Disclaimer: ER belongs to nbc, warner, constant c, amblin and all those folks. You can have Kaylie if you don't sue me. =)
Lost Souls VI
By: Victoria
"What can I get you folks today?"
John glanced at his menu one last time before ordering the "special" for the evening-meat loaf, mashed potatoes and corn. Every man's meal. He looked over at Kaylie and found her smiling at him, as if amused by something. He raised his eyebrows and glanced down at himself, suddenly paranoid.
"I'm sorry John. It's just that I thought you looked a little more filled out than when I met you, I guess now I know why." This time she couldn't contain a small laugh. John joined in her laughter, suddenly much more relaxed. Their laughter was interrupted by the waitress clearing her throat.
"Are you folks going to finish ordering, 'cuz I do have other customers." The waitress looked at them expectantly. Kaylie blushed and grabbed her menu.
"Sorry," she murmured before continuing. "I'll have a club sandwich, hold the mayo. No fries. But could I have an extra pickle?" This time it was John who laughed. Kaylie cocked an eyebrow and peered at John over her menu. "And just what, pray tell, is so funny about that?"
"You're not a health nut are you? Um, I mean, not that there's anything wrong with that if you are, it's just. . .." John stumbled over his words, embarrassed and fearing that he had just insulted the most beautiful woman he had ever met.
Kaylie reached out and gently touched John's hand. "Relax John. I'm not that easily offended. And no, I'm not a health nut, but it's also nine o'clock at night and I don't think my stomach could handle the onslaught of the daily special. But, I am a glutton for chocolate shakes. Split one with me?" Before John could answer, Kaylie was signaling for the waitress to come back to their table. The woman had given up on the pair and was taking another table's order. Irritated, the waitress returned to finish taking their order.
Kaylie smiled sweetly at the waitress, hoping her attempt at charm would keep their waitress from holding onto their order longer than necessary. She knew that it wasn't smart to tick off waitstaff as they could keep you waiting in turn much longer. "I am so sorry about this. It's just that my friend and I haven't seen in each other in ages, and I guess we just got caught up in the excitement. We really are sorry for taking up so much of your time. We know how busy you are and we definitely plan on leaving a nice, juicy tip for your troubles." Kaylie could see the waitress relax a bit with her last statement, and she continued. "It it's not too much trouble, we'd like to add a chocolate milk shake with two straws to our order. And if you could put our order in right away, we would be very appreciative. My friend here works over at County and has to get back soon." Kaylie flashed the waitress a sincere smile, which the waitress returned.
"Of course. I'll put this right in." The waitress hurried away and John broke out laughing.
"Impressive. You'll have to teach me how to do that someday."
"Do what?" Kaylie asked innocently.
"Do that! Wrap someone around your little finger and have them hopping to do your bidding. It's almost evil." John grinned at Kaylie and she felt her heart flutter.
"Oh, you don't need to know my secrets, you have a certain charm all your own John. Believe me. Just flash that smile of yours and presto!"
John blushed again and then fell silent, suddenly at a loss for words. He looked down at the table and grabbed hold of his napkin. Nervously, he began to play with it, folding over the edges. He faintly remembered making Origami animals and flowers back in boarding school, and feebly attempted to create a tulip. When he finished he stared at the monstrosity in his hands. John found that if he squinted hard enough, he could see how it looked like a flower. Suddenly feeling silly, John held out the flower to Kaylie.
Kaylie looked at the mutilated napkin John had handed her and stared at it, puzzled. It was obvious he had tried to make something, but she was dumbfounded as to what it was. She turned it over in her hands and looked up at John. He was smiling, pride apparent in his eyes.
"Thank you John. I, um, love it?" Kaylie smiled at John, still wondering exactly what it was that she was admiring in her hand.
"It's a tulip." John stated. "Although not a very good one. But hey, it's been awhile. Since I don't have a real flower to give you, I thought I'd improvise."
"And why would you be giving me a flower John?" Kaylie asked.
"Well, I never had a chance to thank you. You know, for listening to me that night. It meant a lot to me." John looked down at the table again, suddenly very self conscious.
