Chapter 53 hard week
7 days later
"hey Cally I just heard from the prison" says Tori
"oh yeah what'd they say" says Cally clinging to Jenny
"I don't think you are ready for it, as much as he has done to you he was still your dad" says Tori
"he was dead to me when my best friend killed herself, just tell me you mean stupid mushroom" says Cally afraid
"that last part was her fear talking, she's afraid he's killed someone in prison and she's the reason why, maybe tell me and I'll tell her" says Jenny
"ok, someone killed him in her name for her, some prisoner's can watch tv and saw the trial, the man was completely upset, apparently he had a daughter in the music industry, someone who knew Cally personally, his daughter is someone Cally hasn't told us about, but I've definitely seen her around, she was at the banquet at the hotel actually, I know you saw her, she had on a shimmering dress" whispers tori
"ok, Cally dear, you never mentioned that you knew the girl in the shimmering dress, she gave you a hug but you never introduced her to us" says Jenny
"what does this have to do with the prison, she didn't want me to, besides it's the first time I've seen her in five years, I was just happy to see her" says Cally
"her dad is in prison for attacking James five years ago, she's one of the friends who didn't testify isn't she" says Tori
"ok so what does this have to do with James, tell me" says Cally clearly angry
"he killed James in your name, he saw the trial, wondered why she didn't testify, called her and asked why, then stabbed James with a knife" says Tori
"no no, she wouldn't do that she promised it'd be me who kills him" says Cally clearly not doing well
"I kept my promise sweetheart, I told him that I didn't want him dead, I wanted him to suffer in prison, he insisted that he would do anything for Cally, I said no dad she doesn't want this, he's been in there for four years my dad has, for getting my revenge, by the time I decided I wanted to testify it was too late, my story would have warmed hearts for why I let him abuse me three times" says Natasha "Skywalker" Devon
"you liked me, didn't you, miss shywalker, you were the first and last one abused by him besides me not a single friend did that for me" says Cally
"as if I'd ever admit that Hun, and it's Skywalker not shywalker, get it right for once you crazy puff ball" says Natasha
"puff ball" asks Jenny
"it's a type of mushroom, and hey I always did it on purpose my sweet little mushroom" says Cally jokingly
"it's getting weird in here I need some air" says Jenny as she gets up and leaves the room
"what's up with her, you're in love with her aren't you, you really are a crazy mushroom, you wouldn't be able to handle me anyway" says Natasha
"she loved me first, she was the one who searched for me for three years, I first fell in love with her singing, this was just before we became friends, then her bad sarcasm detection skills always made me laugh, if it weren't for my dad, I'd have told her I liked her sooner" says Cally
"I'll talk to her, I'll be right back miss mushroom queen" says Natasha
"go away, I don't want to talk to you" says Jenny
"show me that singing voice she fell in love with, she seems really happy with you, it's all I've ever wanted for her you know, true happiness is rare these days" says Natasha
"I won't sing for someone who wants my sweet diamond like that, I just won't" says Jenny
"oh please she knew where to find me, if she wanted me she'd have done so two years ago, she made her choice she chose you, I was the only one her dad let her visit, she wouldn't stop talking about you, every visit would be about you I never got a single word in, and if I did it would be hi and bye, though I didn't think you would be so pretty, Call me petty but I swore by the things she recalled, you would be average in hotness but nope I was way way off" says Natasha
"why does she call you shywalker, you said it was Skywalker" says Jenny
"it's a little inside joke, I'm a star wars mega fan, watched all the movies, bought all the merch twice, the whole shy part was because I had a tendency to hug her way too long, but whenever it was brought up, I'd say what do you mean, I did no such thing" says Natasha
"wait so she knew you were being sarcastic, how long have you two been friends" says Jenny
"yes she knew, and since second grade, but I was forced to switch schools for eighth grade to be away from her father, didn't stop me though, I still went over multiple times to see her, I was numb by that point, I no longer cared what he did to me as long as Cally was safe, I never told my dad it was the right thing to do, kill James, that is, he would have been out today if he hadn't killed James" cries Natasha
"we will work something out ok, considering what James did to you, we need to get your dad out, the court never heard your story, your dads actions will make sense" says Jenny
"he doesn't listen to me anyway, I lost him years ago, he isn't the same anyway, before James he never got angry at me, besides the prison is hailing him a hero, he was the best father I could have asked for but now I do everything I can to get away from him, this last action just destroyed my trust in him completely" says Natasha
