Casualty
Merry Christmas Holby
Patrick Spiller slammed the car door. He locked the door and walked into Holby City hospital. The hospital was already vibrant with life already and he stood aside as an elderly patient wheeled out in her zimmer frame. It was going to be another typical day. Hospital bursting to the seams, activity going in every direction and outside it was a bright, winter day waiting to be enjoyed.
Patrick didn't have time for that. He ignored Jack's greeting of,
"Good morning Patrick,"
And swept right past. Jack looked back down at his work and carried on. Patrick pushed the door to the empty staff room. He scanned the headline of somebody's newspaper who had left it on the table.
The door burst open and a frantic doctor, Lara Stone came in late. She didn't have time for greetings, flinging her bag onto a chair and searched for her stethoscope. She ignored Patrick in the corner and shifted other carelessly thrown coats. For once it looked as if Lara was in a worse mood then Patrick.
"Haven't had one this morning then?"
"Shut up Patrick," she snapper. Patrick lifted the newspaper up and Lara darted towards the table. She grabbed her stethoscope and swung it around her neck.
"I haven't got time for games Patrick."
He looked puzzled but then studied her more closely,
"Lara, your shirts buttoned up all wrong."
With that he left the staff room as Lara cursed him under her breath.
~*~
"Honestly, I don't see why a nice lad like you stays in here all day,"
"Yes Nan," drawled James. He stood politely in front of her. James was seething with rage. He was 12 years old, 12! And his parents still didn't trust him to take care of himself.
"Now I want you to stay here while I'll make you something to eat."
"Yes Nan," he answered gravely. She went into the kitchen and James jumped to the T.V screen on the floor. Switching it on he hurriedly inserted a disk into his Playstation. The familiar jingle came on and he waited impatiently for the game to load up.
His Nan came scornfully back into the room. She set a dish of food on the coffee table that he was leant against. She sat in her armchair and took up her knitting precariously. She didn't like the fact her grandson was sat idly watching a figurine on the screen. Oh and the noise! She watched him select a weapon in the menu and let the deafening gun shots pass her by.
James got to a vital part of the game. A crowd of wolves came chasing towards him as he vainly shot them all down. He had to do various moves to avoid damage. He leapt, rolled and flipped mid air. Finally they lay dead around him. His character ran off in one corner and jumped into the swimming pool.
"Why don't we bake a cake?" she suggested desperately breaking the peace, never taking her eyes off the knitting needles. James reached out for a donut and ate it down, keeping one hand on the controller.
His grandmother listened absently to the swimming character. Then the noise level went from water to silence. James dropped to the floor and began coughing violently. Mrs Oakley looked up and watched him panicked. She tried standing him up, thinking he had something lodged in his throat. Running frantically to the kitchen she swung the cabinet doors open looking for something. Spotting the note on the kitchen fridge she crashed against the wall to pick up the phone.
"Hello? I need an ambulance."
~*~
"This stuff tastes as bland as ever!" spat Patrick and threw the empty cup into the bin. One of the doctors walked by and gave him a sharp look that said You-know-we-don't-have-the-funds-to-afford-a-coffee-maker. Lara passed him wordlessly, dying for a drink. Patrick got called away to attend another patient.
James walked blindly into hospital, colliding into his grandmother. She dragged him ahead of the paramedic determinedly who aimlessly followed. Lara felt a hand clasp around her arm. Mrs Oakley looked tearfully at her.
"Will you help me?" she pleaded, "I think he might die."
Like a true professional Lara looked at her calmly.
"Okay now, what's wrong with him?"
"He has a nut allergy. I shouldn't have severed him those donuts. I should have known! I'm never going to forgive myself," she rambled.
Lara led the pair to a hospital bed and pulled the curtains close. When she had eventually found their names she said,
"Mrs Oakley, I want you to calm down. Everything will be fine. Anna," she called to the nurse, "I need you to prepare a shot of adrenaline."
James was still wildly coughing. A hand was placed on his shoulders. He saw a shaky image of a woman and an Australian accent.
"James? James? Listen I need you to try to stop coughing. I'm going to give you this injection and after that it will take effect soon."
James tried to stop and took sharp intakes of air as she inserted the injection in his arms.
