Graveyard Shift

by Michelle Dorey

  “Thirteen? You don’t look old enough to have a teenage daughter. What’s her name?” Carmel sat back, her bony hands resting lightly on the arms of the chair. She tilted her head, interested.

  “Kelly. Kelly Marie. She’ll be in high school before long. She’s the spitting image of her father, with his jet-black hair and olive complexion.” Amanda’s heart ached knowing that at that moment Will was probably getting Kelly up and fixing her breakfast. Life went on as usual while she was stuck there working.

  “I’m sure she misses you, too. But she understands you’re doing the best you can for her. Your husband...is he...” Her voice trailed off.

  “He’s around. We’re happily married. He’s probably nagging her the umpteenth time to get out of bed.” Amanda laughed. Will wasn’t long on patience.

  “That time when they’re young doesn’t last long.” Carmel looked down at her lap. “Treasure every moment.”

  “I try to.” Amanda suddenly remembered that Carmel had pressed the call button. “What was it you needed, Carmel?”

  The old woman’s forehead lined and she shook her head. “I don’t know. We got talking and now for the life of me, I don’t know why I rang.” She jerked forward, “I know. I wanted to know about Jane. Did you hear anything? When will she be back?”

  Amanda’s eyes opened wider. She was actually showing some concern for Jane? “No news yet. But if it’s her hip it will be a while until she’s able to return to this room. She’ll likely get the room closest to the nursing station, where we can keep a closer eye on her.”

  “Oh.” Carmel looked down as she pushed herself up from the chair. “I’d better make my way to the dining room.” With a laugh, she added, “Where exactly is it by the way?”

  Amanda crooked her finger, “Follow me. I’ll show you where to go.” She held the door for the old woman and looked up the corridor. A couple of the aides and nurses working the day shift had already arrived, speaking with Linda.

  “By the way, can you ask that Dr. Stone to make some time for me today? There’s something I want to discuss with him.” Carmel walked beside her, peering at the new staff at the nurses’ station.

  “I’ll make a note of it.” Amanda paused and pointed to a door across from where the nurses were huddled. “See that door? Go through it and take the hall to the left. You’ll smell the food before you see the room at the end.”

  Carmel gripped Amanda’s arm giving it a friendly shake, “Thanks Amanda. I’ll see you tonight?”

  “Yes! Last night for me and then four days off!”

  Carmel leaned closer, “Make sure you get some rest. Eat healthy. You’re eating for two now, young woman.” She smiled and walked away.

  Amanda’s mouth fell open. What? She and Will had been trying to have another child but it was way too soon to know one way or another. She wasn’t even late in her cycle. She watched the old woman disappear through the door leading to the dining room. With any luck the old lady was right.

  But how the hell would Carmel know?

  SEVEN

  LINDA CLIMBED THE STAIRS in the house leading to the small apartment she rented. She could hear the vacuum cleaner buzzing in the unit on the first floor where the owner, a Portuguese widow of sixty-two lived. When she entered her home only silence greeted her. At one time she had considered getting a cat for company but the landlady had nixed that out of hand.

  She slipped her wool cardigan off and placed it in the closet. Next were the orthopedic sneakers. Wandering into the tiny kitchen she plugged the kettle in and took the bottle of over-the-counter sleeping meds from the cupboard. Sleeping during the day had always been a challenge although you’d think she should be used to it after so many years.

  When she sat down in the chair, she felt every one of her fifty-three years. If she got that Supervisor job, it would mean straight days and eight hour shifts not the grinding twelve hours that were slowly killing her.

  Her jaw tightened as she stared at the surface of the polished wooden table. That job would have been hers if not for Amanda Ennis. Now she’d have to compete for it. She snorted. Compete with a young woman still wet behind the ears. So what if she had experience working in an Emergency Room? That was nothing when compared to almost twenty years of clinical geriatric nursing. Amanda had no business even working at the nursing home let alone be a supervisor there.

  Looking around the miniscule kitchen she couldn’t help but wonder what Amanda was going home to. A doting husband and a loving daughter. Why did she need to get that job? She had everything a woman could ever want.

