Chapter 147: Los Angeles

Tuesday, January 10th, Late Morning

The mid-day light started to come through the windows as Candi looked out onto the grounds of the hospital. It was a stolen moment in the middle of an otherwise busy day, a mere breather to feel human again. These were the days she didn't enjoy being a doctor, but there were less of these days then than the good days, she reflected.

She adjusted her lab coat and made sure it looked presentable using her reflection in the window. In a moment of either vanity or OCD, Candi adjusted her stethoscope around her neck, and then fixed her hair. Taking a breath, she turned and headed off to the ward.

Finally, she reached the room she intended. Standing at the door, she knocked on the door jam. The woman in the chair looked up and nodded. The woman held up a finger to her lips.

"He's asleep," Ms. Wilson said.

Candi nodded and walked into the room. She looked at Ms. Wilson, "How's he been coping?" Candi asked.

"He's been in and out of sleep," Ms. Wilson said, "The pain seems to be manageable it would seem."

Candi nodded and walked over to the bed. She looked over the sleeping form of Lamont Wilson. Candi glanced at the face of the boy, and could see there was pain, but not enough to wake him. Lamont tolerated the surgery well enough. She casually checked his pulse. It seemed to be strong and regular, which is good. His breathing seemed to be steady and regular. Candi looked at the monitor and nodded, which confirmed her readings.

"How's he doing?" Ms. Wilson asked.

"He seems to be doing well," Candi said.

"Is that encouraging?" Ms. Wilson asked.

Candi nodded, "Yes, it is, and he's young, which helps," she said.

"How serious is this surgery?" Ms. Wilson asked.

"We've gone over it; we were fixing his heart well, actually the main artery of his body," Candi said.

"That's scary, just by the sound of it," Ms. Wilson said.

"IT's complicated; I won't lie," Candi said.

"How did your parents take it when you had your surgery?" Ms. Wilson asked.

"I don't remember, I was young," Candi said, "My Dad was in North Carolina, I believe, and My Mom was raising me, but it's complex."

"How complex could it be?" Ms. Wilson asked.

"It is," Candi said.

"Your parents must be proud of how you turned out," Ms. Wilson said.

"I'm the least remarkable of my Dad's kids," Candi said, "I've not talked to my Mom in years."

"Why haven't you spoken to your mother?" Ms. Wilson asked.

"Life just took us in different directions," Candi said.

"That's sad," Ms. Wilson said.

Candi nodded, "It is," she said.

"Well, Lamont's father isn't around," Ms. Wilson said.

"I can feel for him," Candi said.

Ms. Wilson nodded, "I'm probably taking too much of your time," she said.

"No, it's fine," Candi said.

"You're welcome," Candi said and left the room. She looked around and found who she's looking for. Candi walked over to the nurse, who looked up at Candi.

Daniella Pena-Craven, RN, looked at Candi and nodded, "Yes, Doctor?' she asked.

"Any word on Lamont Wilson?" Candi asked.

"He's been sleeping and stable," Dani said.

"How's he been with the pain?" Candi asked.

"Tolerating it, I've only heard him click the machine a few times," Dani said, "The overnight nurse said the same thing."

Candi nodded, "Yeah, thanks," she said.

"What's with this kid?" Dani asked.

"Nothing," Candi said.

"You've been more concerned with him more than others," Dani said.

"Right, Doctor," Dani said, "I'll let you know if anything changes."

"Thank you," Candi said, and went to finish with her rounds.

As she was leaving the ward, another doctor came up next to her.

"Do you have a moment, Doctor Scott?" Doctor Leigh Hagberg, the head of the cardiac program Candi was in, asked.

"Sure, Doctor Hagberg," Candi said.

"Follow me," Doctor Hagberg said, and led into her a small room. Once the door was closed, she looked at Candi. "The nurses are concerned you're getting emotionally attached to young Mister Wilson."

"I'm not," Candi said.

"Then what was bringing your cousin here to meet him?" Doctor Hagberg asked.

"The young man was scared, and I wanted to cheer him up," Candi said.

"So, you sneak a basketball player here? Doctor Scott, you know I've had my concerns about letting you into this program, with your family and connections," Doctor Hagberg said.

"Yes, I do recall, but have I not performed?" Candi asked.

"No, you've performed better than one could hope, but I have to face the concern raised by the hospital staff," Doctor Hagberg said.

"I understand, Doctor," Candi said.

"Don't think I don't feel for you, especially after what happened in the ER," Doctor Hagberg said.

"That was four years ago," Candi said.

"I know, and you've handled it well, I know many Doctors that would've cracked up by now," Doctor Hagberg said.

"I'm good," Candi said.

"I've also noticed you haven't taken any vacation or sick time," Doctor Hagberg said.

"Haven't needed any," Candi said.

"That's also the surest way to burn out, Doctor Scott," Doctor Hagberg said.

"I'm good," Candi said.

"No, I think you're losing the script. You're a brilliant doctor, and I'd hate to lose you. So, pick a week, and you get it," Doctor Hagberg said.

Candi nodded and thought about it. That was when James asked her to do. Nodding, Candi looked over to the wall. She debated for a few minutes, but a promise is a promise.

"How about the twenty-eighth to the fifth?" Candi asked.

Doctor Hagberg nodded, "They are yours," she said.

"Thank you," Candi said.

"You're welcome," Doctor Hagberg said, "If you don't mind if I ask what you're going to do?"

"I'm going to visit my dad," Candi said, "Is that all, Doctor Hagberg?"

"Yes, you may go," Doctor Hagberg said.

"Thank you," Candi said and left.