Playing Doctor: A Central West End Story (8 page)

The small office was crammed with a desk and piles of files, charts, and medical supplies. Nurse Abbott sat on the other side of the desk, reading Annie’s file. Her supervisor hadn’t said a word since she’d walked in and sat down on the turquoise plastic molded chair from the 1960’s.

After what seemed like forever, the woman looked up and stared at her. “Your grades in nursing school were outstanding. Did the teachers like you?”

Annie tried to comprehend the question. Yes, her teachers had seemed to like her but she had worked hard for each of those grades. “I studied hard and took on extra projects, so yes, I’d say my teachers liked me. They liked all the students who took their education seriously like I did.”

Abbott snorted. “Extra projects. That explains the grades.”

Annie’s internal temperature kept rising. But she took a breath before she answered. “I’m not sure what you’re insinuating, but I earned each and every grade I received in college. I’m a hard worker. You’d know that if you allowed me to do my job rather than putting me on puppy patrol.”

Oops, that came out wrong.

Nurse Abbott closed the file and leaned back in her chair. “Well, you do have a backbone after all. I was beginning to wonder.”

Confusion took over the rage Annie was feeling. “Was this some sort of test?”

“I’ve been here years, watching nurses come and go. Most of them were just here for the easy pickings of the vulnerable interns. You wouldn’t believe how many forced marriages there are in a doctor’s first year on staff. Someone has to protect those young men.”

Annie sat up, her spine like a broomstick and her shoulders back. “I can assure you that I’m not here to get a husband. In fact, I wanted to talk to you about the hospital sponsoring me in the master’s program. I feel like I can bring a lot to the position with additional training.”

“You want to go back to school? You just started.”

Great, first Abbott thought Annie was here to score a man. Now she saw her as a short timer. Annie clarified her question. “I wouldn’t go back for a year. And I’d still need to work full time. I’d just need to adjust shifts around my classes.”

Nurse Abbott pushed the file to the right of her desk. “I’m sure we can work something out when that time comes. For now, I’d like you to take more responsibility on the station. Answering lights, ordering labs, those kind of duties.”

“So I’m off janitorial and zoo-keeping detail?” Annie regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth.

Abbott’s mouth tightened. Annie couldn’t tell if the woman was fighting a smile or if she was in deep trouble again. After a pause, Abbott answered. “For now. Just know I’m watching you.”

Annie exhaled. She hadn’t ruined it. In fact, it seemed like Abbott liked her more when she talked back. Who knew?

“Thank you for your time. I’ll work hard for you and the hospital.”

“You better. I’m keeping you on against my better judgment.” The woman pulled out another file and waved her away, dismissing Annie. “That’s all. Send in Bess.”

Annie stood and almost sprinted out of the small office. She closed the door behind her before looking for her co-worker. Bess was sitting outside the office, reading a romance novel. How could she be so calm?

“Nurse Abbott would like to see you now.” Annie pointed to the door.

“You okay?” Bess stood and slipped the paperback into her tunic pocket.

“Better than I thought I’d be after this meeting. At least I’m still employed.” Annie smiled at her friend. “You have nothing to worry about. She likes you.”

Bess cocked her head, seeming to consider Annie’s words as she gripped the office door handle, pausing before she opened the door. “Of course, who wouldn’t?” 

Annie watched Bess disappear into the lion’s den and thought about her own close call. She had passed what she was sure was the first test of many. Proving loyalty to Nurse Abbott was going to be a full time job.

Annie hummed as she went back to the station. She nodded to the other nurse who had been covering for her. As a light blinked, she jumped. “I’ll take that.”

Heading down the hall to help a patient, Annie’s heart bubbled. Finally, she was doing what she wanted, helping others. Today was a good day.

* * *

“Good job today on rounds.” Doctor Dixon slapped Troy on the back as they stood around the nurses’ station. “You seem to be more in tune with your patients this week and their needs.”

