Romance And Medicine

JASMIN

It was finally today. I looked at the sun which was casting a warm glow over the university campus.

Everyone was present, families and my fellow graduates who were as excited as I was.

I stood to my feet on hearing my name and waved at my mother and younger brother who wanted to scream out his heart. They had come from afar to celebrate this day with me as my college was far from home.

I collected my medical degree, my heart brimming with pride. Beside me were my closest friends or should I have said, the craziest people I had ever known. Ronnie, Mick and Jessica. Their smiles matching mine.

The ceremony eventually came to an end, and Ronnie suggested a party for us, aside the normal graduation party.

In as much as I wanted to go with them, I thought about celebrating this day with my boyfriend, Joe. We hadn't been together for so long, just few months but I loved him.

I glanced at my phone, nothing came from him, not even a congratulatory message, it got me worried.

"What are you thinking about Jas?" Ronnie asked.

"Huh? Well. I think I'm just gonna head over to Joe's place."

"Are you sure, Jasmin? We were all planning to go out and celebrate," Jessica said, concern flickering in her eyes.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Don't worry, I'll catch up with you guys later," I reassured them with a smile before hurrying off towards Joe's apartment.

On arrival, I opened the door, my heart fluttered with anticipation. However, my excitement turned to shock.

There, in the dimly lit living room, laid Joe and Samantha, locked in a deep kiss, their bodies pressing against each other and both of them naked.

My breath caught in my throat as I stumbled backward, unable to comprehend what I was seeing.

"What... What's going on here?" My voice trembled as I fought to hold back tears.

Samantha's laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. "Oh, Jasmin, did you really think Joe would wait around for someone like you? You were never good enough for him."

What was that? Who the hell did she think she was to talk to me like that. I wasn't here for her. I looked at Joe, wanting an explanation, anything at all. However, all I found was a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes devoid of any remorse.

"Joe?" I called, my voice breaking.

He remained silent, his smirk widening as if reveling in my pain.

I clenched my hands in a fist. "I deserve better than this, we're done!"

I turned and fled the apartment, hoping that he'd come after me, and maybe ask for my forgiveness but I was wrong, glancing backwards, there was no sign of him, he wasn't coming.

"Stupid," I wept. I couldn't believe I could get hurt on one of the best days of my life.

A year had passed since I and Joe broke apart and right now, Ronnie was breaking the news of him being out of the country to me, I wouldn't lie, hit me like a ton of bricks.

He was an asshole and I would never forgive him.

"You with us?" Jessica brought my attention back to the table. We had gone out again still in the spirit of celebration as our application for internship was approved by the hospitals we applied at.

Mick cracked a joke and we laughed. I shook off the overwhelming emotions as the atmosphere changed to that of laughter and camaraderie and we toasted to our success.

As we clinked glasses and shared stories of our plans for the future, Mick, ever the realist, brought up the topic of our internships.

"My hospital is amazing, I'm lucky," he laughed.

"Me too, my boss is sent from heaven, I have a feeling it'll be fun," Ronnie concord and Jessica raised her glass in concordance.

However, I remained silent. I had no idea of what happened in my hospital.

"Jasmin," Mick called. "St. Mark's hospital isn't a joke, they're strict and give no room for slacking or relationship issues."

I glared at him for the last statement but was interested in what he was saying.

"They're the first in the country and third in the world, so I can't help but wonder how your application got accepted, well good luck."

"I got lucky, Mick. Something you don't have," I answered.

"At least I'm not the one placed in a hypertonic condition where I have to work overtime to get approval or be sent home with nothing."

His words cut through the jovial atmosphere like a knife, but he wasn't done yet.

"You better be on your A-game," he continued with a teasing grin. "The rumors are true, St. Mark's is no joke. They have a reputation for being strict. Also, with Nick Thompson running the show, you better watch your back."

"Dr. Nick Thompson?" Jessica asked.

"Who is that?" I asked.

"The owner of your hospital, AKA someone you don't want to mess with. I'd advise you avoid him when you have the chance."

I gulped. "Is that so?" I asked, trying to sound unaffected.

"Yes so. Good luck anyways. A toast."

We toasted and drank to our full. I was wasted by the time I got home and got the best scolding from my Mom as I collapsed onto my bed. I wasn't supposed to have drank much as I was to start work tomorrow, but how could I have said no to my friends. I let the sleep take over me, I would cope in St. Mark's hospital, so I thought."

