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Something New Serena floated through the corridors of Holby City General, a huge grin on her face, eyes sparkling and a spring in her step. She arrived at AAU exactly an hour before her shift was due to start, she had enjoyed the morning off and was now joining Bernie on shift, she came armed with a luscious lunch from the local deli that they both love so much. She spotted Bernie across the ward as she arrived and they shared a shy but loving smile as she headed to the office and waited for Bernie to finish with her patient.
“You’re looking rather smug, did you have a nice morning off?” Bernie asked as she entered the office closing the door behind her. She stepped forward and kissed Serena gently on the lips, a simple hello kiss to welcome her partner.
“I had a very productive morning thank you, darling. I brought food, figured you probably wouldn’t have eaten at lunchtime.” Serena hummed happily as she patted the space on the sofa next to her.
“You know me so well Campbell. I’m starving actually. I wondered why you were gracing us with your presence a whole hour before your 4 pm start.”
“Couldn’t wait to see you.” Serena hummed and held Bernie’s hand.
“I haven’t long been out of surgery, the red phone went within the first forty-five minutes of my shift and I have been in theatre ever since.”
“My poor old soldier, been in surgery for what 5 hours? Anything fatal?”
“Less of the old thank you” She lent over and kiss Serena again. “There wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle, scaffolding collapse on a building site, three builders were brought in,” Bernie explained as Serena handed her a chả lụa, coriander, cucumber, pickled carrots, and pickled daikon Bánh mì.
“Oh my favourite, thank you, darling.” Bernie lent forward again and stole another kiss. “What did you get?” she asked knowing Serena would let her try it.
“A French Dip” Serena replied with a large grin.
“Oh you have had a good morning haven’t you?” Bernie stated knowing that it wasn’t often Serena indulged in such a high-calorie treat. She watched as Serena’s eyes grew at the sight of the tender French beef and melted provolone cheese stuffed French roll. She watched as Serena licked her lips and dipped the roll into the delicious Au Jus before taking a mouthful. The moan that escaped her lips was almost pornographic.
“So come on what surgeries did you have to do?” Serena mumbled with a mouth full.
“Mmm…. leg impalement which was nasty, but just needed some brut force, could have done with your vascular skill but we managed. Then a triple fractured arm and a C5 spinal break. And the third was a fractured skull.” Bernie explained before tucking into her sandwich.
“So tell me about your morning, how long did you lie in for and how long was your hot bubble bath?”
“I didn’t lie in, I was in fact in the shower as you left.”
“Busy morning doing what then love?” Bernie asked surprised because normally Serena would insist on a lengthy lie-in on her days off and an equally lengthy hot relaxing bubble bath.
“Housework, two loads of washing, which I need you to bring in off the line when you get home please and a bit of shopping.”
“Buy anything nice?” Bernie asked hoping the answer would be some nice, new, sexy lingerie.
“Yes actually something very nice indeed.” Serena said with a very smug look.
“Well whatever it is its put a smile on your face and a spring in your step….. Are you going to share?”
“I err…. I brought myself a new car.” Serena announced proudly.
“Oh….. Wow…. I wasn’t expecting that. That’s a big buy Serena, I didn’t know you wanted to upgrade your car.” Bernie explained.
“Well you know I, haven’t been happy since my beloved SAAB died on me, I thought it was about time I did something for me. It's what the therapist suggested.”
Serena had been back from her year-long sabbatical for nearly 6 months now. Her life had been ripped apart by the death of her only child, her daughter Elinor. While she was away she had sold the car she had been using and her house with Bernie’s help knowing that she couldn’t return to what had been her family home. They had stayed a very strong couple while she had moved to France to pick grapes. Bernie made lots of short visits when she had a few days off in a block, she was grateful that Serena had found solace in a small village called Avignon. The Euro-star stopped there, meaning Bernie could travel from Holby, into Bristol by taxi then, up to London on the train and the Euro Star and be with Serena within nine hours. It was the most direct route and allowed her to catch up on the paperwork and funding proposals that go hand in hand with being a clinical lead and Director of Medicine.
Avignon was a beautiful and very historic place, famous for being the safe place for Pope’s who fled the corruption of Rome in the 14th century and now home to a selection of small but very fine vineyards and a wider selection of delicious French bistros. They would spend the days they had together there in Serena very small but quaint one-bedroom cottage making love, ensuring their unique connection and love for each other remained strong, they ate and drunk luxurious food and wine and never spoke of home or work.
