Scenes From a Soap Opera

The Chief of Staff Battle

Elena Dawson walked into the Chief of Staff's office after receiving a summons. She was confused; the young doctor had spent the walk over racking her brains for any indiscretion she might have committed.

"Elena?" She turned around to see Nate walking into the office. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I got a message from Dr. Davis asking me to meet her here."

"That's funny. I got the same message."

"Weird." Elena muttered. Before they could continue their conversation, the esteemed Dr. Davis entered her office.

"Hello. Hello," She started. "I'm sorry I'm late, a doctor's work is never done."

"It's fine Dr. Davis." Nate said.

"We understand." Elena added.

Dr. Helen Davis nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate your understanding. Now, I'm sure you're both wondering why I asked to see you."

Nate and Elena shared a look. "It's come up." Elena coyly responded. All three chuckled.

"I won't keep you in suspense any longer. I'm turning sixty-five next April and when I do, I intend to retire both as chief of staff and from the hospital. You two are my top picks to be my replacement."

Nate and Elena shared another, much more loaded look. This was a huge opportunity; one they'd be stupid to squander.

"Wow Helen, that's big news." Nate stated, shock still evident in his voice. Elena furiously nodded in agreement.

"I'm glad you both think so." Helen chuckled. "I didn't drop this on you two to scare you or make you nervous. You're both excellent doctors, either one of you would make an excellent chief of staff. I want you to be prepared and focused. I'm going to be watching you both over the next few weeks before I make my decision. May the best doctor win."

"I will." Nate and Elena responded simultaneously. Each looked at the other in shock as Helen stared in amusement from behind her desk. The game was on.