it was something she had done. Maybe he knew about the feelings she had for him… was she that obvious?.

As Vincent closed the door to Terri’s office he cursed at himself quietly. He went in their with the perfect excuse to see Terri, had everything planned, but when it came to the crunch, nothing!.

Vincent: You blew that one didn’t you Dr?.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Terri stepped into the lift, ready to go, the doors began to close when she heard a familiar voice hollering.

Vincent: Hold the lift! Hold the lift!

Quickly she pushed the button to hold the doors open as Vincent dashed inside.

Vincent: (looking over at her) Thanks

Terri: (smiles) It’s ok

As the lift goes down the ground floor, Terri catches Vincent staring at her.

Terri: Did you want to ask me something Dr Hughes?

Vincent: Ah, no, why?

Terri: Well you were staring, and it looked as though you wanted to say something.

Vincent: No, nothing.

Terri: Ok, Charlotte ’s told you hasn’t she?

Vincent: Told me what?… is there something I should know about?

Terri: No! no, no, sorry.

Vincent: Actually Terri, there is something I need to ask you.

Suddenly the lift stops at ward 8 and Professor Thomas steps in.

Prof Thomas: Evening Sister, Dr Hughes

Terri: Good evening professor

Vincent sighs and leans back against the wall, wondering when he will get the chance to ask Terri out.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Terri stepped out of the lift, Vincent followed. He was determined to ask her out, even if it was just for something as innocent as a working lunch.

Vincent: Terri?

Terri: (whirls around to face Vincent) Oh sorry Vincent, what was it you wanted?

Vincent: You, for lunch tomorrow

Terri: Sorry?

Vincent: Just a working lunch, you know, to work through those patient files

Terri: Oh… ah… I’m actually busy tomorrow. I have a budget meeting.

Vincent: Dinner then?

Terri: (shocked) Dinner? A working dinner?

Vincent: No, a real dinner. Nothing to do with work.

Terri: The two of us?

Vincent: Mmm hmm

Terri: Together?

Vincent: Yes. You and I. Dinner tomorrow night at a restaurant.

Terri: Ah… (she was speechless. That really knocked her for six) yep, ok.

Vincent: Great. I’ll speak to you tomorrow about the details.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As a new day dawned and Terri arrived on the ward for her shift, Vincent bailed her up as she got out of the lift.

Vincent: Terri, hi.

Terri: Oh Vincent, how are you?

Vincent: Good, good, you?.

Terri: yeah, I’m alright.

Vincent: About tonight…

Terri: Oh yes, dinner.

Vincent: Chinese suite you?

Terri: (smiles to herself) Ah…

Vincent: What? You don’t like Chinese?

Terri: No… I don’t… sorry.

Vincent: Ok. That’s ok. Ah… how bout I take you to Romeo and Juliet’s then?

Terri: Aw Vincent, isn’t that a bit extravagant? I mean…

Vincent: Well they have fantastic food, Charlotte and I go there all the time… but if you don’t feel comfortable going then we can go somewhere else.

Terri: (shakes her head) No, no, that’s fine. It’s ok.

Vincent: Are you sure?

Terri: Yes, very.

Vincent: Ok well how bout I pick you up at 6?

Terri: Alright, 6 it is.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Later that day Terri is in her office filling out some paperwork when there is a knock at the door. Charlotte then enters and sits in the vacant chair, in front of Terri’s desk.

Terri: What can I do for you Charlotte?

Charlotte : Has something happened between you and Vincent?

Terri: Why? What’s he said?

Charlotte : Ha! I knew it! Something has happened hasn’t it?

Terri: It’s just dinner, that’s all.

Charlotte : Dinner?!

Terri: I was quite surprised actually

Charlotte : You and me both. No wonder he’s been on cloud nine all morning.

Terri: Have you said something to him, about me?

Charlotte : No. You told me not to.

Terri: Then why has he asked me to dinner?

Charlotte : Don’t you want to go?

Terri: Of course I want to go… I just think it’s odd that he is asking me.

Charlotte : And why would you think that?

Terri: Well we haven’t exactly clicked Charlotte . We’ve been at each others throats for months.

