Diagnosis Murder
No Time for Christmas
Part Four
The hospital beamed with joy as Doctor's, patients and nurses along with everyone else hummed Christmas songs. Happiness has truly filled this wonderful establishment on this holiday season.
In the break room a light smile spread across Amanda's lips as she looked upon Steve's sleeping form. Laying a blanket over him Amanda careful rose up from the couch. Her eyes looked to the door to see some of the cafeteria staff silently rolled in with the last of the food dishes before slipping back out of the room.
Everything was working perfectly and so it was finally time add the last piece of the puzzle.
Amanda stood in the door frame, she glanced back to Steve before disappearing down the hall.
"Rest Steve...I'll take it from here." Amanda whispered.
As the day went on Dr Sloan emerged from his office. Instead of being welcomed by caffeine filled staff members he was greeted by warm smiles and caroling humming doctors, nurses and even janitors. He even caught a glimpse of a few patients singing from their rooms. This Christmas might actually be different after all.
After checking in on a few patients Dr. Sloan couldn't help but smile deep down he just felt a good about himself yet his heart he still wished to spend Christmas day with this son.
Finally reaching the front desk he was greeted with a smile from Amanda, she gave him a pat on the shoulder as she leaned back on the desk.
"Merry Christmas Mark." Amanda said.
"Merry Christmas Amanda, I see that everyone is in much better sprits than last year." Dr. Sloan said.
"Well tis the season to be jolly, look I have to get back to my rounds so why don't you take a break I am sure we have everything covered here." Amanda said confidently.
At first Dr. Sloan wanted to protest, he would normally roam the halls as a way not to think about home or his son, but something made him give his friend a nod instead.
"You know I think I will."Mark said.
Amanda watched as Mark steadily headed toward the break room the staff could only smile at this as they continued on with there duties.
Approaching the break room a familiar scent of ginger bread cookies reached his nose. Curious Mark pressed his way even faster and the moment he entered the room his eyes widen. His eyes fell upon a variety of Christmas decorations from red and green lights edged around the walls and counters to the light frost on the windows.
Mark's eyes wandered over to the various food dishes on the counter and tables they all smelled wonderful, but the moment he turned to the large Christmas tree in the center of the room his smile green even bigger then ever before. A tear trickled down his cheek the moment he noticed the star wasn't on top of the tree. He noticed it was on the table beside it still in the box as if waiting for him.
Soon his eyes wandered once more over t to the couch where his son sleeping. As he stood there a memory wash over him, for right now he didn't seem himself in a break room at Community General but at home with his son.
"Merry Christmas….dad." Steve whispered.
Steve and Mark looked at one another with huge smiles across there lips. After a few moments Steve was on his feet, he moved to table were star was and pulled it out of the box. Placing it in his father's hand just like he did when he was a little boy he watched as Mark walked over and placed it on the top of the tree.
Soon around of applause scorched the skies of the break room. Both men turned to see the staff with smiling as everyone poured into the room. Laughter rang out as everyone enjoyed the various dishes and cups of punch while singing a few Christmas songs.
Amanda was the last to enter she picked up a cup of punch and remained near the door. With a content sigh took a few sips from her cup. She smiled her plan had worked and everyone was enjoying the holiday like they should.
Before she knew it Amanda was pulled into a hug she pulled back to see a smiling Dr. Sloan looking back at her.
"Thank you." Dr. Sloan said.
"Don't mention it." Amanda replied.
As mark moved on to greet some more people a light tap on Amanda's shoulder caused the ebony doctor to smile for the moment she turned around she was pulled into another hug and this time it was from Steve. She found herself briefly laying her head on his chest.
"Well you plan worked thank you I've never been happier in my life." Steve said.
"You are so welcome you and Mark deserve this not to mention everyone else." Amanda replied.
"Don't count your self short you deserve this too." Steve said.
This time it was Steve who gave Amanda a hug,as the two remained in each others arms there eyes locked as smiles remained on their faces. Nether one wanted to look away it was if they were in there own little world. That quickly faded away when a loud cough shook them back to reality. With a quick glance they noticed Judy laughing with Dr. Sloan following suite.
They both looked up to see a mistletoe hanging from the door frame. Both Steve and Amanda laughed she looked back to Steve give him a brief kiss on the cheek which prompted Steve's face to flushed a light red.
Laughter flooded the room once more for it seem the Christmas wasn't the other thing that loomed in the air. But one thing was for sure this would be a Christmas Mark would never forget.
Merry Christmas!
End
