Intensive Care: Escape to the Country (7 page)

The moment Kate stepped out the back door she knew immediately her next purchase would be some white Adirondack chairs. Although they were not typically Australian, she loved the look of them and she could already picture herself sitting on her veranda enjoying the sunset, glass of wine in hand. Wherever she looked she was surrounded by hills and valleys. She knew she would never get tired of the view.

Holding their mugs in their hands, Kate, Michael and Nathan walked down the path that led from the back door toward the overgrown veggie gardens and empty chook sheds at the bottom of the yard. A wire fence separated the farmhouse and gardens from the surrounding paddocks.

“The boundary to my property is over there behind those trees”
–
Michael and Nathan followed Kate’s pointed finger
–
“and over there it ends where you can see the next house.” Kate pointed in the opposite direction.

“How many acres did you say?” Michael asked.

“There are roughly five,” Kate replied.

“What are you going to do with the empty paddocks?” Nathan asked, still looking out across the open land behind her back fence.

“I’d love to get some sheep …”

Nathan stopped walking, turned to Kate and threw back his head and laughed. While Kate loved the sound of her brother’s laugh and had missed it, she didn’t appreciate that he was laughing
at
her!

“What’s so funny?”

“Kate, come on, be serious! You don’t know the first thing about farming. What the heck are you going to do with sheep?”

Indignantly Kate replied, “Well, I guess I’ll have to find someone to show me how. I also intend to get some chickens and fix up these garden beds so I can grow all my own vegetables.”

Nathan looked at her again, an expression of astonishment still on his face.

“Veggies? You can’t even keep a plastic indoor plant alive. How on earth are you going to grow veggies? And keeping chickens?” He snorted with delight then held his hands up in mock surrender. “This I’ve got to see!”

“Ah, love.” Michael put his arm around his daughter. “Don’t let him tease you.” Turning to Nathan he said, “C’mon son, give your sister a break.” As Michael turned and headed back toward the house, he spoke over his shoulder so both his children could hear his words. “Knowing how stubborn you are and what sort of a girl you are, Katie, I’m sure you’ll have a world-class organic veggie garden here this time next year!”

Kate turned and stuck her tongue out at Nathan, a childhood mannerism that she had never grown out of. He grabbed her head in a headlock and ran his knuckles through her hair – something he knew she hated. Attempting to straighten her mussed hair, Kate followed her father back through her house toward the front door as he pulled the keys to the truck from his pocket.

“Well love, it’s time we were headed home I reckon. This time of day there will be lots of kangaroos on the roads so I want to take it nice and easy.”

Opening the heavy door, Kate hugged her father as he stepped past her onto the veranda. “Give Mum a hug for me. I can’t wait ’til she can come out and visit me.”

Hugging his daughter warmly in return, Michael whispered in her ear, “You’ve made a brave decision and stepped out of your comfort zone. I’m proud of you, love.”

“Thanks Dad.” She turned to her brother and hugged him. “And you too, Nath. Thanks for everything you’ve done today.” She kept her arms around his middle. “When do you head back to WA?”

“Not for another week,” he answered.

“How much longer are you going to keep doing this fly-in fly-out thing?” she asked.

“As long as they keep paying me the big bucks to supervise blokes sitting in trucks digging things out of the ground, I’ll keep doing it.” Nathan grinned. “You worry too much, sis. I’m fine. And no, before you even ask, I have
not
met anyone I’m interested in yet!”

Kate stepped back and punched him on the arm, then hugged him again before letting him go. “Come visit next time you’re home, okay? I’d love you to come and stay and it would be a perfect excuse for me to create a spare room.”

“Don’t go all Martha Stewart on me now while I’m away will you?” Nathan laughed.

“Not a chance!”

“Hmm, well I might tease you but I already prefer this more relaxed version of you, Kate. I reckon the country life just might suit you.” Nathan looked at Kate seriously for a moment, clearly uncertain what to say next. When he spoke, his words were quiet and sincere, full of the love he had for his sister. “Marcus never deserved someone as special as you, sis.”

