Chapter Text
The queue for wristbands was long and Serena tapped her foot impatiently, knowing that her minibus full of girls was likely to be getting more unmanageable by the minute.
“This is taking a while, isn’t it,” said a wry voice to her right and Serena looked up to be confronted by a dancing pair of dark eyes grinning at her from under a messy blonde fringe.
She smiled at the owner, “It’s always the same at these things. I reckon they’ll have it running like clockwork by the time the last few stragglers arrive.”
Her new friend snorted a laugh and Serena chuckled.
“Nice uniform,” she gestured at the pristine blue hoody and navy polo shirt.
Her friend tugged the hoody self conciously, “I’m an absolute newbie, does it show? I only joined Guiding a few months ago.”
“And they’ve already roped you into an international camp? I’m impressed!”
“I’m pretty good at campfires and I didn’t really have anything else to do. Bernie Wolfe by the way, 6th Holby Guides.” She stuck out her hand
“Holby?” Serena echoed, and grasped Bernie’s hand firmly, “Well, it is a small world! Serena Campbell, 3rd Holby, grizzled veteran of thirty years here.”
“Thirty years? You must have started in your teens.”
Serena blushed slightly, laughing at the compliment, “I was twenty one actually. Oh-” the person ahead of her had finally left, “My turn. Maybe I’ll see you around? What subcamp are you in?”
“Dragon,” said Bernie.
Serena smiled, “Me too. Well, good luck Bernie. I’ll keep an eye out for you.”
Bernie saluted in response and Serena moved forward to collect her wristbands. By the time she’d finished checking off every single girl and got the bands, Bernie was nowhere to be seen. Serena hoped she’d see her again. She’d enjoyed their brief conversation and there was something about the way Bernie had smiled… Well, she had fifteen girls to sort out for now.
The camp was huge; several thousand Guides and Scouts in total, split into five subcamps. The theme of the camp was myths and legends with each subcamp named accordingly. The entrance to the Dragon camp was decorated by a very menacing looking Hungarian Horntail (from Harry Potter, which Serena had started reading to Eleanor when she was little and ended up at the midnight releases very much for herself). She ducked under the tail and headed for her plot.
Morven and Jasmine supervised unloading the minibus while Serena and the girls wrestled with the tents. There had been the usual ructions over who was sharing with whom but thankfully it had all settled and only one girl was sulking. They’d just laid out the five sleeping tents (three for the girls, one for Morven and Jasmine, Serena’s assistant leaders, and one little one just for her) and she was bending over a bag fishing out the tent pegs (and why did they always get stuck?) when there was a hail from nearby.
“Excuse me?” called a familiar voice, “Have you got a mallet we could borrow?”
Serena straightened and smiled.
“Oh,” said Bernie, “We’re neighbours.” She was holding the end of a mallet.
“So we are. What happened?”
“Slight over-enthusiasm and the head seems to have parted company with the rest of it. We only brought one.”
“You’re in luck. We have a spare.” Serena tossed it over. “How’s it going? Do you need any help?” Bernie shook her head, “We’ll be fine now. Thanks. I’ll bring it back as soon as we’re done.”
“Serena?” said Evie, who was straightening a tent line next to her, “You’ve gone all pink. Also we’re done on our tent, shall we start the next one?”
“Of course start the next one!” replied Serena, exasperated. “Come on Evie, you don’t need me to hold your hand!” She ignored the first part of Evie’s statement.
She didn’t see Bernie again that night. They all went to the opening ceremony, watched the dancers and the fireworks and Serena tried very hard to disguise the fact that she was peering through the crowds, trying to spot a mess of blonde hair. She did however spot Evie nudging her friends and giggling.
In the end it’s always the most unexpected places. Serena would have been very glad not to bump into Bernie at the showers the next morning. The girls had gone off to their activities with Jasmine and Morven looking after them, and Serena had grabbed the opportunity to go to the showers, thinking perhaps there would be less of a queue when the kids were busy. She’d thrown on her tracksuit bottoms and her subcamp tshirt. It was green. Horrible, bright green. Not that she had anything against green per se, but she was very aware she didn’t look good in it.
With her washbag slung over her shoulder and flip flops on she was no longer a neat Guide leader. She looked a mess, to be honest.
So of course who should she meet waiting for a shower to become available, but Bernie. Bernie was also wearing her subcamp top but with her colouring she could pull it off, thought Serena wistfully. She was wearing a small size and it clung to her, emphasising her slim frame.
“Morning,” said Bernie cheerfully.
“Oh, uh, good morning,” said Serena. “How’d you sleep?”
“Fantastic, been used to much worse. You?”
“Not too bad once the girls shut up. What’s worse than a tent in a field with hoards of excited teenagers?”
Bernie shrugged, “A freezing cold desert.” Serena’s eyebrows shot up. Bernie took pity and explained, “I was in the Royal Army Medical Corp. I’ve served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Believe me, this,” she gestured to the slightly rickety shower block, “is the height of luxury compared to some of the places I’ve been.”
