Camden Vaile

Wednesday, April 22nd

When I woke up this morning I felt light and chipper. I had to laugh because I usually didn't wake up with a smile on my face. It was all Joel's fault and it felt great.

I showered and then ate some oatmeal. I left a little early so that I could run by Penny's room before my rounds started. I pulled into the parking lot at the same time as Joel.

When he parked beside me and got out I said, "Are you stalking me?"

He wagged his eyebrows at me and said, "You want me to?" and he handed me a coffee.

I said on a laugh, "If you're bringing me coffee you can stalk me all you want." He grinned and then brought my face to his for a long good morning kiss.

When he pulled back just a little I smiled and said, "Hi."

He said, "Hi," and gave me another quick kiss. Then he took my hand and started for the hospital. As we headed to the elevator he said, "Our friend gets released today."

I said, "I know. I'm going to miss her."

He grinned and said, "Yeah she's a riot."

When we walked into her room together she grinned really big and said, "I knew it!"

I let out a laugh and said, "So you've been saying all along." I gave her a hug and whispered, "Thanks," in her ear.

She squeezed me back and then as I went to get Cameron she talked with Joel. I picked him up and cuddled with him. He opened his eyes and squirmed then smiled and went back to sleep. I leaned down to give him a kiss as Joel put his hands on my shoulders. I leaned back against him so he could reach around and run his hand over all that soft, black hair.

Penny said, "Awww... you two look so cute together. I hope you guys get married and have a bunch of kids."

My breathing just stopped and Joel's hand clinched on my shoulder. He was the first to recover and let out a short, nervous laugh. All I managed was, "Mmmm...."

As I turned to take Cameron to her she said, "What? That's my prediction."

I just shook my head and said, "Ok... well when we reach that point you'll be the first to know. But for now... let us get comfortable with this first stage."

She sniggered and said, "Sorry, but I like your optimism!"

I snorted and gave her Cameron. I told her, "Where's your cell? I'm gonna put my number in there so we can keep in touch."

She handed it to me and said, "Good! I wanted to ask but was afraid I would over step myself."

Joel laughed and said, "You?"

She grinned and said, "Yeah well. You shouldn't be complaining because it helped you get the girl."

Joel put his arms around me and said, "No complaints here." We said our good byes and went to round up our students.

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Joel's group was working in Physical Therapy today while my group worked in the ER. My day was non-stop and full of a whole ray of medical issues. I loved every minute of it.

Joel on the other hand was surely bored to tears... well maybe not if perky Bianca was there. I had to stop myself. That wasn't fair and she had even said herself that he only had eyes for me. I was smiling when the elderly gentleman I was working on said, "You must be in love."

I stopped what I was doing and just looked at him. I said with an uncertain smile, "What makes you say that?"

He patted my hand and said, "When a pretty young thing can be working her fingers to the bone and still smile... she's found love."