Collared at the Clinic

A Visit to the Clinic

    "Ruff!" the minuscule dog yelped. Bright lights and the cold aesthetics of an examination room weren't what the animal was used to.

Zara Anand straightened up, pulling out the otoscope in one smooth motion. She cleaned it with a paper towel. "Yes. Definitely an ear infection, but a minor one. Shouldn't take long to clear up."

The man wiped a sweaty palm against his brow. "Glad she'll be okay. I was worried about my lil' sugar muffin."

Zara ignored him, focusing on the ear she was cleaning. A woman of Indian ethnicity, she had long raven black hair styled in a loose ponytail, soft dark skin, analytical brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a slender face. She wore her blue scrubs with a stethoscope draped around her slim neck. Large black plastic frame glasses perched on her pert nose. She cleared her throat, pulling away from the dog. "All done! I have some generic ear solution and cleanser you can pick up at Petco. It'll be cheaper and just as effective if I get a prescription."

"Oh th-thanks."

"Not a problem." Zara winked at him. "I know what it's like to have to juggle life when it can throw curveballs at you."

The man stared down at his dirty jeans, one knee poking through. He glanced up as he said, "I guess you can recognize it. Thanks again."

"Sure. Just take care of this beautiful dog, you hear? Be sure to administer the medicine exactly as I write it." Zara grabbed a clipboard and began writing a neat print.

The man breathed heavy, holding his dog and looking at her like she was Wonder Woman. He's going to ask me out, Zara thought. Labored breathing, glazed eyes, hope he doesn't rupture the dog's stomach, squeezing her like that.

"Uhhh okay," the man mumbled.

"Good."

"Oh, um, are you busy this weekend?" the man blurted. His eyes appeared to be looking off into the distance.

"I am. I'm not dating right now, if that's what you're asking." They both knew what he was asking.

"Oh so you're...."

"Um, oh I meant I'm not interested in dating right now. Too busy." It was Zara's turn to blush as she realized her blunder.

"Gotcha. Thank you Dr. Anand, I guess I'll pay at the reception desk?"

"Zara is fine, and yes. Take care of the little cutie." Zara reached out to pet the dog, and just the close proximity of her lithe hand made the man's breathing laborious. He mumbled his thanks yet again as he exited.

Zara smiled, sighed, then sat down on a stool. I've come a long way from India. Raised in a religious family setting, Zara had rebelled, essentially becoming the black sheep of the family even above her criminal brother. She'd tried a lot of different things over the last several years. She dated whoever she wanted, guys and girls, before finally settling on a cute Israeli man. It didn't last long. She checked out many different religions, but settled on just taking a break and focusing on her career. Zara felt a bit lonely at times, by herself in America, but thought it necessary. Now she'd met Becky Carter, who was becoming a fast friend as well as her mostly warm circle of friends.

"I'm glad I met them," Zara said aloud, kicking up her white sneakers on a chair as she pulled out her phone. "Even if it meant getting tied up with dog leashes, which was kind of humiliating."

She sent a text to her new friend, wondering where in god's name was she? Zara winced, knowing her mother would disapprove. Five years later and she was still shaking off her family's traditions. Oh well. There had to be some merit, something good she learned from it all. What that 'good' is I'm not sure of yet.

***

Becky Carter's heels clicked off the tiled floor as her brisk trot bespoke an urgency that was almost always on display. I am running so late, and heck, I've got so much to do. Interviewing the Mayor on top of everything today. Although, that is super exciting.

She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Becky wore a maroon blouse with lacy frills in a charcoal suit and skirt. Barely black pantyhose, fresh off the press, clung to her legs in a way that her sister had described as 'extremely sexy.' Her new ankle strap heels were red, with cute lil' bows gave the perfect amount of contrast, in her mind. Her hair was styled loose flowing, flipped around on one shoulder. It was medium blonde, and Dakota had(surprising enough) helped her big sis make it manageable without losing the waves. Freckles, grey eyes, small nose with an imperceptible dimple, and Dakota and Mom unanimously said she looked great. Becky still did a dash of make-up.

She checked her black leather banded wristwatch. "Shit." Normally I don't swear but holy heck I'm going to be late!