“I can believe that,” said Serena after a moment. “I… look. How’d you fancy getting a drink later? We can have a proper chat. Silly to keep meeting like this.”
“I thought there wasn’t any alcohol allowed at camp?”
“Ah, has nobody told you about the pub?”
“The pub?!”
A door opened in the shower block and a Scout leader came out, towelling his hair. He smiled regretfully at the waiting women. “No hot water in there, I’m afraid.”
“Plenty in here though!” the adjoining door opened and a billow of steam came out, a Guide leader emerging from the mist with a laugh.
Bernie and Serena looked at each other.
“I’ll arm wrestle you for it,” Serena said.
“You’re having a laugh!”
“Come on,” Serena sat down on the ground and gestured Bernie to join her. Bernie grinned and shrugged, squatting down beside her. “We’ll have to lie down, to get proper leverage,” Serena said, and did so.
“You’re ridiculous,” said Bernie with a smile.
“No, just a Guide leader.” Serena held up her hand, couldn’t help the beaming smile that broke out as Bernie lay down and grasped her fingers. “Three… Two… One...” She gritted her teeth against the force that Bernie applied. She wanted that warm shower and she wasn’t going to let Bernie take it that easily. It was with some astonishment that she felt Bernie’s pressure beginning to fade, and she managed to force Bernie’s hand to the floor. “There!”
“Well done,” Bernie said with a grin. “It’s all yours. Think of me shivering while you’re enjoying your warm soak.”
Serena coughed, scrambled to her feet and fled before she could let her brain process that statement.
“I’ll pick you up at nine,” she shouted back as she closed the cubicle door.
“You’re looking very nice tonight, Serena,” Liv said critically, “Hey, Evie, don’t you think Serena looks nice?”
“She always looks nice,” Evie shrugged, “Come on, we’re going to be late.” She grabbed her friend’s hand and dragged her out of their camp. They were the last two girls to leave to go to the evening’s entertainment.
“And what are you two up to tonight?” Serena asked her assistant leaders. Morven and Jas exchanged glances.
“We thought we’d go and keep an eye on the girls, then have an early night,” Morven said.
“They made us join in everything today,” Jasmine said, “and I’m exhausted!”
“You’re far too young to be tired,” Serena shook her head. “We’ve got another six days to survive yet.”
“And that’s why we though we’d have an early night,” Morven said sensibly, shooting another look at Jas. “Enjoy the pub.”
As they turned to leave Serena thought she heard Jas mutter, “Enjoy the company, more like,” but it was nine already so she shook her head and edged between the tent lines to the neighbouring camp.
All the tents were shut, including their large mess tent. “Hello?” she called quietly, wondering if Bernie had forgotten.
A tousled blonde head poked out from a small tent. “Serena? Hi! Um, I’m not quite ready. Come and sit in my porch.”
Serena ducked through the open flap and flopped onto the ground sheet. She landed in between several pairs of shoes, and on a discarded pair of shorts. A slightly damp wash kit was under her hand. She couldn’t quite stifle her gasp.
“I know, I know,” Bernie said from inside, her voice muffled, “I’m an absolute disgrace. I’ve already had Jac on at me about it.”
“But… you were in the army? I thought they had...” standards- Serena’s voice trailed off before she could complete the sentence.
Bernie unzipped the inner compartment and looked at her ruefully. “I’m afraid the freedom may have affected me.”
Serena glanced in. “Bernie!” It wasn’t a big tent but every inch of inside space was covered in clothes. The towel she’d been carrying in the morning was scrunched up in the corner. “You can’t leave it like that, you’ll be growing mould before the week’s out!” Serena grabbed it, “Look, you need to hang it up. Haven’t you got some washing lines somewhere?”
“In the mess tent,” Bernie replied, “I just didn’t quite get round to it. I haven’t shocked you too much have I?” She looked at Serena with big sorrowful eyes.
“Well I have to say that my eleven year olds have neater tents than this… but never mind. Are you ready? We’ll hang up your towel on the way to the pub.” Serena scrambled out of the tent, carrying the offending item with her. Then she laughed, “I’ve met Jac at District events. She must have been gentle with you if you’re still alive after a talking to.”
Bernie grinned. “Luckily I’ ve survived scarier people than Jac. You don’t get to be a Major without being a pretty tough cookie.”
“Major Wolfe?” Serena quirked an eyebrow; there was something to think about.
Serena hung up the towel while Bernie extracted herself from the tent. She was wearing tight dark jeans and a light blue blouse unbuttoned at the collar which displayed a hint of collarbone.
“You look nice,” Serena said.
“So do you, that’s a lovely orange blouse.” Bernie replied, “I’ve been looking forward to this pub all day. I hadn’t realised that accompanying the girls could be so tiring. They made me do an obstacle course with them.”
“Ah,” said Serena, “You need to volunteer to do the cooking. Then you get to sit in camp all day. Very relaxing,” she said smugly.