  When the kettle began to whistle she lumbered to her feet. She plopped a tea bag into a mug and splashed it with steaming water. Amanda didn’t have the sense that God gave her. She was being played by that new patient, without even knowing it.

  That new patient—Carmel. She never even batted an eye when poor Jane broke her hip. She was a first class bitch trying to take advantage of everyone. Well, she’d get her comeuppance the next time. It wouldn’t be Amanda who was going to answer the bloody call light. It would be a real nurse. That would soon end her supposed nightmares. She’d fall in line after that.

  She took her tea to the table and knocked back the two pills with a swallow, wincing. Ugh. The irony—she doled out pills all day to other people and could barely tolerate taking them herself.

  Thinking of the pills brought Dr. Stone to mind. Now there was a pill pusher if ever she saw one. Not only that, but Amanda wasn’t the only one who had caught the jerk out in medication errors. Best not to make a thing about it though. Not with him being on the promotions board.

  He was pretty chummy with the new patient too. Was she a distant relative who he was sidling up to for an inheritance? Could be. She took a sip of her tea. If Carmel was close to Stone maybe it would be wise to pull her horns back a bit.

  To hell with it. If Amanda wanted to play the fool dancing to the new client’s tune...let her. She was welcome to the old bat. It was one more piece of dirt that a skillful person could use against the young snippet. Just a casual mention in the ear of someone close to the higher-ups—the other people on the committee. Amanda was digging her own grave in that competition and she was too stupid to even realize it.

  Linda finished her tea and placed the mug in the sink. She’d get it later after she got up.

  Just one more night working with Amanda and then she’d be free of her for almost a week. The girl would be lucky to hold her job once they made Linda supervisor.

  EIGHT

  WHEN AMANDA ARRIVED HOME that morning she was surprised to see Kelly sitting at the table with Will. Her daughter was still in her pajamas, spoon poised over a bowl of cereal, looking at it like it was poison or something.

  “Hey Kelly. No school today?”

  Will answered, “She says her stomach hurts. Coincidentally, there’s a test in science today that I know she didn’t study for.”

  Kelly’s eyes narrowed, almost barking at her father, “What would you know about that? Last night you went out to the store for milk but you were gone for over an hour.”

  Amanda looked over at Will as she walked over to place her hand on Kelly’s forehead. What was up with Will being out for that long on a simple errand?

  Kelly’s skin was a little warm but not overly so. If there was a fever it was slight. She stood waiting for Will to respond Kelly’s comment.

  He looked away for a moment and then spoke, “I ran into a buddy from work. We were talking and I guess the time got away from me.” He turned to Kelly, “How would you know when I returned? Your music was pretty loud, even though you were camped out in the bathroom for half the night. You didn’t study, Kelly. I know it and so do you.”

  Amanda raised her hand signaling for quiet. “Go to your room, Kelly. If you’re sick, you should be in bed. Maybe the science teacher will give you a make-up test. We’ll worry about that tomorrow.” She could feel the beginning of a headache behind her right eye.

  Kelly r
ose and stormed out of the room, throwing a “Fine!” over her shoulder as she went.

  Amanda blew out a breath through pursed lips watching her. She went over to the fridge for some juice, casually asking, “So who did you run into? Dave? Mike?”

  Will was silent for a few beats. Finally he spoke, “It doesn’t matter, you never met the guy. We need to talk about Kelly. The school year is only a month in and she’s already dodging tests and not studying. Plus, there’s her attitude. And her new friend, this Holly Reid is a total skank.”

  “She’s still hanging out with her?” Amanda’s knuckles were ivory gripping the edge of the counter. Both Will and she had always encouraged Kelly to have her other friends over. Although they’d never forbid their daughter to hang out with Holly they had subtly suggested that Holly’s behavior in school—skipping class, arguing with teachers so that there were more than a few detentions—well, that wasn’t a good influence.

  Hints and encouragement haven’t worked. Okay then—time for direct action. Amanda sighed. “We’re going to have to do something about this, Will.”