Before she could respond, Nathan pulled his sunglasses from the top of his head and placed them on the bridge of his nose and then climbed into the cab of the truck beside their father. With cries to “drive carefully,” Kate lifted her hand to wave, and before she knew it she was alone, standing on her front veranda watching as the dust from their departing tires followed them home.

She turned back inside as she heard her phone ring.

“Hello?” Kate answered breathlessly. She had rushed inside to answer the phone and she wasn’t sure whether she’d made it in time.

“Hi Kate, Belinda Grills here.”

“Belinda! Hi. Thanks for calling.”

“So are you all moved in then?”

“I just finished unpacking the last of the boxes. All I need to do now is unpack the linen, make up my bed and climb into it!” Kate chuckled as she sank back into her couch, rubbing her hand over the soft fabric. “I’m sure I could sleep for a week. So much has happened in such a short amount of time.”

“That’s actually why I’m calling, Kate. I know you’re not due to start for another week but we are really desperate for you to start straight away. I’d love you to start tomorrow actually. What do you think?” Kate could hear the hesitancy in Belinda’s voice.

“Um,” she faltered, sitting more upright and wetting her lips, hoping Belinda would understand her reluctance. “Belinda, I’m really not ready yet. I haven’t even been to the supermarket or found my way around town. I was hoping to catch my breath first. Could I start on Monday instead?” Kate figured a few more days should be enough time to get settled but a sense of guilt was causing a tightness in her muscles as she waited for Belinda’s reply.

“Sure, Kate. That’s fine.” There was total understanding and acceptance in Belinda’s voice. “Come up to my office first thing on Monday morning and I’ll take you up to the unit and introduce you to everyone and give you a quick tour of the hospital. We might rush through some of the orientation program so we can get you started in the unit on Tuesday.”

Kate was familiar with orientation programs that lasted two to three days followed by a week of working as a supernumerary staff member, but clearly this wasn’t going to be a luxury she would be afforded.

“I’ll come in and find you at seven o’clock on Monday morning then.”

“That’s too early. Make it closer to nine. And bring coffee!”

Kate decided at that moment she and Belinda could get along very well.

“Absolutely! I’ve already found somewhere that makes awesome coffee.”

“Ah, I take it you’ve found the Bean Counter. I told you Kate, you might think you’ve arrived in a little backwater town in the middle of nowhere, but let me assure you, there’s plenty of culture here in Birrangulla. Lots of people just like you have made the move from Sydney and as you know, city people like good food and good coffee. We have both here. Plus great art galleries and excellent theater.”

“I must admit, I was pretty surprised to find such a great coffee place.”

“I take it you’ve also met the town’s best barista?”

“You mean Joel?”

“Yes. Isn’t he gorgeous?”

“Um. Yes. He seems like a lovely guy.” She felt herself blushing.

“You could say that again!” Belinda laughed. “He’s also the town’s most eligible bachelor – unfortunately he’s not looking for anyone to share his life with at the moment. Such a shame – he’s perfect husband material.” Belinda giggled like a schoolgirl. “Here I am, probably fifteen years older than him, and happily married, and I still swoon at that accent.”

Kate wasn’t sure how to reply so she chose not to answer, silently wondering if Melissa
had
said something to Belinda about her broken relationship with Marcus.

“Anyway Kate, enjoy the next couple of days looking around and getting settled in and I’ll see you Monday. Of course if you need me before then, don’t hesitate to call. You’ve got my number haven’t you?”

“I do. Yes. Thanks Belinda. And thanks for calling. I really appreciate it.”

The following Monday came around quickly and Kate pulled on a pair of brand new scrubs. She had tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep with nervousness. Her usual confidence seemed to have evaporated after Marcus had cheated on her and she found herself over-analyzing everything. All night she had mentally carried out conversations with her new staff members in her head and she knew that if she didn’t stop soon, she was going to give herself an ulcer with worry. She knew that first impressions always counted and she wanted to make a great first impression on the staff in the unit. For the first time in many years, she actually felt anxious about going to work.