Charlotte : But you sorted that out ages ago. Maybe he’s seeing the real you, and maybe you’re seeing the real him.

Terri: You know I find this situation really hard to believe

Charlotte : Well you know what?

Terri: What?

Charlotte : (laughs) So do I. Look just go out to dinner, see how things go. You guys could be the best thing for each other in the end.

Terri: Aw Charlotte !

Charlotte : Ok, I know, it’s a bit soon for that. Sorry.

Terri: Just don’t go broadcasting this ok Charlotte ? It’s just an innocent dinner.

Charlotte : you wouldn’t think it.

Terri: What’s that suppose to mean?.

Charlotte : Vincent is buzzing. He’s smiling! He never smiles!!! I think he has a thing for you Sister Sullivan

Terri: Ok I have to get to work here Charlotte . I’m sure you’ve got patients to see.

Charlotte : Avoiding things won’t make them go away. But I’m sure you have learnt that lesson. So where is he taking you?

Terri: Charlotte

Charlotte : Tell me and I’ll leave

Terri: (smiles) Romeo and Juliet’s. Now get out.

Charlotte : (Laughing) Romeo and Juliet’s!!!!

Terri: He said you and he go there all the time

Charlotte : Yeah! When we were married! He only takes *special* ladies there Terri!!!

Terri: Oh Charlotte … I don’t know if…

Charlotte : No! you can’t change your mind!

Terri: But

Charlotte : No buts! Both of you need some happiness for once! I won’t let you ruin this.

Terri: Ok. But just get out please. I need to finish this or I won’t be going anywhere tonight.

Charlotte : (gets up) Oh ok! See ya (she goes out the door.)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Terri raced around the house like a mad woman. She couldn’t find the pair of earrings that she so desperately wanted to wear. It was about 5 minutes to six and she still hadn’t found shoes to wear either. Suddenly the doorbell rang.

Terri: (stands totally still) Oh damn. (she races down the stairs and opens the door to Vincent, breathless) You’re early.

Vincent: Wow you look… wonderful

Terri: I’d look even better if I had some shoes on, I can’t seem to find them… or my earings.

Vincent: Well I can wait while you finish getting ready.

Terri: Alright. Come on in

Vincent: (coming inside and going into the lounge room) Thanks.

Terri: (going up the stairs) I’ll be as quick as I can.

While Terri is upstairs, Vincent’s mobile rings. He grabs it from his pocket hoping that it wasn’t the hospital.

Vincent: Vincent Hughes

Charlotte : Hey!

Vincent: Charlotte ? What do you want?

Charlotte : Wanted to see how things were going.

Vincent: How did you find out about this?

Charlotte : I got it out of Terri. You know she has a thing for you.

Vincent: What?!

Charlotte : Anyway how’s it all going?

Vincent: We haven’t left yet. Now what did you say? A thing? Says who?

Charlotte : Says her! Just like you have a thing for her!. I hate being the meet in the sandwich.

Vincent: If this is a joke then its not very funny Charlotte

Charlotte : I’m not joking

Terri comes down the stairs now wearing shoes, earrings and carrying her bag.

Terri: All set (she sees Vincent on the phone) Oh sorry, I didn’t realize

Vincent: (into the phone) Look I have to go

Charlotte : Hey, wait

Vincent: What?

Charlotte : Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!

Vincent hangs up on Charlotte and looks up at Terri.

Vincent: Sorry about that, it was just Charlotte .

Terri: Oh… ok. Well are you ready to go?

Vincent: Yep lets go.

As he walks over to her and takes her arm in his he flashes her a smile. She flashes one back as they proceed out the door.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Terri placed her knife and fork on the plate gently as she finished her meal. She felt like a princess sitting in such a fancy restaurant, eating such delicious food.

Terri: That was wonderful Vincent

Vincent: (smiles) I’m glad you liked it.

Terri: (looks directly into Vincent’s eyes) Vincent why did you bring me here tonight?

Vincent: For dinner

Terri: I’m serious Vincent. Seven months ago, if someone had told me that I would be here having dinner with you, tonight, I would have laughed in their face.

