ER: Doug and Carol Series

Story #7

The Warmth of Winter

by: Courtney

Doug sits in the living room, sipping his coffee, and waiting for Charlie. Peter Benton wants her to come in for a follow-up exam today. He has promised to bring her in at noon. It is now 11:30am. As he waits, Charlie is in her room getting dressed.

‘Her room,’ Doug thinks. That seems so strange. But that’s what it is now, her room. It has only been a few hours since their discussion on his couch regarding her future. It had surprised him how easily he had approached the topic of Charlie staying with him. Now, as he waits for her to get ready, his thoughts turn back to his decision. ‘Maybe this will be good, for both of us,’ he thinks.

Just then, Charlie appears. She is wearing the jeans and one of the shirts that Carol had bought for her the day before. Doug smiles at her. “Ready?” he asks.

“Yeah.” She has a new look about her now. If he didn’t know better, Doug would call it almost optimistic. He grabs his coat and hands her hers as they walk out and head for the elevator.

They enter the garage and get into Doug’s car, then head out down the familiar path to Cook County General. Doug has traveled this distance what seems like a million times. Today, though, something is different. As the new fallen snow begins to accumulate along the Chicago streets that surround them, Doug feels a strange new warmth on this wintry day. He is beginning to find a fast comfort in his recent, life-altering decision.

Charlie looks out the car window as they make their way to the hospital. The closer they get, the more rundown the neighborhoods become. She thinks about her life up until now. She has spent a lot of time on these streets.

Doug pulls into his space in the hospital’s employee parking garage. He cuts the engine and glances over at his passenger. Noticing her reflective mood, he asks, “You okay?”

“Uh, yeah, fine.” She says absently, snapping back to reality. She opens the door, stepping out of the car. A brief look of concern crosses his face, but he decides to let it go. She has had an eventful day, she’s probably pretty confused about everything right about now. He gets up from the car and follows Charlie, who is already making her way to the elevators.

Mark is standing at the front desk as Doug and Charlie step off of the elevator. “Hi,” Dr. Greene says as he sees his friend.

“Hey, Mark. You remember Charlie, right?” Doug nods towards his companion.

“Sure,” Mark smiles at the girl. “How are you doing?”

“Fine,” she replies. She glances uncomfortably around the ER.

“She’s here to see Benton. Is he around?”

“Um, Haleh,” he directs his question towards the nurse as she walks by, “you seen Benton?” Mark inquires.

“He’s in surgery with Dr. Hicks. They went up about 20 minutes ago. They’ll probably be a few more hours, at least.” Haleh smiles at Doug and Charlie as she sees them standing behind Mark, then turns back to her work.

“Why is she seeing Benton, anyway?” Mark asks, unsure why Charlie would need to see the ER’s surgical resident. He was under the impression that her injuries would not require any surgery.

“Oh, Benton was on call Halloween night when I brought her in,” Doug explains. “I think he was covering a shift for someone. You know how he’s been lately, seems like he’s always switching shifts to spend time with Carla and the baby.” Mark nods.

“How about Carter? Is he here? Maybe he could examine Charlie so we don’t have to come back. I’m sure Peter wouldn’t mind.” Mark is curious as to why Doug doesn’t want him to do the exam, but he nods anyway and goes off to retrieve Dr. Carter.

A few minutes later, Doug and Mark enter the lounge, having left Charlie and Carter in exam two. Doug would have asked Mark to conduct the routine exam on Charlie, but he needs to talk to his friend and it will go better if Charlie isn’t around.

“There was something I wanted to tell you, that’s why I asked Carter to look at Charlie. Something really big has happened.”

Mark looks curiously at his friend. It seems like all of Doug’s news is really big lately. He doesn’t even seem like the same person he was just a year ago. And, in many ways, he isn’t that man anymore. Mark says, “Well, what is it?”

“I . . . This morning . . . ,” Doug can’t find a way to begin.

“Just say it, Doug.”

“I told Charlie that she could stay with me.” Once the words are out, Doug looks expectantly to Mark for his reaction.

“For how long?” Mark asks, still not quite sure he fully understands the situation.

“I don’t know, indefinitely. I just couldn’t bear the thought of sending her back to that foster home. Not now, not after all she’s told me before about those places,” Doug’s words are sincere, but Mark is still cautious.

