YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN

Chapter 3

"What entertainment, Miles?" Natalie asked, standing in the doorway. "I see you already have some company."

"Oh, that's just Frank," Miles said, looking over to the older man.

"Just Frank, huh? Remember I'm the one who saved you from the boredom of hospital food by bringing you cookies," Frank remeinded him but he was grinning. "Now, be nice and share."

"Miles, I did see if there were any private hospital rooms available. But you have to be either a VIP patient which I'm afraid you're not. Or a critical care one which I am very glad you're not either," Natalie told the younger doctor.

"Well, when am I going to get out of here then?" Miles demanded.

"Give it a couple of more days okay? Its only been two days since you finally stopped spiking a fever. Do too much too soon and you'll set back your recovery process," Natalie cautioned.

"Okay, Mom," Miles said and gave her one of his most disarming looks. "Since I'm gonna be stuck here awhile yet, could you please have Frank or somebody bring me my laptop? That way I can get a little work done. I promise not to overdo it."

Natalie relented and said, "I'll let Frank get you whatever you need. But you have to promise you'll stay here until we say you can leave."

"I promise. But could you please see if you can do something about this?" Miles asked, pointing toward the curtains. "It's like watching an X-rated movie with a blind fold on."

Natalie listened to the moaning and groaning, deciding those were definitely not the sounds of a person in pain. She shook her head and said, "Let me see if I can put a stop to this. I think most hospitals have rules against this sort of thing. And if they don't then they should." She marched over to the drawn curtains.

"You go girl," Frank said, waiting to see what was going to happen.

Putting a finger to her lips, Natalie motioned to the two men to keep quiet while her other hand began drawing the curtain aside slowly inch by inch. She smiled in satisfaction as the the moaning and groaning and "Yeah, baby," had rapidly turned to audible cursing and the rustling of clothing.

A quick glance behind her showed that her two friends were doing their hardest to keep from laughing. Then she pulled the curtain aside enough to step behind it an announced, "There are hospital rules against this sort of thing. Shall I call someone in to enforce them?"

The well endowed redhead was buttoning her blouse while the roommate hastily said, "No. That won't be necessary, Doctor."

"Very well. But if I hear of this happening again, I assure you that strict measures will be taken," Natalie warned. She stepped back to let the curtain fall into place.

A moment later, the redhead, making sure all her clothes were in place, stalked toward the door. "Michael Anthony Mantonya, I am never going to speak to you again!" she snapped.

"But, Gracie--" Mr. Mantonya was pleading as he slipped out of bed and quickly followed her to the door, shooting a venomous glare at Natalie as he passed by.

Once the door slammed shut, Miles and Frank gave into their barely laughter. When Miles could finally speak, at least alittle breathlessly, he said, "Way to go, Nat. Now why didn't I think of this?"

"Because nobody would've taken you seriously," Frank said, pointingout Miles' hospital attire.

"Yeah, that's true," he admitted and passed the bag toNatalie. "Care for a cookie?"

"Don't mind if I do," she said, reaching in. "By the way, I picked up your mail at work today and thought you might want to see this." She handed Miles an official looking envelope bearing the N.I.H. insignia.