To Keep the Honor
Dear Journal,
I am so glad Joanne is such a friend. I think we may have a workable solution; I can spend the night with her and the kids when Johnny and Roy are on duty. I can take care of the kids while she gets other housework done. That way I won't be alone, especially if I have a seizure or asthma attack.
I will be so glad when Johnny makes it home safely.
Kelly
In the morning, Kelly carefully made the bed and cleaned the room. Then she went out to help JoAnne with breakfast and get Chris was ready for school. As soon as he was out the door to catch the bus, JoAnne pushed a pile of papers toward Kelly. "Kelly, these are applications for you to fill out for college. Look them over. Perhaps later this afternoon, after John's caught up on his sleep he can take you over so you can begin the enrollment process. You might miss this term, seeing it is September already, but it's good to get your name in and begin the process so you will be ready."
"Thanks, JoAnne. I really appreciate everything you've helped me with. Do you mind if I call on you until I get settled?"
"You know, Kelly, having you here last night to read to the kids and entertain them was a great help to me. Why don't we plan to have you over for a night or two a week when John and Roy are working until everything is settled? I was able to get more done last night because of your help. I should be the one thanking you."
Kelly smiled just as a car pulled up the drive. Soon a door slammed, and Roy and John came into the kitchen. JoAnne's practiced eye told her the men had a quiet night and had rested well. She set out a plate of French toast and some coffee.
John smiled at the sight of his pretty bride and he came over to give her a gentle hug before sitting down to the meal. Soon afterward, Kelly and John, holding hands, and John carrying Kelly's overnight bag, headed down the driveway to the Rover John had parked on the street.
Kelly told John about shared tidbits of the last twenty-four hours. Kelly also shared her idea of taking a few community college classes for a couple terms to get her generals out of the way before tackling UCLA. "And I'm going to look for a part-time job, too, John. Something hopefully in the medical profession so I can get apply what I'll be learning in school. It's hard for me to be at home alone worrying about you."
John agreed, but cautioned her that she had to be very diligent about her health. She could not overdo her stress.
They reached home, and, unlocking the door, they walked in. After spending a few minutes just enjoying each other, they set to work. They had some laundry to do, a few more boxes to unpack and some college calling to do. In the midst of their activity, the phone rang.
John answered it.
"John, this is Dixie. Is Kelly there?"
"Sure, Dix, just a minute, let me get her." John held the phone out to Kelly who took it and held it up to her ear.
"This is Kelly," Kelly replied.
"Kelly, are you looking for work? Dixie asked.
"I was thinking of it," Kelly replied wondering what Dixie was getting at.
"I was hoping you would say that. Dr. Brackett just returned from a budget meeting and told me that the administrators want to take nurses off the reception desk and turn the job over to non-RN's and/or retired RN's. In addition, they are offering the position to part-timers only to cut down on our benefits cost. I was wondering if you would be interested. You are the first one I've asked because then we can have you work when John's working. I have a retired nurse I think will be able to work when you aren't working. What do you think?"
"Dixie, can I talk to John about it and call you back? Say about 20 minutes?" Kelly asked, cautiously excited.
"Sure Kelly, you can do that. Talk it over with John and call me back soon, OK?"
"Sure Dixie, and thanks!" Kelly hung up the phone and turned to John with excited eyes.
"I'm not sure how Dixie knew I was looking for a job, or how she found one so quickly, but she's offered me a part time job at the hospital! Oh, John, I can work when you work, be home when you're home, and I get to see you sometimes…Please John, do you think it's OK for me to take this job?"
John laughed and put his arm around his young wife's waist and kissed her on the forehead. "Kelly, I think it's OK for you to take the job. Being able to see you during the day will ease my mind, too; knowing you are OK. And, if you do get into trouble, Dixie will be right there to take care of you." Call her back and tell her yes."
Kelly hurriedly dialed the phone and waited for Dixie to answer.
"Rampart Emergency, Miss McCall," Dixie answered.
"Dixie, this is Kelly. Thank you so much for the job offer, John says that it would ease his mind, too if I took the job." Kelly was afraid she rushed her words with excitement.
"Kelly, I was hoping you would say that. Can you come down today, around 1:30 so you talk to Dr. Brackett and me? John probably should come, too so we could set a work schedule. Can he bring his shift schedule with him?" Dixie was glad to have Kelly working for her.
