-Hazel-
Hazel!
I heard my name down the hall and of course, it's going to be Mabel. She strolled down with her eyes fixated on me. She always looked stunning even in her nursing clothes.
Girl I've been searching for you in the whole hospital. Where have you been huh? She says and bumps my shoulders.
I had to go change Mrs Smith's sheets. You know how she is with me. I'm gone for one second and she's calling back for one thing or another I respond.
You need to run because that's what I do with clingy patients. You know I can't do any of that shit you put up with. I get insane headaches from hearing them complain she says mimicking Mrs Smith's face.
I laughed. We both know that's not why you're here. Yelling my name all around is going to get you fired one day you know.
Me fired? I've got all the men wanting me in this hospital so duh that's not happening she laughs.
Spill the tea. I know you're not just looking to see my ugly face I say.
Take a guess she smiles broadly and starts blushing.
Well if it doesn't have anything to do with that steamy boyfriend of yours then I'm not in for anything you want to say.
Yes, girl…he's fucking hot. Last night was a blast. We almost broke the door at his place. Damn, I can't stop thinking about how he was licking me up like ice cream. How he…
Mabel I yell. Laughing out loud, keep it down.
He's all I can think about she says again.
"Don't even try to look at him again," I mutter, nudging Mabel's arm with my elbow as we walk down the fluorescent-lit hallway.
Too late. Already burned the image into my brain, she replies with a sinful smirk.
I glance sideways at her, trying not to laugh. You're disgusting.
And you're jealous because your love life is drier than the desert. She tugs her brows. "Meanwhile, mine is a—what did he call it last night? Oh yeah, an inferno.
I groan, covering my ears. Please. I beg of you, spare me full details.
Oh, come on, Hazel. Mabel pouts dramatically. "I didn't even get to the part where he carried me—"
"I'm literally in scrubs, holding a patient chart, and standing four feet from an open trauma room."
"Which makes this the perfect time to talk about how he lifted me onto the kitchen counter and—"
I shoot her a sharp look, and she throws her hands up in mock surrender, grinning like the devil.
It's just 12:25 and the ER is weirdly quiet. No code blues just machine's humming and Mabel singing dirty things to my ear. We walk down to the cafeteria for lunch when she nudges me again.
You should let me get you a blind date. Someone good-looking, rich and hot. Got hot tattoos.
"Hell No"
What about he owns a car and has a beard? She asks again.
"Still No"
Mabel sulks. "You're going to die alone in your apartment surrounded by expired oat milk and unpaid student loans."
"That's the dream," I deadpan.
But truthfully… it does sting.
Not because I want to be set up. But because I'm tired of pretending I don't want something more. Something real. Someone who sees past the nurse, past the walls, past the girl who hasn't let herself feel anything for years.
But that kind of man doesn't exist in my world. And if he did, he'd probably never look twice at someone like me.
My phone buzzes in my scrub pocket. I pull it out, glancing at the screen.
Hold on Mabel. It's Ma Calling.
I put the phone to my ears.
"Ma, I'll be home soon my shift ends in two hours I'll be back soon. Is there anything you'd need?"
But it's not her voice I hear. It's shaky, Male and sounded young.
Is this Hazel Rogers?
My stomach tightens and I begin to panic. I don't feel good about this call.
Where is Ma I ? ask.
I—uh—I'm the neighbor. Your mom collapsed outside. We called the ambulance. She was breathing, but—she wouldn't wake up. They just took her."
Everything inside me goes numb. My brain processes the words slowly as if they're coming in stars.
Collapsed. Wouldn't wake up. Ambulance.
"Which hospital?" I manage, already grabbing my things.
"St. Mont. They just left. I thought—I didn't know who else to call—"
"It's okay. Thank you. I'm on my way."
I hang up. Mabel must see my face because she drops the flirtation instantly. "What happened?"
My mom, I whisper, voice trembling. "She collapsed."
She blinks, stunned. Jesus—Hazel—go. I've got your patients covered. I'll tell Sandra.
I nod, barely hearing her. My pulse thunders in my ears. My chest is tight, breath shallow.
I don't even remember grabbing my coat.
I just know I'm already halfway to the elevator, praying I'm not too late.