"I'll be back as soon as possible," she told them, "James, you'll be fine in a few minutes."
She left the cubicle and James, sat on the edge of the bed nearly toppled off. Woah, he thought, she is one sexy lady.
~*~
"Okay guys, that's it for this week," said Mr Winch. "Now clear up and I'll see you after the New Year."
Mr Winch was a Chemistry teacher and he was holding a science session for his year 7 and 8 classes.
"Let's go, this is rubbish," said Sean to Paul.
"Wait," he said, "Dare you to take that beaker."
Sean pointed at a jar full of a grey, grainy substance.
"Easy," said Paul. He carried the jar away from the side and watched all the others busily clean away. Walking out Sean followed soon after.
"What are we going to do with this?" asked Paul, holding the jar up to eye level.
"I dunno, dump it somewhere."
"Hide! They're coming out!"
The two boys moved quickly to avoid the oncoming children. They walker past a room where a girl, Stacey Williams came out carrying several books. She had just attended the English Saturday morning surgery and looked forward greatly to going home.
Mr Winch was puzzled as he collected the beakers in. There was a jar missing. He placed them in the prep room and locked the door. His mind was distracted but maybe he put one jar of iron filings out.
Stacey was about to leave. One of the teachers called her over. She listened to them and in the background Paul and Sean stood at the top of the steps. The teacher got in her car and left. The boys were oblivious to all else. Mr Winch opened the front door, knocking Paul's arm. Out of surprise he let the beaker slip out of his hand and loudly screamed ow. Stacey turned to look. The beaker flew right towards her and its content all over her face. Paul and Sean looked at each other and darted away.
"Hey!" shouted a furious Mr Winch. Stacey raised her arm and Mr Winch looked back at her.
"Stacey don't!"
Mr Winch guided her towards his car. Stacey slid into the front seat and sped the car out of the school grounds quickly telling her everything he knew about iron filings.
~*~
"Mrs Oakley?" asked Anna politely, "You can go home now."
"Really? Oh that's good."
She picked up her knitting.
"Nan, can't we stay one more minute? Just to make sure?" asked James hopefully as the nurse left. He spotted Lara walk past through the gap in the curtains.
"I suppose we better."
~*~
For the last few minutes Stacey has resisted the temptation to wipe her eyes. The receptionist listened to Mr Winch.
"Patrick! Over here!"
Patrick walked over, looked at Mr Winch and Stacey.
"Stacey has iron filings in her eyes."
"Right, follow me this way."
"Stacey, I'm going have to contact your dad," realised Mr Winch. "You couldn't give me your number could you?"
She gave the number over. While Mr Winch went off to find a telephone Patrick opened the door to the Magnetic Reasoning Imaging room. He sat Stacey down beside her and explained the procedure to her.
"You see that cylinder in the next room? You lie on the plank and I control it from in here. You will slide in and the magnet will get rid of those filings."
Stacey sat worried, her arms folded on her lap. She nervously eyed the machine in the other room. She had a horrible vision that it might go horribly wrong and what if the electromagnet never picked up the iron filings? What then? She started to voice her concern.
"Doctor Spiller, what if it all goes wrong?"
"It won't," he said confidently.
"None of this would have happened if I hadn't had turned around when that stupid boy yelled ow. They'll probably get away with it," she said furiously, "I feel so useless."
"Stacey I'm here to help you. I'm helping because I care but I want you to understand that it was not your fault."
She looked doubtfully at him. Patrick gave her a reassuring squeeze on her hand and she felt as if he could trust him. In fact she rather liked this doctor. For one thing she found him good looking! She looked dazed at the doctor and shyly smiled. Mr Winch came back and gave the go ahead.
"Stacey, I need you to take off anything metallic," he turned to Mr Winch, "Normally she would have to change into a hospital gown but I'm worried that her corneas might be scratched, what with her taking her clothes on and off.
Stacey lay on the plank. In the other room Patrick controlled the equipment while Mr Winch sat beside him, watching fascinated. Stacey went into the cylinder and the magnet was switched on. The plank soon came out.
"You all right then?" asked Patrick.
"Yeah, fine."