"wait, don't you work at the hospital miss Devon" says Cat as she walks up
"yeah everyone considered me a one hit wonder anyway, so I figured why not become a nurse, I'm working there part time while I get through med school" says Natasha
"wow, you know Cally wanted to become a doctor, unfortunately med school freaks her out, how long do you have left, maybe you could teach her some things" says Cat
"wait aren't you still in high school, aren't you 18" says Jenny
"yes Jennifer I should be, however I boosted my way through, I don't like it but the school considered me a prodigy, they had me do four years of high school in two years, it wasn't easy but I barely made it, I wanted to make friends my age, not be rushed through high school, but apparently I didn't have any say in the matter, so I work in oncology, it's not an easy job, dealing with cancer but they love me being there, and cat I have one year left, I'd be honoured to teach cal but only if Jennifer is ok with it" says Natasha
"wait did Cally know you worked in oncology, she wanted to go So bad, I was nervous about letting her go there" says Cat
"if you saw me I know she did, I waved a few times, however no I never told her what area of medicine I work in, unfortunately each ward has its own color lab coat and dress code, so it wouldn't have been long before she realized I wasn't just a normal doctor" says Natasha as Tasha walks up
"Natasha, I've been trying to get a hold of you for a week one of…." says Tasha as Natasha cuts her off
"why do you feel the constant need to tell me when one of my patients dies, do you really think I'm blind, like I don't notice they aren't there, I just wish you'd lay off me for once aunt Tasha, sometimes I wish I'd chosen a different field of medicine or just became a stupid lab tech" screams Natasha as Cally runs out
"why didn't you tell me you were an oncologist, did you think I'd be afraid, did you think I'd be upset that you don't sing for a living" cries Cally
"no, I just didn't want you to know because I wasn't even sure myself I'd made the right choice, my patients never make it, or if they do they get transferred to a different doctor because I haven't finished med school yet, then Tasha here feels the need to remind me every time one of my patients dies, like I don't notice" says Natasha
"we both know that's not why she does that, don't we Natasha" says Tori
"then I quit, if she does it for that reason I'm done, I don't care anymore, I've dealt with enough pain myself, I don't need more" says Natasha
"you never speak to me, those calls were the only times I ever heard your voice, what was I supposed to do not take that chance, I know you think I should have done something about your mom's heart attack last year, there was nothing we could do, we tried everything, Jack came up with a great idea but by then it was too late, you know that" says Tasha
"think about how you say things to me next time then, you said and I quote "there was nothing I could do" what does it matter anymore" says Natasha as she runs to the boat
"Hannah wait" says Cally as she runs towards Natasha
"did she really just say Hannah" says Cat
"yes, it's Natasha's middle name, ironically she was born in Montana, but she hates that show, it's even more ironic that Natasha lives a public life and a private one, her mom wanted to name her Hannah, her dad said no" says Tasha
"don't call me that name I hate it" says Natasha
"I'll talk to Tasha ok, do you really want to become a lab tech, it helps no one, you don't get to see the patients, you don't get to make them laugh, it's just a sad depressing job" says Cally
"I can't make them laugh, I'm not funny, it's the only job where someone like me fits in" says Natasha
"I won't stop you but I must say that I enjoyed seeing you again, even if I never will again because you decided to hide your pretty face for the rest of your life, I could teach you to be funny" says Cally
"thanks but no thanks, I haven't gotten a raise in two years, yet Jade and Jenny got a raise after their first day" says Natasha
"don't Hide in the shadows sweetie it's no fun, trust me I know" says Cally
"it's ok Cally, I'm done, I'm burnt out, I need a change in pace, I'll stick to school for now" says Natasha as she leaves on the boat without even a hug
"couldn't change her mind huh" says Tasha
"she's hard headed like you, of course I couldn't, she just wants to focus on school for now" says Cally
"the school told me she was falling behind, they won't let her in tomorrow unless she has a job in the field, they suggested I switch her to Sara's ward but that's a choice she has to make, I'm not one to force her, not after what she's been through" says Tasha
"that has a familiar ring to it" says Jack
