Chapter Text
2 AM - AUGUST 20TH
Tuesday nights at the PTMC were nothing short of slow. Almost every Tuesday night into Wednesday morning felt like walking at pace with a group of exceptionally slow snails, or at least Dr. Ellis thought so. Compared to weekend nights, or even other days of the week, Tuesday was always the slowest and least enjoyable to work, but someone had to do it. That left Doctor Parker Ellis on shift, as she was most Mondays through Wednesdays, waiting for anything more urgent than the average kitchen disaster or heart problem. And she knew, she knew it wasn’t the best to wish major harm upon someone so she could get her kicks in, but as the clock ticked further and further from two a.m., she found herself caring less and less about morals.
Having spaced out for a moment, Ellis jumped when she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. John Shen, her attending for the night, was standing by her side, trying to get her attention.
“Dr. Ellis, we have a head trauma coming in, do you want it?”
She nodded, trying to wake up fully, head injuries were no joke and the patient would need her at her best, “Yeah, I’ll take it.”
Dr. Shen nodded before walking away, Dunkin’ from 6 hours ago still securely in his hand. She wondered how he managed to never run out of the iced coffee, and how there still seemed to be ice in the drink despite its age.
That was unimportant right now though, a patient would be coming through the ambulance bay at any moment and they needed Ellis to focus, fully and completely. She stood by the ambulance bay waiting for the rig to pull in, bouncing on her heels.
A few moments later the ambulance pulled in, and with it their newest patient.
“Fourty-two year old female, head trauma, bleeding from the wound. She’s been in and out of consciousness the whole way here,” one of the EMTs started.
“Do we have a name?” Ellis asked as she started over, coming to stand beside the EMT working on the woman in the back. As she moved to stand beside the young emergency worker, her feet suddenly stalled in their tracks, her mind having to catch up to the sight in front of her.
“Cassie McKay,” the other EMT spoke.
Well shit.
3 AM
“Okay, okay, let’s get her back,” Ellis finally sprung into action, “Trauma one should be open,”
Ellis and the EMTs rushed through the doors of the Pitt, pushing the gurney towards the open trauma room. On their way they were intercepted by Handzo, the charge nurse for the night,
“What do we have here?” she asked.
“Fourty-two year old female, head laceration and fading in and out. Paramedics haven’t been able to keep her awake,” Dr. Ellis described as more people, including Abbot and another nurse, came into the room.
“Anything else?” Abbot asked, putting on a gown and gloving up.
“It’s Dr. McKay.”
The room was enveloped in a somber silence for a moment after that, the only noise being the erratic sounds of McKay’s heart monitor.
“Fuck,” Abbot murmured.
Dr. Ellis nodded, swallowing. She had just been with McKay a few hours ago, talking before the shift change, and now the other doctor was laid on the stretcher in front of her, and fuck it if Ellis wasn’t worried. McKay had a son she needed to get home to, and from Ellis had gathered, she was also vital on day-shift.
“Alright, let’s get working.”
This seemed to spring the doctors and nurses around her into action, and Ellis herself. Abbot quickly moved up towards McKay’s head, opening her eyes and using his pen light to check her pupils. Handzo moved towards the other side of her head, using a cloth to remove some of the blood from McKay’s face and see where the bleeding was originating from. The overflow of blood was almost impossible to combat though, and Ellis had to step in to put gauze to the wound. The pain from the applied pressure seemed to be waking McKay up though, as she groaned and proceeded to curse when Ellis applied a little more pressure on the second go-around.
Ellis sighed in relief at McKay’s improved cognitive state, changing out the gauze on her head once more, she began to form the questions she would have to ask. Cognitive testing was not Ellis’ favorite thing, nights had messed up her internal clock and made it difficult to answer what day it was when asking the patients the same question, but she prepared her questions and the resolve to persevere, nonetheless.
“Dr. McKay,” Abbot spoke as the woman on the stretcher began to open her eyes, “Cassie, hey, can you wake up for me?” He grabbed his penlight again and began to shine it in McKay’s eyes to force the latter to wake up fully.
