Chapter 2
"Hey beautiful." Doug whispered wrapping his arms around Carol's waist from behind and kissed her neck. Inside the pharmacy cupboard, they had privacy and he wasn't going to waste a minute alone.
Giggling, Carol turned around, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Hey." Carol said grinning broadly at him.
"Hey." Doug retorted, putting his hands on her waist grinning as he kissed her again; "So how's your day going?"
"Not too bad. Good now though. Great actually."
"Um good. Because I have a surprise for you." Doug said winking at her.
"Ooo you've got me curious now what is it?"
"Can't tell you that. It's a surprise. You just have to wait until Christmas." Doug pause thinking; "But I can give you a quick preview." He said before kissing her again.
"I love you." Carol murmured and Doug's heart fluttered and swelled. He loved when she said that out of the blue and not just in response to him saying it. It meant she really did love him and was in this with him.
"I love you too."
They pulled apart as Doug leant against the wall and Carol went about collecting the drugs she needed for her patients.
"So what you got?" Carol asked, enquiring about his patients.
"Well I got a kid with a marble stuck up his nose."
"Wow."
"Oh yeah. Turns out he his brother dared him. I just got to pull it out." He waved his hand dismissively because it wasn't so bad.
"Well if you need help let me know." Then Carol paused; "Have you seen Carter by the way? I was just discharging his patient and needed him to sign the chart, but I can't find him."
"Oh yeah I think he's taking a nap." Doug's face became serious; "Have you noticed anything about him lately?"
"Carter?" Carol frowning pondering; "I don't know. I guess he's seemed a little down lately. Quiet. Why?"
"Mark's worried about him. That he's been a little tired lately, and he thinks something's going on. It's got me worried now."
"What do you think it is? I mean it's Carter." Carol smiled, because he was just their friendly kid resident.
"I don't know. I think it could just be a cold." He looked down, suddenly fearing the worst; "Let's hope it's nothing worse."
Suddenly Lydia poked her head in; "We've got an incoming trauma. Five minutes."
"Ok Lydia thanks." Doug said gently touching Carol's arm before rushing out to meet the trauma.
Doug was just slipping on some latex gloves and his coat, rushing outside to meet the ambulance, when Weaver suddenly joined him. It was snowing really heavily, his coat and head was already getting pelted with snow, and he shivered because it was absolutely freezing. Why anyone would go outside in this he never knew.
A few seconds later, the paramedics shoved open the doors wheeling out an older gentleman, with a large gash on his forehead and blood seeping out. Whilst an older woman following behind, clutching her purse and looking terrified.
"Alright what we got?" Doug said peering at the patient as he grabbed the railing to help lead them in.
"Male 63. Slipped and fell on the sidewalk whilst shovelling his driveway. BP 120 over 85. Possible concussion and difficulty breathing..." The paramedic startled to rattle off the injuries, as they started to go inside. By chance, Doug just happened to look up as the other paramedic closed the doors, and he caught side of someone standing at the corner of the ambulance bay in a lab coat.
It was Carter. Without a coat, standing there on the phone.
What the..
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Carter meanwhile was having a heated conversation with his father. Who after waking him up from ringing him twice, was now badgering him on the phone. It got Carter so annoyed and upset, he was beginning to shout and needed to go outside so no one could hear him. The last thing he wanted was to make a scene.
He had been in such a hurry to go outside he forgot his coat. He started shivering to start with, but now he was just so angry he didn't even notice.
"No listen dad I understand but I'm not quitting!" Carter shouted holding the phone to his ear in one hand, and used his other hand to cover his other ear to block out the other sounds.
"I don't care about the money." Carter responded to his father; "No I don't."
He paused as his father rattled off another belligerent remark and he closed his eyes; "I already told you I'm not responding to your ultimatum. You need to accept the fact that I'm a doctor and I'm not giving that up for anything. I'm doing real good here and..."
His father cut him off, immediately chastising him about Chase.
"I tried to help him!...Yes I know I didn't tell you but I had reasons and...no...yes...no...don't bring Gammy into this...I am a good doctor!"
Carter was beginning to lose it now.
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"Hey Kerry you got this?" Doug said glancing at her briefly, knowing this wasn't a critical patient, and Mark was around somewhere.
She didn't even look at him just nodded waving him away.
He briefly rolled his eyes before turning his attention to Carter. Moving around the ambulance, Doug pulled off his latex gloves as he got closer.
"Carter?" Doug called out, but was probably not heard by the wind and heavy snow.
He pulled his hood tighter around him, he was shivering hard and he had a thick coat on. Carter had to be frozen by now.