“How do you know she’s telling the truth?” Mark’s words aren’t harsh, exactly. They are just straight forward. He is only looking out for Doug’s best interest.

Doug looks at Mark a moment, then speaks. “I believe her. She’s a good kid, Mark. She’s just . . . misunderstood. I think she just needs to know someone is there for her, that somebody cares. And . . . I do.”

Mark shrugs. “I’m not trying to pry here. I just think this is kind of sudden. I mean, you hardly even know her.”

Doug sits down by the window and glances out. Mark stares at him from the couch. “I think I know her pretty well, actually.” There is a sadness in Doug’s tone. He doesn’t turn from the window as he speaks. He seems to be thinking about another time, completely oblivious to the conversation he was just having with Mark.

“Doug? You still with me?” Mark has been trying to get Doug’s attention. He’s been sitting there staring out the window for quite a while.

“I’m sorry,” Doug says as he realizes he’s been daydreaming. “What were you saying?”

“I said, what does Carol think of all of this? She must have an opinion.”

Doug looks sheepishly away. “Carol and I haven’t exactly discussed it yet.”

“You can’t be serious. You’re going to go through with something this big without even talking to her? Do you really think that’s such a good idea?”

“Of course not. We’ll talk. It’s just, well, she had to work last night and she’s still sleeping so I didn’t call her yet. I will though.”

“You need to, and soon. Carol is a big part of your life, and therefore a big part of the lives of those around you. Do she and Charlie get along okay?”

“Yeah, they seem okay. Carol really likes Charlie. I think Charlie is just a little weary of new people. It takes a long time to earn her trust.”

“Hmm, well, I hope things work out. Have you talked to someone about this yet? About her moving in, I mean.”

“No, it’s just been a few hours since we discussed it. I’m going to call her social worker tomorrow. Hopefully, there won’t be too much of a problem.”

“I hope not. I really don’t know what the procedure is. I know anything that involves the government is complex, though. Be prepared,” Mark warns.

“Oh, I will. Thanks.” Doug replies from his perch on the window sill.

“So, what made you decide to do this?” Mark asks.

“What do you mean?” Doug asks, turning around to look Mark’s way.

“Well, it’s just that this isn’t exactly typical Doug Ross behavior. Going out looking for responsibilities hasn’t exactly been a trait for you. What changed?”

Doug thinks about his friend’s question for a moment. He looks back towards the snowy landscape and smiles. “It just felt right. I just knew we needed each other. Charlie and I are a lot alike. I saw a lot of her in me and I didn’t want to see her screw things up for herself the way that I did. She deserves better than that. I think that Carol and I can give her something she’s been missing: a family.” With these last words, he looks back to Mark, who seems stunned by his friend’s speech. His look says, ‘Who are you and what have you done with Doug Ross?’ Doug grins and says, “I’m getting old, Mark. Age has made me sentimental.”

Mark smiles, “I don’t know if I even know you anymore. But, I’m happy for you, buddy. I hope this thing with Charlie works out for the best.” Doug smiles and nods. ‘Me, too,’ he thinks.

Just then, John Carter enters the lounge. He holds the door for Charlie. She walks in and stands by the counter. “What’s the verdict, Dr. Carter?” Doug asks as they enter.

“She’s doing just fine,” Carter replies. “Her injuries are healing nicely and I think that infection Dr. Benton was afraid of is clearing up. Just finish out the antibiotics and things should be fine.” He turns to Charlie, “Take it easy on those ribs for a while. They need to heal. And the cast on your arm will have to be on for about six more weeks.” Charlie nods.

“Thanks, Carter,” Doug says.

“Anytime. Well, I’ll see you later,” he says to Doug and Mark. “Bye Charlie.” He gives his patient a quick wink and a smile before he goes.

She smiles and says good-bye as Carter turns to leave. Doug looks at his watch. It’s after one o’clock. “It’s past lunchtime,” he says. “Are you hungry?” Charlie says that she is. “Would you like to join us for lunch?” he asks Mark.

“No, thanks, I’m meeting Nina in an hour. Maybe some other time, though.”

Doug smiles and nods, “Yeah, sure.” He turns to Charlie. “How about we stop and see if Carol is up yet?”

Charlie shrugs, “Alright.” She isn’t very enthusiastic.

“We’ll see you later. Thanks, Mark.”

