Dr. Reynolds, I… the nurse started then looked up and saw Daniel holding a crying woman. Daniel looked at the nurse and gave a sad shake of his head. The nurse nodded her understanding. “I’ll find Dr. Brandon.” She said. Daniel nodded and gently moved Jean and himself into the x-ray lab and closed the door.
Daniel half carried, half walked Jean to a chair and helped ease her down into it. He reached for a box of tissues on the desk and offered it to her. She nodded and took several. Daniel would give her as much time as she needed and more if necessary to collect herself.
Thank you Daniel. She said between sniffles and blowing her nose. He smiled warmly at her and pulled up another chair.
So what’s this all about? With Benjamin I mean. He said.
All he was trying to do was take Alexandra home. He wanted to follow that damn power line to see where it went. They got to the creek and while looking for a safe place to cross it, he stepped in a hole and wrenched his bad knee. She said sounding a bit miffed while crying. At what he didn’t know but thought it might be misdirected at Alexandra.
I don’t know the circumstances about his injury but I’ll wager those two are in love. Try not to be too hard on her. He said. She looked up and into his eyes with fire in them.
As if you know! she snapped then immediately regretted it. He held his hands up in surrender.
I’m not judging but the look on her face when she saw him on that gurney spoke volumes. Or am I reading the wrong story? he said calmly. Jean turned her eyes down and looked at her hands.
I’m sorry Daniel. It wasn’t fair for me to end things the way I did. She said. He put his hands on her shoulders to show his compassion and understanding. Then she looked up into his eyes. “I never meant to hurt you.” She said. ‘There.’ She thought. It’s finally out.
Daniel looked at her astounded. “You didn’t hurt me my dear. I thought I hurt you and drove you away.” He said in surprise. She looked at him puzzled. He smiled that big infectious smile she had loved.
But I did hurt you. I cut you off and ignored you, your notes, your texts and your calls. I am sorry for that. She said almost pleading to make him accept her apology. All he did was smile and shake his head.
And all this time I thought I was pushing you away with all the attention I was trying to give you. How oxymoronic can two people get? he said chuckling. She got the joke and smiled then laughed a little. Before long the two were hugging.
It really is good to see you again Daniel. I guess I have missed you and this old hospital. I think I was the happiest working here. She said after a bit. “I really do need to get to Ben and check on him.”
I’ll take you to him then. He said looking thoughtful. You know, if you ever wanted to come back, I could put in a good word for you. The new administrator has been working like a dog to get things updated and modernized. I think he could use someone like you to help him organize the nursing staff and equipment. We still don’t have a nurse’s administrator. Susan, Mikalah, Lucy and Rose are running each floor separately. They’re pretty good too I might add but the whole thing isn’t working as smooth it could with a head nurse in charge of all of the teams.” Daniel said as they left the lab.
Hmmmph. Jean made a noise. “Just like you to dangle a carrot like that. Whose acting as head nurse?”
Susan at the front desk. She’s been trying to coordinate with the others as patients arrive but easily gets bogged down when a lot come in at once. The Administrator can manage people but not patients but he does step in and try to help. Daniel said. Jean looked at his eyes. She saw them sparkle like they did when they were the hot topic of the hospital gossip channel.
An announcement over the PA system called for Dr.’s Brandon and Reynolds to ER-2 STAT! Jean looked at Daniel. He was already moving quickly toward the door. She rose and followed after him to triage in double-time.
When they got there, Dr. Brandon was leaning over Alexandra, who had fainted. Daniel went to Ben’s side and began looking at the X-Rays on a monitor. Jean stepped into the room.
I’ll take care of her. You take care of him. Jean said. She was all business now. Dr. Brandon looked over at who had given out the orders and recognized Jean.
Good timing. She only fainted. Dr. Brandon said matter-of-factly then turned his attention to Ben. “All right. Let’s get him into O R one. I need a standard compliment!” Daniel and an orderly and one nurse wheeled Ben out. Dr. Brandon turned to Jean.
Sorry I can’t be more cordial Jean. He said. She nodded.
Good to see you too Jim. Jean said giving a quick smile. He smiled too and left quickly leaving Jean and an orderly to get Alexandra off the floor and on to a gurney. Daniel poked his head in.
Is she okay? he asked. Jean turned and nodded.
What about Ben? Jean asked Daniel.
X-Ray showed nothing more significant than torn muscle, cartilage and ligaments but he went into spasms and ruptured an artery at the knee. He’ll be okay though. The tunicate will keep him safe until the artery is repaired. Don’t worry, we’ll fix him up. He said trying to reassure her. She nodded again.