She got off the plank and Patrick handed back her earrings and jacket. He directed for the way out and Stacey energetically waved goodbye to him.
~*~
Lara pulled back the curtains.
"Still here?" she asked the Oakleys in surprise, "Hasn't Anna dismissed you yet?" Lara didn't get it. Anna was a very competent nurse.
James felt a huge smile work across his face, there is a god! James was in love with her! He loved her and the way she looked! He scanned her, looking for her badge. James slowly got to his feet, he had to make sure he didn't seem too eager. Offering his hand out and a smile on his face that didn't look stupid he said as he shook,
"Thank you, Lara Croft."
Lara stopped shaking. James blushed bright red and realised his mistake.
"What I wanted to say was thanks for saving my life," he said quickly, a pained look on his face.
"Doctor Croft," called a paramedic, "We have an RTA in."
"You see, you're not the first," she laughed.
Mrs Oakley took Jame's arm and started dragging him out.
"Wait! I don't feel completely fine yet."
"Doctor Stone," asked Mrs Oakley, "What was in that injection you gave my grandson?"
"Adrenaline. He was suffering an acute asthma attack and it should have expanded the lung bronchioles. James might be feeling insecure but I assure you he's fine."
With that she rapidly left the cubicle and James, heartbroken, watched the Australian beauty fade out of his life as they got away further and further. Damn, he suddenly thought. What sort of a cheesy chat up line is thanks for saving my life?
~*~
Stacey found the staff room and knocked on the door, which was answered by Patrick.
"D-doctor S-Spiller," she stuttered pulling her hands from out behind her, "T-these are for you."
In her hands were a small box of chocolates. The doctor smiled,
"Thank you."
"Merry Christmas Doctor."
"Merry Christmas to you too Stacey!" he called after her. Jack, who was walking back from the toilets stopped and wondered if he had been dreaming. Patrick? Wishing Merry Christmas? He decided he was too tired and needed a long, long holiday on his way back to reception.
Patrick stepped inside the near empty staff room. Lara was sat far from him staring tiredly into space. She pulled out a cigarette, flicking her lighter on when her eyes vainly caught the attractive box Patrick held. He looked at her expressionless and deliberately opened the box in slow motion. The contents spilled out and carefully viewing the contents he picked a chocolate out. Untwisting the wrapper Patrick lifted the chocolate to his mouth and ate it with much delight.
Lara sat there trying to look disgusted. She put away and stared stonily at him.
"Sorry Lara, would you like one?" he asked teasingly, offering out a strawberry cream. She strode over and took it from him, eating it. Lara pulled out a chair and sat at the table, never taking her eyes off Patrick. Patrick did the same and when she looked at the table he looked carefully at her hand. He picked out a caramel one as she was about to take it. Lara took on quickly and greedily the two worked their way through.
Jack came in for a drink of water. He filled his mug with cold tap water and spotted the two doctors. He went over and asked,
"Can I have one?"
"No," they both answered.
Soon there was one left. A coffee chocolate sat between the two. They looked each other in the eye. Their eyesight was locked together. Lara leant slowly forward. Patrick, unsure of what was going on tried to read the message on her face. She got closer and closer, a slight smile appearing on her face, a little sparkle in her eyes. Patrick moved slowly forwards as well.
"Got it!" she said triumphantly. Her face split into a huge grin. Tearing off the wrapper Lara placed it in her mouth and with her middle finger dragged it smoothly down his nose. Patrick's expression went back to a stony, hateful look.
"Lara, can I have a word with you?" asked one of the nurses. Patrick got up and hurriedly went to his car. He opened the door, pulled open the glove compartment and started searching. There was no other day he could give it to her. He was on the Christmas shift and she had those off. Pulling the long slim package out he started towards the hospital.
Lara pulled her coat around her and considered having a cigarette. Deciding against it she started walking towards her car. She got in, threw her cards in the passenger seat and started the car. She was oblivious to all else and switched the radio on driving home.