McKay groaned, opening her eyes into a squint, “Where am I?”
“Back in The Pitt,” Ellis said, “You took a nasty fall at home.”
“Shit-” Cassie muttered, “What time is it?”
“It’s getting closer to four as we speak,” Abbot returned, “Can we ask you a few questions now?”
Cassie nodded, or tried to, whincing at the pain.
“Do you know what day it is, Dr. McKay?” Ellis prompted, changing out the gauze she was holding to the patient’s head again.
“Tuesday, or Wednesday? It’s around there. Wednesday, probably,” McKay stumbled through the words, still squinting.
“Alright, good,” Ellis smiled, “Can you tell us who the president is?”
“President?” McKay laughed a bit before answering, “President is a generous title for what that man is.”
Ellis laughed, keeping pressure on the wound on McKay’s head. The bleeding was starting to slow, and her cognitive function seemed to be intact, along with her humor.
“I’m glad you’re able to answer all of the questions,” Abbot spoke, “Can you tell us how this happened?”
“I was trying to cook,” McKay winced as Ellis applied pressure with a new gauze again, “And somehow some water spilled from the pasta, and wham!”
The nurses and doctors laughed as McKay recounted her spill in the kitchen, worried but glad there was nothing more serious going on.
“Why were you cooking at one am, girl?” Ellis questioned, trying to lighten the mood.
“We were hungry,” McKay laughed, “Harrison had finally gotten to bed, with no school for the summer, I've been letting him stay up later, and after that we were still hungry.”
“We?” Ellis asked, wondering who was staying with McKay, especially when she had Harrison.
“Yeah, me and-”
“Javadi?” Abbot said suddenly.
“How did you know?” McKay questioned, her eyes squeezed shut with pain as Ellis finished securing the final dressing to her head.
“Well she’s standing outside the door to the room, for starters,” Abbot said.
“What?” Ellis said, finally looking up and seeing the medical student outside the door, arguing with Dr. Shen.
“She’s gonna kill me,” McKay mumbled.
“Wha-?” Abbot started, before being interrupted by Javadi entering the room.
“Cassie,” Javadi spoke softly, but with an undertone of exasperation? Was she scolding the older resident, Ellis wondered.
“It’s not as bad as it looks, sweetheart,” McKay mumbled, “I promise. Did you get a hold of my dad?”
Javadi nodded, eyes wide at the other residents, before moving to McKay’s side, “Of course, I wouldn’t be here if Harrison was alone.”
McKay nodded at that, her eyes still screwed shut, seemingly bothered by the light. She reached blindly for Javadi’s hand once the other girl spoke from the bedside, and quickly grasped their hands together when she found it.
“Good, he’s not old enough to be alone, and Chad’s out of town.”
“I know, you told me yesterday,” Javadi smiled, but it was tight and full of worry.
“Fuck, I did, didn’t I?”
Javadi just reassuringly squeezed McKay’s hand at that, attempting to keep the worry from overtaking her face, “Has she gotten a CT yet?”
“Not yet,” Ellis answered, “We needed to get the bleeding under control, which we have, and now we’re going to send her up.”
Javadi nodded, not taking her eyes off of McKay, “Good, she needs it.”
“I don’t need it, I’m fine,” McKay tried to argue, opening her eyes, just to be leveled by a glare from Javadi.
If looks could kill, McKay would have been dead right there. The eyes of the younger girl filled with such worry but also anger at the fact that Cassie was hurt, did the trick to convince the resident to get a CT.
“Okay, we’ll be back when it’s done, alright?” Ellis smiled, before she and Abbot left the room, letting Handzo handle the final details of getting McKay prepped for the CT.
“So,” Abbot broke the silence as they returned to the charting station, “What do you think is going on between Javadi and Mckay?”
5 AM
Abbot and Ellis discussed what they thought could be going on between McKay and Javadi as they started to chart, while Lena Handzo stayed in the room to finish up the task of prepping McKay for CT.
