Human Blend Read online

  “Are you okay?” Billy asked when she didn’t start building right away.

  “Mmhm,” Julie grunted. Julie felt a hand on her back. She turned to see a handsome man kneeling down next to her. There was a concerned look on his face. “I’m… fine,” Julie stammered as she battled. She knew she would be fine in another minute, and just wished the man would go away.

  “You’re as white as a ghost, and look very nauseous,” the man said. “I don’t think you are okay.”

  Julie’s body gave a final shake and was done. “I appreciate your concern…” Julie said, then paused as she noticed the name tag. It was the doctor Joy had mentioned. “Doctor Elsworth. Really, I’m fine.”

  “I’m fine, too, Mister Doctor,” Billy piped in. Both Julie and the doctor looked at the boy. His color had improved, and he was smiling. “Doctor Julie fixed me,” Billy said. Julie smiled at Billy and averted her eyes from the doctor’s.

  “Tell you what, Billy: Why don’t you and Julie come with me, and we’ll see how you are both doing?” the doctor suggested.

  “I, um… have to be getting back to the fifth floor, actually,” Julie said, standing.

  “You’re the new volunteer I’ve been hearing so much about,” the doctor commented.

  Julie raised an eyebrow. “What have you been hearing?” she asked.

  The doctor smiled. “I’ll be down to check on you later,” he said to Julie. She took that as her cue to make haste, and headed for the stairs.

  She was cut short by Billy, who had run up to her and hugged her leg. “Thanks, Doctor Julie,” Billy said. Julie knelt down, gave him a hug, and sent him on his way. Her eyes met the doctor’s briefly, before she continued on back to the fifth floor. What’s he thinking? Julie asked herself. She had little time to dwell on it as she was thrust right back into work.

  Julie had tucked away her encounter with the doctor for now. She spent the rest of the afternoon assisting patients to Physical Therapy and back. Joy, at one point, allowed Julie to just do random visits on her own, as she was tied up with other things. It was during one of those random visits that Julie ran into Doctor Elsworth again. She knocked and then entered Mrs. Bosley’s room. She had visited the older woman before, with Joy. Julie didn’t notice the doctor in the patient’s bathroom, washing his hands.

  “Oh, there you are, honey. Come on in,” Mrs. Bosley called to her.

  “I just wanted to see if you needed anything before I leave,” Julie said.

  “I’m fine, sweetie. Thank you. In fact, I was just talking about you to the doctor. I told him what a dear you are and how much better I felt after talking with you,” Mrs. Bosley said. “The doctor even says I am getting better. So much so, that I might even be able to go home soon,” she finished. “Isn’t that right, Doctor?” Mrs. Bosley addressed someone behind Julie.

  “You are doing remarkably well, Mrs. Bosley,” a voice from behind Julie said. She froze at the sound of the voice. She knew who it belonged to and felt his eyes on her.

  “That’s wonderful,” Julie said, still looking at Mrs. Bosley. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” Julie said, and turned to escape out the door.

  “Miss Miller,” the doctor addressed her. “Please wait one moment. I’d like to speak with you.”

  Julie took a deep breath and turned to face him. “Certainly, Doctor,” she said.

  “Meet me in my office. It is down the hall and on the left,” he instructed. “I’ll join you shortly,” he finished. Julie nodded and left the room.

  Out in the hallway, Julie hung her head. I messed up somewhere. I should have paid more attention to who was around. I wonder what he is thinking? What is he going to say to me? These were all thoughts going through her mind. “Hey, kiddo. You okay?” Joy asked, suddenly beside her.

  “I’m fine,” Julie said.

  Doctor Elsworth walked out of Mrs. Bosley’s room. “Oh, Miss King,” the doctor addressed Joy. “I’m glad you are here. I need to borrow Miss Miller for a little bit,” he requested.

  “Sure. No problem, Doctor,” Joy said. “Jules, go see Kathy whenever you get done with Doctor Elsworth, before you leave,” Joy reminded her.

  “I will, and thanks for all your help,” Julie said.

  “You’re a hit,” Joy said with a wink, and walked away.

