Once I entered the hospital again, after my issues with Dr. Adams and my conversation with Wam, the rest of the day went fairly well. As well as a day in the hospital with your brother, who is in a coma, can go. No more big surprises, Kedron's temperature stayed at about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and they continued the respiratory treatments and started the broad spectrum antibiotic. Although it was difficult seeing my brother in this condition, we were treating the issues, and that alone gave me some comfort.
I'd be lying though if I said I wasn't missing Wam. Not long before her shift ended, Nurse Nancy asked, "is Dr. Teton still in town?"
"Umm no. I believe Wam said he had surgeries Monday through Thursday this week. Anyway, he headed back today so he could be ready for tomorrow." I said from my chair at bedside. "He seems like an excellent doctor. We were very lucky he was here when Kedron was brought in."
I heard Nancy say under her breath, "Wam huh?" But it didn't seem directed at me. The next sentence certainly was though, "how exactly do you know Wam? You seemed pretty friendly this morning."
"Actually, I just met Wam Friday after Kedron was brought in. He consulted on his case, but Dr. Adams is Kedron's primary." I looked down and became very interested in my cell phone.
"Considering you just met Friday, you became close pretty quickly. Wam is an excellent doctor and a great guy. I know many of the younger nurses and doctors really take notice when he's around. He is always very professional and to my knowledge doesn't date coworkers. In fact, I've never heard him dating anyone." Nancy said with a smirk.
I unconsciously began to shake my head but could feel my cheeks heating up. "Oh no, it's not like that. We're just friends. Dr. Teton has been a great resource and has even helped me by borrowing me his car. Just like you said, he has been very professional."
"Umm hmmm. Well it's almost time for my replacement to come, but I'll be back tomorrow. I hope the night goes better than last night. It should now that they've started treatment. It can take up to three days for the culture and sensitivity results to come back. Kedron seems like a fighter. I'm going to collect one last set of vital signs, do a brief assessment, and I'll be out of your hair." Nurse Nancy smiled as she moved to beside with her notepad and stethoscope.
"Thank you Nurse Nancy, for the good care you've given my brother. I know he is in the best hands, and I am grateful." I gave her a weak smile as I got up to use the facilities while she finished up with Kedron.
"You are most welcome," Nurse Nancy replied with a smile.
It was almost 6pm, and my stomach grumbled as I walked to the restroom. Sick of vending machines, I decided to grab something to eat on the way home. Surviving on prepackaged food simply wasn't healthy, so it's time to get back on a normal diet again. Especially knowing we could be doing this for the long haul.
After the restroom, I stopped in the waiting room and looked out the huge windows that overlooked the neighboring area. Being up on the eleventh floor, I had quite a view. I heard the elevator ding as the night shift filtered in to take over their patients. I didn't bother to turn around and see who had arrived. I'd find out soon enough who Kedron's night nurse was. I made a brief call to my employer and regrettably quit without notice. I hated to do it, but I have to be here for Kedron. The restaurant owner wasn't happy, but did give me his condolences and seemed to understand. He also said if circumstances changed, to give him a call.
As I thought about all the things that had occurred since I arrived on Friday, it all seemed a blur. So much had happened, but it seemed to go by so quickly. Somehow, every thought I had always circled back to Wam. I was so appreciative of his assistance, but I had to be very careful what I did and said. The last thing I wanted was for Wam to get in trouble over some 'ethics violation' because he was kind enough to help me. Part of me felt better knowing he doesn't assist just everyone and does not have a reputation as a womanizer. None of that should matter to me since we are just friends, but it gave me a warm feeling knowing I was somehow special to him. We likely had no future anyway considering we come from two different classes with very different upbringings. It was definitely safer to remain 'friends', but that kiss... whooooeee. My lips tingle just thinking about it.
That reminds me I know very little about Wam. Something I hope to rectify as soon as possible. Maybe I can make him a meal for Friday evening when he returns and try to learn more about him then? Yes, that's perfect. I can pick stuff up tonight since I'm stopping anyway, find out when he is returning, and have it ready when he arrives. Hopefully Wam would see it for the 'thank you' that it is. I pulled up my 'notes' section in my phone and began to make a list of items to buy at the grocery store. Satisfied with my list, I made my way back to Kedron's room.
