Page 27

‘No, what’s happened? Is Dee okay?’

‘I thought you were here to see her too. We’re just on our way to her ward. Are you both working? I didn’t think you were in obstetrics.’

Emma’s face coloured and she bit her lip as she looked up at Jeremy. For the first time, Ellie noticed he was carrying a small overnight bag.

‘What’s going on, Em?’ Ellie asked.

Emma hesitated for a moment before answering. ‘I’m just having a minor procedure this afternoon. Nothing to worry about.’

‘What sort of procedure?’

‘Just an exploratory thing.’

Ellie stared. ‘More specific please.’

‘Ellie, it’s nothing. Don’t worry. I’m just having a laparoscopy to remove a cyst from my left ovary. No big deal.’

‘Is that why you’ve been so quiet lately?’

Emma nodded.

‘So, for you to be quiet, you must be concerned. I’ve missed your bubbly self. Jeez, everything is awful lately.’

‘The doctor thinks it’s okay.’

‘Thinks?’

Emma nodded.

‘I wish you’d told us. You obviously didn’t tell Mum. She’s going to be really cross at us when she gets home. She called last night, and she picked up something in my voice. She’s so intuitive.’

Emma finally smiled. ‘That’s why my phone’s switched off. I sent her a text when I saw her missed call and said I hoped she was having a good time, and all was good.’

‘Fibber,’ Ellie said. ‘But I know why you did it. Mum deserves a break.’

Jeremy touched Emma’s arm ‘We’d better get a move on if you want to call in and see Dee, Em. Otherwise, you’ll be late for your admission.’

Ellie put a hand on Kane’s arm. ‘We’ll let Em and Jeremy go first.’

‘Thanks, we’ll be quick.’

‘Bed Six. We’ll wait in the waiting room until you come out. We don’t want to overwhelm Dee.’

Emma leaned down and kissed Ellie’s cheek. ‘You take care, Ellie. Rest up.’

‘And you let me know as soon as you get results.’

‘I will.’

Ellie put her hand over her face as Emma and Jeremy headed for Dee’s room.

‘All we need now is for something to happen to Dru!’

Kane pushed the wheelchair into the waiting room. ‘Don’t tempt fate, Els.’

Chapter 9

Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek