ShellyCullen
09-14-2010, 07:55 PM
Hey, I'm new here and trying my hardest to write a teen novel. I could really use some advice and pointers, along with correction to this story. Here is my first chapter of Be My Nurse. romance/drama book.
Story line: Soon to be high school junior, Kayla Callaghan begins the summer with a student program at the Charity Hospital. Wanting nothing more than to spend her Christmas vacation in Europe with her high school sweetheart, Todd Stover, she has made it her obligation to change her parents mind on letting her go. This will take plenty of time and patience, qualities Kayla rather lacks, and everything seems to go downhill from the moment she meets her patient, Anthony Moretti.
Over his anti-social and frigid behavior, Kayla can't seem to grasp past the fact that her one and only patient is going to ruin her entire plan. So if getting over the almost alluring sight of him, and trying to desperately keep everything running smoothly isn't hard enough, she soon figures out something is seriously wrong with Anthony. It is now up to Kayla to figure out his problem, whether being part of her vitial mission or not, and learns that life isn't always so easy to have a handle over.
A Boy NOT Worth Waiting For
With my gaped mouth hanging wide open in the living room mirror, I was able to apply my usual dose of mascara onto my top set of lashes. I twisted the black tube back into place before puckering my lips together and examining my touched up features. Assuring myself my eyeliner was in check and lip gloss was off my teeth, I smiled.
“Why not just wear a paper bag over your head? It’ll cover up everything you’re trying to hide.” My face frowned in the reflection as I leaned in closely, hoping to shield him out of the image. I knew exactly who was speaking to me. My stupid older brother Noah was as witty as ever.
“Ha ha,” I stated sarcastically as I glared at him through the glass. He didn’t seem to notice.
“Nice to know I can still make you laugh. Nowadays, it’s a surprise you haven’t bleached your hair highlighter pink.”
I instinctively touched my straight, raven looking hair and brushed through the shoulder length locks. They were smooth and silky. “I like my hair,” I clarified as Noah nodded in what seemed to be an agreement. Then he raised an eyebrow, challenging me.
“And if Todd didn’t?”
“How are we on time, Kayla?” Mom called from the kitchen, fumbling with her silver wrist watch. I returned my gaze back to my reflection, searching for anything I may have missed.
“Tell your son to stop annoying me,” I grumbled, tossing my other cosmetics into the pink cylinder makeup bag. Mom didn’t pay any attention to my grumbles, as always, and started off a conversation on the phone.
I glared at Noah, who was now busy swinging the car keys around his index finger. My mouth dropped when I saw that, realizing I may be having to hitch a ride from the one and only retard himself. I walked over to Mom, who was busy chatting on the phone, and stood in her view point. I hooked my hands onto the chair in front of me, hoping she would take notice of my presence. She continued her call, grabbing paper and a pencil. After a moment of silence on her part, I began.
“Mom,” I began sternly, making sure she caught the firmness of my voice. “Please do not tell me I’m actually being driven there with that problem.” I quickly turned my head back to Noah, who was snickering at me now. I rolled my eyes and stared back at Mom, who raised a hand to shush me. I sighed, and waited.
“Yes, yes. I understand…the number is. Oh, okay, well, hope you have a good one too.” She hung up her cell and set it on the table, then stared at me. “Alright, Kayla. What is so important now?”
“Noah…really?” I questioned, willing her to change her mind. She bit the inside of her mouth and took a deep breath.
“I’m quite busy today so I don’t think it’s that bad an idea,” she stated simply, getting up and wandering around the kitchen. She busied herself with the hunk of mail on our kitchen counter.
“Mom, you don’t understand,” I attempted again, moving to her side. “This is Noah we’re talking about. H…How do you not know he won’t just go over to his friends house and leave me to walk from God knows where to this place?” I questioned, giving her the biggest excuse I had. She raised an eyebrow, and opened the fridge.
“He’s your brother Kayla. You can’t honestly think he’s always out to get you.” Of course Mom always takes his side. That’s what I get for being the youngest. A big fat liar apparently, but I wasn’t done just yet.
“Well, at least I’m being responsible for once!” Mom took out some iced tea and her favorite magazine from the pile. “I mean, I signed up for the school’s summer program which is technically also a job since there’s pay, and what is your lousy son doing?” I asked, and Mom put her stuff down. She turned around and stared at me, hands on her hips.
“I don’t know, Kayla. What is my lousy son doing? Please, enlighten me,” she asked sarcastically. I ignored the urge to roll my eyes.
“I don’t know, pro-”
“Exactly, you don’t know,” she interrupted and turned back to her things. I let out an irritated groan, resisting any urge to strangle something, before I ran back in front of her.
“Well, you probably don’t know about the college parties they hold at that dorm. And did you forget, he’s got no job? Just a license and car and place to live where he can just…drink without you knowing!” I blabbered on. Mom was very stern in her decisions, but eventually she sighed. I felt an easy victory.
“Must you be so stubborn, Kayla?” Mom asked me warily. She looked at me, as I refused to let up. Then she turned to Noah. “I’ll drive her,” she caved in and Noah reluctantly tossed her the van’s keys. I smirked at Noah. My win.
I quickly gathered my things, grabbing my giant flowered beach bag and sticking my cosmetics bag into its respective space. I placed the strap over my right shoulder, combing through my bangs before calling out, “I’ll be in the car!” Mom simply threw the keys at me and I easily caught them. Heading toward the front door, I purposely elbowed Noah in the ribs. He glared at me, which I easily met back. “Todd would like me whether my hair was black or purple,” I answered coldly, leaving without a glance back.
Inside our usual mini van, Mom hummed along to her favorite soul music back from the 80’s. I suppose I had gotten used to her old melodies and outdated songs, but I wasn’t particularly interested in her type of music. Digging out my Ipod, I pushed the headphones into my ears and raised the volume high enough that I couldn’t tell where we were heading anymore. It was as if the Always & Forever rap had stolen me away and I existed in my own little world for a while.
The comfort didn’t last long though, since I finally took note in the large, old building before us. It was probably the only structure in town that hadn’t been remodeled in decades, and was practically growing a forest behind its walls. There were many windows above, and two automatic doors in the front with the labeled letters, Charity Hospital, above it in gold faded stone. Mom pulled into the side lot and parked, before tapping my shoulder. When I turned back to her, she pulled out one of my head phones where Cassie’s, Me and You blazed into the car.
