Showdown
Part 55
A/N: Anything written between is a dream sequence.
Anything written in bold italic is being spoken in Italian.
Both Jing-Mei and Mr. Santini's faces dropped.
Jing-Mei: Dave, you remember Jada?
Dave: Llittle bit. She where at nnow?
Jing-Mei took a deep breath and looked at Mr. Santini.
Jing-Mei: Mr. Santini, could you sit with the children for a few minutes?
Mr. Santini: Love to.
Jing-Mei: Come on Dave.
Dave: Wwhere we going?
Jing-Mei: Bedroom. We really need to talk.
On that note, Jing-Mei took Dave by the hand and led him into the bedroom. They shut the door behind them. Rusty trailed after them only to be told by Mr. Santini to come back into the living room.
Jing-Mei and Dave both sat on the bed.
Dave: Uh oh. I get yyell at.
Jing-Mei: I'm not going to yell at you. Why would you ever think that?
Dave: You aalways llook that wway when I bad.
Jing-Mei: I'm just going to have a talk with you. Tell me, what do you remember about Jada?
Dave: Sshe's ppretty.
Jing-Mei: Very. What else?
Dave: Sshe liked me. She was mmy ffriend.
Jing-Mei: It was more than like. The two of you were in love at one point.
Dave: I llove you.
Jing-Mei: I love you too, but you felt this same way about Jada a long time ago before you ever met me and that's okay. You aren't exactly my first love either.
Dave: Rreally.
Jing-Mei: Right. I do love you now more than ever and can't imagine ever being with another person but there was a time when there was another man in my life...Tei's father.
Dave: I Tei's ddaddy.
Jing-Mei: True, you are but not biologically, just like I'm not Rusty's natural mother but I am as close to a mother as he has now and I love him as if he were my own.
Dave: Who Ruzzy's mmama?
Jing-Mei: That was Jada. That's the reason why I told you that you loved her as much as you love me now, because you had a beautiful baby boy together.
Dave: Ruzzy. Jada ddidn't wwant him.
Jing-Mei: Sure she did. She just couldn't be his mother anymore.
Dave: Wwhy not?
Jing-Mei: That brings us to our little talk. Dave, sweetheart...
Jing-Mei takes Dave's hands and looks deep into his dark, innocent, child-like eyes and prepares to tell him what she knows he doesn't want to hear.
Jing-Mei: Dave, Jada...she's up in heaven.
Dave: What so ggood about hheaven?
Jing-Mei: What do you mean?
Dave: Aall mmy ffriends kkeep going there. I wwant to go too.
Jing-Mei: No you don't. You have too much to do still down here. We need you. Me, the boys, the dogs, your friends at the ER and Mr. Santini don't want you to go right now.
Dave: Ruzzy ddoesn't nneed his mama so she left.
Jing-Mei: It wasn't like she had a choice. She died, Dave. Just like Mrs. Peterson and Sophie
Dave: ...and Nicky.
Jing-Mei: Right, and Nicky.
Dave put his head down on Jing-Mei's shoulder and she held him tightly, secretly hoping that he was finally beginning to understand about death.
The next morning, Jing-Mei was up extra early to make breakfast for the boys...a task she wasn't accustomed to but knew she would have to get use to it now that Mrs. Peterson was gone.
After breakfast, the boys played in the living room while Jing-Mei took a shower. She waddled out of the bathroom, fully dressed and ready to begin the new day.
Jing-Mei: Alright you guys, enough horseplay. Rusty, take what you want with you over to your friend's house. We will be leaving soon. I have to drop Tei and Antonio off at their play group, then you at Alberto's house and finally drive your papa to his first day of work. By the way, where is your papa?
Antonio: With woofies.
Rusty pointed Jing-Mei out to the backyard. Outside, Dave sat with Rascal, Lucky and some of the neighborhood strays. Dave was given the strays a brushing.
Jing-Mei: Dave, what are you doing?
Dave: Brushing ddoggies hhair.
Jing-Mei: I see that. You're not ready to go yet.
Dave: Ddoggies nneed to llook nnice.
Jing-Mei: I agree, but not now. You're getting fur all over you. This can wait until later.