"Sure Dixie, I think we can do that. 1:30? We'll be there."
"Fine. We'll see you then, Bye."
"Bye Dix, and thanks!" Kelly hung up the phone and turn to John with sparkles in her eyes.
At 1:20, John and Kelly walked into the hospital Emergency Room looking for Dixie. They found her at the base station and waited while she finished a phone call. As the various nurses went back and forth in their duties, one young nurse sized up the new bride. Anne had noticed that John was gone for a couple weeks and then suddenly was back at work. Now today here he is, at the hospital, off duty with a wedding band on his finger. The girl was wearing a matching one. Anne scowled. She had noticed that dark, handsome paramedic and had tried to get him to notice her. Now, it appears he was married to that girl?
Dixie got off the phone and noticed the scowling nurse staring at the couple. "Do you have a question Miss Brownington?" Dixie asked sharply. It was a tone that implied, "This is none of your business," "Don't do something stupid," and "Get back to work."
"Uh, no, Miss McCall." Miss Brownington got to work, but she knew she hated that girl who had taken her man away from her. She'd get even; she would, somehow.
"Now Kelly, John, let's go into Dr. Brackett's office. I think he's there waiting for us." Dixie led the way. A brief knock and she walked in; Kelly and John following behind her.
"Ahh, John, Kelly; good to see you again. Have a seat." Dr. Brackett motioned with his hand to the two chairs across from his desk.
"We have made some personnel changes to our front desk, trying to maximize our nurses' abilities. That leaves the front desk open for those who have good organizational skills, can work quickly and under pressure, can handle several tasks at once without becoming overwhelmed, and can be pleasant and polite even under the stressful situations." Dr. Brackett began. "Dixie, here seems to think you would be good for the job, but I'm not sure about the stressful part with your epilepsy…" the doctor let his sentence hang for a bit while he shuffled some papers.
Kelly shifted in her seat a little while the silence hung heavy in the room. Finally, Dr. Brackett cleared his throat and looked at Kelly. Clear, light brown eyes gazed back steadily at him.
"What do you think, Kelly? Do you think you can take care of patients, relatives, answer the phone, and deal with demands of uptight parents?" Dr. Brackett asked.
"I would sure like to give it a try. Would you allow me two weeks to learn the job and see if I can handle it to your satisfaction? If I can't handle it, then I will let you know." Kelly hoped the doctor would accept her offer.
"That sounds fair enough," Dr. Brackett replied. "Now, John, do you have your schedule?" John handed the form to him.
"Ok, Kelly, It looks like we can easily get twenty hours in for you based on John's schedule. Could he drop you off on his way to work and then, let's see, how will you get home?"
"Perhaps JoAnne could pick me up. She liked the idea of me staying with her on the nights Roy and John are working; I can entertain the kids while she gets some other things done around the house. Also, I won't be alone at night." Kelly offered.
Dr. Brackett nodded, and then the small group discussed pay and benefits. Finally, he stood up and shook Kelly's hand.
"We'll see you tomorrow, Kelly, and Dixie will show you what to do." Now, if you will excuse me, I need to meet Millie, the retired nurse who is one of our other part-timers." Bracket left the office.
Kelly, John and Dixie left together and headed back to the base station. There, Anne Brownington stood gathering supplies for one of the treatment rooms. She glared at Kelly and then left in a huff. This time Kelly caught the glare and wondered what it all meant. John reached for her hand and squeezed it; he saw it, too. Only Dixie seemed to have missed it.
Just as they were leaving, Dixie pressed a couple envelopes into Kelly's hand. "Letters of recommendation for college," she whispered, "from one of your high-school teachers, from JoAnne and from Dr. Brackett. I hope they'll help." Kelly smiled and gave Dixie a friendly hug.
After leaving the hospital, John and Kelly headed for the local community college. Kelly had her scholarship award with her as well as her high school diploma and application form. The drive was a very short one, just three blocks. John quickly found a parking spot and parked the car. Opening Kelly's door, he assisted her out. After carefully locking the car, the two headed toward the registrar's office.