Serena’s depression took her to dark places and even though she hesitated at first she agreed she needed professional help and saw a therapist regularly, she wanted to feel better, to be better for herself and Bernie. When Serena was ready to return to Holby, to work and Bernie, they decided it was time to buy a house together.
They chose a modern, fully kitted out with all the mod cons detached house relatively near the hospital. It was theirs and they had equally shared the cost of the house and everything in it. It wasn’t hard for Bernie to give up her little flat, and surprisingly Serena had been freely able to walk away from her house and most of her belongings, the new house was tastefully decorated with top quality goods. Bernie hadn’t minded and wasn’t fussed about the quality of things, but Serena knew that good quality would last and even though expensive was worth it for the luxury. She and Bernie worked hard and should have a lifestyle that matched their status and positions.
Jason was now engaged and a father to a beautiful daughter and was happy and settled in his own house. Serena and Bernie had a big garden which homed a beautiful wooden playhouse and a swing and slide set for Guinevere, their great-niece, come, granddaughter. It was full of flowers and bushes most of which Bernie chose, who would have thought she was so green-fingered. There were also two decking areas, one for eating and entertaining which was framed by a solid wood pergola and decorated with pretty fairy lights. The other decking area was larger and had a sun house situated in the corner of it, this housed a large hot tub.
“I thought you liked the little Fiat 500 we brought.” Bernie explained finishing her sandwich. “I know we brought it because it was convenient and a quick and easy buy when you came back but…”
“I did, I do love it, but It’s so small and now Guinevere is getting bigger we can’t all squeeze into it and your little sports car is only a 2 seater. I wanted something bigger, something that we could use as a family. Like when we go out with Cameron and Charlotte we can now go in one car instead of two or by taxi.”
“That car holds a special place in my heart, don’t you remember that evening we spend at the downs?” Bernie asked.
“That lovely picnic we had on the grass, the champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries. But then the heavens opened and we dashed to the car, by the time we were there we were soaked through.”
“Mmm then we cuddled in the back seat.” Bernie added.
“Your white blouse went see-through and you weren’t wearing a bra.”
“And that cuddle rapidly progressed to hot steamy sex.” Bernie licked her lips at the memory.
“If I remember correctly you got more out of it than I did.”
“Not my fault that you got cramp in your left leg as you tried to straddle me and decided to stop.”
“Made up for it when we got home.” Serena smirked.
“I was going to propose to you that day, hence the champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries. But once the rain came it washed it out a bit.” Bernie said sadly.
“Well my darling I think the way you proposed was super romantic.” Serena lent forward and kissed Bernie with a lot more passion than before.
“Anyway the car….” Serena said breathlessly breaking from the kiss. “You are OK about it?”
“Its just….”
“What love, it's just what?” Serena asked getting a little annoyed now that Bernie wasn’t as excited as her.
“We normally talk things like this through, we normally go halves, that’s why we have a joint bank account and even though I don’t mind for one minute you wanting to upgrade, I would have thought you would have spoken to me about it.” Bernie explained looking sad.
“I’m sorry…. I hadn’t thought. But that’s because I didn’t use our money. I had some money in a trust fund for Ellie, it was money from my mother’s estate. I put it into a trust fund for Ellie when my mother died, thought it would be useful when she got married.”
“Ha….when shouldn’t that have been if she got married? I don’t think for one moment Ellie would ever have tied herself down to one man, she was too much of a free spirit.” Bernie explained knowing it was safe to talk about Elinor like this now.
“Free spirit ha, ha, ha.” Serena laughed heartedly. “I think the phrase is party animal, yes that’s more like it. Your right of course and Edward and I wouldn’t have been role models for marriage.” Serena explained and Bernie saw a flash of sadness and regret in her eyes as she stopped laughing.
“So had you forgotten about this money? “ Bernie asked.
“Sort of yes, I knew it was there but didn’t know how to go about closing it legally because I put age claws on it. She was going to get the money when she turned 25.” There was a little wobble to her voice acknowledging that her only child died so young.
“It’s OK darling… It’s OK.” Bernie held her hand and breathed deeply with her partner, a technic they both used and supported each other in without any acknowledgement they were doing so.