Dave: Hhave do to now.
Jing-Mei: You'll be late for your first day of work.
Dave: Thought oover, not ggoing.
Jing-Mei: What do you mean you're not going. Yes, you are. We went to alot of trouble getting you back to work, you aren't going to throw it away now. I thought that's what you wanted to do was work.
Dave: At ffirst did. Now, I...I sscared.
Jing-Mei: I can understand that. You're entering the work force again after being out of it for over two years. I would be scared too. You have nothing to worry about. You will be amongst friends who understand what's going on with you. You'll be alright. Everyone is looking forward to you coming back, let's not disappoint them. You do still want to be a doctor, don't you?
Dave: I hhelp ppeople. Like that.
Jing-Mei: And you're going to be the best doctor, Cook County has ever seen. Now, put down that brush, say goodbye to your friends and let's get you cleaned up and dressed...Dr. Dave.
Dave entered the bedroom where Jing-Mei had a fresh pair of blue scrubs waiting on the bed for him. He got showered, dressed and was combing his hair when Jing-Mei walked up behind him.
Jing-Mei: Who's that handsome doctor in my bedroom?
Dave: Where?
Jing-Mei: You, silly. You can still fill out a pair of scrubs nicely. When you're done admiring yourself in the mirror, come here I have a present for you.
Dave gave his hair a few more strokes with the brush and the comb and then sat down by Jing-Mei on the bed.
Dave: Wwhat got for mme?
Jing-Mei: Close your eyes and put out your hand.
Dave did as he was told and seconds later felt as Jing-Mei placed her present on him.
Dave: Tthat cold.
Jing-Mei: I know it is. Sorry, about that. Alright, you can open your eyes now.
Dave stared at his present and then turned his wrist in several directions to inspect it.
Jing-Mei: Well, what do you think?
Dave: Bracelet...ffor ggirls.
Jing-Mei: Dave, that's chauvinistic knowledge. Not all bracelets are for girls. Boys wear them too. And this is a special bracelet. See, look at the front of it. Do you know what that is?
Dave shrugs.
Jing-Mei: It's called a caduceus. It's symbolizes medicine.
Dave: I get this cause I'm ddoctor Davey.
Jing-Mei: Not really...
Dave: Where's your bbracelet at?
Jing-Mei: I don't have one.
Dave: You ddoctor. Only bboy ddoctors them wear?
Jing-Mei: No, Dave. This bracelet has nothing to do with being a doctor. Antonio's got one too.
Dave: and Ruzzy and Tei.
Jing-Mei: Nope, only you and Antonio.
Dave: Us wwhy?
Jing-Mei: Look at the back of Antonio's bracelet. Can you read what it says?
Dave: A...thsma...no, aaa.tsma...huh?
Jing-Mei: It says..."asthma". Remember, we had that long talk before about Antonio's breathing problem.
Dave nods.
Jing-Mei: Well, now that he's starting in a playgroup and since Mrs. Peterson won't be there with him...if he has an asthma attack, the people who are taking care of him will know what's wrong with him and be able to help him get better.
Dave: Ii hhelp. Ii ddoctor.
Jing-Mei: Yes, you did help Antonio before when he was sick but you're not always going to be around him, just like I'm not always going to be around you especially now that you're going back to work. See, let me show you.
Jing-Mei removes Dave's medical alert bracelet and shows him the engraving on the back.
Jing-Mei: Look what it says on your bracelet. It lets people know that you have heart, respiratory, and kidney problems. It tells them that you are a transplant patient and that you have a brain injury that caused a memory loss and that you're allergic to cyclosporine. It gives your blood type in case they need to give you a transfusion. It also tells them that you take seizures every so often.
Dave: Says tthat all.
Jing-Mei: Yep, and you know, one more ailment or drug allergy and I would have had to continue on the next bracelet. So, what do you think about it?
Dave: Hhate it. Ttake off me.
Jing-Mei: You have to wear it. It was one of the conditions the medical board made us agree to if they let you back. If you don't wear it, you can't be a doctor. Besides, I'll feel better if you have it on.
Dave: Ii nnot ddoctor tthen. OFF MME.
