She saw me watching her and waved, her red cheeks giving away that she was embarrassed at being caught playing the fool. I turned away not wanting to distract her further and it was then that I saw the notice board, they were asking for any books people may still have and advertising for a classroom assistant/librarian.
I left slowly, heading back towards the hospital wing. Excited to tell Nia about the new job opportunity that would be perfect for her. She was kind and caring but could be super strict and kind of scary when she needed to be. Good traits for a teacher and/or librarian. However, I also had in mind what the doctor had said about Nia getting some rest, so I took the scenic route, around the exterior of the buildings. I paused to watch the construction of the new fences over at compound two, after the last attack they were wasting no time and it already looked a lot more secure than before. They had inserted large metal spikes that ran from the fence panels and into the ground in the hopes, it would make the fence more secure.
It was a little busier in the medical area this time. Nurse Amy was accompanied by another man and woman, not dressed in medial gear but dressed smartly in trousers and shirts. They were taking instructions off Amy and looking closely at a dummy person.
“What did that Dummy ever do to you” I chirped.
“why? You offering to take its place?” Amy asked.
I got closer and could see a rubber band around its arm and a needle poking out of it.
I could feel myself getting paler “Uh, no thanks, I’ll stick to just visiting” I gave her a small grin, feeling slightly squeamish.
“Chicken” she teased and inclined her head that I should follow her.
I grinned at the two students and got a chuckle out of them before following Nurse Amy.
She entered the code to the ward and for once when I entered the room, Nia was alone. She had changed into a bright orange vest top and grey shorts. It was a little warmer in here now but still not as hot as the captain’s office was earlier on.
“Hey George” Nia smiled, placing down the book that she had been reading. The cover was missing off it and so I wasn’t sure what it was but she seemed to be enjoying it.
“Hey sweetheart, I’ve brought you some more books, but I wasn’t sure what ones you would like“I handed her the pile of books.
She looked through them, I noticed that when she stacked them onto her side table she added the horror ones on top.
“So, you like the scary ones huh?” I grinned and nodded towards the stack.
“Yeah, love a good murder mystery too. What did you think I’d like?”
“Uh, those girly gooey romance books with the hot hunks and steamy scenes.” I wiggled my eyebrows up and down.
“Oh, don’t worry, I’ve got my very own real-life hunks right here” she winked.
“I can take those others back if you want?”
“Nah that’s ok, I’ll give them a go. Thank you for bringing them. I’m so bored here. Tell me what you’ve been up to?” she settled back into her array of different cushions which had been propped up behind her and I got comfortable in the chair.
I filled her in on what I had been up to and what was for dinner, she said that she had already had her dinner and got extra helpings. I explained about the job boards and the available teaching assistant/librarian opening. Her eyes sparkled when I told her and she said that she would speak to the captain as soon as possible.
This made me happy and I knew that Will would be over the moon also. The job would be much safer for her than securing and cleaning out the second compound. Plus, as a teacher she was less likely to be called on for sentry duty or supply missions.
“I’ll be seeing the captain later, I shall let him know of your interest in the position” she clapped her hands together excitedly and did a little dance. Before she took in a sharp breath and her face creased in pain.
“Are you ok” I stood up and moved to her side.
“Yeah I’m good. They have had to cut back on pain killers as we are running out”
“That’s not good, you need them” I was worried about her, tomorrow couldn’t come quick enough. I would make sure that we got everything we could off the list.
“It’s ok, I just caught it in the sheets as I was doing my happy dance” she smiled up at me.
“As long as you’re sure?” I sat back down, still concerned but knowing that until we got the extra medication there wasn’t any more that I could do for her.
“Yeah, I’m good really, I promise to say in the hospital until the doctor clears me. Oh, and George could you do me a favor?”
“Yeah, anything” I meant it
“When you go on the supply run could you please look for some art supplies?” she smiled widely and batted her eyelashes.
“What supply run? I don’t know-“I tried to play dumb but she cut me off.
“Cut the crap George, I know that you and Will are planning something. Billy stopped by” she faked anger.
Shit, that bloody Billy, he couldn’t keep a secret from her.
I looked to the floor, embarrassed at being caught out.
“So?” she demanded
“So, what?”
“What are you up to?”
“It’s just a simple supply run, drive there, get the stuff, and come back.” I shrugged my shoulders trying to make it sound easy, avoiding her