“Anyway I got a letter a few weeks ago saying that funds could now be withdrawn. I thought about how I could best spend it. I was going to donate it all to a charity but decided that I wanted to use it for something that the family would benefit from. Then I thought about what Ellie would say, what she would want me to buy and I came up with a custom made car. Something Ellie would love, something fun, unique and a little out there. I have used what was left in the account to open a savings account for Guinevere. She has £3000 in there and I will top up each month with a small allowance. There was a few hundred left over so I donated that to the organ donation charity.”
“Good call Campbell. And I would like to add to Guinevere’s savings and then if or when Cameron and Charlotte have kids we could do the same for them too.” Bernie smiled.
“Deal” Serena grinned and kisses Bernie again.
“So tell me about this car then?” Bernie smiled which made Serena smile, she knew Bernie was a secret petrol head.
“It was a real treat, I did do my research first you understand.”
“I am sure you did.”
“I will read it out to you…… Mercedes EQA Sport.”
“Oh nice a love Mercs.” Bernie added.
“Features….”Serena continued. “Alloy Wheels, Heated Front Seat, Custom leather upholstery and trim, Audio Remote Control, Heated Door Mirrors, Digital Radio, AUX connection, Bluetooth, Navigation System, Reverse self-parking Aid, Mobile Phone App Interface, Digital Instrument Cluster, Door Mirrors Electrically Foldable, Electric Tail Gate, Front and rear Parking Sensor, Roof Rails, Park Assist Camera, Tyre Repair Kit, Folding Rear Seats.”
“I like the sound of the folding rear seats.” Bernie smirked.
“As I was saying…. Automated High-beam Assist, Warranty and LED Head Lights.”
“How much, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Err…. Well it was £43,440.”
“Bloody hell....” Bernie snapped in complete shock.
“That’s good, I had everything top-end range, all singing and dancing and it’s a Combined Green Range so Electric Hybrid. 132mpg combined 220miles Electric range, fast charging. 190BHP, it's an automatic, five-door, five seats, big boot. Front Wheel Drive, custom roof and trim.”
“But still £44k!”
“That also included yearly services for the next five years, warranty of 36 months, break down cover for 36 months too.”
“What colour?” Bernie asked.
“A high polished Black.”
“Nice, I like black cars, classic.”
“Well like I said the price included Custom leather upholstery and trim, and the roof and trim outside is custom too.”
“Got a picture?” Bernie asked as Serena retrieved her phone and showed Bernie the picture.
“It is lovely Serena. Well done you. I have seen ones like that where the roof is a different colour. What did you pick?”
“Guess”
“Oh come on in rubbish at this.”
“Three.guesses, if you don’t get it right you will need to wait until it's delivered.” Serena said smugly.
“OK…. OK… You loved your SAAB so maybe lime green?” Bernie asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Nope…. Good guess though.”
“Ok…right you said you brought it with Ellie in mind, something fun, unusual…. Pink… a shockingly bright pink, that would look good against the black and it was Ellie’s favourite colour.” Bernie explained, sure she had nailed it.
“Nope…. But to be fair it very nearly was shocking neon pink… the only thing that changed my mind was when I made a joke suggestion and the dealer told me that it would be possible. It has never been done before but extreme customization was possible.”
“Bloody hell Serena, what on earth have you asked for?”
“I’m not telling you, you have to guess. When you know you will understand completely why I picked it….. I feel it represents my character and personality perfectly.”
“Mmmm…. My third guess was Trauma Scrub Blue, I know how much you like that colour, but your last clue has thrown me off completely.”
“I do love Trauma Scrub blue, but only when it’s on you.” Serena lent forward and kissed Bernie.
“Or in you, as the case may be.”
“Bernie!!”
“Don’t Bernie me, Campbell, it was you who searched the Internet for days trying to find a Trauma Scrub Blue Dildo for the strap on harness.” Bernie smirked and enjoyed the blush flashing across Serena’s neck, chest and face.
“Anyway….” Serena diverted the conversation. I know it seems an extravagant expense but it's Road tax-exempt and it doesn’t need an MOT until it's three years old and when it does the MOT’s will be cheaper because there isn’t an emission or noise test needed. No fuel cost and charging only take 35 minutes and costs £3 a charge. And when you go shopping the charge is free if you park in one of those special bays. And more importantly, it is unique thanks to the customized touches.”
“I take it, you part exchanged your Fiat 500?”
“No I didn’t, they didn’t offer part exchange, so I thought we could sell it privately or... “
“Or? Don’t think I will swap it for my car Serena, you know I love my Mazda MX5.”