“I swear Kayla, you’ll be deaf before you even reach my age if you keep turning the volume so high,” Mom scowled as I switched the device off and rolled my cord around it. I stashed it back into the bag and checked over the entrance guide. I had missed the Orientation, but they had assured on the sheet that it wasn’t mandatory. Plus, they probably didn’t do anything other than introduce themselves to one another and I really didn’t want to speak to anyone my age who actually found it entertaining to work here.
I grabbed everything and opened up my door, hopping out of the vehicle. Mom caught me before I could leave. “Remember, I’m working today so Noah will be here in the jeep to pick you up.”
“Great,” I muttered, closing the door and walking off. Why couldn’t we get one more car for me? It wasn’t fair that Noah got to rub it in my face that he could leave as he pleased in his own vehicle, when I wasn’t even permitted to be picked up by Todd. I heard the window roll down behind me.
“Good luck!” Mom yelled before the engine cut her off and she reversed out of the parking lot. Yeah, yeah. Luck was exactly what I needed.
I headed up the stone steps, a curved staircase becoming a narrow one way stop for me. I finally reached the entrance, where the doors opened up and I caught sight of the yellow warning band tape stuck on the outside of the glass’s exterior. I walked toward the main desk over marbled floor in my favorite brown flip flops, hearing nothing, but soft clanking from heel to tile, and found the lobby way. The receptionist looked up from her computer to acknowledge me.
“Can I help you?” It was obvious she was already tired of her job here, just by her tone of voice. In fact, she looked miserable sitting in her computer chair and filing away loads of paper. I debated if walking back out the front door would be a good idea.
“I’m here for the Jefferson High School Summer Program,” I explained as best I could. She blinked at me.
“You’re late. Orientation was about an hour ago,” she replied. So? I restricted myself from saying anything too rude.
“Right…Do you know where I can find Ms. Farrell for my paperwork?” If you’re not too hung over to point it out. I was known for having a bit of an attitude and sharp tongue, though it was rare for me to actually state my actual thoughts out to strangers. The woman pointed to the door behind her with her black ballpoint pen.
“Through that door down the hall is Ms. Farrell’s office. It’s room one hundred twenty four and will appear to your left,” she said nothing more and returned to her work. I treated her back with the same stiffness and followed the directions.
Inside the hall, it was even brighter. All the lights overhead were strong and piercing against the pale tiles and walls; the fluorescent lights blinding compared to the natural sun rays outside. I was beginning to catch that familiar scent of peanuts and tooth paste. Hospitals always seemed to carry that bitter smell of sick and decay, yet the scent wasn’t quite fully dissolved in that matter; it only lingered in the air.
There were elevators to my side, along with a wall filled with picture frames of some staff. I paid no attention to details, finding that Ms. Farrell’s room wasn’t too far off, and peeked through at the almost closed door. Through the black printed lettering on her hazy glass door window, I could only distinguish what looked to be a human figure.
I knocked on the door lightly, before opening the barrier and looking around the office. The room seemed empty now, my previous assumption of seeing someone dismissed. I continued staring at the file cabinets and work desks, when a woman popped out from behind the mahogany desk.
“Why, hello!” She greeted with a cheery smile, standing up to reveal her classy outfit; a ruffled white blouse and black pencil skirt. She held multiple papers and files in her hand, setting them down on the top of the desk, before smiling at me again. “Ah, are you Kayla Callaghan?” I nodded, surprised she already knew exactly who I was. Was the staff here really that observant over everything? “Yes, you were the only one not to show up to orientation,” she answered my unspoken question with a smile, showing she wasn’t at all insulting me. I still stood by the door, clenching and unclenching my fist over the steel handle. I felt oddly out of place.
“Oh, please! Come in.” She pointed to the seat in front of her, while taking a seat in her own leather computer chair. I walked in and sat down, just as the bottom of my thighs rubbed against the frigid chair’s seat. I pulled my denim shorts a little lower as they touched the cold metal, regretting not wearing something longer. As I fidgeted, Ms. Farrell took out a manila folder and flipped through it. “Looks like everything is in order,” she announced, handing me the folder. I ignored the chills running over my legs and took it, flipping through it as well. It mainly contained guidelines and directions, along with my résumé. I closed the file and put it in my large bag.
“Now, we discussed a few things during our assembly, but I’m sure you know the drill by now. Many of the requirements were on the sheet, and hope for you to follow them well.” She opened a drawer next and took out a clipboard with multiple sheets over it. “I bet you want to get right to the point and find your mentor and patient, yes?”
“Yes,” I answered, but for an entirely different reason. I didn’t anticipate it; I wanted to get it over with. She smiled again, as if she understood me perfectly in a second. I hated people that thought that way. It irritated me what stereotypes or first encounters did to a person. Just look at that receptionist for instance.
Although, I couldn’t help, but stare at her appearance; questioning her professional getup. She was obviously a very classy, serious about her job, business lady; one that spent all her time and effort to make every detail and point perfect in her work, but her face was marked with laugh lines and crinkles at the sides of her eyes, revealing a very fulfilled and merry woman to fill such motivated shows. Everything about her carried a certain kind of quality that combined playfulness with hard work.
But things like her strong, yet almost clumsy attitude took away any full respect someone might have given to a gal like her. In fact, her tight professional bun was the only thing that looked rather odd, with her frizzy and wiry brown hair clumped together. As I looked back down at my own hair, which had been kind to me through humidity and sunlight, I wondered if hours here would stress me enough to look like her. After my overall view of her imperfections, she finally began droning on details.
“Alright, I’ll get straight to the point then.” She handed me the clipboard now as I looked over the front of the packet. If I wasn’t misinterpreting this, it seemed like she’d handed me a load of crap to do; homework on summer break. “This is the information you’ll be filling out throughout your time here at the Charity Hospital.” She gestured for me to take a quick peek and I flipped through the pages.
What is your patient like? Does he or she prefer any certain item or area precisely? How often do they take their medication and at what time do they usually sleep?
They were all very formal, yet completely personal questions. I dropped the sheets back to the first page, dumbfounded, and already feeling my motivation from the school year dissipating. This was going to take a lot of time and effort, along with getting to know my patient and trying to get them to open up to me. It all sounded ridiculous for nursing standards.
