The Smile

VII - Tensed breaks

  Alex and Gal were gossiping in the hallway between treatments and tasks. The morning break had ring a bell inside their heads : time for discussions. These moments were short. They could not stop laughing. Dr Hedstater was closed to be first on the challenge, but Dr Ryder was not close. She knew the reward was important. Claire rushes in, with her notebook in her arms. On the phone, she was planning schedules, cares and appointments, a family dinner. At the same time. Busy. Alex and Gal explode of laughs when seeing her acting like a complete maniac, a freak. They knew Dr Dearing was not winning it, she was off the competition.

Dr Elizabeth Darcy walks across the hallway, towards the direction of another office. Catching the sight of Ryder, she waves at her politely and pushes the glass door to enter. Ryder stops laughing, waves at her under the suspicious eyes of Gal. Her friend and help tries to build the puzzle out of this curious relation.

"Told you, she is nice.., just nice.. the dentist defended herself.

- She is not being nice, she is either in love, or she needs something. Gal replies.

- She needed me, she called me, I helped.

- Yes, well now you're trapped.

- Trapped ?

- Let's say, you're bewitched.

- What ?

- I have to go, bye. See you after lunch !"

Gal escapes, letting a big laugh out. Alex bites her lip.

Elizabeth pushes the door, letting an access to a common living area.

Cate was washing her hands when she noticed her friend wondering.

"So.. You've seen her..

- Yes.

- How ?

- I had this pain... I had to get my third molars extract and..

- ..She played doctor ! Wow. She really is sexy !

- We didn't..

- You wish.

- Oh please, Cate. Stop. I really have to get closer to her..Wait.. I have a plan.

- You're fast.

- Really ?

- I'm joking ! Don't blush already.. I have a tiny break now, are you coming with me ?

- I.. gotta go to work.

- Yes.

- Bye !

- Bye."

Elizabeth walks away from Cate. The two go in separate ways. Dr Darcy goes downstairs and meets, again, Dr Ryder :

"Hey. Alex !"

- Oh hi again, Dr Darcy.

- Please call me Elizabeth.. When nobody's around..

- Alright.. You needed something ?

- Yes, in fact.. I was asked by the director, to help you with techniques and details.. I am thinking of working with you.

- Still with the challenge thing on ? Yes, of course. Any time.

- Yes. Let's say.. right now ?

- Okay. I have to meet Miss Marble, Lena, I think. She needs a check up. That's all.

- Great. Okay. Should we use your treatment room or..?

- Yes. It's settled in mine. Is that okay..?

- Yes, for sure.

- She's here already.

- Go get her, I'll wait for you in your room.

- Thanks."

Dr Darcy smiles. She had found the perfect alibi. And the perfect student.

She moves to the second floor. Claire was going in the opposite way, directly at Dr Sam Wylde. Dr Dearing was panicking, breathing heavily. Sam approaches, gently. Concerned about such a manifestation of her colleague's anxiousness, she tries to find something clever to do. She whispers in her ear :

"It's okay I got this."