I was back at the clinic. I was back in the swing of things and back to myself again;however, happier than ever. Spending the night with Mark was great and it gave me a whole other attitude about things. Just knowing there was a guy out there who likes me was wonderful, and knowing that he likes me for who I am was invigorating.
As I sat in my office I glanced at the plain clock on the wall. It was six o'clock and the sun had just started to set. I could hear the sleet smacking on my window. It was coming down hard.
"Ugh" I sighed in relief. It wasn't much longer till I got to go to home sweet home.
The weather made everything outside look so disgusting. Mud was splattering everywhere, and the wind blew whatever remaining leaves off the plants. The environment couldn't even help to resemble the town's bare ugliness. It didn't take long till I heard the sirens from the neighboring police department go off. That occurred at least six times during my shift each day. Violence and crime was always happening, exhausting the public service workers. Some people have been loyal to Washington Heights for twenty some odd years and little old me was struggling serving the community for only two. It was an undeniable fact that the town was taking it's toll on me. None of the doctors in the town got paid well enough to face the problems they are dealt with every single day.
"Perhaps one day I will be able to leave this hell hole and move to a nice city with blooming flowers and live in a nice suburban home...maybe even have a kid or two." I stared at my computer just imagining it.
In the midst of my day dreaming, "Dr. Evans, calling Dr. Evans. You're needed in the front lobby. Dr. Evans please report to the front lobby."
I immediately got up and made my way down the hallway towards the front lobby anticipating to discover another innocent victim of violence. I came prepared with everything I needed...
...As I walked I could hear giggling and noticed a nurse trying to hide her smile and excitement facing the opposite direction.
"This is odd. I wonder what's going on?" I said quietly as I turned the last corner.
Suddenly I spot Mark all dressed up in a suit and tie, but also holding a bouquet of red roses. All the women nurses thought he was so cute and sweet. They looked at me with the largest smiles I had seen ever since they got their raises. They were happy for me.
"I came to pick you up and I was hoping that you would let me take you out for a nice dinner?" He said.
I smiled and looked him in the eyes, "Wow you surprised me!" I hugged him tightly and gently kissed him (that was our first kiss).
"It's just about that time that I get off anyways." I said. I was really tired, but I could suck it up. I was determined to have another splendid time with my guy. "I don't see the harm in us having a good time." I said.
"Phew! Good! I was terrified that you would tell me no." Then we both laughed. I quietly directed him to follow me to my office so I could go pack up to leave, and as I left I could see all the faces just filled with joy. They were happy I finally had a guy. Ha! Ha!
Mark and I walked out of the clinic and were headed towards the car. I passed a man, Ryan I think was his name. "Peculiar guy." Anyways, he said good evening to us and we wished him a good evening as well. Anyways, me and Mark got in the car and left for our night out.
By the time I was done getting dressed it was almost eleven o'clock. We searched for any nice restaurants but couldn't even manage to find one. Not even one! So we had to succumb to the inevitable. We decided to eat our dinner at the local twenty-four hour diner. The food was good, and everything was nice. We shared good conversation and told each other some of the funniest things that ever happened to us. The only alarming thing that happened was our waitress. She was young and very nice, but for some reason she had a bruise on her face and more all over her arms. I felt like it was my responsibility to talk to her, but I was afraid I'd make her uncomfortable, so I left my business card with a message on the back of it saying...
"I'm pretty sure I know what you're going through. I've seen it all over at the clinic. I've seen people come out of the situation you're in all the time, and I wanted to let you know that you can too. Come and visit me at the address provided. We can help. You don't have to accept this."
Mark said I did the right thing, but not to be surprised if she didn't contact her or get any help. I just shrugged, and told him that at least I tried. I gave her the tools to get started and now it's up to her to act on it.
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Clinic Duty
Let me see...Mr. George Jefferson stopped by this morning for treatment. Major bruising and cuts. Refused to answer questions pertaining to injuries. Left before actual treatment. A similiar situation with a Mr. Ford...
Well I imagine he would be in a hurry to leave the clinic when they ask so many penetrating questions in this cloister of a city. In fact, in the bulk of the patient records there are few who stay more than one night. Of course it makes for a harder investigation when every single person acts suspiciously.
"Oh-Um...officer Seebach?"
"Ah, forgive me, this is Seebach."
"Um, yes. Thank you for coming in. It's always good to know you are helping out in hand with the clinic."
Even if I had something to do today, at Ms. Evans invitation, all the red markings on my calendar had magically disappeared. Even if she requested we meet on the 29th of February, I would still be there. Who cares about something as trivial as a leap year? It is always a profitable source of information at the free clinic. Injuries tell secrets.
"Well please continue to report in officer, thank you very much."
"Ah. Please turn the light out as you leave."
"Aren't you reading--? Alright."
I toyed with the golden badge on my shirt as I hunched over a box of documents. The small closet was a bit more spacious than the room in my apartment. Gratefully many people don't see what's important, just the uniform. Of course that is as good a factor as bad in a place like this. The name on my uniform read "Barnheart." Technically it was Brone's uniform which he uses on certain occasions, but thats why I took his identification for alteration earlier.
Ring Ring.
A normal ringtone for my normal role-playing.
"This is Seebach."
"Michael, what the hell. Give me my ID."
"It's purpose has not reached fulfillment, I would like to use it at least once."
"I need it much more than you idiot. Don't think you can trade me a hundred bucks for it."
"You were asked for identification? Really?"
"Unbelievable huh? but that's not important, of course I'm calling you for a reason. So listen carefully, because I'm serious about it."
You called all of a sudden just to say you're serious? After such an ambiguous sentence, my wits were at an end as to guessing just what he was trying to say. Listening carefully it did seem he had a real reason for calling me rather than to complain. This could be a critical situation.
"Perhaps...I shall rendevouz with you later, time and place shall depend on the developing situation."
I thought I would be finishing up around here but it seems the grandson of that cookie woman has just arrived.
"G-g-g-g--!"
Ghosts? Grandma? Speaking of which, Mrs. Pearl seems to be holding a klondike bar. Should I ask her for it-No, she's already seen me before, I can't ruin this relationship I hold at the hospital. I should be meeting with Brone shortly, before the scene dissolves to nothing. While i'm walking, let us organize Alexander's Andromeda Strain-induced ramblings. Not to say it has something to do with clotting.
Perhaps Mr. Jefferson. Strangely enough, he is the only person whom I can recall with a "G" in his name. Ah, well. Out into the rainy streets.
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