WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD ✸ Joel Miller

xii. Brian and Rhea

[ CHAPTER TWELVE ! ] 

brian and rhea

2008

I DROP MY CLIPBOARD DIRECTLY ON THE blue countertop with a sigh as I hide my face in my hands. 

"What's up with you?" I can hear Adam question from behind me, his words loudest when he's directly behind me and they move with him as he walks around the desk. 

I groan into the palms of my hands before sliding them down and over my face. "I've been working a thrity-six hour shift, that's what's up with me." 

I now rest my chin on the stand I've created with my hands and look up at him. He has that cheeky grin plastered on his face while he drinks down the espresso shot in one swallow. "I've been here for fourty. I got you beat." 

This makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. I roll my eyes and sigh once again. "Then how the hell are you so energetic?" 

"Well, one, I just woke up from a nap and two," he refills his cup with more espresso. "I've got caffeine." 

"That is so unfair," I deadpan. "you're the only one here who ever has coffee!" 

He shrugs. "I have my ways."

"Miller-- you're requested in room 211." Sasha informs me from the opposite side of the desktop, a phone in her hand. 

I'm already dreading going inside. I've still got two hours before my shift is complete and the only people who ever request specific doctors are creeps who have been here before and want to ask you out. 

I open my mouth to protest but she has her hand up, knowing that I'll attempt to refuse. I glance over toward Adam to try and get him to defend my honour but he's already begun to salute me with that same stupid grin. 

I clench and unclench my jaw before grabbing my clipboard and pen once again before making my way down the hall. 

The walls are a light blue with white rims at the bottom. In the pediatric unit, at least, there are stickers that you can stare at as you walk to your deathbed. At least with those, you get to die in a more peaceful manner. With bright colours and fish on the ceiling. 

211. 

Great. I'm here. 

I knock twice, wait for three seconds, then go inside. I pretend to be reviewing my clip board, as if there's something on there that would tell me who this patient was.