The response to the last chapter was amazing! Thank you! You all are awesome! Keep the reviews coming!=) I'll have another chapter for you all by tomorrow.
"What's our day look like so far, Susie?" Maura walked through the emergency room with her trusted resident. She'd just walked in the hospital and was getting updated on all her patients and surgeries for the day.
"You have a relatively light surgical schedule today, Dr. Isles. The patient you saw a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Porter, he's back for his knee replacement. You only have the surgery scheduled for today. You're seeing several patients in the early afternoon for possible discharge and referral to physical therapy."
"Yes, that's right. Would you like to get your hands dirty in the OR today?" Maura looked over at her resident with a small smile.
"Of course Dr. Isles! What can I do?" Susie asked excitedly.
"You're going to be lead surgeon on this case. You've observed your fair share of knee replacements and you know the procedure from beginning to end without hesitation. You're ready."
The young resident couldn't contain her excitement and, in an uncharacteristic move, jumped with joy before hugging her mentor. Maura just laughed at Susie's actions, remembering what it had felt like when she'd been given the 'go ahead' on her first surgery.
"Oh! Please excuse me Dr. Isles, I don't know why that came over me," Susie said as she tried to collect herself.
"It's quite alright Susie. You're an accomplished resident. It's time you take that next step. You ought to be proud of yourself. Go prep our patient and I'll meet you in his room in 30 minutes so that we can answer any last questions he may have."
"Of course doctor. I'll get right on it." Susie took her leave as Maura headed towards the coffee cart for her first caffeine fix of the day.
The surgery was a success. Maura left Susie to her pace and concentration all the while asking questions throughout the procedure to make sure the resident was steps ahead of what she was doing and therefore would be able to anticipate any possible complications. It was a textbook knee replacement, with no complications to be seen.
Maura congratulated her student before scrubbing out and heading towards her office to change for the latter part of her day. Jane would be her last patient, something which she was grateful for. Though she would probably be spending the majority of the remaining shift in the physical therapy area, she knew she'd prolong her time alone with Jane for as long as she could before referring her to the physical therapist. She'd give her a proper and thorough evaluation of her hands and answer any last questions before taking her to her new doctor so he could take over from there.
Their coffee date came to mind as she began to change. She couldn't get Jane's bright smile and easygoing and laidback attitude while they had talked over lattes. As an orthopedic surgeon, she'd seen her fair share of patients who had been permanently affected by injury, whether it was by amputation, a permanent or temporary disability. Maura knew that Jane would return to the person she was before the surgery, save the scars and adjustment with neuropathy. She had her hands still and she'd be able to return to doing everything she did before. The months in the meantime were NOT going to be easy. Though she didn't mention it at all, she'd seen Jane from behind as the brunette had gone to order their coffees. She'd seen Jane struggle to get her hand in her jacket pocket and very slowly take out a credit card with a trembling hand before dropping it on the counter, apologizing instantly to the barista. The other woman, upon seeing Jane's bandaged hands, had instantly offered and had returned the card back to Jane's pocket once the purchase had been made. She'd known that Jane wouldn't have been able to get the coffees back to the table and had instantly risen when the brunette's name had been called as a result. Part of her wondered if it was a good idea to have a date so close to the beginning of Jane's recovery instead of waiting for a later time. She had no problem helping the brunette out, but she also didn't want Jane to feel frustrated or angry because of her current restrictions.
She went about the rest of her shift, seeing her other patients and addressing all their questions and concerns before releasing them to the care of a physical therapist. The time finally came when she walked into one of the exam rooms and saw Jane instantly smile at seeing her enter. Maura smiled right back before greeting her along with Angela and getting to work.
"How has your pain been lately?" Maura asked as she began to remove the bandages off Jane's hands.
"The cold weather is affecting them more than I'd like," Jane admitted. "I've felt throbbing right in the scar area but it does get better once I'm indoors."
"Yes, that could be due to the neuropathy and scarring process," Maura said. "The area around your scar is going to feel very sensitive to temperature and barometric pressure changes as well as possibly itch until scar tissue forms fully." She knew she'd explained this before, but did so for Angela's benefit. Like before, she grabbed a little tube of lidocaine and began to apply it to both sides of Jane's palms, hoping it would ease the pain as it had done before.
"Thank you doctor, that feels better," Jane stated after a couple of minutes.
"You're welcome," Maura said with a smile as she removed her gloves. "Everything is progressing as it should, Jane. There is still no sign of infection or of any other complication. I can officially release you into the care of a physical therapist for you to begin the next stage of your recovery. The first stage of healing on your hands has been successful and upon examination of your hands, I see no reason to continue with the bandages for that purpose. I recommend that you continue applying lidocaine to both sides of your palms every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. Keep the surgical site clean; you can get your hands wet now when you take a bath. The physical therapist may have additional instructions for you or they may even go with additional protection, depending on their course of treatment. I encourage you to try to do some exercises just as the therapist recommends to help regain control and mobility. Stick to the course of treatment they advise, that's the best and quickest way to get better. Do you have any questions for me?" Maura looked from Jane to Angela for any questions they may have. Angela shook her head no while Jane did the same, albeit holding back a smirk. "Good," she replied. She handed Angela a card. "Here is the information of the physical therapist. Since he works in the hospital, I took the liberty of scheduling the appointment right after this one so you can get started as soon as possible. He's on the 5th floor and they're expecting you within half an hour. Please don't hesitate in contacting me with any questions you may have, anything at all. It's been a true pleasure Jane, Angela," she said as she looked between the two. "Jane," she continued as she held out her hand. Once Jane moved hers to meet Maura's, Maura gave Jane's hand the slightest touch and squeeze, just enough for the formality but not enough to cause pain. "I wish you the all the best and a very speedy recovery."
"Thank you Dr. Isles, I appreciate that. Thank you also for all the work you've done and the care you've provided me with. You've gone above and beyond your call of duty."
"Yes doctor. I truly appreciate what you've done for my Janie," Angela said as she too shook Maura's hand.
"That's what I strive for ladies. You both have a good rest of your day," she said as she excused herself and walked out of the office, followed by both Jane and Angela as the two women began to make their way to an elevator.
Maura got home much earlier than usual that night and as such, began making dinner shortly after arriving home. She was sipping on a glass of wine and reading a medical journal while waiting for the oven alarm to go off when her phone buzzed. Maura's smile lit the room as she read the incoming text from Jane.
I know that I said I'd do this tomorrow, but I can't wait any longer. Besides, I'm no longer your patient ;)
Maura Isles, would you like to go on a date with me?
Jane stared at the phone in front of her, willing for a reply to come through soon. She bit her lip in worry. What if Maura had changed her mind? Had she said too much too fast? Her mind was racing with possible scenarios and she was so distraught that she almost didn't hear the sound of the incoming message.
I'd love to :)
I'd love any suggestions on what kind of date our ladies should have!