"Please sit Denise, if you will." Ms. Banks instructed Denise.

Denise sat down slowly in the chair across from her boss. The faint smell of Chris's cologne still lingered by the chair. Denise closed her eyes as she tried not to think about him. He'd be gone by the end of the day anyway. She wouldn't have to deal with him anymore. Ms. Banks moved some papers to the side of her desk and faced Denise.

"I'm faced with a difficult decision Denise." Ms. Banks stated.

"Yes, I know. But if you could let me explain…" Denise tried to say before being cut off.

"I think I've heard enough about your sob story Denise." Ms. Banks said coldly.

Denise bit her lip and looked down at her lap. So far things weren't going too well. Ms. Banks cleared her throat and Denise looked up.

"Now let me get this straight. You were a drug user, an alcoholic and a sex addict. And your whole time here at Promises you engaged in those kinds of activities?" Ms. Banks questioned.

"Yes." Denise replied quietly.

"And you were also involved with one of our own staff Dr. Aiken, correct?" Ms. Banks asked.

"Yes." Denise answered.

Ms. Banks sighed as she shook her head. This was going to be a lot harder then she thought. Denise really was a good worker and she cared about her patients. But how could she keep a person who was here to help people but all the while she couldn't help herself?

"I have two things to say to you Denise." Ms. Banks told Denise.

"Okay." Denise said quietly.

"First, all you have done during your stay here at Promises has disgusted me. Eight drinks a day? Hidden liquor bottles? Smoking in your own office? Not to mention being romantically involved with Dr. Aiken in his office. I have never seen a case quite like this from any of our patients or staff, and I've seen some bad ones. What you have done is a disgrace to everything Promises stands for. We are here to help people battle their demons and overcome these addictions. All the while you just couldn't seem to help yourself. Did you ever think about taking your own advice Denise? Or did you think that you just didn't need it?" Ms. Banks stated, never looking away from Denise.
Denise squeezed her eyes shut and took in a deep breath. This had to be the beginning of the end. She never heard Ms. Banks be so harsh to anyone around here. All she could do was prepare for the worst.

"But…when Mr. Irvine paid me a visit this morning, it shed new light on this whole thing." Ms. Banks started to say.

Denise's head shot up at the sound of Chris's voice. What did he need to talk to Ms. Banks about? Is that why he was in here before she arrived?

"Mr. Irvine informed me of your 'good side.' He told me that you have a passion for helping people out and live to cure people. He told me that you live for this job and you would be crushed if I dare to fire you. He also thinks that you're my best worker here. And I do agree with him. You're the best damn doctor here and you always work the hardest. You don't work for the money or the glory. Just the satisfaction in knowing that you helped change someone's life. He also told me something else…" Ms. Banks trailed off.

"Yes?" Denise asked.

"I think I'll leave that for him to tell you. Denise, I have made my decision." Ms. Banks stated.

Denise held her breath as she sat up straight. She sat on the edge of her seat, waiting for her final verdict. Ms. Banks pulled out Denise's file and resume and pushed it toward her.

"I'm sorry Dr. Sharia, but I have no choice but ask you to relinquish your position on my staff and leave Promises." Ms. Banks said, stating her final decision.

Denise fell back into her chair shocked. Even though she could see it coming, how could she be so shocked? Could she move on from not stepping into Promises every morning? She was no longer able to help people battle their addictions. Ms. Banks spotted the sadness in Denise's expression and couldn't help but feel bad herself.

"You were a hell of a doctor Denise. But I can't have someone with your history part of my staff. Please go to your office and pack up your things. Your name is already taken off your door and all your patients have been turned over to Dr. Aiken. I wish you the best in your future endeavors." Ms. Banks told Denise.

Ms. Banks stood up and walked over to the door. She opened the door, signaling to Denise that she had to leave. Denise grabbed her folder off the desk and stood up. This would be one of her last time walking in the hallways of Promises. She walked toward the door and faced her ex-boss.

"Thank you for the opportunity." Denise spat out, choking back her tears.

Without another word, Denise walked past Ms. Banks and down the hall to her room. Ms Banks walked back into her office and closed the door. How in the world could she replace someone like Denise?

xXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

Despite Chris's efforts, it wasn't enough for Denise to keep her job. Where to go from here? Please review!

Next chapter: Chris finds out that Denise was fired and talks to her one last time before he leaves. What does he have to say? Keep reading!