A male student with wavy blond hair was working at the reception desk when Kelly and John walked up. The student noticed Kelly first and was quick to offer to assist her. Then he saw John standing behind her. John's striking features made it easy to tell he was Native American, and the boy, not knowing that John was with Kelly, gave a little snort and went back to helping the girl. He seemed to overly interested in Kelly and trying to assist her in every little detail while John stood by.
Finally, another student worker approached the desk and asked John if he needed any help. The blue-eyed female student was attracted to John's good looks, but visibly winced when the boy poked her.
"No; thank-you though. I am with her." John replied clearly putting his hand on Kelly's shoulder.
The boy heard the reply and saw John move protectively closer to Kelly. He looked at John, back to Kelly and at John again. His whole demeanor and attitude changed when he realized that he didn't have a chance with the pretty girl in front of him.
"I think you have all the information you need. The Registrar is down the hall, but I doubt you'll get accepted." He said a bit angrily turned away.
As they walked down the hall, Kelly looked up at John. "It's been this way all your life, hasn't it?" She asked as she took hold of his hand and squeezed it. John squeezed back and tried to release his hand from hers, but Kelly wouldn't let go.
"No, dear. I am NOT ashamed to be with you. Your strength makes me strong, too." Kelly stated firmly.
Mr. Jones, the registrar, was at his desk and able to see Kelly regarding registering for school. He invited them into his office and showed them a place to sit. Settling in behind his desk, he studied the two of them and then turned to Kelly, smiling broadly. "How can I help you today?" he asked her.
"Sir, I would like to register for college. I've completed high school and would eventually like to go to UCLA. Right now, I just moved back to LA from Mount Shasta to go to school and to work. I have a part-time job at Rampart Hospital." Kelly explained briefly.
"I see. Well, you have some papers there, may I see them…uh…" Mr. Jones fished for a name.
"Kelly Gage; Mrs. Kelly Gage."
Mr. Jones was startled. "Mrs. Gage?" Mr. Jones asked. "How old are you?"
"I will be nineteen next month, sir." Kelly replied honestly.
"Aren't you a little young to be married?" the registrar asked pointedly. "You didn't HAVE to get married, did you?" he implied that Kelly had not been honorable.
"Sir! I believe your questions are a bit personal," Kelly protested. "I do not know what that has to do with enrolling in your school."
"Well, Mrs. Gage, we do have to protect the reputation of our school. We can't have any ladies of questionable reputation wandering our campus." Mr. Jones sat back in his chair and crossed his arms across his ample belly.
John felt his heckles burn a little bit, but kept his peace. He wanted to see how Kelly would handle it.
His wife glanced over at him, drew strength from his eyes and took a cleansing breath.
"Mr. Jones, What you ask could be a breach of privacy and thereby an action worthy of a lawsuit." Kelly said calmly, but with an arrow piercing every word.
At this, Mr. Jones sat up a bit in his chair. He was surprised that he was not easily intimidating this girl. He knew she was right. The college had a policy of non-discrimination, and yet he was trying to intimidate her right out of the office because she was an eighteen-year-old married woman; and, he guess this Indian beside her was her husband. He glanced at John who kept his face void of all emotion; but Jones saw fire in John's eyes, though John kept the fire restrained. He quickly decided to try to change tactics.
"Ah, Mrs. Gage, there's no need to be so dramatic. I only want what's best for you." He reached out as if to stop her words.
"Mr. Jones, you don't even know me, so how you could know what is in my best interest?" Kelly returned. Before she gave him time to speak, she went on.
"Now, so that you can get to know me better, let me present my papers. Here is my diploma. Please note that it says Summa Cum Laude on it. Yes, I graduated from a distance education school. 2,000 other students from across the United States graduated from this school the same day, and my GPA was ranked against theirs.
"Here is a copy of my transcript; see, I have taken several AP courses in Biological Science, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology.
"I also have here a full scholarship from the California Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities. This Community College is part of that system as is UCLA. CASCU has assured me that this scholarship is good for any CASCU school and will remain effective until I graduate with my degree, even if I transfer from one CASCU school to another. This scholarship is good for tuition, books and supplies. And, Mr. Jones, please be assured I have several copies of this scholarship letter at home, so there will not be any need for 'misplaced files', will there?" Kelly looked severally at Mr. Jones. He was startled in that it seemed Kelly was reading his mind. He had hoped that he could delay her admission by "losing" her file.