“Sure, anytime. Are you coming in tomorrow?”

“Oh, yeah. I’ll be here at noon. You on tomorrow?”

“Yep. I’ll see you then.” They all say good-bye and leave the lounge. They wave to the nurses as they head for the elevators.

Back in the parking garage, Doug and Charlie get into his car and head to Carol’s house. “So,” Doug begins, “you don’t mind if we stop by Carol’s do you?”

“No,” Charlie doesn’t turn from the window as she speaks.

“Is there some reason you don’t like Carol?” he asks, turning towards her. She refuses to turn around, so he must turn back to the road ahead.

“It’s not that I don’t like her,” she says.

“Well, what is it then?”

“I just don’t know her, that’s all. I mean, you just expect me to run up and hug her or something?” The familiar Charlie attitude rears it’s ugly head with these words.

Doug shakes his head, still facing the road. “No, I would just like it if you could make an effort. She’s part of my life, you know. If you stay with me, she’ll be part of yours, too. Keep that in mind.” Charlie doesn’t respond. She remains silent for the rest of the ride.

As they pull up in front of Carol’s house, Doug opens his door. He looks back into the car and sees that Charlie has made no move to get out of the car. “Are you coming?” he asks.

Without a word, she opens her door and gets out. They walk together in silence to the front door. Doug knocks and no one appears. He opens the door, stepping inside. “Carol?” he calls into the quiet house. There is no response. He turns to Charlie. “Come on in. She’s probably still sleeping.”

“Maybe we should leave, then.”

Doug ignores this comment and closes the door behind him. “Wait down here. I’ll go see if she’s upstairs. Why don’t you watch some television or something? I’ll be right back.” He turns and mounts the stairs.

Carol’s door is partially opened when he approaches. He can see her sleeping soundly on the bed. He hates to wake her up, but he knows they need to talk. Stepping inside the door, he quietly closes it behind him. He walks over to the bed and kneels down beside her. His lips lightly graze hers in a tender kiss. Carol’s eyes open slightly. She smiles at the sight of Doug. He quickly kisses her again, this time with much more passion.

“Hi there. Sorry to wake you, but we need to talk.” Doug sits on the edge of the bed as Carol rubs her eyes, trying to awake.

“What’s so urgent?” she asks as she squints at the afternoon light coming into the room.

“How would you feel if Charlie came to live with me on a permanent basis?”

“What? When did you decide this?” Carol is a little surprised by this. She knew Doug would think about this, but for him to suggest it to her after only a few days was unlike him.

“Charlie and I talked about it this morning and I think I’d like for her to move in with me.”

“This is pretty sudden, don’t you think?” Carol looks perplexed by Doug’s dramatic announcement.

“Yeah, I guess it is. But, I think this is the right thing. I think I need to do this.”

“For her or for yourself?” Carol knows Doug very well.

“For both of us. What do you think?” He watches her cautiously as she pulls herself up in the bed. Leaning against the headboard, she looks to Doug.

“I think if this is really something you want and if Charlie wants this, then I don’t have a problem with it. I just hope you know how much this will change things.”

Doug nods. “I know.”

“I’m not so sure you do. The teenaged years are a rough time, Doug. Girls Charlie’s age have a pretty tough time with growing up sometimes. I just want you to understand that and prepare yourself before you dive in head first.” Carol looks matter-of-factly to him and meets his eyes. “I’m not trying to change your mind, Doug. I just don’t want this to turn out badly for you,” she smiles softly, adding, “or for Charlie.”

“I understand.” He takes Carol’s hand into his. “I know this isn’t going to be easy. That’s why I need to know how you feel about it. I don’t think I can do it without your support. I need you.” His eyes fix on hers and she kisses him gently.

“I’ll do anything I can to help.”

He grins at Carol. His hand softly caresses her cheek. “I am so lucky.” They kiss again, this time for much longer. After a moment, Doug breaks away. “I’d love to spend all day up here with you on this bed, but Charlie’s downstairs. Would you like to get dressed and grab some lunch with us?”

Carol nods and begins to get out of bed. “Sure,” she replies. “Give me about fifteen minutes, okay?”

“No problem. I’ll go wait with Charlie in the living room.” He smiles at her again as she turns to enter the bathroom. He makes his way back downstairs to wait for her.

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