ER: Doug and Carol Series

Story #15

Beginnings

by: Courtney

Carol hears the knock at the door and gets up from her seat on the couch to answer it. It is Saturday, two days after Christmas. It’s around noon and she’s due at the hospital at 1pm. Opening the door, she sees John Carter standing on the front porch. “Carter,” she says, surprised. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, hi Carol. Sorry to drop by unannounced. I told Charlie I would drop this stuff off to her,” he holds up a stack of books and catalogs he is carrying under one arm.

“Come on in,” she steps back and allows him to enter. “Charlie’s upstairs, let me go get her,” she motions for Carter to have a seat in the living room while she goes to get Charlie. Carol goes upstairs and knocks on Charlie’s door.

“Come in,” she calls from inside.

Carol opens the door and peeks her head in. Charlie is sitting on the bed, looking at a magazine. She hasn’t been anywhere that day and when Carol had asked her that morning she had said she planned to stay home. She is wearing a pair of gray sweat pants and an old T-shirt she most likely borrowed from Doug. Her hair is pulled up into a ponytail. “Um, you have a visitor,” Carol tells her.

“Who?” Charlie wants to know, looking curiously at Carol.

“Carter. He said he told you he’d bring some books by for you? Anyway, he’s got them and he’s waiting downstairs for you.”

Charlie starts to get up, then catches a glimpse of her appearance in the mirror across the room. “I can’t go down there like this!” she hisses under her breath to Carol, looking frantic.

“Why not? Carter won’t care how you’re dressed.” Carol knows the real reason: Charlie has a crush on Dr. Carter and doesn’t want him to see her in her less than perfect state.

She says, “Just tell him I’ll be down in a minute, okay?” she gives Carol a pleading look and Carol nods and smiles. She is laughing to herself as she walks back downstairs.

“She’s on her way down, Carter,” she says as she reenters the living room and sits in the chair across from him. He nods. “So, what is all of this stuff, anyway?” she asks, motioning to the stack of paper that he has in his lap.

“Oh, it’s some college catalogs, career planners, stuff like that. Charlie and I got to talking a few days ago and she mentioned how she was unsure what she wanted to do with her life. So, I thought this stuff might help her out a little.”

“Well, that’s very thoughtful of you. I’m sure she will appreciate it.” She smiles at him. “Do you work today?”

“No, I’m off. You must be on your way in soon?” he notes her attire.

“Yeah, I’m on at one o’clock. Doug’s already there. I better run, actually,” she gets up. “Tell Charlie I said good-bye and to call the hospital if she needs anything, okay?”

“Sure,” he nods.

“Help yourself to something to eat or drink while you wait. She shouldn’t be too much longer,” Carol hides a smile.

“I’m fine, thanks. I don’t mind waiting. I don’t have any other plans today,” he says.

“Okay, well, I’ll see you later then.” Carter bids her farewell and she turns towards the door. He hears the door close behind him and sits alone in the room for a few more minutes. Finally, Charlie comes in.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she says. She is now dressed in a pair of jeans and a blue jean shirt she received for Christmas. The sapphire pendent Doug gave her for Christmas hangs around her neck.

“That’s no problem,” Carter says, smiling. “I brought all that stuff I was telling you about the other day,” he raises the papers and a few slip from his grasp. “Oops,” he bends down to gather the lost articles and Charlie bends down at the same time to help him. As she does, they bump heads. “Oh, sorry,” he says.

“No, it was my fault,” she says, smiling yet blushing with embarrassment.

“No, you were just trying to help. I think it’s pretty obvious who the clutz is in this room,” he grins and laughs at himself.

Once the papers have been collected, they sit down on the couch and spread the things on the coffee table. John points out a few things that he thinks Charlie will be really helped by. They spend quite a while going through the catalogs and books and pamphlets. Before they know it, it is after three o’clock.

“Jeez, I had no idea we’d been looking at this stuff so long,” he says, noticing the time on his watch.

“Yeah, it has been a while. Do you have to be somewhere soon?” she tries to sound nonchalant but she is really hoping his answer will be no.

“Not really. I just haven’t had lunch so I should go eat something. How about I take you to lunch?” he asks.