  “Right this way,” Doctor Elsworth gestured, and the two walked silently to his office. Julie wondered if this was what it felt like to be a prisoner walking to the gallows.

  “Have a seat,” the doctor said, once inside his office. Julie was surprised at the appearance of the office. It seemed modest in comparison to the title he carried.

  Julie was anxious. She had no idea what he was thinking. The doctor sat down behind his desk and stared at her. Julie averted her eyes from his. “So, tell me about yourself, Miss Miller,” the doctor asked.

  “Why?” Julie asked. The doctor raised his eyebrows.

  “Why?” he asked back.

  “Why would someone of your stature want to know about a simple volunteer?” Julie replied.

  “Miss Miller, I make it my business to know the people I am working with. I think it’s important to know who is interacting with my patients. Don’t you agree?” he asked.

  “Of course,” Julie had to concede the point.

  “You are obviously experienced. Where did you work at before coming here?” the doctor continued his questions.

  “Lindy Boggs Medical,” Julie answered.

  “Louisiana,” the doctor commented. “What brought you to Virginia?” he asked.

  “Change of scenery.” Julie was purposely keeping her answers short.

  “Miss Miller, this is not an inquisition. The patients are singing your praises after one day on the job. I think Billy has gone through a whole box of crayons making pictures for you,” the Doctor said. “I don’t think I’ve come across someone who is so suited to the work they are doing. You seem to have a, for lack of a better word, sense, of knowing how to make people feel better,” he added. “I’m trying to figure out what makes you so special,” he finished. Julie hated that word.

  “I’m not special, Doctor Elsworth. I just like making people feel better,” she said. “Isn’t that why you do what you do?” she asked him.

  The doctor smiled. “Yes, Miss Miller, it is,” he said, and stood, extending his hand. “Welcome aboard.”

  Julie smiled, and stood to shake his hand. The smile faded from her face the minute she made contact with his hand. How could this be? It’s impossible. Julie pulled her hand back and stared incredulously at the doctor.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked her.

  “I… I have to go,” Julie said, and turned for the door. She made it to the door, but was unable to open it. The doctor was holding it shut.

  “What did you feel?” he asked her. Julie shook her head unable to speak. “What did you feel, Miss Miller?” he asked, again.

  “Nothing,” she whispered. He turned her around to face him. She looked up at him, not understanding how it could be possible. “Nothing,” she said again, more firmly. “You have no heartbeat. How is that possible?” she asked, accusingly. “You should be dead,” she said.

  “I guess that makes us both special,” the doctor said.

  “How did you heal Billy?” he asked, softly.

  “I… didn’t,” Julie said, turning her head. His fingers lightly turned her face back to his.

  “I saw you. You were in pain,” he said, his voice soothing.

  “I took it from him,” Julie said, unable to keep quiet.

  “It was inside of you, then,” he said, his fingers still on her face.

  “Yes,” she said, her voice sounding far away.

  “Where did it go?” he asked, his lips close to her ear.

  “Away,” she said, and closed her eyes.

  “How?” his lips brushed the side of her face.

  “I don’t know,” her voice was barely audible. She opened her eyes to see him staring at her.


  His hand brushed her cheek. “You are not just a simple volunteer,” he said, and moved away from her. Julie was unsure of what just happened. She felt like she had been in some kind of trance. She shook her head to clear the fog that still lingered. “I saw you looking at Michele Royal. You didn’t heal her. Is cancer out of your ability?” he asked her.

  Julie stared at him, still trying to comprehend the turn of events. She remembered the child curled up tightly in the bed. “I can, but I need time,” Julie said, still having a hard time believing she was having this conversation with him. This is dangerous for him and me.

  “How much time do you need?” he asked her.

  “Wait!” she said, her nervousness returning. “I can’t… you can’t know… I have to leave. This is not safe,” she said, turning again for the door. He, again, blocked her way. She backed away from him, not wanting to lose her senses as she did before.

  “What do you mean, it’s not safe?” the doctor asked her.

  Julie was beside herself with fear. “You don’t understand. They’ll find me and take me back,” Julie said.

  “Who’s ‘they’? Explain to me. Let me help you,” he said, coming closer to her.

  She backed up again and found herself against the desk. “No! No! You don’t understand,” she said, feeling the tears on her face. He was there, touching her face, wiping away the tears.

  “Calm down,” he said, his voice again having a soothing effect. “No one will know anything. I promise. We will work together. I will keep you safe,” he said, his voice, again near her ear, calming her.

  “They’re dangerous,” she said, softly, closing her eyes. “They killed others who tried to help me,” she said, feeling like she was floating.

  “Trust me,” was the last thing she heard him say before she lost consciousness.

  Julie awoke, slowly. She found herself on a small couch, still inside the doctor’s office. She saw him at his desk, doing paper work. “How long was I out?” she asked, sitting up.

  He put down his pen and looked at his watch. “About twenty minutes,” he said.

  “Can you, like, not do that anymore?” she said.

  The doctor gave a small chuckle. “As long as you don’t get yourself into a frenzy, I can,” he said. He got up from his desk and walked over to the couch, before sitting down next to her. “Are you going to work with me?” he asked her.

  “Even after everything I told you, you still want me here?” Julie was surprised.

  “You told me you want to make people feel better. So do I,” he said.

  “You don’t know everything about me,” Julie cautioned.

  “I guess we are both in the same boat then,” he admitted.

  “This is bizarre,” Julie laughed.

  “Until what time are you scheduled today?” he asked.

  “Three,” she said.

  “You better get going, then. Come find me tomorrow, and we can discuss how to best help Michele,” the doctor said. Julie nodded, still digesting everything that transpired. “I look forward to working with you, Miss Miller.”

  “Julie,” she said, standing. She didn’t like being called ‘Miss Miller’.

  “Eli,” he said, indicating his first name. “See you tomorrow, Julie,” he said, walking her to the door.

  Julie took her time getting changed and going down to see Kathy. She was still trying to wrap her mind around everything that happened with Doctor Elsworth. Eli, she reminded herself. Joy was on break, she was told when she inquired.

  Down on Kathy’s floor, she knocked on her door and entered when she heard the command to do so. “Hey,” Kathy said smiling at Julie. “How did it go?” she asked.

  “I think it went okay,” Julie answered.

  “I think it went better than okay. I heard nothing but good things about you. Even the head Doc called down to make sure I didn’t let you get away,” Kathy recited. Julie smiled at the last comment. “Seems even the stuffy but single surgeon seems smitten with you,” she said, making them both laugh. “Say that three times fast,” Kathy joked. “So here is your schedule. Take a look at it; I made some adjustments,” she stated.

  Julie looked over the schedule as Kathy explained. “I have you starting later. I am only allowed to work you six hours with a break. The mornings are crazy. Most surgeries take place then, so we need you more in the afternoon. Is that okay with you?” Kathy asked.

  “That’s fine. Only six hours though?” Julie wished it could be more.

  “Hospital rules, sorry sweetie. I gave you off on Fridays and Sundays. I know you young people like to go out on Fridays,” Kathy continued.

  Julie didn’t care if she worked everyday, but didn’t want to raise questions. “Looks good,” Julie said.

  “Welcome to our rag tag little group,” Kathy said.

  “Thank you.” Julie smiled. “Where do I check in?” she asked.

  “Volunteer locations are posted daily in the locker rooms. Stop in to say ‘hi’ once in a while, or if you have any questions,” Kathy finished.

  “I will, and take care of that ulcer,” Julie reminded.

  “Git!” Kathy smiled, and pointed to the door. Julie left with a big grin on her face. She exited the building and peeked at the sky. It was no longer raining, but the clouds remained. Julie began the trek home.

  She had walked for about twenty minutes when a black sports car pulled over to the side of the road, just ahead of her. Julie took a wide berth around the car, but looked inside as the window rolled down. “You didn’t drive this morning?” Doctor Elsworth asked.

  “Last time I checked, you need a license to drive,” Julie replied. “Nice car,” she added.

  “It gets me from point A to point B,” he replied.

  “So do my feet,” she said with a smile.

