The Smile

IX - Gossips and sips of coffee

  Dr Cate Beckett met Dr Eva Mandell and Dr Audrey Martin during a break. Their discussion let them maunder into subjects never mentioned. In fact, these topics were said as forbidden, non-conventional : love at work.

Many relations between doctors, employees, secretaries, were known and submitted to silence. They were only presented in a very low voice, during chitchats. Of course, rules and policies were a barrier to these non-professional connections. Interns learned for sure not to break them, to respect them.

Cate, Eva and Audrey know the impossibly to resist any form of tentation : romance, closeted relationships, silent talks, pleasure.

Being seduced was a way of escaping the pressure, and harsh days.

Melting hearts between operations were undercover in plastic and sterilized talks, letting a small place to treatments of the heart.

Cate, Eva and Audrey had already experienced all of this. They desire, and aspire to more and more tentations.

"..Marcus with her..?

- Yes I know. Quite disgusting.

- I can't believe what you're saying.

- I think they're cute !

- Come on.. Sam deserved better.

- They are both annoying as hell.

- We all know their story will not last long.

- He just wants sex.

- She wishes for a long term relationship.

- It won't work..."

Deeply in them, the three were wishing for freedom. An escape, during a short time, from this constant rush. By joking, mocking, barking on young romances, young couples, they wished they could feel it again.

Madam Lisa Eldestein was sipping a cup of earl grey when she asked for Amy, the new intern of cardiology to come in.

"Sit."

Silence was saying it all. Amy knew the reason of such a meeting.

"Have you read the policy of this hospital, Miss Cooper ?"

The director wasn't even looking at Amy. She was used to these forms of speeches. Through the large glass window she was only focusing on the arrivals and departures in the big hall.

"I .. I can explain."

The tone in Amy's voice was filled of fear.

"You wanted to taste it. I get it."

Amy stops. Her cheeks are burning. She looks like an idiot, a naive girl. Finally, Madam Lisa Eldestein turns at her.

"You wanted to know what love felt like."

She walks directly at her, eyes on her.

"I was once tempted to taste this pleasure as well. The temptation grown and grown every day.. "

Her voice was slow and expressed a bit of yearning.

"He was sweet. He was generous and a hard-worker. Every girl, intern, new recruit, had a crush on him. Handsome, talented, mysterious. The classic.

My father fired him, and protected me. I was lately informed this man was only here for seduction. May I explain.. his only purpose was to seducing me, and getting my virginity away, as also my money, my fame, my reputation."

Amy is shocked. The tone had changed quite fast. She was concerned about her superior's sincerity.

"I..I..

- You can understand.. Don't you want to be a great doctor ?

- Yes..I do.. I really do.

- Then, please, respect yourself and refuse."

Lisa turns back at the window, showing her back to Amy.

"You may leave now."

Amy stands up, and goes away without saying a word.

Elizabeth leaves the stool, getting another tray. Gal washes her hands, thinking about her husband waiting at home. She leaves a smile, under Alex's professional gaze. Dr Ryder leaves her treatment room. Closing the door, she catches a sight of Dr Darcy smoking outside. Her lips were still trembling after what she had experienced this day.

Dr Simon leaves the hospital, head full of tasks, arms full of files. Before turning the key in the engine, he catches the sight of Dr Eva Mandell. She was smoking with Dr Elizabeth Darcy.

Note of the author :

I know.. another small chapter, but this one serves as a transition to others, and I hope it will arouse your curiosity. Thanks for your support ! And enjoy ;)