Handzo had worked for years at the Pitt; she'd seen plenty of workplace relationships. There was no shortage of superiors hooking up with the people who were to report to them, of doctors and nurses or residents and attendings. Something she had not seen though, or could recall, was a resident and a medical student twenty years her junior. That was something new for the charge nurse, and she wasn’t going to let this piece of hospital gossip get away.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Javadi scolded, “Making pasta at one in the morning, Cassie.”
“You said you were hungry,” the resident tried to argue, weakly.
“Yeah, for a sandwich at most. I thought you were going to grab the tub of ice cream you keep hidden!”
“Well, I was also hungry.”
“You didn’t even turn the light on in the kitchen!”
“I know my way around my own kitchen-”
“Obviously not.”
McKay sighed at that, squeezing Javadi’s hand a little tighter, “I’m okay, baby, I promise. Just some bleeding.”
Javadi just shook her head, mumbling under her breath about how much of an idiot McKay was before squeezing her hand back.
“Okay!” Handzo finally spoke, breaking whatever spell the two women were under, “You should be ready to go to CT as soon as possible, alright Dr. McKay? Before that though we’re going to move you to a regular room, alright?”
McKay nodded, turning her head to face the ceiling, “As long as you turn down the lights in that room, we’re good.”
The three women let out laughs at that before Handzo responded in the affirmative. The charge nurse then quietly left the room and gave the two others some space.
–
“They’re definitely dating,” she heard Dr. Shen say as she approached the charting station.
“She babysits Harrison sometimes though, I wouldn’t say it’s unusual for Javadi to be at McKay’s house,” Abbot argued back.
“How do you know she babysits her kid?” Beatrice Young, another nurse on shift, questioned.
“They talk about it sometimes on day-shift,” Abbot answered, shrugging, “Mateo also watches the kid, it could be nothing.”
“No they’re definitely seeing each other,” Handzo chimed in, taking a seat with her water and taking a moment to breathe, “You should see how they talk to each other, it’s like they’re married.”
“Are you sure?” “Really?” “No way.” Multiple voices spoke all at once, making it almost impossible for Handzo to differentiate between them.
“Yes, I’m sure. If you aren’t, make a bet.”
That got the rest of the charting station to quiet down, contemplativeness overtaking them. A bet, on if their co-workers were seeing each other; unethical but highly entertaining, just what Ellis needed to keep her eyes open for the rest of the shift.
“I’m in,” Ellis spoke up, “Put me down for dating, and they have been for at least a month. Five bucks.”
“That’s the spirit! Abbot?” Handzo prompted.
“Fuck it, not dating, hooking up for three months. Fifteen, I have the cash.”
“Hooking up for six months, dating for two,” Shen chimed in before taking another sip of his coffee, “I’ll put in five.”
“Dating for five months,” Young added, “put me down for twenty dollars.”
“Perfect,” Handzo said, “We will talk more after we move McKay and get her up to CT, yeah?”
The doctors and nurses nodded before disbanding to do their other tasks and take care of other patients. Thankfully the night already felt shorter due to the gambling pod, and the rising sun.
6 AM
Javadi sat in the chair in McKay’s emergency room, trying not to fall asleep. They had just taken her girlfriend up for a CT and now the younger girl had no idea what to do with herself. She and McKay were supposed to work in about an hour, but she knew McKay wasn’t going to make it in for her shift. (And, as much as she loathed to admit it, it wouldn’t be safe for her to work after not sleeping all night.) Javadi sighed, knowing she would have to talk to Dr. Robby and call out for both of them in approximately an hour.
It’s not that Javadi didn’t like Dr. Robby, she did, but he was intense and hard to read emotionally, making working for him a bit difficult at times. She and Cassie often joked that he was emotionally constipated.
Speaking of Cassie, Victoria prayed she would be okay. There was nothing scarier than laying in bed and then all of a sudden a loud bang comes from the kitchen, signalling that your girlfriend hurt herself in the stupidest way possible. Victoria wasn’t even mad at Cassie, she was just upset that she was so reckless and forgot the light. It had woken Harrison up too, which Javadi knows Cassie will beat herself up over when she feels better, but for now Javadi knew the young boy didn’t care, and was probably just worried about his mom.
