Anna: I understand you’re disbelief. It’s a pretty common reaction from patients and their families who have been waiting on the transplant list as long as you have. However, I assure you Mr. Henderson that everything is gonna be just fine. We’re gonna do all that we can for Molly and though there are no guarantees on how her body will react to the new organ, I want you to know that Dr. Pryce and I will continue to do everything we can to treat your daughter.
Dirk: Thank you Dr. Shaye, thank you so much.
Dirk Henderson exclaimed as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Dr. Shaye. His excitement had gotten the better of him. Anna smiled and waited for the man to pull away. When he did, he sighed and then tried to apologize.
Dirk: I’m sorry about that. I’m just so happy.
Anna: Don’t worry about it. Why don’t we just go ahead and discuss the procedure and then I’ll have you sign some paperwork that’ll give our staff legal consent to operate.
Dirk: (Nodding) Yes Ma’am. Let’s do this…
Scene 19
…
Andrew was standing at the nurses’ counter in the ER with a clipboard in hand when a brown skinned, female nurse stepped over to talk to him.
Rosa: Dr. Reeves sent me out here to tell you that he’s just finishing up with a patient and he’ll be out in few minutes to sign the DOA forms for Mrs. Green.
She spoke in a heavy Hispanic accent. Andrew didn’t bother to look up while the woman was speaking to him nor did he do so when he responded to her.
Andrew: Ok. I’ll just wait then.
Rosa: How are you doing by the way?
The nurse asked as she reached up and placed her hand against the top of his arm.
Andrew: Good.
Andrew kept his response short and simple. He still didn’t look up, even though he was annoyed by the fact that the woman was touching him. He wasn’t up for making conversation and hoped that his short answer to her question would detour her from asking another.
Rosa: Did you hear about your brother’s surgery today?
The woman questioned, obviously not taking the hint. Andrew’s nodded, still without looking up.
Andrew: Yes I did.
Rosa: They just started. It’s gonna take a while, at least until the end of the day. I just thought you’d like to know about it. Your father was pretty excited to hear of it.
Andrew: Yeah, I already got the memo.
Rosa: Ok then. I guess I’ll just let you get back to work.
Andrew: That would be nice.
Rosa: No problem. I’ll go tell Dr. Reeves that you’ll wait for him.
Rosa turned around and started back in the direction that she had just come from. Andrew was relieved that she was finally walking away. He had known her for a long time. She had been a nurse at MMH for over two decades. Andrew remembered meeting her when he was a child. His father had worked in the ER back then and there were times when his mother would bring him and Avery in to visit their dad. He didn’t like her very much, but that didn’t mean anything. Andrew didn’t really like most women in general. The rules were no different for this particular one.
Only seconds after the nurse had left Andrew heard something that caught his attention.
Gavin: Oh fucking hell.
Andrew turned his eyes up in the direction of the noise. As he glanced down the hallway across from him his attention was captured by officer Murphy, who was standing in front of a vending machine. With intrigue Andrew started over to the scene he was witnessing.
Gavin: Dammit, what a waste, piece of crap machine.
Andrew watched in amusement as the officer hit the machine and cursed it once more. Then to make his presence known Andrew chimed in with a playful comment.
Andrew: I’ve heard there’s better ways to release your frustration.
The cop turned around, surprised that anyone was behind him. He looked a little embarrassed to see that someone had been watching.
Gavin: Oh, hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to draw attention to myself. The stupid machine ate my change.
Andrew: It happens. I’m sure you’re not the first person to swear at a vending machine. In fact, I’ve been known to do the same a time or two.
Andrew talked casually as he shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned up against one side of the machine.
Gavin: I didn’t know anyone was watching.
Andrew: It was kind of hard to miss, but if you’d like you can pretend I’m not here and yell at it some more.
Gavin laughed at Andrew’s flirtatious joke and shook his head.
Gavin: Nah that’s alright. You can watch; I owe you one anyways.
Andrew: Do you now?
Andrew’s intrigue was further provoked. The officer nodded with a reply.
Gavin: I sure do.
Andrew: Oh yeah? Is that the reason you’re here, to thank me?
The paramedic asked with over confidence. Gavin shook his head.