"You're welcome. You know, I have been wondering how you've been since that night. I mean, I can see that you are looking well. But are you?" Kaylie looked at John intently.
"I can honestly say I am feeling pretty good. Not to say that everyday is great, because I still have some doozies, but on the average, things have definitely improved. I took your advice and I started opening up more to my friends, my coworkers. Even my family-my Gamma at least and my sister when we talk. It's helped a lot. Oh yeah, I found a new therapist too. I don't feel quite so belittled. But you know, we've already spent a great deal of time talking about me, I want to know about you. Who are you Kaylie Moore? Besides the wandering saint of Chicago?"
Kaylie shifted in her seat, suddenly in the spotlight. Before she could answer, the waitress arrived with their order. "Here you go, Club sandwich, no mayo, extra pickle." She set Kaylie's food down in front of her. "And the special for you cutie," she said placing John's meatloaf on the table, followed by the chocolate shake, two straws. "Bon appetit!" she said as she hurried away.
"Now that's service!" Kaylie said, taking a bite into her sandwich. She was relieved at the sudden reprieve the arrival of their food had given her. She was great at listening and helping others figure out their lives, but when it came to sharing the intimate details of her own life, she found herself at a loss for words.
"How's your meatloaf?" Kaylie asked through a mouthful of sandwich.
John laughed. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to talk with your mouth full? It's disgusting!"
Kaylie blushed, remembering that John came from a very wealthy family who had obviously been big on manners and etiquette. Her upbringing paled in comparison. "Sorry," she replied, her mouth now empty.
"I'm joking! Really, I don't care if you talk with a mouthful of mush, as long as you don't spit anything at me." They both laughed. "Come on, help me with this shake." John aimed one of the straws in Kaylie's direction.
The two continued to eat until John's pager suddenly began to beep. He looked at it and it was the ER. "Sorry Kaylie. I have to get back over there. Can I get your phone number and call you? We're not finished with this talk just yet. You still owe me your life story." John grinned.
Kaylie fumbled in her brief case until she found what she was looking for. She held a business card out to him. "Here, you can call me here or leave me a message. Don't worry about dinner, it's on me."
John grabbed his coat and started for the door. "Thanks Kaylie! I'll call, I promise!"
Kaylie sat in the booth and watched out the window as John ran across the street to the ER. She rested her head on her hand and sighed. She hadn't expected to ever see John again, and definitely hadn't expected to be feeling the surge of emotions she was experiencing now. She couldn't deny that John was attractive or that she was attracted to him. But what she was feeling went beyond that. She felt like she had known John forever. She was comfortable being with him, and hadn't wanted their dinner to end so soon. She smiled as she thought of his pathetic tulip, and the cute way he blushed when he was embarrassed. 'Oh no Kaylie, do not start obsessing over him! Repeat after me: I will not obsess, I will not obsess.' Despite her attempts to think about something else, her mind kept coming back to one thing-John Carter.
John had just finished working on a trauma and watched as the eighty-two year old man was wheeled up to surgery. Thanks to a drunk driver, the man would probably never see his grandkids again. The chance that he would survive major surgery at his age was small. John watched as Peter Benton got on the elevator behind the gurney and knew that at least the man was in good hands. John jumped as someone came up from behind him and clamped an arm around his shoulders.
"How ya doin' John? Tough trauma huh? The DUI crashed and we couldn't revive him. I guess that's what they call poetic justice." Dave's voice registered in John's mind and John was amazed at how nonchalant he could be in the face of death.
"Yeah, well. Mr. Faust has a chance still, and with Benton working on him his odds just got better." John replied.
"Benton huh? Good deal. So, you want to get some coffee?" Dave steered John towards the lounge. They passed by Chuni who was coming out of the lounge.
"Hi John. How are you? Let me know if you need to talk, okay?" With a quick smile, she went on her way.
Inside the lounge, John turned to Dave. "Okay Malucci, what's up? First I got the feeling the whole ER was staring at me earlier when I left to get some dinner. Now, here you are acting like a mother hen. And what was with Chuni? I mean, haven't I been letting you guys know when I need a break? Do you all know something I don't?" John was starting to get seriously concerned the amount of attention he was receiving.