As I neared the door, I heard the nurses giving report, but then the voice that wasn't Nurse Nancy asked, "Is Dr. Teton still in town? I'd like to get me a piece of that."
"Cheryl, we are in a patient's room. You know that's not appropriate," Nurse Nancy scolded.
"Oh Nancy, lighten up. You may be married, but you are t dead. Surely even you can see what a fine specimens that successful surgeon is. The fact he is actually nice to us and seems to care about his patients is a huge plus." The voice that was Cheryl paused before asking, "you haven't heard he is dating anyone have you? I know Kelly is always touching him and dropping hints here and there. Comically, he seems to play dumb and remain professional. Dr. Adams gets pretty frustrated sometimes at his lack of attention, but so far has let it go. She certainly has her sights on him though."
Nurse Nancy laughed, "yeah, Dr. Adams is quite the piece of work. She is a good doctor, but I stay clear of her on my time off. Best to stay on her good side. The good doctor has stepped up and is helping this family out."
"What do you mean helping them out? Kedron and his sister are basically orphans since their parents died about a year and a half ago. The siblings share an apartment and rely on each other to make ends meet. Without Kedron, life would be very hard for his sister. Not to mention the long recovery he will have if he pulls through this. Dr. Teton has borrowed her a car, and I heard through the grapevine that he helped set up a monthly grant to help her survive as long as her brother is in the hospital or rehab. I always knew he was a nice guy, but this is so sweet of him. Of course the siblings seem like really great kids, so I don't blame him."
Cheryl laughed, "are you sure it's strictly platonic? She is a pretty cute little thing. Maybe he is looking to scratch an itch?" Cheryl began to laugh again.
I took this as my cue to enter. Nurse Nancy turned toward me, "good timing. Ms. Knutson, this is Cheryl. She will be your nurse tonight."
"Hi, call me Kynlee please. Ms. Knutson was my mom." I gave what I hoped was a smile and took in Cheryl's appearance. She was tall, willowy, had long, wavy brunette hair in a pony tail, and was attractive enough to be a runway model. If only she didn't slouch, wasn't attracted to Wam, and didn't have a bad habit of gossiping. Wasn't attracted to Wam? Where did that come from? Geez Kynlee, get it together.
"Pleasure to meet you Kynlee. I'll be Kedron's nurse until 6am," Cheryl replied with a sweet smile and a cute wave. I returned the wave and took my seat next to Kedron.
I began to talk to Kedron about my decision to pick up real food from the grocery store and not eat fast food tonight. I talked about how when he woke up, I'd make him his favorite foods. "When you are awake and blow this pop stand K, I will make you tater tot hotdish, shepherd's pie, homemade lasagna and garlic toast, tacos, and angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Of course I won't make them all on one night though."
Cheryl piped up, that sounds like quite the encouragement to wake up, do your rehab, and get home Kedron."
I smiled at Cheryl. Okay, maybe she wasn't so bad?
"If you don't get better though Kedron, I'm going to bring in a hot plate and cook liver and onions. You have always hated liver and onions. When we were kids, I remember you running from the house retching into the backyard. Mom was horrified. She never made liver and onions again after that. I swear though Kedron, I'm not above torture to get what I want."
Cheryl laughed from across the room at her computer.
"Well Kedron, we started off awfully early this morning and my body is exhausted. So dear brother, I'm gonna head out for the night. I'll be back bright and early in the morning, but do not expect me to have bells on. Probably a cappuccino in hand and my hair in a pony tail, but no bells." I stood and turned toward Cheryl, "my cell number is on the white board. If there are any issues, please call me and I'll come back sooner."
"Will do Kynlee, but hopefully all will be well and you can get some rest. Hotels are not always the easiest place to rest. Doors slamming late at night and early in the morning." Cheryl laughed nervously, "have a good night."
I nodded nervously, not sure what to say to correct her, so I didn't. I kissed Kedron's left cheek and exited the room. I stopped briefly to get groceries, arrived at Wam's and put them away, had a bite to eat, and went to bed. I literally was exhausted.
It was well after 9pm, but before I dozed off, I sent a quick text to Wam.
Kynlee: Hey Wam. I hope your home safe. I picked up a few groceries tonight. If I know what time you'll be here Friday, I'll have supper ready. Goodnight and thanks again for everything!