She should call Neil, make sure he and Harrison are updated on the situation.
Victoria took her phone out sending a quick text off, she was intent on making sure that Mr. McKay and Harrison were up to date on Cassie’s condition, and made sure they knew they didn’t need to come to the hospital.
–
“Yes, buddy, I’m sure your mom will be better soon,” Javadi nodded on the phone as Dr. Shen walked to the door, “Of course, just make sure to rest for a bit, and I will call you as soon as possible, okay kiddo?”
Dr. Shen paused at the door, waiting for Javadi to finish her phone call, “Yes, alright,” the young woman was nodding, letting out hums of acknowledgement, “I promise, Harry. I love you, alright? Be good for Grandpa McKay.”
Javadi nodded one final time, murmuring final words of encouragement before turning to Dr. Shen, “Sorry about that, Harrison just needed someone to tell him what was happening. How is Cassie?”
Dr. Shen nodded in understanding before starting to speak, “Dr. McKay is good. We want to keep her here a bit longer, put some staples on the injury, and have Neuro fully rule out a severe concussion. But, other than that, she looks good; CT was clear, she’s more alert and awake now, and she didn’t need any nausea medicine, so the concussion is likely only mild.”
“That’s good,” Javadi smiled, “Thank you, Dr. Shen.”
“Of course, she should be back to the room shortly, and after that we will have someone come in to put in the staples and finish cleaning up the injury.”
Dr. Shen left the room after that, grabbing his coffee for a sip before finding Abbot to tell him what he overheard.
7 AM
Dr. Robby arrived last out of all of the day-shift senior residents and attendings, like normal. What was abnormal though, was the board in the security office being full of gambles, rarely did night-shift get a chance to place bets on things in the ED, so when they did his interest was piqued.
“Hey, Abbot?”
“Yeah?”
“What the fuck is on the board in the security office?”
Abbot started to laugh then, gripping his sides as laughter shook the rest of his body. Robby started to give him a look, but that just spurred on Abbot’s laughter even more.
“What are we laughing about over here,” Dr. Ellis walked over, wondering what could have Abbot in such a tizzy at seven am.
“Robby asked about the board,” Abbot breathed out, regaining control of some of his laughter.
“Ha!” Ellis barked, “Go ask Handzo and place your bets.”
“Ask her about what?” Robby called as Ellis walked away.
“Why two of your doctors can’t come in today.”
“What? Dr. Ellis, what are you saying?”
–
Santos and Whitaker clocked in about thirty minutes ago, getting ready for a long day of emergency medicine. There was very rarely a slow day at the Pitt, leaving Whitaker and Santos often exhausted, but fulfilled. They had both come to an understanding that they were both probably going to be in emergency medicine for the rest of their lives, or at least something to do with it.
Which is why when Dr. Robby called a meeting at seven am, the two of them were still fresh-faced and unaware of what was to come, the horror that was about to leave their boss’ mouth.
“And, finally,” Robby exhaled, exasperated by whatever he was about to say next, “Finally, we will be down two doctors today, so I’m going to need all of you to step up.”
“What? Who?” Santos murmured, looking over at Whitaker for reassurance that she heard that right.
“Yes, Santos?” Robby looked, rubbing his face with his hands.
“Sorry-” Santos stumbled over her words, “I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”
“You’re fine, Santos. I’m sure the rest of you are wondering who, what, when, why, and how; but frankly it isn’t our business beyond treating the patient, so…” Robinavitch sighed, trailing off, “Just take those bets down from the security office, return the money, and please, go wish Dr. McKay your best. She’s in South B.”
Murmurers rippled throughout the residents and medical students, worry and curiosity moving making themselves the most known emotion. What had happened to McKay, and why did that mean two doctors would be out?
“Wait-” Santos looked around before working up the courage to ask the crowd of remaining doctors and nurses, “Where’s Crash?”
“Who?” Nurse Evans asked, working on a chart.