Jing-Mei thinks for a moment and an idea enters her head.
Jing-Mei: Look at it this way. This is a present from Mrs. Peterson.
Dave: Mmommy?
Jing-Mei: Yes. She would want you to wear it so you will be safe. Remember, I told you she's watching over all of us and she would be very upset if you didn't take care of yourself.
Dave: I make mmommy proud of me.
Jing-Mei: You already have. We are all very proud of you. You're the bravest, strongest and most dashing man that I know.
Dave starts to blush and Jing-Mei returns a smile to him.
Jing-Mei: So, will you wear it?
Dave: Ffor mmommy, okay.
Jing-Mei: Alright now, let's get going. We have three rambunctious boys to load into the car.
Jing-Mei and Dave arrive at the ER and approach the admit desk. She has Kerry or Mark paged and then the Maluccis wait in the lounge until one of the attendings join them. Within moments, both Kerry and Mark enter the lounge. Jing-Mei and Dave stand and meet them halfway across the floor.
Mark: Welcome back, Dave.
Jing-Mei nudges Dave to get him to shake the other doctors' hands.
Jing-Mei: Please excuse him, he's still a little nervous about being here.
Kerry: No problem. It's a big step for him and one that none of us thought he would ever make again. It's only understandable that he would be apprehensive. Relax Dave, we are here to help you.
Mark: Right. Just take it slow at first. Don't feel the need to rush into anything. I've briefed the rest of the staff about your return and all have agreed to help you adjust in any way they can.
Dave: Fffeel ssorry ffor sstupid ccripple, is all.
Jing-Mei: Dave, stop calling yourself that. You know you are far from stupid and you are able to get around pretty much on your own so you aren't as crippled as you think. This is half the problem with him, is his low self-esteem.
Kerry: Well, maybe we can help him get over that once he's back in the swing of things.
Mark: And I assure you that no one offered up their help to you because they feel sorry for you.
Dave: Then wwhy?
Mark: Because they care about you. They know you've been through alot and you got a rough deal handed to you. They just want to help get you back to your old self.
Kerry: It's got nothing to do with pitying you. It's all out of love.
Dave: Nno oone loves Davey.
Jing-Mei: They do love you, Dave. Before your attack, you were probably the most interesting, albeit, the most annoying but lovable staff member.
Kerry: We've really missed having you here. When I talked with the others here in the ER about your coming back to work part-time, they were excited about it.
Kerry heads to the phone while Mark briefs Dave on his duties.
Mark: Okay, now let's get down to business. Dave, we are going to set you up in the suture room. You will do any suturing that needs to be done and apply any casts that need to be put on. In between those duties, you need to be reading your medical books and studying. Also, you will be putting together blood gas kits for us.
Kerry rejoins them.
Kerry: When the ER slows down, the other doctors and nurses will take the time to help you either with your studies or show you some new procedure. Some you will be able to do while supervised, others you'll just have to watch them done and learn that way. By the way, Jing-Mei, how's his reading?
Jing-Mei: It's getting better. I'm planning to work with him on that at home while I'm on maternity leave. He still has alot of trouble because of his dyslexia but he learned how to overcome that before and he will again. I'm working on getting him a tutor that specializes in dyslexics. The one we had was transferred out of state. The medical board said that Dave has to take some refresher courses too and redo his rotations but the new semester doesn't begin for another six weeks.
Kerry: So, they are letting him work here in the meantime, so he'll get a little hands on experience and won't be far behind the others.
Jing-Mei: Right. And his specialists are hoping that once Dave gets further into his studies then things will start to fall into place for him and some of him memory will come back.
Mark: It's always possible. Okay, big guy, are you ready to get started?
Dave: Guess sso.
Jing-Mei turns Dave to face her. She brushes back his hair that has fallen onto his forehead and starts to remove any wrinkles from his scrubs with her hands.
Jing-Mei(with tears running down her face)Well, this is it. This is what you've worked so hard for. Now, you know you're schedule for taking your meds. I'll leave one with Kerry and Mark too. But, I think you have that under control. And you know our phone number if you need to talk to me at anytime or just call my cell phone. I'll be back in a few hours to pick you up. You behave yourself and do everything the doctors and nurses tell you. I want to hear good reports about you. You have your medical alert bracelet on.