Dragging her fingers through her thick blonde mane, she scraped it up and pulled the elastic band from her wrist, drawing it across her hand and around her hair in a fluid, well-practiced move.

Matilda rubbed her body up against Kate and her tail wrapped itself around her legs.

“Well, Till. This is it. Wish me luck!”

The cat looked up at her and meowed, and Kate laughed at herself for expecting a reply. She bent down and stroked Matilda’s smooth coat before straightening up, grabbing her handbag and heading out the door to her car.

On the way to the hospital she swung past the Bean Counter and felt a twinge of disappointment when Joel wasn’t behind the register. She had been to the café for coffee every day since arriving in town and Joel had served her each time. She tried to convince herself it was just her daily dose of caffeine that she was craving, but even she had to admit, she always looked forward to their conversations. He was probably friendly toward everyone, but she liked to think he had a special smile just for her whenever she came in. In her mind, she was starting to think he might become a real friend.

Today a young woman in her early twenties was standing behind the coffee machine. Even without a stick of makeup she was as pretty as any magazine cover model, and had a figure that Kate would have killed for at that age. Her long blonde hair was tied in a loose braid that hung almost to her waist. It looked natural, with no sign that she was wearing hair extensions or that it had been colored. Kate could see that the coffee she was making was going to be every bit as good as the ones Joel made, but her demeanor lacked the vibrancy that Joel’s personality exuded as he served his customers. Kate wondered who she was, but there was no time to dwell on it. She had a new job to start.

The morning passed quickly as Kate filled in the required paperwork with Belinda and went through a brief orientation program. She felt completely unprepared but Belinda assured her she was only a phone call away at all times. After lunch the two women headed to the unit to meet with the staff.

Even after all the years of working in ICU, the same familiar thrill began to rise within her as she waited in front of the closed doors. Pausing to flash her new swipe card on the security pad under the sign that read “Intensive Care Unit,” Kate waited for the small beep that indicated the doors were now unlocked, giving her access.

She often wondered if the way she was feeling was the same sensation actors experienced as they waited in the wings for the noise of the audience to quieten down just before the curtains began to rise and they stepped onto the stage. Unlike an actor though, it didn’t matter whether she knew the script and had memorized all her lines; she never really knew what was going to happen once the doors were opened.

The staff on the morning shift had been asked to stay back, and those coming on for the afternoon shift had arrived early to meet Kate. Once everyone was seated around the large table in the tea room the introductions began.

“Steph.”

“Amanda.”

“Greg.”

“Laura.”

“Mitch.”

The rapid-fire introduction of names had her head spinning and she lost track of who was who after the first few people had offered their names. Most were seated around the long table beside Belinda and Kate, and one girl was perched on the arm of the couch. The two guys stood, their backs leaning against the lockers that lined one wall of the room. Each person said their name quickly and smiled politely, yet Kate didn’t get a sense that anyone was being overly friendly or welcoming.

Is it just my imagination?

Her mouth was dry, making it difficult to smile. She took a deep breath and licked her lips, trying to calm her nerves.

“Don’t worry, Kate,” Belinda said, sensing Kate’s apprehension. “There won’t be a test on their names for a while!” She laughed out loud but no one joined her.

“It’s so nice to meet you all.” Kate hoped she didn’t sound like she was being insincere. She smiled and glanced around the crowd of faces, hoping that some of them would, in time, become her new friends.

The door opened and two other men walked into the room.

“Ah, great, thanks for popping in,” Belinda greeted them both. “Kate, this is Dr. Powell.” She indicated an older man with a thick mustache and unkempt hair that needed a good cut. He had tried to comb part of his hair over his bald spot but it was standing upright and the effect was of a man who had just come inside after being out in gale-force winds. His shirt was at least fifteen years out of fashion and his cargo pants and old tan-colored lace-up shoes looked strangely out of place on an ICU doctor. “Dr. Powell is one of the consultants here,” Belinda explained.

