Chapter 7
"God,
in my next life please let my stomach like me...." Katie groaned as she
rested her head against the ever growing mound of paperwork.
"Katie!"
a voice called rushing up to the front desk.
"What?"
the nurse moaned lifting her head. "Oh, hi, Dr.Littrell," she
whispered pasting a fake smile on her face.
Brian
raised an eyebrow. "How are you?"
"Um,
a little tired, but better, thank you."
"Really?"
the doctor asked in a skeptical tone.
"Okay,
I feel like shit, but I can manage," the brunette assured him.
"Katie,
have you even been able to see a patient?"
"Um...."
she stuttered. "Well, I...saw them in the waiting room. I have good
eyesight."
"Okay,
have you been able to attend a patient without your stomach doing
somersaults?"
The
petite worker paled. "No, and please don't give my body any ideas."
"Why
don't you just go home?"
"I
can't leave everyone when we're in this kind of jam."
The
doctor felt her forehead. "You're fever's up. Are you keeping anything
down?"
She
rolled her brown eyes. "Not for more than two hours."
He
examined her glands. "Have you been attempting to remain hydrated?"
"I'm
a nurse, I'm not that dense," she sighed.
Littrell
crossed his arms. "I'll make you a deal. Why don't you and Howie switch?
You do the paper work and organize the order patients are to be seen in?"
"Howie
doing my job?" the nurse questioned.
"If
a serious pediatric case comes in or Howie gets a call, I'll need you. But if
Howie can work as a paramedic I think he can handle taking the temperatures of
barfing kiddies."
"Doctor,
I really appreciate you always coming to my rescue, but it's not necessary. I
just feel like a burden to you and everyone else."
"You're
not a burden, you're sick. Now, just do as I say. Deal?"
Katie
looked at the stack of papers. "Okay, deal."
"Good,"
Dr.Littrell replied grabbing a handful of charts. "I'll check on you
later, to make sure you're okay."
"I'm
really fine," she called out as he raced away. Her eyes widened as she
gazed into the waiting room staring at the vomiting victims. "Oh, I'm not
fine!" she whispered
dashing
toward the restroom once again.
*****************************
"Aw,
shit! Why the hell was that thing in the parking lot?!" an angry man
shouted as he stormed into the open area. "I come here to get treated
because I burned my hand cooking, then this happened!"
"Shh...Just
relax, Sir," Dr.Turtle soothed attempting to take a glance at the burn.
"I
hit the damn thing and it probably messed up my car!"
"What
did you hit?" the redhead asked as she helped him sit down.
"I
don't know. Some animal. A dog I think, damn mutt!" he snarled.
The
woman's eyes widened in anger, a red coloring replacing the brown pigment. She
turned around yelling to the first employee her eyes met. "Howie, help
this man please!"
Howie's
expression fell as he observed her. "Annie? Honey, are you alright?
Annie!" he called after her as she ran out of the hospital into the cold
air snow and sleet stinging her skin as it came down.
Annie
ran out into the parking lot searching for the injured animal. "Doggie!
Come on, puppy! Give me a sign as to where you're at!" She bit her lip,
angry tears attempting to present themselves in her eyes. "Please,
puppy!" she pleaded running around looking underneath the cars. She paused
hearing a slight whimpering barely audible over the raspy breathing.
The
small dog lay on it's side, its chest heaving up and down in a struggle to gain
air. "Oh my God!" she gasped kneeling down gathering the golden
cocker spaniel in her arms. "Just stay with me, baby! I'll help you, just
stay with me!" Annie promised as she returned to the hospital laying down
the dog on the nearest gurney.
"Annie,
what are you doing?" Howie gasped glancing at the injured creature.
"Someone
apply pressure to the bleeding!" she demanded staring at her employees.
They
gazed at her in shock of what the young physician was attempting to do.
"Tons
of people in here and that girl helps a damn dog!" the evil man who
created the entire situation snickered.
"Damnit,
won't anyone help me?!" Dr.Turtle shouted.
"I
will," Nick said stepping behind her applying pressure to the animal's
wound.
"Good,
I think there may have been internal bleeding. Possibly, a collasped lung. But
if we treat the smaller injuries first, she'll stand a good chance. Won't you,
honey?" Her jaw tightened as she lightly shook the dog. "Come on!
Don't do this on me! Please!"
"Annie...."
"Nick,
go get me some tubing!"
"Annie..."