"yes I know, it's you through and through, she wanted me to transfer her to lab technician, how could I do that, she inspired the rest of the staff in the oncology ward to do better, we were second in the country only being out done by P.P.T.H out in new Jersey, the only reason we even transferred patients away from her is because she insisted on having five patients at a time, we could see she was being worn down, when she was sad the entire ward could feel it, so they requested they take some of her patients away so she could rest for a few hours every so often" says Tasha
"guess I'm sending her that audio clip" says Cat
"you recorded me, if it weren't for your kind heart and good intentions, I'd have to fire you" says Tasha
2 days later at the hospital
"hey Tasha, I was wondering if I could have my job back, they wouldn't let me in at school unless I had a job in the field" says Natasha
"your lab tech job, we've already filled your oncology job, Cat took it reluctantly" says Tasha
"I um I oh never mind, what about Sara's ward, do they have an opening available" says Natasha
"Jenny is swamped but no they don't, jack filled them up as soon as they became available" says Tasha
"then where can I work, I need a job to complete my schooling" says Natasha
"I have a conference in France I have to go to, tori is filling in for Jack, head surgeon or my job is available for a few weeks" says Tasha
"I never liked surgery, so I don't have a choice" says Natasha
"it's not easy, however Cally is the one who organized the conference and Jackson agreed to host it in Paris, mental health in sexual assault victims is the title of the conference, concern grew after the trial that doctors can't do enough to help people like her, she will be making a virtual appearance, she was hoping you would too, she wants you to get James off your chest now that he's gone you have no reason to not speak out, she was hoping you'd take my position some day and I agreed, consider this a test, if you pass, the school said they'd pass you early with full marks, I'd also step down and you could run the hospital if you wanted to" says Tasha
"I accept, would Cally be running the hospital with me while your gone" asks Natasha
"she said it was your choice, she said if you requested her assistance, you'd have to teach her" says Tasha
"call the meeting then auntie" says Natasha
"ok department heads to the meeting room now, I have an announcement before I head off to France for that conference" says Tasha through the intercom then they book it to the meeting room
"ok what is up Tasha" says Tori and cat as they run in last
"ok everyone meet your interim boss Natasha, I know the oncology head is familiar with her but the rest of you may not be, her med school made a deal with me, if she passes my test according to you guys then she graduates and I step down and she takes my place" says Tasha
"hello everyone, you may know me as the sparky girl in oncology but Cally knows I'm more than that, yes I know I'm only 18, but I am going to shake things up, Tori, you will stay in your ward but Jenny is taking your place for now, Jason Vega glad to see you here, you and cat are heading up the psych ward, it's been bad for years it needs help bad, Ashley what are you doing here, do you work here now" says Natasha
"yes I transferred last week, Carly said it's a better fit for me" says Ashley
"ok then Ashley you will head up oncology, did I miss anyone, oh yeah the old ward heads will be my advisors till Tasha gets back" says Natasha
"interesting, we may actually get bumped up a few spots overall with her as leader" says the old oncology head
"what about me, what do I get to do" says Cally
"something very few people with PTSD get to do, learn from doctors in the field" says Natasha
"so you won't be teaching me then" says Cally
"no I will but you must choose three other doctors to learn from as well" says Natasha
"what so we are teachers now" says a nicu doctor
"no, think of it as more a learning experience on both sides, oh by the way Cally, you are co-boss, no real power but the ICU, oncology and psych ward report directly to you, but only I can give them orders" says Natasha
"welcome aboard Cally" says oncology and ICU ward heads
"I choose nicu any doctor really, oncology and Jason Vega" says Cally
"ok Ashley you get to figure out which doctor in your ward will be teaching Cally, I know nicu isn't fond of people with PTSD in your ward but she's here to learn so as your boss you don't have a choice" says Natasha
"I'll take her on in nicu" says Sara Western
"good choice, now let's get to work people" says Natasha as everyone scrambles to get out and back to work
"interesting choices, you know we are twenty fifth on the leaderboard and slipping fast right, P.P.T.H is second, I hope you know what you are doing, I look forward to seeing you when I get back" says Tasha as she and Jack leave the hospital
"ok so currently we are ranked tenth in nicu, and fifth in ICU, let's see if we can whip them into shape" says Natasha to cally
"indeed" says Cally
7 hours later back at home
"liking your new home huh Cally" says Jenny as Natasha walks in
"interesting first day, let's see where it takes us" says Natasha
