Bite Shift

63

Coming out of my "sleep" was getting less jarring every time I did it. I rolled over and checked the clock. I was good. I had enough time for a hot shower and some blood before work.

Two hours later, I was walking onto the unit. My belly was full, a Thermos waited for me in my car, and my attitude was positive. While applying my makeup, which I was getting better at, I had decided that it was a new day and I was going to turn my life around. That little part of me that had woken up the night before was no longer scared. She was standing tall and ready to fight. For the first time, in what felt like a while, I wasn't feeling regret or shame or fear.

The white board told me that I had the same rooms from before. The other names on the board were Tiffany, Lisa and Renee. I didn't know what Tiffany but I was relieved to not have to face the same group from before. I wasn't ready to answer any more questions. I noticed Monica was nowhere on the board and my heart sank. A nurse name Tara was the charge nurse. I didn't know her. It was possible she was from a different unit.

After receiving report on all of my patients, and seeing that it was Irish Tiffany this evening, I started to prepare my computer on wheels for the night. A voice behind me made me turn. I assumed it was Tara since I didn't know the woman standing in front of me.

"Are you Kate?"

"I am," I answered, matching her matter-of-fact tone.

"I'm Tara. I was pulled from 3 since Monica didn't come in tonight. I heard you guys are best friends. Any idea where she is?"

"She's sick," I lied. It was better to tell her that than tell her truth. What would I say? "She hates me because she is in love with Dr. Kitchner and she saw me hugging him but I wasn't doing anything. It was in the conference room earlier that I jumped on him."

"Well, this is the second night in a row that she didn't show up. Tell her that one more 'no call, no show' is a write up." With that, she turned, disappeared into the office and slammed the door. Guess she doesn't like having to come here.

I picked up my phone and texted Monica. I know you're mad at me but if you miss another shift they're going to write you up.

I need to fix this with her. Maybe, I'll just go to her house. I will tell her about Sorin and how I don't have feelings for Alex.

Oh shit! Sorin! I forgot to call. I stepped into the break room and hit his name in the recent call list. He answered on the second ring.

"Did you just wake up?"

"No," I laughed. "I am at work. I forgot to call you. Sorry."

"So, you're safe. Have you seen Rhys?"

"He isn't here tonight. He's off."

"So, there is no one looking out for you at the hospital?"

I shook my head. "I'm fine, Sorin. I can take care of myself. You worry about finding out if Rhys is a good guy or a bad guy."

"What a way with words you have," he laughed. His laughter rolled down my spine, making me stand up straighter.

"It's not the turn of the century. Women aren't dainty flowers who say 'Oh my' anymore."

Sorin laughed again. "I don't know what history books you are reading but there have always been women who are soft and those who are quite capable. Even in the 1500s, some women were able to bear children, work the land and fight off attackers."

1500s? Jesus. He wasn't kidding when he said he was old.

"How old are you?"

"That, my Katherine, is a discussion for a different time. Go care for your patients. I will call you before dawn to let you know what I have uncovered."

The line was silent. He had hung up on me again. I need to teach him phone etiquette.

I slipped out of the breakroom, heading for my cow, and started to make a list in my head of all the tasks that would need completed before I left.

Med pass. Head to toe assessment. Interpret cardiac strips. Count narcs. Refill saline drawers. Refill gloves. See Alex.

Alex!

I pulled out my phone and sent another text. I half expected the lovely Tara to pop out and yell at me for using my phone.

I'm here, Alex. When you are available? Let me know and I will come down.

I checked my messages, one last time, and saw no responses from anyone.

Fine by me. I need an easy night.

I dropped the phone in my pocket and started my shift.