“These are some basic questions we’d like you to answer according to your patient. It’s mainly the only written work you’ll have to fill out here, and will be added to your overall performance.” She smiled again, encouraging me to ask a question. After a few glances at the packet, I gazed back up at her.
“Is this all I will be graded on?” I questioned. I knew I could totally fake written down notes. It wouldn’t be that hard for me considering that’s how high school had gone by; all you needed was meaningful explanations and a great act to back you up.
“Well, there is also the physical evaluation.” The skin in my face tightened at the mention of that. Physical evaluations?! Why were all these terms news to me? She must have taken my hollow face for jittery nerves. “Nothing to get worked up about Kayla.” It was the first time she addressed me by my name and that only made me cringe on the inside. “It’s quite simple actually. Just here and there we’ll send someone on staff to assess your working abilities. There’s really no need to feel pressured because this will be a worker you do not know and it will be completely quiet. What I mean is you won’t even know that they’re there.” Her over enthusiastic smile was already beginning to get to me. It would be horrible not knowing I was being watched! This did nothing to the plan I had created away in the back of my mind, not to mention my parents’ decision. Faking a survey and acting the part, I could do, but actually trying to understand all this crazy nonsense?!
I began to feel the uneasy jitters that usually appear when I know I’ve gotten myself into a huge mess. It was like, when you don’t know what you got on a test, but you’re pretty sure you screwed it up, yet there’s this small, tiny chance it’s alright because the fact that you haven’t received it still gives you hope. That’s how I felt right now. I’d already gotten myself into one of the biggest tests I didn’t know was happening, and had already failed without warning.
Ms. Farrell had been kind enough to give me time to recover from my shock and get used to the fact that I was in way over my head. It was truly the only thing I had found nice of her to do since I’d met her, and was probably all I’d accept from a personality like hers. So hopeful, encouraging, and filled with great dreams and ideas. It was completely hopeless and unrealistic in a world like this.
I nodded to her, though I had no idea what for. She took my response as her cue. “It’ll be alright Kayla. First years here are always the most frightening.” She reached over and lightly patted my hand, grandmotherly style, earning another inward cringe from me as she gave her overwhelming built in smile. “If you need anything, you can always come into my office. I work here from seven A.M. to six P.M. and there are always the other kids walking the halls here and there.” I tried not to be rude to her, hoping the good act would earn me some points, but I couldn’t stand it anymore. I jerked my hand away and folded both into my lap, on top of the clipboard.
I could tell Ms. Farrell was confused as she pondered on my reaction, but it didn’t take her long to continue on. Most of the rules were basic hygiene and whereabouts for certain patients I had to look out for. I blanked out once I found the material boring and too heavy for me, imagining myself with Todd on that winter trip to Europe. The two of us alone on a ship, tangled in one another’s arms. That’s where I wanted to be right now. Not on some stupid summer program at a hospital.
“…and be sure you understand all safety rules, which I’m sure they taught you in school.” I nodded at the appropriate time and she went on. I was surprised how long a speech this was. Good thing I skipped out on the actual meeting for this.
“Alright, now that the rules are gone over and through, we can move onto work hours.” She picked something from her desk and handed me another piece of paper. “Your shift is fairly regular. From nine A.M. to four P.M. you will remain on duty. Lunch break is with the rest of the high school programmers; twelve P.M to twelve forty-five. Any other questions?” That was my cue that all the talking was over. I stood up quickly, feeling my legs completely numb and strained from all that sitting.
“No,” I replied, placing my bag back onto my shoulder and clutching the clipboard in my other hand. I really wanted to get moving.
“Great, I’ll leave you to your work then. Pleasure meeting you Kayla.” She didn’t lend out a hand to shake or anything and I suppose it was due to my reaction earlier. I nodded.
“You too.” I turned around to the doorway, just within my reach. When I pulled it open with one hand, she called my name again.
“Oh, Kayla! I almost forgot.” I shut my eyes, holding in any irritated phrase I was going to bark at her. I turned back to her, even more anxious to leave now. She looked me over, just how the receptionist did, before staring at me briefly.
“There is also the required dress code. Do you have your scrubs today?”
“Um…” The obvious answer? I didn’t even know we needed them. What school program is so real that we actually need to play and look the part?
“It’s fine. Just have it by tomorrow.” I nodded and practically jogged out of the tiny area, hoping she didn’t get the chance to call for me again.
Once I distanced myself through multiple hallways and doors, I stopped my power walk and stood by more elevators and a red emergency exit. I took a seat on cold flooring, holding the clipboard in my hands and simply staring at it.
How was I going to get through an entire summer working as a slave for this patient? It was bad enough I have to work from nine o’clock, considering I am not at all a morning person, but listening to this person’s complaints?! Heck! I didn’t even listen to what my parents told me to do, yet here I picked a job that required a skill of obedience. I sighed, shaking my head and causing a few bangs to pierce my eyes. I quickly swiped them away, knowing I was in need of a cut.
I would get paid here, I reminded myself, the only benefit besides my parents’ view of responsibility that I’d earn from this job.
I dug out my cell phone from my short’s pocket and hit the touch screen to my last text message with Todd.
Monday, June 16. 11:41 P.M.
Dont worry about the work. Just remember after all this is over its all about u an me.
Todd was right. This job was all because of him; worked for us to be together. I really wanted to go with Todd to Europe, and being the youngest, I could usually pout until I got what I wanted, but everything changes when it comes to Todd.
“You can’t be alone with a boy like that. You’re much too young!” “If you actually think you’re responsible enough, but may I remind you, you don’t even do a few chores around the house!” “Guys are only after one thing, you know…”
That’s all it ever was! This and that about me not being responsible enough or old enough or that Todd is just looking for the chance to have sex! Yes, I admit, most teenage boys are jerks and scum when it came to those matters, but Todd wasn’t like that, and it was surprising to think that even after all the years my family have known him to be my boyfriend, they still aren’t convinced.
But I would not give up on my trip with Todd. I was going to prove to my parents that I am responsible for not just myself, but this other person I was assigned, and that I am old and mature enough for this trip. I would remind them of Todd’s uncle who worked there, and that everything would be ready and prepared for my arrival. My, "being the youngest" advantage only added to my chances. It was flawless.
I smiled, reviewing the plan in my head had only fired me up once again. I looked back at the clipboard and checked for my patients name on the packet. I skimmed through the instructions, coming across a name.