“Welcome, Kate. Looking forward to working with you.” His voice was gravelly with age.

“Nice to meet you too, Dr. Powell.” Kate used his formal title out of respect.

The younger man removed his glasses, folding them and tucking them in the pocket of his shirt before extending his hand toward Kate and introducing himself.

“Ewan. Ewan McGregor. I’m one of the Residents. Welcome to Birrangulla Base.”

His grip was firm and the brown eyes that met hers were friendly. Even his smile seemed genuine and welcoming and Kate instantly relaxed, liking him immediately. His completely shaved head and immaculate attire of dress pants and a pale blue business shirt with rolled-up sleeves were in stark contrast to the casually, almost scruffily dressed older doctor. Everything about him reminded Kate of the doctors she had worked with in the city.

“Hi Ewan. Great to meet you too. Do I detect an accent?” Kate said.

“Yes. Scottish,” he replied.

“Ah, the same as the actor.”

“He wishes,” a young male nurse commented.
What was his name? Matt? Mark?
Kate couldn’t remember.

“I think my namesake bears quite a resemblance to me, don’t you think?” Ewan struck a pose and everyone laughed at him.

Kate decided she would look forward to getting to know him better. A few more in-house jokes were made, but Kate didn’t feel free to join in the laughter. After the doctors left, Belinda spent a few more minutes introducing Kate to the rest of the staff and giving them a rundown of her nursing background.

“Is that all then, Belinda? It’s actually past time for handover.”

The woman who spoke addressed her question to Belinda and Kate’s mouth almost dropped open in surprise at the rude tone. Belinda chose to ignore it. Kate couldn’t recall her name from the round table introductions.

“Of course. Thank you, Laura.” Belinda’s reply was abrupt. “Okay everyone, thanks for staying back. Kate will be starting here first thing tomorrow morning. I know you will make her feel very welcome. Have a good shift everyone.”

Chairs were noisily pushed back without as much as a glance in Kate’s direction. Some staff left the room and headed to their patients while others grabbed bags and backpacks from lockers and headed out the door for home, their shifts ended.

As the room emptied Kate found herself mentally replaying the scene. She knew she was probably second-guessing everyone’s reaction to her, but she gave Belinda a questioning look and asked, “Did I just imagine that cold greeting or am I being overly sensitive?” She knew her fear of what they thought of her was irrational but she had a sinking feeling in her stomach that things weren’t going to go as smoothly as she had hoped.

“They’ll get used to you, Kate. Just be yourself. They’ve had a long succession of unit managers over the past two years and they don’t like change. They probably think you’ll be gone again before the three-month probation period is over. The past twelve months has brought a lot of instability to the unit with the hospital building renovations and they just need to get their feet back under them and get used to the new way of doing things. The unit has changed a lot since many of them started here – some have been here for up to twenty-five years!” Belinda stood up and Kate followed her lead. “I know you’re the right person for the job, Kate.”

With forced enthusiasm Kate said, “I hope so. Right now I feel like I’ve walked into the proverbial lion’s den.”

“Just give it time, okay? Come on, I’ll show you around a bit more then you can head home for the day ready to get started tomorrow.”

As they walked through the unit Kate tried to ignore the curious glances she imagined were being cast her way. They passed large, tidy storage rooms with equipment stacked neatly on shelves. There were specific places for the storage of the ventilators, IV pumps and spare poles, the balloon pump and the hemofilter. All these machines were lined up and covered in clear plastic bags, making them seem ghostly in appearance as they waited their turn to be used. The equipment looked new and Kate was pleased they were models she had used previously and was familiar operating. The pan room was tidy and linen skips had been emptied by staff on the previous shift. All around her was a sense of order and it was clear the staff were taking great pride in their new unit.

Belinda pressed the large green button on the wall and they waited for the double doors to slide open. Behind them the doors quietly closed and as they did, Kate took a deep breath and silently wondered what she had let herself in for.