“Finally,” Matt snorted.

Troy gripped the chart he was holding and imagined it flying through the air, hitting Matt squarely in the chiseled jaw. Maybe it would break and Matt wouldn’t be able to talk for months. Before he could act on his impulse, Doctor Dixon’s voice seeped through the anger.

“Snide comments and sneaky behavior will only get you so far Doctor Taylor, no matter who you’re related to.”

Matt had the good sense to flush at the comment and keep his mouth shut.

“The power game starts as soon as new interns hit the floor. Of course, some of you take it more personally than others.” Dixon frowned at Matt. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, not when death is competing with you for your patient. If you want to fight someone, fight the grim reaper.”

As the meeting broke up, Doctor Dixon motioned Troy over and the two walked to the cafeteria for coffee.

“Even though the power jockeying is normal behavior for first years, you still need to be careful.” Doctor Dixon stirred three packets of sugar into his coffee after they’d found a table in a quiet section of the cafeteria. “The problem with Matt Taylor is he has some power behind his threats. Real or perceived, there is power there. You don’t want this to become a problem. I’m not sure I can protect you, even if you are the most promising first year I’ve had in years.”

Troy decided to take his mentor’s advice to heart. Anytime Matt had needled him in the break room, he would turn the other cheek. Eventually, Matt would get tired of the one-sided game.

By the time Troy returned from the cafeteria and his meeting with Dixon, the interns had scattered. Troy hauled his pile of charts to the quiet of the charting room. He’d be happy when the hospital broke down and moved into the twentieth century, changing all the records to electronic. A few of the floors were already converted and Troy coveted one of those sleek netbooks those doctors carried. He could chart his notes while he was talking to the patient, not try to remember what happened from a few scribbled notes. He hadn’t screwed up a patient’s treatment from forgetting to write something down, yet. But there were rumors of interns being fired over mixing treatment plans between patients. He didn’t want to make that kind of mistake, now or later.

“Teacher’s pet are we, Saunders?” Matt stood over him. Troy hadn’t heard him come into the nearly deserted room.

“Not now, Matt, I’m swamped with orders.” Troy kept his head down and didn’t engage eye contact. If grade school had taught him one thing, it was that bullies wanted attention. And if they didn’t get it, they would eventually go away. It might take a few bruised arms or ripped up papers, but they all went away. Of course Sara scared a few of them into leaving her big brother alone. Too bad he couldn’t bring her to work with him to take care of Matt. A smile teased his lips.

“So you think this is funny, huh? My father is going to have Dixon’s job for calling me out like that. Who does he think he is? And you’ll go right down the drain with the old geezer.” Matt moved closer, using the proximity of his body as a threat.

“I’m busy.” Troy’s voice was calm but his stomach was on fight or flight mode. All the muscles in his body tensed and his hands tighten into fists. He willed them to unclench and tried to calm his racing heart. Fighting with Matt would only prove how much power the intern really had. And like Doctor Dixon said, Troy wouldn’t win that fight. Even if Matt would lose the physical battle, he’d win the more important one and Troy would be kicked out of the program.

“Stand up and face me. Or are you chicken?” Matt pushed Troy’s arm.

Think about running. Think about Sara and Mom and Dad. Think about Annie. Whoa, where did that come from?  

Troy took a deep breath before he said, “I’m not going to fight you, Matt. I’m here to work.”

“Yeah, Matt,” Valerie’s voice came from the other side of Troy. “We’re all here to work so ratchet down the testosterone and sit down and work. Or take a walk. Something other than trying to get Troy to fight you.”

Valerie stood by him. The other interns were sitting this one out, waiting to see who won. Hoping that they wouldn’t be the next victim in Matt’s viewfinder. Troy didn’t blame them. Live and let live. He wouldn’t have jumped into the fray like Valerie had. He would have been one of the cowards sitting and watching.

