Scars Of A Phoenix

Chapter 3: Have We Met?

Weeks had gone by and I had yet to receive a single text from Ralph. Yet, he was seldom far from my thoughts. When heading to work each morning, I would wonder what Ralph was up to, what was he wearing today, and if I would ever see him again.

Oh this is ridiculous, I thought. The guy is practically a stranger. No, he is a stranger. What the hell. I don't even know the guy's last name. Why in fuck's sake am I so worked up over him. He'd have texted me ages ago if he were interested.

Still, those blue eyes and warm smile were difficult to forget.

"Hey. Earth to Sarah-Mae. Do you come in? Over. Over", teased Ms. Mueller.

I jerked my head around to meet her inquisitive gaze. "Oh, sorry. Long night. Just zoned out I guess."

"You okay, Hun?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just alot on my mind."

Ms. Mueller moved an enormous stack of papers so that she could see me better. "You know I'm here with an ear to listen. It seems the past few weeks somethings really been troubling you. Is Nurse Blob giving you hell again? Oops," smirked Ms. Mueller. "You won't tell anyone I said that, right?"

"Oh no, it's nothing like that. Just some um, personal things I'm dealing with." I struggled to stay focused on the database I was supposed to be plugging numbers into.

"Hmm, a young man perhaps? Look, I was a youngin once. Why don't you tell me all about it. Getting it off your chest helps alot. Believe me," Ms. Mueller cajoled with a kind smile.

"Well, um, actually yes. I met someone a few weeks back at a Halloween party. And he was hilarious and sweet and we couldn't stop talking to one another all night. I lost track of my friends." I sighed adding, "And I left him my phone number thinking of course we'll continue getting to know each other. But I never heard back from him. So I guess that's that."

"Oh, Hun. He's just one guy you happened to meet at a bar. He's just off doing his own little thing in his own little world. You just might have dodged a bullet. But you know what? And please forgive me the cliche, but everything happens for a reason and if you do cross paths with him again, thar will be for a reason too. For now, just try your best to remember that he's just a guy you met at a bar. There are plenty of other fish in the sea and you have lots of good going on in your life." Ms. Mueller shared some of her chewy chocolate chip cookies with me and continued, "Look, I've seen a huge improvement in your work here and that's a great thing." She gently tapped me on the shoulder, "And speaking of work, Doctor Jennings asked me to give you a heads up for your assignment for next week."

I cringed wondering what miserable job Dr. Jennings would have me do. He'd probably give me a million papers to staple together or some joyous task like that.

"So, he wants you to man the front desk and check the guests in next Saturday for the fundraising event. Ms. Fraser will be heading out a little early for her Thanksgiving vacation that weekend."

"Oh okay, cool. What's the fundraising event for?"

"Oh our burn unit does an event each year for our patients and their families. It's called Phoenix Hearts."

"Sure, I'll be there."

I can't believe how quickly time has raced past. It feels only yesterday was the start of summer after graduation. Now, here we are a week before Thanksgiving.

I always loved this time of year: the smell of turkey snaking its way through each room of the house, the hearty taste of fresh cider, and of course the anticipatory joy of heading up to Grandma's. When she was alive, she made the holidays magical. There would always be an early Christmas present for Tanya and I to take home. She'd even send me home with a gift for Nadia each year. And of course, all of the aunts, uncles and cousins would gather to celebrate.