Strangest Circumstances
Chapter 3
“Thanks, Dr Morgan.”
“That’s not a problem Andrew. I’m glad the surgery went ok.” Katya smiled. The man had broken his arm, and required simple surgery. Having checked the charts and found he was now resting in a private room, Kat had gone to make sure he was ok. It was a particular character trait of hers; if she started something, she would see it through to the end. The nurses joked that she lived at the hospital, and was married to the patients. Katya never contested this; it was true that she spent more time in the ER or doing rounds than she did at the tiny little hole she called home.
She smiled at the nurse as she left Andrew’s room. Only one more patient and then she could go home and crash. At least, for a few hours she could.
~*~
Rounding the corner, she asked the nurse on duty for the file. The nurse smiled, “Oh, the little Mathers girl? She’s still in surgery. Anna came out a little while ago, she might be able to give you more details…oh, look, here comes Dr Greenway.”
Katya turned. She was standing at the nurse’s station, several metres from the waiting area. She could see Eminem, pacing around the small waiting room, which was separated by a glass wall from the nurse’s area.
Coming through the double doors from one end of the waiting area was Surgeon Anthony Greenway. He’d been the operating surgeon for Hailie. Marshall looked up at him, as the doctor was heading towards the younger man. But before he got there, he was intercepted. Kat craned her head to see who’d stopped Dr Greenway, and nearly groaned when she saw who it was. What the hell is Wallace doing here? She thought.
After a few brief words, Dr Greenway turned and went back through the restricted section. Tomas headed towards Marshall, who was eyeing him warily. Katya could see a confrontation brewing, and made her way in the direction of the two men.
“I wanna fucking know what’s happening to my daughter!” Em said, as soon as Tomas reached him.
The doctor eyed him disdainfully, before responding coldly, “Your daughter will be fine. Surgery went well, they’ve taken her to recovery. Have a nice evening.” And with that, he swept off.
Katya had been listening to the entire exchange, standing just a couple of feet behind Marshall. She watched the emotions flood across the rapper’s face. His eyes closed and he stumbled slightly, as if relief had physically hit him. Then his eyes sprung open, and he opened his mouth to ask a question, but Dr Wallace had already left.
It was amazing how easily the expressions on his face could be read, Kat thought. She knew it must be because he was too tired and wrung out to keep his expertly crafted mask in place, the one that usually prevented anyone from getting too close. He looked confused, for a second, as if he couldn’t work out where Tomas had gone. The comprehension dawned, and his eyes narrowed in anger. Katya figured this was probably the best time to intervene.
“He’s a bastard, isn’t he?”
Marshall whirled around, startled. He relaxed slightly as he saw the petite woman in front of him. “Yeah…it’s not just me then? He’s always such a faggot?”
Kat smiled slightly. “It’s not just you, though you are rather a sore spot for him. But he’s like that with almost everyone.”
Marshall just nodded, distracted. “Aiight, hey, I saw you earlier, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, I helped down in the ER.”
“That’s right…sorry, everything’s kinda blurry.” Marshall gave her a wry half-smile.
“That’s ok, you’re worried about your daughter. I presume you want to know exactly what’s going on?”
Marshall nodded, shoving his hands into the pockets of his sweat pants. “Yeah, that fag didn’t tell me nuthin’, just that Hai-Hai was gonna be ok.”
Kat scowled when she remembered Tomas’s words. “I know. I should report him for the way he’s acted tonight, and on behalf of the rest of the un-prejudiced staff, I apologize.”
“It’s aiight, I’m used to it.”
“You shouldn’t be.” Kat said firmly. He looked at her in surprise, and she fought to keep from blushing under the suddenly intense gaze. “Anyway, about Hailie… Come with me and I’ll get the details.”
Marshall followed the doctor over to the nurse’s station. He was so far beyond relief; he couldn’t even put words to what he was feeling. He felt like singing, and dancing and generally making a fool of himself. Either that, or killing that fucking doctor, that man. He was relieved to see this woman again. Well, he thought as he surreptitiously checked out her ass, relief might not be the right word.
“Ok, Hailie’s had semi-serious surgery, which means, while not a small operation, it could have been a lot worse. She has a fractured arm, some cuts and abrasions, and most seriously, a wooden spike punctured her intestines and grazed a few of her major organs.” Kat read from the file, which the surgeon had just updated.
“But she’s gonna be ok?” Marshall broke in, needing reassurance after hearing how bad his daughter’s injuries were.
“Yes, with some minor rehab she’ll be fine.” Kat smiled slightly, understanding his anxiousness.
“Rehab?” Marshall’s brow furrowed, what did drugs and booze have to do with anything?
“Like, some minor physiotherapy when her arm gets out of the cast, and some exercises to help her insides heal properly.”
“Oh,” Marshall nodded. “Aiight, that kinda rehab. I thought you were talkin’ bout drugs and shit.”