Kelly quickly went on, "And, in case you are still worried about my reputation, I have here three letters of recommendation; one from my boss, one from a high school teacher and one from a close friend. As you can see, they are sealed, so I have no idea what is in them. But I have been told these were made in duplicate, so copies of these very letters are available if one should happen to get 'lost'." Kelly looked hard at the registrar as he uncomfortably shifted in his seat.
"Now, as to my being married, I have here a copy of our marriage certificate duly signed and notarized. Finally, here is a notarized copy of my parents' statement of permission of marriage. They were not required to do this by law as I am eighteen, but they did so because they knew there are people in the world like you, Mr. Jones, who discriminate when people like my husband and I don't fit in with your ideal student mold." Kelly finished her speech and sat back. She glanced at John. He remained impassive, but his heart swelled with pride. Kelly's soul felt her husband's strength, as well as his caution to be reserved. She gave him a smile.
Mr. Jones was quiet for a moment while he pondered his next move. Finally, without addressing Kelly, he turned to John. "You are Mr. Gage, I assume," he cordially asked. "And tell me, do you work?"
Before John could reply, Kelly stepped in. "Mr. Jones, I am the one submitting an application. You do not need to interview my husband. As I have a full scholarship, you do not need to worry about finances. Remember, Mr. Jones, you are very close to a discrimination lawsuit. There is nothing here that would give you reason to keep me out of school. My high school grades are top, my finances are taken care of; I've submitted the proper papers and application."
Mr. Jones was angry, who was this girl marching into his office and threatening lawsuits when he barely said two words. But, he also knew she was right. She called him out of his comfort zone. After eight years of intimidation keeping out the kids he felt were not worthy of an education, here's a girl who is not only able to stand her ground, but she had the uncanny ability to read his mind. He shifted in his seat again and finally admitted defeat.
"Mrs. Gage, first of all, I am afraid you got the wrong impression of me. I really do care about your future; that is why I am in the field of education. I don't want to see young people struggle and fail so early in life. However, I can see that you are independent and well educated. I believe we can have your application processed in time for the start of classes in two weeks. Is that OK with you? We still have some general classes open in the afternoons. Are you planning a full load or just a couple to get started?" Mr. Jones hoped he could somehow get the upper hand, but was sure this girl was going to be very tough to beat. He decided he would just have to keep an eye on her.
Forty minutes later, Kelly and John stood to leave the Registrar's office. Kelly had in her hand a tentative class schedule for two classes and list of books she would need.
As they turned to the door, Mr. Jones had one more thing to say. He held out his hand to John and said, "Mr. Gage, I hope you'll decide to go to college one day."
Kelly whirled around, glanced at the portly Mr. Jones, and replied harshly, "Mr. Jones, when you have another heart attack, you better pray that John and his partner are the paramedics to treat you. They are the first paramedics in LA County and are the paramedic field trainers for the entire LA County fire department. My husband has had more college in a field that is not even offered here!" With that, Kelly grabbed her husband's hand and marched out of the room.
Mr. Jones was again amazed. That girl had said, "When you have another heart attack?" How did she know he had already had one?
He sighed, sat down in his chair and pulled the recommendation letters toward him. Opening the first one, he looked it over and spotted who signed it. He sat back, resigned; none other than Dr. K. Brackett, Director of Emergency Services at Rampart Hospital. The man who saved Harold Jones' life was going to have a real problem if Kelly did not receive anything but the best treatment in college. And Mr. Jones had to insult her very first thing. Would she talk to Dr. Brackett about her experience with him? He decided not to take a chance and picked up the phone. He would have to talk to Brackett himself. It was time for another medical appointment, anyway….
Dr. Brackett took picked up the ringing phone. "Dr. Brackett," he answered in a professional, slightly bored voice.
"Dr. Brackett, Harold Jones. I was wondering if I could make an appointment with you. I would like for you to help me set up an exercise program so I can lose some weight."
Dr. Brackett was at first surprised that his long-time, stubborn patient would call asking for advice on an exercise program. "Well, Harold, I'm glad to hear you have come to your senses. Would you like to come in tomorrow afternoon, say around 2:00? Hopefully I'll be free to get you started." Dr. Brackett briefly paused, and then asked, "So, Harold, what made you so interested in an exercise program all of a sudden? I've been trying to get you on one for the past eighteen months."
