Disclaimer: I don’t own anything, except maybe Chris and Sam.

Author’s note: It is set after my other fic “Looking forward to a family” i.e. Mitch and Rose are separated and Mitch and Terri well... you’ll see. Oh I took a little bit of Luke’s future into my hands to.

Comments: VERY welcome, good or bad to; SweetDramaQueen@hotmail.com

Monday’s were always difficult, even after the nicest of weekends, however; Terri Sullivan had worked through the entire weekend and was ready for a break. Instead of being afforded a few days respite, Terri was summoned to Joan’s office.

“Terri, come on in.” Joan greeted. Terri anxiously took a seat, knowing that in order for Joan to pull her off the ward in the middle of a Monday meant there was some matter of utmost importance.

“Thanks.” Terri smiled, wishing her worry to melt away.

“This won’t take long, I understand you are rather snowed under down there.” Terri nodded in agreement. “Tomorrow we have an audit of some sort. There is to be a director from the board coming to review our inventories and stocks etc.” Terri’s smile began to fade.

“Right?” Joan paused briefly before continuing.

“He has chosen two wards to review and you are his second.” Joan smiled quickly.

“OK, what does this mean?” Terri was unsure how it was to influence her.

“It means, that all you records need to be up-to-date, all files corrected and everything generally in order.”

“For tomorrow?”

“He is first going to ward… um… 5 and then following that he should be over to visit you.” Terri smiled nervously.

“I’d best go then, make sure everything is in order.” Terri stood to leave; she opened the door when Joan began to speak again.

“Your ward is to representative of the entire hospital, if it is not up to code, there could be serious repercussions.” With that Terri left the office.

Spending the entire afternoon in her office was rare, but as the staff was busy with a full ward they barely noticed. Mitch made a mental note to call Terri that evening.

The nurses filed off the ward at different intervals as the afternoon melted into the evening. Terri remained locked in her office, coming out only when necessary to find a particular file or to check an inventory. To pretend that Joan’s last remark didn’t affront her would be a lie, but in order to be precautious, Terri worked late and took what work wasn’t finalised home with her.

 Arriving home, Terri laid her bag and jacket over the sofa, dumped her armful of folders on the table and hit the PLAY button on her answering machine. Moving to the kitchen to prepare a cup of coffee, Terri heard a familiar voice that made her return to the entry.

“Hi, I was just wondering what you were doing… I mean it’s past 7 now and I thought you were to finish at 5. Anyway, don’t work to hard.” Mitch’s voice sounded different, as though he was concerned about not knowing what she was doing.

A brief pause and then the same voice hit the air.

“Terri, I was just…. Would you be able to give me a call when you get in? Thanks.” Terri took a quick look at her watch before checking the roster stuck to her fridge. Sighing Terri noted that he was rostered to start at 5 and it was probably not best to wake him, plus the ton of work lay beckoning on the table. There was a third message on her machine, from an old friend of Terri’s reminding her of their “catch-up” dinner on Thursday.

Placing her coffee on the table, Terri set to work on the stack of papers in front of her.

The morning approached sooner than most would have liked. Terri walked briskly into the office, hoping no one noticed the rings lining the base of her eyes.

It was past midday, and the auditor still hadn’t arrived, when Mitch stuck his head around the door. Seeing Terri was alone he walked in and closed the door.

“Why didn’t you ring last night?” Mitch started.

“Excuse me?” Terri was startled by the tone of his voice.

“I left a message asking you to call me, didn’t I?” It was a rhetorical question and Terri chose her words carefully.

“It was late when I got home, I knew you started early, plus I know how you are when you are half-asleep. I didn’t want to wake you, that’s all. I thought that your sleep would be more important…” Terri allowed the sentence to fade.

“Than you?” Terri looked up confused. “My sleep was more important than you?”  Terri nodded slowly. “Just so you know, I didn’t sleep much at all. I was worried about this fiercely independent woman who was too busy to call me.” With that he walked out of the office. Terri reached out but he was already gone.

Moments later, Matt knocked on her door announcing that her guest had finally arrived.

“Hello, I’m Terri Sullivan.”

“Yes, of course. I have heard great things about you.” The man smiled good-naturedly.

“Really?” Terri was surprised to say the least.

“Joan, she said you were very efficient and that I couldn’t have chosen a better ward.”

“Why thank you.” Terri motioned for him to have a seat.

“I’m Chris Stephenson. As I’m sure you are aware, I’m just running over your files, checking your inventories and staffing levels.”

“Staffing levels?” Terri’s shock was evident.

“Yes, don’t worry, I promise to be kind.”

