Possibly Happy

By Em.

Author’s Note: Chapter 4, not exactly the best of the series, but just a little bit of fun at work.

Disclaimer: Yeah, I own them! – I am a Maccas Chick for crying out loud. I don’t even own this computer!

Comments: Again VERY welcome, thanks to everyone who has responded so far. Thanx from Em (SweetDramaQueen@hotmail.com)

Mitch moaned before reaching out and pulling Terri toward him.

“Morning!” Terri smiled at him cheerfully.

“Already?” He pulled her into his embrace.

“For me anyway, I have to be on the ward at 6!” She kissed him quickly before jumping out of the bed.

“Not yet, do you have to go now?” He said in between yawns, before pulling a frown and allowing his pleading eyes to meet hers.

“Yep, my uniforms back at my place.” Terri whispered as she knelt next to him on the bed, he put a hand up to her face and caressed it gently.

“You make me happy.” Mitch closed his eyes and smiled.

“Good – because you make me happy too.” Terri kissed the palm of him hand, before laying it back down by his side. “I’ll see you later on.” She pecked him lightly on the forehead and grinned. “Go back to sleep!”

Terri had been at work for several hours and it was nearing time for her to relieve Nelson for his break. Walking into room 4, she saw Nelson glance up at her from his patient.

“Terri, can I have a word?” He motioned for her to move outside the door.

“Sure, what’s up?” She looked at him questioningly.

“Mr Burrows’ colouring is off, he appears to be heading toward jaundice.”

“He is in because of his breakdown of red blood cells, isn’t he?”

“Yes, and I am worried that he may be infected with hepatitis.” Terri’s eyes were wide with shock.

“What strand?”

“Not sure, perhaps toxic. He works in a manufacturing plant, some building materials and chemicals.” Terri nodded, thinking about the best course of action.

“Have you spoken to Luke?”

“No, Mitch and Luke swapped.” Terri looked confused and Nelson decided to elaborate. “The thyroid patient, some surgical mystery, or so Luke says.”

“Right.” Terri was nodding along. “What about Mitch then?”

“He said he would fix the change with you that it wouldn’t be a problem because it was you, but that was several hours ago.” Nelson suppressed a smirk as Terri’s countenance changed from concerned to irritated.

 “Have you spoken to Mitch about your concerns?” Terri asked, struggling to remain calm, and re-direct the conversation.

“He said just to monitor him because occasionally discolouration is acceptable given the treatment he is on.” Nelson looked sceptical.

“What about his eyes?”

“Excuse me?” Nelson asked, unsure of the question.

“The whites of his eyes?” Terri asked, then deciding on a different course of action, she dismissed Nelson and took over the nursing of Mr Burrows, so that Nelson could have his break.

Terri had been with Mr Burrows for several minutes, checking all the possible signs of liver disorder and test results that had been filed. She decided that although Mr Burrows was slightly discoloured, that he showed no other signs of Hepatitis or jaundice.

Therefore resolved to monitor Mr Burrows closely, she left the room and ran into Mitch, who was making his rounds.

“Mitch.” She walked toward him purposely.

“Terri.” He replied, not even looking up from the chart in his hands.

“I was just wondering if you had been in to check on Mr Burrows yet?” She asked, whilst leading him into her office.

“He is next on my rounds, room 4 isn’t it?” They both took their seats, but Terri refrained from looking at him, choosing her next words carefully. “Did Nelson come to you with his concerns about Mr Burrows?” Mitch nodded. “And…” Terri questioned.

“And what?” Mitch asked, rising out of the chair as though to challenge Terri.

“When Nelson asked it didn’t occur to check in on your patient?” Terri stood, accepting the challenge.

“As I said he is next on my rounds.”

“I was under the impression that Nelson wished for you to assess Mr Burrows a few hours ago.” Terri leaned over the desk as though enforcing her point.

“I will fix it.” Mitch replied and he started toward the door.

Terri raised her voice to him and stopped him just as he reached the doorknob. “Just like you can ‘fix’ anything with me?”

“It was nothing concerning you.” He turned and the retaliation was made.

“Really? I mean it is only MY ward after all.” Terri returned to her seat and watch as Mitch left without a response.

Tension hung in the air as the afternoon came upon them; Nelson and Connor were in the tearoom discussing the change in the atmosphere.

“I think I liked it better before.” Nelson nodded in agreement with Connor’s statement, before adding his own comments.