Gavin: It’s not the only reason, but it is one of them.
Andrew: And what is it that you think you need to thank me for?
Gavin: Well, I don’t know what it was that you said to Clara Johnson earlier this morning, but whatever it was must have done some good.
Andrew: Yeah, is she gonna press charges?
Gavin: She is, and she says it’s all because of you.
Andrew: I’m glad I could help, but she’s wrong. I don’t deserve the credit; it’s all on her.
Andrew wasn’t at all surprised by what the officer was telling him. He had already hoped that Clara would be moved up enough by his words that it would cause her to fight back.
Gavin: Does that mean that you don’t want me to thank you?
A mischievous grin crept over one side of Andrew’s smile and he shook his head to reply.
Andrew: Oh no, you can totally thank me. I can think up quite a few ways that you can do just that too.
Gavin: Oh I bet you can.
Gavin countered back with a smile and a bit of his own flirting. Then boldly he reached out and touched his fingers to the front of Andrew’s uniform shirt. Andrew glanced down at the hand that was touching him. Even with such a slight touch his senses were already aroused. With interest he turned his eyes back to officer Murphy.
Andrew: Do you have a first name Officer Murphy?
Gavin: It’s Gavin.
Officer Murphy introduced himself, dropping his hand back to his side for a moment.
Andrew: Gavin, now that’s Irish isn’t it?
Gavin blushed and nodded back to Andrew’s question.
Andrew: Well it’s nice, sexy even.
Andrew complimented. Gavin blushed again.
Gavin: Thanks
Andrew: I’m Andrew by the way.
Andrew finally introduced himself as well.
Gavin: Yeah, I know who you are.
Andrew: You do?
Gavin: Well yeah, your whole family is pretty well known around here aren’t they? I mean you’re father’s the chief of the hospital.
Andrew: You’re right, he is.
Andrew confirmed, sighing at his father’s relentless reputation.
Gavin: Either way, it’s nice to finally meet you.
Gavin reached his hand out again, this time as a polite gesture.
Andrew: Likewise.
Andrew smiled and pulled one hand from his pocket to reach back to shake the other man’s hand. The two of them shook firmly as part of their formal introductions. Then before pulling his hand back Andrew stepped forward and leaned into Officer Murphy. He brought his mouth to Gavin’s ear and then in a seductive voice Andrew whispered something to him.
Gavin’s face turned red at the question that he had just been asked in whisper. He nodded in response as Andrew finally let go and stepped back. Andrew grinned mischievously at the answer and gave an approving nod.
It was just then that the flirting between officer Gavin and Andrew came to an end. The voice of another man broke in between them.
Tony: Hey Andrew, you got the DOA forms that you need me to sign for Mrs. Green?
Andrew and Gavin both turned their heads to see Dr. Tony Reeves standing behind them. They both tried to hide their irritation in having been interrupted.
Andrew: Yeah, I set them on the counter over there.
Andrew pointed towards the clipboard that he had set down about ten minutes earlier. Tony followed the direction in which Andrew was pointing.
Tony: Alright then.
Tony turned around and started towards the counter. That was when Gavin turned back to Andrew and spoke up again.
Gavin: I guess you gotta go huh.
Andrew: Yeah you know, duty calls and all that.
Gavin: It’s ok. I should get back to work myself, but maybe I’ll see you later.
Andrew: Oh you’ll see me.
Gavin: Good, I hope to.
Gavin and Andrew turned and parted ways now. Gavin trailed off in the opposite direction as Andrew watched him go. Then he himself stepped away from where he had been standing and walked back over to the nurse’s counter where Dr. Reeves was at…
Scene 20
…
It was nearly noon when Mrs. Peterson was wheeled out of her room and taken upstairs for her surgery. David was impatient at the thought of getting back into an OR for the first time in months. He was even wearing his favorite scrub cap in hopes that it would bring him luck during the operation. Dr. Branson had told David that he would be scrubbing in today if he were to come through on keeping Betty happy. Just as David was about to enter the scrub room, Dr. Branson was on his way in as well.
Tim: Dr. Curtis you’re running late. Mrs. Peterson’s surgery is set to begin any minute now.
David: I’m heading in there right now.
David pointed to the door of the scrub room.
