September

5. Someone I know

I took the last sip of coffee and then placed my cup. I typically worked night shift, but Annalise didn't come in and that's how I ended up drinking three pots of coffee and still felt sleep-deprived. It didn't help that Dylan was probably still sleeping on my couch.

I pulled into a parking space reserved for the nurses. My parents gave me a lot of trouble when they found out I went to school to become a nurse. They claimed it wasn't a job for a man, but I don't see how it can be categorized.

I put my now empty cup in the cup holder and rushed in. I walked in the building, Miss Anderson at the front desk filled me in told me they needed me for another emergency surgery and that I should just go there. Floor 2 room 16. I climbed the stairs as it was much faster for me than the elevator. I ran in the hallway and knocked lightly once I got to the right door. I came in without an answer.

"About time you came, Espinoza." Dr. Vaughn chuckled from behind his mask. Besides him there was just one of the student nurses. I assumed she was supposed to be learning as we performed the surgery.

"Sorry." I said, mentally putting a condition to the patient.

"Don't worry about it. We technically need, Thomas, Roberts, and Watson in here, and they're supposed to be in the building." Vaughn explained.

"What happened?" I asked looking at the small kid who was already put under.

"His heart is failing." Was the short reply. I turned to the kid and just wanted to let him know it would be okay.

"Where the hell are the others?"

That was when they decided to show up.

***

Emergency surgery wasn't exactly the term I would use when asked what we had to do. It was more of stabilizing his heartbeat. Vaughn said they had to call it such in case we needed to do so. It bothered me to know that he didn't have to go under for what we did and that it probably would've gone quicker. But I assumed for a kid it might've been more terrifying, and it was better in case we would've had to do more.

I decided since I was already here, I might as well finish my shift. I walked into the same room I was in before to see how the kid was doing. He was wide awake when I came in. His mother was sitting beside him.

"I wanted to make sure everything was okay." I explained.

"Everything is fine. Thank you." His mom replied.

I turned to the kid, "How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Been better but good." Came his reply.

I felt a small smile wash over my face, "You remind me of someone I know."

"Is it your girlfriend?" he asked his brown eyes widening.

I chuckled, "No, well not anymore."

"Well if she's like me then she must be amazing! Does she like transformers? Or the avengers?"

I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "She is amazing." I confirmed. And I thought back on when she forced me to watch every single marvel movie

"What's her name?" he asked. "I'm James."

"Tatiana." I said. The name still felt right coming from my lips and I missed saying it.

***

I got home late that afternoon, and I was exhausted. I kicked my shoes off by the front door and grabbed a water bottle out of the fridge. I walked to the couch as I popped the lid off. Drinking some water, I flopped on top of my brother.

"Hey!" he laughed. "What the hell, man?"

Jumping up, I spit out the water and turned to face Dylan, "What? I thought you left."

"Yeah well, you have a bigger TV."

I closed my eyes, then looked up at the ceiling, "Are you for real?" I asked pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Well, yes." He said a bit slower than normal.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Um a friend of mine was wondering if we'd be free tomorrow to help them move."

"I may be able what time?" I asked fully knowing I was off.

"Noon." Came his reply.