Anthony…Moretti.
“Hey, get up!” A man’s voice grumbled as I jumped, looking up. A fat, security guard in uniform and frowns looked down on me. I slipped my bag on my shoulder again.
“Did I do anything wrong?” I questioned, standing and keeping everything I had from falling. The man pointed at the long hallway.
“This is a hospital for patients, not a children’s playground. You can’t sit on the floor in the middle of the hallway,” he growled. Correction, I was sitting against the wall. “Someone can get hurt that way and I don’t think you want to tell your parents of the charges.”
Who in their right mind would get hurt by me? Are these patients so mental that they're closing their eyes and running aimlessly through the halls?! I glanced at the emergency exit again, right at my side. People don’t even walk over here anyway.
“Well, move along now and don’t cause a problem. We have people here who really need help.” I glared at his attitude, and tried not to shout anything back. I had to remember the parentals want me responsible.
“Yes, officer,” I hissed through my teeth. He walked away as I heard his sounds of keys and walky-talky’s leave as well. What a wonderful view he sheds on justice.
I walked back down the long hallway, making sure not to pass Ms. Farrell’s office again. I headed by a pair of elevators to check the packet once more and figure out where I was going.
Patient: Anthony Moretti. Age: 17. Room: 216. Diagnosis:
That was all the given information on the guy. The diagnosis was strangely blank, and no picture was available to identify him. I was actually quite surprised I had a patient so close to my age, only one year older, but it hardly meant anything important to me. It was simply an interesting fact to carry on.
After finding the second floor identical to the first, it wasn’t hard to find my patients room. The door was like all the others in the hospital. It was a tall beige colored one, smooth to the touch, with a thin vertical window toward the left side. I peaked in quickly, finding it too dim to distinguish any figure, before opening the door.
It was very dark inside the tiny space of a room. The regular piercing fluorescent lights were turned off, and the large wide window to the side of the hospital bed was covered by blinds. There was a chair in the corner of the room, crammed between the walls corner and another door. There was no one inside or any sounds, even as the TV above played. I could only see the moving pictures of this mornings news glide across a muted screen.
I took a step back for a moment to check the wall’s room number. Room two sixteen surely was one of those “weird” places people stumbled upon. I was beginning to think I’d play servant to an out-of-this-world kid, and I didn’t mean that in a good way. Sighing, I hesitated, the room even more unwelcoming as I stood before it, when I walked in.
Despite the frigid atmosphere the area seemed to give out, it was surprisingly warmer in the room than out in the hallway. I walked deeper into the space, thankful for its hotter temperature, and headed toward the windows. Gazing on the closed frame, I grabbed the handle and opened up the blinds. Sunlight radiated into my skin, the sun even brighter than I would have believed, and I happily rejoiced in my long lost friend. There was actually a good view overlooking the Deli across the street and a park just down the road.
I felt better staring out into a world of possibilities and adventure. This was exactly what I needed. A reminder of my wonderful life with Todd and our soon to be alone time. Everything was beginning to fall into place now, and I could feel myself getting braver. Things would work out for the best, just like they always did.
There was a clicking sound to the door, and I immediately pulled my hands off the window’s ledge. Turning, I went to see the creep who stayed cooped up in such an isolated room; who was making me stay in a closed off space.
But it wasn’t my patient that appeared first. Inside, a dark skinned man in light blue scrubs smiled at me apologetically. “Sorry, did I startle you?” He asked, revealing perfectly white teeth. I shook my head, arms crossed. His smile was rather delighted by my presence, and I couldn’t be sure why. He nodded as well. “Alright then. I’ve brought you your patient. Hope you weren’t waiting too long,” he stated, before leaving me to stare at the door frame. I was completely awe struck.
There wasn’t some creepy psycho waiting for me, or even one of those super hero comic book freaks standing at the doorway. No, what I saw was something out-of-this-world and I meant it in the absolute, most amazing way.
The guy was tall; light skin and broad shouldered. He was on the thin side, but something told me he got his daily exercise somehow worked into his schedule. In his light gray T-shirt I was able to pinpoint slight muscle on his arms and an in-shape torso, along with a pair of slightly baggy, dark jeans and blue worn in sneakers.
He looked absolutely magnificent, and as I drew my eyes back up to examine his face, I only winced at the expression that awaited me. He was glaring his piercingly perfect, hazel grey eyed daggers, into my own flushed features.
The look on his face was almost of complete disapproval, and as I struggled to avoid that terrifyingly hard gaze, my eyes wandered back to his sneakers. Only then did it occur to me that he didn’t dress in the regular hospital gown patients always wore, and that I must be dealing with a different kind of person.
I could feel his stare continue to drill into my skull and it only now made me all the more nervous. There was no reason for him to be furious about a new nurse. If anything, he should be thankful to have a new kid come to fulfill his every bidding. If I were in his shoes, I know I’d take advantage in what I had.
Moment after moment passed and neither of us seemed to move. I was beginning to wonder if we’d always be trapped in this position, having some invisible barrier keep us at a distance. I realized that doing nothing would probably not get me a good grade in patient points, and remembering Ms. Farrell’s little comment about being “checked up on," I awkwardly walked to the lonely placed chair in the corner of the room to sit and wait.
Letting my eyes travel back to his figure, it didn’t take long for him to glare back at me again. I stared down at my flip flops then and newly manicured toenails to busy myself. I barely heard any sound, and only when the bed sheets rustled and crinkled under his pressure did I know I must have done something right. I backed off.
I permitted myself another glance up, finding my patient lying on his bed, back toward me and the window. I finally noticed as sunlight descended onto the back of his shirt and body that he probably didn’t like the new brightness I’d added to his once completely dim room. I watched him, confused as to what I was to do. He wasn’t moving, which could be a complete indicator that he was not asleep, or that he did in fact sleep like the dead. My fingernails curled into the chair’s armrest as I listened, hoped, prayed he would make some sort of sound to relinquish the tense atmosphere coated around us.
He didn’t once make any predictable sound or movement, so I jumped when my cell phone vibrated in my back pocket. I settled myself back down and clicked the new message.
Tuesday, June 17. 10:56 A.M.
Hows work over at the hosp goin for ya?
Todd’s message only seemed to remind me of this horrible new patient I’d received. I dug my thumbs into the touch screen as I sent an irritated text back.