Vincent: You want the truth?

Terri: Yes if you’re willing to tell me

Vincent: I believe I misjudged you when I first arrived. It was wrong of me to treat you so poorly.

Terri: You brought me here because of that?. I thought we sorted everything out.

Vincent: We did. Terri I brought you here because I can’t stop thinking about you.

Terri: (in shock and speachless) Pardon?

Vincent: (a new song begins to play) don’t say anything Terri, it can wait. Lets just enjoy the rest of the evening ok? How bout we go for a dance?

Terri: A dance?

Vincent: Yeah

Terri: Why not?

Terri and Vincent get up and go to the dance floor. As they danced closely together Terri’s heart began to pound hard against her chest. She felt like it was going to leap out, if she didn’t calm down. She hadn’t felt so happy in the presence of a man since Mitch.

Vincent: Are you ok?

Terri: Yep, I’m fine.

Vincent: Are you sure?

Terri: Yeah I’m alright. Don’t worry about me, just concentrate on your dancing because you’re treading on my toes  

Vincent: Oh sorry. I haven’t danced in a while.

Terri: It’s alright. Don’t worry about it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Their laughter echoed through the night as the closed the car doors and headed up the path towards her house. It was almost 11pm , but Terri felt as though the night could go on forever.

Terri: (laughing as she unlocks the door) It’s been a really fun night Vincent (she turns to face him) I haven’t laughed like this in a long time.

Vincent: I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.

Terri: (smiling still) Did you want to come in for coffee or something?

Vincent: Oh, I better not, it’s getting late and we both have early starts tomorrow.

Terri: Are you sure?

Vincent: Yeah. I might just head off  (he leans down and kisses her on her left cheek) I’ll see you tomorrow.

As he turns to walk away Terri grabs hold of his hand in an effort to stop him from leaving.

Terri: Vincent wait (realizing she has hold of his hand, she quickly lets go).

Vincent: What is it?

Terri: About what you said before.

Vincent: (moving closer to her) yeah?

Terri: I ah… its very flattering and ah… well lately…

Vincent placed his index finger against her lips as he stared deeply into her eyes.

Vincent: Shhh

He leans down and kisses her passionately.

Terri: (clears her throat) Well, that was certainly…. Unexpected

Vincent: I thought I would save you the trouble of explaining what I already know

Terri: You know?

Vincent: Charlotte told me a couple of hours ago

Terri: I don’t believe this (she blushes) I’m going to kill her

Vincent: Anyone ever told you that you look beautiful when you blush?

Terri: (smiling) well yes actually.

Vincent: Well then it must be true.

He leans down and kisses her again. This time with more passion and desire. Terri’s hands lock around his neck as she responds in the same way. Terri finally pulls away for some air.

Terri: Vincent what are we doing?

Vincent: I don’t know. All I know is that I love being with her

Terri: I enjoy being with you too but… Look can we not talk about this on the doorstep? Come inside.

Vincent: Terri I really have to go. I’m sorry. But I tell you what, how bout I pick you up and we go to breakfast tomorrow? Then we can talk things through.

Terri: Alright, I’ll ah see you tomorrow then

Vincent: I’ll come at around 7am

Terri: ok

Vincent: I’ll see you then

He begins to walk down the path towards his car. He turns back to see Terri pushing the door open. In a moment of spontaneity he sneaks up behind her, whirls her around and their lips meet yet again. He pulls away and smiles down at her.

Vincent: Sorry!

Terri: (laughing) I thought you were going

Vincent: Yes. I am. See you tomorrow Sister Sullivan.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As much as she tried, she couldn’t sleep. Her brain was on overdrive and all she could think about was Vincent. It was like he had put a spell on her. Her mind went back to the moment that he kissed her, it was so unexpected, yet so enjoyable. She could still remember his scent, his smile, the way he looked at her, everything. Her heart pounded against her chest at the thought of the kiss, what had this man done to her?. He was making her feel happy again, he was making life seem enjoyable, most of all he was making her believe that she may be able to love again.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

TO BE CONTINUED

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