The Smile

XV - Smiles covered by masks

   The behavior of Dr Dearing got worst. Examiners were around her these days, asking for reports, or even worse, seeing her working. Being watched and judged was not pleasant at all for her. She had informed Madam Eldestein of this critical situation, but Lisa wasn't very pleased of these negotiations. "You're a dentist for god sake ! Do your job ! You shouldn't be stressed all day!! Pressure is motivation, normally.." It wasn't for her.

Claire had two panic attacks this same afternoon. When the evening came, she tried to find a moment to calm down, a small pause away from the tension she kept in her. She was tormented. Entering in the quiet common room, she falls on a chair, facing an empty bag of blue gloves, next to a huge pile of files.

Eva Mandell quickly runs at her, concerned about her attitude. She was not wearing her blouse, since she was about to finish the day.

" What's happening ?"

Claire preferred not to answer, had an idea why she was more and more tensed than usual.

"Relax. Let yourself go ! Eva helps."

And her friend was right. Claire stands up. She breathes twice. Her face looked clear in a second, by a miraculous and magical act.

"How do I look ?"

She displays a determined gaze, and a smirk drawing her face. Eva stares at her. A bit surprised, confused, by her sudden changement. The friendly one tries to find something to say.

"You look.. normal ?

) Perfect."

Before asking another detail, Dr Dearing leaves her notebook and walks away.

Dr Elizabeth Darcy meets Dr Eva Mandell.

"Hi Eva ! How .. are you ? You're okay ?"

She was puzzled.

"I just saw Claire, she was..

- The word you're looking for is .. weird. Which is normal for her, don't worry."

She agrees and grabs Claire's notebook.

Dr Dearing walks in Dr Wylde's treatment room. Sam was washing her hands without saying a word. When she heard Claire coming in, she stops and smiles a bit. She couldn't hide her enjoyment.

"How are you today, Dr Dearing ? She brings."

The called one tries to hide her joy, such a compliment was another torment she had to endure. Noticing Sam's hungry eyes, she lets herself go.

Claire falls in the chair at the center of the office. The dentist slides on her stool to her. Seeing her rolling her sleeves, the reddish patient was intimated.

"Don't look at me like that.

- Why is that ? You're in my chair."

They giggle. Dr Wylde puts a mask on, joking. She tries to imitate her colleague, a freak and always anxious. Claire is amused. She grabs Sam's exhausted face to hers, and takes out her mask.

"I can't do this without you."

She tries to step back, looking down at her feet. She finds herself shy and intimidated. Before she could escape, Claire sweeps her lips on hers. Sam didn't loose a single eye of this cold kiss. She was too busy feeling the touch of her lips. Her lips were a bit trembling, but the kiss tasted cherry.

"I..I..am sorry..

- Shut up and kiss me again."

She grabs her by her hips, pushing her in the chair. Files falls on the floor.