“Maybe it’s better all round if she does keep bonking him, otherwise he just dumps on us and ignores her.” Nelson shrugged his shoulders to emphasis his comment.

“Shut it.” Von walked into the room and eyed both of them closely. “This is a hospital, not a gossip centre.” This succeeded in breaking the boys up and after they quickly mumbled something about some patients they left the room abruptly.

Terri remained in her office for the majority of the afternoon, not wanting to add to the hostility between the doctors and nurses.

Von knocked politely on Terri’s door and quickly assumed a chair.

“You alright?”

“Fine” Terri showed a tight smile, but Von wasn’t convinced.

“Come on.”

“Nothing, he wasn’t doing his job and I put it to him.” Terri averted her eyes, knowing that Von would be able to see that this wasn’t the case.

“This isn’t about the Mr Burrows and Nelson, is it?” Terri looked down interested in what Von knew. “Nelson has been sniping about it all day, as though Mitch didn’t have another patient to see.”

“I was under the impression, that Mitch was neglecting…”Terri trailed off realising her error.

“Look Terri, Luke prescribed 4 hourly antibiotics for Mr Burrows and…”

“Yeah I get it.” Terri interrupted.

“You just can’t allow yourself to be happy can you?” Von asked after a moment of silence.

“Excuse me?” Terri was slightly affronted by the picture of herself.

“Things are allowed to go right for a change. Just enjoy yourself.” Von smiled and walked from the room quickly, not allowing Terri to answer.

Terri thought about Von’s word and how she was rash to judge. She decided to sort the entire mess out and was walking out the door, when she collided with the man in her thoughts.

“I…” Terri stood stunned

“Terri, about before…” As they both started together they paused and smiled apologetically to one another. The moment didn’t last long as Matt called over to Terri and Paula appeared requesting Mitch’s assistance, therefore although the apologies weren’t verbalised, they existed and were acknowledged by both parties.

“What is it Matt?” Terri asked, and although she tried to maintain a calm tone, she was obviously irritated at the interruption.

“They just called down.” He pointed to the roof, indicating the bosses. “And said that the new CEO… what’s his name… is coming down to see you.” Terri forced a smile and mentally made a checklist of things to be done before he arrived.

“Matt, I want all those files away. Now!” Terri asked, while walking to room 1.

“Von, the supplies room, clean and secured?” Von looked up and nodded confused.

“Yeah why?”

“Just checking.” Terri replied, already on her way to the next room.

Terri proceeded in a similar manner to each room; finally she paused outside room 4 observing the scene between Mitch and Nelson.

“I understand you are feeling a little nauseas?” Mitch asked visibly analysing the patient.

“Just a little, I think that my lunch wasn’t quite right.” Mr Burrows grinned and Mitch replied in turn.

“I see, apart from that, any other discomfort? Headaches? Skin irritation? Trouble with liver functions?” Mitch raised his eyes questioningly.

“Nah, just a little sick of looking at four walls.” He winked at the doctor.

“Mr Burrows, what about this colour on your hands? And….” Nelson started but was quieted by a frown from Mitch.

“Mr Burrows, do you mind if I examine you palm?” Mr Burrows shook his head.

“Go for it doc.” Mitch lifted the palm of his hand and placed it at an angle so that Nelson could see the colour had deteriorated.

“Thanks, I’ll be back a little later then.” Mitch turned his back to Mr Burrows and addressed Nelson. “Nelson, I would appreciate if you’d remember that I am a doctor and as such, do not take it to well that a nurse is attempting to reverse my diagnosis.”

“I was just prompting you.” Nelson added a frown evident on his face.

“In future remain silent, unless the patient has a severe loss of memory, it is their body.” Mitch stalked from the room, followed by Nelson at his heels. Nelson was the first to spot Terri and started.

“Terri, I…” Terri held up her hand a quieted him.

“I heard.” She dropped her voice so as not to be overheard by anyone but the two men standing in front of her. “Nelson, you are to let the doctors do their job, they are responsible to the patient and not you. And Mitch” Here Terri saw Mitch’s smile disappear. “I would appreciate if you would not undermine my staff in front of the patients, if you have something to discuss, do it in private.” Terri moved past both of then and into room 4.

“Sister.” Terri turned and walked over to Mr Burrows’ bedside.

“Is there anything I can get for you?” She smiled at him kindly.

“No, I’m fine, just thinking how clever you must be to choose the nice one over the other.” He indicated discretely the two men standing at the reception desk and smiled at her.