Patrick stood rejected on the side. He watched the exiting car and pulled the box out of his coat. He opened it up and looked at the necklace. Never mind, he thought as he eventually took his eyes off the road. He snapped the box shut. It can wait. Turning back to Lara's parking space he wished, Merry Christmas Lara, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Holby
Patrick Spiller slammed the car door. He locked the door and walked into Holby City hospital. The hospital was already vibrant with life already and he stood aside as an elderly patient wheeled out in her zimmer frame. It was going to be another typical day. Hospital bursting to the seams, activity going in every direction and outside it was a bright, winter day waiting to be enjoyed.
Patrick didn't have time for that. He ignored Jack's greeting of,
"Good morning Patrick,"
And swept right past. Jack looked back down at his work and carried on. Patrick pushed the door to the empty staff room. He scanned the headline of somebody's newspaper who had left it on the table.
The door burst open and a frantic doctor, Lara Stone came in late. She didn't have time for greetings, flinging her bag onto a chair and searched for her stethoscope. She ignored Patrick in the corner and shifted other carelessly thrown coats. For once it looked as if Lara was in a worse mood then Patrick.
"Haven't had one this morning then?"
"Shut up Patrick," she snapper. Patrick lifted the newspaper up and Lara darted towards the table. She grabbed her stethoscope and swung it around her neck.
"I haven't got time for games Patrick."
He looked puzzled but then studied her more closely,
"Lara, your shirts buttoned up all wrong."
With that he left the staff room as Lara cursed him under her breath.
~*~
"Honestly, I don't see why a nice lad like you stays in here all day,"
"Yes Nan," drawled James. He stood politely in front of her. James was seething with rage. He was 12 years old, 12! And his parents still didn't trust him to take care of himself.
"Now I want you to stay here while I'll make you something to eat."
"Yes Nan," he answered gravely. She went into the kitchen and James jumped to the T.V screen on the floor. Switching it on he hurriedly inserted a disk into his Playstation. The familiar jingle came on and he waited impatiently for the game to load up.
His Nan came scornfully back into the room. She set a dish of food on the coffee table that he was leant against. She sat in her armchair and took up her knitting precariously. She didn't like the fact her grandson was sat idly watching a figurine on the screen. Oh and the noise! She watched him select a weapon in the menu and let the deafening gun shots pass her by.
James got to a vital part of the game. A crowd of wolves came chasing towards him as he vainly shot them all down. He had to do various moves to avoid damage. He leapt, rolled and flipped mid air. Finally they lay dead around him. His character ran off in one corner and jumped into the swimming pool.
"Why don't we bake a cake?" she suggested desperately breaking the peace, never taking her eyes off the knitting needles. James reached out for a donut and ate it down, keeping one hand on the controller.
His grandmother listened absently to the swimming character. Then the noise level went from water to silence. James dropped to the floor and began coughing violently. Mrs Oakley looked up and watched him panicked. She tried standing him up, thinking he had something lodged in his throat. Running frantically to the kitchen she swung the cabinet doors open looking for something. Spotting the note on the kitchen fridge she crashed against the wall to pick up the phone.
"Hello? I need an ambulance."
~*~
"This stuff tastes as bland as ever!" spat Patrick and threw the empty cup into the bin. One of the doctors walked by and gave him a sharp look that said You-know-we-don't-have-the-funds-to-afford-a-coffee-maker. Lara passed him wordlessly, dying for a drink. Patrick got called away to attend another patient.
James walked blindly into hospital, colliding into his grandmother. She dragged him ahead of the paramedic determinedly who aimlessly followed. Lara felt a hand clasp around her arm. Mrs Oakley looked tearfully at her.
"Will you help me?" she pleaded, "I think he might die."
Like a true professional Lara looked at her calmly.
"Okay now, what's wrong with him?"
"He has a nut allergy. I shouldn't have severed him those donuts. I should have known! I'm never going to forgive myself," she rambled.
Lara led the pair to a hospital bed and pulled the curtains close. When she had eventually found their names she said,
"Mrs Oakley, I want you to calm down. Everything will be fine. Anna," she called to the nurse, "I need you to prepare a shot of adrenaline."
James was still wildly coughing. A hand was placed on his shoulders. He saw a shaky image of a woman and an Australian accent.
"James? James? Listen I need you to try to stop coughing. I'm going to give you this injection and after that it will take effect soon."
James tried to stop and took sharp intakes of air as she inserted the injection in his arms.