Tuesday, June 17. 10:57 A.M.
He is a complete & total PSYCHO!! >:O
Story line: Soon to be high school junior, Kayla Callaghan begins the summer with a student program at the Charity Hospital. Wanting nothing more than to spend her Christmas vacation in Europe with her high school sweetheart, Todd Stover, she has made it her obligation to change her parents mind on letting her go. This will take plenty of time and patience, qualities Kayla rather lacks, and everything seems to go downhill from the moment she meets her patient, Anthony Moretti.
Over his anti-social and frigid behavior, Kayla can't seem to grasp past the fact that her one and only patient is going to ruin her entire plan. So if getting over the almost alluring sight of him, and trying to desperately keep everything running smoothly isn't hard enough, she soon figures out something is seriously wrong with Anthony. It is now up to Kayla to figure out his problem, whether being part of her vitial mission or not, and learns that life isn't always so easy to have a handle over.
A Boy NOT Worth Waiting For
With my gaped mouth hanging wide open in the living room mirror, I was able to apply my usual dose of mascara onto my top set of lashes. I twisted the black tube back into place before puckering my lips together and examining my touched up features. Assuring myself my eyeliner was in check and lip gloss was off my teeth, I smiled.
“Why not just wear a paper bag over your head? It’ll cover up everything you’re trying to hide.” My face frowned in the reflection as I leaned in closely, hoping to shield him out of the image. I knew exactly who was speaking to me. My stupid older brother Noah was as witty as ever.
“Ha ha,” I stated sarcastically as I glared at him through the glass. He didn’t seem to notice.
“Nice to know I can still make you laugh. Nowadays, it’s a surprise you haven’t bleached your hair highlighter pink.”
I instinctively touched my straight, raven looking hair and brushed through the shoulder length locks. They were smooth and silky. “I like my hair,” I clarified as Noah nodded in what seemed to be an agreement. Then he raised an eyebrow, challenging me.
“And if Todd didn’t?”
“How are we on time, Kayla?” Mom called from the kitchen, fumbling with her silver wrist watch. I returned my gaze back to my reflection, searching for anything I may have missed.
“Tell your son to stop annoying me,” I grumbled, tossing my other cosmetics into the pink cylinder makeup bag. Mom didn’t pay any attention to my grumbles, as always, and started off a conversation on the phone.
I glared at Noah, who was now busy swinging the car keys around his index finger. My mouth dropped when I saw that, realizing I may be having to hitch a ride from the one and only retard himself. I walked over to Mom, who was busy chatting on the phone, and stood in her view point. I hooked my hands onto the chair in front of me, hoping she would take notice of my presence. She continued her call, grabbing paper and a pencil. After a moment of silence on her part, I began.
“Mom,” I began sternly, making sure she caught the firmness of my voice. “Please do not tell me I’m actually being driven there with that problem.” I quickly turned my head back to Noah, who was snickering at me now. I rolled my eyes and stared back at Mom, who raised a hand to shush me. I sighed, and waited.
“Yes, yes. I understand…the number is. Oh, okay, well, hope you have a good one too.” She hung up her cell and set it on the table, then stared at me. “Alright, Kayla. What is so important now?”
“Noah…really?” I questioned, willing her to change her mind. She bit the inside of her mouth and took a deep breath.
“I’m quite busy today so I don’t think it’s that bad an idea,” she stated simply, getting up and wandering around the kitchen. She busied herself with the hunk of mail on our kitchen counter.
“Mom, you don’t understand,” I attempted again, moving to her side. “This is Noah we’re talking about. H…How do you not know he won’t just go over to his friends house and leave me to walk from God knows where to this place?” I questioned, giving her the biggest excuse I had. She raised an eyebrow, and opened the fridge.
“He’s your brother Kayla. You can’t honestly think he’s always out to get you.” Of course Mom always takes his side. That’s what I get for being the youngest. A big fat liar apparently, but I wasn’t done just yet.
“Well, at least I’m being responsible for once!” Mom took out some iced tea and her favorite magazine from the pile. “I mean, I signed up for the school’s summer program which is technically also a job since there’s pay, and what is your lousy son doing?” I asked, and Mom put her stuff down. She turned around and stared at me, hands on her hips.
“I don’t know, Kayla. What is my lousy son doing? Please, enlighten me,” she asked sarcastically. I ignored the urge to roll my eyes.
“I don’t know, pro-”
“Exactly, you don’t know,” she interrupted and turned back to her things. I let out an irritated groan, resisting any urge to strangle something, before I ran back in front of her.
“Well, you probably don’t know about the college parties they hold at that dorm. And did you forget, he’s got no job? Just a license and car and place to live where he can just…drink without you knowing!” I blabbered on. Mom was very stern in her decisions, but eventually she sighed. I felt an easy victory.
“Must you be so stubborn, Kayla?” Mom asked me warily. She looked at me, as I refused to let up. Then she turned to Noah. “I’ll drive her,” she caved in and Noah reluctantly tossed her the van’s keys. I smirked at Noah. My win.
I quickly gathered my things, grabbing my giant flowered beach bag and sticking my cosmetics bag into its respective space. I placed the strap over my right shoulder, combing through my bangs before calling out, “I’ll be in the car!” Mom simply threw the keys at me and I easily caught them. Heading toward the front door, I purposely elbowed Noah in the ribs. He glared at me, which I easily met back. “Todd would like me whether my hair was black or purple,” I answered coldly, leaving without a glance back.
Inside our usual mini van, Mom hummed along to her favorite soul music back from the 80’s. I suppose I had gotten used to her old melodies and outdated songs, but I wasn’t particularly interested in her type of music. Digging out my Ipod, I pushed the headphones into my ears and raised the volume high enough that I couldn’t tell where we were heading anymore. It was as if the Always & Forever rap had stolen me away and I existed in my own little world for a while.
The comfort didn’t last long though, since I finally took note in the large, old building before us. It was probably the only structure in town that hadn’t been remodeled in decades, and was practically growing a forest behind its walls. There were many windows above, and two automatic doors in the front with the labeled letters, Charity Hospital, above it in gold faded stone. Mom pulled into the side lot and parked, before tapping my shoulder. When I turned back to her, she pulled out one of my head phones where Cassie’s, Me and You blazed into the car.