It was morning. The 26th of June. My brother bursts into my room, rousing me from my sleep.

"Wake up Jas!" My brother Jayden takes extra effort and yells into my ear..like literally into my ear, that nigga really wants to deafen me.

"What!" I snapped seating up.

"Oops, was I too loud?" He asked, with a hidden smirk on his face.

"Yes you were!" My voice rose. Hell yes he knew he was loud but he always pretended not to know, heavens knew that if my Mom was not on my neck for beating him, I would have done the unthinkable.

"You're late and it's your first day at work!" He dropped the bomb.

My whole world momentarily came to a stopped, it was my first day of internship in the hospital, St. Mark's hospital.

The words of Mick rang back in my eyes. I got up from bed, and walked into the bathroom. "Get out, Jay," I shouted.

I stood before the hospital, my heart pounding in my chest. "Dr. Nick" the name kept echoing in my head. "Avoid him like a plague".

I inhaled deeply and walked inside the hospital, I already knew who I would meet and who would assign me. I continued my movement as I observed the hospital and every inch of it.

I stopped by a door and knocked before walking in.

Three other people were in the room aside the man on a lab coat, seated on the chair, two guys and a girl.

"You're late Miss. Hills," the supposed doctor snapped me out of my daze.

"Huh?, I'm sorry.." I apologized immediately hurriedly to stand beside the other three.

"It's good to have you here, I am doctor John by name and I wouldn't give you a very nice welcome because you might as well not last for long. This is St. Mark's hospital and I'm sure you've all heard about the rumors, we don't agree to mistakes, any mistake and Dr. Thompson will throw you away."

"Dr. Thompson, was it Dr. Nick?" I thought.

"Dr. Nick Thompson if you need clarification." He said and stood up. "He'll be meeting you now, come," he walked out through the door and we followed.

"I'm Lisa," the girl whispered to me as we kept moving forward. "I thought I'd be the only girl," she blushed.

"I'm Jasmin, thankfully you're not," I whispered back to her and she gave a beautiful smile, she was beautiful and had short burnett hair.

"What do you know about Dr. Nick," I asked, anxiously awaiting her response which would add to my already terrifying perception about him.

"I heard he's the most handsome doctor to ever live," she whispered and I faced her. She was really so serious about him being handsome, others were worried about his character and strict nature and all she could think about was his beauty, to hell if he was handsome, his name still gave me terrible goosebumps.

Suddenly, as we kept following doctor John, a patient was rushed in by the EMS team.

"I need Dr. Thompson now!" I didn't know who made this announcement because my brain was loaded with confusion due to the tensed environment.

Doctor John who was with us left immediately to assess the patient while I stared.

"Oh my God, he's here," a whispered which could only come from Lisa hit my ears and I turned.

He walked with grace and elegance with three nurses by his side and I could smell the authority he possessed but was I missing something?, He had other doctors that could attend to the patient but still he made himself available, I really wanted to stare at Lisa now and apologized for being stupid at first, he was really stunning.

"What's the case Dr. John?" He asked.

"Mark Johnson, 56, severe internal injury after being involved in a car accident." He explained.

Dr. Nick stepped forward and observed the situation.

"Bring him," he ordered and led the way, I followed, all four of us did. They stopped in a room and Dr. Nick started.

"Nurse Johnson, start an IV line stat and draw blood for a complete blood count. I need to know his baseline parameters as soon as possible."

"Yes, Doctor Thompson," I looked at the woman he had ordered and she began doing as she was told immediately. "IV line started. Drawing blood now," she said.

Amidst what was happening, another doctor rushed to the imaging room to arrange an urgent CT scan to evaluate the extent of internal bleeding while, Dr. Thompson began his primary survey, assessing Mr. Johnson's airway, breathing, and circulation.

"Nurse Roberts, let's secure his airway. We need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario." Dr. Nick continued.

"Right away, Doctor," the nurse replied.

While Nurse Roberts positioned the bag-mask ventilation, I moved my eyes to Dr. Thompson who began to feel the pulse.

"Nurse Morgan," he called out another nurse. "Start a wide bore intraosseous line in his right tibia. We need to establish access for administering fluids and medications immediately."

