Page 23 of Deprivation

“Well, it appears you are pregnant, Miss Samuels,” I say with caution. I’ve learned these visits have a fifty-fifty chance of going south very quickly. I avoid telling her ‘Congratulations or I’m sorry,’ whichever applies.

The girl looks at her boyfriend with a questioning smile, and he returns it with a bright one of his own.

“I didn’t know my soldiers could march,” he states proudly.

I walk back to my computer, shaking my head in disbelief. I need to print out my discharge instructions for the happy couple and call Jake on his ER zone phone to see if he’s looked at the rash yet. Confirming he’s seen her and agrees with my assessment, it appears to be a sumac or poison ivy rash with a secondary infection, most likely from all of the scratching.

“Kat, Katrina is asking for you,” Jessica says with an eye roll.

“Let me guess, she wants to make sure she’s going home with stronger pain medicine?” I reply.

“You’re a wizard, Harry!” Jessica laughs as she walks away.

“Kat,” I hear Lena whisper from the hallway, beckoning with her hand.

I jump up to greet her. “Hey, what’s up?” I ask, hoping for some fresh gossip. If there’s anything worth learning about in our ER, Lena would have the scoop. It doesn’t matter if it’s administrative rumors or who’s shacking up with whom. She only works part-time as a nurse at St. Luke’s because she’s pursuing her nurse practitioner degree, so I’m not privy to her intel often.

I follow her into the same exam room I went into with Jess moments ago, hoping to get in on the latest. Instead, I watch as Lena turns around and pulls down her pants. “Um, thanks?” I ask curiously.

“I can’t stop scratching, Kat. Is it bedbugs or scabies or something?”

“I don’t think so,” I reply. “What did you do yesterday?”

“I went to the park. But it wasn’t like I sat in poison ivy or anything,” she says, digging into her red dotted skin as we speak.

“I bet you have chigger bites. They’re tiny insect stings that itch like hell. Usually happens after spending time outside,” I say. “Now, as much as I like the view, put your pants back on,” I laugh as I walk through the doorway and practically bump into Dr. Barnes, who’s wearing a questioning expression. I watch as the broody Doctor immediately turns, grabs his things, and makes for the door. Not sure what all that was about, but I can get a lot more accomplished without that sexy sourpuss hanging around here.

I type up Katrina’s discharge papers. I only prescribe muscle relaxants and pain patches as I’ve observed her ambulate to the bathroom without difficulty. I know she’ll beg for some narcotic pain medication. I really wish there was someone who could get through to this girl before this type of behavior ruins her life.

* * *

Nick

“Dad, you okay?” It’s very rare to receive a call from him, and I admit I’m a little worried.

“No worries, Nick. You just said you were planning to come by next Wednesday, and I hate to ask, but…”

But what?“Is there something you need me to bring?”

“Ah, no. I was wondering if we could do it some other day. I have someone stopping by for lunch,” he advises hesitantly.

Really?“No, Dad that’s fantastic. I mean, I’m glad to hear you have lunch plans. Someone from church?” I ask surprised.

“No, it’s a woman who comes out once a month. We just enjoy chatting over our meal for an hour or two.”

Completely shocked, I struggle to find words for a minute. “No, Dad. That’s great. I’ll look at my calendar and see what other day will work. Is the rest of your week free?” I tease.

“Yes, Son,” I can hear his exasperation at my ribbing. “Other than doctors’ appointments or church, I don’t have anything else on my calendar.”

Well, it’s an hour or two more than I previously thought you had on your calendar. “I’ll come by Sunday and bring a pizza. See you then.” Hanging up the call, I smile to myself. Well, what do you know about that? I barely place the phone down before I notice it’s vibrating again. Wondering if he suddenly has a hot date for Sunday, I chuckle and grab the phone.

“Hey, Nick, its Ava. I wanted to let you know I received a message from a Dr. Harris about soccer with his kids. I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant, so I said I’d have you return his call.”

“Thanks, Ava. I bumped into him recently and offered to hang out with the kids and practice soccer. I’ll reach out to him in the ER,” I reply. I hang up the call and think momentarily. I could meet up with them this weekend. I have the weekend off and no plans beyond dinner with Dad on Sunday. Finding the number for the emergency room, I call to see if Jake’s still there. I’m unsure of how the shifts run at this location and he could be gone for the day. “Hi. This is Dr. Barnes. I was trying to reach Dr. Harris if he’s still in,” I advise the unit secretary who’s answered the call.

“Let me check, Dr. Barnes.” I listen to the hold music which resembles a bad porn soundtrack for about five minutes until she returns. “He’s off for the rest of the day, but Dr. Street said he could be in the back room getting caught up on some charts. I’m going to transfer you in case he’s still there.”

“Jake Harris.”

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