Dave glanced around the lounge nervously. "Well, I saw you going up to psych earlier and Weaver told me you were going to talk to someone up there. I just assumed that you were having a bad day or something. I mean, I know you don't see anyone up in psych on a regular basis. So, I kind of asked some of the nurses to keep an eye on you."
John laughed, finally understanding why he felt like he had been under a microscope all day. "Well, thanks for your concern Dave. I do appreciate that. And yes, I did go up to psych to see someone, but not one of the counselors up there. I was meeting a friend up there."
Dave smiled and nudged John in the ribs. "You mean that pretty little lady you left with earlier? Haleh filled me in. Rumor has it she is a beauty. New girlfriend or just a friend?"
"Just a friend Dave." John could feel himself grinning, despite his attempts to keep a straight face. He knew that with this rumor mill, the bets would be laid by the end of his shift on how long it takes him to marry her.
"I knew it! I knew it! Definitely more than just a friend. I haven't seen you grin like that since. . . no, wait, I've never seen you grin like that. It's about time." Dave held up his hand to high five John. John slapped Dave's hand, the good feeling he had when he was with Kaylie was returning.
"Dave, just don't go blabbing this all over the ER. I don't really know this woman very well, and I would like to take this slowly."
"I'm hurt that you would think so lowly of me John. Of course I'll keep your little secret." Dave promised.
John eyed Dave suspiciously. He would have to take Dave's word, he had no other choice. Of course, he wouldn't have to be worrying about this if Kerry hadn't put Dave hot on his tail all day. Hmm, maybe Dave could help him get some payback. Grinning wickedly, he turned to Dave.
"Dave, you can help me with something else though."
"Sure man, whatever. I guess I kind of owe you one." Dave replied.
"Great, listen. . .."
Kerry was in the supply lockup reviewing the current list of supplies when Dave burst through the doors. "Dr. Weaver, you need come now! Carter's flipped out big time. He's got several nurses trapped in the lounge and he won't let them leave!"
Kerry's mouth dropped open and she gaped at Dave. "What do you mean he 'flipped out' Malucci! He was fine. What did you say to him?" Kerry was nearly yelling at Dave.
"I didn't say anything to him. Well, I did ask him how he was. Come to think of it, so did the nurses he's got trapped in the lounge. You know, after you tipped me off on his trip up to psych, I had the nurses keep an eye on him. You know, to make sure he was okay and all. I guess when he found out everyone was looking over his shoulder, he just freaked. Said we didn't trust him. He said if we were going to think he was nuts, he would give us good reason. That's when he threw the chair."
"He threw a chair? What the hell is going on in there Malucci? Never mind; I'm going in there. Get out of my way." Kerry pushed Dave to the side and limped to the lounge. Cautiously she approached the door. Not hearing anything, she threw the door open and stormed inside.
"Hi Dr. Weaver." John greeted her with a wave and a smile from the couch. Connie, Chuni and Haleh were sitting across from him on the other couch and they also waved at her. Connie, who was holding a bag of microwave popcorn, held the bag out to her.
"Want some popcorn? It's fresh. Dr. Carter made it for us. You on break? We're just finishing up, but if you want us to get back to work now, that's no problem." Connie looked at Kerry innocently.
Kerry stared at the four of them and then turned to Dave. "I think you have some explaining to do Malucci!" Kerry said through clenched teeth as she turned and retreated out of the lounge with Dave on her heels.
John and the nurses broke into hysterical laughter after she was gone. "I feel kind of bad for leaving Malucci to deal with Weaver." John said.
"He's a big boy, he'll be fine-after he gets through gnawing his leg off to get out her grasp, that is." Haleh responded, setting them into hysterics once again.
Haleh got up to return to work. "Thanks Carter. I haven't laughed that hard in ages. Sorry about the confusion today. You'll have to keep us updated on that little honey of yours." She winked at John as she went out the lounge door. Chuni and Connie got up to leave also. They left John alone in the lounge and he lay back on the couch for a much needed nap. With a smile on his face, he drifted off to sleep.