Tim: Oh no sport, not today you’re not.
Dr. Branson growled as he stepped in front of the door so that David couldn’t enter the scrub room. David stared in disbelief at Dr. Branson.
David: You’ve gotta be kidding me.
Tim: Not a chance kiddo.
David: Tim, this is crap. You said that I would be scrubbing in today? I read the entire file for Mrs. Peterson, I made sure she was comfortable; I did everything you asked of me.
Tim: Everything except show up on time.
Tim grinned as though David’s displeasure was satisfactory. David sighed and shook his head.
David: Late? It’s not even noon yet. If anything I’m here early.
Tim: That’s enough whimpering Dr. Keith. Better luck next time.
Tim patted David’s shoulder with a smirking grin on his face. David’s mouth was hanging open in astonishment when Dr. Branson turned around and entered the scrub room without him.
David: Unfucking believable
David groaned as he reached up and pulled the scrub cap off his head. He tossed it to the floor and walked away in aggravation…
Scene 21
…
The surgical team, including Anna Shaye was ready when Avery entered the OR that Molly Henderson was taken to. Molly was on the operating table when Avery walked out of the scrub room and over to the table. He looked down at the little girl.
Avery: Molly, it’s time for us to begin ok?
Avery spoke calmly. Molly looked up at the surgeon with begging eyes. He could tell that she was scared, something that was to be expected.
Avery: It’s alright to be scared Molly, but you don’t have to be. Everyone in this room is here for you and we’re all gonna make sure that you’re ok.
Molly: Are you gonna come and see me when I wake up?
Avery: Are you kidding me? Of course I’m gonna come see you.
Molly: You promise?
Avery: (Nodded) I promise, but for right now you need to lay back and close your eyes so we can get started.
Molly: Ok Dr. Pryce.
Molly rested her head back down on the table. Almost as soon as she had lain back, another doctor stepped over and put a breathing mask over the girl’s face.
Avery: Alright Molly, I want you to count to ten for me ok?
Molly did exactly what Dr. Pryce had asked her to do. She began to count from one to ten and every time she counted her voice got softer and softer. She had only gotten to the number six when she stopped counting and was no longer conscious. Avery turned his eyes up to Dr. Shaye who was standing on the other side of the table.
Anna: Are you ready to begin Dr. Pryce?
Avery: (Nodding) I’m ready.
Anna: Perfect, you take the lead and I’ll be here with an extra set of hands if you need them.
Avery wasn’t the least bit nervous, but his adrenalin was high. This wasn’t the first surgery that he would ever preform nor was it the first transplant that he had ever been a part of; however, it would be the very first one that he was leading. Before beginning on Anna’s command, Avery paused for a slight moment to process his thoughts. Just as he had done earlier that morning he thought to himself that this was what being a surgeon was all about. He thought about all the hard work he had done be here right now; the years of schooling, the lack of sleep, and the countless hours of training were all paying off now in the form of greatness…
Scene 22
…
Sunny was in the hospital cafeteria when David found her for a second time that day. She was in the middle of lunch when he walked over and took a seat across from her at the table.
Sunny: Hey, aren’t you supposed to be in surgery right now?
Sunny questioned with surprise to see her brother in law. David sighed before answering.
David: Not today apparently. Once again Dr. Branson found some half assed excuse for why I couldn’t scrub in.
Sunny: Man what a prick.
David: Yeah no shit. After all the bullshit I’ve gone through with that guy he’s lucky that I don’t just quit. For the last month and a half since I started working here all I’ve been doing is grunt work. I fetch coffee, run lab work, and take phone messages like a fucking secretary. Most days when I come in I’m lucky if I get to draw blood or put in an IV. I’m starting to feel like a god damned nurse.
Sunny glared at David for his latest comment. He sighed yet again and shook his head to apologize.
David: Sorry, you know I didn’t mean anything by that. It’s just that I’m a surgeon; a great one too. I’ve completed med school, my internship, two tours in Iraq, and even my god damned residency. That’s damn near eleven years of training just so I could become Dr. Branson’s errand boy. I should be in the OR cutting people open and putting them back together, not doing the nurses’ job.
