His Army Doctor

Keep The Beard

The days seemed to pass by faster now that Delilah was working in the infirmary. She had grown to enjoy the company of Lee and Dr. Aldridge as well as the few other personnel and nurses. Dr. Ross must have been scolded by Dr. Aldridge because he had not confronted her or interacted with her again. Dr. Aldridge may be to thank for that as Dr. Ross never worked triage if Delilah was and vice versa. Dr. James Miller was the surgeon on staff. He was an older gentleman with gray hair and kind blue eyes. He was quiet and kept to himself mostly, but he was intrigued with Delilah’s knowledge of plants and asked questions. When he didn’t have a surgery to attend to, he would help out on the floors with basic triage and follow up,  however, you could tell he was more comfortable with a blade in his hand.

 Dr. Aldridge, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Miller were the only doctors on staff. Delilah made the fourth physician and was the only female doctor. The nurses and soldiers alike were growing to love Delilah. She had a quiet way about her and added a feminine and motherly touch to the masculine atmosphere in the camp and infirmary. She was teaching the doctors and nurses how to practice herbal medicine. She even taught a few of the soldiers which plants were best to use for simple cuts or burns. Teaching the soldiers basic first aide had helped to slow down the influx of patients coming into triage for assessment. Delilah used every opportunity she could to ask questions about Daniel. She had received information about how many soldiers were said to have survived and what direction they might have gone, but most information seemed to be mostly rumor. It wasn’t anything particularly enlightening. 

Dr. Aldridge even handed her a paycheck at the end of the first week, which Delilah politely declined. She didn't have need for much money. However, Tobias had insisted that she be paid for her services. Their compromise was a partial paycheck. Delilah insisted that since she was staying on the island rent free, she refused to take a full paycheck.

Things with Tobias were not much different. He had continued to cling to his quiet and reserved persona. Both Tobias and Delilah had a quiet nature about them which inevitably resulted in some very silent ride homes and dinners. Nonetheless, Tobias had backed off some. Delilah wasn’t sure why but he was giving her some space. He even let her walk home with Chloe sometimes if he was working late. Delilah got home before Tobias most nights, so she cooked dinner. She had begun to learn his tastes and realized he was a meat and potatoes kind of man. He didn’t care for sweet sugary foods. They would chat about matters at the camp over dinner. Tobias kept the conversations light and didn’t go into much detail about military concerns off Thanatos island. 

Delilah’s injuries had mostly healed. Her arm was still in a brace but it was much lighter and easier to work with. Her bruises from her first few days on the island had faded. She had gained back the weight she had lost from her bout with pneumonia. 

The days flew by and finally the day of the military dinner had arrived. Delilah hadn’t thought much about it since she had been so busy in the infirmary. She woke up that morning as usual ready to head out to the infirmary. She walked into the kitchen greeted by the warm smell of coffee. Tobias had talked her into trying it a couple of weeks ago and she had fallen in love. She was now an addict just like Tobias. He had now started making enough coffee for two in the morning. She made up her usual cup with honey and cream and started to head out the door when she was stopped by Tobias as he walked in from outside. He was pouring sweat in his jogging pants and t-shirt. He always went for an early morning run.

“Do you have a dress yet?” Tobias asked blocking the doorway with his body. How could sweat smell so good, Delilah thought. She couldn’t help but stare as the military t-shirt clung to his sweaty chest. It was not leaving much to the imagination as far as masculinity. “Delilah?” Tobias asked again, awakening her from her thoughts.

“Uh, dress? No, why do I need a dress?” Delilah asked, taking a sip of her coffee to distract herself.

Tobias shook his head in annoyance, “The military banquet is tonight. It’s formal, remember? Take the day off and go with Chloe and get a dress.”

Delilah had completely forgotten. She nodded her head in agreement. She hated missing work, but it’s true that she had to make a trip to town to get a dress. 

“Stay with Chloe and Lee. Don’t wander off. Remember it’s dangerous away from the camp.” 

Tobias ordered as he began walking back to the bathroom and turning on the shower. 

“Lee is going dress shopping?” asked Delilah with a curious smile as she followed him to the bathroom. Delilah watched a little disappointed as Tobias pulled out a razor and shaving cream from the cabinet. She kind of liked him with some facial hair.

“Lee doesn’t like Chloe going off base unaccompanied. You shouldn’t either. I’m sure he probably needs a tux as well.” Tobias explained with annoyance as began to take off his shirt and reach for his pants.

Delilah backed up out of the bathroom. “Ok fine fine. Jeez, are you going to get completely undressed in front of me?”

Tobias turned around with a smirk with sweat rolling down his perfectly chiseled abdomen. “Well, that depends. Are you going to stand here and watch?” 

“No, but leave the beard. I like it.” replied Delilah as she turned around.