Dave, embarrassed, swats her constantly roaming hands away from him.
Dave: Sstop it! Bbig guy...not bbaby.
Mark and Kerry stand back with small snickers on their face as Jing-Mei glances over Dave's shoulder at them.
Jing-Mei: Yeah, you're right. I didn't mean to fuss over you and I know I sound like a mother leaving her child off at school for the first time, it's just that this is the first time you'll be mostly on your own and I can't help it if I worry about you. I'm just so damn proud of you.
Dave gives Jing-Mei a final hug before Mark escorts him to the admit desk. Walking behind the male doctors, Kerry and Jing-Mei chat.
Kerry: So, any idea how long you will be out on maternity leave after you have the baby?
Jing-Mei: Considering that I should have given birth to this little one last week, it's hard to say. I have an appointment with Dr. Evans on Friday and hopefully she'll have news for me.
Kerry: Incidentally, I know this is not the time to bring this up right now, but how's things going with the investigation into Dave's attack? Any leads?
Jing-Mei: No, not yet. But, I don't want anyone to worry about their safety here. There's been no immediate threats on us lately so hopefully the bastards who did this to Dave have moved on and decided to leave us alone to raise our family. Surely, by now they have to know that Dave didn't see or can't remember anything to identify them. I just prefer to leave that horrid incident behind us.
Kerry: You do want them caught and brought to justice, don't you?
Jing-Mei: I'd like nothing more than that. I want them to be given the same treatment they put Dave through, but if they just leave us be...I'll be satisfied with that. We just want our life back again, where we don't have to constantly look over our shoulders wondering if the guy walking behind us is a hired gunman. I know in my heart that we will never be safe completely until they are put to death but we've learned not to look too far into the future or go back into the past. We live in the present and for the day cause who knows what tomorrow brings. Everytime we make future plans, things tend to go wrong.
The four doctors arrive at the admit desk where they are approached by other ER staff members...all offering Dave a welcome back and their help. Dave, who's still very tense around groups of people, stiffens up on them. Jing-Mei gives him another kiss and whispers to him.
Jing-Mei: I have to go now, but I'll be back this afternoon. You'll be fine.
Luka: We'll take care of him. Don't worry, Jing-Mei.
Dave begins to panic as Jing-Mei slowly heads for the exit. The others comfort him and help calm his fears. His attention is distracted away from Jing-Mei by Abby, who just approached the group.
Abby: Hey Dave, I heard you were starting back today. Welcome back and if I can help you, let me know. (pause) Kerry, you paged me.
Kerry: Yes, I did. Funny you should mention about helping out Dave, I have a special job for you.
Abby: What is it?
Kerry: I want you to take Dave into the suture room and help get him set up in there. Show him where he can study at, where his instruments are for suturing and the materials for casts. Go over a few things with him and just help him settle in and make him feel comfortable.
Abby: In other words you want me to baby sit him.
Dave: NO, SSIT MME!
The other ER members give Abby a death stare.
Kerry(angry) No, I am asking you to do your job. Eventually, you will have new medical students under your care and will have to learn to supervise them. This is a good way for you to learn. If you have a problem with that, you are welcome to take it up with Dr. Romano and the hospital board, but I wouldn't waste the time going there. Not only is it so much red tape you have to go through, but they are going to tell you the same thing as I am. Do we understand each other?
Abby: Yes, Dr. Weaver.
Kerry: Alright, I'm making Dave your personal project. Show him right cause if he doesn't know everything he's suppose to when I come in and check on him, I'm holding you responsible. Now, let's get to work everyone. The board is filling up.
Haleh gives Dave a small hug before handing him over to Abby.
Haleh: You'll do fine, sweetheart. If you have any questions, please ask me.
Dave: Okay, Hhaly
Haleh: It's Haleh, but close enough. Alright, Abby, he's all yours and (clenching her teeth) you be nice to him.
Abby takes Dave to the suture room giving him a small tour on the way. Once inside, she shows Dave where to wash up, where the instruments are he'll need, how to sterilize them and the numbers and extensions on the phone he'll be using most of the time.