Nurse Morgan nodded after this, and swiftly started the intraosseous line. Meanwhile, the doctor of earlier returned with the CT scan results, presenting them to Dr. Thompson.

"Dr. Nick," he started. "The CT scan shows a large hematoma in the liver. There might be active bleeding. Surgical intervention may be necessary."

"Notify the surgical team immediately. I'll work on stabilizing him as best as I can until they arrive," Dr. Nick said as he ordered a rapid fluid resuscitation to replace lost blood volume, starting with a bolus of crystalloid solution.

"Nurse Johnson, prepare four units of packed red blood cells for transfusion. We might need to replace his blood loss," he continued.

The nurse who I had identified as Nurse Johnson due to the consistent calling of her name by Dr. Nick quickly retrieved the blood from the blood bank. As the blood transfusion started, Dr. Thompson evaluated the patient's vital signs and the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts.

"Nurse Roberts, keep monitoring his blood pressure every five minutes. Notify me immediately if there are any changes."

"Yes, Doctor Thompson. I'll keep a close eye on his vitals," she answered.

I watched how the team worked diligently with every passing minute, administering medications to control bleeding and stabilize the patient.

Why weren't they good, why weren't they the best, they were smart, fast and careful with all they were doing. I looked at Dr. Nick. How could he be a monster, how could Mick ever think he was a monster, he was a life saver, he was a good guy and I wanted nothing more in the world than to work with him and beside him.

The surgical team arrived and immediately took over.

"Let's get him to the operating room. The surgical team will take it from here." Dr. Thompson said and that was when he left, I couldn't stop staring at him, I admired him so much, I admired alot about him.

Lisa smiling face appeared in my view. "Don't tell me you were staring at Dr. Nick."

"I wasn't," I replied immediately.

"Yes you were, I saw your eyes, they were dreamy."

"No they weren't," I refused. "I was just admiring the effort his team put together that's all."

"Were you?, Hopefully you weren't ogling him, he's mine," she said, I didn't miss the confidence in her voice.

"All four of you come!" Doctor John's voice came and we followed immediately.

JASMIN

"Doctor Nick wouldn't be seeing you guys again," Dr. John said.

"Why?" One of the guys asked.

"He's occupied and won't be done any time soon. However, I have good news for you all, he's hired you four. Thankfully, your internship program has just come to a start, you've all been assigned to your various wards so I'll advise you all do your best."

"Thank you Sir," we chorused.

"It's actually Dr." He corrected.

"Thank you Dr." We corrected ourselves.

"Okay, but I must warn you, you might as well still be kicked out if you don't do well, I hope you all make me proud, I want all of you to be here till the end of the internship,"

"We will do our best sir," I spoke.

"It's Dr...Miss Hills," he corrected again and I really wanted to slap myself.

"Sorry, Dr."

He looked away. "Here's the list of the ward you are assigned to and the doctor to mentor you there. Good luck."

He handed each of us case files and we left the office.

"I'm working in the Pediatric Unit," one of the guys spoke, his name was Andrew.

"Me too," Lisa said and I could see the disappointment on her face, she really wanted Dr. Nick to mentor her.

"What about you?" The other guy asked. "I am Kevin by the way."

"Oh," I said and slowly opened my case file. "It says, surgical ward?"

"No way!" Lisa yelled and rushed to my side, she snatched my paper and stared at it with bulging eyes. "Dr. Nick is your mentor?"

"What?" I yelled, how could he be.

"It says it right here," she pressed on, frustration written all over her face.

"It couldn't possibly," I tried to say but who was I kidding, I took back the file from her and saw it myself, clear as crystal. Dr. Nick Thompson.

"I wish we could swap sides," Lisa kept whining.

"Except you both don't share the same name," Andrew said. "I don't really know what to say but good luck to everyone, I hope we don't get to leave so soon," he said, his eyes narrowing to me as he said this.

"You'll be fine Jas, just do as you're told carefully," Kevin said and I didn't know if those words were supposed to make me feel any better because right now It didn't.

"I think we should head off, good luck everyone," Andrew said and left with Lisa.

"See you around," Kevin said with a smile and walked away.

I was supposed to be heading to the surgical ward, yeah...my new ward. This should be cool.

