Fic: The Other Side of Us, Part 7
Title: The Other Side of Us
Author: random_nic
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: ATWT characters are the property of Telenext and CBS.
Word Count: 1663
Summary: Lives are changed in the wake of a traumatic event.
After driving home from Al's, Chris sat in his car, in no rush to enter the apartment. He had expected his release from Memorial to be a relief, but that feeling had been short-lived. The confines of Katie's small place had been stifling him for weeks.
As had Katie.
Initially, he'd appreciated how she'd stood by him when she found out about his illness. In his previous relationships, things fell apart at the first sign of a storm. But Katie had been solid through his medical crisis.
Recently, though, he wondered about the real roots of her devotion. Since he'd gotten home, she'd smothered him with demands that he rest at all hours, lectured him about his post-op care, and generally behaved as if she was his parent, not his fiancé. While keeping his secret from her, he'd wanted to protect her from the pain she'd faced when losing her husband.
He couldn't help question now if her overbearing need to control him was more about the fact she couldn't prevent Brad's death than it was about loving Chris. He wanted to enjoy their new life together, but she only seemed interested in making sure he wasn't taxing himself and was eating right and taking his meds. It wasn't the first time he'd felt like a stand-in for someone else.
Alison had proclaimed her love for him when she'd really wanted Aaron Snyder. Now the woman had taken back up with his nephew. Good luck with that, Casey.
No; Chris wasn't going to be a replacement for someone else ever again.
******
As they said their last, tearful goodbyes to Luke, he shocked them all by suddenly sitting upright in the hospital bed.
“What are you guys doing?” he questioned his loved ones in bewilderment. “Help me get up.”
Luke didn’t have to ask twice. A surge of joy welled up within him as he extended his hand to Luke. When they made contact, the warmth created spread throughout his whole body instantly. It had all been a mistake!
Until he woke up…
******
October 9th
Reid sat stiffly on the couch in Katie’s apartment, his arms wrapped around her in his best imitation of comfort. He always felt out of his depth in such situations, but Katie didn’t seem to notice. She just appreciated the $90 shirt to cry on.
"I thought we were so strong. But after the transplant, he’s like a whole different person. Everything I say is wrong. Everything I do is to circumvent him. And since they named you the new Chief of Staff, it’s been so much worse. He actually accused me of telling the board private details about his condition!”
“That makes two of us,” Reid told her. “And I didn’t, for the record.”
“I tried to tell him that. Chris said I was taking your side over his and stormed out. I don't even know him like this," Katie lamented.
"I know," Reid answered, not mentioning that post-surgery Chris sounded a lot like college-aged Chris. "It's not unheard of for a major surgery to result in some personality... fluctuations."
They sat for a few moments in silence, Katie considering his words and trying to draw on the strength Reid knew she imagined him to have. Nowadays, she couldn’t be more wrong, but he figured there was no reason to shatter that illusion. Chris showing her his douchebaggery in all its glory was enough revelation for the moment.
“This is cozy.”
Neither of them had heard Chris arrive. Katie immediately left Reid’s embrace to fly to her fiancé’s side. “I’m so glad you came back. We can work this out-“
“How? By you consorting with the enemy the minute I’m gone? By talking about me behind my back with the one person you know has it in for me?” Chris shook his head bitterly. “No, Katie. There’s nothing to work out anymore.”
“Chris, you can’t mean that. I know we’re going through a rough time, but we’ve fought so hard for this life together. We can get back to how we were; I know we can. Please-“
“Stop it. Or aren’t you content to just make a fool of me? God, I can see now why all your relationship fail,” Chris spat out in disgust.
Reid was off the couch and in mid-swing before Katie stepped in to catch his arm and beg his restraint. “Don’t. Reid, no! It’s not worth it,” Katie tearfully implored her friend. “Don’t risk everything you've worked for.”
Somehow, he saw through his anger to hear her words. Goddammit. For all Reid knew, Chris was trying to goad him into doing something to derail his own career, and the asshole had nearly succeeded. Memorial wouldn’t appoint a Chief of Staff who’d just been hit with assault charges.
Infuriated at how quickly Katie had defected to Reid's cause, Chris brusquely told Katie he’d send for his things, turned his back, and walked out of her life.
******
Half an hour later, Chris wondered if he hadn’t acted rashly. The sting of betrayal dictated that he rid himself of Katie immediately. Reflecting upon Reid’s near-assault of him, Chris realized if he’d played along at staying with her, he might’ve been able to use her against Reid.
