CHAPTER TWELVE

 

The tap tap on the door startles me and I spin around quickly, knocking over my half-empty cup of tea.  My hand flies to my thudding heart.  “Oh, Eligh, you scared the crap out of me.”  I can’t help but laugh.

“Sorry I scared you, Olive.  It wasn’t my intention.  I called your name three times but you were lost in your own little world.”

“Sorry.  You’re right; I was daydreaming.”

“No problem.  Can you stop by my office before you leave today?”

“Sure.  I’ll see you then.”

I wonder what he wants?  It isn’t often I get called into Eligh’s office, and each time I’ve seen him in there, he only wants me to change my schedule to fit an emergency client in.  If that were the case this time, I’m sure he would have told me right there in the break room.  Plus, he asked to see me before I leave, not immediately, so it can’t be a schedule change issue.  Maybe someone put in a complaint about me?  I rack my brain, trying to think of any clients who left from a scan feeling upset, but I come up with none.

Frustrated, but needing to finish out my workday, I push all thoughts of Eligh to the back of my mind and take my next client folder from the desk.

“Hannah Gardener,” I call out.  A woman stands and walks toward me with a smile that I reciprocate.  “Follow me, Ms. Gardener.”

 

I’m more than happy to see the back of my client’s head at 5:45 p.m. when I finally finish up for the day.  I’m busting to pee, my feet are aching, my back is killing me, and despite the air conditioner being on, I’m so hot I have to keep using paper towel to blot the sweat from my forehead.  And, I still have to go and see Eligh.

The toilet takes precedence, so I go there first, then head to Eligh’s office.

“Knock, knock.”  I rap the door with my knuckles.

“Olive, come on in.  Take a seat.”

“Thank you.”  I sit across from him, hands clasped in my lap, somewhat nervous as to what he wants me for.

Eligh shuffles some papers on his desk.  He’s stalling. 

“Is something wrong?”  I ask.

“No, no, not exactly.  I’m not one hundred percent sure how to say this.”  He laughs nervously.  “Olive, you’re an amazingly hard worker who always goes above and beyond for the clients who walk through our doors.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s come to my attention over the last few weeks that you’re, uh, with child.”

“I’m pregnant, yes.  I didn’t realise that was against company policy?”

“No, it’s definitely not!  Of course I realise you’re going to take time off, maternity leave and such, but it also occurred to me that you may wish to be closer to your family at this important time.  They’re in Pine Creek, correct?”

I nod.  That information is in my employee file.

“As much as I would hate to see you leave us, I was made aware of a position for head radiologist at a new clinic opening in Pine Creek.  I thought perhaps you would be interested.”

“Oh.  Oh, my gosh!  Wow.  I… I’m stunned.  I… I don’t know what to say.”

“Well, have a think about it, and read through this information.”  He hands me the papers he was shuffling earlier.  “The manager is a good friend of mine and has assured me the position is yours if you want it.”

“Thank you so much, Eligh.  I’ll think it over and get back to you as soon as I’ve made a decision.”

“My pleasure, Olive.  Have a good weekend.”

Holy crap, I can’t believe it.  I think I’m shock.  I sit in my car in the parking lot for what seems like a day, trying to process what just happened.  I didn’t even know Pine Creek was getting an ultrasound clinic.  I need to call Mum, so I dial her number.

“Hey, sweetie. How are you?” she answers.

“I’m good.  Great, actually.”

“You’re feeling well?”

“Yep.  Besides the swollen ankles, backaches, and constant sweating,” I moan.

“Not too long to go now, darlin’.”

“I know.  Hey, Mum, is there a new clinic opening up in town?”

“Yeah, I only found out yesterday.  They started construction yesterday, I think.  Why’s that?”

“I just got offered a position there.”

“Really? That’s amazing!  I’m so excited for you.”

“I have some things to work out, but if it’s a good fit I’m definitely going to take it.”

When I arrive home, I immediately pour myself an icy glass of water and prepare a plate of snacks.  Then I sit on the couch and read through the information Eligh handed me.