Dave: Yyou ddoctor 'gain?
Abby: What do you mean again?
Dave: You sstop doctor be nurse.
Abby(mystified)It was a financial problem that caused me to drop out of medical school before, but I've since re-enrolled and am in my third year of school. How did you know I went to medical school before?
Dave: Remember. You mmy sstudent. I tteach bbefore you.
Abby: That's right. I even forgot that. You were my resident trainer. You taught me some things and...
Dave: Now you tteach Ddavey.
Abby: One good turn deserves another.
Dave: Ssee, I not baby. Bbabies ddon't tteach.
Abby drops her head in shame and blushes.
Abby: I'm sorry I didn't mean that crack about having to babysit you.
Seeing how bad Abby feels about her earlier remark, Dave walks over to her and gives her a hug.
Dave: Okay, Ddavey fforgives.
Abby hugs him back when the door opens and in steps Carter, seeing the two embracing.
Carter: That didn't take long, Dave. Not on duty for five minutes yet and you have your hands on the nurses. What would Jing-Mei say?
Dave panics and lets go of Abby. He backs away into the table.
Carter: Easy Dave, I'm only kidding. I know it was just an innocent hug. Abby wouldn't dare try to step out on me.
Abby: Oh really, first of all I'm a medical student and secondly, it's not like you'll the best lover in the world...
Abby and Carter realize they are having a lover's quarrel in front of a tensed up Dave and immediately stop.
Carter: We can continue this conversation later.
Abby: Much later. Now, what do you want?
Carter: I just dropped by to bring Dave his very first patient. Dave, this is Amy Devers. She cut her hand on some scissors and needs a couple of stitches. Well, I'll let you take it from here. Good luck.
Carter leaves as Dave gets acquainted with his little patient. He smiles at her and she waves back at him with her good hand. She has tears running down her cheeks. Dave lifts her up on the exam table and then settles himself down on a stool.
Dave: Hi Aamy. I Ddr. Ddavey.
As Abby gathers the necessary equipment, Amy watches and starts to shake. Dave finally manages to calm her down by making faces at her that has her laughing. Abby shows Dave how to prep the area and then hands him the needle to numb the area. Dave takes a deep breath and hesitates for a moment. In that moment, he sees Mrs. Peterson's face and hears her voice telling him everything is going to be fine and he's going to do an excellent job. Then he is snapped out of his daydream by Abby. He takes the needle and slowly, but carefully inserts it into the scared little girl's hand.
Dave puts in the final stitch and then applies a bandage over the wound. Amy is still crying, even though Abby is holding her and trying to consol her. Dave starts to explain the instructions of care for her injury.
Dave: Kkeep ddry. Yyour mmommy change bandage everyday and I ssee you in four...nno ffive days.
Abby: Come on Amy, let's go back to your mom.
Amy: Dr. Davey come too.
Dave shrugged and then followed the two out to the waiting room. They met with Amy's mother and Abby introduced herself and Dave.
Amy: Mommy, this is the best doctor ever.
Dave: Really nnot.
Mrs. Devers: How do you feel sweetheart?
Amy: I'm all better, 'cause of Dr. Davey.
Abby: Are you sure your okay? You still have tears in your eyes.
Amy: It hurts still.
Abby: The lidocaine must be wearing off.
Dave thinks for a moment and then reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a cherry lollipop and gives it to her.
Dave: Okay, Mmrs. Ddevers Aamy get.
Amy: Please mommy.
Mrs. Devers nods in response and before Dave can let go of the candy, Amy has it unwrapped and in her mouth.
Dave: Cchin say ssucking on things calms me too.
Abby lightly swats Dave's arm.
Abby: Watch what you say around here, Dave. You're starting to sound like your old self.
Dave(confused)I mmean ca...cand...dy. What think mean I?
Abby: Forget it.
Abby hands a list of instructions to Mrs. Devers as they head for the exit.
Mrs. Devers: Say goodbye to the nice doctors, Amy.
Amy reached out and grabbed hold of Dave's legs.
Amy: Dr. Davey come home with us.