“Are you sure there is nothing I can get for you?” Terri asked, unable to be angry with the patient in front of her.

“I wouldn’t mind going outside, with my son for a while – he should be arriving any minute.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Terri walked off and asked Nelson to oblige Mr Burrows’ wishes.

Terri was seated in front of the computer trying to ascertain some results for Luke, when she felt a finger trace down her arm.

“Your office?” Mitch’s question was more of a statement.

“Yeah, one tick.” Terri answered, waving over one shoulder at him.

Terri joined him in her office only a few minutes later, but she remembered to leave the door slightly ajar so as to be aware of Colin’s impending arrival.

“Terri, you and I… we…” Mitch was stammering, unsure on what to say.

“Mitch, what happened out there was nothing to do with us, it revolves around the patients and my staff.” Terri was now standing beside the chair he was occupying.

“I know, and you did the right thing, but appreciate that it was Nelson – he annoys me, it’s as though he has something to prove.”

“But he is a good nurse, try to work with him – please!” Terri placed a hand on his shoulder and he took it in both of his, grinning.

“I thought you said we weren’t using US in matters relating to the hospital.” Thinking quickly, Terri quickly answered in a similar tone.

“Consider us equal, considering what you told Nelson about being able to “fix” anything with me!” She smiled as their gazes locked.

Mitch brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

“Terri, I…” Colin walked into the room, as Terri stepped abruptly away from Mitch.

“Colin!” Terri said trying to smile. “What a surprise!”

“Evidently” Was his droll reply.

“Mitch Stevens.” Mitch introduced himself and stood to shake his hand. “I’ll leave you to it. And Terri” Mitch added as he approached the door. “If it begins to swell, make sure you use an ice pack.” He winked at her and walked out, leaving the door partially open, he knew the sort of things that occurred behind that closed door.

The majority of the staff were disappearing as the day drew to a close, and thus despite the meeting in the office, the only staff on the ward were Mitch and Nelson. They were both eagerly counting down their final hour.

“Ah, trouble with your hand?” Colin asked gently.

“Not really, just a little bump from earlier.” Terri smiled reassuringly and went to move to her side of the desk. Colin grabbed her right hand and began to examine it, upon noticing a red mark and bruise near her ring finger, asked her curiously.

“So there has been no swelling?” She shook her head, but he proceeded to assess her left hand.

Mitch happened to be passing at the time and saw Colin take both of Terri’s hands in his, thus he walked about rather disturbed, trying to find a place so he could listen in on the conversation.

“I didn’t realise you were married Terri.”

“I’m not” Terri replied, slightly confused. “Oh, no. No I’m not married.” She smiled down at the ring upon her left hand.

“You surely didn’t buy this ring for yourself?” He asked, sceptical.

“No… a … um... friend brought it for me.” She stammered, managing only a small smile at the end.

“Ah, I see.” Colin released her and assumed a seat. “Well on Friday the hospital has been invited to attend a trivia night. I was just wondering if you were going?” He smiled shakily.

“No, I mean I haven’t been informed of it.”

“It starts at 7pm, Friday night at the community hall on Cant Street.”

“I see.” Terri answered glancing around the room nervously.

“Mostly NUM’s and their partners.” Terri nodded still unclear as to why Colin had come.

“Anyway, I am here to discuss the incident levels on your ward.” Terri rocked back in her chair, formulating a response.

“As I said before, I am open to discussing it with you.”

“It appears to me that your doctor…” He glanced around as though remembering.

“Mitch Stevens.” Terri interrupted.

“Yes, that’s him. He has featured prominently in these reports.” Terri was unwilling to give up Mitch without a fight.

“What are you suggesting?”

“That perhaps he is clashing with the nursing staff.” Colin asked raising his eyebrows toward her.

Terri stood, asserting what little authority she could muster and answering in a calm, firm voice. “Mitch Stevens is the best thing that ever happened to our ward, he makes our ward a medical team.” Here she paused, and Colin interjected.

“So you have seen no recent examples of problems between Mitch and your staff?” Terri frowned she couldn’t outright lie to him.

“Colin, we all have disagreements, that is what keeps us on our toes, we challenge and help one another. Any problems between Mitch and my staff are far out weighed by our ability to put together a friendly and efficient ward.” Terri exhaled heavily, maintaining eye contact with Colin throughout her tirade.

