Greyson
Today was nothing like yesterday… No, today was insane. There was no time for lunch, and I barely had time to drain the lizard with all the patients I had. I have a feeling that people got moved around yesterday, or it was a fluke that never happens. Dad actually came in before he met one of his patients at the hospital. It was his last scheduled delivery, and even though I would've loved to be there for it, I had patients to see. Dad didn't stay long, which meant I also didn't have a chance to ask him about my neighbor/ possible patient/ potential attraction. Which has led me to where I am now. Tucked away in my office, I lean back in the worn leather chair and prop my feet up on the edge of the desk before I open her file. Yes, I shouldn't be reading her information for personal gain, I just can't help the fact that I want to know everything there is to know about her.
Watching her sleep this morning pulled at my chest, and I wondered what it would be like to wake with her in my arms. This vision also scared the shit out of me. Especially since I'm not the typical sleepover type of guy. I mean, I have, and I've had women stay with me, but not like I was picturing. I'm talking about the two of us naked, tangled in nothing but our bodies and a sheet type of wake up. Shaking my head, I return my focus on the folder before me. I scan through the typical stuff like weight, height, etc... I notice she doesn't come in often. It's just your usual stuff–a yearly, a bladder infection, and then I stop and re-read a section of my dad's notes again. My voice booms against the walls with laughter as I can't actually believe she came in for this.
Patient notes tenderness around the clitoris. Recently had a wax and feels that it could've ripped it off. After further examination, I explained to the patient that everything is in place, but a little raw and sensitive. Instructed her to purchase some cooling pads for the area and if not better in five to seven days to return for another exam.
I've only imagined some of the things that I would start seeing that I haven't already. Sitting straight up, I toss the file back onto my desk while still chuckling. I'd have paid fifty bucks to be in that room when this happened. Now that the mental image of Sherry bare and begging for me has me running my hands through my hair. Note to self—don't read another file, and try to not stare at her vagina the next time you see her.
Walking out of my office, I take in how quiet the place is after hours. Now I understand all those nights that Dad would say his favorite part of his days were first thing in the morning before the phone would ring, and about twenty minutes after the last patient left. The place has turned into a ghost town, one where I'm left to close it down before heading out.
On the drive home, I can't stop thinking about Sherry. Did she make it home safe? How was her day? I'd be a total creeper if I dialed her number right now. I push that thought down and continue to drive. It's hard as I’m reminded by her lingering scent that she was in my car this morning. Nothing I'm doing is filtering out the scent that Sherry has left behind. Nope… All I can smell is honey, vanilla, and I think a faint hint of jasmine. One ride, and this is what I get left with—a car that smells like her of all things. Parking in my designated spot, I slide out of the leather seat and stretch. I take in the salty air that's taking over for which I'm thankful. Double clicking the key fob, I head toward the lobby of the condo. It's when I step in that I see her. Sherry's sitting on the bench next to the exit toward the pool area. I look around to see if I notice anyone with her as I steady my pace in that direction. The closer I get, the more I see something is wrong. Her head's leaning back against the wall and her chest rises and falls briskly. My feet pick up the pace, but it feels like it's taking forever to reach her.
Reaching my hand out, I touch her shoulder which causes her to jump and scream all at the same time. "Holy shit, what happened to your face? I… I mean… Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine and please go away," she begs.
"Sorry, but I think you need medical attention."
"Not from you I don't, so just go and leave me here. I'll be okay in a few minutes."
"Scoot over," I say as I bump her over so I can sit next to her. I'm trying to not laugh at the way her face is swollen, red, and blotchy, but it's hard. "What happened? You look like you ate seafood and had a reaction?"
"Not allergic to seafood, thanks for the concern. Why are you sitting here?"
"In case you stop breathing, I can administer mouth to mouth," I respond with a shrug like why wouldn't I be here when you look like you are about to die on me. That's what I really want to say, but I refrain.
"I don't need mouth to mouth, this is nothing new. I swear you can leave me here and you won't find me still here tomorrow when you leave."
"That's good to know, want me to help you get up to your apartment?"
"No, I don't need your help," Sherry says, but her voice is deeper and shorter toned than before. I take a chance to look at her again. Her lips are the size of a mountain. Her eyes are so swollen I'm not even sure if she can see straight.
"Come on, give me your hand and let's get you upstairs before you scare any kids."
"I don't look that bad," she whines, causing my heart to break for her.
"Okay, sweetheart, you keep telling yourself that one," I say, taking her hand to lift her up from the bench. I place my hand on the small of her back, leading her over toward the elevator banks. I'm probably going to hell because all I can think about is kissing those swollen lips of hers, instead of them going down; they'd swell more with the nip of my teeth against her skin. After I situate her against the wall, I ask. "What floor, babe?"
"Eight."
The amber light glows from the silver panel as I try to not turn around. It's not that she scares me. No, I want to wrap her in my arms and figure out why she looks this way. All medical training within me says she's having an allergic reaction to something. But then a side of me wants to make sure someone didn't do this to her. I've already looked her over for blood and bruising, and nothing is visible.