"And
then we'll-"
"ANNIE!"
he said loudly grabbing her shoulders forcing her to face him. "She's
gone."
The
doctor became a ghostly shade of white backing away from the animal. "I'm
sorry..." she muttered glancing around nervously at the crowd that watched
her.
"Annie,
sit down," Katie suggested attempting to reach out to her friend.
"It's okay. It's not your fault."
"No..."
Annie choked out her voice barely audible. She quickly turned running out the
busy
area.
*********************
"What
the hell were you thinking?" Richardson yelled inches away from Turtle's
face as he threw a blanket at her.
The
redhead sat in silence, her expression blank as she wrapped the thick material
around her shivering form. "Don't you have an answer?" he pressed.
"Talk to me!"
She
could only look up at him.
He
shook his head. "Suddenly, Super Woman has been silenced?" He turned
to Nick. "And you? Why did you help her?"
Nick
chewed on his bottom lip. "She was scared, the dog was hurt...I was only
trying to help her, since no one else would."
"Well,
isn't that nice?" Kevin mocked. "If you wanted to save animals you
should have been a damn vet! This a hospital for human beings!"
"That
guy wasn't that badly hurt," Nick said in the doctor's defense. "It's
not like we lost any patient because she tried to save a dog."
"Quit
trying to defend her!" Dr.Richardson snapped. "First, McLean punches
a patient! Now, this! What possessed you to do that? I thought you were smarter
than that!"
Annie
closed her eyes massaging her forehead.
Kevin
released a tight sigh. "Are you sick, Doctor?"
She
shook her head.
"Good!
Because I am sick! And that's why you're taking all of the scheduled surgeries
I had for this afternoon. Now, I see why you're such a good surgeon.
Apparently, you do your best work with victims who aren't able to talk
back!"
"What
should I do?" Nick asked quietly as Richardson threw open the door.
"Treat
humans!"
*******************************
"Okay,
kiddo, that should help with the nausea a little," AJ promised as he
patted the little boy's belly.
"I
still feel sick..." the child whimpered.
McLean
massaged his own stomach. "I know you do, believe me I know."
"But-"
the patient starting gagging as AJ barely managed to get the empty basin
beneath his mouth.
"I'm
sorry!" the young male cried as his mother came to his aid consoling him.
AJ's
eyes fluttered as he set down the basin, dizziness filling his head. "Oh,
that's okay," he muttered keeping his jaw tight. "If you'll excuse
me!" he said hurrying out the door. He ran through the crowded kneeling
over the first trash can he came to releasing the contents of his stomach.
"AJ?"
a concerned voice asked as he rested a hand on his back.
AJ
lifted his head. "Hey, Dr.Littrell." He paused a slight green
coloring painting itself on his face. "Oh, man..." he moaned
repeating the uncomfortable action once more.
"Let
it out," Brian soothed rubbing his back. The doctor glanced through the
hall. "Nick! Could you take AJ's patient in three?"
Nick
nodded quickly stepping inside the room.
"I'm
okay now...." the rebel breathed lifting his head.
"Let
me help you up," Littrell stated pulling the thin man to his feet.
"Thanks,"
AJ mumbled.
"Come
on, step in Exam Two, I wanna' make sure you're okay."
AJ
rolled his eyes. "I'm fine."
Littrell
smirked. "Would you prefer I get Kevin?"
The
medical student grimaced. "Exam Two here I come."
"Lay
down," Brian directed as he shut the door. "How long you been feeling
like this?"
"I
started getting dizzy this morning."
"Why
didn't you say anything?" the older man asked as he placed the thermometer
in AJ's ear.
The
sick male shrugged. "I know it would go away."
"Guess
you thought wrong. 100.4," the doctor placing retrieving the thermometer.
He manuevered his hands around the adomen. "Any pain?"
"Just
nauseated, no specific aching," AJ replied shutting his eyes.
"Everything
seems normal," Brian decided placing his hands back to his lap. "It looks
like you picked up this nasty bug."
"Oh,
great," AJ groaned. "Now, I'm gonna' be up all night hurling like
Katie was."
Brian's
eyes narrowed. "She was up all night vomiting?"
"Yep.
She's feelin' like hell, she just didn't want you to know. She felt bad about
getting sick after well the ordeal with the drunk. Speaking of which, did you
ever get the blood work back on that bastard?"
Littrell
nodded. "Yeah, everything was clear."
"Thank
God," AJ praised. "So, I should get back to work now?"