  “My tires have better tread than your sneakers. Get in. I’ll give you a lift,” Eli said. A rumble of thunder shattered the calmness. The clouds looked darker than they had when she had started home.

  “You gonna tell me you control the weather too?” she kidded. He laughed and pushed open the passenger side door for her. Julie had no sooner closed the door when the rain started anew. She gave the doctor a sideways look. He just smiled and pulled back onto the roadway.

  “You are at the Inn in town, right?” he asked. Before Julie could question him, “I read your paperwork,” he informed her.

  “Ah, right. Getting to know your employees,” she said.

  “Are you going to look into getting a more permanent place?” he asked her.

  “Most likely, on my next day off,” she answered.

  “You might want to check the hospital bulletin board, located in the lobby. There are usually postings there about rentals,” he told her.

  “I’ll do that. Thanks,” she said, as they pulled up in front of the hotel. “Thanks for the ride,” Julie said.

  “Wait. Here, take this,” he said, handing her an umbrella from the back seat.

  “Thanks, but I can run through the raindrops.” She gave a teasing grin before getting out of the car. Julie made a mad dash for the awning overhang and made it with barely a drop on her. She turned and waved, before ducking inside the building.

  She made her way over to the front desk. Her first order of business was to extend her stay into next week. This way she would have time to find a place of her own. A place of my own, she marveled at the thought of that.

  “Miss Miller, how wonderful to see you again,” Anthony greeted.

  “Hello, Anthony. I would like to extend my stay here for another week,” Julie said.

  “Absolutely. We can accommodate you, no problem,” he replied.

  Julie was happy to see that he seemed a little less skittish around her today. “I’ll be down later this evening to pay the balance,” she instructed.

  “That will be fine. Is there anything else I can do for you?” he asked her.

  “No. I’m good, thanks,” Julie said, turning, heading for the
stairs.

  “Oh, Miss Miller. I almost forgot. You received a delivery today,” Anthony said, as Julie turned back around. He handed her a long thin box with a note attached that was addressed to her.

  “Thank you,” Julie said, accepting the package with a perplexed look. She put the package down on a nearby table in the lobby and detached the note, opening it carefully. A smile came to her face when she read it.

  Julie,

  I hope you had a good first day at work, and that it was everything you were looking for. I’m working for my mom until six tonight and hope to see you afterwards, if you are up to it.

  Austin.

  Julie opened the box and took out the single red rose that was inside. She sniffed the sweet smelling flower before returning it to the box to take it upstairs.

  “Secret admirer?” a voice suddenly beside her asked.

  Julie recognized him as the man from this morning. “Excuse me?” she asked, wondering why he was still lingering in the lobby.

  “Usually, when a woman receives a single rose, it’s from a secret admirer,” he commented.

  “I know exactly who this is from,” she replied, giving an annoyed look at him. “Do you just hang out in the lobby all day?” she asked him, suddenly curious as to why he seemed to be lurking.

  The man laughed. “No, I’m here on business,” the man replied, with what struck her as an eerie smile. She turned and headed up the stairs. “Somebody special?” the man asked, as she made her way up. She turned to give him what she hoped was a look that said ‘mind your own business’ and continued to her room.

  The encounter had shaken her a bit. There was something creepy about the man. Looking at the box she held helped to put the smile back on her face. “I need to buy a vase,” she said, opening the box to look at the rose again. The ice bucket caught her eye. That would make a short term vase until she could pick one up. She filled the bucket partially with water from the sink in the bathroom and gently rested the stem in it.

  Julie relaxed on her bed for a few minutes, with the day’s events playing out in her head. Her eyes kept straying back to the makeshift vase. She was looking forward to seeing Austin later that evening.

  Restless, Julie got up and retrieved the money from the safe. She counted out what she would need to pay for extended stay at the hotel. Once that was completed, she went through her duffel bag and pulled out the garments that needed washing. The hotel had provided a laundry bag that she could use to put her dirty clothes in. They could wash them for her, but it was a twenty-four hour wait. Then, an idea came to her. Julie opened the trusty phone book and found the listing for the laundromat. Thankfully, there was only one listed. Laundry bag in tow, she headed downstairs.