"Well…." Mr. Jones began and then paused.
Dr. Brackett chuckled, thinking he understood. "Let me guess, you've met our Kelly Gage, haven't you?"
"Yes, I did." Mr. Jones replied. "Where on earth did she come from? She walked in liked she owned the place, and when I tried to ask her questions, she accused me of discrimination!"
Dr. Bracket, a bit confused and concerned that his new receptionist could be so rude leaned forward in his chair. "Was she rude, Harold?" he asked.
"No, she wasn't rude, just very straight forward. She told it like it was." Harold paused for a second and then in a softer, ashamed voice, he added. "She was right, you know. She saw right through me several times."
Dr. Brackett couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, she was that ability, all right. Let me ask, was John there with her?"
"Yes, he was. Didn't say a word, just sat there. He's going to have his hands full managing that girl." Dr. Brackett could hear Harold Jones shaking his head. "You submitted a reference for this Kelly Gage, is there anything else you would like to tell me about her?" Harold wasn't sure he was ready to hear any more about the girl that scared him to his very core.
"The only thing I'll say is if you take care of her, she will bring your school honor and good standing with her work ethic and grades. If you try to trip her up, she will go after you to your last penny. She knows right from wrong, and has the strongest sense of ethics you have ever seen. She will not stand for any amount of unethical treatment to herself, her family or to those around her." Dr. Brackett paused wondering if he should tread where he was going to go in this conversation.
"So, Harold, tell me, what was Kelly so right about?"
Twenty minutes later Dr. Brackett hung up the phone. He shook his head as Harold shared of his long held and admitted discriminatory views toward blacks, Indians, and 'loose' girls. With tears choking his voice he shared how he had been so angry at Kelly, first for threatening law suits, and then for seeing right through him.
Dear Journal,
I am so indignant right now! I got a first-hand taste of what John has had to endure all these years. We went to the community college so I could register for classes today. Everyone from the student worker at the front desk to Mr. Jones himself showed nothing but disdain for John. Mr. Jones, when he found out I was married, tried to accuse me of being a "loose" woman. I was so mad, but John's spirit reminded me to be calm. I managed to keep the upper hand, though, but reminding Mr. Jones that I could sue for discriminatory practices. He squirmed in his seat then! I finally registered, after strongly implied that any "loss" materials could be grounds for lawsuits.
Mr. Jones had the audacity to ask John if he would ever go to college. Boy! I turned on him. I could see that he had had one heart attack already and told him he'd better pray that John and his partner would be the ones to respond when he had another attack. The look on his face was surprise and shock. It was so worth it!
But now I wonder if I didn't come on too strong. I haven't even started class yet, and now I may be a marked person; that girl who threatens lawsuits. I probably should call and apologize to Mr. Jones. I'll talk to John about it, first.
Dixie got me a job! I start tomorrow.
Kelly
Mac,
I was so proud of Kelly today. We went to the community college to get her registered for a class or two. She had her first experience with all the prejudice I have to deal with when I'm not at work. I think she was surprised at first at how quickly she encountered it. I tried to separate myself from her, in case she was embarrassed at being seen with an Indian, but I knew better. She grabbed hold of my hand as we walked down the hall and wouldn't let go. I knew Kelly was independent, but I didn't realize she could be a little fireball! When we got into see Mr. Jones, she didn't waste any time letting him know she was not going to stand for any nonsense. First he tried to accuse her of being a loose woman just because she's married at 18. Then, when she suspected he was going to try to delay her admission, she quashed that right away. Finally, when he assumed I had never been to college, she jumped all over him and told him that the NEXT time he had a heart attacked, he'd better pray that Roy and I were there. The look on his face was priceless. He was shocked!
She looked over at me a couple times; she not only received strength, but she also showed restraint. I could see she was really fuming, but she kept her cool, while keeping the upper hand.
I just hope that she didn't put herself under a lot of stress by doing what she did. I think sometimes when she gets passionate about something she'll over think it later and really stress out. That is not good for her. I'll have to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't stress out over this.
John
During the night, John suddenly awoke to a violently shaking bed. He sat up, felt for Kelly, and realized she was having a seizure. It was a small seizure, only about 8 seconds, but John hardly slept the rest of the night, checking Kelly constantly, making sure she didn't suffer any complications.