As he got closer he was managed to hear what Carter was saying.
"...I already told you no dad!...well if that's how you feel then fine...hello? dad?" Carter pulled his phone away to look at it with a deep frown. His dad had hung up on him after declaring that he wasn't just cut off from the money but the family. He instantly felt an emptiness in the pit of his gut. Especially as he knew his whole family was already on a cruise for the holidays. Without him. He had told them he had to work, but they didn't understand. And now he was being shut out permanently. This was just great.
"Carter?"
Slamming his phone closed, Carter turned coming face to face with Dr Ross.
"Dr Ross." Carter said surprised, shivering again as he wrapped his lab coat tighter around him with both hands. He looked around wondering how long he had been standing there.
"You ok Carter?"
"Sure why?"
"Well for one you're standing out in the snow, without a coat on."
Carter shrugged immediately edging around him; "Just needed some air. That's all."
Doug followed him, not letting him get away that easily. They headed inside and into the doctor's lounge.
"You sure everything's ok Carter?" Doug murmured slipping off his coat, watching Carter go into his locker. Easily picking up on the fact Carter was trying to shun him, avoiding eye contact and everything. He was beginning to think Mark was right. Something was going on. And he got the impression it had something to do with his family, judging by the phone call.
"Yep. Just fine." Carter snapped bitterly. He was still fuming and didn't want to take his anger out on Dr Ross. It took everything in him trying to reign him emotions in. He didn't want his dad to affect him this much anymore.
"Really? Because that phone call sounded pretty heated. You don't have to tell me what it was about, but if there's something going on. You can talk to me. We're just a little worried about you."
Carter slammed his locker door shut with perhaps a little more aggression than necessary and rounded on Doug. Finding nothing but a concerned expression. But for some reason it just pissed Carter off more.
"With all due respect my personal life is none of your business Dr Ross! And I'm fine. So you and Dr Greene don't have to worry."
"Ok now I know something's wrong." Doug challenged narrowing his eyes; "Because that snappy defensive remark is not like you." He crossed his arms; "What's going on Carter?"
Carter felt cornered, and he panicked. There was no way he was going to confess his pathetic life to Dr Ross of all people. He would probably just make fun on him. This was going to be tricky. He realised Dr Ross wasn't going to let him go until he said something. He had to chose his words carefully.
Offering a soft fake smile, Carter released a heavy sigh slipping his hands in his pockets; "I apologise for snapping at you Dr Ross. I think I'm just tired. It's these double shifts you know, I just need some sleep. I'm fine really. But I appreciate your concern."
Doug tilted his head studying Carter in disbelief. Carter was clearly lying, he knew that without a doubt. But why would he go to so much trouble? Why wouldn't he just talk to him. This had to be bad.
"Carter..." Doug started but couldn't say anymore as the two paramedics barged in.
"Hey Dr Ross. Dr Carter." They pushed between the two of them heading for the fridge and coffee pot, and during that Carter made a quick exit.
By the time Doug turned back to him, he was gone.
Letting out a huff, Doug glared after the resident. Mark was completely right. Something was bothering Dr Carter. And they had to get to the bottom of it.
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Carter set about busying himself treating patients after that, trying to avoid interacting with any of the hospital staff now. He knew Dr Ross would soon rat out his behaviour to Dr Greene, who would want to keep an eye on him. Then Carol would, and the other nurses and everyone else. Like he was some pariah, or he was crazy or something.
Just because he wanted to be left alone. Was that really so much to ask?
Surprisingly it was a good couple of hours before anyone approached him again. He had treated a few sutures, a broken arm, and an ulcer. Not too bad. And anything to keep his mind of his conversation with his dad and the threat he made.
His cold had started to act up again though, and he didn't want to be seen sneezing or coughing over patients so he quickly excused himself to the men's bathroom. After splashing some cold water on his face, he found his body started to shiver badly. He couldn't control it, and then he sneezed a few times. Hearing footsteps outside, Carter quickly rushed into a stool and slammed the door shut.
Finally he broke out into a coughing fit, it was so bad it actually made his chest hurt.
Damn cold!
Another shiver, but Carter suddenly felt burning hot.
He felt so exhausted. Taking a moment, he closed his eyes, sitting down on the toilet with his head in his hands. He just tried to wait for the nausea and spinning to stop.
"Carter? Is that you?"
Dr Greene's voice made Carter stiffen, and he froze. Trying to remain as silent as possible.
"Carter. I know it's you. Are you alright in there?"