  Will’s face was grim and he shook his head. “It’s hard to avoid the kid. She lives at the end of the block. They share the bus stop. You should have seen the get-up on Holly yesterday. I wasn’t sure if it was Holly or the Bride of Frankenstein—total Goth. Her hair was standing straight up, her eyes and lips were painted black and she had so much white foundation on she looked like one of those Japanese Kabuki dancers!” He made a sad smile. “How the hell her parents let her out of the house dressed like Halloween is beyond me.”

  Amanda nodded. “I was going to try to spend some girl-time with Kelly this weekend. I can try talking to her but maybe a united front would be better. We need to remind her of rules and consequences.” Of course, Kelly’s behavior was part age related. She looked at Will. The muscles in his jaw were tight as he calmly picked up the dirty dishes from the table. Being ill at home instead of at work was demoralizing enough for him without Kelly’s lack of respect piling on. That had to change.

  Which led her back to what had hijacked her thinking on the drive home—Carmel’s comment. “Guess what? That new patient thinks she’s some kind of psychic or something. She told me I’m pregnant, that I should eat well and get lots of rest.”

  Will turned from where he rinsed the dishes. “Really?” The word came out higher-pitched and he quickly added, “How? How could she know that? You...can this be true, Amanda?”

  She grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “It would be great if she’s right. But I’m not even late. I don’t feel any different. Not sick or tired. Not like with Kelly or...” Her head dropped and her voice drifted off, sadness enveloping her. She lost her most recent baby at eight weeks, years ago, but even after all that time she still grieved for what could have been.

  Will set the dish down and pulled her into his arms. A faint whiff of aftershave mixed with the sleepy warmth of his body as she snuggled into his chest.

  “It would be wonderful if it were true. The timing is off with me getting this chronic fatigue shit but it’s still good news...if the old lady’s right, that is.” He pulled back holding her shoulders and looking into her eyes, “It’s added incentive to get better. Not that I needed it but...but now I am really going to try harder.”

  Amanda ran a finger along Will’s cheek. “I know you’re trying. But don’t push yourself too hard. We don’t want a set-back with you ending up in bed for days. It will all work out.” Her smile dropped and her tone became serious. “Not a word of this to anyone, especially Kelly. We can’t take this to the bank. It’s just the ramblings of an old woman. A senile old woman, I might add.”

  “Right. But tell you what. I might just stop at the drug store on my walk today. Maybe pick up a pregnancy test?” He laughed and then pulled her closer again, tickling her ribs till they both were laughing.

  Amanda pulled away. This was crazy getting their hopes up on the words of an old woman. But the biological clock was ticking and if she didn’t soon get pregnant... She shook her head, “Let’s not jinx it. We can put off a test until I’m at least a few days late. We’ll know next week.”

  “Okay. You’re the boss. But I do agree with the old lady that you need to get some rest. I’ll ask Kelly to try to be quiet today.” Will stepped over and led her out of the room. The door to Kelly’s room was shut tight as they passed.

  Amanda couldn’t help but wonder how Kelly would react if in fact the old lady was right. It could further alienate her...or it might be the addition that their family needed. One thing she was certain of, she desperately wanted a second child. But could she carry this one to term unlike the other two times?

  NINE

  THAT NIGHT AT WORK, (her last for four glorious days!) Amanda tried her best to limit any interaction with Linda to only what was necessary to help the residents. So far, it was working well. She’d helped Gloria Kelp with her shower, washing the elderly woman’s hair when the arthritis flare-up in her shoulders prevented her raising her arms above her waist. Maria Cordeiro, another resident with Parkinson’s took up a good ten minutes in feeding her the bedtime snack of cheese and crackers.

  When Linda entered Maria’s room, Amanda’s neck muscles bunched. The fact that Linda just stood there for a few beats watching like a hawk added fuel to the flame in Amanda’s gut. Forcing a calmness into her voice, Amanda asked, “Do you need my help with something?” She dabbed a napkin at the few crumbs of crackers on Maria’s lips, purposely not looking at Linda.

  Linda’s words were curt. “I need to speak with you, outside.”

