RP with cutandlearn | Resident Issues

[imheretolive]

[Follows THIS]Proctor made a few notes in Chris' file to outline the leave arrangements and then placed it on the side of his desk with the pager and access card on top. Serena was expectedly prompt, appearing in his office doorway just a few minutes after Chris had vacated it and she looked nothing sort of terrified. It was a little strange for

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[cutandlearn]

Serena had gotten the look that Chris was giving her. There was also just something in her gut telling her the moment he went in there with the door closed that today was the day. Proctor knew.

And now Chris was going home after being put on his leave immediately.

Serena had no way of knowing how to react to that, other than feeling definitely terrified the moment Chris told her Proctor wanted her in his office. She had never had a problem with talking to Proctor until now.

She sat down across from him and tried to remember that this was the boss she really did get along with. Chris was the one with the metaphor problem. Proctor was always giving Serena guidance, and a chance to experience new procedures.

She just nodded at the mention of Dave, and tucked her hands between her knees as she worked on trying to find her voice in amongst the sudden nerves. "He fixed my clicker, and it wasn't like I realised how much it could progress, or how quickly and once you start keeping something secret sometimes it's hard to stop. We just thought it was better that way, and I'm sorry, but we've never once lost focus of our professionalism. We've always kept it very separate from work," Serena got out in a rush before taking a breath.

[imheretolive]

Proctor listened quietly and drew in a small breath once she finished. "Indeed," he responded through the soft exhalation. "You eluded everyone to the fact, so that is hardly something I am able to point fingers about. But I'm disappointed, Serena. Personal choices as to your career are not something I can dictate, but I had hoped you could approach me to discuss things that might affect your progress."

[cutandlearn]

Serena pressed her lips together as she dropped her head. "I'm really sorry, Dr Proctor. I wanted to. I did. It's just... I mean, I didn't want you to think Chris was taking advantage. He's not. He values his position here more than anything. He wants to stay at MT1." She raised her head again. "Do you think it will affect my progress?"

[imheretolive]

"Only you have the answer to that, Serena," Proctor told her. As it was, he wasn't entirely sure what his own next move with the whole thing should be. Some bosses would immediately recommend a transfer by one of the staff members, but there was more to it than just plain policy and procedure.

"Chris has been extensively stressed the past few months, something that doesn't seem to have much relief on the horizon. I would be lying if I wasn't concerned his relationship with you has been a knee-jerk reaction to that. I am also concerned as to what your working relationship would be like if ever there were complications in the relationship. I don't think Chris has taken advantage of you, but the proximity you work together, it also makes it nye impossible for distance."

[cutandlearn]

Serena was still trying to work out if Proctor actually approved or not, but she supposed that he had every right to discuss the purely professional side of things. She hated that he did seem disappointed that they hadn't told him about the relationship, but it wasn't as if it meant they didn't have faith in him. They just stupidly thought they'd keep their jobs, and the relationship if they didn't say anything.

Until they couldn't stand keeping secrets any more. "A knee-jerk reaction?" Serena frowned at the implication, and bit back a derisive snort. "We've had complications. We seem to be able to work through them. We're also adults. Although I guess I would be lying if I didn't admit to being scared of the same thing."

[imheretolive]

Proctor had no intentions of apologising for his considerations, despite her evident defensiveness as to his concerns. "You feel I am unreasonable in being concerned that Chris could just have been looking for some support lately? This is extremely out of left field and I need to know you can both still carry out your positions appropriately and effectively with the utmost professionalism. It was not all that long ago Chris was showing up to work in one shoe. I need to decide what is best for MT1 in a situation like this."

He paused, folding his hands together in front of him. "I am also extremely concerned about Chris and have been worried about him. I expect secrets and elusiveness from him, but not you, Serena."

[cutandlearn]

"He has both his shoes!" Serena replied in a loud whisper. "Has he ever once shown up looking like he was lacking any part of his wardrobe in the last three months? Things are taking their toll now because of his brother, and you know what? I'm okay with being the support for him when he needs me. But I know it's not just about the support. It's a lot of other things, and I don't know what exactly I'm supposed to say to make you believe me. I guess it's a time thing, but that's also a question of whether or not you want to give us that time to prove we're still able to maintain professionalism."

She shifted in her seat, and tried to ignore the guilt beginning to edge away at her. "I didn't think it was going to be... anything. Until it was. The secrets got to much when we realised it was more than a sex thing."

[imheretolive]

Proctor cleared his throat and stacked his files neatly to the side. "Well," he began, "at the moment, Chris isn't Chief Resident, nor is he your supervisor or immediate colleague. He is merely a doctor taking personal leave to care for his brother. No matter what my opinion on the situation is, at this point in time, there is nothing for me to be concerned with or anything to require my intervention as a manager," he told her with a pointed look. As far as he was concerned, there was a deeper reason at play here why he put Chris on immediate leave.

"I expect you to employ a rational decision making process and utmost discretion. Chris maybe be on leave, but you aren't. You're still a resident on the Alpha Team and I still expect you to put one hundred percent into your job and your learning. Your personal life is just that." He paused for a moment. "However, you have Chris' ear more than any of us. Help him. He needs it."

[cutandlearn]

Serena nodded as she wrapped her arms around herself. Proctor did have a point, and the last thing she wanted was to let the team down, or let herself down. Being a resident on Alpha Team was huge.

She wet her lips as she lifted her gaze to meet Proctor's again, and pulled her mouth to the side. "He's terrified. I think he's worried that he's bitten off more than he can chew, and I think a part of him is still waiting for Rick to bolt."

[imheretolive]

Proctor shook his head with a small sigh. "He hasn't bitten anything off. He has been placed in a painful and uncontrollable situation that he has no control over, and Chris functions the best in control. It's how he copes. Cancer isn't something that can be tackled like a college exam or a bungee jump, however. It's unpredictable and its outcome unknown. He has reason to be scared, which is why I was concerned he was reaching out in a deeper capacity. But if you say that isn't then case, then I am not going to argue the point with you. I can't talk for his brother, but I sincerely hope the man can find it in him to see what a wonderful lad his brother is."

[cutandlearn]

Serena smiled just a little. "His brother cares enough to threaten me, so I think there's hope. Chris just won't let himself hope too much. I can't blame him, Rick's hurt him a lot over the years. Sometimes I'm just not sure what I can do to help. My brother says I need to listen. And I try. Just sometimes I wind up talking to Chris like I talk to a patient, and I hate myself for it. I can't even talk to patients! And now I can't talk to my boyfriend."

[imheretolive]

"It's self-preservation, and there is nothing wrong with that. Esepcially if Rick has burned Chris in the past. Listening is a good start, your brother is wise. Sometimes there needs to be a little bit more than that, though. I get the feeling Chris doesn't freely confide in many people. "Not that I am one to judge on that particular trait."

[cutandlearn]

Serena tucked some of her hair behind her ear as she gave Proctor a knowing smile. "No, you're really not. I just want to apologise again for not saying anything. I know you and Chris don't confide in people easily, and you've always been good to me."

[imheretolive]

"There is a reason trust and truth are such similar words," Proctor replied with a glance up at the clock. "You should get back to your patient. Those abdo contrasts should be about back by now. I'm trusting you to keep your mind on the job, Serena, even if we're a team member down."

[cutandlearn]

Serena gave a nod before she got to her feet and looked at Proctor again. "Of course. Thanks for... um, thanks for listening. And for the advice."