Read Online Human Blend by Lori Pescatore - Free Book Online Page A

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