"No,
just rest here a little while. Then, when you start feeling a bit stronger you
can go on home."
"What?"
"You
can go home, and I'm sending Katie back as well. Things have slowed down, and
if Kevin can take it upon himself to go home, so can you."
"Richardson
went home?" AJ asked in surprisement. "Wait a second, then why did
you threatened to make me see Richardson?"
"Well,
it got you listen to me."
AJ
sighed closing his eyes. "Man, if this thing has Richardson down for the
count the rest of us a doomed."
"Yeah,
but Kevin...he's a real whiner about these kinda' things. A real pain in the
ass accuatly."
"Did
he let Turtle have it about the cocker spaniel?"
Brian
paused. "I don't know, he flew outta' here and left her with all his
work."
"What
a prick!!" AJ fumed. "Oh, sorry, I forgot he's your cousin."
"Don't
sweat it," Brian assured him.
"Honestly,
is what Dr.Turtle did that bad? She was just trying help a living thing in
pain. It's not like she punched a patient," he said sheepishly.
"In
my opinion, AJ, I don't think what Annie did was a bad thing to do, nor do I
think it was completely uncalled for. Heck, if I hadn't of been in shock as to
what she was doing I would've helped her. There was no reason to leave the poor
animal lying out in the freezing cold in pain. If nothing else, if it was
destined to pass on, we could've hurried the process along ending its
misery."
"I
agree," AJ said. "I think she was damn brave to do that."
Brian
nodded. "She's a damn fine doctor. As a doctor we are to help those in
pain, that's all she was doing." He grabbed his stack of charts. "You
rest, and I'll check on you later."
"Oh,
hi, Dr.Turtle!" Brian greeted as he accidentally bumped into the frazzled
redhead.
She
nodded to him, walking away.
"Annie!"
he called after her stepping infront of her. "Are you sure you're okay?
Did Kevin say something to make you upset? Are you sick? I mean, you did run
out in sleet and snow...."
Her
eyes remained on the floor. "I...I'm fine, thank you for asking. If you'll
excuse me, Howie is bringing in a severe case that Nick and I have to prepare
for."
The
doctor shook his head watching her figure disappear into the crowd. "I'll
never understand that girl. One moment in Kevin's face, the next meak as a
mouse." He made his way to the front desk. "Hey, Katie, anymore
pediatric cases for me?"
The
nurse lifted her head. "Not right now."
"That's
a relief. How are you feeling?"
"Ugh,"
she replied.
"Wow,
that good? I'm sure puking last night didn't help, did it?"
"No,
it didn't." She paused. "And just how do you know that?"
Brian
gave a half-smile. "The next time you confide in someone, I wouldn't pick,
AJ."
"That
pig," Katie groaned.
"You
should've told me, being a nurse you know how serious dehydration is.
Especially, with someone your size."
"My
size?" Katie repeated crossing her arms. "What's so wrong with my
size?"
"Nothing!"
he responsed raising his hands in defense. "I'm just saying smaller people
are easier targets for dehydration. And, well, at 5'2 or 5'3 you're
petite."
Katie
pouted. "It's 5'1. So, yes, I see your point. I should have told
you."
He
sighed. "You think you need an IV?" he asked feeling her forehead.
"Your temp's up."
"Uh....If
you really think it's necessary."
"Oh,
yeah, I forgot you aren't a big fan of needles, are you?"
She
wrinkled her nose. "Do you know anyone that is? However, I know you're
right, so, let's get this over with, shall we?"
"After
you," he said allowing her to walk infront of him. "Exam Two."
She
paused outside the door. "AJ's in here?"
"Yep,
he came down with it. I'll keep you both in here for the time-being to leave
extra space in case we need it."
"Poor
guy," she whispered. "He's sleeping."
Dr.Littrell
chuckled. "Ya' know, when he's asleep he actually looks innocent."
Katie
squinted looking at the student. "Yeah, like a toddler, he even has his
thumb in his mouth."
"Black
mail," Brian snickered as he gathered the supplies he needed.
"Are
you sure you should be helping me so much? Aren't you afraid of getting
sick?"
"I've
been seeing people with this thing all day, and I'm sure there's a lot more to
come. So, it really doesn't matter. Anyway, I doubt I'll get it."
"Oh,
really?"
He
blushed. "Okay, I hope I don't get it."
Katie
studied him. "Why do you help me so much?"
"I
dunno...I feel bad that your beginning here has been so awful, and when I first
started out here I wish someone would've tried to help me a little more."
