Midnight Cry

Cleveland

It’s 12 midnight of November first and I’m still working here at Cleveland.

"Rease, scissors please.." asked Doctor Galvine.

"Here, Sir." I handled him the thing while we are currently working on an hour of cardiovascular surgery. The patient is almost lifeless, I wonder would it feel horrible without anesthesia? I just thought of the worst things while nursing patients. By the way, Doctor Galvine is always here, ready for any surgical cases. I secretly admire him with his profession. Him being a surgeon at Cleaveland would save the hospital from bankruptcy. He’s always on top. He’s awarded as the top surgeon last year. I won’t be shocked if he ranks first this year again. I would like to be his assistant nurse every time even though he is a bit cruel and he spit nasty things while working.

Omg, he's looking at me now...

Speaking of the devil...

"Rease?! What are you doing? I said the patient is bleeding. Help me out!"

"I am sorry, let me help.” I took a cloth and pat the patient gently to stop the bleeding.

As I gently pat on the spilled blood, I'm thinking just couldn't imagine myself doing something like this. Maybe, if I am not here, I became a business woman. I don't mind at all. Besides, that’s what my Parents want for me.

I’m Rease Stanford. A Nurse working at Cleveland for about 9 years now. Well, working at Cleveland was exhausting. Let me rephrase that. Working as a nurse at Cleveland was extremely exhausting. I want to marry, have some kids and age at a small, simple house, watch my kids grow there but because of work, I guess that won’t be possible. I dated a lot of bachelor who told me that they want a serious relationship but it didn’t work out because I never had a chance in the first place. I was preoccupied with work and hated cheesy conversations on phone. I don’t want to meet on skype as well. They we’re asking me if I was serious with this kind of relationship. Yes. I am serious, but I just hated the idea of long-distance relationship. I prefer someone who’s there physically and not always checking out on me on my phone during my shift. That was a bit off for me. I don’t have to be obligated to reply. What if there’s an emergency? That happens every day. No, they won’t get that since they were all business man. That makes sense as to why they don’t stand a chance either. As a 30-year-old single, I enjoy a lot of my time only during weekends. I always go to 34th Street staying at my best friend’s crib, Shayne Valentine, my non biological twin who has a personality like mine who works as a chef at their own restaurant. Today, we have a surprise birthday party for my Mom. Shayne and I planned this whole thing for a week and I don’t want to screw this up. It’s my time to escape for my shift was already finished and the operation was a success. As expected of our team work.

I was about to get out of the operating room. I normally put my things in the locker before I go home and a couple of times, I hear lots of gossips with other Nurses at the hall.

"Did you hear that they already deliver the vaccine today?" One of the nurses asked.

"Yeah. I heard that they are going to sell it but how are they supposed to sell those?! It's just too expensive and the description did not even specify what it would actually cure." The other nurse replied.

"I think it's highly confidential" The previous nurse said.

Oh, I remember that last week, they have delivered boxes of it. I think it's for flu. It's winter and somehow many people would probably need the vaccines. I pity those who'll stay up all night for overtime. Doctors and Nurses are heroes in disguise and they have the same purpose, I guess.

And it's to save lives.

I open the door when the two nurses leave, hoping that no one saw me.

I tiptoed. But then I guess I'm really out of luck at this moment.

"You're going home early?"

"Doctor Galvine! You scared me.." He stared at me hoping for a clear answer. "Yes, I am going home now, end of shift." I smiled like crazy hoping that he'll not make me stay for hours to assist him for the homophobic patient at room 35. I know his schedule because it's always posted on that cursed bulletin board to remind us what we should prioritize. It's crazy how we have posted responsibilities on that bulletin but never ever follows the start and end time of each of the schedules. We always work overtime.

"Can you help me with a patient at room 35? I really need back up."

Like...Kill me now. I predict every single thing that would happen and yet I couldn't even get out of the situation! I never decline Doctor Galvine's requests...

Never!

But I think this time, there would be an exception to that "never" I am referring to.

"I'm sorry Doctor. It's my Mom's birthday today and we planned a surprise party for her tonight."

His brow twitched giving me a bewildered look. He knows that I can never decline with his requests. He crossed his arms. I'm ready for what he'll say. I know he'll say 'No. Stay. As I said I need backup.'

I crossed my arms waiting for his reply. He's really kind of busy... He's writing something on our dashboard.

"Okay then. You may go now." He stared at me.

I widened my eyes as I was shocked of what I've just heard. He did not persuade me to stay? Am I dreaming?

"But you awe me a week overtime.” He finished writing my name on the board and looked at me with a blank expression. “Don’t just stand there. Leave now before I changed my mind. That’s what I always comment with your work, you sometimes slack.”

I hurried to the reception area to bid good byes. It's a wonderful night at Cleveland. So quiet and peaceful when I look at it from afar. He’s just so unpredictable... I mean, Doctor Galvine. How I saw him before changed as I bravely spoke my mind. He's not as bad as he is. Oh no! why do I caught myself smiling? 

No, no, no, this couldn't be.