Doing The Dance (Jackson Avery Fanfic)

two

2005

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

I wasn't supposed to be eighteen years old and unable to breathe so bad.

My lungs weren't supposed to backfire on me like this.

I wasn't supposed to be back here.

"Taylor Dawson, I didn't think I'd be seeing you so soon" Doctor Bailey's voice came. I swallowed the lump in my throat and attempted to take enough of a breath to speak. They'd had me hooked up to oxygen since I got here last night after fighting the most unimaginable chest pains I'd ever experienced.

"This is the last place...I wanna be right now. Believe me Bailey" I managed to say, also producing a weak smile. Doctor Bailey returned it with one of her own, strong enough for the both of us.

"Well, you get to meet my interns for this year or at least two of them. This is Doctor O'Malley and Doctor Grey" She said, nodding to two doctors in the light blue scrubs the interns and residents wore around here. I take notice of things like that. The guy had shaggy brown hair and looked a little scared of Doctor Bailey. I wasn't shocked, she had quite the reputation around here. The girl had piercing blue eyes and a reassuring smile.

"Grey, you present" The woman cleared her throat.

"Taylor Dawson, eighteen. Came in last year after passing out and scans revealed a mass on her lungs. She started chemo instantly and had no more hospital visits until last night when she came in with severe shortness of breath. She's been on 100% oxygen since then and today we review her scans and talk about further treatment" Doctor Bailey nodded.

"So what happened last night Taylor?" She asked. I shrugged.

"I don't know. Everything was fine...Then all of a sudden...I couldn't...breathe. It felt like inhaling...fire" I said, having to take deep breaths in the middle of my sentences. I could barely even talk and I most certainly didn't want to see any people. I didn't know why Doctor Bailey insisted on bringing these stupid interns in.

"Have we got her scans here?" Doctor Bailey asked. The guy, Doctor O'Malley, pulled out the familiar films of a scan. I couldn't even remember what scans or how many I had last night, so I was lost.

"Do you know how the last PET scans you had went Taylor?" Doctor Bailey asked. I nodded.

"They said the cancer wasn't shrinking...so they wanted to try a new strain"

"Have Doctor Burke look at these. I want a second opinion. Get him to page me when he's ready for a consult" Doctor Bailey said to Doctor O'Malley. He nodded and went off, leaving her and Doctor Grey with me.

"Bailey...what's going on?" I breathed, barely. She looked stoic.

"it looks as though the chemo not only hasn't worked but that the cells are beginning to spread. I want Doctor Burke to look them over before we confirm a plan of action. For now, keep those nodules in and keep breathing" I chuckled.

"Easier said than done" Doctor Bailey laughed too, before turning to Doctor Grey.

"She is a very important patient of mine so you keep an eye on her. Taylor, be sure to tell Doctor Grey of anything you need" I nodded and Doctor Bailey left. Doctor Grey looked at me.

"What?" She shook her head.

"Nothing. I just can't believe you're only eighteen" I sighed, looking away.

"Yeah, me either. Can you pass me my bag? I need...to study" Doctor Grey nodded and handed me the study bag I'd managed to get before I couldn't move or breathe well last night while I waited for the ambulance.