“Okay, sure,” she replies with a smile.

“Great, come on,” he stands up and takes her hand to help her up from her spot on the couch. They go into the front hall and Charlie grabs her coat from the closet. “Here, let me help you with that,” Carter says and holds the coat out for her. She slips into the coat, thanking him. Carter puts his own coat on and they leave, locking the doors behind them.

Once they are on the porch, Carter turns to her and says, “Maybe you should call Doug or Carol and let them know where you’re going.”

“No, that’s okay. I’ll call them once we get there.”

“You sure? I don’t want you to get into any trouble . . .”

“It’s fine, really. As long as I let them know where I’ll be,” she isn’t happy that Carter still sees her as a kid enough that he remembers to tell her to check in with her “parents”. Still, at least he invited her to lunch.

They decide to eat at a local burger place and both order a hamburger and French fries and a vanilla milkshake. “You like vanilla better than chocolate?” Carter asks her as the waitress leaves to get their order.

“Yeah,” she says, wondering why he is asking.

“Me too. It’s just, you know, most people always get chocolate. Weird we both prefer vanilla, huh?” he grins.

“Yeah, weird,” Charlie smiles back.

Later, back at the house, Charlie and Carter are just arriving. “Thank you for lunch,” she says. “I had a nice time.”

“Yeah,” he says as they enter, “it was fun. We always seem to have fun hanging out together.” She nods and smiles.

“Well, thanks for bringing all of this stuff by. I really appreciate it.” She begins to gather the stuff on the coffee table together.

“Oh, you can keep it for a while if you want to,” he tells her.

“Okay, thanks,” she says.

“So, have you given it anymore thought? The future I mean,” he asks.

“A little. I think I might take another art class next quarter. I have really enjoyed that. And Doug wants me to volunteer at the hospital so I might start doing that next week.”

“Great, I guess I’ll be seeing you around then,” Carter says. “I really should be going,” he looks at his watch. “I have to be at work at five in the morning. I need to go get some sleep.”

Charlie nods and walks him out to the porch. “Well, this was fun,” Carter says as they stand on the porch. “Hey, if you decide to volunteer at the hospital, we can have lunch sometime.” Charlie smiles and nods at this idea. “You know Maggie Doyle, right? We usually eat together so you’ll have to join us sometime.”

Charlie still nods but doesn’t like this response. “Okay, well, I’ll see you next week if not before. Thanks again for the stuff. I’ll get it back to you soon.”

“No rush, take your time. See you around,” he waves and heads for his car, then drives away. Charlie returns to the house.

Carol enters the lounge at ten minutes till one that afternoon. Doug is on his break, sipping a cup of coffee. He looks up and smiles as she enters. “Well, hello there,” he says, getting up to meet her halfway across the room.

“Hi, how have you been? Has it been busy today so far?” she asks as he puts his arms around her and pulls her closer.

“Not especially,” he leans down to press his lips to hers. She responds and they are locked in a pretty hot kiss when Mark enters the lounge. Neither of them notice him at first. Mark clears his throat loudly and both Doug and Carol spin around to face him.

“Oh, hi,” Doug says sheepishly when he sees they have company.

“You two seem to be happy to see one another today,” Mark says with a grin.

“Always,” Doug says and kisses Carol one more time.

“Well,” Mark says, grabbing a cup of coffee, “I’ll leave you two alone then. Just don’t break any hospital policies in here,” he grins and turns to leave.

“Yeah, we won’t,” Doug laughs as he leaves. He turns to Carol. “I still have a few more minutes on my break,” he tells her. He takes her hand and leads her to the couch. He sits down and Carol sits beside him, his arm wrapped tightly around her shoulder. Doug closes his eyes, “I wish we could stay in here all day,” he tells her, pulling her closer to him.

“Yeah, me too,” Carol sighs. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, I called Dr. Mitchell and made an appointment today. Is next Tuesday good for you?” Dr. Maureen Mitchell is Carol’s OB/GYN and she is due for her second exam. Doug wasn’t able to accompany her to the first exam but he was very adamant that he wanted to be there with her whenever he could from now on.

“Yeah, fine, if you want me there. I want to be there with you, but only if that’s what you want.”