“I’m sure you will.” They shared a smile and she led him out to meet the staff.

“Everyone, this is Mr. Stephenson. He is here to… to…”

“Chris please, I am here to check that things are running smoothly and to see if there is anything I can do to help the hospital run more efficiently.” He smiled at Terri and she followed him back into her office.

After Chris had set to work reading the briefs prepared by Terri, she allowed him some privacy, but found herself accosted by questions.

“What is he here for?” Von nodded her head toward the door and raised the question on everyone’s lips.

“I told you this ward wasn’t efficient.” Nelson added as he walked into room 5.

“He is doing an audit on the hospital and our resources, I only found out yesterday.” Terri shrugged and walked around the desk to the computer.

“Yesterday? Joan has known for over a month.” Mitch added. Then as the group dispersed he wandered around behind Terri.

“How long have you known for?” Terri kept her eyes focused on the screen, not wanting to meet his eyes, afraid to see the truth.

“2 weeks maybe.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” Terri quickly spun around to face him, noticing in the process that even Matt had left them.

“Didn’t seem important. Why didn’t you say something yesterday?” Mitch locked her with his gaze.

“It was my problem.” Terri shrugged and began to turn back towards the computer, when Mitch put a hand on her shoulder and stopped her.

“I would have understood.” He moved to leave her when she captured his hand.

“Hey, dinner tomorrow night? My place?” She smiled, eyebrow raised hopefully.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He smiled in return and then walked off in search of Nelson and his patient.

It was sometime later that Chris emerged from Terri’s office and asked her to accompany him back inside.

“Well?” Terri smiled softly.

“I have to look over the figures and draw some comparisons, but I should be back with the results on Friday.” He continued to stare at his notes in front of him.

“Friday?” Terri was slightly confused.

“Yeah, I have a few other wards around to assess plus, I never was the type just to send a memo back to reception. Hope you don’t mind!” He met her eyes and smiled.

“Of course not.” She was still worried and Chris sensed this.

“Don’t worry, I have a feeling it will be good news.” He smiled and walked from the ward.

Wednesday was as usual, with the flow of activity never ceasing. Terri was fortunate enough to leave on time and thus had dinner prepared by 7, when Mitch was due to arrive.

Three hours later, with the table set and meal ruined, Terri was beginning to worry; it was unlike Mitch to be late and furthermore not to ring. Sinking into the couch with a coffee Terri comforted herself with the thought that she would still see him on the ward tomorrow.

The hum of activity greeted Terri as she entered the hospital, she was early for her shift and despite the buzz encasing the entire building her ward was relatively quiet.

“Morning.” Von poked her head around into Terri’s office. “How was the audit?”

“Good morning. I don’t know he will be in with the results tomorrow.” Terri smiled as Von walked in and took a seat.

“Are you and Sam still on for dinner this evening?”

“Yeah why?” Terri was confused as to why Von would bring it up.

“You haven’t mentioned it much of late, when you first heard about the visit you were ecstatic and I don’t know, you seem somewhat subdued now.” Von fixed Terri with that look that told her nothing but the truth would get her out of the office.

“Well, I have been busy with work and it really didn’t seem to…” Terri trailed off as it became evident that Von wasn’t buying this excuse. “Sam and I well we are great friends and some people may have a problem with that.”

“Mitch?” Von’s tone was matter-of-fact.

“I never said that, he…” Terri was blushing; the truth was out.

“Does he know?”

“Who? Mitch?” Von nodded. “Everyone knows, I mean I told him about the visit I just don’t think he remembers that it’s now and tonight.”

“When are you planning on reminding him?” Von raised her eyebrows suspiciously.

“I don’t know. I mean he probably remembers, I don’t want to rub it in.” Von took the hint and left Terri alone with her thoughts.

Mitch walked in a few hours later, immediately on setting foot in the ward he headed for Terri’s office. When he found it empty, he took up residence in her chair.

Terri walked by a few minutes later and upon seeing someone in her office went to investigate.

“Mitch?” She smiled and closed the door behind her.

“Hey you.” He smiled in return and began to approach her. Cornering her against the door he placed one arm above her head and with his other brushed away a stray piece of hair. “I’m sorry about last night. There was an accident, I was needed in emergency.”

“It’s OK, I understand.” She smiled to prove her sincerity.

“I should have called but by the time it was over all I wanted to do was fall into bed.” He smiled apologetically.

“Really, don’t even worry about it.”

“I feel dreadful, really I do.” Terri wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a tight embrace. Finally the pair pulled apart and dissolved into smiles.

“Can I make it up to you tonight?” Mitch enfolded her waist within his arms and watched as she avoided his eyes.

