Page 23 of The Bitter Rival

“It’s really no trouble. He’s a joy. I honestly feel like I learn from him when we paint together.” Bailey has set up a room in her home for Austin to express himself and feel as comfortable there as he does here. “I sit with a glass of wine, watching him paint, and it’s otherworldly. How he creates… it’s magical, Isabella. We need to get him into a class that can help him fine-tune some of his skills.”

“I’m still looking into it. Richmond has some services available for people on the Autism spectrum, but I haven’t found anything specifically related to art that wouldn’t make him feel more uncomfortable. I don’t think he’d be able to relax if the class size was too large or someone was judging him as he worked.”

“I understand. Hey, I have to run. Just drop him off Friday evening anytime. I’ll have his pizza ready.”

“Plain cheese.” I shake my head.

“Yep, plain cheese.”

“You coming this Friday, Bella?” Mike asks as we walk down the ER hallway.

“What, to Jeff’s birthday celebration? Definitely!”

“Great. It should be fun. I’ve never been to The Zone. From what I hear, it’s a lot of fun.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” I park the portable x-ray unit outside door four and verify I have the right patient. After introducing myself, I verify we’re obtaining an ankle x-ray. This routine is starting to feel standard. As nervous as I am about graduating in a few weeks, my confidence is growing that I can do this.

After the x-rays are obtained, I grab ahold of the handle and begin to maneuver the beast to our next patient. The thought of shedding the student scrubs and finally working after all of these years has me standing taller.

“Hey, I heard through the grapevine that Angie’s leaving,” Mike whispers. “Maybe if you get your application in right away, they might bring you on before they list the opening. You’ll have great references. We all love working with you.”

I feel my face light up with the news. “Mike, that’d be fantastic.” I clap excitedly. “And thanks for offering the reference. I appreciate it. It’d be great to transition from student to an employee here,” I practically squeal.

“Well, someone looks happy.” Donovan approaches, smiling down at me. How did Donovan and my brothers get the tall genes while I practically need a booster seat to see out of my windshield?Booster seat…

My internal dialogue has churned thoughts from weeks gone by.Shake it off, Isabella.We’ve all moved on from there. Dr. Lee seemed sincere. It’s okay to have your guard up but put it behind you. He was just angry…or was it something else?

“Keep it on the down-low, but I told her I’d heard there might be a full-time opening in radiology. I think she needs to jump on it,” Mike continues to keep his voice low.

“That’d be great, B. I’d love to see you here full time.” My dear cousin smiles.

“Oh, me too.”

“Donovan, a patient with chest pain just came in. We’re putting him in room twelve. He doesn’t look good,” the concerned nurse advises.

“Got it, Jess. Gotta go, B. See ya.” Donovan strides over toward his newest patient, and pride fills my chest. Who knew that smart-mouthed Irish boy could’ve turned out to be such a capable physician?

“Austin, I’m home.” Shutting the door behind me, I place the takeout from Luigi’s on the kitchen counter. I’ll take a quick shower and then get dinner ready. As I turn to head toward my bedroom, a bottle of unopened chianti beckons.Hmmm, this should do just fine.

As I walk the narrow corridor toward my room, I stop by Austin’s door. He’s fully engrossed in his sketch pad.

“Your pencils come today?”

“Yes, Mom,” he answers, not breaking eye contact with his pad.

“What did Mrs. Samuels bring you for lunch?”

“Chicken tenders.” Another flat reply bounces off the black and white sheet of his latest creation.

“I’m heading to shower, and then I’ll get our dinner ready. I got us baked spaghetti.”

Austin’s face suddenly pops up. “With extra cheese?”

“Yes, Austin. Just how you like it.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he replies, no smile or emotion evident. But I know it’s there. The only time I can recall seeing a smile was when it appeared he was trying to mimic the faces around him. The grin was not a reflection of his joy. My boy has other ways of expressing that sentiment. Others may miss it, thinking his flat facial features indicated a withdrawn life of depressing solitude. Yet my special man has a unique way of expressing himself. He shares his love through his creations, his presence, and his mannerisms. I know my boy is happy. I pray Rick’s absence doesn’t bother him much. But I honestly feel, deep down, he’s happy.

Turning on the water, I step into the shower and attempt to wash away the workday and relax into a nice evening at home. My shoulders begin to sag under the hot spray, and I consider how very much I have to be thankful for. This is a habit for me. I say my morning prayers of gratitude before opening my eyes fully each morning and repeat this when I’m in the shower after work. Surrounded by people in the hospital who are sick or hurt continues to remind me of how blessed I am.

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