Little Moments (Second Chances 2)
I hand it to him and we examine the x-ray images of Brian’s chest to confirm the locations of the bullets.
He cusses low. “It’s in his left lung and fluid is building fast.”
In haste, I take away the instrument and Dr. Quinn performs.
******
After a strenuous two and a half hours, the bullets are removed and Brian is woken from his nap.
Dr. Quinn bends toward him. “How are you feeling Brian?”
Still a little groggy, he moans but gives us all a genuine smile.
Dr. Quinn chuckles and informs us the procedure is complete. “Another successful procedure. Give it up folks.”
We all smile and I silently pat myself on the back. There’s no greater feeling in the world than saving someone’s life. No matter who the person is or the reason they need your care, it’s all the same. The rush, the fear—it’s all good for the soul. Yes, life in the ER can be very stressful and there are times when I’m here for forty-eight hours or more, but it’s so worth it.
We all wash up and clear the operating room. Brian is taken down to recovery and I follow Dr. Quinn out into the lobby to inform Brian’s family of the good news. I watch as they all shed joyous tears and some praise their thanks to God. I can’t help but smile as they celebrate the good news. Dr. Quinn answers a few of their questions about Brian’s recovery, explaining that he will need close monitoring for the next few weeks and physical therapy once he’s out of intensive care.
As he finishes up with the family, I turn to walk away to the nurses lounge, but someone grazes my arm. I turn to find Dr. Quinn smirking at me.
“Great job in there Melanie. You’ve improved so much this past year.”
I flash him a huge smile. “Wow, thank you Dr. Quinn. I’m proud to be part of your team.”
He chuckles. “I’ve said it before, but please, call me Easton. Calling me by my last name makes me sound boring and old.”
I laugh nervously. “Well, I wouldn’t want to embarrass you.”
His bright blue eyes stare deep into mine and he whispers, “No, you could never embarrass me.”
A light breath escapes my lips as he continues to gaze into my eyes. A flutter of butterflies and nerves tingle my body. I feel my body heat rise, causing my cheeks to blush. Embarrassed, I look away from his gaze, no longer able to hold his stare. Damn, he is so hot.
I sense his stare still on me and just as I get the courage to look up, the siren of another ambulance alarms us. Easton and I snap out of our trances as we head toward the emergency room.
Just as we enter, he looks at me and flashes a smile. “Game time.”
******
Sixteen hours later I head into the nurses lounge and crash onto the sofa. I reach out to grab the television remote and channel surf as I adjust the sofa pillows and lay down. I glance at the time: seven
thirty-five AM. It should be slow for a while, so I close my eyes and doze off for a quick nap.
The sweet aroma of donuts and coffee awakens me from my sleep and I groggily open my eyes. Dazed, I glance around the lounge to find a couple of the nurses eating breakfast and chatting about the night shift’s patients. A yawn escapes my mouth and I stretch my arms out, waking them up to life.
“Rise and shine sleeping beauty.”
I groan and sit up. “Ugh, thanks Gia.”
Gia hands me a cup of coffee and chuckles. “You might want to freshen up before you step outside into the world of the living. You got a little drool there. Geez, you were out like a light.”
I place the coffee on the table and wipe the dried drool off my face, heading toward the bathroom. Looking into the reflection, I’m shocked by my appearance. Shit, I look like a hot mess!
I quickly wash up and head over to my locker to grab my hairbrush and makeup. Ten minutes later, I’m looking good as new. I glance at my reflection and smile. Now that’s better.
Heading back toward the sofa, I grab my coffee and sit next to Gia while she watches the morning news.
“Anything good in the world?”