What If I

Part 3: Keycard to Heaven

Helen was more than excited to head into work this morning. Her heart still fluttering with the thoughts of the night before. True, working half a saturday would normally make her irritated, but this morning, she radiates joy like no one has ever seen before. Sauntering through the atrium and out to the elevators, she hums a catchy tune she heard on the radio this morning when she took her shower. The hospital around her seems tuned out from her bliss and she is perfectly fine with that, even when she passes Castro- who looks at her with a glint of anger in her eyes.

Joyful and ready for the day to start, she takes the elevator up to Oncology and exits, heading to her office. Immediately entering the room, Helen feels a bit off- as if someone else has been in her office recently. Looking around there seems to be nothing stolen, that she can tell. Going behind her desk, she sits down and there on  her open laptop is proof that someone entered her personal space. On her laptop, held up between the keys, is a purple envelope with her name on it and a Hersey Kiss she knows wasn't there yesterday. It takes her by surprise, because she never receives mail at the office that isn't for her filing cabinet. Taking it, she opens it up and it's a pretty card- adorned with 3D flowers made of pressed together tissue paper. It's very lovely and unique. Opening it up, she reads-

Dear Helen,

     Good morning! I had a lot of fun last night and I hope you did as well. You looked very beautiful- you always do. I'm hoping you will accept this Kiss as a sign of my gratitude.

     Have a wonderful day! Don't work too hard.

Sincerely,
                Max

P.S: I know that's not the kind of kiss you were thinking of, but it's the best I could do for now. Enjoy!

Leaning back in her chair, Helen swivels a bit from side to side, just holding the card to her chest. She can't help smiling like an idiot. Looking at the Hersey Kiss, she laughs to herself and places it in her drawer for safe keeping. He was right, it wasn't the kind of kiss she expected nor dreamt of all last night, but it was a reminder of Max's whimsy and humor. Taking the card, she places it back in it's envelope and lays it in the desk drawer as well. Better not let people know she went on a date with the medical director, no matter how close she is to him.

As she goes through her normal routine of checking on patients, doing exams, and biopsies- Helen remains happy through all of it. Checking the clock in the hallway, it's 4:30. Five more minutes and she's done for the weekend. Every thing is running smoothly for her, until Valentina stops her on her way to her office.

"Helen, having a good day?" Castro says with a smile and her words laced with poison.

"In fact I am. Thanks for asking." Helen goes to pass her and Castro opens her mouth once more.

"I hope you didn't have anything planned for tonight. I need you to stay a full shift." Trying to bite back her anger- Helen calmly turns around and looks at Valentina.

"Can't someone else take it. I'm sure there's someone needing the extra money."

"Yes, well, I asked you. In fact, it has become clear to me that you have been lackadaisical with your work lately. We can't have that, now can we, Helen?" Castro has a wicked grin on her perfectly contoured face. Helen tightens her fists and then releases them.

"How, may I ask, have I been lackadaisical? When I've seen more patients and have done more biopsies than half the doctors in this department."

"I gave you an order. I expect you to do as your told. Isn't that what you used to tell me?" Valentina starts to walk off and continues talking. "I expect to have finished paperwork on my desk by Monday morning."