She
smiled. "You're very helpful, and I really appreciate it. But I feel bad
with you always coming to the rescue."
"Nah,
it's no problem. Just doing my duty, besides, you have no idea what a big help
you are to me with the children here."
"Thank
you," she replied as he searched her arm for an entry.
"Ah,
this looks good," he said applying pressure to the area. "You have
very nice veins."
"I'll
be sure to let them know you like them."
Brian
prepped the skin. "Okay, you ready?"
Katie
shut her eyes. "I can hardly wait."
Dr.Littrell
quickled inserted the needle making sure he had accurate contact and flow.
"Any intense burning? Out of the ordinary?"
"Nope,
normal nasty IV stick."
He
stood. "Why don't you just rest and I'll come take it out later and you
can go on home."
Katie
glanced up at him. "Thank you."
He
bent down kissing her cheek. "You're very welcome. Anything else I can get
you?"
Katie
set up quickly. "Yes!"
"Oh,
man!" he groaned grabbing the basin behind him placing it under her mouth.
"Erhh...."
AJ groaned the sound waking him up. He turned his head. "Oh, man, that is
not what I wanted to wake up to!"
"Sorry..."
Katie moaned falling back against the cot.
Brian
glanced down at his hand. "I'll just um...get rid of this for you. You two
rest up and let the virus run it's course."
Dr.Turtle
and Nick were running down the hallway as Littrell stepped outside. "You
need any help?" he hollered as they hurried away.
"We
can handle it!" Dr.Turtle shouted over her shoulder.
"Okay,
what have we got, Howie?" Nick asked as the paramedic rushed in dragging
the stretcher beside him.
"Annabelle
GIuis, eighty-six-years old, nursing home patient, employee found her barely
breathing called 911!" Howie stated. "Started her on oxygen, she
slips in and out of consciousness, pulse is weak and pressure
fading!"
"Okay,
let's move her on my count! 1, 2 , 3!" Dr.Turtle directed as she began
assessing the patient's condition. "Ma'am, can you hear me? Ma'am? Damnit,
she's out! Nick, get her on a heart monitor while I intubate!"
Dr.Turtle
stood behind the patient lifting her head attempting to get a clear view.
"Everything's swollen! Damnit, I've gotta' get in! How's her pulse,
Carter?"
"Irregular..."
"Okay,
I'm in!" the redhead shouted pulling out the tubing.
"Lost
her pulse!" Nick shouted.
"Start
compressions!"
"1....2...3..."
Nick counted again and again.
"Get
me the crash cart!" Annie yelled to the nurse behind her. "Is she
getting any better, Carter?"
"No,
I can't get a thing."
"Cart,
doctor," the nurse stated pulling the device to her.
Dr.Turtle
grabbed the paddles. "Get ready to move, Nick! 1, 2, 3... clear!" the
doctor placed the paddles on the old woman feeling the power running into her
chest.
"Nothing,"
Nick said.
"Let's
go again! 1, 2, 3...clear!"
"It's
not coming back!" the blonde worried.
"Keep
compressions going!" Annie yelled placing her hands over the woman's
chest. "1....2.....3....1....2....3......"
The
loud beep echoed through the room making all other noise silent. The redhead
took a deep breath lifting up her hands. "Time of death 5:04."
"You
can't save them all," Nick whispered his words jumbled together as tears
formed in his eyes.
"No,
you can't," Dr.Turtle agreed pulling off her gloves.
"Annie?"
Nick whispered.
"Yes,
Nick?"
"I
just wanted to talk to you about the dog..."
"Oh,
that.." Annie said closing her eyes. "Look, Nick, I'm really sorry
about that. I shouldn't have asked anyone to help me. I was being stupid."
"No,
I'm glad I helped you. You reminded me why I wanted to be a doctor to help
people, to help any creature in pain. You see, when I was little I lived in a
retirement house my parents ran. And I made a promise to myself that I didn't
want to see people in pain like that. People like her," he sighed pointing
to the body. "And I was really wondering if doctors really cared anymore,
ever since I met Richardson. I began to think high profile doctors had no
heart, but when I saw you try so hard to save that dog, it opened my eyes. So,
thank you. And if I had the chance I'd help you again; I don't care what
Dr.Richardson says."
Annie
watched Nick's figure disappear out the door. "Why did I become a
doctor?" she whispered to herself as she covered the dead body.
"Because I have a fear of death."
***