Early in the morning, when she awoke, John noticed she was a bit groggy, and had a hard time orienting herself to the day, the time, and to where she was. But within about ten minutes, she seemed fine.
"Kelly," John quietly called.
"Hmm," she replied, as she stretched.
"Do you realize you had a seizure in the night?" John was gentle, but needed Kelly to pay attention.
"No. But that probably explains why I feel a little 'off.'" Kelly replied.
"Are you going to be OK today, with your first day at work?" John was concerned, yet relieved that she was working at the hospital.
"Yeah, I think I'll be OK," Kelly replied with a yawn as she flung the covers back.
"Kelly, please don't stress out over Mr. Jones. What is done is done; what is said is said. No need to go back and apologize for it. You did nothing wrong. OK? If you stress over yet, you'll only have more seizures." John reached down and gave his bride a kiss. "I will have a hard time doing my work if I have to worry about you. Just let it go, OK?"
"Ok, John. I'll try to not worry about; I have other things to worry about today, anyway." Kelly returned John's kiss and gave him a hug.
Later, John walked with Kelly into the ER department before heading off to station 51. John caught Dr. Early and quietly told him of Kelly's seizure in the middle of the night and then with a wink and wave Kelly, he headed off to work. Kelly, waving back, turned and walked down the hall to the base station, but noticed Dixie wasn't there. She went to the break room to looking to see if she could find Dixie. She opened the door and looked in. Dixie wasn't there, but Anne Brownington was. Anne took one look at Kelly, saw the ring on Kelly's finger and frowned. "What do YOU want, you Indian lover?" She spat out. "I don't think the likes of you belong here. She stood up as if to push her way out the door.
Kelly was shocked, and instantly remembered the words she had spoken to John's Aunt Rose, "I only hope that when that time comes, the spirit of Warrior Strong Heart will be upon me and I will remain honorable in my actions and words."
"Not again," Kelly despaired. "Yesterday it was Mr. Jones, and now this."
Kelly couldn't think of anything to say, she was so stunned at the unwarranted hatred. Without saying a word, she turned and headed back to the base station just as she met Dixie coming out of Dr. Brackett's office.
"Oh, Kelly, there you are," Dixie smiled. "Are you OK? You seem a little pale."
"I'm probably just a little nervous about starting a new job." Kelly replied with a shaky laugh. Just then, Anne brushed passed giving Kelly a little bump.
"Oh, excuse me," Kelly replied nicely, stepping out of the way."
However, Anne just humphed and continued on her way. Dixie made a mental note over the apparent attitude, adding it to yesterday's stare and glare she thought she saw.
"Well, shall we get started?" Dixie led the way over to the reception desk where another nurse was gathering up her things. With barely a nod and a rather strange look at Kelly, the nurse left.
Dixie spent as much time as she could with Kelly, and when she was called away, another nurse was nearby to oversee Kelly's work and to assist her in learning the job. Dixie saw that Kelly was not afraid to take on the task, and seemed to handle the phones, the questions and the pages with ease.
About 45 minutes later the outside doors burst open and two paramedics rushed through with a gurney. Kelly looked closely to see who it was. Realizing it was not 51's paramedics, she went back to filling admission forms.
About two hours later, Dixie sent a nurse to relieve Kelly so she could have a break. Joelle had seen Kelly at the desk and liked her lively, intense eyes and friendly attitude.
"Miss McCall sent me over to give you a break," Joelle said as she stepped behind the desk. "I'm Joelle."
"Hi, I'm Kelly" Kelly replied with a smile.
"By the way," Joelle was serious. "You will need to give Anne a wide berth. She is very angry right now. It seems she thinks you are with one of our paramedics from 51's; a guy she's been trying to date for a long time. We all get so tired of hearing her talk about Johnny Gage, but when she's mad, its trouble for many people. And she's been fuming about you all day to anyone who will listen." Kelly was startled to hear John's name, but she tried hard to not let it show.
"So, do you know John?" Joelle asked.
"Uh, yes. I do." Kelly replied. "I've known him since I was eleven years old. He's been great friends with my parents. I've been living in Northern California for the past couple years, but I mostly grew up here, and just moved back here to go to school. John and his friends are helping me get settled." Knowing now that someone may be angry at her, Kelly's childhood wariness kicked in. She wasn't going to share personal information that could get her hurt; not until she knew who Joelle REALLY was. By keep her marriage quiet, she hoped she was protecting John and herself.