Lost Souls VI
By: Victoria
"What can I get you folks today?"
John glanced at his menu one last time before ordering the "special" for the evening-meat loaf, mashed potatoes and corn. Every man's meal. He looked over at Kaylie and found her smiling at him, as if amused by something. He raised his eyebrows and glanced down at himself, suddenly paranoid.
"I'm sorry John. It's just that I thought you looked a little more filled out than when I met you, I guess now I know why." This time she couldn't contain a small laugh. John joined in her laughter, suddenly much more relaxed. Their laughter was interrupted by the waitress clearing her throat.
"Are you folks going to finish ordering, 'cuz I do have other customers." The waitress looked at them expectantly. Kaylie blushed and grabbed her menu.
"Sorry," she murmured before continuing. "I'll have a club sandwich, hold the mayo. No fries. But could I have an extra pickle?" This time it was John who laughed. Kaylie cocked an eyebrow and peered at John over her menu. "And just what, pray tell, is so funny about that?"
"You're not a health nut are you? Um, I mean, not that there's anything wrong with that if you are, it's just. . .." John stumbled over his words, embarrassed and fearing that he had just insulted the most beautiful woman he had ever met.
Kaylie reached out and gently touched John's hand. "Relax John. I'm not that easily offended. And no, I'm not a health nut, but it's also nine o'clock at night and I don't think my stomach could handle the onslaught of the daily special. But, I am a glutton for chocolate shakes. Split one with me?" Before John could answer, Kaylie was signaling for the waitress to come back to their table. The woman had given up on the pair and was taking another table's order. Irritated, the waitress returned to finish taking their order.
Kaylie smiled sweetly at the waitress, hoping her attempt at charm would keep their waitress from holding onto their order longer than necessary. She knew that it wasn't smart to tick off waitstaff as they could keep you waiting in turn much longer. "I am so sorry about this. It's just that my friend and I haven't seen in each other in ages, and I guess we just got caught up in the excitement. We really are sorry for taking up so much of your time. We know how busy you are and we definitely plan on leaving a nice, juicy tip for your troubles." Kaylie could see the waitress relax a bit with her last statement, and she continued. "It it's not too much trouble, we'd like to add a chocolate milk shake with two straws to our order. And if you could put our order in right away, we would be very appreciative. My friend here works over at County and has to get back soon." Kaylie flashed the waitress a sincere smile, which the waitress returned.
"Of course. I'll put this right in." The waitress hurried away and John broke out laughing.
"Impressive. You'll have to teach me how to do that someday."
"Do what?" Kaylie asked innocently.
"Do that! Wrap someone around your little finger and have them hopping to do your bidding. It's almost evil." John grinned at Kaylie and she felt her heart flutter.
"Oh, you don't need to know my secrets, you have a certain charm all your own John. Believe me. Just flash that smile of yours and presto!"
John blushed again and then fell silent, suddenly at a loss for words. He looked down at the table and grabbed hold of his napkin. Nervously, he began to play with it, folding over the edges. He faintly remembered making Origami animals and flowers back in boarding school, and feebly attempted to create a tulip. When he finished he stared at the monstrosity in his hands. John found that if he squinted hard enough, he could see how it looked like a flower. Suddenly feeling silly, John held out the flower to Kaylie.
Kaylie looked at the mutilated napkin John had handed her and stared at it, puzzled. It was obvious he had tried to make something, but she was dumbfounded as to what it was. She turned it over in her hands and looked up at John. He was smiling, pride apparent in his eyes.
"Thank you John. I, um, love it?" Kaylie smiled at John, still wondering exactly what it was that she was admiring in her hand.
"It's a tulip." John stated. "Although not a very good one. But hey, it's been awhile. Since I don't have a real flower to give you, I thought I'd improvise."
"And why would you be giving me a flower John?" Kaylie asked.
"Well, I never had a chance to thank you. You know, for listening to me that night. It meant a lot to me." John looked down at the table again, suddenly very self conscious.
