"Margaret,honey! You really are something else, why is this incompetent nurse still attending to you? Didn't I tell you to fire her?"
"She is fine, mother. I want her to stay and take care of me. She was, after all, recommended by the hospital, so we shouldn't be quick to judge" Margaret refused calmly after taking a sip of her tea.
It was another visit from her mother-in-law.Thankfully, she seemed much calmer and more collected this time. Although she still complained about Vera, she made no attempt to cause trouble.
The mother-in-law, Mrs Holloway, sat in a comfortable chair by the bedside, holding her grandchild. With a pleasant smile on her face, she was patting young Edward on the back as she continued her conversation with Margaret.
Of course, when it came to family matters, a hospital was hardly the best place for such conversations.Either way, Joan stepped out as instructed, leaving Vera behind.
This time she headed to the nursery holding a half sandwich she prepared at breakfast. Joan found herself enjoying the baby's company since she joined the maternity ward. She found the change somewhat amusing herself. She had never been particularly fond of children before coming here, so she wasn't sure where this newfound affection had come from.
–Mmm, Cheese sandwiches are the best after all.
There were three infants in the nursery that day, one boy and two girls. Joan checked the names on their identification bands before briefly scanning their faces. They were all beautiful and adorable children. She liked the way their tiny fingers curled around hers whenever she touched their hands.
–So lovely…
She didn't stay for long. After finishing her sandwich, Joan checked with Helen before returning.
She returned to find the visitor about to leave.
"Just a couple more days, and Edward will be coming home."
As usual, Joan continued to assist
Vera in her caring for the Holloway family. Sometimes, she was allowed to assist In the outpatient clinic alone, or attend to other duties. Anyhow, Joan was already familiar with other nurses and doctors, so sometimes they cut her some slack to observe and learn.
"This is your share of the tip"
Vera handed her an envelope after seeing the Holloway family off.
"Mrs Margaret gave it to me while you were bringing breakfast, so I kept your share."
"Well, thank you very much" Joan thanked her gratefully
The rest of the day passed without anything particularly demanding, and by dinner time, Joan was more than ready to sit down.
Dinner was an oatmeal soup with some bread. Vera unusually Joined them for dinner with another friend of hers. Although they didn't have any specific talks, everyone had a little talk with their friends, before returning to their duties for the last couple of hours.
–Too tired
There is nothing better than a shower, after a long day. Joan headed to the steam room with her kettle. She bought a new tea that she will definitely enjoy with a cheese sandwich.
Every night followed much the same routine, though her priorities varied. After her tea, she would either research a subject or work on strengthening her foundation in French.
Fortunately, Joan had already handed over the revised manuscript.
–I hope the book will get a good response.
For the next few days, there was little she could do except wait.
That week went ahead without assigning any other private patient for Vera, so she naturally also returned to the general ward full time. Although she had to deal with some of Serene's spite, after Vera refused to let her tag along to the private rooms, it was nothing of a big deal. The days continued to slip by until, one afternoon, Joan finally spotted the first copy of her book in a bookstore.
For a moment, she simply stood there and stared at it.
Naturally, she bought a copy. It would make a good keepsake. The cover was simple but tasteful, exactly the sort of design she had expected from a modest first publication. She had used the same pen name as she did for her articles, J.B.Wood.
For the same old reason. She didn't want to attract unnecessary attention as a first-year trainee nurse publishing a book on nursing.
After Purchasing a couple of interesting books. She continued her grocery shopping so she could return before lunch.
"Good day"
"Joan. How was your outing?"
"Very well, I bought some cake, do you want to share?"
"Sure, let's go to the nurses' rest room, there is hot water so we could make some tea while we still have time"
They sat down to have their tea, with Joan sharing small pieces of the cake, the rest room soon became empty as everyone was hurrying to their post, except Joan and Vera who didn't have much of a patient yet.
"I forgot to tell you. There is a possibility you'll accompany Dr. Fares and me to a home birth today or tomorrow"
"What!? Really? "
"Yes. It was supposed to be just me and another nurse, but some of the others have volunteered for other duties, while the rest are busy with their patients."
"Of course, you're still a trainee, so you'll be assisting rather than taking the lead.But since I suggested you, and Dr. Fares has grown more confident in your work, I don't think there will be much of a problem."
"Thank you for your trust, I will make sure not to hold you back"
Joan was grateful for the additional income, but the opportunity itself was perhaps even more valuable. Working alongside Dr. Fares outside the hospital could give her another chance to build trust and make useful connections.
"Still, don't get your hopes up, Dr Fares could change his mind at any time"
"No worries, I'm grateful for you trying anyway"
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