Dave bends down to eye level with Amy.
Dave: Davey ccan't. I help other kkids. Here sstay. I ssee yyou ssoon.
Mrs. Devers: Looks like she made a friend in Dr. Davey. I guess I won't have to fight her when it's time to come back to have the stitches removed. Now Amy, we must be going and let these doctors get back to work.
Her mother took her by her hand and she turned and waved back at Dave and Abby with her bandaged one.
Abby: Nice work, Dr. Davey.
Dave: Kkids eeasy. Like them.
Abby: And they like you. Maybe you should think about going into pediatrics.
Dave looks at her strangely.
Abby: You know, a kiddie doctor. You can make them better all the time. Oh well, let's get back to work.
A couple of hours go by and Dave takes his medication on schedule then heads out to get some lunch. He wanders down to the admit desk and tries to get Randi's attention.
Randi: What can I do for you, Malucci?
Dave: It's Dr. Davey.
Randi: Whatever. You wanted something.
Dave: Hungry. Food get.
Randi: Well, there's Doc Magoo's across the street, but I don't think Dr. Chen would appreciate you going over there alone. You could order out if you know what you want. Then again, there's the old standby...the cafeteria.
Dave: Caftera...how gget there?
Randi: I'm going on my break in a few minutes, I'll take you down there.
Dave: Nno. Ttell me. Davey find. Ddon't nneed navgator.
Randi: Uh, yeah that's cute but the hospital staff doesn't have time to go searching for you if you get lost so they'll send me and it'll save us both alot of time if I just take you there myself. So, just wait there for a moment and we'll go.
A minute later and Randi was escorting Dave to the cafeteria.
Randi: Where's Abby? I thought Dr. Weaver said she was suppose to hang with you, not that I mind it.
Randi takes hold of Dave's arm as if she's leading him but she can't help but run her hand up and down feeling his enormous bicep.
Randi(to herself) Nice, very nice.
Dave: What say you?
Randi: Nothing. So where's Abby?
Dave: Upstairs helping bbring bbaby in wworld. Sshe ttold mme rread bbook but got hungry.
Randi: We'll get our food and table and then I'll call up to maternity and let her know that you're here with me.
Down in the cafeteria, Randi and Dave got their food and joined Carter, Mark and Elizabeth at a table. She went to leave a message for Abby.
Elizabeth: So, how's your first day back, Dave?
Dave: Llonly. Ssit rroom alone and rread bbook.
Mark: It'll get better for you, I promise. This is only your first day. When you've adjusted more we will let you do more.
Elizabeth: And as we told you, we'll help you any way we can.
Dave: You too. You hhate Davey.
Elizabeth: I don't. I know we got off to a rough start before but that's in the past.
Mark: As far as we are concerned, Dave, you are starting with a clean slate.
Carter: That means whatever kind of medical training you got back in Grenada isn't important. You can start over now. Not many doctors get that opportunity.
Elizabeth: That being said, we can train you our way. Show you the proper way to act as a doctor.
Dave scratches his head as Randi rejoins the table.
Dave: Okey dokey, guess.
Dave takes a sip of his milk causing Carter to let out a laugh.
Dave: I do wrong ssomething.
Carter: No, it's just...do that thing you use to do with your milk.
Mark: Oh yeah, I remember that.
Elizabeth: Please, that was so gross.
Dave: What I do?
Carter: Come on, you remember. You use to drink your milk and then make it come out your eyes. It was so cool.
Dave attempted the trick but failed.
Dave: Can't ddo.
Carter: That's cause you're not doing it right.
Randi: Leave him alone, Carter.
Carter: I waited along time to see this. Try again.
Again Dave tried and still nothing.
Dave: Can't.
Carter: You're not trying hard enough. You use to hold your nose after you took a sip of milk and that's when you squirted out your eyes.
Dave took a sip of milk and Carter reached over and pinched Dave's nose together. Not even a second went by when Dave started to turn blue and gag on the milk. He instantly hit Carter's hand away and spit the milk up all over himself. Mark and Elizabeth made sure he was okay. Dave nodded to indicate that he was.
