The Stars Within

Chapter 4

CYLESTE’S POV

“Finally!” I sigh loudly as I plop myself on the couch inside the break room behind the new doctor clinic. I can’t believe I got all of the new patient charts done and ready before lunch! I lean my head against the back of the couch and close my eyes to rest, letting my mind wander back to this mornings’ events. 

I still haven’t decided if I’m going to take the responsibility of both the ER and the clinic. Let alone figure out the pros and cons of the job. I sigh and relax deeper into the couch. I just need some time to think. I can never find peace and quiet. Between my job here as a nurse and my curse of hearing spirits, I never get a moment of silence.

Silence. I open my eyes to the dead silence surrounding me. Where am I? I turn to look behind me expecting darkness, only to find I’m surrounded by trees. Tall Red Wood trees stand before me, capturing any and all light trying to illuminate from the two moons above in the dark purple sky.  How interesting, there are two moons here? I peek up into the midnight sky and look at the gorgeous full moon next to a luminescent crescent moon. 

As I look up into the sky, I notice there are no bird sounds. No animals? I must be back in that place again from the other night. But I don’t see any elongated houses this time. I need to learn more about this place. Determined, I set out into the dark, ominous forest. Searching for any information. 

My breath quickens as the silence draws me in, deeper into the forest. Even my footsteps don’t make a sound. I need to get out of here. My heartbeat rattles my chest silently as I search through the endless forest. 

“Please! Please don’t make me stay here!” Tears pour out of my eyes as I try to scream. I gasp silently and realise no sound is escaping my mouth. 

“Ms. Astruna?!” A voice echoes, surrounding me. I hold my breath in complete shock. Who is that? Where are you? I look around me tirelessly, searching for the owner of the voice. 

“Ms. Asturna!” I turn around as fast as I possibly could only to find myself sitting back on the couch in the break room. My eyes are still heavy with sleep and my body aching from the sudden jolt of being woken.

“Was I asleep?” I ask the air around me. Mostly wanting to confirm I was actually awake. I sigh deeply and relax slightly after hearing my voice.

“Yes. Do you usually sleep on the job?” I turn my head towards the owner of the voice and smirk. Not him again. I just left him at the bench outside. Wait, what time is it?!

“What time is it?” I ask Dr. Paladyn, suddenly anxious. His eyebrows raise in response to my sudden outburst.

“A little after 2.” He says. His voice filled with obvious annoyance. I roll my eyes and stand as I fix my purple, pink and orange sunset scrubs. 

“Do you usually sleep during work?” He asks again. 

“No, are you always this grumpy?” I really don’t know why he’s in here helping me if he doesn’t want to help. 

He sighs from behind me as he stands from his crouched position in front of the couch. Without another word he walks around me towards the door, stopping with his hand on the door handle.

“Try getting some extra sleep. Take the rest of the day off. That’s an order from your boss.” He says with his head slightly turned to the side. 

“I’m going to need you tomorrow after all. You are my head nurse, right?” He says as he walks out the break room door.

I remain standing where he left me, still completely in shock of our conversation as the door closes. What the hell just happened? Sighing, I run my hand through my hair. He’s so damn confusing!

Looking up on the wall to the left of me, I check the clock. It’s almost 2:45 now. I only have a little over an hour left. Deciding to finish out the day, I head out into the hospital hallway and turn towards the southern main hallway. Patients and staff walk and mingle as I pass by towards the clinic doors. 

I think tonight is a good night to research my nightmares again. And new stress remedies. Sighing, I open the doors to the clinic. The waiting area is half filled with patients of all ages. I may not like the guy as a person, but so far, he’s pretty damn generous to the community. 

“Hey!” I hear Janet shout from the reception desk. I look up to see her waving at me.

“Hey, how’s it been going today?” I ask her nonchalantly, knowing full well that she’s excited and happy to be working here. 

“It’s been great! The patients are so sweet and our coworkers are nice!” She says practically bouncing out her chair with happiness. It makes me smile seeing her so happy. She hasn’t exactly had the easiest life. 

“I’m glad it’s been going well for you.” I say half smiling as I turn and walk through the doorway. The patient rooms, half of them with patients while the other half neat and ready, are a bit bigger than my ED patient rooms. Well, I’m not exactly sure if they are mine still or not yet, since I haven’t answered Dr. Wellington and Sarah. 