"What has Anne been saying?" Kelly dared to ask.
"Oh, she says that you are paying him to go out with you because no one else will. She also made some quip about your looks, but she's really just jealous."
"What do you think, Joelle?" Kelly asked seriously. "Do you believe her?"
Joelle, looked at Kelly for a minute and then replied quietly, "No. I don't. I'm sorry to say this, Kelly, but I overheard Dr. Brackett and Dr. Early talking about you taking this job. They mentioned some of your medical history and their concerns about you. But, they spoke so highly of you and of Johnny that I know Anne is just jealous. However, not all the nurses know you, and they remember when John was trying to get a date with any nurse that caught his eye. Some of the nurses believe Anne. Just be careful, OK?"
"Joelle, thanks for telling me. Do you have courage to go to Miss McCall and tell her? That is the only way the harassment is going to stop." Kelly eyes pleaded with her possible friend.
"I'll think about it, Kelly. You better get going; I think Dixie wants you to meet her." Joelle smiled at Kelly.
"Sure, OK. I'll be back in a bit. Thanks Joelle." Kelly smiled and walked off, only to walk right into Anne.
"Watch where you are going, you Indian lover. What's wrong, you blind?" Anne hissed at Kelly as Kelly tried to get around her. "You are not going to get rid of me that easily." Anne made sure Kelly heard the last threat as she walked off.
Kelly made it to the cafeteria where Dixie was waiting.
"So, how is it going, Kelly," Dixie asked. "Is the work to tough?"
"No Dixie, I really enjoy it." Kelly replied. She wondered if she should tell Dixie about Anne. She decided not to, yet. She wanted to see if Joelle would say something.
"Well, good. You let me know if it is too much for you, OK?" Dixie looked directly at Kelly. "Just so you know, there are some nurses who fall easily for good looking men, and they don't give up easily. I'm keeping my eye on one right now. If you start getting hassled, you just let me know, OK?"
Kelly nodded, thought for a minute and decided she would say something, but just as she opened her mouth, Dixie was paged to Treatment Room One.
Dixie quickly left. Kelly swallowed the last bit of her milk and then went back to the reception desk.
Joelle smiled as Kelly took over. They spent a few minutes together going over some admission protocols when Joelle was called away to assist with a boy in treatment four.
Kelly saw Anne go into treatment one, but then a distraught mother came up to the desk asking to speak to the doctor. Kelly reached out to take the mother's hands, spoke to her and got her settled down enough to get her name and the name of the boy. Keeping a tender hand on the woman's arm, Kelly dialed the base station and relayed the information. The mother, on the verge of tears, seem to hang on Kelly's simple touch until Doctor Early walked toward her. From the look on his face, she could see that her boy would eventually be OK. She gave Kelly a grateful smile and turned to follow Dr. Early into the treatment room.
Kelly was cleaning up around the desk about fifteen minutes later when the door to treatment one opened and two paramedics walked out. Quickly she saw they were 51's paramedics, John and Roy. They were sober as were Dr. Brackett and Dr. Morton who followed behind and walked to the base station. Dixie eventually emerged out of the room and hurried into treatment room four. Finally, Anne walked out. Roy, John, Dr. Brackett and Dr. Morton were busy discussing the victim; trying to console themselves that there was nothing they could do. They had hoped, when John and Roy brought him in, but with the brain trauma so bad, ultimately they knew he wasn't going to survive.
Finally, Dixie walked out of treatment four, went to the base station, and told John to go say hi to Kelly. Meanwhile she would get the supplies ready for Roy.
John turned and headed toward the reception desk. Kelly's heart ached for John; he never did take defeat very well; and losing a patient was defeat. Now he was despondent over losing this one. Before he got very far, Anne was right by his side.
"John I'm sorry about your patient. Perhaps we can go out tonight and find something to cheer about. I know a great little restaurant. It serves terrific food."
John kept going not really hearing Anne's words.
She tried one more time. "Or, we could just stay at my place and watch a movie. Oh John, I've been waiting so long to be together with you, would like to come over?"
