Right As Rain (Complete)

Chapter 22

Hudson

I've gotten used to the sights and sounds of emergency vehicles while living in LA. Until two days ago, they never meant more to me than a slight annoyance. Now, they are a signal to some sort of exigency in which Maelee will undoubtedly be involved. That damn woman should have come with her own flashing lights and sirens of warning. Maybe then, I would have known she was coming. Maybe then, I would have been prepared.

I don't know how long I've been sitting on this bench, and I don't really care. Susan is finally gone but I have yet to force myself back inside. I'm not ready to deal with Jessica and her blatant misunderstanding or Noah and his exorbitant tolerance. I would much rather sit here and watch ambulances come and go from across the street.

All characteristically different, yet similar in their operation, the heavy anticipation of each vehicle's arrival and departure weighs strangely on my chest. The loud wailing of the trucks' siren signals their impending appearance, yet I still find myself surprised when they pull in. I'm anxious during the period of silence between their sirens turning off and the opening of the back doors. When I hear the clattering of equipment and urgent voices of medical staff, I feel relief knowing the person made it here alive.

I haven't seen Maelee in the sea of medical people rushing in and out of the large sliding doors. Perhaps that's why I'm still sitting outside in the middle of the night. I'm a mixture of curiosity and guilt when it comes to her: curious about what she could be doing, and guilty knowing she is about to face a storm of rumors. I think if I could just see her, I would be calm.

Having stories written about me isn't that big a deal. It isn't new. It happens all the time. This is, however, the first time I've given a damn about the other person involved. After one night alone with Maelee, I'm questioning why I ever wasted my time on anyone else. More than once during our late-night junk food escape, I found myself in awe. When she led me to the hospital basement, I hadn't considered taking things further than my obvious flirting. At least not until we get out of this place. I'm more than happy just watching her and listening to her talk.

I almost passed out when she stepped into my arms. Jesus Christ, that was awesome. I wanted to kiss her so damn bad. Fucking doctor had to ruin it. It's probably for the best. Kissing her here wouldn't be right and the more I know her, the more I want to do everything right by her. So far, I'm doing a shit job. I answered one stupid text from Susan and it ruined everything.

From what I can tell, Maelee is a reasonable person. If I'm able to explain what happened, maybe she will understand. Before I realize what's happening, my feet are carrying me towards the hospital entrance to find her.

My heart pounds with nervous excitement when I get to Maelee's office. I've stood outside this door more than I'm proud to admit. I like watching when she's unaware; when she's completely focused and unapologetically herself. I find it adorable that she kicks her shoes off when she sits at her desk. I love how she chews on a pen and twirls the ends of her hair while she is concentrating on whatever is in front of her. She's relaxed when she's alone; much different than when patients and nurses are around. In the company of others, she is the epitome of professionalism and poise. She stands tall and, for the most part, keeps her expression straight. I wonder if anyone else has noticed these little things about her. I hope not. It took a lot of watching for me to catch on. I convince myself I'm not stalking; I'm observing.... I would still prefer if no one else has had the opportunity to observe her this closely.

Maelee is facing the window with her back to me. She is talking slowly into a small recorder and rubbing her forehead with frustration. I'm lucky to have finished my grade ten so I don't really understand what she's saying. Instead, I focus on the way her mouth rounds with each slowly enunciated vowel. I'm unsure of her accent; it's not like most I've heard in America. Jessica has a similar type drawl, though hers isn't nearly as enthralling.