The two girls' next arrival was at the hospital. "It's only run by two people," explained Popuri as she opened the door, "because Mineral Town is so small. Hiii, Elli!" She waved happily to a pretty, short-haired girl in a blue dress, who was sitting behind the counter. The girl looked up and smiled, and Popuri half-skipped across the white, tiled floor towards her, Claire following.
"Hi, Popuri!" exclaimed Elli. She had a pleasant voice, and exuded a kind of warmth even in the cold hospital waiting room. "Oh! Who's this?"
"Meet Claire," introduced Popuri. "She's the new owner of Bluebell Ranch. Claire, this is Elli, she's the nurse here."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Claire," said Elli. Claire noted, gratefully, that she was one of the few people who hadn't brought up how awful her farm was. "Nice to meet you too," she replied, and meant it. Then there were footsteps nearby, and she and Popuri turned. A tall man with dark, ruffled hair and equally dark eyes stood there. He was wearing a long white coat and had a head mirror on, making his occupation fairly obvious.
"Hello, Popuri," he said calmly, then looked at Claire. "I haven't seen you around. Are you new here?" He smiled at her.
"Doctor, this is Claire, she's just moved into the ranch," explained Elli. Claire blinked. His name was "Doctor"? Or maybe everyone just called him "Doctor" for formality.
"Hi, Claire. I'm Doctor, and I'm the doctor here, if you hadn't guessed by now." That answered Claire's question. "Farming's tough work, so come to see us any time if you aren't feeling well."
"Thanks, I'll remember that," said Claire cheerfully, then Doctor went back to his office.
There was a brief pause, then a "Tee hee" from Popuri, making Elli frown a little. "What are you 'tee heeing' about?"
"Oh, nothing," she replied innocently. "Just wondering when you're going to, you know..." she clasped her hands together and batted her eyelashes flirtatiously, and Elli blushed a little.
"Po! You know and I know that there's nothing going on between us." She crossed her arms, sighing.
"Yet," added Popuri smugly, but she left it at that.
"If it makes you feel any better, she's done it to me, too," confided Claire to Elli, as Popuri went off to investigate a flowerpot.
Elli laughed. "She can be a menace, but you have to admit she's got a way of brightening a room, you know?" Claire nodded. "I think I get what you mean."
Popuri, done looking at plants, now gripped Claire's arm. "We need to hurry and go see the Supermarket! And, you really don't want to stick around if Doctor has any new tonics he wants to test." She made a face, and Elli nodded in agreement. "I nearly passed out the last time. Bodigizer and Turbojolt are both OK, but Claire, I really would try and avoid anything other than that. Doctor likes to experiment with medicine, and it doesn't always turn out so well." "Right, I've got it," said Claire solemly. Goodbyes were quickly exchanged, and then they were off.
A/N:
This one was fun to write.
When I made my Doctor file, I felt horrible D: Elli's too sweet to leave her alone forever...
I have no exciting questions for you this time, but uh... be excited! Chapter 9 is next!