Page 80 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
Tyler
Haven't seen you in days. Everything ok?
Tyler
Did I do something wrong?
Tyler
Just let me know you're alive at least.
The last one came twenty minutes ago. I should reply. I will reply as soon as I figure out what to say that isn't a lie but doesn't reveal how pathetic I'm being.
"Mr. Barrett, if you're finishedwith your phone, perhaps you could demonstrate the proper technique for changing a central IV line?"
Snapping to attention, I shove my phone into my pocket as Professor Kilkarney raises an eyebrow at me from the front of the skills lab. A few classmates snicker.
"Sorry. Yes, of course."
Walking to the front of the room, I force thoughts of Tyler out of my mind and focus on the task. This is why I've been picking up extra shifts and volunteering for every demonstration. When my hands are busy, my mind can't fixate on the disaster that was meeting Tyler's parents.
Five days. That's how long I've been avoiding him, making excuses about extra clinical hours and study groups that don't exist. Five days of hiding in the library until closing, of taking roundabout paths across campus to avoid the areas where I might run into him.
Five days of being a complete coward.
After demonstrating the I.V. change and fielding questions from my classmates, I gather my things and head for the door as soon as class ends. If I hurry, I can make it to the East Side Coffee Shop before Sylas shows up.
"Ethan! Wait up!"
Turning, I see Jessica, one of my nursing friends, hurrying after me.
"Hey, what's up?" Trying not to look as impatient as I feel.
"Just wanted to check if you're okay," she says, studying my face. "You seem... off this week. And you've volunteered for every extra shift available."
"I'm fine," my response is automatic. "Just trying to get the most clinical experience I can."
She gives me a skeptical look. "Right. And it has nothingto do with the hot frat guy who usually walks you to class but hasn't been around lately?"
Forcing a casual shrug is difficult, but I manage, barely. "We're both busy. It happens."
"Uh-huh." She doesn't look convinced. "Well, if you need to talk..."
"Thanks, but really, everything's fine." I check my watch. "Sorry, I've got to run. Meeting someone."
Before she can respond, I hurry out the door and across the quad. The crisp December air bites at my cheeks, and I pull my scarf tighter around my neck. The campus is beautiful this time of year, with the trees showing their last bursts of colour before winter strips them. I would usually appreciate it, maybe even take a photo to send to Tyler, who's always noticing small, beautiful things that most people overlook.
The thought makes my chest ache again.
My bag feels unusually heavy as I walk. I reach in to check for my pathophysiology textbook and find it soaked, the pages warped and stained with what smells like coffee. Fantastic.
This is the third "accident" this week. First, my clinical notes were missing from my locker, then my scrubs were found with a torn sleeve, and now this. I don't need to guess who's responsible.
Ryan.
He's escalated from bitter looks in the hallway to actual sabotage. I should report him, but what would I say? I have no proof, and campus security has bigger concerns than petty personal vendettas.
Besides, the last thing I need is for Tyler to find out and confront Ryan. That would only make everything worse.