Kat grinned. “No, definitely not. Although, speaking of drugs, we will have her on some pain medication, providing you don’t object.”
“Hell no! I don’t wanna see my baby girl in pain,” Marshall said emphatically.
“I figured that was the case. Now, I presume you want to go and see her?”
Marshall looked at her. “Fuck yes! I’ve been asking all fuckin’ night what the hell they were doing to my baby, and they ain’t been telling me anything, and they wouldn’t let me see her…”
“I’m afraid there does tend to be a break down in communication between what’s happening to the patients and what their relatives are hearing. But anyway, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to Hailie.”
Marshall again followed the little doctor, who was now taking him to his baby girl. Now that’d he gotten over the initial shock and relief of hearing his baby was going to be ok, he paid a bit more attention to his guide. First off, he thought, she looks too fucking young to be a doctor. She barely looked to be of legal drinking age, though Marshall guessed she had to be a bit older than that. After all, becoming a doctor and shit took years, right?
But then, apart from how old she looked, she was tiny. Couldn’t have been more than 5’4’’, Marshall thought. She had black hair, but by comparison, startling blue eyes. Really blue eyes, more so than his even. While Em’s eyes were often described as ‘ice-like’, the good doctor had sapphire coloured irises.
“Still with me?” Katya asked, glancing over her shoulder to see that Marshall still followed.
“Still here…hey, I never got your name.” Marshall glanced at her shirt to see if she wore a nametag, and pretended not to notice her cleavage. The top she was wearing was hardly revealing; indeed, the burgundy turtleneck showed no skin at all. It did, however, hug her generous figure. Hmm, Marshall thought, curvy in all the right places…
“Dr Katya Morgan…but you can call me Kat, if you want.” Katya said, a little shyly. It was just starting to sink in that she was talking to Eminem, her favourite artist. She wasn’t about to go all hysterical groupie, but it was a bit unbelievable.
“Kat...” Marshall said, gazing at her thoughtfully.
“What?” She asked, nervous under his stare.
“It suits you, dat’s all.” Marshall said nonchalantly. But, out of the corner of his eye, he kept watching her. Her skin, instead of being pale like he would have expected, was a light olive in colour. It looked like she had a tan, but Marshall thought, somehow, that it was not sun induced. It seemed more like one of her parents had had darker skin, though working out what nationality they would have been to give their daughter tan skin, black hair and blue eyes, was beyond Marshall’s current brain capacity.
“Ok, here’s Recovery.” Kat announced as they reached another pair of double doors. She was unaware of her companion’s scrutiny of her physical features, and of the delicate, graceful way in which she walked. “Now, Hailie will probably look pretty beat up, so don’t be too shocked when you see her. She’s had a rough night, and if she’s even awake she’ll probably be fairly groggy from the anaesthetic.” Kat warned Marshall.
“’K.” Em said, fidgeting. He was anxious to see his daughter.
“I’m sure I don’t have to tell you not to excite her, or upset her.” Kat said a little wryly. Marshall nodded, he understood.
Katya made her way swiftly through the Recovery. She’d been there many times, and understood how the ‘filing system’ for patients worked. Within scant seconds they were standing in front of a bed. Kat looked at the occupant, agape.
“DADDY!” Hailie yelled happily. She was lying down, propped up only slightly by a pillow, as she couldn’t move much because of her torn up side.
“Hai-Hai!” Marshall rushed forward, gently enveloping his little daughter in a heartfelt hug. “You’re awake!” Em looked quizzically at Kat, who was as astounded as him. She’d been expecting an unconscious, or barely lucid patient.
The orderly who’d been talking to Hailie came to stand next to Katya. “Hi, Doctor Morgan.”
“Good evening…Scott.” Kat glanced hastily at the young man’s nametag. There were so many orderlies; she occasionally forgot someone’s name. And, it had been a long night. Luckily, Mathew didn’t notice the Doc’s slight foe par.
“I’m surprised to see her awake.” Kat looked at Mathew. “I would have thought she’d be out of it.”
The orderly shrugged. “You know how it is, sometimes we get a patient who just wakes up really fast. Occasionally the anaesthetic doesn’t really make them drowsy at all.”
Kat nodded, she knew that sometimes happened. She just didn’t expect that Hailie, after suffering such a major trauma to her body, would recover so quickly. Still, she was glad to see the little girl was ok.
“Hailie, this is one of the nice doctors who helped you.” Marshall said, pointing in Kat’s direction.
“No, silly, Mathew’s just an orderly.” Hailie corrected her father, thinking he was talking about the young man in the blue uniform.
“I mean, Doctor Morgan there,” this time Marshall pointed to Kat specifically. It was only then that he realised she was wearing only civilian clothes, and the doctor’s coat he vaguely recalled from earlier was gone. Of course, he’d noted her clothing on their walk to Recovery, but it hadn’t connected with the fact that she should have been wearing more official gear.