Carter: Sorry Dave, I guess you really don't remember how you did it. Looks like that trick died with the old Malucci. I have to get back to work, excuse me.
Mark: We had better get back too. Sure you're alright.
Dave nodded as Randi tried to clean him up.
Randi: He'll be fine. I'll look after him.
After lunch, Randi took Dave back up to sutures and to a waiting Abby. She took Dave back inside the suture room and they sat down at a table.
Abby: How was lunch?
Dave: Hhad accident on me.
Abby: I can see that. What happened?
Dave: Spilled mmilk.
Abby: Well, if that's the worse you get on yourself, you're okay. Wait til you get around blood and vomiting kids, then you'll know what accidents are. Stay put, I'll go get you a fresh pair of scrubs.
Abby leaves for the supply room and returns with a new pair of blue scrubs.
Abby: Here you go. You can change into these.
Dave: Nno. Cchin ggive me these. Hhurt her by wearing others.
Abby: Dave, I guarantee you won't hurt her feelings by changing into a new pair...a dry, clean pair. She's worked here long enough to know about what can get on you in this place. Besides, once you become more involved you'll be making three or four different scrub changings.
Dave: They bblue ttoo. She wwon't kknow, huh.
Abby: And there's alot more where they came from in extra large. Since you left, none of the other doctors or nurses who take an extra large wear them.
Dave: Why?
Abby: Not sure. I guess those are the ones you always wore. Blue, extra large scrubs were a Malucci tradition and I guess we always thought of them as "your scrubs". Now that you're back, I guess I'll have to remind Lydia to order them again.
Dave waited to put on his scrubs. Abby was baffled.
Abby: What's wrong now?
Dave: You out.
Abby: Sorry. I forgot you're the bashful Dave Malucci now and not the self centered one. Too bad, you're ego was part of your charm.
Abby leaves and waits outside while Dave changes. She gives him about ten minutes and reenters the room, just after Dave took off his wet shirt and before he put his clean one on. She gets a full shot of Dave sitting shirtless in front of her. She starts ogling his very well developed body, but can't ignored the many scars covering his pecs and abs. Dave puts his new shirt on.
Dave: All changed. Clean and nnice. What nnow?
Dave's voice brings Abby out of her dream world and back to reality.
Abby: Oh, uh, yeah...Dr. Weaver said she wanted me to show you how to put together a blood gas kit.
Jing-Mei comes by the ER to pick Dave up. He gives her a hug but doesn't say a word. He just starts tugging at her arm to get her to come with him home.
Jing-Mei: We'll leave in just a moment. I need to see Kerry or Mark and find out how everything went. If you want you can go sit in the car and I be there shortly.
Dave does as he's told and waits for his wife in the car. Over twenty minutes pass, when Jing-Mei joins him. She gets behind the wheel and they head to pick up the boys. She attempts to ask Dave how his day went but by looking at the sour look on his face, she changes her mind.
Once home, the boys run their various ways in the house. Rusty heads for the bathroom, Tei to the tv and Antonio goes to the dogs. Dave shuffles slowly in behind Jing-Mei and plants himself on the couch, where he remains until dinner is ready. He still hasn't said a word.
Later after all the boys are put down for the night, Jing-Mei decides to spend some quality time with her husband. She makes a space for herself on the couch on Dave's lap and leans her head against his chest. Dave can't resist but wrap his arm around her and lower his head so that his face is lost in her mounds of soft, black hair.
Dave: Nnice ssmelling hair, Chin.
Jing-Mei: Thank you. Not exactly the first words I expected to hear from you but at least you're talking to me now. So, do you want to tell me how today went?
Dave: Nnot go back.
Jing-Mei: Why not? I spoke with both Kerry and Abby and they said you did a good job today.
Dave: They hate me.
Jing-Mei can feel Dave's arm and body tremble. She immediately pulls herself up and turn towards him to see his eyes filled with tears.
Jing-Mei: Dave, what's wrong. Baby, I can't help unless you tell me. They don't hate you, I'm sure. What happened? Did someone say something to upset you?
Dave: Aabby and Cater. They say I'm not llike I use to bbe. Hhow ccan bbe I, Ii remember ddon't how I wwas. Tthey llike mme tthen, nnow tthey ddon't.
