Doc, Dear, Patient is Here (for Sydney_1)

[Shadoleopard]

He feels his esophagus close. He takes his new home deeply into his lungs, savors it, trying to get a sense of the place. He exhales slowly, looking around. This is where he’ll hang his shingle, at least for a few years, for however long the grant money flowed. They both knew donors were fickle. They were guaranteed three years though. They were a part of the great Social Experiment. He likes it. She grins. The place feels cozy, comfortable.

“Oh, the Appalachians?”

“ OBGYN trainees needed.”

“Where strangers call ya Darlin?

“Mhmmm.”

“How much covered Darlin?”

“All of it,” she grins, quirking her eyebrow.

“What’s that quote from that old comic?”

“Got tools, will travel.”

“Darlin’, I’mmmm hommmme!”

“Now we just have to check that everything is right, and hope people come.”

They chuckle, arms wrapping around each other as they lean in, kissing briefly, his hand caressing her jaw. Then they get to work. Equipment needs to be opened, set up, and checked if they are to fulfill the parameters of the clinic. It was their first independent project. Business first; Rule One.


Our first client is supposed to be in in fifteen minutes. This could have great or horrible repercussions for our enterprise. It is a small community. According to donor research, most people in this area had no access to specialized assistance. I look down at the note:

Clara
Blonde, blue eyes, 5'8". 19. 4:45. First appointment. Ever maybe? I’ll be back before she gets there. We need some supplies.

Well, that is useful. I stretch, running my hands through strawberry blonde hair. I look down my body. I at least look professional. Black, nonslip shoes. Pristine, blue scrubs, check; fresh white coat with my name tag. It matches the shingle. Doctor Ray Callaghan. MD. OB/GYN. I have to be presentable. Toned, tanned body. Clean shaven. Perfect image of authority and professionalism, a man practicing what he preaches.

I go inside, neaten some papers on my desk, selecting the several questionnaires I must fill out with my patients. It could be taken as weird if Rose doesn’t show up. I’m going to have to get very close to this Clara. A person of the same gender is supposed to be in the room. I gulp, hearing a knock on the front door. I look up. 4:35. Damn. Well, here goes.
I open the door, proffering my hand. “Hi, I’m Dr. Callaghan. Welcome to my practice. How may I help you this evening?”

 

[Sidney_1]

I sucked in my breath, as I silently extended my hand like a robot. It was a moment of instant physical attraction and I could feel my cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

As my hand dropped from his firm grip, I came to my senses.

“Um, well, I’m nineteen and I know I’m supposed to be having routine appointments. . . but, I’ve always been nervous around doctors. But, I’m trying to be responsible and I do have some small issues. Well, anyway, I’m here, finally, so I guess I just need that annual routine check-up.”

I liked the idea that Dr. Callaghan’s “office” looked more like a modification of a home than a huge, rectangular medical building. He seemed to be the only one in his practice which made me feel at ease.

 

[Shadoleopard]

I twitch, eyes scanning over her as she does me. Tall, buxom, blonde, 19, yup, must be Clara. She looks like... If she was a redhead. No, it can't be. It must just be me. I shake her hand a moment too long, then let her hand drop.

"Good evening Nineteen. Are you here to assimilate me? Sorry, Borg humor," I chuckle, trying to distract myself from the thought. "I take it you're probably Clara. Oh, this is your first visit to an OB/GYN? A few years late, but if you haven't had major issues, no harm done. Responsible is good. I will expect regular visits from now on though. Understood? We'll have to gather a lot of information to get a baseline. That is why we are here. We can perhaps help resolve those little issues. You might be surprised just how many people are nervous around doctors. I promise, we're here to take care of you."

I back out of the doorway, opening the portal wider so she may pass by me. "The office is in the back. This was the only place here that we could find that had enough space and was still within reasonable distance of many surrounding towns. It helps that it is in one of the larger small cities. How many people hereabouts? I think I heard 10-12,000? I'm sorry it doesn't seem a bit more professional and hospital-like. Also, I apologize that we are alone. My nurse should be here soon. You are a little early, which is always appreciated. However, there are forms to be filled out while we wait."

I blush slightly, shifting as I walk behind her, trying not to stare, in case she looks back. However, it is hard. She is just as well-endowed. Yup, definitely a resemblance. The very same sway. "Now, some of the papers are very detailed. As you should have been told, some of the reason this service is so reasonably priced, the fact we're indirectly a government program, means we must be very thorough. Some of the forms, I will have to fill out after we do some standard testing. We can wait to proceed past the most basic stuff if you wish. My nurse should be back soon, so she can assure propriety. Not that she would be needed. Your recommendation could be vital. However, it is proper, and I'm sure you would be more comfortable, especially considering the nature of your visit."