“Of course it is.” She snuggles closer to him and looks up into his eyes. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have by my side,” he leans down and kisses her gently. She smiles.

Changing the subject, Carol says, “Guess who stopped by just before I left for work?” Doug shrugs and gives her a look that says ‘Who?’ “The illustrious Dr. Carter,” she grins.

“I’m guessing this visitor was there to see Charlie?”

“Yep. He brought her some books on career planning and goals and stuff. He really is very sweet. I just hope she doesn’t get hurt by all of this. She seems to have a major crush on him and I know Carter. He’s only interested in her as a friend, but he’s too nice to come right out and say anything like that.”

“She’s tough, she’ll be alright,” Doug says. “I talked to Kerry and Mark today and they said Charlie could start volunteering as soon as she’s ready. Mark even said she could work down here in the ER sometimes.”

“That’s great. I hate that she stays by herself at home all of the time while we work. Maybe this will help to keep her out of trouble, too.”

“Keep your fingers crossed on that one,” Doug smiles. “Well,” he glances at his watch, “we have to get to work Miss Hathaway.” He gets up and extends his hand to Carol. She takes it and he helps her to her feet.

“You’d better get used to that, helping me up I mean. When I’m the size of a beached whale in a few months I’ll never be able to get off the couch by myself,” she rolls her eyes and smirks.

“You’ll be gorgeous and I will be at your beckon call.” He kisses her then puts his arm around her shoulder and leads her from the lounge.

On Monday morning, the sun rises at 6:32am. Charlie is already out of bed and in the shower when this event occurs. By seven, she is downstairs eating breakfast. “Let’s get move on, ladies,” Doug says as he enters the kitchen. “We don’t want Charlie to be late for her first day of work.”

“What are they going to do? Dock my pay?” she smirks.

“Very funny,” Doug smirks back. “I know this isn’t exactly the way you planned to spend your free time but I think this will be a good experience. Besides, you’ll get to be around me even more,” he gives her that ‘Doug Ross’ smile and she rolls her eyes and smiles back.

“A dream come true,” she mutters as he goes to get himself some coffee.

“I heard that,” he says from behind her.

“Alright, you two, cut it out. We really are going to be late,” Carol says as she gathers her keys and purse from the counter top. “Charlie is supposed to report to Kerry Weaver at 7:30am this morning.”

Doug nods and they all leave the kitchen and go to the closet to grab their coats. They all leave together and arrive at the hospital just before 7:30. Charlie goes off to find Kerry Weaver and Doug and Carol go sit in the lounge since neither of them in on until 8 o’clock. They sit and talk to Mark for a few minutes, then he has to leave and their conversation turns to tomorrow’s doctors appointment.

“What time are we supposed to be at Dr. Mitchell’s office again?” Doug asks.

“Eleven o’clock tomorrow morning. You aren’t on till 2pm and I’m off so that should work out fine,” Carol tells him.

“You nervous?” he asks, picking up from the way she’s acting that she is.

“A little,” Carol admits.

“What is there to be nervous about?” he inquires.

She shrugs, “I don’t know. I guess I’m just a little worried. I’ve been thinking a lot lately . . . what if something is wrong with the baby?”

“Why would you think that?” Doug asks her.

“Well, I don’t know, there could be some lasting effects from the abortion. I know it’s unlikely, but it’s not entirely impossible either,” she looks up at him and her eyes are filled with worry.

He squeezes her close to him. “Don’t worry. That was eleven years ago. If there was anything to worry about, it would have come up before now.” Carol still looks concerned. “Just mention it to Dr. Mitchell tomorrow. She’ll understand your concerns and she’ll be able to put your mind at ease about everything.” Carol nods and gives Doug a small smile. They spend the remainder of their time in silence, enjoying one another’s company.

Charlie’s first day as a volunteer in the ER goes pretty smooth. She is basically led around all day by Dr. Weaver and Dr. Greene, being shown this and that. Kerry is very excited to have someone to teach and she spends all of her free time with Charlie.

“So,” Doug asks Charlie that day in the cafeteria as the two of them, along with Carol, have lunch together, “how has your first day been going? Do you like it so far?”

“Yeah, it’s okay. Dr. Weaver seems nice.”