Sunny: I don’t know what to tell you Green Eyes. You got screwed working under Dr. Branson, but you don’t have to put up with it. Quite frankly I’m not sure why you do. I mean, I know you came home so that you could be close to me and Charley, and your parents but we both know that this isn’t where you want to be.
Sunny said this as a matter of fact. David looked back at her, wondering how it was that she always knew more about him than he did. She was right; Madison wasn’t where he wanted to be. He had grown up here, it was supposed to be home, but it didn’t fit him anymore. He had gotten out; in the past ten years of his life he had seen the world. Coming back home after all that felt like back tracking, like living his life in reverse. Sunny didn’t need David to say or do anything to confirm what she had just accused him of. She knew the truth. She knew that there was somewhere David would rather be.
Sunny: I hate to say all this to you David, because I love having home. It’s been a blast having my best friend back in town again, but this place isn’t Mercy. If you were to move there, I’m sure Andrew would welcome you with open arms. Hell, he might even be missing you just as much as you’re missing him.
David: Andrew doesn’t miss anyone. I’m sure he’s too busy to hooking up with every guy he meets to even notice I’m not around.
Sunny: Oh please, he calls you like every day and he loves you. I’m sure he misses his friend, if for nothing more than the fact of missing his wingman. You know he hates cruising the bars and clubs without you. Besides, aren’t you supposed to be in debt to him or something? How are you supposed to repay that when you’re all the way down here and he’s all the way up here?
David: Don’t
David shook his head as he snapped back at his sister in law. She was touching on a subject that she knew was supposed to be off limits.
David: I do miss Andrew and yeah maybe he misses me too, but don’t use my misfortune to sway me on this. Find some other ammo to convince me that I should quit my job here, pack up all my things, and move to Mercy.
Sunny: Oh Green Eyes, we both know that I don’t need to convince you. You’ve already made up your mind to go. All I’ve gotta do is wait for you to realize it…
David shook his head, denying that Sunny was right this time. Though he did miss his friend, it wasn’t enough to make him give up on his life in Madison. Despite all the hassle that came with working for Tim, working at Madison West Hospital was a grand opportunity.
David: Sunny I’m not going anywhere. I came home because I wanted to be here and because working at MWH is the type of opportunity that I’ve been wanting since the start of my career. I’ve been a little stir-crazy since I’ve been home, but it’s not because there’s any other place that I’d rather be. It’s because I haven’t been in the OR in months, but Dr. Branson can’t keep me out of the OR forever. Eventually he’s gonna have to let me do the job I was hired for and when that happens everything will fall into place.
Sunny knew exactly what David knew but was too in denial to say. However, she wanted to give him the benefit of doubt. She reached across the table and gently placed her hand on the top of his.
Sunny: I hope so Green Eyes. I really do, but in the meantime, don’t let that asshole Tim Branson keep you from greatness…
Scene 23
…
Matt: Dr. Kurt.
David heard someone call out to him just as he had stepped out of the hospital cafeteria. He paused in his steps and turned around to see Matthew Peterson walking his way.
David: Mr. Peterson?
Matt: Please call me Matt. Mr. Peterson is my father. I’m still too young to be called Mr.
Matthew insisted as he finally reached David and was standing next to him just outside the doorway of the hospital cafeteria.
David: Right, ok then, Matt it is then.
David agreed, and then waited for Matt to say something else.
Matt: That’s better.
Matt smiled at the doctor and then continued
Matt: You know I thought that you were supposed to be scrubbing in on my mother’s surgery today. Did something go wrong? Is she not having surgery today after all?
David: Oh no, everything’s fine I’m sure. Dr. Branson already had a full team by the time I got there so I stepped out to give them room. I didn’t wanna get in the way.
David lied, not wanting to concern his patient’s son with the true details of the story.
Matt: Oh good.
Matt sighed back in relief.
Matt: I have to admit I was a little worried there for a minute.
David: No, don’t be worried. The procedure that you’re mother’s having done is pretty routine and simple. I’m sure she’ll do just fine and be back to her old self in no time.
Matt: You’re cute you know that.
Matt blurted out, not at all refraining himself from spitting out exactly what it was he had to say.