"like it, I love it, I stayed in nicu today, Sara is nice, she asked some questions about me, avoiding anything related to James, said I didn't have to respond right away, she wanted to know If I liked little kids, I said of course I do, I'd have chosen Sara's ward if I didn't, besides the babies are so cute" says Cally
"Jane and Harriet miss you, could they come visit you at lunch tomorrow" says Natasha
"of course, Sara wants me to do another day of nicu so I may be busy though, I'll be in contact with Jenny tomorrow about it, apparently a few of the babies love me" says Cally smiling for the first time in months
"that's what I like to see, if you feel like you are having a bad day let the department head know, you will have an half an hour to figure it out, if it's really bad let me know ok, I'll let you stay in Sara's ward with tori and Jenny ok, no kissing on duty, hugs only ok" says Natasha
"got it, feeling bad let department head know, if really bad then let you know, no kissing at work, got it" says Cally absolutely beaming
"she is doing well, I checked in on her at lunch and for the first time in a month she didn't flinch when me or any of the male doctors came near her" says Jenny
"the main bathrooms are out of toilet paper again" says Tori
"yes I know, a shipment is going to be there in the morning" says Natasha
"ok worst day ever, yes I mean ever" says Cat as she walks in
"what happened, did Jason fight with you today" says Tori
"no he's great, that department is terrible, nothing is organized, doctors all over the place and it's incredibly underfunded" says Cat
"how much do you think it would require to sufficiently fund it on top of it's current funding" says Natasha
"I don't know maybe fifty grand, Jason did an evaluation, he said training everyone shouldn't cost much if he can bring in Jamie Stevens and his army therapist daughter, the equipment is outdated by ten years, it's unsafe for use, the only department with worse equipment is the clinic" says Cat
"I'll see what we can do, I'll schedule a meeting with the budget committee, how long would the extended budget need to be for, the more I know the more I can pitch how it will boost our ratings" says Natasha
"why inquire when you can be given extra funds, cassie and Jackson were fundraising last week, they raised two and a half million" says Annie
"what are you doing here Fran" asks Tori
"to hand Natasha a check" says Annie
"does Tasha know about this" says Natasha
"obviously the conference started six hours ago, its why I'm here, she signed the transfer of funds as I landed, she didn't even know until the conference started that Jackson had a surprise" says Annie
"how is that Jackson and Cassie always have a surprise" says Cat
"they are always fundraising, this time it was about underfunded hospitals around the world, this just happens to be one of them, there were three in Australia that got one million each, the donators were required to choose their hospital of choice, two in Mexico got half a million each and three in Africa got five million each" says Annie
"wait so you raised nineteen million in one week" says Cat
"oh did I say a week, I meant four days" says Annie as everyone but Tori falls silent
"why am I not surprised, how long till we get it" says Tori
"tomorrow, get ready, is P.P.T.H really competing with you, they are a teaching hospital, they just got the newest equipment last year" says Annie
"seems like it, they aren't competing for equipment, their ER doctor Cameron said that they don't want us affecting their insurance costs for their patients, I told them we are just looking out for our patients and that we aren't planning to hurt their rating" says Natasha
"what did they say back" asks Tori
"she said get ready to fight" says Natasha
"I heard stories about her, caring doctor, gets competitive easily though, she probably heard about our funding" says Cat
"I'll be happy if we get to rank five across the hospital, I don't want to mess with her" says Natasha
"um did I just get a call from her, oh no it was a email from her, how'd she get my email" says Tori
"hospital website obviously, what does it say" says Cally
"it says, sorry for that cameron isn't herself, she lost a long time friend last week, she gets unsettled in these times and heard about the fundraiser, good luck, she may pop by to apologize in person, and to apply for an ER position, she quit yesterday after she sent you that, she said she needs therapy and two of the best doctors are in Hawaii right now, again sorry for that, sincerely P.P.T.H" says Tori
"does she mean me and Jason" asks cat
"you aren't certified yet kitty, I just got certified last month to work on patients officially, Jenny just took the test today" says Tori
"everyone has to recertify this week, except you and Jenny, the certificates were a year out of date" says Natasha
"oh great another email" says Tori
"what does it say" says Cat
"it says on plane expect me next week, requesting interview by cat valentine and Jenny Zenia" says Tori confused
A/N couldn't resist adding Allison Cameron to this towards the end, your choices are chase, House or Cuddy, if you know the show well its actually quite easy, Remy shows up as well soon no one else from house does though just the two