“I swear Kayla, you’ll be deaf before you even reach my age if you keep turning the volume so high,” Mom scowled as I switched the device off and rolled my cord around it. I stashed it back into the bag and checked over the entrance guide. I had missed the Orientation, but they had assured on the sheet that it wasn’t mandatory. Plus, they probably didn’t do anything other than introduce themselves to one another and I really didn’t want to speak to anyone my age who actually found it entertaining to work here.
I grabbed everything and opened up my door, hopping out of the vehicle. Mom caught me before I could leave. “Remember, I’m working today so Noah will be here in the jeep to pick you up.”
“Great,” I muttered, closing the door and walking off. Why couldn’t we get one more car for me? It wasn’t fair that Noah got to rub it in my face that he could leave as he pleased in his own vehicle, when I wasn’t even permitted to be picked up by Todd. I heard the window roll down behind me.
“Good luck!” Mom yelled before the engine cut her off and she reversed out of the parking lot. Yeah, yeah. Luck was exactly what I needed.
I headed up the stone steps, a curved staircase becoming a narrow one way stop for me. I finally reached the entrance, where the doors opened up and I caught sight of the yellow warning band tape stuck on the outside of the glass’s exterior. I walked toward the main desk over marbled floor in my favorite brown flip flops, hearing nothing, but soft clanking from heel to tile, and found the lobby way. The receptionist looked up from her computer to acknowledge me.
“Can I help you?” It was obvious she was already tired of her job here, just by her tone of voice. In fact, she looked miserable sitting in her computer chair and filing away loads of paper. I debated if walking back out the front door would be a good idea.
“I’m here for the Jefferson High School Summer Program,” I explained as best I could. She blinked at me.
“You’re late. Orientation was about an hour ago,” she replied. So? I restricted myself from saying anything too rude.
“Right…Do you know where I can find Ms. Farrell for my paperwork?” If you’re not too hung over to point it out. I was known for having a bit of an attitude and sharp tongue, though it was rare for me to actually state my actual thoughts out to strangers. The woman pointed to the door behind her with her black ballpoint pen.
“Through that door down the hall is Ms. Farrell’s office. It’s room one hundred twenty four and will appear to your left,” she said nothing more and returned to her work. I treated her back with the same stiffness and followed the directions.
Inside the hall, it was even brighter. All the lights overhead were strong and piercing against the pale tiles and walls; the fluorescent lights blinding compared to the natural sun rays outside. I was beginning to catch that familiar scent of peanuts and tooth paste. Hospitals always seemed to carry that bitter smell of sick and decay, yet the scent wasn’t quite fully dissolved in that matter; it only lingered in the air.
There were elevators to my side, along with a wall filled with picture frames of some staff. I paid no attention to details, finding that Ms. Farrell’s room wasn’t too far off, and peeked through at the almost closed door. Through the black printed lettering on her hazy glass door window, I could only distinguish what looked to be a human figure.
I knocked on the door lightly, before opening the barrier and looking around the office. The room seemed empty now, my previous assumption of seeing someone dismissed. I continued staring at the file cabinets and work desks, when a woman popped out from behind the mahogany desk.
“Why, hello!” She greeted with a cheery smile, standing up to reveal her classy outfit; a ruffled white blouse and black pencil skirt. She held multiple papers and files in her hand, setting them down on the top of the desk, before smiling at me again. “Ah, are you Kayla Callaghan?” I nodded, surprised she already knew exactly who I was. Was the staff here really that observant over everything? “Yes, you were the only one not to show up to orientation,” she answered my unspoken question with a smile, showing she wasn’t at all insulting me. I still stood by the door, clenching and unclenching my fist over the steel handle. I felt oddly out of place.
“Oh, please! Come in.” She pointed to the seat in front of her, while taking a seat in her own leather computer chair. I walked in and sat down, just as the bottom of my thighs rubbed against the frigid chair’s seat. I pulled my denim shorts a little lower as they touched the cold metal, regretting not wearing something longer. As I fidgeted, Ms. Farrell took out a manila folder and flipped through it. “Looks like everything is in order,” she announced, handing me the folder. I ignored the chills running over my legs and took it, flipping through it as well. It mainly contained guidelines and directions, along with my résumé. I closed the file and put it in my large bag.
“Now, we discussed a few things during our assembly, but I’m sure you know the drill by now. Many of the requirements were on the sheet, and hope for you to follow them well.” She opened a drawer next and took out a clipboard with multiple sheets over it. “I bet you want to get right to the point and find your mentor and patient, yes?”
“Yes,” I answered, but for an entirely different reason. I didn’t anticipate it; I wanted to get it over with. She smiled again, as if she understood me perfectly in a second. I hated people that thought that way. It irritated me what stereotypes or first encounters did to a person. Just look at that receptionist for instance.
Although, I couldn’t help, but stare at her appearance; questioning her professional getup. She was obviously a very classy, serious about her job, business lady; one that spent all her time and effort to make every detail and point perfect in her work, but her face was marked with laugh lines and crinkles at the sides of her eyes, revealing a very fulfilled and merry woman to fill such motivated shows. Everything about her carried a certain kind of quality that combined playfulness with hard work.
But things like her strong, yet almost clumsy attitude took away any full respect someone might have given to a gal like her. In fact, her tight professional bun was the only thing that looked rather odd, with her frizzy and wiry brown hair clumped together. As I looked back down at my own hair, which had been kind to me through humidity and sunlight, I wondered if hours here would stress me enough to look like her. After my overall view of her imperfections, she finally began droning on details.
“Alright, I’ll get straight to the point then.” She handed me the clipboard now as I looked over the front of the packet. If I wasn’t misinterpreting this, it seemed like she’d handed me a load of crap to do; homework on summer break. “This is the information you’ll be filling out throughout your time here at the Charity Hospital.” She gestured for me to take a quick peek and I flipped through the pages.
What is your patient like? Does he or she prefer any certain item or area precisely? How often do they take their medication and at what time do they usually sleep?
They were all very formal, yet completely personal questions. I dropped the sheets back to the first page, dumbfounded, and already feeling my motivation from the school year dissipating. This was going to take a lot of time and effort, along with getting to know my patient and trying to get them to open up to me. It all sounded ridiculous for nursing standards.
“These are some basic questions we’d like you to answer according to your patient. It’s mainly the only written work you’ll have to fill out here, and will be added to your overall performance.” She smiled again, encouraging me to ask a question. After a few glances at the packet, I gazed back up at her.