"M'fine Dr Greene." Carter instantly winced at how hoarse and crackly his voice sounded. That was sure to sound suspicious.
"Can you open the door Carter and come out?"
Carter hesitated trying to think of what to do.
"Do you want me to kick it down?" Dr Ross' concerned voice echoed and Carter grimaced and almost groaned. Just as he expected Dr Ross had ratted him out to Dr Greene. Typical. If they knew he had a cold, he'd probably end up on a gurney within ten minutes as a patient. And he refused to let that happen. No way was he going to let himself become a patient.
"Doug." Mark warned before there was a sigh, and then a timid knock on the door; "Come on Carter. Open up. Or I will get Doug to kick it down."
The pounding in his head forced Carter to close his eyes for a moment, and he couldn't speak or open his mouth because he felt like he was going to throw up.
Then was muffled talking and then scuffling sounds.
"He looks sick. Are you sick?"
Hearing a voice above him, Carter risked moving to look up. Finding Mark and Doug staring down at him from the stools either side of him. They must be standing on the toilets.
"Hey!" Carter croaked glaring at them; "What the hell?!"
"Are you sick Carter?" Mark furrowed his brow in concern.
"That would explain the snappiness." Doug quipped earning another glare from Carter.
"Snappy?" Carter furrowed his brow confused.
"Come on Carter open up." Mark said utterly serious and firmly, like an order.
Resigned, Carter reached over to unlock the door, but didn't come out. A moment later, the heads disappeared and the door was slowly pushed open.
Sitting up, Carter lifted his head. Mark knelt down in front of him frowning. Doug stood behind him hovering, equally just as concerned.
"What's wrong Carter?" Mark asked anxiously, needing to get to the bottom of this once and for all.
"It's just a cold." Carter insisted albeit weakly, not having the energy for anything more.
Suddenly Mark reached over, the back of his hand touching Carter's forehead.
Carter couldn't help lean into his cool touch slightly. Finding it soothing against his fiery skin.
"You're burning up." Mark said his voice rising surprised and concerned. Then before Carter could stop him, he had pulled out a penlight and shone it in both Carter's eyes; "Pupils equal and reactive."
Grabbing Carter's wrist, he looked at his watch checking Carter's pulse.
"Mmm. 120 over 70. A little high but not serious."
"See I'm fine." Carter said jutting his chin out, and went to stand up.
"Carter..." Mark objected but stood up to left him pass.
Immediately, Carter swayed as he exited the cubicle. Doug lashed out to grab his arm to steady him; "Woo steady cowboy."
Carter grabbed his head as everything spun.
"Alright that's it we're getting you to an exam room." Mark declared.
"No!" Carted exclaimed before seeing the two doctors exchange concerned glances; "I mean I'm fine really. It's just a cold. That's not necessary." Carter insisted; "And I got a few hours still on my shift. I'll be fine." He couldn't leave early, not if he wanted to get paid fully. Besides, he had his second cleaning job not an hour after his ER shift ended. If he ended up in an ER bed he'd miss his shift and probably end up losing that job. He couldn't lose it. He needed to do whatever it took to avoid becoming a patient.
"I think we'll be the judges of that Carter." Doug said firmly letting him go but eyeing him closely; "You don't look so good."
"How long have you had a cold?" Mark said crossing his arms sending him a warning look not to lie to him.
"I don't know a few days." Carter murmured weakly looking down; "But it's just a cough and blocked nose. Nothing serious. There are more pressing patients out there that need our help."
"Not your help. You're going home." Mark replied.
"Home? Why? I'm fine. Besides I'm off in a few hours."
"Well for one we don't really want you infecting the already injured patients." Doug quipped.
"Two, either you go home, or you stay here and we put you in a bed and run some more tests."
Carter frowned feeling the urge to yell back a snarky remark in frustration, but resisted and slumped and resignation; "Guess I'm going home then."
Mark nodded pleased with himself; "Good. Now go home. Stay in bed, and drink lots of fluids. I'll call to check in on you later. And don't come back until you feel better ok?"
"Ok." Carter nodded edging towards the door; "Thanks Dr Green. Dr Ross." And he quickly sped out the men's room.
Doug watched him go and turned to Mark frowning; "You just let him go? He's sick and there is something going on with him."
"I know." Mark nodded; "But clearly he isn't going to just tell us. And I'm hoping it's just the cold and exhaustion that affecting him. Maybe once he's had some sleep he'll feel better."
Doug made a face, suspecting there was more going on but knew that Mark was probably right. Sleep usually helped a lot to make people feel better.
"Don't worry though, I'll keep a close eye on him."