I inhaled deeply and made my way to the surgical ward, I would be fine, I told myself even though I wasn't so sure of that.

I arrived at the office of the so-called Dr. Nick Thompson and knocked on the door. He was my mentor, I was supposed to see him. I made to knock again when a female voice spoke from behind.

"He's not in, what do you want?"

"Umm, I am the intern assigned to the surgical ward and Dr. Nick is my mentor."

She stared at me from my head to my toe. "Come back tomorrow, he's not in and won't be in for some more hours, you can start work tomorrow, then he'll be ready to see you."

"Okay," I said and turned to go, mistakenly I almost bumped into someone, thank goodness I didn't hit.

"If you're this clumsy how then can you be careful with people," a voice spoke prompting me to look up.

"Dr. Nick," the lady of earlier called as she came to stand beside me. "She introduced herself as the new intern," she explained.

"Your name?" He asked, his eyes fixed on me.

"Umm, Jasmine Hills."

"Tell me your name without using stuttering."

"Okay, my name is.."

"Okay?, Tell me your name intern and say it with confidence," his voice came louder.

I inhaled deeply. "Jasmine Hills."

"That's better, into my office now. You're dismissed Maryanne," he said and the woman walked away while I followed him into his office.

I took a seat in the office and he did the same.

"Jasmine Hills, you're welcome," he started.

"Oh, thank you," I replied and he raised a brow. "Sorry. Thank you."

"I don't have much to say but, I really hope you can exceed my expectations."

"And what are your expectations?" I asked.

"You'll see," he said. "Do you have any experience with working in a hospital?"

"Yes, I have worked in one before," I answered.

"Good, so this won't be something new to you, I hope you have a wonderful time here."

"Thank you," I whispered.

"You may leave," he looked away.

I stood up and made to leave when his voice stopped me.

"You need to be early tomorrow, I want your training to start immediately."

"By early you mean?"

"Before 8:00am," he answered and this time, his eyes were on me.

I nodded and opened the door, on closing it behind me, I exhaled sharply. What exactly was his nature, was I wrong or right about him?. I didn't want to think about it as I walked away, I would have to be early by tomorrow.

I had a cool bath and collapsed on my bed, today wasn't bad after all, hopefully tomorrow would be beautiful. I closed my eyes and drowned in my sleep, letting nothing disturb me.

"Jasmine Hills!" I heard the call and opened my eyes. "It's either you were asked to leave or you're just not serious with your job," Jayden spoke.

"What?" I asked yawning and sitting up.

"It's past eight."

My eyes shut open, God please let it not be true, I was so not slacking on my first day of work.

"You're joking right?" I asked and he showed me his wrist watch, it was really past eight.

"You really wish I were?" He asked a smirk on his face.

"Noo..!" I jumped from the bed and rushed into the bathroom, it couldn't be that I was slacking, I was soo failing my internship, what happened to my alarm clock, I thought I set it to 7:00am.

I was out and got dressed hurriedly before running out of my room.

"Good morning sweetie, come on and eat," my Mom yelled.

"No Mom I'm late," I answered and rushed out, I boarded a taxi and in no time, I was inside in hospital.

I made my way to doctor Nick's office when a vibration came from my phone, I checked the time and it was just 7:00am, Jayden did not just lie to me, that little brat would so be dead.

I looked so terrible due to the rush and it was all because of Jayden, my devil of a brother. I stopped on my track, a little make up on my face could help me, I turned and made to leave when a voice spoke from behind, it was no other than doctor Nick.

"You're early,"

I turned to him with a smile on my face, except the smile didn't reach my heart.

"Punctuality is always good," I replied.

"Okay, since you're here I don't see any reason why we should wait any longer, come," he led the way and I followed.

JASMIN

We arrived in a large room and with a stern demeanor, Dr. Nick walked over to a counter containing various medical supplies and stood by it.

"First of all and before we start, have you ever dressed an injury or wound before?"

"Not really, just assisted," I replied nervously as I watched his every move.

"Okay, today I'll teach you how to dress a wound properly so pay close attention. This is a crucial skill that every doctor should possess, you included."

I gulped nodding nervously.

A manicure was presented to demonstrate what he was saying.

"Okay, first, make sure you clean your hands thoroughly. We cannot afford any unnecessary contamination during any procedure," his said in a cold tone.

