The Unwritten Rule | Randolph Bell

Chapter 7

The day came and went, next thing she knew, she was getting ready for a heart transplant. If this wasn't the perfect way to end her day, she wasn't sure what was. She enjoyed every surgery, but a heart transplant, to her, was the best. Jacqueline scrubbed her hands, looking into the OR as everyone was getting prepped. The door opened and Randolph came to her side.

It was thanks to him she was doing this surgery anyways, but part of her wondered if he was expecting something in return. He had been so kind to her, but the talk about the hospital was that it wasn't normal for him to be that kind.

Arrogant was how the other resident's described him. However, they were residents. It could be him being too hard on them, but it was only her second day. She needed to draw her own conclusions.

"Are you ready?" Randolph asked, sticking his hands under the water.

Jacqueline nodded, "I've done enough of these that it feels like it's second nature now." She smiled. "I appreciate that you let me have the surgery."

"Well, you are head of cardio so I figured it would be best for you to do the surgery." Randolph smiled at her.

Jacqueline nodded in understanding, "still. You are chief of surgery so you could've picked someone else or done it yourself. However, all things considered, I still appreciate it. I can only imagine how long this has been planned for."

Being on the donor list was hard, but how long at the patient been on the list for? How long had a new heart been in the works?

"That being said, lets not wait him wait any longer for his heart." Jacqueline smiled, entering the OR with Randolph closely behind her.

***

The surgery had a minor complicated, but Jacqueline had taken care of it rather smoothly. Now, both doctors stood in the patients room. Jacqueline was checking vitals, speaking at the same time.

"So, it was a success?"

Jacqueline smiled, stepping away from the bed so she could look better at the patient. "It was. You'll have to stay a few days so we can monitor how you do with the new heart. However, if everything goes according to plan, you should be able to go home in a few days."

The patient nodded, smiling brighter. "Thank you so much, Doctor Black."

Jacqueline nodded in response. "I'll let you get some sleep. I imagine it has been a long day for you." She gently patted the patients shoulder before exiting, sticking her hands in her coat pockets.

Beside her was Randolph. He had watched the entire surgery and was just more impressed with her the more he wanted her work. "You did wonderful. I definitely see why you're the top cardiothoracic surgeon in the country."

Laughing, Jacqueline shook her head. "I think that's overkill, Doctor Bell. There are many amazing surgeons, not just me." She chuckled more. She would never admit how could she was or that she knew she was good. Anyone could make mistakes, even her. She worked her ass off, she built a reputation, but flattery and a big head would get her no where. 

Hell, it could possibly even go so far as ruining her career. Modesty was a thing, not tooting her own horn was also a thing.

"You're too modest, Doctor Black. Are you ready to head home?" He asked, stopping so he could head to his office and Jacqueline could go the opposite way to get changed.

Jacqueline nodded, "very. I'll meet you outside."

The two went separate ways. Jacqueline could only think about his words. She knew he was right, but she didn't want to get to the position where she believed she was too good and started making mistakes. Mistakes that could potentially ruin her career. She slowly changed from her scrubs into her clothes and started for the exit of the hospital.

Her career had been built on modesty and knowing her limitations. All she wanted to do was work, that was it. She wanted to do her job, save patients lives and go home to her family. The family that knew how hard she worked. There was no being the best, there was only doing her best and providing life saving care.

Jacqueline sighed, adjusting her shirt as she walked to Randolph's car. He wasn't there. She crossed her arms, looking towards town. She could hear the bustling of cars. Least the surgery had distracted her from the real problem in her life, the real sickening part of it all.

As she thought, Randolph walked up beside her, "something wrong?"

Shaking her thoughts aside, Jacqueline gave a smile. "Not at all, just a little tired."

He opened the door for her and she got in as he went over to the drivers side and got in. "Seems like you have something on your mind? You had that look when I came to talk to you during lunch."

Jacqueline chuckled, "observant. It's a long story..."

Randolph started his car and nodded, "well, we have time."