“No darling, god forbid you ever part with that car.” She stated rolling her eyes. “I thought seeing it was Cameron’s 30th Birthday soon we could give it to him. It’s not right that a Junior Doctor Lead is still using a push bike to travel.”
“That’s a big present Serena.”
“Edward and I brought Ellie her first car.”
“Mmm” Bernie wasn’t convinced.
“And when Charlotte and Sarah needed money for their house deposit we helped them out and gave them money. Cameron has never asked for any help financially.”
“No he only wants handouts to boost him up the career ladder.” Bernie hummed.
“Like we haven’t all been there and done that. Come on Bernie you know it’s a good idea. I get worried sick knowing that he is on that bike going down those busy fast roads. Anyway I checked it on that we buy any car app thingy and it’s only worth £2,455.”
“We spent £10,000 on that only 6 months and it was 2nd hand then.”
“Cars like that don’t keep their value, and to be fair there are lots of Fiat 500 variations now. Come on what do you think?”
“I’m not paying for his insurance, that car has 6 months road tax and MOT left so that’s all he is getting right?”
“Right.” Serena smiled brightly.
“When will your new car be ready?”
“Three weeks. It should be ready on the 30th”
“Two days after Cams birthday.” Bernie pointed out.
“I thought we could manage a car share those last two days I have just finished the rotas and we are on shift together those days.”
“Ok fine, I will take it to be cleaned the morning of his Birthday we can invite him for lunch and give it to him.”
“Oh I have already booked that mobile valet service that comes to the house to clean it.”
“So you had already decided we were giving him the car?”. Bernie asked shaking her head.
“Have I told you how much I love you lately?”
“Not enough no....” Bernie smirked. Serena looked at her watch.
“Fancy a bit of heavy petting in the last 15 minutes before my shift starts?”
“You lock the door and I will get the blinds.” Bernie grinned as she jumped up with excitement.
****************************************************
Three weeks later, the 30th April to be exact, Cameron had popped by the house to give Bernie and Serena a lift to the Mercedes garage. He was so proud of his little sky blue Fiat 500 and much to his mother’s annoyance drove it sensibly and safely through Holby. She didn’t have a chance to even once pick him up on any poor driving habits or misjudged moves.
“I need to head straight off, my shift starts soon but I can’t wait to see the car later.” Cameron said as he drove off.
“Ready?” Bernie asked.
“More than, the question is are you?” Serena smirked excited and nervous to see what the custom job on the car would look like and what Bernie would think.
“DR Campbell how very lovely to see you again.” The smartest car salesman Bernie had ever seen was walking towards them as he spoke.
“Good morning George, can I introduce my partner, Major Bernie Wolfe.” Serena said smiling always enjoying an opportunity to announce Bernie with her title.
“Good morning Major Wolfe.” He said as he held out his hand.
“Well what an exciting day, I must tell you Dr Campbell the customisation on your new EQA has caused quite a stir of excitement here at the showroom. Before we go through I thought we could confirm the final paperwork and collect your other items.” George explained and led them through to an office.
“Tea, coffee, cold drink, everything you could what is there.” He pointed over to the counter which housed a fancy coffee machine the one with the little colourful pods, a variety of teas and real China mugs instead of a plastic disposable one. A glass-fronted fridge held a good selection of cans and water and three baskets of Crisps, biscuits, chocolate bars and muffins.
“This wouldn’t last long in our workplace.” Bernie chuckled as she set about making coffees.
“Oh Major no need please be seated.” George explained as he buzzed through to his junior who appeared in the office suddenly really to make the drinks.
“Now Dr Campbell I just need a final signature here and here.” George pointed to two different places on the contract before him. “Here is your logbook, even though services and work will be logged online we find customers still like an actual paper record. And here is your welcome pack everything you need to know about services, MOT’s, breakdown cover etc. And this is the exciting part of your welcome gift bag.”
“Oh yes the goodie bag.” Serena smiled and Bernie looked on.