It was too late for that now, unless he showed up at Katie’s doorstep sobbing for forgiveness. She was such a believer in the good inside everyone, she’d probably eat up his apology. But he had neither the energy nor the desire to pull it off now.
While any ammunition he could use against Reid was worth consideration, Chris couldn’t stomach returning to live with a woman who was clearly only using him. He had really loved her, but it hadn't been the same for her. And to think he'd worried he was a replacement for Brad. No; it was Reid she valued over Chris.
It dawned on him it was probably Reid she’d wanted the whole time. With his sexual preference preventing her from having any shot, she’d simply inserted another doctor into the happy-family scenario she secretly wanted Reid to complete. Taking her back was not an option. That she’d humiliated Chris was bad enough; he had no desire to help her do so again.
He needed to forget Katie and focus on important matters. Namely, getting Reid tossed out on his ass at Memorial . After all, Reid had done almost`as much to him.
His whole life, Chris had been groomed to follow in his father's footsteps at Memorial. Many times, he hadn't even been convinced that's what he wanted. But eventually, he adopted his father's dream as his own.
”Dr. Hughes, this board is grateful you seem to be well on your way to a full recovery. We cannot, however, overlook the recklessness with which you handled your own medical care. Enlisting Dr. Oliver to help you cover-up your condition could’ve compromised you both,” Barnard Collins chastised him.
“Then why isn’t he getting this lecture?” Chris demanded.
“We have already spoken with Dr. Oliver. Indeed, the board planned to suspend him for treating you off the books. He was able to demonstrate, however, that he had in fact submitted all the correct paperwork associated with your case in a timely fashion. It merely escaped attention due to his decision to enter the data into the system himself, along with inventing some… creative… file names.”
It was the first Chris heard of Reid keeping a hospital file on his case. Of course the jerk would cover his own ass. Chris felt like the biggest idiot in the world for ever trusting him, but it shouldn’t have surprised him the neurosurgeon would use Chris’ desperation at the time against him. Now, instead of them being in this mess together, the board felt Reid followed proper procedures, while Chris had been negligent in their eyes in procuring the proper care for himself.
“And aren’t my files supposed to be private?” Chris accused.
“Of course, Dr. Hughes. Dr. Oliver did not show us what’s in the files; merely that they existed. The time stamps verify the files were created on the dates he treated you. And Dr. John Dixon, who you granted access to your entire medical history, has verified that Dr. Oliver kept meticulous records on your treatment. His conduct is not at issue here.”
“And mine is? How is my illness any of your business?”
“It’s our business because by the time Dr. Dixon received your case, your heart had sustained significantly more damage than it might have had you initially sought the proper treatment. While he declined to comment on the specifics of your condition, it is apparent to this board that a doctor who allows his own health to deteriorate in such a fashion may possess questionable judgment.
We recognize the possibility that had you pursued the correct action, the need for a transplant may not have existed. If that was the case, another life may have been unnecessarily lost that could have been saved by the heart now beating in your chest. We are hereby recommending that when your medical leave lapses, you begin a one-month unpaid suspension, and undergo a ten-hour course in medical ethics.”
That was how Chris had learned he was out, and Reid was in. Reid Oliver, Oakdale’s God complex on legs, had stolen the position Chris had worked his whole life for out from under him. In that moment, he didn’t react angrily to the news.
He simply thanked Mr. Collins and the board for their time and good wishes for his health, and promised to pursue the training immediately. He even shook hands with the board members before he left. He could tell they were impressed with his seeming humility and remorse.
It was all part of a plan that had formed almost instantaneously. Reid had ruined everything for Chris. The solution was simple.
Reid Oliver had to go.
Chapter 8
Author: random_nic
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: ATWT characters are the property of Telenext and CBS.
Word Count: 1663
Summary: Lives are changed in the wake of a traumatic event.
After driving home from Al's, Chris sat in his car, in no rush to enter the apartment. He had expected his release from Memorial to be a relief, but that feeling had been short-lived. The confines of Katie's small place had been stifling him for weeks.
As had Katie.
Initially, he'd appreciated how she'd stood by him when she found out about his illness. In his previous relationships, things fell apart at the first sign of a storm. But Katie had been solid through his medical crisis.