John was nearly at the reception desk. Kelly could hear Anne's persistence. "Huh? Oh, No, Anne. I'm not interested." John said absent-mindedly. He walked up to the desk. "Hi Kelly," he said with some cheer in his voice. "Are you doing OK?"
Kelly smiled. "I'm doing well, John. Thanks for asking. JoAnne is going to pick me up at 3:00, and then we're going to do some shopping." She tried to sound casual, but John knew all that information all ready.
Anne was close by listening to their exchange.
"Good," I was hoping you would not be alone when you finish here. "I'll see you later, maybe," John replied with a smile as his partner walked up.
"Bye," Kelly gave a little wave as the two walked out the door and the phone rang. Kelly picked up the phone, "Rampart Emergency," she said as out of the corner of her eye, she saw Anne glare at her, whirl around and stomp off, right into Dixie.
"Anne, I think you need to come with me." Dixie ordered.
Anne angrily followed her boss into Dr. Brackett's office.
"What is going on? Dixie demanded.
"Going on, what do you mean?" Anne was trying to play the innocent role.
"Don't give me that!" Dixie retorted. "I've been watching you for a long while. You are a pest around 51's paramedics. In addition, yesterday, when John came in with Kelly, I saw the glares you gave them. I even asked you if you had a question. Today, you've been spreading vicious lies about John and Kelly, and you don't even know her! I heard you call her Indian lover, yet you bend over backwards to get John's attention. What gives?"
Anne was red in the face and defiant. "Miss McCall, I don't think it is really any of your business." she retorted.
Dixie was angry, "When one of my nurses is bullying a new employee it is very much my business. Now, either you talk or you may leave your job. Which is it?"
Anne, recognizing she was on the verge of losing her job, dropped her head. She was silent for a long time. Finally, she muttered, "I have wanted to date John Gage ever since I started here three years ago. He hasn't given me the time of day. The other nurses told me he was quick to date new nurses, but I don't think it's true. He hasn't taken a nurse out ever since I've been here. Others said they noticed that he wasn't interested anymore. Then I saw him walk in with that girl, Kelly, I just got so jealous. What right does he have to date her and not me? And then I saw both of them wearing rings…" Anne stopped and looked at Dixie with defiance building in her eyes. "There, I told. Can I go now?"
"No you may not." Dixie replied. I will tell you why John has no interest in you; you have been very dishonorable in your conduct to him. You have no respect for the feelings of others. You are selfish and mean. If I let you go right now, you will go back and torture Kelly some more. John and Kelly have known each other since she was 11. He had to carry her dead mother out on stretcher; and then later he saved her life when she had a heart attack. Yes, you saw rings on their fingers. John is Lakota Indian. And, yes, Kelly is an Indian lover, in the most honorable sense of the word. John will never have eyes for you because Kelly is his wife. Now, I am releasing you from the rest of your shift. Go home. I am putting you on a two-week suspension. After that, I have to see a dramatic change in your behavior or will not have a job here again. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'm." Anne angrily spat out, and turned toward the door. Then she looked back at Dixie. "John really sees me as dishonorable?"
Dixie sighed. "Anne, we all saw your actions toward John as dishonorable. Now go home."
Anne opened the door and stalked out. She pulled her cap off her head and reached up to take her name plate off her uniform. Looking up, she saw Kelly at the desk. Walking up to her, Anne shoved her nursing cap at Kelly. "Here, Mrs. Gage, consider this your war prize. I will never know what John saw in you, but don't worry. You won't see me again. I won't work in the same place with a girl who is an Indian lover." Anne sneered the last two words. She turned and strode out.
Two days later Dixie received Anne's resignation in the mail.
Epilogue:
After taking several classes at the local community college, Kelly went on to UCLA to get her nursing degree. Joelle became her best friend at the hospital and truly appreciated the way Joelle treated her and John, individually and together. She was truly an honorable friend.
While Kelly and John occasionally encountered racist comments about his Indian heritage; they remained calm and reminded each other that it was the commenters who are ignorant.
So, for now Kelly and John go back into my dusty mental closet where they will live happy lives, and I can get on with mine.
There are two more stories building in my brain; someday I'll get them out. Maybe someday soon, maybe someday not so soon. It will be whenever Kelly barges out of my dusty mental closet and takes center stage.