“Javadi,” Santos clarified, “She’s almost always here early, before me and Dennis some days.”
“She’s with McKay. Checked on them when I showed up, Handzo filled me in,” Evans replied, pointing to South B, “They’re in there like Robby said if you want to check on your friend.”
“Was she injured too?” Santos questioned, worry etched on her features.
“No, just McKay. Something with a kitchen accident.”
“Alright,” Santos nodded, “I’ll check on them after I get some of Henderson’s patients.”
–
Javadi was passed out in the visitor’s chair by the time Santos made it to McKay’s room. The young med student was curled around herself as she slept, snoring the morning away. It was kind of adorable, Trinity had to admit. As Javadi continued to slumber, Santos moved into the room to quietly work around her sleeping form, and McKay’s. Santos could get most of the chart filled out by checking things that McKay didn’t need to be awake for, but she wouldn’t be able to finish checking on the resident without waking her up,
Santos gently placed a hand on McKay’s shoulder, shaking the woman awake with as little force possible. And while she had been as gentle as she could be, McKay was still startled when she woke up, jumping out of her skin a bit.
“What the fuck-” the older woman said, the volume of her voice a bit louder than normal, “You scared the shit out of me Santos.”
McKay’s outburst caused Javadi to stir from slumber, worry etched on her features as she regained consciousness, “Is everything okay, Cassie?” the med student mumbled.
“Yeah, don’t worry sweetheart, just Santos coming to check on me.”
“Sorry for waking you, Crash,” Santos said, “But you know the drill, check vitals every hour or more.”
“Mhm,” Javadi mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, “Don’t worry about it.”
Santos moved quickly after that, efficiently making sure that McKay’s vitals were strong and that she was able to be discharged soon.
“Everything looks good,” Santos said, “We’re just waiting for neuro to fully clear your head CT.”
“Fucking Neruology,” McKay mumbled, mostly to herself, but the statement carried throughout the room, earning a laugh from Javadi.
Santos just smiled, nodding in agreement to McKay’s statement about the snail-like pace Neurology often exhibited for patients who weren’t on death’s door.
“When do you think she can be discharged?” Javadi piped up, closer to McKay than before. The student’s hand lay on the bed, almost itching to touch the woman laid up in it.
“Soon, I promise,” Santos said, smiling.
“Good,” Javadi smiled, sending a reassuring one to McKay and a thankful one to Trinity.
McKay also seemed grateful for the diagnosis, being the one to initiate the next contact between her and Javadi before asking, “Can my son visit while I wait for discharge? He was worried sick last night.”
Santos nodded at that, “Of course, do you need me to contact anyone?”
“No, Victoria has my dad’s number.”
Javadi smiled at that, turning to look at McKay with adoration and care, “I’ll call him.”
Santos just smiled again before getting ready to leave the room, “If you need anything, just holler to the nurse’s station. Dana loves you so you should be getting VIP treatment.”
Cassie and Victoria both let out laughs at that one before bidding Santos good luck on her day. The two stayed barely touching until the resident left the room, which after, Javadi decided she was going to call Neil and have him bring Harrison. Javadi made a move to leave the beside, attempting to extract her hand from McKay’s, but the older woman did not take kindly to Javadi leaving with no warning. Cassie pulled Victoria back as she prepared to leave, pulling her into a kiss. The two leaned into one another, Victoria using the bed around her for support to balance, for a short kiss. It likely could have gone on longer, but just as they pulled away for air the first time, Santos walked back into the room.
“I forgot I was supposed to give you Zofran, to help with nausea,” Santos stood in the doorway, shock written on her face after catching her co-workers kissing, “I can come back, though-”
“No-!” Javadi shouted, alerting a few people at the nurses station and one Dr. Robby, who happened to be walking by, of her presence still in the room, “I’ll just step out, make a phone call to Neil.”
McKay smiled at that, kissing Javadi’s hand before she walked out.
Santos, never one to miss an opportunity though, quickly got on asking the question that everyone wanted to know, “How long have you been dating Crash?”
“What the fuck, Santos.”