DARK DAYS AND DARKER NIGHTS
"I-I'm not sure I could face this by myself."
Natalie reentered the room to wait with Miles until it was time for him to be taken for the CT. Taking her place by the bed she asked, "Felling any better?"
"A little. Thirsty," he answered.
She reached for the glass and held it so he could take a sip. "Go slowly. You don't want a repeat of last time," she cautioned.
He took a few sips and then lay back. "Well, at least that time I didn't throw up on anybody."
"Frank did forgive you. He knew you didn't do it on purpose," Natalie reminded him as she set the glass back on the table.
"One of the few times I get sick because of the turbulence and I have to be sitting next to Frank," Miles said and sighed. Suddenly he reached out to grasp her hand. "Nat, what if this turns out to be something serious?"
"Miles, remember what the doctor said. Your body is under a lot of stress right now. And you know that stress can manifest its elf in any number of physical problems. Just wait and see what the CT shows and take it from there," Natalie said softly.
Kristen soon returned to the room followed by an orderly from Transport. "Okay, Dr. McCabe, we're going to get you ready to go for the CT," she said as she began disconnecting the NG tube from the wall suction.
Natalie gave Miles' hand a squeeze and told him, "I'll be waiting outside to go with you for the CT. Dr. Lawson said it was all right."
"Glad," he said as he released her hand and watched as she headed for the door.
"Ready for your road trip?" the orderly asked once the bed was ready to be moved.
"Yeah," the patient answered.
"Want to sit up a little? Some people find it easier to stand that way that watching the ceiling," the orderly asked.
"No, I'm okay," Miles answered.
"All right. But let me know if you need to." He began pushing the bed toward the door.
Natalie quickly fell in step beside Miles as he was wheeled out of the Unit. "You okay?" she asked when she saw his face suddenly go pale.
"Yeah. But I think I'd like to sit up some," He answered.
The orderly smoothly brought the bed to a halt and raised the head of the bed to a 45 degree angle. "Is this any better?" he asked.
"It is," the younger doctor replied, focusing his gaze directly in front of him.
"Okay. I'm going to start moving you again."
When they reached the Radiology department, they were greeted by the desk clerk who quickly checked the head CT orders. "Take a number and get in line. There are at least five high priority cases in front of you," she said.
"Why the delay?" Natalie asked.
"We've got a mass casualty incident. Building collapse. All non critical cases are being put on hold," the desk clerk answered and reached for the ringing telephone. "Radiology."
"This could take awhile. I'll see if there's any room in the holding pen," the orderly commented, wheeling Miles toward a large doorway. Inside he found a spot near one of the walls and parked the bed there. "Someone will get you for the CT," he said as he turned to leave.
Natalie found a folding chair and set it up by the bed. "You might as well get some rest while you wait," she suggested.
"You're here and my father was here. Was there anybody else I don't remember?" Miles asked after a moment.
"Stephen was here for a couple of days but had to head back. Kate wanted him to help her select your replacement," Natalie answered.
"And when are you heading back?" Miles asked.
"Monday morning. I can catch the first commuter flight out and be back at the NIH in time to meet your temporary replacement."
"Just don't like whoever any better than you like me," Miles joked.
"I won't," she replied, patting his shoulder.
"Nat, I'm just so glad you're here. I-I'm not sure I could face this by myself," Miles admitted.
"You'll get through this," Natalie replied. "Now, try and relax. Okay?" As she was speaking, she was gently rubbing his shoulder and nodded in satisfaction when she saw his eyes slowly close. "I'll help you through this."
