Overseas

Binder of Identity

Every day at work is never the same, except for my signature bitter coffee. Ever since I got promoted to Vice President at my local hospital, I've been needing the extra boost. Taking care of people has been something that I have been wanting to do all my life and now since that I am able to, I really honor it. My grandma died in this very hospital from chronic lower respiratory disease. I visited her every day, always telling her about what I was learning in my studies. One day I came into the hospital to my mother telling me she had died. I guess she had just... stopped breathing... She was always pushing me to be the best I can be, and I suppose working here is my way of trying to tell her that I'm trying. I have always considered her as my second mother, since she helped raise me for most of my life. The only other people that know that are my mother and my best friend, Jade. 

I suppose another benefit of this job (besides saving people) is all the hot guys. Before Grandma went into ICU, I assumed most nurses were girls or nerdy boys. Who knew that most nurses were actually really hot guys?! Not me, nuh uh. All my friends at the job pester me, trying to figure out who I might like. Apparently all the guys here are "my type". 
"You're always flirting with everyone," they would insist.
"Yeah, well, there's a such thing as do it for fun," would be my pathetic counter-argument. I don't like anyone, and if I did, there wouldn't be any time for it in my life. It would distract me from doing something I love the most, saving people and making sure that they have time for love in their lives. 

I begin to leave a patient with papers in my hand, looking stressed out. It's really common to see me like this all the time so never stop to ask me if I'm ok. I look down the hallway to the office and I notice my friend, Jade, walk out of a room and pace towards the office as well. I wonder if I can make it to her in time and talk to her. I pace down the hallway and make it there waiting behind another nurse for my turn to use the printer. I glance over at Jade and decide to talk to her while I wait. 

"Hey, Jade. How's your day so far?" I say as I set my papers down on the desk next to me already cluttered with other papers.

Jade has always been my friend since the first day I've worked here which was about 4 years ago and I'm now 28. Surprisingly she looks like she hasn't aged at all to be a 31 year old woman. 

Jade turns around in recognition and smiles, "Oh, hey Scarlet! My day has been a bit interesting. I just gave a baby their annual checkup and sadly the baby started crying. She lets out a long sigh as she points down the hallway. "The checkup is over now so I'm just seeing who's the next. How's your day?"

"My day is good as always. Scheduling some appointments for people, and now I'm printing out a pill prescription for someone. My shift started 2 hours ago and I've seen so many people already. Today is going to be a busy day." I groan wishing that I had drank more coffee this morning because I do need it.

"I know, right? I've seen a lot of people as well, but I've seen lots of good looking guys recently." She says as she winks at me with a smile.

I never liked having this conversation because I always have to agree with her so she can stop talking about it.

I sigh and look back at the printer which is still being used trying to get myself out of this situation. "Jade, there's no time for this right now. I have to use the printer and you have to see another patient. Why not talk about this another time?"

"Look Scarlet, the printer is being used and the next person I need to see is just a check up." She leans on the desk. "I won't tell you the complete story but I'll give you a summary. Ok?"

I sigh again "Okay, tell me." Giving her the "I'm waiting, hurry up" expression. And her story begins.

"I was in the elevator going to the 7th floor, and I ended up being in the elevator with a really hot guy. I haven't seen him before but I guess he's from the other half of the building. We had a short conversation but I was able to get his name. Kole Hayes." She says with one eyebrow up, trying to get some reaction out of me.