Charlotte shrugged. “Who knows. Kids today get so caught up in sports, and life, they sometimes don’t pay attention to the monthly call.”
“I guess, but I think she had to suspect something wasn’t right. Anyway, how are mom and baby?”
“I called upstairs earlier and they’re doing great. Fortunately, baby is healthy.” Charlotte dug the needed amount of change from her pocket and dumped them into the coin slot for a candy bar and coffee.
“Who doesn’t know that they’re kid is pregnant? I thought Missy’s mom was going to flip out.”
“I’m glad they’re both okay. This could have been a worse situation if she hadn’t done the right thing by telling her mom that she needed help.”
“You certainly were amazing,” Bristol said as they walked outside to the employee break area. They took a table close to the water fountain.
“I did my job. I felt so sorry for both moms. I don’t know how I’d handle the same situation if I were in their shoes.” She bit into the chocolate and chewed thoughtfully.
“Are you sure about this?”
Charlotte looked up at her friend. “About?”
“Moving? Leaving the hospital.”
“Very sure.” She swallowed her candy with a sip of the terrible coffee. That was something she wouldn’t miss.
“I’m going to be lonely.” Bristol puckered her bottom lip. They’d been roommates and best friends since they met in nursing school five years ago.
“I’ll miss you. Promise me that you won’t eat ice cream for breakfast every morning. Eat something with real substance at least once a day.”
“Maybe once a day.” Bristol crossed her legs on the chair. “Things won’t be the same around here without you. I’m going to have to deal with Hatchet Agatha myself. That’s so unfair.” She referred to their supervisor who ran the emergency department like a naval ship.
“You’re going to be fine. Personally and professionally. You have Frank who seems to be keeping you busy these days.” Charlotte picked a piece of caramel from her candy bar. “You two are growing closer, unless my ears deceive me.” She wiggled her brows.
“You heard, huh? I’m sorry. I’ve become one of those pesky roommates. I didn’t realize the apartment walls were so thin.”
“It’s okay. I put in my Raycons and fell right to sleep. I just pray Betty Sue turns out to like sleep more than she enjoys midnight booty calls,” Charlotte teased.
“On a serious note, how do you know you’ll even like Betty Sue?”
Charlotte popped the last bit of candy into her mouth and downed the rest of the coffee. “She’s my cousin and she asked me to come. We haven’t seen each other in a long time, but as kids we were close. Anyway, I need a change of scenery. I want to have more bedside time with my patients.”
“But do you think you’ll like working in a doctor’s office? It’s definitely a change of pace from working here.”
“It’s actually a clinic and from what I hear they keep pretty busy because the closest hospital is almost an hour away.”
“So Texas, huh? You don’t even own a pair of cowboy boots. You won’t fit in. Stay here.” Bristol put her hands into a prayer position and puffed out her bottom lip.
“Please understand. I need to get away from Ohio. I want you to come and visit soon. It’ll give you an excuse to buy a new pair of jeans and boots.”
“Don’t you mean you need to get away from Lucy? She’d finally driven you away.”
“That too.” She couldn’t deny that going to Tarnation had a lot to do with her aunt.
“That I can understand. It’s time you put a stop to her taking advantage of you.”
“I think it’s the only way she knows how to show affection, by being abrasive.”
Bristol popped a nut into her mouth. “That woman has never been affectionate. It’s not in her DNA. So what does she say about you leaving?” When Charlotte didn’t answer, Bristol’s eyes widened. “You didn’t tell her?”
“Not yet. I plan on stopping on my way to the airport in the morning.”
“Well, since I can’t convince you to stay, I might as well give you this.” She reached into her purse and brought out a small box.
“You got me a going away present?”
Bristol shoved the box toward Charlotte who took it and popped off the lid. Inside she found a heart necklace. “Bristol! You shouldn’t have. You can’t afford this.”
“Anything for the greatest friend alive. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have made it through nursing school. You kicked my butt when I needed it.” Her eyes filled with moisture.
“Don’t cry.” Charlotte pulled her friend in for a tight hug.
“I’m not crying. You’re crying.” Bristol sniffed and pulled back, subtly wiping away the wetness. “Go and find yourself in Texas. If you don’t, come back because you always have a place here.”
They gave each other another quick hug and Bristol stood. “I’ve got to get back to work. Don’t leave without saying bye to me.” She rushed off.
Charlotte stayed a few minutes longer, taking in the beauty of the courtyard. She was both scared and excited to be leaving. Getting up, she threw away her trash and for the last time took the bridgeway into the emergency department. She was greeted by several co-workers and as she turned down a corridor, she helped an elderly patient who had dropped her purse.
She stepped behind the nurse’s station and reached for the chart, opening it. She felt someone over her shoulder and looked up to find Agatha standing there, hovering. “I’m sorry that I’m a few minutes late. I’m going to check on my patient now.” She hurried to be on