Jing-Mei reached for a tissue and started wiping Dave's face dry.
Jing-Mei: Stop that crying and let me explain some things to you. Before your attack, you were kind of a...well, uh, let's just say you had this arrogant side to you. You acted more like an eight year old boy then you did a doctor.
Dave: Yyou say I ggood ddoctor.
Jing-Mei: You were...and still are. It's just you like to have fun at others expense. I mean you sometimes played jokes on them and although they didn't like being the but of your jokes, or the fact that you tried acting more superior to them as a doctor, you know thinking you knew more then what you really did, anyway they got use to you that way. That's the Dave Malucci that they knew. Now, even though they've seen you since your attack, they've never really spent a full day with you like I have and saw how different and unlike your old self you are. All I'm saying is give them some time. The same way you have to get use to going back to work and any new experience you encounter, it's the same for them. They have to take in this new personality of yours and when they do, you'll see a change in them. This metamorphism of yours may prove to be interesting.
Dave: How?
Jing-Mei: You don't remember but before your attack and even I didn't know this until after we started going together, but you had this real serious and sensitive side to you that you never showed before, at least not at work. I saw it after we started dating and now maybe that part of you will come out more often for others to see and it'll prove to them what I've known for a long time. That Dave Malucci is not a total jerk, but smart and sensitive and can have his feelings hurt too.
Dave: Ddoes mean that I ccan't play jokes anymore wwhen I learn some?
Jing-Mei: Well, I guess we can't expect you to change completely. An occasional prank will be nice, just don't hurt anyone or pull one on me.
Dave: Iii nnot hhurt aanyone ever 'gain. Ii sstop ddoing that. I ppromise I not do you.
Dave had his fingers crossed behind his back before he wrapped his arm around his yawning wife.
Dave: What 'bout trick milk?
Jing-Mei: Oh god, you're not still doing that one, are you?
Dave: Can't. Don't know hhow. Cater like it though and ssso Mark did.
Jing-Mei: Of course, boys would. Just not around me. It's so disgusting.
Dave: Elizbeth said that too.
Jing-Mei: Doesn't surprise me. Just remember what I said. Don't let anyone tell you how you should be or act. You don't have to impress anyone or live up to their expectations. You act the way you want, within reason, and people will warm up to you, you'll see. Now, why don't we head into bed. You have work tomorrow, Dr. Dave.
The Maluccis head into their bedroom and quickly undress each other. Both want to make out but before they can begin any foreplay, they are fast asleep.
Back in a small Sicilian town, a small boy is playing with a radio. He's turning the volume up and down and running the station tuner back and forth. He's laughing the whole time when finally a knob breaks off in his hand. He panics and looks for a place to hide it. In the process, he knocks over a lamp and breaks it. The sound of the lamp crashing to the floor brings out a large angry man.
Old Man: What the fuck did you do now?
The small boy hid the knob behind his back and started kicking pieces of the lamp under the couch until a hand reached out and grabbed him by his throat. He was instantly lifted up by his collar. The old man started to shake the boy until he dropped what he was holding in his hand. The man picked it up and showed it to the terrified boy.
Old Man: So you like breaking things.
Boy: Accident, pa'pa.
Old Man: There's no such things as accidents, prick. I show you how I deal with disobedience and lack of respect of one's property.
The man took the boy into the kitchen and turned on the stove. He grabbed the boy's hands and held them over the burner. The boy started screaming in pain until the man's hand came across his mouth, silencing him.
Old Man: Now, maybe you learn to keep hands to self and off my stuff and if this don't teach you then maybe we just chop hands off completely.
There's some tossing and turning in a bed until a large figure sits up, sweating. He starts rubbing his hands back and forth. The sudden movement wakes up his female companion.
Woman: What's going on?
Man: Nothing, just nightmare. Long time ago in my past.
Woman: It's over now. You okay?
Man: Not sure. It was so clear. I was a boy and pa'pa...
Woman: It doesn't matter. Tell me in the morning. It's late. Come on, let's go back to sleep...Vincenzio.
To be continued. Please read and review.
