Page 120 of Degradation
The nurse from the front desk enters.
‘Sorry, doctor, but I was just reviewing this patient’s file, and I noticed she needs her guardian present for any medical appointments.’
I frown at her, and I see something in her expression I don’t like, but I don’t understand either. She’s happy but also angry. ATravisface.
‘Where?’
The nurse comes over and clicks on the doctor’s screen.
‘There.’
‘Ah.’ The doctor gives me a look. ‘It does say here that your guardian is to accompany you to all medical appointments, Miss Evans. John Novelle?’
‘Ring a bell?’ the nurse snorts at me. ‘You kids think you can get away with everything.’
‘That’s enough, Nurse. Did you call the number listed here?’
‘Yes, I did, doctor.’
‘And?’ The doctor’s voice is sharper now. Impatient.
‘I spoke to Mister Novelle’s secretary, and she advised that, under her guardian’s wishes, Miss Evans isn’t to be prescribed any medications that may exacerbate her ongoing medical conditions.’
‘I don’t have any ongoing medical conditions,’ I try to say, but it comes out quiet and half-garbled.
My words are ignored, but the nurse glances at me with a false smile. ‘Your dad said he’ll speak with you about it on Friday at dinner, sweetie.’
My good hand clenches into a hard fist.
He’s not my dad and he shouldn’t be my guardian either!
The doctor continues clicking away at his screen, ignoring me completely while he reads.
‘It doesn’t say anything here about medical conditions, but you did say that you were prescribed this in the UK. It could be we don’t have your full records. I’m sorry, Miss Evans, but I have to follow your guardian’s wishes. I’m sure he has your best interests at heart.’
I sit in the chair for a moment, staring at the floor and trying to think of something. If I tell them that this is John being an asshole because that’s how he is and always has been, they won’t believe me and if I have any credibility in here at all, I’ll lose it.
They’re both staring at me.
‘I’ve been on this medicine for seven years,’ I say quietly, my voice so weak I cringe on the inside.
God, I’m pathetic.
‘Be that as it may, I only have your word on that. This is a powerful drug. I can’t give you it if your guardian doesn’t approve. I’m sorry. I’d try some over the counter pain medications until you can speak with Mister Novelle. They’re available at the pharmacy by the Quad, but that’s the best I can do without your guardian’s say-so.’
‘But I’m twenty-three years ol?—’
‘No, you can’t go in there! Doctor Stall is with a patient!’ I hear a young male voice practically yelling.
There’s a commotion in the hall and the door busts open.
I jump involuntarily, my eyes locking onto a familiar face.
Shade.
I don’t know whether I’m glad or the opposite after Greg’s revelations about last night.
Doctor Stall stands up. ‘I’m with a patient! You can’t just?—’
