Page 11 of Doctor Frost

When she’d first approached us, I wanted her to leave, but then watching her actually care enough to help my daughter opened something inside of me I hadn’t felt in a while. I already knew she had a compassionate side, and she already reminded me so much of my Kenzie, and that action right there had only added to it.

After all, it was me and my child, and Amelia hated me with a passion and would do anything and everything to irritate. After she told me off the other night, I figured she’d apologize and beg for my forgiveness because she is always all about please and thank you and I’m sorry, but she still hadn’t apologized. Her words that night had hit me, and they’d hit me hard. I hadn’t realized how distant I’d become with my patients, my staff and coworkers, and even with my own kids. I really didn’t know how to deal with anything anymore.

I made my way through the cafeteria line, picking up a few items and placing them on the tray, then I made my way up tothe cashier and quickly paid for them, asking for everything to be put in a bag.

I walked through the hospital, over to the emergency department, and ran right into Sawyer.

“Hey, Dalton, what’s up? Figured you’d be home by now.” He glaced at the bag I carried.

“I would be, but I had to deliver this first. Is Amelia here still?” I questioned. “She, um, she forgot this in the office, and I wanted to bring it to her before I locked the door,” I lied.

“Yep, she’s behind the desk, or at least was when I was down there.”

“Thanks, have a good night.”

Sawyer looked at me with a confused expression. “Ah, you too, Dalton.”

After returning from lunch, Amelia worked in the office for about half an hour before coming to my office and knocking on the door. When I looked up, she notified me she was planning to finish out her shift today in the emergency department if I didn’t need her for anything. It had come as a surprise. She’d been one of the most steady and loyal employees I’d had, only ever taking a shift in another department when they were overrun. Otherwise, she’d find things to do in my office.

I’d granted her permission, but only because I figured the department was slammed and Sawyer had asked her to help like he normally did. Only it was quiet.

I rounded the corner and saw her sitting typing away on the computer. I walked over and placed the bag of food on the desk beside her. Getting her dinner was the least I could do for helping with Claire.

Startled, Amelia looked up at me.

“What is that??” she questioned, glancing at the bag and back to me.

“Well, you were kind enough to help Claire this morning during your break, and it’s getting close to dinnertime. I thought you might be hungry, so I grabbed you something to eat for your last break. Just sort of payback.” I shrugged.

“I didn’t do it for you, or for compensation,” she said, letting out a huff before slamming the pen she held down on the desk.

“It’s not compensation.” I frowned.

“Then what is it? Because that is what it feels like, and you said it was payback.”

“Amelia, it was a simple thank you. One I think you should accept, and you will accept it.”

“Always so bossy,” she muttered.

Our eyes locked for a moment and then I broke away, heading back out of the emergency area, completely bugged that she’d actually think I’d try to pay her for helping.

“Dalton,” I heard from behind me and glanced over my shoulder to see Amelia following me.

“Look, just accept the food,” I said, spinning around and facing her.

She halted and looked at me. “I don’t appreciate being told what I’m going to do or not do. I helped her because I genuinely cared, and for you to think otherwise of me is just…it’s just…well, it’s not fair.”

She went to push past me, but I stopped her, grabbing her arms and holding her in front of me.

“Amelia, I thought nothing other than that. It actually shocked me.”

“It shocked you I’d want to help someone?” she questioned. “I’m in the medical field, Dalton. Helping people is what I do.”

“It shocked me because I know how you feel about me.”

She frowned as she met my eyes. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Amelia, just stop, okay? I know you can’t stand me. I don’t need that to be written for me to understand it. I see the way you look at me, the things you do to irritate me. I just think the fact that you helped her just…it was really nice is all, and honestly, in case you couldn’t tell, I needed the help. It meant a lot, she um…she doesn’t have a woman in her life to help her with these sorts of things. I do my best, but let’s be honest, there are just things a girl needs her mother for.”

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