I nodded and nervously approached the sink before I began scrubbing my hands vigorously, trying to follow Dr. Nick's instructions as best as I can.

"Now, let's move on," he continued and I rushed to his side. "Here, we have a gauze pad, antiseptic solution, medical tape, and gloves. Remember to always wear gloves to avoid any risk of infection."

I nodded quickly and picked up a pair of gloves, putting them on with my eyes darting quickly towards him.

"Can you have a little bit of confidence in yourself, if you keep trembling like this what will your patients think of you?, They'd die before you even lay a hand on them."

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"I don't need your apology, I need your confidence!" He snapped. "Build up that confidence, there are no rooms for mistakes."

I took a deep breath and nodded, like I didn't know who I was working with, the almighty Dr. Nick who knows it all, so much for motivation.

"Let's move to the patient," we faced the manicure. "This is Mr. Johnson. He has a deep laceration on his forearm that requires careful dressing. Clean the wound gently with the antiseptic solution, making sure to remove any debris or foreign bodies."

I carefully take a cotton swab, dip it in the antiseptic solution, and starts dabbing the wound with nervous precision.

"Be thorough but gentle, Miss Hills," his tone now is a bit relaxing. "Clean all the way around the wound, create a sterile environment before applying any dressing."

Despite my nerves, I carefully finish cleansing the wound and prepared to dress it.

"Now, gently apply the gauze pad to cover the wound completely. Make sure it is secure but not too tight. We want proper blood flow to aid in the healing process," he said and I followed, positioning the gauze pad and adjusting it to ensure it covers the wound entirely.

"Now take the medical tape and securely fasten the dressing. It's important to prevent any movement that may cause the wound to reopen."

I carefully tape the dressing, thankfully, my hands were more stable than earlier.

"Look at that, you did a good job, although it would have been better with a little display of confidence," he said and I didn't know if that was a compliment or not.

However, I blushed, I did a good job after all.

"Thank you, Dr. Nick. Your guidance and patience truly helped me overcome my fear."

Dr. Nick nodded slightly. "Go have something to eat, I've heard enough of your rumbling stomach," he said dismissively and I muffled a chuckled.

"Thanks Dr."

"And remember, our work requires us to be vigilant and attentive. Try as much as possible not to makes mistakes and if you do, pray I don't get to hear about it. I have high hopes for you Miss Hills, have a lovely day."

I stood frozen at a spot as he left, he has high hopes for me?, Why did those words hit me deeply, why did they make me feel important to him.

"Okay, Jasmin stop!" I slapped my cheek slightly. "Let's go have breakfast," I said and walked out of the room, my face red as scarlet.

I walked towards to the cafeteria and took a seat, suddenly three more persons hurriedly joined.

"Hello," Lisa beamed.

"Hi," I waved looking both at Andrew and Kevin.

"Hi," Kevin waved offering a smile.

"So, how was your first day at work?" Lisa asked.

"Well, not bad," I answered.

"I want all the details, what color was his outfit, how did he smell, did he wear his coat on teaching you?" She asked blinking her eyes as she said every word.

"Aren't we supposed to be asking how Jasmin felt?, What if he was rude, what if he said something to hurt her. Screw his dress and smell!" Kevin came to my rescue.

"Oops, I'm sorry," she apologized. "Did he give you a hard time?"

I nodded. "He corrected me whenever I got it wrong.."

Andrew burst into laugher as I said this. "Oh Jas, you're a terrible lair, everyone knows Dr. Nick is anything but nice and also, he never gives rooms for mistakes."

I faced my food. "Whatever you say."

"If she says he was nice then yes, he was, stop dragging it," Kevin said again and I looked up at him, why was he defending me.

"Let's stop arguing and eat please," Lisa said, getting uncomfortable with the coming up argument.

"I agree," Kevin replied and faced me. "Don't listen to them, I'm sure you're an amazing person, it'll be too bad for Dr. Nick to miss it."

"Trying to swallow here," Andrew snapped.

"Thanks," I whispered with a smile.

"Anytime, anytime Jas," he then faced his food and we began eating quietly. Amidst eating, Andrew cracked a joke and got us all laughing again, the atmosphere of before slowing changing to a more active and jovia one, I was grateful, something in me told me I had found my crew.