Doug smiles, “Really? I don’t hear her described that way too much.”

Carol socks him in the arm. “Don’t listen to him. Kerry is very nice. She just has too much dirt on Doug from their days as residents together so he’s always a little weary of her,” she grins.

Charlie smiles, “I’m glad you talked me into this, actually. It’s been pretty fun.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Does this mean you’ll be back?” Doug inquires.

“Yeah, Kerry says I can come in everyday after school if I want,” she replies.

“Great, as long as you keep up your grades,” he adds.

She nods and smirks. “I should’ve seen that coming.”

They continue their lunch. They talk about the hospital and Charlie’s new position there. Carol tells her about some things she will need to know while working in the ER and Doug tries to give her a few pointers as well. They seem to be very talkative today because of the new common ground they all find themselves sharing.

At 10:55am on Tuesday morning, Carol and Doug walk hand in hand into Dr. Maureen Mitchell’s office. Carol gives her name to the receptionist, Cheryl, and she asks them to have a seat for just a moment. A few minutes later, Cheryl announces that Dr. Mitchell will see them now. They get up and walk through the door to the left of the reception area. Entering one of the three exam room, they find Dr. Mitchell. She smiles at them and ushers them in. “You must be Dr. Ross,” she says to Doug, extending her hand.

“Doug, please,” he tells her. She smiles.

“It’s so good to meet you. Have a seat,” she points to two chairs in the far corner of the room. Doug and Carol sit, still clutching one another’s hands. “So, you had something you wanted to talk to me about before we get started?” she asks Carol.

“Yes,” she looks nervously at Doug then back to the doctor. “Um, I was a little concerned. You see, I had an abortion a long time ago and I was worried that there might be some effect on this baby because of it.”

The doctor nods and says, “I can understand your concerns, but, how long ago was the abortion?”

“Eleven years,” Carol tells her.

“Well, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. We’ll know more soon, but I don’t see any reason to think your child will be in less than perfect health.” Carol sighs with relief at this and Doug squeezes her hand in reassurance. She smiles at him.

“So, Doug,” the doctor turns to him, “you’re excited about this baby?” she asks.

“Well, actually I’m terrified, but I am a little excited, too, yes,” he smiles at Carol then at the doctor.

Dr. Mitchell nods, “I only ask to get a feeling of how you both feel about this pregnancy. I know from our talks before that Carol was a bit worried, and very surprised, but also happy about this baby. For Carol to have a healthy pregnancy, she will need your support as well. The father’s feelings often get brushed aside, but I think that your feelings are just as important as hers.”

Doug smiles. “I’ll be the first to admit I was shocked and scared to death when I found out Carol was pregnant, but I think Carol and I are starting to work through that. I really am happy,” Doug tells her, his expression very sincere.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Dr. Mitchell says. “Well, are we ready to begin the exam?”

Carol nods and the doctor instructs her to get into a gown then leaves the room. Carol puts on the gown and is sitting on the table when the doctor returns. The exam is short and routine. Doug holds Carol’s hand and gently strokes her arm. She feels very safe having him there and knowing he’s going to be there for her always.

“Well, everything looks normal,” Dr. Mitchell tells them once the exam is over. “There doesn’t seem to be any indication that the abortion will factor into the health of this child. Things should be just fine.” Carol and Doug both seem very relieved. “As far as I can tell, from the information you gave me about the dates of your last period, you are about six weeks along. I want you to come back for another check up in three weeks. We’ll just do another routine exam and evaluate your progress. It won’t be anything exciting, but your welcome to join her if that’s what you both want,” she tells Doug. “Now,” she turns her attention back to them both, “you can also set up another appointment for six weeks from now and we will plan to do the sonogram then. I’m sure Doug won’t want to miss that,” she smiles.

“No, I definitely won’t,” he says.

“Okay, well, everything looks very good. You don’t have anything to worry about. Just keep eating healthy and of course you know what other precautions to take: stay away from the radiology rooms at the hospital, steer clear of smokers, no alcohol or drugs that aren’t prescribed by me. I’m sure you know the routine,” she smiles at Carol who nods that she is very aware of the ‘rules’. “You can stop by the desk on the way out and Cheryl will make both of those appointments for you. I'm so glad you could come today, Doug. I think the two of you are going to make wonderful parents.” Doug and Carol smile and thank the doctor, then turn to leave.

