What We Deserve

Part 42: Where'd It Go?

It felt like time was slipping faster than we had time to enjoy it.

The Dam was more demanding the last few weeks and it left Max and I on different shifts, working long hours to try and manage everything- and giving neither of us time to enjoy the other.

When I was at home with Luna- he would be at work helping any and all departments.

When I was at work trying to gather all my materials for London, while instructing nurses and other oncologists on how to work with certain patients during their treatments- Max was being whisked around by Brantley and other department heads and people of power to ensure that everything going forward would be hitch free.

We didn't even celebrate the New Year's arrival.

And we certainly haven't shared a bed since Christmas morning.

I hadn't had time to share with everyone the news of Max's and mine engagement.

Which only made me feel more uncomfortable about the entire thing.

As I walk down the hallway, I'm looking through my calendar to find out patient appointments, when my attention is drawn to a woman, a tall thin man and Max with Brantley near my door.

"Oh! Doctor Sharpe! I see your office is still...very much you." Brantley states a bit annoyed, but still cheery as she is in front of two people with badges on.

"That's because it's still my office until..."

"Friday." Karen states and my brows furrow until I actually look at the date.

Today is the eighth. The eighth of January.

Tomorrow is Luna's first birthday.

And Friday is...is my last day at the Dam...

"Yes, well I still have things to do, things to pack up, and..."

"Things- yes I understand dear." We enter my office and I gesture for them to sit down. Max quickly grabs my hand before I grab the door and when I look at him, he has a small smile on his face.

"How are you?" He asks quietly as if no one else is in the room.

"I'm fine. You?"

"I'd be better if I had time to see you." He states and I smile softly before squeezing his hand and letting go. Heading behind my desk, I place my papers on it and Karen is simply taking this all in with a bit shit- eating grin.

"Now! Dr. Sharpe, I would like you to meet your replacement..."

"Temporary." Max interjects and Karen glares at him and I notice the man signing to the woman beside him.

She's deaf?

How interesting.

How inclusive.

I love it.

If she wasn't eyeing Max- that is.

"I know she's deaf so she knows how to read lips probably...and as you know perfectly well Helen- Max knows how to read lips as well. Upper and lower." Mo goads me and I work so hard to ignore him.

Going over to the woman I sign to her.

"It's so nice to meet you. I am Dr. Helen Sharpe. Who might you be?" I sign and she happily and excitedly signs back. Max and Karen both seem very impressed by our silent conversation.

"Dr. Elizabeth Wilder. I formerly worked at Walter Reed in Maryland. I was chair there for the Murtha Cancer Center. I also was apart of Doctors Without Boarders in Ghana..." She signs and Ben translates for Karen and Max. "This is Ben Meyer. He has been my translator for the last six years. Very handy capable...pun intended."