"Oh my God… My Face… Oh No," her voice echoes in the small space, and when I turn around, she's staring at her reflection from the metal.
"It's no big deal. Come on, let's get you inside."
"Not that bad? This is the worst ever. Stop looking at me," she says, covering up her face with her hands. "This is so embarrassing, please just go."
"Babe, this isn't scary—I promise. Maybe a little disturbing as to how this might have happened and why, but not scary."
"It's a very long story. Lord, Ava is going to kill me and say no now for sure," she says, and I'm not even sure if she's talking to me or just out loud in general. Standing behind her, I watch as she fumbles with the lock, finally getting the key in and the door opened. I don't slow my stride as I'm fast on her heels before she can slam the door in my face.
"Where's your roommate?"
"Out, and why are you still here? For the love of God, leave."
"Not happening, you need someone with you; it gets worse. Do you have an Epi-pen or something? Has this ever happened to you before?"
"Yes and yes… Now leave, I can do this myself."
"Has anyone ever told you that you are infuriating?"
"A few times, yes."
"Good, glad that's settled. Where do you keep it?"
"Bathroom cabinet to the right side when you open it," she says, and I stand in the middle of the living room wondering which way I go. Her condo is a split level, and I can see two different hallways—one straight ahead, and one to the right of me. Sherry must sense my dilemma because now she instructs me, "To the right, the bathroom is on the right."
"Thanks. Here, sit down, and I'll be right back," I say as I dash down the hallway. My mind races to what could've happened if I didn't see her. Would she just have sat there until someone else came to her rescue? What if she stopped breathing? All this races through my head as I fumble around her medicine cabinet, knocking things over in a massive hurry. I can't help but stifle a laugh when I notice the condoms sitting next to the pen. At least I know she practices safe sex.
Pen in hand, I run back out to where she's sitting on the sofa. I notice that her head is leaned back, and she seems to be focusing on her breathing or the ceiling—not sure which one. Just as I kneel, I notice she has jeans on. "Um, can you stand and drop the pants?"
"No, you are not seeing me naked; just leave, and I’ll jab my leg."
"Look, it's not like I haven't seen people naked, and you'll have panties on. I promise to not look, now drop the pants."
"This is so embarrassing, and I can't see you, but if you look I'll still know," she says as she stands and pushes her jeans down past her knees. Taking a seat, she brings down her shirt a little before grabbing the throw pillow next to her and placing it on her lap. I can't help but chuckle at how modest she's being. It makes me question if those were her condoms or Ava's. I bet she's a sex in the dark with almost all her clothes on type of girl.
"Alright, ready?"
"No, but go ahead. Just jab it in quickly and get this over with," Sherry says, releasing a lungful of air.
"What the hell is going on in here," the voice says, coming at me, and I take in how this looks. Me kneeling on the floor with a half-naked lady telling me to just jab it in.
"Nothing, Ava, he's helping me with my Epi-pen."
I watch as she comes around and stands next to me; her eyes are full, and she's so stunned that Ava's rendered speechless.
"Ladies, I need to get this stick in now, do you mind?"
Ava pipes up, "By all means, get that stick in…" before she doubles over in laughter causing Sherry to cover her face.
I can't win for losing with this situation. I just count softly, and on three I stab Sherry in the upper thigh.
"Ouch, did you have to be so rough?"
"Can we all stop with the sexual language, ladies?"
"Speak for yourself, I think this is the most action I've seen her get recently."
"AVA, are you kidding me? What are you doing here?"
"Forgot my overnight bag, so I had to come back. You going to be okay?"
"Yes, now both of you just leave me alone. I'll be fine as soon I snuggle up in bed with Mr. Tinkerbell?"
"Mr. Tinkerbell? Is that code for something," I ask as I scrunch up my face.
"No, that's her cat that we thought was a female, but it's a male and she's allergic to it. A prime example of her face."
"How did this happen if you were just getting home? I'm so confused."
"Long story. Look, are you going to be okay? I can cancel my plans and stay with you," Ava asks Sherry.
"I'll be alright, go."
"I'll stay with her, do what you have to do."
"Oh no, you won't… You leave, and I'll call you tomorrow," she says to Ava before turning to me. "You go to your floor."
"I’ll go get a change of clothes and be back down soon. No arguing with the doctor," I say before she has a chance to respond. I stop at the door, turning back toward her. "Oh, by the way, nice pink lace panties." And with that, I jump out into the hallway and close the door behind me. I can hear her saying something, but can't make the words out. I have no idea why I volunteered to stay and watch her; maybe things will settle down soon, and I'll be able to return back to my place for the night. The more I get to know her, the stranger she gets. For the life of me, I can't get past the whole Mr. Tinkerbell thing and how she allows her body to do this when it's a simple fix. I'll table this for now, but the doctor in me feels a lecture coming, and by coming, I mean soon.