“I’m not sure Jac would trust me with cooking. We made cakes at the end of term, the patrol I was with told me to go away because I was being ‘sooo unhelpful’ apparently. Where are we heading anyway?”
Serena gestured vaguely into the distance. “To the staff camp. It’s the other side of the site so it’ll be easier if we stick to the paths round the edge.” She heard cheering carrying on the still night air and smiled, “Sounds like the kids are having a good evening.”
“I’m afraid ours have gone boy-mad already. If I understood their slang then they met some Scouts today who they considered quite attractive, and they’ve planned to hunt them down this evening.”
“Girls,” Serena shook her head, “Good luck to the boys is all I can say.”
The path to the staff area wasn’t well lit. Serena dug in her pocket for her head torch, pulled it on and switched it on to see Bernie chuckling. “Rocking the look.”
“It’s very useful to be hands free sometimes, I’ll have you know.” Serena pointed her nose in the air.
“I’m not arguing!”
“Well, here we are.” They’d arrived at a large tent which had the long side opened to the air and a sign emblazoned on the side saying “Asgard”. A long bar ran along the back and trestle tables and camp chairs filled the space.
“What are you having?” Serena asked as they made their way through the crowd.
“Whatever you’re having is fine,” Bernie replied, so Serena asked for two glasses of red.
“Not Shiraz of course,” she said regretfully, “Bit too expensive for camp. And here you go, keep hold of the glass, it’s a souvenir.”
Bernie laughed, “Red wine from a plastic pint glass. Lovely.”
“Cheers,” Serena knocked their glasses together, “Let’s find a table.”
“Oh god,” Bernie said suddenly, “Hide me. Jac’s here.” Bernie ducked behind Serena and hissed at her, “Head for the corner.”
Serena backed towards the wall of the tent, trying not to trip over anything, feeling Bernie’s hands lightly on her waist guiding her. “You’re not supposed to be on duty with the girls are you?” she murmured out of the corner of her mouth.
“Nooo – but I promised her I’d tidy my tent…”
They’d reached the corner of the ‘pub’ by this point and Serena slipped into a plastic chair.
“Can you see her?” Bernie asked from where she was crouched on the floor.
Serena scanned the room. It was crowded enough that it was difficult to locate people but eventually she shook her head, “They must have gone outside.”
“Phew,” said Bernie as she got to her feet.
“You could just have tidied you know.”
Bernie grinned and shrugged. “Got to live a little dangerously.” She slumped down in the chair opposite Serena and sipped her wine, “Thanks for inviting me, by the way,” she said with a shy smile.
Serena smiled back, enjoying the way that the corner of Bernie’s eyes crinkled and the sparkle that shone from them.
“You’re very welcome,” she replied. Her phone buzzing in her pocket startled her.
“Oh, Eleanor,” she sighed as she read the text.
“Eleanor?”
“My daughter. Old enough to have gone to university, not too old to text her mum asking for money. I did tell her I was away this week, she’ll just have to survive on pasta until I’m back.”
“What about her dad?”
“Oh, Edward is swanning about in France somewhere with his child bride. Never mind, she’ll be fine. Won’t do her any harm really.” Serena sipped her wine and sighed, “Not bad, definitely not Shiraz though. Do you have any? Kids I mean?”
Bernie frowned slightly, “Two. Cameron and Charlotte. Twenty four and twenty. We’re… uh… not in contact at the moment though.”
Serena’s heart contracted at the downcast look on Bernie’s face. She reached out and touched Bernie’s arm gently. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“I… uh… I left their father. Quite recently,” she looked down, “I...”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pried.”
“No, no. It’s ok,” she half laughed, “I... uh… I finally came to terms with the fact that I’m gay. Kids didn’t take it very well.”
“Oh,” Serena sat back, taken by surprise.
“What can I say? Twenty five years of marital suppression and then a beautiful woman came along.”
Serena bit her lip, her insides twinging at the thought of Bernie with a beautiful woman. “Are you, uh, together now?”
Bernie shook her head, “We were never together, really. Couple of snogs, very teenager-y, but I couldn’t do anything else while I was still married. Then I got blown up and ended up back here, where, I have to say,” she twinkled at Serena from under her long fringe, “I seem to have found an even more beautiful woman.”
“Oh,” said Serena softly as her insides did somersaults. She’s flirting, and she thinks I’m beautiful! Then she processed the whole of Bernie’s statement. “You got blown up?!”
“Well, nearly. Roadside IED. Swerved to try and avoid the blast but it caught us and rolled us. Got airlifted back to Holby City with a dodgy heart and a broken spine.” Serena was horrified but Bernie chuckled, “Don’t look like that, they patched me up nicely and sent me on my way. The only problem is I haven’t been working since and I’ve found having so much free time somewhat frustrating. That’s why I started helping at Guides and why I could come here with so little notice.”
“I’m really sorry you got blown up,” Serena said and Bernie laughed, “But I have to say - I’m very glad you’re here now.” She raised her glass, “To camp,” she said.
“To camp,” Bernie echoed.