Healing // d.m.

| 25 |

  Catherine scoffed, making Gabby laugh even more. They enjoyed a few more minutes of peace and quiet until her break was over.

———

  Professor Smethwyck called her into his office 15 minutes ago. He told her he had some important issues to discuss and Catherine felt dread sinking into her stomach. She knew this must be related to Pye's incident, it was only a matter of time before she was going to get summoned.

  She knocked gently on his door and entered when he answered to come in.

  "You wanted to see me Professor?" She asked, her fingers slowly pinching the inside of her palm to stop them from shaking.

  "Catherine you're not in trouble and I am not firing you." He replied noticing her tremor and pointed at the chair, "have a seat and calm down would you?"

  Catherine did as she was told and sat down in one of the two sofa chairs right across Professor Smethwyck's Mahogany table. It had a glass plat of his name written in gold. His table was anything but tidy. Paper scattered everywhere, some with a few smudges of coffee. Behind him was a teal coloured wall decorated with all his titles and awards that Catherine wished to accomplish too one day.

  "How are you?" He asked.

  "I'm doing fine, Sir." She answered right away. Professor Smethwyck nodded and tilted his head slightly.

  "You know, you are one of my brightest students in this Hospital. I'd like to believe that you have considered me to be not just a teacher, but as a mentor. Someone you could reach out to in times of need."

  Catherine cleared her throat, "That would be an honour, Sir."

  "So imagine my surprise that I have to learn about Healer Pye's unprofessional and intolerable actions through my college who happens to be a member of the Hospital board." He leaned forward on the table and looked at her in the eye, "And not from you."

  Catherine wanted to stay silent, but didn't want to anger him. "I'm terribly sorry, Professor."

  "I know I'm away a lot lately. But we are not just mere acquaintances Catherine. My wife practically adores you. You know where I live and I know Lori does too." He leaned back in his chair and sigh. "I only found out a few days later because Healer Gow told me about his 1 month suspension, which I think is a disgrace he deserved much more than that. I know how you work, I know how brilliant and responsible you and Greg are. Do you really think I was going to take his side?"

  The thought did cross her mind, that no one was going to believe her aside from Greg. Her train of thoughts had developed millions of scenarios that ended up with her getting fired or losing her Healer status. She came so far and has worked too hard to come to this point of her life. For it to just evaporate because one incident would have killed her.

  "Catherine." He said gently this time. "Sometimes strength comes better in knowing that you are not alone. That you have people by your side that will help you."

  "I know, Sir." She told him, her voice was now breaking.

  "I know this is hard for you, but people need people." He reminded her. "And remember that all of this was not your fault, not in the slightest. Alright?"

  Catherine nodded and focused on her lap. "Thank you so much Professor this means so much coming from you."

  Professor Smethwyck gave her a final nod and pulled a small container from his drawer. He opened the lid and handed it to her, "Cookie?"