“I am… I have plans, remember my friend Sam?” She looked up with a nervous smile.

“Tonight? Terri we haven’t spent any time together this week, I was hoping…” He trailed off as Terri had dropped her gaze once again.

“Mitch, I made a promise.”

“And unlike me you keep your promises!” He started to back away from her.

“I never said that!” Terri was almost in tears. “I haven’t seen Sam for ages and its only one night, I’ll make it up to you I promise.”

“Alright, but you know I don’t like sharing you!” He smiled as he laid a protective kiss on her forehead. “Sam? Do I know her?”

“Probably not.” Terri’s eyes gave away the secret.

“It’s a guy isn’t it?” Mitch nodded and sat down in a chair.

“Yes, he was a friend of mine from university. We both did the same elective.” She knelt at the side of his chair.

“I know. I don’t own you. Have fun. But tomorrow, you are all mine.” He left and Terri knew instinctively he wasn’t happy with the situation.

That night Terri was ready a few minutes early and seeing as Sam was picking her up, she reasoned that she had enough time to make a quick call before her ride arrived.

The familiar number was easily punched in and the disappointment of not being able to speak to Mitch in person almost caused the Terri to hang up, she persisted however, through the message and then began to speak.

“Hi Mitch, just me. I just wanted to say… I am not sure really, just hoped to talk with you. We haven’t had much of a chance recently and for that I am sorry. I’d best go; I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye.” Terri hung up, she resisted the urge to say I love you but thought it best to wait and say it in person.

As Sam arrived, Terri plastered a smile on her face, it was devastating for her to be going out without Mitch or knowing that he was concerned over her.

“Tez!!” I haven’t seen you in so long.” Sam threw his arms around her and enveloped her in a huge hug.

“Sam, it has been too long.” They shared a smile as he escorted her to the car.

“How have you been?”

“Great, yeah couldn’t be better.” She smiled cautiously.

“Are you still at All Saints?” Terri nodded.

“Ward 17.How about you?”

“You know me Terri, loving the high life in Brisbane.” He smiled over at her.

They arrived at the restaurant and Sam played the perfect gentleman all evening, Terri was quite happy and the conversation never seemed to lag. As he dropped her off that evening she invited him in for a coffee, he happily accepted.

“Terri, you have a message.” He called as he hung his jacket in the entry.

“Probably just Mitch.” She smiled as she re-emerged, coffee in hand.

“Uh-huh.” They shared a knowing smile; he had been a hot topic of conversation throughout the dinner.

Terri walked over and hit the PLAY button.

“Hey, thanks for calling.” At this point Mitch laughed slightly. “Hope you had fun tonight, remember but that tomorrow you are all mine.” Terri could all but see him smiling as he left the message.

“A little protective?” Sam asked as she sat down opposite him.

“No, he um… this week has just been horrible.” She smiled, but allowed it to fade as she noticed the serious look on his face.

“Terri, I came to visit because I wanted to tell you about… um…” He shifted nervously in his seat.

“Go on.” Terri smiled her encouragement.

“You are one of my oldest and dearest friends and I just wanted you to know.”

“You know I’ll support you no matter what.”

“Terri, I’m gay.” He dropped his eyes and started studying a spot on the carpet.

Terri walked around to the other side of the lounge and drew him into a hug.

“Hey, I’m glad you told me.” She smiled and tried to catch his eye.

“Thanks. I just needed to get away for a bit, that’s all.”

“I understand. When I joined the Order a lot of people were disappointed you know, marriage and children and all the conventional things, but the ones that loved me for who I was understood.”

“My parents had a bit of a problem.” From here they spent many hours in conversation.

The next morning Terri felt tired but happy. Perhaps it was because it was Friday or because Sam had trusted her with the truth, maybe it was both.

The day was progressing well, although she had barely had 5 minutes to access the previous night, as the ward was full and Mitch was the only doctor available.

Nearing lunchtime, Mitch literally ran into Terri as she came out of room 1.

“Mitch!” Terri smiled and was upset when it wasn’t returned.

“Yeah sorry.” He moved to walk off.

“What is wrong?” Terri caught his eyes and silently pleaded with him to confide in her.

“Not here.” He nodded toward the office and off they went.

“Mitch?” Terri watched as he closed the door behind him.

“How was your dinner?” He remained aloof and uninterested.

“Fine, Sam had a few interesting things to say.”

“Obviously” Mitch muttered.

“I’m sorry??” Terri couldn’t follow.

“I drove past quite late last night and apparently you were still having a ‘fine’ time.” He turned his face away from her.