"I'll be back as soon as possible," she told them, "James, you'll be fine in a few minutes."
She left the cubicle and James, sat on the edge of the bed nearly toppled off. Woah, he thought, she is one sexy lady.
~*~
"Okay guys, that's it for this week," said Mr Winch. "Now clear up and I'll see you after the New Year."
Mr Winch was a Chemistry teacher and he was holding a science session for his year 7 and 8 classes.
"Let's go, this is rubbish," said Sean to Paul.
"Wait," he said, "Dare you to take that beaker."
Sean pointed at a jar full of a grey, grainy substance.
"Easy," said Paul. He carried the jar away from the side and watched all the others busily clean away. Walking out Sean followed soon after.
"What are we going to do with this?" asked Paul, holding the jar up to eye level.
"I dunno, dump it somewhere."
"Hide! They're coming out!"
The two boys moved quickly to avoid the oncoming children. They walker past a room where a girl, Stacey Williams came out carrying several books. She had just attended the English Saturday morning surgery and looked forward greatly to going home.
Mr Winch was puzzled as he collected the beakers in. There was a jar missing. He placed them in the prep room and locked the door. His mind was distracted but maybe he put one jar of iron filings out.
Stacey was about to leave. One of the teachers called her over. She listened to them and in the background Paul and Sean stood at the top of the steps. The teacher got in her car and left. The boys were oblivious to all else. Mr Winch opened the front door, knocking Paul's arm. Out of surprise he let the beaker slip out of his hand and loudly screamed ow. Stacey turned to look. The beaker flew right towards her and its content all over her face. Paul and Sean looked at each other and darted away.
"Hey!" shouted a furious Mr Winch. Stacey raised her arm and Mr Winch looked back at her.
"Stacey don't!"
Mr Winch guided her towards his car. Stacey slid into the front seat and sped the car out of the school grounds quickly telling her everything he knew about iron filings.
~*~
"Mrs Oakley?" asked Anna politely, "You can go home now."
"Really? Oh that's good."
She picked up her knitting.
"Nan, can't we stay one more minute? Just to make sure?" asked James hopefully as the nurse left. He spotted Lara walk past through the gap in the curtains.
"I suppose we better."
~*~
For the last few minutes Stacey has resisted the temptation to wipe her eyes. The receptionist listened to Mr Winch.
"Patrick! Over here!"
Patrick walked over, looked at Mr Winch and Stacey.
"Stacey has iron filings in her eyes."
"Right, follow me this way."
"Stacey, I'm going have to contact your dad," realised Mr Winch. "You couldn't give me your number could you?"
She gave the number over. While Mr Winch went off to find a telephone Patrick opened the door to the Magnetic Reasoning Imaging room. He sat Stacey down beside her and explained the procedure to her.
"You see that cylinder in the next room? You lie on the plank and I control it from in here. You will slide in and the magnet will get rid of those filings."
Stacey sat worried, her arms folded on her lap. She nervously eyed the machine in the other room. She had a horrible vision that it might go horribly wrong and what if the electromagnet never picked up the iron filings? What then? She started to voice her concern.
"Doctor Spiller, what if it all goes wrong?"
"It won't," he said confidently.
"None of this would have happened if I hadn't had turned around when that stupid boy yelled ow. They'll probably get away with it," she said furiously, "I feel so useless."
"Stacey I'm here to help you. I'm helping because I care but I want you to understand that it was not your fault."
She looked doubtfully at him. Patrick gave her a reassuring squeeze on her hand and she felt as if he could trust him. In fact she rather liked this doctor. For one thing she found him good looking! She looked dazed at the doctor and shyly smiled. Mr Winch came back and gave the go ahead.
"Stacey, I need you to take off anything metallic," he turned to Mr Winch, "Normally she would have to change into a hospital gown but I'm worried that her corneas might be scratched, what with her taking her clothes on and off.
Stacey lay on the plank. In the other room Patrick controlled the equipment while Mr Winch sat beside him, watching fascinated. Stacey went into the cylinder and the magnet was switched on. The plank soon came out.
"You all right then?" asked Patrick.
"Yeah, fine."
She got off the plank and Patrick handed back her earrings and jacket. He directed for the way out and Stacey energetically waved goodbye to him.