Glaring at Valerie, Matt knocked Troy’s pile of charts off the table. “Good thing I don’t hit girls. This isn’t over, Saunders. Just stay out of my way and I might let you finish first year.”

“That’s not up to you,” Valerie called after him as Matt stormed out of the room.

Troy shook his head. “I’m not sure you’re right about that Valerie. He has a lot of pull here. You know his dad is on the hospital board, right?”

Valerie bent down and picked up the charts, placing each one on the table. She raised her eyebrows, considering Troy. “You don’t know, do you?”

Confused, Troy shook his head. “I guess I don’t. What are you talking about?”

“Matt and I were brought in under the same scholarship program. Our parents are both on the board. My mom is the president and CEO of the hospital. So my Queen trumps his Jack, so to speak.” Valerie spoke in a quiet voice that only Troy could hear.

He kneeled down to help her. “Does Matt know?”

Valerie laughed. “I don’t think so. Mom goes by her maiden name. So in Matt’s mind, I’m just as much a peon as the rest of the interns. Believe me, I’ve mentioned Matt’s behavior several times over the dinner table. I’m sure one more incident and his dad’s going to find out what a little shit he’s raised.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Troy pulled Valerie to her feet.

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine.” Valerie patted Troy on the arm. “Now get busy so you can eat lunch with the group today. We’ve been missing your witty charm.”

Troy opened the first chart and started reading the updates. However, his thoughts kept going back to Matt and Valerie. For two people both raised in privilege, they couldn’t be more different from each other. Nature versus nurture in action. Luckily Valerie liked him. Good can win over evil.

* * *

“These flowers are beautiful,” Annie smelled the red roses bundled in a sea of baby’s breath. She looked down at a smiling Bess. “From your honey?”

“Nope. Read the card.”

Annie searched the flower for an envelope. “Are you sure it’s not too private?”

Bess shook her head. “I already read it. There wasn’t a name on the envelope. The flowers were just here. You read the card.”

Confused, Annie pulled the little card out of the envelope. She read the words aloud. “Annie, looking forward to seeing you this weekend. I have an important question to ask you. Craig.”

“Craig. Isn’t he the guy you were dating back home? So what’s he going to ask you? Are you getting married? Why didn’t you tell me you already had a man on the line?” Bess rapid fired her questions at Annie.

“Anything Craig is going to ask me, he’s already asked and that boat has sailed.” Annie threw the card in the trash. “Do you want the flowers here or should I throw them away too? It doesn’t matter to me one way or another.”

“You don’t want them? But isn’t this Craig going to ask you to marry him? That’s what the note says.” Bess looked confused.

Annie sank into her chair. “Listen. I know the flowers are beautiful. We can keep them on the station or give them to one of the patients. I don’t care. Really. Craig is out of my life and will never be allowed back in. Ever. Not after what he did.”

“What could the man have done that was so bad?” 

A call light buzzed. Annie flipped off the light and stood. “He left me at the altar. Literally. In my white dress and all our relatives watching. His note claimed he wasn’t ready. I’ll get the call.”

Annie walked down the hall. The Band-Aid which had covered that wound in her soul needed patting down. She knew she didn’t love Craig. Not now, and, if she was honest, probably not then. His change of heart propelled Annie to get her degree and make a new life. But it still hurt. She’d have to run tonight. A good hard run to get her emotions back under control was just what the doctor ordered.

First, she was going to call her mother and explain again that she didn’t want Craig’s gifts, apologies or phone calls. Because Annie knew there was only one way he could have found out where she was working. Just because her mom loved Craig. It was time for a show down. Annie wouldn’t give in this time.

She felt more in control when she got back to the station. She’d made a decision to give the flowers away to one of the patients. The woman had no visitors and no cards, no flowers, no attention. She’d been on the floor for a week and besides a few phone calls from her boyfriend that Annie had overheard, she’d had no contact with the outside world. These flowers would bring her joy. For Annie, they just reminded her of the bleak months after the wedding had been cancelled.