Butterflies

Talking

As Shawn sat down in front of me, I couldn't think of what to say. He caught me completely off guard and now, I am just sitting here shocked. He must of sensed it because he immediately said "Sorry if I surprised you, I thought you could use some company". His smile was gleaming.

"Oh, no you're fine. I guess company would be nice." I said. I could tell how red my cheeks were just from seeing him. He kept smiling at me and even chuckled a little bit.

"So what are you working on?" he asked.

"Patient records and charts. I was so busy this week that I didn't have time to update them until now" I sighed. "But, I'm basically finished which is good". The grin on his face was so big, it was almost ear to ear.

"Hey, do you have one for me?" he asked, clearly as a joke.

"Actually, yes, I do. I did it earlier." I said. "Do you wanna see?"

Shawn moved from the seat across from me to the one on my left. I shifted my computer so both of us could see, then pulled up his file. Since we were sitting so close to each other, I could feel the warmth of his body. I couldn't help but smile and try to move a little closer.

"I'm actually not supposed to be showing you this right now, so keep it a secret, but here is your file." I said. "It shows all of your medical history, including check ups, orthodontic treatment, small dental procedures, and treatments scheduled for the future, which for you would be your wisdom teeth removal. We have your headshot and basic personal information, which is required, along with your emergency contacts. Every time you come into the office we have to update this record."

Shawn and I spent several more minutes talking about his record and everything on it. He seemed amazed at everything he could find. He asked lots of questions which I was more than happy to answer.

"You really like talking about your job, don't you?" he said.

"Well, I love it and not many people really want to hear about it." I laughed.

"Yeah, thats true. Speaking of that, my sister, Aaliyah, has an appointment on Monday at your office and I have to take her. She always gets super nervous before going to the dentist and I don't know how to help her." Shawn said. He actually seemed pretty concerned about the situation. "Its like, she's all fine until she has to go, then she shuts down and refuses to do anything." he said. He looked up at me, hoping I had an answer. Luckily for him, I deal with this every day.

"Look, I have patients all the time who are scared or nervous. I agree, it is a very vulnerable position to be in, but it needs to be done. Just do your best to keep her distracted and calm. Tell her about how well your appointment went and make sure she knows that she is only getting a cleaning, nothing else. Its important that she feels safe and comfortable." I said. "If you want, I can make sure she has me as her hygienist. She might be less nervous if she knows you got the same thing done by the same person."

"Yeah, I think thats a good idea." Shawn said. I pulled up my schedule for Monday and looked over my patients.

"Yes. I do have Aaliyah Mendes under my name. I will be doing the cleaning for her".

Shawn smiled and relaxed a bit. I could tell he really wanted me to be Aaliyah's hygienist.

"Anyway, enough talk about work." I said. "How did you know I was here? Are you stalking me or something?" I asked jokingly. Both of us broke out in laughter.

"No, I swear. This is just a coincidence." he said between laughs.

"Whatever, I'm glad you are here." I said. After those words came out of my mouth, I realized what I had said. Embarrassment flushed through my body. I looked up at Shawn, who was beaming with joy. I guess he heard what I said, which only made me more embarrassed.

"I'm glad I am here too... with you." he said. Both of us just looked at each other for awhile. Our eyes filled with wonder and bliss.

"Now, the real question. When are you going to eat that banana bread?" he said merrily, breaking the silence. I hit him playfully on the arm before saying "go get another fork, stupid". We enjoyed the last bits before James came over to us.

"Sorry Rach but we are closing in a few minutes." he said.

"Oh my gosh, have I really been here that long?" I said with mixed emotions. I looked at the time on my phone, reading ten o'clock. "Wow, I better get going then." I said grabbing my stuff. Shawn got up from the seat and came with me out the door.

"Would you mind if I walked you home?" he asked.

"Not one bit" I smiled. The two of us walked down the path to my apartment building, talking about our lives. Our talk ended too quickly as we arrived at my place.

"Before I go, can I get your phone number?" he asked politely.

"Sure!" I said, grabbing his phone. I typed in my information and handed it back to him.

"What, no profile picture?" he teased.

"Fine" I chuckled. He held up his phone and I took a step back. The flash went off as he took the picture. "Is that good enough for you?" I teased back.

"Wonderful" he smirked. "I guess this is goodbye for tonight. See you on Monday!" he beamed.

"Yeah, goodnight." I replied. And with that, he was gone.