Go do what you do best then. I’ll be here when you get back. She said. Daniel gave a smile and took off toward the operating room. Just then the orderly came in with another gurney. He took Alexandra from Jean and lifted her up onto it. Jean did her best to keep from bolting for the O.R. and busied herself tending to her new friend. Once settled, she sat down in a chair and took a deep breath.
“Are you alright ma’am?” the orderly asked. She wondered if he thought she would faint too.
Yes. I’ll be fine.”” She said. “”What’s your name?”””
I’m orderly Sampson ma’am. Ricky Sampson. He said. “I know who you are.” He said smiling. “You’re Jean Logan. Best nurse this hospital ever had!” he said. Jean felt heat rising in her face and looked down.
I don’t know about that now. She said and looked up. Then a thought struck her. “You said your name is Sampson?”
Yes ma’am. He said.
Aren’t you Josie’s little boy? she asked, regretting the question as soon as she spoke it. Ricky Sampson nodded quickly and flashed his brilliant white teeth that contrasted sharply with his dark skin.
Yes ma’am but I ain’t so little now. He said grinning. “You helped my momma a while back at the soup kitchen when I was little. You organized a Christmas non of us would ever forget and got momma well again.” He said. She remembered that on the instant and smiled broadly.
You were my little Santa’s helper weren’t you? she asked in wonder at the memory. He nodded beaming his smiling face at being remembered like that. “That’s right. Your mother was in a bad way and she wouldn’t go to the hospital. I offered to take her but it was your Christmas wish that made it happen. I remember that very well. How is she doing these days Ricky?” Ricky looked down and shuffled his feet. Jean knew something bad had happened. “I’m sorry Ricky. I shouldn’t have asked.”
No, no! It’s not that. Momma’s gone to a better place to live. She’s in that fancy new fangled retirement home now. She’s not getting around like she used to but thanks to you, she still gets around. Ricky explained. He moved to her and gave her a hug. She hugged him back.
That’s good to hear. So how long have you been here? she asked.
About three months now. I really like it. I knew what I wanted to do that Christmas when I grew up and now that Im grown, I’m doing what I wanted to do.” He said proudly. Jean thought that was such a wonderful thing to achieve. She remembered Ricky had been hit by a hit-and-run driver and suffered some head trauma. His speech was impaired from the injury but his thinking was clear.
I am proud of you Ricky. I’m glad your mother is doing well too. Follow your dreams and they’ll happen eventually. She said optimistically.
I will Mizz Jean. You can count on it. Oh, and I’ll say hi to momma for you when I see her tomorrow. He said.
I appreciate that. I’ll look her up when I’m over that way again. Right now, my friend here needs as much attention as my nephew Ben. Would you mind waiting here for me until I return? she asked. Ricky nodded. “Thank you Ricky. I won’t be long.” With that, she left the triage room and headed for the O.R. prep room
A nurse stopped Jean at the desk near the O.R. “I’m sorry Miss. You can’t go in there.” She said politely. Jean was about to protest when she stopped and at the woman’s polite urgent tone, turned. The woman recognized her.
I’m sorry Jean. I wasn’t expecting you to be on staff… Jean cut her off before she could finish.
It’s okay Marcie. I’m going in there to check on my nephew is all. I won’t touch anything, I promise. She said. Marcie nodded and closed her mouth then sat back down. ‘Nice person.’ Jean thought. ‘If a bit mousy.’ Jean entered the O.R.
Dr. Brandon was there as consulting observer when Jean came up beside him. He turned and saw it was her.
I don’t recall inviting you in here. He said but not in any mean or threatening tone.
Sorry Jim. I just had to check on him. She said trying to see Ben. Dr. James Brandon sighed a little.
I know you’re worried about him. This was unexpected but not unrepairable. He said not turning toward her.
I know. But he’s my kin. You’d do the same in my place. She said still vying to get a look. Daniel looked up briefly. His eyes were smiling even if she couldn’t see his mouth behind his surgical mask.
Looks like Dr. Reynolds still holds your favor dear lady. He said. She felt the heat from her flushed face again. The doctor chuckled a little. “Don’t worry Jean. I’ll not start any rumors about you two, yet. God knows you two really deserve each other.” He said. With that, he stepped around the table and next to Daniel and began helping to clean out the broken bone and cartilage from the damaged area. After several minutes Daniel stepped back and Dr. Brandon began the artery repair. Daniel pulled his gloves off and tossed them in the biologic trash can and came over to Jean.
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