“Your loyalty does you credit Terri, but remember you are here to support the nursing staff, not that Mitch Stevens.” Colin rose and paused for a moment, just watching Terri. “Friday night, and don’t forget to bring him along.” He nodded toward her ring and left.

Terri emerged from her office almost immediately and was severely affected; she rounded the corner, and in a split second saw a wheel chair being pushed toward her. It was too late to move, and a moment later, she was on floor.

Nelson saw the collision and ran straight to her.

“Terri, are you alright?” He knelt down beside her.

“Yeah, yeah.” She noticed the boy pushing the wheel chair had come up behind her.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, I mean… I’m sorry.” He looked really worried. Terri forced a smile and replied.

“Just don’t go racing around my corridors again, alright?” She looked up at him and he nodded. “You wouldn’t be…” She started trying to put a name to the face.

“Sean Burrows.”

“Mr Burrow’s son.” Nelson added, helping Terri to her feet.

“You’re Dad was so happy to see you, you’d better go and say good bye, visiting hours are almost over.” Terri smiled and watched as he walked into room 4. Terri leant heavily upon the reception desk and Nelson.

“Come on, better get that ankle checked out.” Nelson asked. Terri went to defend herself, but upon putting pressure on her left leg, found she could not support her weight. Together they made it into room 4, and Terri hopped up onto the bed opposite Mr Burrows.

Nelson left in search of Mitch and Mr Burrows attempted an apology for his son, Terri dismissed it with a wave of her hand, saying she should have been watching where she was going.

Mitch arrived only a minute later, rushing into the room; he pulled the curtain around and sat on the bed next to her.

“Terri, what happened are you alright?” He asked, stroking her face gently.

“I’m fine, just a bruise. I just want this day to be over.” She threw her hands up in defeat.

Mitch smiled and went to examine her ankle, Nelson came in looked uncharacteristically sympathetic.

“Terri, I shouldn’t have let Sean take the wheel chair, I had no idea that what…”

“You didn’t think” Mitch interrupted harshly.

“Mitch!” Terri reprimanded. “It’s fine, really. Now go home, you were supposed to finish ages ago.” She smiled and watched as he walked from the room.

“Well doctor?” Terri asked, smiling down at Mitch.

“You’re right, just a bruise.” He smiled back up at her. “But I still don’t want you on it for a few days, just in case.”

“But…” Terri started to protest, but Mitch put his fingers up to her lips.

“But nothing, you will rest.” He kissed her quickly. “Take the next couple of days off, you can stay with me, Luke is rostered for the next few shifts and I shall be your gallant servant.” He bowed graciously.

“Can I go now? Please?” She smiled and her eyes pleaded with him.

“I guess so.” He watched as she threw her legs over the side of the bed and took a tentative step down, wincing in pain and she touched the floor.

“Stay off it, doctor’s orders.” He grinned, before scooping down and taking her in his arms.

“Mitch, you can’t!” Terri protested aimlessly. He just ignored the look upon her face and proceeded to her office.

“What do you need?” He asked, setting her down gently in a chair.

“Just my bag” She shrugged. He threw it on his shoulder and collected her once again.

They were in the elevator going down, when Mitch leant over to kiss her sweetly.

“Mitch!” Terri cried, alarmed.

“There is no one here and…” he silenced her with his finger. “I heard what you said to Colin about me today.”

“I only spoke the truth.” She smiled up at him and threw her arms around his neck.

 Walking across the car park, Mitch was silent and Terri who was studying his face became slightly worried.

“Mitch?” She asked. “Are you alright?” She shifted her weight, hoping it wasn’t her causing the discomfort.

“Great, I am possibly the happiest I have ever been.” He smiled down at her.

“Possibly?” She tilted her head, teasingly.

“Definitely.” He leant down and kissed her once more. “What about Trivia?” He pulled back, staring directly at her.

“I have to stay off my ankle, doctor’s orders.” She smiled. “But that still doesn’t mean I like you eavesdropping.” She frowned slightly at him.

“Hey!” He stood up tall and pretended to look regal. “He grabbed your hands, I was just wanting to know you were safe.”

“Sure!” She smiled at him and raised her eyebrows accusingly.

“Fine, I was worried that you might decide you were too good for me, especially after my” here her cleared his throat. “Behaviour, today and that a CEO was a better prospect.”

“Mitch!” Terri almost screamed. “You make me happy, I love you. Don’t you ever say anything like that again.” She playfully swatted her hand at him.

“Come on, let’s go home.” He smiled at her and continued to carry her to his car.