64. DELE
Chapter 64
DELE
My second week back at work has been hectic, and my body needs to adjust to the fast pace.
My shift is over, and I’m tired. Just this once, I almost want to agree with Luke that I need to stop working and just stick with school. Luke will probably lock me up once I tell him the news that I’m pregnant, or he’ll probably allow me school only and no ER work. My nipples are tender, and I feel nauseated at almost everything lately, though I pretend and hide it well. The three tests I did today were all I needed to confirm what my body was already experiencing. I’m pregnant, and I can’t wait to tell Luke. Stella and Simon will be so happy. My body shudders as the memory of the last pregnancy creeps in.
I can’t afford to have any mishap that could lead to another miscarriage. Much as my body bounced back, my mind didn’t bounce back that quickly. I just managed to shove it to the back of my mind, even as it lingers every now and then. Shove it back again, yes!
I’m happy with the news today, and I’ll take each day as it comes, doing everything to protect my baby. I drag my feet toward my car, toss my bag in, and send a text to Luke.
Me: Just clocked out, heading home, and I’m tired.com
Luke: Can you drive? Should I send Martin for you?
Me: I’m fine. I can drive. See you soon.
I press the brakes to start my car, attach my phone to the holder, and pull my seatbelt on. A sudden knock on my window startles me. I turn to see Dr. Beiz. He is talking through the glass, and for a second, I’m disoriented until he signals for me to roll down my window. I do as he asks, pushing the button, and the window rolls down.
“What’s wrong, Dr. Beiz?” I ask, perplexed.
“Sorry, Dele. I’ve been trying to call you, but you didn’t hear me. I noticed you didn’t sign that you gave meds to Mrs. Zapata. As you know, we’re monitoring her meds.”
“I didn’t have Mrs. Zapata. Jax is her nurse, and she’s still inside.”
“I just spoke with Jax. She said Mrs. Zapata is your patient. Can you stop in quickly, and we can clarify this?”
“Sure,” I answer, but he could have called me. Fuck it, I’ll just go and clear this nonsense up. I roll my window up and turn my car off. Before getting out of the car, I decide to let Luke know.
Me: Going back inside to clarify something Dr. Beiz said I forgot to do. I should be on my way home in about ten to twenty minutes, tops.
I pocket my phone and follow Dr. Beiz, not talking. We just walk in silence. He takes the back route into the ER, but I’m too tired to care which route he’s taking, as long as we get this sorted out, and I can head home.
“How’s your husband?” he asks. My eyebrow rises at the strange question of him asking about Luke. I know he doesn’t like Luke, but whatever. Just get this mix-up over with.
“He’s fine,” I answer and keep moving. He uses his badge to open the door, and I follow him in. The hallway is dim, which is weird, but maybe maintenance is doing something, because it’s quiet here at this time of the day, anyway. Before I can ask him about the light, I feel a hit on my head. Something hard hits me from behind, and my body starts to fall. Dr. Beiz catches me, and I black out.