“Is this all I will be graded on?” I questioned. I knew I could totally fake written down notes. It wouldn’t be that hard for me considering that’s how high school had gone by; all you needed was meaningful explanations and a great act to back you up.
“Well, there is also the physical evaluation.” The skin in my face tightened at the mention of that. Physical evaluations?! Why were all these terms news to me? She must have taken my hollow face for jittery nerves. “Nothing to get worked up about Kayla.” It was the first time she addressed me by my name and that only made me cringe on the inside. “It’s quite simple actually. Just here and there we’ll send someone on staff to assess your working abilities. There’s really no need to feel pressured because this will be a worker you do not know and it will be completely quiet. What I mean is you won’t even know that they’re there.” Her over enthusiastic smile was already beginning to get to me. It would be horrible not knowing I was being watched! This did nothing to the plan I had created away in the back of my mind, not to mention my parents’ decision. Faking a survey and acting the part, I could do, but actually trying to understand all this crazy nonsense?!
I began to feel the uneasy jitters that usually appear when I know I’ve gotten myself into a huge mess. It was like, when you don’t know what you got on a test, but you’re pretty sure you screwed it up, yet there’s this small, tiny chance it’s alright because the fact that you haven’t received it still gives you hope. That’s how I felt right now. I’d already gotten myself into one of the biggest tests I didn’t know was happening, and had already failed without warning.
Ms. Farrell had been kind enough to give me time to recover from my shock and get used to the fact that I was in way over my head. It was truly the only thing I had found nice of her to do since I’d met her, and was probably all I’d accept from a personality like hers. So hopeful, encouraging, and filled with great dreams and ideas. It was completely hopeless and unrealistic in a world like this.
I nodded to her, though I had no idea what for. She took my response as her cue. “It’ll be alright Kayla. First years here are always the most frightening.” She reached over and lightly patted my hand, grandmotherly style, earning another inward cringe from me as she gave her overwhelming built in smile. “If you need anything, you can always come into my office. I work here from seven A.M. to six P.M. and there are always the other kids walking the halls here and there.” I tried not to be rude to her, hoping the good act would earn me some points, but I couldn’t stand it anymore. I jerked my hand away and folded both into my lap, on top of the clipboard.
I could tell Ms. Farrell was confused as she pondered on my reaction, but it didn’t take her long to continue on. Most of the rules were basic hygiene and whereabouts for certain patients I had to look out for. I blanked out once I found the material boring and too heavy for me, imagining myself with Todd on that winter trip to Europe. The two of us alone on a ship, tangled in one another’s arms. That’s where I wanted to be right now. Not on some stupid summer program at a hospital.
“…and be sure you understand all safety rules, which I’m sure they taught you in school.” I nodded at the appropriate time and she went on. I was surprised how long a speech this was. Good thing I skipped out on the actual meeting for this.
“Alright, now that the rules are gone over and through, we can move onto work hours.” She picked something from her desk and handed me another piece of paper. “Your shift is fairly regular. From nine A.M. to four P.M. you will remain on duty. Lunch break is with the rest of the high school programmers; twelve P.M to twelve forty-five. Any other questions?” That was my cue that all the talking was over. I stood up quickly, feeling my legs completely numb and strained from all that sitting.
“No,” I replied, placing my bag back onto my shoulder and clutching the clipboard in my other hand. I really wanted to get moving.
“Great, I’ll leave you to your work then. Pleasure meeting you Kayla.” She didn’t lend out a hand to shake or anything and I suppose it was due to my reaction earlier. I nodded.
“You too.” I turned around to the doorway, just within my reach. When I pulled it open with one hand, she called my name again.
“Oh, Kayla! I almost forgot.” I shut my eyes, holding in any irritated phrase I was going to bark at her. I turned back to her, even more anxious to leave now. She looked me over, just how the receptionist did, before staring at me briefly.
“There is also the required dress code. Do you have your scrubs today?”
“Um…” The obvious answer? I didn’t even know we needed them. What school program is so real that we actually need to play and look the part?
“It’s fine. Just have it by tomorrow.” I nodded and practically jogged out of the tiny area, hoping she didn’t get the chance to call for me again.
Once I distanced myself through multiple hallways and doors, I stopped my power walk and stood by more elevators and a red emergency exit. I took a seat on cold flooring, holding the clipboard in my hands and simply staring at it.
How was I going to get through an entire summer working as a slave for this patient? It was bad enough I have to work from nine o’clock, considering I am not at all a morning person, but listening to this person’s complaints?! Heck! I didn’t even listen to what my parents told me to do, yet here I picked a job that required a skill of obedience. I sighed, shaking my head and causing a few bangs to pierce my eyes. I quickly swiped them away, knowing I was in need of a cut.
I would get paid here, I reminded myself, the only benefit besides my parents’ view of responsibility that I’d earn from this job.
I dug out my cell phone from my short’s pocket and hit the touch screen to my last text message with Todd.
Monday, June 16. 11:41 P.M.
Dont worry about the work. Just remember after all this is over its all about u an me.
Todd was right. This job was all because of him; worked for us to be together. I really wanted to go with Todd to Europe, and being the youngest, I could usually pout until I got what I wanted, but everything changes when it comes to Todd.
“You can’t be alone with a boy like that. You’re much too young!” “If you actually think you’re responsible enough, but may I remind you, you don’t even do a few chores around the house!” “Guys are only after one thing, you know…”
That’s all it ever was! This and that about me not being responsible enough or old enough or that Todd is just looking for the chance to have sex! Yes, I admit, most teenage boys are jerks and scum when it came to those matters, but Todd wasn’t like that, and it was surprising to think that even after all the years my family have known him to be my boyfriend, they still aren’t convinced.
But I would not give up on my trip with Todd. I was going to prove to my parents that I am responsible for not just myself, but this other person I was assigned, and that I am old and mature enough for this trip. I would remind them of Todd’s uncle who worked there, and that everything would be ready and prepared for my arrival. My, "being the youngest" advantage only added to my chances. It was flawless.
I smiled, reviewing the plan in my head had only fired me up once again. I looked back at the clipboard and checked for my patients name on the packet. I skimmed through the instructions, coming across a name.
Anthony…Moretti.