~*~
Lara pulled back the curtains.
"Still here?" she asked the Oakleys in surprise, "Hasn't Anna dismissed you yet?" Lara didn't get it. Anna was a very competent nurse.
James felt a huge smile work across his face, there is a god! James was in love with her! He loved her and the way she looked! He scanned her, looking for her badge. James slowly got to his feet, he had to make sure he didn't seem too eager. Offering his hand out and a smile on his face that didn't look stupid he said as he shook,
"Thank you, Lara Croft."
Lara stopped shaking. James blushed bright red and realised his mistake.
"What I wanted to say was thanks for saving my life," he said quickly, a pained look on his face.
"Doctor Croft," called a paramedic, "We have an RTA in."
"You see, you're not the first," she laughed.
Mrs Oakley took Jame's arm and started dragging him out.
"Wait! I don't feel completely fine yet."
"Doctor Stone," asked Mrs Oakley, "What was in that injection you gave my grandson?"
"Adrenaline. He was suffering an acute asthma attack and it should have expanded the lung bronchioles. James might be feeling insecure but I assure you he's fine."
With that she rapidly left the cubicle and James, heartbroken, watched the Australian beauty fade out of his life as they got away further and further. Damn, he suddenly thought. What sort of a cheesy chat up line is thanks for saving my life?
~*~
Stacey found the staff room and knocked on the door, which was answered by Patrick.
"D-doctor S-Spiller," she stuttered pulling her hands from out behind her, "T-these are for you."
In her hands were a small box of chocolates. The doctor smiled,
"Thank you."
"Merry Christmas Doctor."
"Merry Christmas to you too Stacey!" he called after her. Jack, who was walking back from the toilets stopped and wondered if he had been dreaming. Patrick? Wishing Merry Christmas? He decided he was too tired and needed a long, long holiday on his way back to reception.
Patrick stepped inside the near empty staff room. Lara was sat far from him staring tiredly into space. She pulled out a cigarette, flicking her lighter on when her eyes vainly caught the attractive box Patrick held. He looked at her expressionless and deliberately opened the box in slow motion. The contents spilled out and carefully viewing the contents he picked a chocolate out. Untwisting the wrapper Patrick lifted the chocolate to his mouth and ate it with much delight.
Lara sat there trying to look disgusted. She put away and stared stonily at him.
"Sorry Lara, would you like one?" he asked teasingly, offering out a strawberry cream. She strode over and took it from him, eating it. Lara pulled out a chair and sat at the table, never taking her eyes off Patrick. Patrick did the same and when she looked at the table he looked carefully at her hand. He picked out a caramel one as she was about to take it. Lara took on quickly and greedily the two worked their way through.
Jack came in for a drink of water. He filled his mug with cold tap water and spotted the two doctors. He went over and asked,
"Can I have one?"
"No," they both answered.
Soon there was one left. A coffee chocolate sat between the two. They looked each other in the eye. Their eyesight was locked together. Lara leant slowly forward. Patrick, unsure of what was going on tried to read the message on her face. She got closer and closer, a slight smile appearing on her face, a little sparkle in her eyes. Patrick moved slowly forwards as well.
"Got it!" she said triumphantly. Her face split into a huge grin. Tearing off the wrapper Lara placed it in her mouth and with her middle finger dragged it smoothly down his nose. Patrick's expression went back to a stony, hateful look.
"Lara, can I have a word with you?" asked one of the nurses. Patrick got up and hurriedly went to his car. He opened the door, pulled open the glove compartment and started searching. There was no other day he could give it to her. He was on the Christmas shift and she had those off. Pulling the long slim package out he started towards the hospital.
Lara pulled her coat around her and considered having a cigarette. Deciding against it she started walking towards her car. She got in, threw her cards in the passenger seat and started the car. She was oblivious to all else and switched the radio on driving home.
Patrick stood rejected on the side. He watched the exiting car and pulled the box out of his coat. He opened it up and looked at the necklace. Never mind, he thought as he eventually took his eyes off the road. He snapped the box shut. It can wait. Turning back to Lara's parking space he wished, Merry Christmas Lara, Merry Christmas.