"You're welcome. You know, I have been wondering how you've been since that night. I mean, I can see that you are looking well. But are you?" Kaylie looked at John intently.
"I can honestly say I am feeling pretty good. Not to say that everyday is great, because I still have some doozies, but on the average, things have definitely improved. I took your advice and I started opening up more to my friends, my coworkers. Even my family-my Gamma at least and my sister when we talk. It's helped a lot. Oh yeah, I found a new therapist too. I don't feel quite so belittled. But you know, we've already spent a great deal of time talking about me, I want to know about you. Who are you Kaylie Moore? Besides the wandering saint of Chicago?"
Kaylie shifted in her seat, suddenly in the spotlight. Before she could answer, the waitress arrived with their order. "Here you go, Club sandwich, no mayo, extra pickle." She set Kaylie's food down in front of her. "And the special for you cutie," she said placing John's meatloaf on the table, followed by the chocolate shake, two straws. "Bon appetit!" she said as she hurried away.
"Now that's service!" Kaylie said, taking a bite into her sandwich. She was relieved at the sudden reprieve the arrival of their food had given her. She was great at listening and helping others figure out their lives, but when it came to sharing the intimate details of her own life, she found herself at a loss for words.
"How's your meatloaf?" Kaylie asked through a mouthful of sandwich.
John laughed. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to talk with your mouth full? It's disgusting!"
Kaylie blushed, remembering that John came from a very wealthy family who had obviously been big on manners and etiquette. Her upbringing paled in comparison. "Sorry," she replied, her mouth now empty.
"I'm joking! Really, I don't care if you talk with a mouthful of mush, as long as you don't spit anything at me." They both laughed. "Come on, help me with this shake." John aimed one of the straws in Kaylie's direction.
The two continued to eat until John's pager suddenly began to beep. He looked at it and it was the ER. "Sorry Kaylie. I have to get back over there. Can I get your phone number and call you? We're not finished with this talk just yet. You still owe me your life story." John grinned.
Kaylie fumbled in her brief case until she found what she was looking for. She held a business card out to him. "Here, you can call me here or leave me a message. Don't worry about dinner, it's on me."
John grabbed his coat and started for the door. "Thanks Kaylie! I'll call, I promise!"
Kaylie sat in the booth and watched out the window as John ran across the street to the ER. She rested her head on her hand and sighed. She hadn't expected to ever see John again, and definitely hadn't expected to be feeling the surge of emotions she was experiencing now. She couldn't deny that John was attractive or that she was attracted to him. But what she was feeling went beyond that. She felt like she had known John forever. She was comfortable being with him, and hadn't wanted their dinner to end so soon. She smiled as she thought of his pathetic tulip, and the cute way he blushed when he was embarrassed. 'Oh no Kaylie, do not start obsessing over him! Repeat after me: I will not obsess, I will not obsess.' Despite her attempts to think about something else, her mind kept coming back to one thing-John Carter.
John had just finished working on a trauma and watched as the eighty-two year old man was wheeled up to surgery. Thanks to a drunk driver, the man would probably never see his grandkids again. The chance that he would survive major surgery at his age was small. John watched as Peter Benton got on the elevator behind the gurney and knew that at least the man was in good hands. John jumped as someone came up from behind him and clamped an arm around his shoulders.
"How ya doin' John? Tough trauma huh? The DUI crashed and we couldn't revive him. I guess that's what they call poetic justice." Dave's voice registered in John's mind and John was amazed at how nonchalant he could be in the face of death.
"Yeah, well. Mr. Faust has a chance still, and with Benton working on him his odds just got better." John replied.
"Benton huh? Good deal. So, you want to get some coffee?" Dave steered John towards the lounge. They passed by Chuni who was coming out of the lounge.
"Hi John. How are you? Let me know if you need to talk, okay?" With a quick smile, she went on her way.
Inside the lounge, John turned to Dave. "Okay Malucci, what's up? First I got the feeling the whole ER was staring at me earlier when I left to get some dinner. Now, here you are acting like a mother hen. And what was with Chuni? I mean, haven't I been letting you guys know when I need a break? Do you all know something I don't?" John was starting to get seriously concerned the amount of attention he was receiving.
