Thanks for the comments- I really appreciate them! They keep me motivated to finish. If I keep getting them then I'll post nightly ;) I don't know about y'all but I'm pretty happy that they brought Ewan into the picture (on the show), I really hope their relationship flourishes. Also, just to make sure everybody knows, Liz is working a lot b/c she lost the money that Jason gave her in a poor investment (this is what happened on the show). And I'm not Jason's biggest fan right now either ;)
Two days later Elizabeth was back at her spot in the nurses' station. Sipping her coffee she closed the last file she had to do before lunch.
"Ahem. Elizabeth. I need to speak to you immediately."
Elizabeth looked up to see Monica's frowning face. She sensed trouble and quickly ran her hands down her outfit, smoothing any imagined wrinkles.
"Sure. Can I help you Monica? Is there a problem?"
"I'd prefer if you addressed me as doctor Quartermaine while we are still in a professional setting. And yes there is a problem."
Elizabeth couldn't believe how rude Monica was. Had she forgotten that she was once Emily's best friend? Had she forgotten how many times she had saved Emily? The times that she saved Jason? And if she wanted Elizabeth to address her professionally shouldn't she extent the same courtesy to Elizabeth?
But Elizabeth bit her tongue and followed as Monica led her aside.
"It has come to my attention that while you were logged in to the computer at the nurse's desk you printed out an unauthorized chart. The patient was not under your care, and you used a code that once belonged to the chief of staff. How you got it I don't know and frankly I don't care. But looking up information regarding patients not assigned to you during work hours is strictly forbidden and could have you suspended. What you did was completely unprofessional and don't think that it has not gone unnoticed. I personally will be speaking the board about this issue and if they see enough sense then maybe they'll think about putting you back on suspension. You obviously can't seek to handle this job-"
"Actually Doctor Quartermaine I don't think that will be necessary" Ewans voice cut in.
Elizabeth had been in shock as the venomous words spilled off Monica's tongue. She hadn't even given her a chance to say anything, let alone defend herself. She spun around, her eyes large as Ewan cut in. She saw him scrutinize her face, his eyes barely masked worry as he measured her expression. He turned back to Monica.
"I told Elizabeth to give me the file and I assured her that I had special permission" he said confidently.
"And who did you tell her this special permission came from Dr. Keenan?" Monica's expression was hard but softened in comparison to the one she had for Elizabeth.
"From you actually- the file, it was for your son- Jason Morgan"
Monica's expression fell with the realization that her witch hunt had come to an ironic end.
"I'm so sorry Elizabeth- If I had known, do you understand?" the older woman rubbed her head and wouldn't look Elizabeth in the eyes. It was a vibrant contrast to the haughty look she held just moments before.
Elizabeth looked from Ewan to Monica, her head spinning. And suddenly she felt exhausted.
"I have to go-" Elizabeth's eyes were large and determined. Ewan had come to her rescue. Maybe this wasn't the first time. Monica was a mess. And Elizabeth had no idea what to make of her.
"I understand if you're angry with me Elizabeth" Monica began, condescension coloring her tone.
"Please" Elizabeth's body turned to go but she couldn't help but add in response, "I'd like it if you addressed me as Nurse Webber in a professional setting."
Monica's face froze in shock and Elizabeth felt Ewan's eyes on her as she quickly made her way into the elevator.
Monica looked up at Ewan as the doors closed on a frantic looking Elizabeth.
"Do you think that everyone deserves second chances?" she asked darkly.
"Well, yes. As long as you've given them a first to start with." He looked at her meaningfully.