Her name was Christina, a second year resident at the hospital the ambulance had dropped us off at, Seattle Grace, I think. I had field triaged a few car accident victims, the paramedics were hesitant on letting me ride along, but I insisted. I was not going to let these patients out of my sight until I was sure they were in good hands.
Apparently she had argued with another resident and in the process of going back inside she had slipped on the slick Seattle black ice. After a few seconds an icicle detached from an overhead balcony and impaled her left abdomen, thankfully not hitting anything major. I was walking towards my truck to head for the airport when I had heard the commotion. I turned back and saw her lying still, something protruding out of her. I jogged back over and assessed her quickly before picking up her up and walking her back inside. She was looking at me, fear and admiration in her eyes.
"I've seen a lot in the field, but never an icicle" I laughed lightly as I laid her on a bed in the Emergency room. "You don't find those in Afghanistan" I muttered as I looked over the skin around her injury.
She gave a small smile and winced as I gently shifted her so I could get a better position. I had a plan to get the icicle out without her objection, which she had given time and time again. I could still see the small twinkle in her eye, the one that said she was interested in me. I began inching closer to her, giving the most lustful look if given in years. She laid still just long enough for me to yank out the frozen hazard she hadn't noticed I'd grasped. I winked as I straightened up and threw away the ice.
"You took out my icicle!" She yelled as she glared wildly at me.
"Yep" I smiled as I grabbed hemostats and a suture kit from the drawer.
"You took out my icicle" she hissed as I chuckled and began cleaning the wound.
I took my time so we could chat as I stitched her closed, which made me realize something. That night my life changed, changed forever. She was the most extraordinary being I'd met in a long time, and she truly was beautiful. Her thick black curls laid still as her deep brown eyes scanned my entire presence as I bandaged her abdomen. My hands handled the white wrappings carefully to insure I didn't cause her any pain.
I tried my best to hide the admiration I had for her. I couldn't do it much longer, I was a straightforward kind of person, call it like I see it, blunt as they come. I turned around and threw away the packaging from the bandages and sutures. "I can't kiss her" I thought, "no, no, it'll make me miss her even more." I sighed and leaned against the countertop, staring down at her.
"What?" She questioned as she pulled her hair from underneath her head, the coarse curls flowing delicately back onto the pillow.
"Nothing" I said harshly as I stood up and ran my fingers through my hair, placing my hands on the windowsill and contemplating my next actions. I looked out at her colleagues, saving the lives of the men I had brought in.
Without thinking I pulled the string, closing the blinds. I glanced behind me, finding she had sat up, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"What's-" she managed to get out before I cut her off, turning around and pulling her into a passionate kiss. She thankfully returned the kiss and pulled at the hair on the back of my neck, allowing my fingers to run through her hair. I pulled away and grabbed my jacket on the counter before opening the door and walking out, being met by the Chief.
"Major Hunt" he smiled "I was wondering if you'd be interested in a job here in the ER" he proposed, obviously very proud of what he had built.
"Actually, I was on my way to my fourth tour" I said with insane regret "I've got men to save, men protecting this country". I gave an appreciative smile as he shook my hand.
"I understand" he nodded "if you're ever interested, give me a call". I assured him I would before I continued for the door. I heard light footsteps behind me as well as grunts of pain.
"Where the hell are you going?" She yelled, I slowed and stopped turning around
"To the sandbox" I said coldly before continuing out the door.
I knew that I had to find her again... After I got back. I had been on my way to the airport, to the plane that was going to take me back to the desert. I had to go back. I knew that. I wouldn't have cared before.
Before I met Christina.