“Your shift is almost over right?” Janet asks, now on the patient room side of the circular reception desk. 

“Ye-”

“Actually her shift ends now.” Dr. Paladyn says from behind me. How can one person be so damn annoying?! And just where in the hell did he come from?!

“I have less than an hour left, I think I can finish my shift for today.” I say crossing my arms as I turn around to face my apparent nemesis. He raises one eyebrow, almost like he’s teasing me to say something snarky.

“I think the hospital can live without you for one extra hour. Grab your coat, let’s go.” He demands as he turns and slowly walks out into the waiting area. I look to Janet for help and she raises her hands in defeat.

“He’s the boss for sure. Damn!” Janet whispers to me as I place the patient charts on the desk. 

“Yeah, a little too bossy.” I say under my breath. I turn and walk back out into the waiting area. I spot Dr. Paladyn standing beside the hallway entrance door, waiting impatiently for me.

“I just need to grab my bag and coat. Then I’ll leave, okay?” I say to him as I open the door and walk into the hospital hallway. Turning right towards the break room I catch a glimpse of the dark haired man behind me. 

“You don’t have to supervise me leaving, you know.” I say to him over my shoulder as I enter the break room.

“Do you always think of yourself?” He says, obviously annoyed again. What’s with this guy? Scoffing, I rush to grab my bag and coat and head out towards the southside parking garage.Leaving him in the breakroom, I rush out into the hallway. I’m too stressed to deal with his drama right now.

“Have a great evening Dr. Paladyn!” I say to the air sarcastically as I walk out the door of the hospital. 

“You as well, Ms. Astruna.” Dr. Paladyn replies much to my shock. I thought I left him in the break room! My face turns deep red with regret as I quicken my pace.

“See you tomorrow, Dr. Paladyn!” I shout back over my shoulder as I jog over to my beloved bug. I sigh as I enter the quiet shade of the southside parking garage. My stomach curses me out in hunger as I unlock my bug. 

“Food first, decision making last.” I say to myself as I turn the key in the ignition. With a mixture of determination, exhaustion and embarrassment, I back out and drive out onto the road.  Turning onto the main road back towards my house, my mind wanders back to Sarah, Dr. Wellington and most annoyingly, Dr. Paladyn. 

Sighing, I turn onto my street and slow down just slightly. What do I do about Dr. Wellington and Sarah? I don’t think it’s a good idea to take over for both departments. I think I’ll say no, at least for now. They can’t expect one person to cover the nurses from two departments, I’ll suggest another candidate; after I can think of one. 

“Maybe now I can focus on food.” I mumble to myself as I turn into my driveway. I sigh almost inaudibly as I park and turn off my bug.  Resolve, exhaustion and hunger clear on my face. 

…

FLOYD’S POV

What is up with that girl?! I think to myself as I finish my short walk to my car. My heart still pounds heavily in my chest from our encounter. What the hell is this? Anger?! Huffing and puffing I send a quick text to Ethan. 

Ethan

Meet me at the hotel suite in 5.

Slamming my foot down on the gas, I speed out of the parking lot and down the highway towards the hotel. Who does she think she is?! Maybe she needs to fully understand who her boss actually is. My lips curl into a devious smile. 

“Ms. Astruna, get ready!” I say to myself as I park my beautiful car. 

“With a look like that on your face, I feel bad for the other person.” I hear Ethan say as he walks over to my car from the hotel entrance. His short red hair all tousled and damp. 

“Yes, yes. I’ve been back here for a while now.” He says waving his hand around in the air, obviously dismissing my anger. Doesn’t he realize he has a job?! What is with people these days?!

“We need to talk.” I state as I walk past him towards the hotel. 

“Ooh! Business or girly chat?” He says faking excitement. He really knows how to get on my nerves. Taking a slow deep breath, I pause to turn around and face him. Irritation clearly plastered on my face.

“Ms. Astruna.” I simply state before turning around and heading towards the doors once again.

“Tomorrow she’s going to have a very exciting day, although, I’m not sure she will feel the same.” I say smirking once again as I walk through the hotel doorway. Be ready, Ms. Astruna, tomorrow is coming fast.