Doctor's Orders

5. Palpitations

After my fourth week at the hospital, I was ready to blow off some steam. Even though the job was fantastic, I knew I'd need to take my down time seriously.  Most shifts consisted of running non-stop and often doing about ten things at once. I couldn't ask for a better or more encouraging team. The only consistent exception was Dr. Styles' correction and criticism, which happened during almost every shift. The only times I didn't hear about something I could improve on were the shifts when he wasn't working. 

Once I'd had time to rest for a while, I checked out a funky little shopping area I'd never been to before. I found a lot of great thrift stores and tons of new clothes. While I was out, I was surprised by a text from Bridget, asking me to meet her at a bar later, where she said she'd be hanging out with some other folks from the hospital. I was still pretty tired, but I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to get to know some of my co-workers better. Besides, I had three more days to catch up on my sleep before returning to work. 

I went through at least ten outfits before deciding what to wear to the club. I know, I know, it shouldn't have mattered that much, but I wanted the chance to show off a little of my style. In the hospital, it was forest green scrubs, post earrings and maybe a watch. In my personal life, I was all about color and texture, dangly earrings and conversation-piece necklaces. The only splash of color I got to wear at work were my floral printed Danskos, the most comfortable shoes on the planet. I paid a small fortune for them, but being on my feet twelve hours a day makes me very thankful that I made the investment.

I couldn't decide on just the right thing. Either something with subdued colors and some smallish, not-too-neon accessories, or I could go all out and be myself with wild colors and patterns that don't always match. My friends Aliyah and Megan sometimes commented about how embarrassing it was to be seen with me in public, but they were only joking. Most of the time.

Finally, I settled on a slim-fit blue dress with some black and white designs along the sides. I could dress it down, which seemed perfect because I didn't really know how people dressed to go out here. Besides, it was mellow enough that I wouldn't totally shock people with my colorful tastes. I wore flats, since I assumed we would be dancing, and I didn't like heels much anyway. I grabbed a pair of silver hoop earrings on the way out the door.

"G'night, Catniss! Be good," I called as I locked up. The club was just north of the river, not too far from Millennium Park. That meant it was close to my apartment. I decided to walk there but I knew I'd probably have to take a cab home later when it was dark.

I arrived at the address that Bridget had given me; it was hard to miss with the giant neon sign proclaiming the name of the club. I paid the cover and slipped into the dark, thumping atmosphere. I stood in place and gazed around at the groups of people gathered at tables and small clusters of friends on the dance floor.

Soon I heard Bridget's voice. "Ellie!" I looked to my left and saw her waving me over to a table with a good number of people. I recognized Jalen and Charlotte, two other nurses, Lynda, a patient care tech, and few more familiar faces, but there were many I'd never seen or met. "You look hot," Bridget marveled, leaning in close to my ear.