David: Thanks
David was caught by surprise at the comment and unsure how to respond. Matt could see that David must have felt a little awkward, but it didn’t stop him from what he was about to do next. He reached over and without permission he pulled something from the top pocket of David’s lab coat; it was a pen and David’s prescription pad. David shook his head to protest as he saw what Matt had taken, but before he could mutter a single word Matt interrupted him.
Matt: Look, I know how forward this is, but what the hell, you only live once right?
Matt asked rhetorically, as he was using the pen to write something out on the prescription pad.
Matt: I know there’s probably some sort of policy that would prevent you from calling me to have a little fun, but on that off chance that there’s no rules against it, I’m gonna take a shot here.
Matt handed the prescription pad and the pen back to David now. David took the items and glanced down to the phone number that Matt had written out.
Matt: That there is my cell number. I know how you doctors like to keep odd hours, so you can call me any time, even if it’s late or in the middle of the night. I’m always up for a little gratification. Now, if I’m barking up the wrong tree here then you can just tear that off and rip it up after I walk away, but if your tree does happen to swing my way and you’re ever interested in a bit of adult fun, just ring me up and I’ll see if I can help you out.
David was stunned to silence by his forwardness, but even after Matt walked away he didn’t tear the slip up. Matt made his getaway quick, not wanting to give David the opportunity to turn him down in person. David just watched as Matt walked away, and then chuckled to himself as soon as the other man was out of earshot. Then he shoved the script pad and the pen back into his lab coat pocket and finally continued in the direction he had been walking before Matthew Peterson had gotten his attention…
Scene 24
…
Albert Pryce was waiting outside the scrub room when Avery and Dr. Shaye stepped out after Molly Henderson’s surgery. He was a stocky, white haired man with pale wrinkles and spots of aging that stuck out like a sore thumb. Patiently the old man watched and waited for an appropriate time to cut into the conversation that his son and Anna were having.
Anna: Dr. Pryce you did an outstanding job in there today. Molly and her parents are lucky they had you in there, and because of the wonderful job you did in there today, you’re gonna be running your own OR from now on, just like I promised.
Avery: Wow Dr. Shaye, thank you.
Anna: No need to thank me Avery. You earned it.
Albert: He certainly has.
Albert finally broke in, making his presence known to both of the younger surgeons. Anna and Avery both turned to look at the man who held quite a bit of authority over the both of them. He was the chief of the hospital. Not only was he Avery’s father, but he was also his boss as well as Anna’s.
Anna: Good evening Chief.
Anna smiled. The Chief nodded in acknowledgment at both of the greetings he had just received.
Albert: Dr. Shaye.
Anna: You should be very proud of your son Albert. He did very well in the OR today.
Albert: So I heard. I was told that Molly’s transplant went very well. Good job son.
Albert added to the flattery that Anna was serving up, Avery’s ego consumed every last drop of it. He almost grinned, unable to hide his arrogance.
Avery: Thank you father.
Before his old man had the chance to say anything more, Anna chimed in again, trying to excuse herself from the conversation.
Anna: Well, I hate to be rude and cute this short Chief, but I really need to get going. I’ve got a few more things left to do before I can call it a day. Great job today Avery, I’ll see you tomorrow.
Avery: Yeah, see you.
Albert: Goodnight.
Both men spoke up as Anna gave them both one last smile before turning to leave the two of them to speak one on one. As soon as she was gone the father and son duo turned back to one another.
Albert: I’ve been waiting for you. I wanted to make sure I was here when the transplant was finished. I really am proud of you son. Congrats on the success today. I always knew you were going to make a great surgeon.
Albert praised with a proud smile as he stepped over to his son, placing his arm on Avery’s shoulder.
Avery: Thank you.
Avery said again, this time in a softer less ego driven form of acceptance.
Albert: You’re welcome, and on that note I’m going to head home. Do you need a ride?
Avery shook his head to decline the invitation. There was something else he had to do that night before he could leave the hospital.
Avery: No, it’s fine. I have my car. Besides, I promised Molly that I’d be there when she wakes up, so I’m going to stay a little while longer.
Albert: Alright then, but don’t overdue yourself. Even the greatest surgeons know when to pace themselves and you’re going to need your rest in order to be ready for the OR again tomorrow…
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