Kat, hearing her name, turned. She blushed when she realised to identical pairs of baby blue eyes were watching her, the elder pair drawn together in a slight frown.
“Daddy, she’s not wearing doctor clothes,” Hailie pointed out to her father.
“I know…. what happened to you coat and sh… stuff?” Marshall caught himself before he swore in front of Hailie.
“Oh,” Kat looked down at her outfit, before back up at Marshall. “I’m uh, officially off duty as of…about 40 minutes ago. However, I always go and see all my patients before I leave, so…”
“You came to see me?” Hailie asked, excited at the thought of a visitor.
“That’s right sweetie, just wanted to check that you were feeling ok after surgery.” Kat smiled warmly at the adorable little girl.
“I feel much better! They sewed me up inside…and I have stitches outside too!” Hailie proudly informed her guest.
“That’s great, I’m glad you feel better.” Kat couldn’t believe how cute the child was…or how much she resembled her father. “Mr Mathers,” the doctor turned to meet the rapper’s eyes, “I should warn you, Hailie recovered very quickly from the anaesthetic, and in my experience that generally means she’ll probably have a stronger reaction to it later. Expect some nausea and some vomiting.”
Marshall nodded, looking at his daughter with adoration. “She’ll be ok, ain’t that aiight Hai?”
“Yep!” Hailie said. It was obvious she worshipped her father.
“Well then,” Kat said. “I’ll leave you two alone. The surgeon should be along in about 20 minutes, he just had some paperwork to do.” Katya had checked with the nurse back at the waiting area to see when Dr Greenway would be by. She knew that the surgeon, while a little too friendly with Wallace for her liking, was a good doctor, and always checked with his patients before he left the hospital. Though it didn’t occur to Kat, she and Greenway were much alike in that respect.
“You’re leaving already?” Marshall felt oddly disappointed. In some ways, this doctor felt like his only ally in the hospital.
Kat gave a small smile, wishing suddenly there was someone in her life who’d always be disappointed to see her leave. “I’ve been on since 5:30 this afternoon, I really need to get some sleep. But, my next shift is tomorrow afternoon, so I’ll look in on Hailie then.”
Em nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Good, I’ma be happier knowing Hai’s got one doctor who doesn’t hate my guts.”
Kat smiled. “I think you’ll find Anthony Greenway is a good doctor, and once I talk to Tomas you shouldn’t have to deal with him anymore.”
“Tomas? That fag who was yelling for security?” Marshall felt himself getting angry just at the thought of the arrogant doctor.
“Yeah,” Kat smiled dryly, before she remembered something. “By the way, did I mention we had a visit from the police?”
“Shit!”
“Daddy!” Hailie frowned reprovingly, reminding the adults she was there.
“Sorry, baby. What the fu…hell did the cops want?” Marshall demanded, getting agitated. He was still on probation, thus he couldn’t afford any trouble.
Kat looked at him a little warily. “Someone must have called them because of Tomas’s remarks. I sorted it out, and told them there’d been a mistake. It’s not an issue, they’re ignoring it, but I thought you should know anyway.”
Marshall expelled a long breath. “Aiight thanks. I didn’t mean to get all pissed off, I just can’t get into trouble, I’m still on probation.”
Kat still looked a little startled, but nodded in understanding. “It’s ok, you are justified in feeling pissed off. Tomas was out of line. Unfortunately, he’s one of our best doctors, so the board tends to over look little discrepancies…”
“He’s done shit like this before?” Marshall looked surprised.
Looking uncomfortable suddenly, Katya shifted nervously. “Uh, yeah, he’s uh…had some trouble before. Look, I’ve really gotta get going. I’m glad to see you looking better Hailie, and it was nice to meet you Mr Mathers. I may see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”
Marshall didn’t even have time to reply before Katya shot them one last slightly uneasy smile, before disappearing down the row of beds. Aiight, Marshall thought, that was fucking weird. What the hell did I say to make her shoot off like that?
“Daddy, I’m tired.”
“I know baby.” Marshall’s attention was drawn back to his daughter. “The surgeon guy will be here shortly though, k? So, you just nap for awhile.”
“Ok, daddy. You’re staying here, aren’t you?” Hailie looked at him pleadingly.
“Of course, Hai! I ain’t gonna go anywhere. Just shut your eyes now, I’ma be right here.”
Hailie did as her father asked, and within minutes she’d fallen asleep. Marshall sat in the chair by her bed, waiting for the surgeon. 15 minutes later he was still looking in the direction Katya had gone, a slight frown marring his smooth features.
Author: angelic_devil98@hotmail.com
These stories are for entertainment purposes only. They are completely fictitious, and the authors mean no harm to EMINEM, his family, friends, or anyone else that may have been depicted as a 'real life' character. No money was made on the fiction here, either directly or indirectly, i.e. paid advertising. In other words - it's just a bunch of shit we wrote for fun. Please don't take it seriously.