Saints and Sinners

Chapter 4

Amelia pulled into the parking lot of the clinic and slung the truck into an empty spot. She hurried her sister along and got in line to get her checked in. There were a few people ahead of them and Amelia took in the waiting room. It had changed since the last time she had been there. The walls were now soft yellow, and in one corner it had been turned into a very cozy and warm area for small children to play as patients waited to see the doctor. They had put up colorful pictures on the walls and overall it looked more welcoming. “Next.” the receptionist's voice said, grabbing her attention. “And who are we seeing today?” Amelia spoke up, “My sister, Bethany Lukyan.” “And what brings her in?” The receptionist asked not looking up from her computer. “She's complaining about feeling on fire. She even feels extremely warm.” Amelia said. “”We'll be with you shortly. Please have a seat.” Amelia went and sat with Bethany still wrapped in the blanket sitting beside her. She could still feel the heat coming from her making Amelia sweat but it wasn't as hot as when she touched her. Amelia glanced at her hand and grimaced at the blistering skin on her palm and was lost for words. Her sister could not possibly be that hot. Amelia must have touched a hot pan and not realized it with everything going on. “Bethany?” a nurse called, and they got up following her back.

She was a kind woman who seemed friendly. They were taken to an exam room and she asked Bethany what was going on while she took her temperature. Normal, the nurse felt Bethany's forehead with the back of her hand before she checked a few other things. She recorded everything and then got up saying the doctor would be with them shortly. It felt as if they waited in the exam room for hours but in reality it was maybe a few minutes. Perhaps it was because Amelia felt so uncomfortable here that's why it felt so long. The door clicked and in walked the doctor and offered his hand. Amelia went to reach with her right hand but then remembered the blistered palm and used her other hand instead. Amelia grew warm and told herself she picked up whatever Beth had because there is no way the doctor was causing this reaction. Amelia didn't deny that he was handsome with his green eyes and messy brown hair. “I'm Dr. Callahan,” the man said. She swallowed before replying “I'm Amelia, and this is my sister Bethany.” He then turned his attention to her sister who had shed her blanket and was sitting on the exam table. “Hi Bethany. What brings you in to see me?” he asked in a friendly tone. Bethany looked toward Amelia who spoke, “She came home early from school today. She kept saying she felt like she was on fire and when I felt her forehead she was very warm.” He nodded and took a look at the notes the nurse had left and then did his own checks on her before turning back to Amelia. He spoke, “Well she isn't running a fever, her lungs sound good, heart rate and blood pressure are all normal. I really don't want to do any unnecessary testing on her if we don’t have too. So I would like you to come back if it persists and go from there.” “Are you sure it's nothing? I mean she doesn't normally act like this.” Amelia said not wanting to have something missed, even though personally she was ready to get out of there herself. Doctor Callahan spoke, “Amelia,” he paused, “I wouldn't send her home if I thought something was wrong. To be completely honest she might be starting to get a growth spurt and her body may not be in sync. This could just be pain from her body not being able to respond as fast as she's growing. She will be okay.” he finished with a smile. “Have a good rest of the evening.” She just nodded, eyeing her sister, “Thanks doc.” Amelia said as he left the room. The nurse returned shortly after with some papers that gave a quick review of the visits and then they were able to go.

As Amelia started the drive home she glanced at her sister and asked, “How about I stop and grab us some dinner. Anything sound good?” Beth just shrugged her shoulders and leaned her head against the window of the truck.