Loving Him

s i x

I stood behind the portable computer as I did the charting for my shift. I took a quick glance down at my assigned hall, looking for any lights that would be on in front of the rooms to indicate that someone needed help. To my dismay and utter boredom, there wasn't. So I decided to head down to the hall next to me to say a quick "hi" to one of my good friends who also worked alongside me.

Peeking through the neighboring hall, a smile split across my face as I saw Braden's figure looming over his portable computer. I guess the poor guy was also doing dreadful charts.

"Braden!" I whisper-yelled as I cupped my hands around my mouth, trying to gain his attention.

His mop of curly blond hair whipped around to face me and he gave me a smile and a wave, motioning me to come over.

"Hey, hey, hey." I chimed as I elbowed him lightly in the side as I came to stood by him.

"How's my beautiful Belle?" Braden asked with a quick smile that was shot my way before he turned back to his computer.

Braden Somers. My childhood friend. In fact, I would go as far as to say he's my best friend but Adam is my best friend now. Your spouses should be your best friends. I would also feel like I was cheating if I labeled Braden as my best friend over my own husband. Nevertheless, Braden and I do go far back. In fact, our moms were best friends and so Braden and I became good friends also. I've known Braden since he was in his diapers, literally. He was the brother that I never had and I was thankful for him.

"I'm good! You?" I inquired.

"I'm always great." Braden said, smiling at his screen. It was true. Braden always mediated for at least 15 minutes everyday and I could see why he always called himself a hippie. He was just a very positive person with a nice aura. That's why everyone loved Braden. If you didn't, there was something horribly wrong with you.

"You and your nauseating positive mindset." I teased, wrinkling my nose.

Braden gave my nose a quick pinch and laughed when I balled my fists in front of my chest in a mock fighting stance.

"Calm down, Tiger." He chuckled as he rolled his eyes at me.

I rolled my eyes at him in response and let my hands down. "Do you need help with anything? My hall is basically dead." I groaned as I shoved my hands into my scrub pockets.

"I'm glad you asked!" Brayden exclaimed as he tore his attention away from his computer screen and to me. "I got a new client in my hall today and apparently he requires two people to assist him in the shower because he's kind of...rowdy."

"Hm." I hummed to myself. I've helped "rowdy" clients before so this shouldn't be any different. "I can help you! Like I said, I'm bored to death." I said with a grin.

"Great! Then let's get started." Braden said as he grabbed my wrist and guided me to the front of the patient's door.

Braden gave two knocks on the door and then opened the door to the patient's room. A horrible stench wafted its way into my nostrils once I closed the door behind us and I couldn't help but gag internally. I glanced at Braden and he too seemed to be caught aback because he gave me a knowing look. Oh boy. I bet it's diarrhea.

"Alright, Mr. Collins. We're going to shower you today, okay?" Braden stated as he walked towards a heap of blankets on top of the bed.

A low grunt responded to Braden.

I nodded to Braden and helped the man named Mr. Collins out of his bed and into his wheelchair.