Something New

Chapter 6

Beam was in the truck, with Forth driving and Racer in between them and rock music blasting. He could not believe he agreed to this. He let Forth's earnest eyes and charming smile convince him into going. He sat in the truck, not saying anything, and lost in thought when Forth suddenly yelled over the loud music, "We just have to make a real quick detour, it'll only take a couple of minutes, I'm dropping off some supplies for a friend." Before Beam could react, they were pulling up to a small nursery.

Forth immediately stopped and jumped out with Racer and said, "you can come in if you want" over his shoulder as he walked in. Beam saw him make his way to a cute girl who was beaming at him and she enveloped him in a big hug. Beam felt a curious little twinge in his heart but did not want to acknowledge it. He felt like his legs had a mind of their own when he got off and started walking towards them.

He did not want to seem nosey, but at the same time, he was compelled to know what they were talking about. So, he made his way within earshot and pretended to be interested in the plants while trying to eavesdrop. He heard the girl ask, "So, how is Fai doing?" Forth's smile dropped and he said, "Oh Pring! She's doing great." He looked down rubbing the back of his neck "just not with me." Pring patted his shoulder with a sympathetic smile and noticed Beam lurking, "He's hot!" she nudged Forth and wiggled her eyebrows. Forth just shook his head and smiled.

Meanwhile, Beam who was not paying attention to where he was walking, because he was too invested in knowing who Fai was, walked right into a thick cobweb and immediately freaked out and yelled, "Aaaaaah! GET IT OFF! THERE'S A SPIDER ON ME! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! GET IT OFF!" while flapping his arms around haphazardly. That caught everyone's attention including Forth and he rushed to Beam and tried to calm him down. He took the web off his head and held his shoulders firmly and said, "Beam, Beam, it's okay, there is no spider on you. So, please breathe for me." Beam was still shaking and on the verge of hyperventilation. But he obeyed and took a deep breath. "That's right, deep breath in and deep breath out." Forth said while doing the same and maintaining eye contact with Beam. Soon, his breathing evened and he calmed down.

Forth smiled at him and said, "Hey, you can go wait in the truck if you want. I'll be there in a minute and we can just go back." Beam just nodded shakily and went to wait in the car. The drive back home was silent, Forth didn't even play his music because he just wanted Beam to relax.

Beam was mortified at the scene he had caused after the adrenaline rush eased; embarrassment had firmly taken hold of him by the end of the drive. They finally got back to Beam's place and Beam looked down at his hands and said, "Wow, you must think I'm such a wuss" in an embarrassed tone. Forth just shook his head, "No, you just don't do spiders" he said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. It worked and Beam met his eyes and gave him a tiny grateful smile that made Forth's heart skip a beat.

Beam then said, "Yeah there's a long list of things I don't do." Forth sighed and said, "Let me draw up a proposal with some basic plans and send it to you. You can take a look and call me anytime with your ideas or questions." Beam gave him an apologetic smile and said, "I think I need some time; money is pretty tight with the mortgage and all." Forth sensed that this was just an excuse, but he just smiled reassuringly and said, "no pressure at all. Take your time." Beam smiled and just nodded.

He said "thanks." Got off the truck and started walking towards his door when he heard Forth say "Good night!" he just waved without turning around. "Sleep Tight!" he still didn't turn around. Then Forth yelled "DON'T LET THE SPIDERS BITE!" as he drove away. Beam rolled his eyes at that and muttered "cheesy" to himself but couldn't prevent the shy smile from taking over his lips.

The next day at the hospital, he was introduced to the new resident who would be assisting him. His name was Sutthee and he seemed like a pleasant young man. Beam smiled and shook his hand, "Hope you're up for the task!" he said jokingly. Sutthee grinned and said, "I am, sir and I hope to learn a lot from you Dr. Beam." Beam liked the guy and patted him on the shoulder, "Now let's go and see how our patients are doing" Beam said and Sutthee replied, "Let's do it!"

Just as they were about to start their rounds, the Chief stopped Beam and said, "I can already see that you guys will work well together." He smiled, but then in a serious tone he said, "The director actually called me into his office this morning and told me that Dr. Phunsawat, the leading cardiothoracic surgeon in the city was going to visit our hospital soon. I know how much you idolize him and want to work with him, Beam. So, this is just a head's up for you." Beam was floored, this was the opportunity he was looking for and thanked the chief. He just said, "well, you won't thank me when you're so busy that you have to schedule in time for a meeting with your spouse, I'm speaking from experience." He chuckled. Beam smiled and said, "Well I certainly don't have that problem."

Suddenly a staff from the reception showed up and handed Beam a small gift bag, saying that it was delivered for him. He took with a confused look on his face and thanked the girl. "Ooh Dr. Beam is it your birthday?" Sutthee asked and Beam just shook his head "No." The chief took that opportunity to just raise his eyebrows and leave smiling to himself.

Beam looked into the bag that had no sender's info to see that it was a book, 'Charlotte's Web' to be exact, and the on the cover, the Charlotte was struck out and Beam's was written in bold black marker. Beam smiled at that knowing who exactly this was from. Sutthee just looked at his senior curiously but decided not to pry. Beam snapped out of it soon and they went on with their rounds.

That evening, he got a message from Forth with the proposal attached. Beam opened it and it seemed surprisingly reasonable and within his budget. It seemed too good to be true, but Beam decided to not look a gift horse in his mouth and let out a delighted squeal. He texted Forth back and agreed to it. Forth told him that he'd mail him the official documents so he could sign them and they both worked out that the work could be started the same weekend.

A/N - Votes and comments fuel my soul because I'm a Validation Whore!  No, on a more serious note, I'd appreciate the feedback. Please and thank you!