“Mitch.” Terri walked toward him and gently turned his face toward her. “Sam came down last night because he needed some support.” Seeing this wasn’t helping she decided the truth was the best option. “Mitch, Sam is gay. That is what he came down to tell me.”

Mitch smiled at the irony of the situations.

“What is it with us and our wilful misunderstandings?” He brought Terri in for a quick hug.

“I don’t know, but Mitch I…” Terri was interrupted by a brief knock on the door and just as she had sprung from Mitch’s embrace, Chris entered.

“Terri, I hope I’m not interrupting.” He smiled at her.

“Well actually…” Mitch caught the stare from Terri and kept quiet.

“Not at all. Back with the results?” She smiled toward Chris despite the displeasure evident in Mitch’s eyes.

“Can we do lunch?” He asked quietly, unsure what to make of Mitch.

“We are rather busy today, I don’t think that…” Terri once again silenced Mitch.

“I would love to.” Terri smiled and watched as Chris retreated to the corridor. “What was that all about?”

Mitch hung his head; he had no right to interfere. “Terri we don’t have anytime together lately.”

“We will.” She walked out, not trusting herself to say anything more.

Lunch went well, despite Chris’s barely veiled attacks toward Mitch and his opinions.

Terri was eager to rectify the situation with Mitch and therefore wanted nothing more than for the lunch to be over, this whole week had been a disaster.

“Will I like the results of your analysis?” Terri said as she attempted to keep the conversation on track.

“I think so.” He reached down to retrieve some papers from his case. “As you can see, I believe that your ward is running almost to it’s full potential.”

“But?” Terri was anxious.

“Doctors are your only problem.” Terri was impatient with this. “I think you need half a doctor, does this make sense?” He searched her for some sign of understanding.

“Yeah definitely. I think I have a solution to the problem.”

“I’m sorry?” He was marvelling at how quickly this woman could comprehend and solve matters with regard to efficiency.

“Dr. Luke Forlano. His hand was crushed in an accident and he has been experimenting with medicine and doing extremely well.” Her voice was becoming excited.

“Wouldn’t he then be a full doctor, I have only budgeted for half.”

“Yes, but he has recently been permitted to return to surgery on a few restrictions. Perhaps this situation could offer him a perfect solution.”

“You mean, do half and half?” It was now Chris’s turn to be confused.

“Yes, he is not to over stimulate his hand and therefore he was unable to operate as a full doctor within the confines of surgery.” Terri rose from the table. “Thank you very much.”

“Your welcome.” He smiled.

With that she walked from Chris and went directly to Luke with the proposal.

She returned to the ward later that afternoon, feeling rather satisfied with the results. She was disappointed on arrival to find that Mitch had gone for the weekend. She had hoped to sort out the issues with him immediately.

“Von!” Terri called as she approached the front desk.

“He left.”

“Pardon?” Terri walked in so that only the two of them were involved in the conversation.

“Mitch, you did take a rather long time at lunch, especially on top of Sam.” Von announced as she walked off in direction of the supply room.

Terri was disappointed as she walked into her office; she sunk into her seat, wishing that this week had never happened. She then reprimanded herself as several great things had happened throughout the course of the week, unfortunately none of the good things involved her and Mitch.

Her eyes then came to rest upon an envelope baring only her name. She opened it anxiously.

Terri;

            I am sorry for reacting the way I have this past week. Would you please join me for dinner this evening? I will meet you at your place about 6.

Mitch.

Terri was intrigued to say the least. It was most unlike Mitch to act in such a manner. She shrugged it off with a smile and set about completing her work in order to be ready for Mitch at 6.

That evening, Terri had just finished dressing and had only just sat down when the doorbell sounded.

Opening the door, Mitch stood holding a huge bouquet of roses. He smiled and she replied in turn.

“These are for you.” He held them out and couldn’t help but smile when he saw how happy he had made her.

“You shouldn’t have.” She commented as she arranged them in a vase.

“Yes, I should have.”

He whisked her off for a romantic candlelit dinner at his house, as they sat Terri was compelled to ask.

“How did you? Why did you?” Her eyes told of her surprise.

“I had a word with a friend, who said that I shouldn’t take you for granted. He also mentioned that you would want to be courted the old-fashioned way.” He smiled and watched the recognition dawn in her eyes.

“Sam? But…” She was trying to make the connection and he just looked on as she worked through the logic of it all. “Von!”

“Very good.” He took hold of her hands.

“I’m sorry that we haven’t had much time together recently.” She stopped as he began.

“Terri, I love you and we have time enough.” Mitch leant down and kissed her hand sweetly and was just so happy that it was him that made her eyes sparkle, not Sam, nor Chris, just him and yes, they did have time enough.