“Hey, get up!” A man’s voice grumbled as I jumped, looking up. A fat, security guard in uniform and frowns looked down on me. I slipped my bag on my shoulder again.
“Did I do anything wrong?” I questioned, standing and keeping everything I had from falling. The man pointed at the long hallway.
“This is a hospital for patients, not a children’s playground. You can’t sit on the floor in the middle of the hallway,” he growled. Correction, I was sitting against the wall. “Someone can get hurt that way and I don’t think you want to tell your parents of the charges.”
Who in their right mind would get hurt by me? Are these patients so mental that they're closing their eyes and running aimlessly through the halls?! I glanced at the emergency exit again, right at my side. People don’t even walk over here anyway.
“Well, move along now and don’t cause a problem. We have people here who really need help.” I glared at his attitude, and tried not to shout anything back. I had to remember the parentals want me responsible.
“Yes, officer,” I hissed through my teeth. He walked away as I heard his sounds of keys and walky-talky’s leave as well. What a wonderful view he sheds on justice.
I walked back down the long hallway, making sure not to pass Ms. Farrell’s office again. I headed by a pair of elevators to check the packet once more and figure out where I was going.
Patient: Anthony Moretti. Age: 17. Room: 216. Diagnosis:
That was all the given information on the guy. The diagnosis was strangely blank, and no picture was available to identify him. I was actually quite surprised I had a patient so close to my age, only one year older, but it hardly meant anything important to me. It was simply an interesting fact to carry on.
After finding the second floor identical to the first, it wasn’t hard to find my patients room. The door was like all the others in the hospital. It was a tall beige colored one, smooth to the touch, with a thin vertical window toward the left side. I peaked in quickly, finding it too dim to distinguish any figure, before opening the door.
It was very dark inside the tiny space of a room. The regular piercing fluorescent lights were turned off, and the large wide window to the side of the hospital bed was covered by blinds. There was a chair in the corner of the room, crammed between the walls corner and another door. There was no one inside or any sounds, even as the TV above played. I could only see the moving pictures of this mornings news glide across a muted screen.
I took a step back for a moment to check the wall’s room number. Room two sixteen surely was one of those “weird” places people stumbled upon. I was beginning to think I’d play servant to an out-of-this-world kid, and I didn’t mean that in a good way. Sighing, I hesitated, the room even more unwelcoming as I stood before it, when I walked in.
Despite the frigid atmosphere the area seemed to give out, it was surprisingly warmer in the room than out in the hallway. I walked deeper into the space, thankful for its hotter temperature, and headed toward the windows. Gazing on the closed frame, I grabbed the handle and opened up the blinds. Sunlight radiated into my skin, the sun even brighter than I would have believed, and I happily rejoiced in my long lost friend. There was actually a good view overlooking the Deli across the street and a park just down the road.
I felt better staring out into a world of possibilities and adventure. This was exactly what I needed. A reminder of my wonderful life with Todd and our soon to be alone time. Everything was beginning to fall into place now, and I could feel myself getting braver. Things would work out for the best, just like they always did.
There was a clicking sound to the door, and I immediately pulled my hands off the window’s ledge. Turning, I went to see the creep who stayed cooped up in such an isolated room; who was making me stay in a closed off space.
But it wasn’t my patient that appeared first. Inside, a dark skinned man in light blue scrubs smiled at me apologetically. “Sorry, did I startle you?” He asked, revealing perfectly white teeth. I shook my head, arms crossed. His smile was rather delighted by my presence, and I couldn’t be sure why. He nodded as well. “Alright then. I’ve brought you your patient. Hope you weren’t waiting too long,” he stated, before leaving me to stare at the door frame. I was completely awe struck.
There wasn’t some creepy psycho waiting for me, or even one of those super hero comic book freaks standing at the doorway. No, what I saw was something out-of-this-world and I meant it in the absolute, most amazing way.
The guy was tall; light skin and broad shouldered. He was on the thin side, but something told me he got his daily exercise somehow worked into his schedule. In his light gray T-shirt I was able to pinpoint slight muscle on his arms and an in-shape torso, along with a pair of slightly baggy, dark jeans and blue worn in sneakers.
He looked absolutely magnificent, and as I drew my eyes back up to examine his face, I only winced at the expression that awaited me. He was glaring his piercingly perfect, hazel grey eyed daggers, into my own flushed features.
The look on his face was almost of complete disapproval, and as I struggled to avoid that terrifyingly hard gaze, my eyes wandered back to his sneakers. Only then did it occur to me that he didn’t dress in the regular hospital gown patients always wore, and that I must be dealing with a different kind of person.
I could feel his stare continue to drill into my skull and it only now made me all the more nervous. There was no reason for him to be furious about a new nurse. If anything, he should be thankful to have a new kid come to fulfill his every bidding. If I were in his shoes, I know I’d take advantage in what I had.
Moment after moment passed and neither of us seemed to move. I was beginning to wonder if we’d always be trapped in this position, having some invisible barrier keep us at a distance. I realized that doing nothing would probably not get me a good grade in patient points, and remembering Ms. Farrell’s little comment about being “checked up on," I awkwardly walked to the lonely placed chair in the corner of the room to sit and wait.
Letting my eyes travel back to his figure, it didn’t take long for him to glare back at me again. I stared down at my flip flops then and newly manicured toenails to busy myself. I barely heard any sound, and only when the bed sheets rustled and crinkled under his pressure did I know I must have done something right. I backed off.
I permitted myself another glance up, finding my patient lying on his bed, back toward me and the window. I finally noticed as sunlight descended onto the back of his shirt and body that he probably didn’t like the new brightness I’d added to his once completely dim room. I watched him, confused as to what I was to do. He wasn’t moving, which could be a complete indicator that he was not asleep, or that he did in fact sleep like the dead. My fingernails curled into the chair’s armrest as I listened, hoped, prayed he would make some sort of sound to relinquish the tense atmosphere coated around us.
He didn’t once make any predictable sound or movement, so I jumped when my cell phone vibrated in my back pocket. I settled myself back down and clicked the new message.
Tuesday, June 17. 10:56 A.M.
Hows work over at the hosp goin for ya?
Todd’s message only seemed to remind me of this horrible new patient I’d received. I dug my thumbs into the touch screen as I sent an irritated text back.
Tuesday, June 17. 10:57 A.M.
He is a complete & total PSYCHO!! >:O