  Amanda looked over at her, “We’re just about done with Maria’s snack. Can you give me a hand getting her settled in bed?”

  Linda stepped over to pull the bed coverlet down and plump up Maria’s pillows. She rounded the chair where Maria was sitting and waited. “That’s a new nightgown, isn’t it, Maria? That shade of blue suits you.”

  Maria nodded. She patted Linda’s hand and leaned forward in the chair. Amanda set the napkin aside and between the two nurses they helped Maria rise and get settled in bed.

  Amanda had barely stepped out of the room behind Linda before the older nurse blurted, “It’s Carmel Turner. I tried to help her have a shower. She’s in the bathroom screaming for you to come. I’d let her stay there bellowing, but it’s upsetting Myrtle next door. Myrtle spoke to Jane today. She’s convinced that Carmel pushed Jane out of the bed.”

  “That’s simply not possible. But I’ll help Carmel with her shower. You can look after Myrtle.” Amanda took off at a run when a fresh barrage of shouts for Amanda to come echoed in the corridor. She entered Carmel’s room and knocked on the bathroom door. “Carmel! It’s Amanda. Stop yelling. I’m coming in to help with your shower.”

  She turned the handle and pushed the door open. Carmel stood gripping the sides of the vanity staring into the mirror. The old woman didn’t turn her head or acknowledge Amanda in any way.

  “Carmel? Are you okay?”

  Amanda stepped closer and put her hand on Carmel’s shoulder. When the woman continued her silent stare, Amanda’s glanced at the glass. The old lady’s eyes were wide with fright peering trance-like at her reflection.

  She gave Carmel’s shoulder a firm shake, “Carmel! Look at me.” When the old woman ignored her again, Amanda turned Carmel to face her. She looked into her eyes, searching for any sign of cognition. Was she experiencing a stroke or some kind of seizure?

  “They’re there! In the mirror! Don’t you see them?” Carmel turned her head staring at the glass again.

  Only Carmel’s reflection and the wall behind her showed when Amanda glanced there. “There’s nothing there, Carmel. Only you and I are here.”

  Carmel’s hand shook when she raised it, her finger trailing along the smooth surface of the mirror. “There were four of them staring at me with dark eyes. They were angry, cursing at me. They want to hurt me.”

  Amanda put her arm around Carmel’s
waist, guiding her from the small room. The delusions were so strong that the old woman bordered being in shock. She steered Carmel to the chair by the window and sat her down. “I’m here, Carmel. I’m going to get you some water and a warm blanket to put over your shoulders.”

  “Don’t leave me.” Carmel clawed at Amanda’s arm when she stepped back to get the blanket from the bed.

  Amanda patted her hand and gently released it. “I’m not leaving you. I’ll stay here as long as you need me to.” Even though Carmel was fully dressed, her body trembled. Amanda got the blanket and draped it over the old woman, tucking it under her legs. “I’ll get you fresh water. I’m just going into the bathroom—”

  “Don’t! They’re in there!”Carmel pulled the blanket up to her chin, her eyes wide.

  Amanda stood silently watching Carmel for a few moments. The woman should be on psychotropic meds to control these delusions. The tranquilizers had worked the past two nights to help her sleep but this was relatively early in the evening. Hallucinations were scaring her senseless. She’d have to make a note in the file. In all caps, to make sure Dr. Stone saw it. Hell, she’d send him an email too. This was too much for the poor old woman to suffer.

  Amanda’s hand swept the air in what was meant to be a calming wave. “There’s only us here. I promise. I’ll just be a moment to get you some water.” She smiled and grabbed Carmel’s glass from her bedside table.

  As she rinsed it and then stood waiting for it to fill she glanced at the mirror. Carmel was convinced she’d seen something in the reflection but of course there wasn’t anything. It was alarming how frightened the woman had become.

  She turned the water off and left the room. Carmel watched her like a hawk as she walked over to hand her the glass of water. Sinking down onto Jane’s bed across from Carmel, Amanda asked. “Have you told Dr. Stone that you are frightened being here? That you have been seeing things?”