Saints and Sinners

Chapter 5

It was late now, Beth had gone to bed and Amelia had wrapped her hand and had caved on taking some painkillers. Still wide awake herself, she sat outside with her cup of tea thinking over the course of the day. The sound of tires and headlights peeked her interest because she wasn't expecting any visitors. The car was shut off and out stepped a man in good physical condition even with clothes on he had a good body. He carried a bag and walked up to the house stopping a few feet before Amelia and spoke, “I probably shouldn't have come but I was told you could be stubborn about getting help from a doctor. So I wanted to come offer my help as a friend.” Amelia bristled, “I think you stalked me doctor. You should leave.” she said getting up from the chair. He ignored her and stepped closer. “It wasn't hard to find you in a small town where everyone knows everyone. Yet you're the only one who seems to avoid me. I'm not a bad person if that's what kept you away.” He said. Amelia relaxed a little and just an inkling felt bad for not giving him a chance before writing him off completely. “I don't do doctors and I don't do drugs. Unless it’s the only way after everything else is exhausted.” Amelia said. “Let me look at your hand it looked pretty angry earlier in the office.” he said in a tone that said he was serious. “I don’t know what your talking about.” She said fighting the urge to put her bandaged hand behind her back out of sight of the perceptive Dr Callahan. “Ah there’s that stubborn streak I heard about.” He said with a laugh, then “You hand Amelia.” he said holding his own out for her to place it in. “I don't even know your name,” she said obviously trying to rile him up and to get him to leave. “Why should I even trust you? I mean who stalks a person just to help them?” she said. “You should trust me because I’m a doctor. We take an oath to help to the best of our abilities even when someone isn’t the most amenable.” He said as he took her hand gently as he could and began slowly and to unwind the wrap she had placed on her burn. He tisked at the job she did. “To answer your other question, my name is Alex,” he said. “Is it possible to take this inside? It'll be better lighting I'm sure.” Amelia grudgingly agreed since Alex didn't seem to understand the word no.

She led him inside and sat at the kitchen table under the light. Amelia watched as Alex grimaced this time when he saw her hand. “You are either a very stubborn woman or very stupid. Why the hell wouldn't you get help for this?” Amelia frowned, giving him a dirty look but grimaced herself now that she looked at her blistered hand again. It was very raw looking and it was angry with her. It hurt like a b***h but she had taken enough painkillers to knock out a horse but she wasn't going to tell him that. “I don't do heavy drugs, I will take over the counter painkillers after I’ve exhausted other outlets.” she said. “I gathered as much from the ladies in the office,” he said. “Why, I had to do some research on natural burn cures. Thought you would let me help if it was.” he finished as he smeared a salve over her palm. “You must have been so sure of yourself when taking a chance.” Amelia retorted with a snort. “Sometimes it's good to be a little risky. Keeps people on their toes.” he said, his green eyes looking into her blue ones. He sat back admiring his work. He had been able to keep her talking and distracted while he rewrapped her hand gently setting it on the table. “You know I was curious, how did you burn your hand like that? It's so even over your whole palm and fingers as if it was intentional.” he said. This earned him a dirty scowl that didn't fit on Amelia's face. “It wasn't intentional. I don't know how it happened. It’s been such a weird day that I must have spaced out and touched a hot pan.” she said even though she had figured out what must have happened she wasn't going to tell him. It would only make her look even worse. “Anyway Dr. . . Alex. I think you should be going. It's late and I have to work tomorrow.” she said standing up. Alex stood up putting his things away and followed her. “I'll come see you in a couple days to check on your hand to see how it's healing,” he said. “Good night doc.” she said as she followed him out the door and watched him get into the car and drive off.