They stop by the reception desk and have Cheryl make both of the appointments, then they leave the office. They are holding hands as they walk together down the hall. “See, I told you everything would be fine,” Doug says.

“I know. I’m so relieved,” Carol tells him.

“Me, too,” Doug admits. “I want this to work out.” Carol looks at him and smiles. She moves a bit closer to him and tightens her grip on his hand as they make their way to the parking garage.

The following day is New Year’s Eve and both Doug and Carol are working. Charlie is volunteering today, but she has been busy with some project for Kerry all day. “Hey Carol,” Haleh says, coming up beside Carol at the desk, “are you and Doug going to join us at O’Brien’s Tavern tonight?”

“I hadn’t heard about it,” Carol tells her, skimming some paperwork.

“We’re all getting together down there tonight to ring in the new year. You two should join us, it’ll be fun,” Haleh smiles.

“Uh, I don’t know. I don’t think it’d be fair for us to leave Charlie all alone.”

“Charlie can come, too. O’Brien won’t care, as long as she drinks sparkling cider for the toast.”

“I’ll talk to Doug and Charlie and let you know, okay?” Carol looks up and grins at Haleh who nods her head and gets back to work.

A few minutes later, Doug walks up and Carol relays the information that Haleh has just given her to him. “Sounds like fun, I’ll try to catch up with Charlie later and ask her what she thinks.”

Just then, Charlie walks up. “Here’s your chance,” Carol says to him. He turns to see her approaching.

“Hey guys,” she says as she nears the nurses station. She looks excited. “Have you two heard about the party tonight?”

“You mean at O’Brien’s? Yeah, we were just about to ask you the same question,” Doug says.

“Yeah, I was hoping we could all go,” she says.

“Sure. But, how’d you hear about it?” Doug wants to know.

“Oh, John told me. He’s going, too,” Charlie says nonchalantly.

Doug smiles wide and starts to make a comment but Carol nudges him before the words can escape his lips. She gives him a look and he nods, knowing she wants him to keep his mouth shut. “Well, we’ll go home and get ready right after work and we can probably be at O’Brien’s by seven,” Carol tells her.

“Great, see you guys later,” Charlie says and goes off to finish her work for the day.

That night, when they enter O’Brien’s Tavern, half of the hospital staff has already arrived. Charlie sees Carter and Maggie Doyle standing together talking and goes to join them. Doug and Carol walk over to a group of their colleagues who are laughing and talking near the bar. “Doug, Carol, I’m glad you made it!” says Lydia Woodward, who is there with her husband. Haleh has also brought her husband and Chunny and Jerry are standing there with their dates for the evening.

“Hey guys,” Carol says. “I hope we aren’t too late.”

“No, the party is just getting started,” Haleh says. “You two want a beer?” she motions to the bartender.

“No, none for me. Doug might want one though,” Carol replies. Doug takes the beer he is handed and Carol orders a ginger ale. Her friends give her a strange look but don’t ask any questions.

Doug spots Mark and Nina as they enter and goes over to greet them. “I thought you had to work?” Doug says to Mark as he approaches him.

“No, I switched with Benton a while back. He’s covering the ER tonight.”

Doug nods, “Glad you could make it.” He turns to Nina, “Hi Nina, how are you doing?”

“Pretty good Doug, how about yourself?”

“Not too bad. There’s something Carol and I wanted to discuss with you if you could maybe fit us both in together sometime next week?”

“Sure,” she says, “I’ll get back with you in a day or two about an exact time, okay?”

“Sure, that’d be great.” Carol walks over and the four of them talk for a while. The night proceeds and everyone has a great time. At midnight, they all refresh their drinks for a New Year’s toast. Carol is still drinking her ginger ale. Doug clinks his beer bottle against her glass and smiles. Then, as the clock strikes midnight, he turns to her and they share their first kiss of the new year. They can only imagine what this year has in store for them.

   Back      Forward

Created by Courtney Stovall © 1998

This page hosted by Get your own Free Homepage