Dave glanced around the lounge nervously. "Well, I saw you going up to psych earlier and Weaver told me you were going to talk to someone up there. I just assumed that you were having a bad day or something. I mean, I know you don't see anyone up in psych on a regular basis. So, I kind of asked some of the nurses to keep an eye on you."
John laughed, finally understanding why he felt like he had been under a microscope all day. "Well, thanks for your concern Dave. I do appreciate that. And yes, I did go up to psych to see someone, but not one of the counselors up there. I was meeting a friend up there."
Dave smiled and nudged John in the ribs. "You mean that pretty little lady you left with earlier? Haleh filled me in. Rumor has it she is a beauty. New girlfriend or just a friend?"
"Just a friend Dave." John could feel himself grinning, despite his attempts to keep a straight face. He knew that with this rumor mill, the bets would be laid by the end of his shift on how long it takes him to marry her.
"I knew it! I knew it! Definitely more than just a friend. I haven't seen you grin like that since. . . no, wait, I've never seen you grin like that. It's about time." Dave held up his hand to high five John. John slapped Dave's hand, the good feeling he had when he was with Kaylie was returning.
"Dave, just don't go blabbing this all over the ER. I don't really know this woman very well, and I would like to take this slowly."
"I'm hurt that you would think so lowly of me John. Of course I'll keep your little secret." Dave promised.
John eyed Dave suspiciously. He would have to take Dave's word, he had no other choice. Of course, he wouldn't have to be worrying about this if Kerry hadn't put Dave hot on his tail all day. Hmm, maybe Dave could help him get some payback. Grinning wickedly, he turned to Dave.
"Dave, you can help me with something else though."
"Sure man, whatever. I guess I kind of owe you one." Dave replied.
"Great, listen. . .."
Kerry was in the supply lockup reviewing the current list of supplies when Dave burst through the doors. "Dr. Weaver, you need come now! Carter's flipped out big time. He's got several nurses trapped in the lounge and he won't let them leave!"
Kerry's mouth dropped open and she gaped at Dave. "What do you mean he 'flipped out' Malucci! He was fine. What did you say to him?" Kerry was nearly yelling at Dave.
"I didn't say anything to him. Well, I did ask him how he was. Come to think of it, so did the nurses he's got trapped in the lounge. You know, after you tipped me off on his trip up to psych, I had the nurses keep an eye on him. You know, to make sure he was okay and all. I guess when he found out everyone was looking over his shoulder, he just freaked. Said we didn't trust him. He said if we were going to think he was nuts, he would give us good reason. That's when he threw the chair."
"He threw a chair? What the hell is going on in there Malucci? Never mind; I'm going in there. Get out of my way." Kerry pushed Dave to the side and limped to the lounge. Cautiously she approached the door. Not hearing anything, she threw the door open and stormed inside.
"Hi Dr. Weaver." John greeted her with a wave and a smile from the couch. Connie, Chuni and Haleh were sitting across from him on the other couch and they also waved at her. Connie, who was holding a bag of microwave popcorn, held the bag out to her.
"Want some popcorn? It's fresh. Dr. Carter made it for us. You on break? We're just finishing up, but if you want us to get back to work now, that's no problem." Connie looked at Kerry innocently.
Kerry stared at the four of them and then turned to Dave. "I think you have some explaining to do Malucci!" Kerry said through clenched teeth as she turned and retreated out of the lounge with Dave on her heels.
John and the nurses broke into hysterical laughter after she was gone. "I feel kind of bad for leaving Malucci to deal with Weaver." John said.
"He's a big boy, he'll be fine-after he gets through gnawing his leg off to get out her grasp, that is." Haleh responded, setting them into hysterics once again.
Haleh got up to return to work. "Thanks Carter. I haven't laughed that hard in ages. Sorry about the confusion today. You'll have to keep us updated on that little honey of yours." She winked at John as she went out the lounge door. Chuni and Connie got up to leave also. They left John alone in the lounge and he lay back on the couch for a much needed nap. With a smile on his face, he drifted off to sleep.