“We have in the welcome gift bag, and inclusive to new costumers, a Mercedes Benz To Go Cup.” George held in his hand a flask. “This is a slick durable, double-walled, black stainless steel design, which has an additional wrist strap for ease of transportation and safety to avoid accidental spills. Its features are, Diameter: 7.5 Cm, Capacity: 0.5 L and Height: 20.0 Cm. Fits perfectly in the cup holders.” He said with a satisfying smile. “We also have this lovely little gadget, because we do live in a slightly colder climate, here in Holby so this is a practical gift for a Mercedes Benz owner too,” George explained as he handled the Mercedes Benz logo embossed ice scraper. Bernie rolled her eyes, she wanted to laugh but knew Serena wouldn’t be impressed if she did.
“There is also a very handy Mercedes Benz power pack charger, with a variety of charger heads. It takes 30 minutes to charge and will provide 4 hours worth of charge for a mobile phone, music device, Personal tablet or laptop.”
By this point Bernie was on her feet her back was suffering in the bucket seats.
“Sorry George, old Army injury, can’t sit for long.” She explained.
“Do you want to have a walk?” Serena asked
“No darling I’m OK.”
“That's normally her code for her seeking off for a cigarette.” Serena smirked.
“You’re a smoker?” George asked and Bernie nodded. “In that case can I offer you a Mercedes Benz embossed stainless steel lighter. We aren’t meant to give these out, as we aren’t to promote smoking but I use one and they are delightful.” He explained as he reached into his bottom drawer and recovered a black box. It looked like a jewellery box but once opened it encased in velvet a very classy looking lighter.
“Nice,” Bernie said as she took it and flipped the cap.
“We also have a sports cap in black and a solid chrome Mercedes Benz logo keyring. Oh, and the bag itself, it is a small holdall.”
“Thank you, George, how lovely.”
“What are the chances of getting a second cup, if we are going on long journeys we will be together so would be nice to have matching cups.” Bernie stated.
“Of course madam and I will put in a Mercedes Benz pen and the stationery pack also.”
“Great stuff always handy to have a pen and paper in the car.” Bernie smirked.
“Right then if I give all of this to you Madam with a copy of all your paperwork and I will go into the presentation room to make sure they are ready.” He disappeared.
“Bloody hell, that’s quite a show, isn’t it? How much do you think they add onto the final bill to cover all this.” Bernie scoffed as she looked at all the ‘freebies’ in the bag.
“I think it’s nice, makes me feel special. Elinor would have loved it.”
“She would have got two of everything.” Bernie e laughed. “You didn’t mind me asking for a second mug?”
“Course not, I hope you like the car.”
“Serena I can honestly say I am so excited to see what you have had done to it. It's been going through my head these past weeks, trying to work out what colour you chose.”
“Like I said it is just so completely me.” Serena explained.
“Hot and sexy, unique and beautiful?” Bernie said as she wrapped her arms around Serena’s waist.
“You will need to be the judge of that,” Serena said as she went to kiss Bernie.
“Ladies shall we?” they were interrupted by George.
“This way please.” He led them into a large showroom, only one car, her car in the centre of the room draped in red velvet-like material.
“Dr Campbell these are for you.” A young woman approached Serena with a bouquet of very colourful flowers and a bottle of champagne.
“Oh wow, thank you” Serena smiled as she took the flowers and champagne putting them on the table with the gift bag.
“No thank you for your business and for picking such an exciting and unique roof wrap.” She said back.
“I can’t wait any longer.” Serena sounded like a child on Christmas day.
“Dr Campbell, may I introduce you to your new car.” The four assistants in the room lifted a corner each and pulled the material from the car.
“Oh my it's perfect.” Serena squeaked excitedly.
“What the actual... Oh, Serena!” Bernie mumbled.
“Do you like it? Please Bernie tell me what do you think?”
“Its.... It's different... It's unique and it's perfectly you my darling. Oh Serena it's wonderful, Ellie would have loved this.” Bernie explained as she stepped forward taking in the high gloss black finish, the chrome featured highlight and the extremely classy looking Leopard print custom wrapped roof and wing mirrors.
“She would have loved it.” Serena confirmed.
“Come see inside.” George explained as excited as Serena and Bernie were.
Inside the seats were black leather with a leopard print strip of leather down the centre. The carpets were black, the gear stick and steering wheel were in a black gloss but the side panels in the doors and the trim on the dashboard were leopard print.
“It’s amazing.” Serena smiled from ear to ear as they sat side by side in the car.
“It’s perfect .” Bernie smiled. “You’re perfect,” Bernie said as she led in and kissed Serena.
"How's about we take her for a drive, and see how comfy the back seat is?" Serena asked with a sparkle in her eye.
The End.