Recently, though, he wondered about the real roots of her devotion. Since he'd gotten home, she'd smothered him with demands that he rest at all hours, lectured him about his post-op care, and generally behaved as if she was his parent, not his fiancé. While keeping his secret from her, he'd wanted to protect her from the pain she'd faced when losing her husband.
He couldn't help question now if her overbearing need to control him was more about the fact she couldn't prevent Brad's death than it was about loving Chris. He wanted to enjoy their new life together, but she only seemed interested in making sure he wasn't taxing himself and was eating right and taking his meds. It wasn't the first time he'd felt like a stand-in for someone else.
Alison had proclaimed her love for him when she'd really wanted Aaron Snyder. Now the woman had taken back up with his nephew. Good luck with that, Casey.
No; Chris wasn't going to be a replacement for someone else ever again.
******
As they said their last, tearful goodbyes to Luke, he shocked them all by suddenly sitting upright in the hospital bed.
“What are you guys doing?” he questioned his loved ones in bewilderment. “Help me get up.”
Luke didn’t have to ask twice. A surge of joy welled up within him as he extended his hand to Luke. When they made contact, the warmth created spread throughout his whole body instantly. It had all been a mistake!
Until he woke up…
******
October 9th
Reid sat stiffly on the couch in Katie’s apartment, his arms wrapped around her in his best imitation of comfort. He always felt out of his depth in such situations, but Katie didn’t seem to notice. She just appreciated the $90 shirt to cry on.
"I thought we were so strong. But after the transplant, he’s like a whole different person. Everything I say is wrong. Everything I do is to circumvent him. And since they named you the new Chief of Staff, it’s been so much worse. He actually accused me of telling the board private details about his condition!”
“That makes two of us,” Reid told her. “And I didn’t, for the record.”
“I tried to tell him that. Chris said I was taking your side over his and stormed out. I don't even know him like this," Katie lamented.
"I know," Reid answered, not mentioning that post-surgery Chris sounded a lot like college-aged Chris. "It's not unheard of for a major surgery to result in some personality... fluctuations."
They sat for a few moments in silence, Katie considering his words and trying to draw on the strength Reid knew she imagined him to have. Nowadays, she couldn’t be more wrong, but he figured there was no reason to shatter that illusion. Chris showing her his douchebaggery in all its glory was enough revelation for the moment.
“This is cozy.”
Neither of them had heard Chris arrive. Katie immediately left Reid’s embrace to fly to her fiancé’s side. “I’m so glad you came back. We can work this out-“
“How? By you consorting with the enemy the minute I’m gone? By talking about me behind my back with the one person you know has it in for me?” Chris shook his head bitterly. “No, Katie. There’s nothing to work out anymore.”
“Chris, you can’t mean that. I know we’re going through a rough time, but we’ve fought so hard for this life together. We can get back to how we were; I know we can. Please-“
“Stop it. Or aren’t you content to just make a fool of me? God, I can see now why all your relationship fail,” Chris spat out in disgust.
Reid was off the couch and in mid-swing before Katie stepped in to catch his arm and beg his restraint. “Don’t. Reid, no! It’s not worth it,” Katie tearfully implored her friend. “Don’t risk everything you've worked for.”
Somehow, he saw through his anger to hear her words. Goddammit. For all Reid knew, Chris was trying to goad him into doing something to derail his own career, and the asshole had nearly succeeded. Memorial wouldn’t appoint a Chief of Staff who’d just been hit with assault charges.
Infuriated at how quickly Katie had defected to Reid's cause, Chris brusquely told Katie he’d send for his things, turned his back, and walked out of her life.
******
Half an hour later, Chris wondered if he hadn’t acted rashly. The sting of betrayal dictated that he rid himself of Katie immediately. Reflecting upon Reid’s near-assault of him, Chris realized if he’d played along at staying with her, he might’ve been able to use her against Reid.
It was too late for that now, unless he showed up at Katie’s doorstep sobbing for forgiveness. She was such a believer in the good inside everyone, she’d probably eat up his apology. But he had neither the energy nor the desire to pull it off now.
While any ammunition he could use against Reid was worth consideration, Chris couldn’t stomach returning to live with a woman who was clearly only using him. He had really loved her, but it hadn't been the same for her. And to think he'd worried he was a replacement for Brad. No; it was Reid she valued over Chris.
It dawned on him it was probably Reid she’d wanted the whole time. With his sexual preference preventing her from having any shot, she’d simply inserted another doctor into the happy-family scenario she secretly wanted Reid to complete. Taking her back was not an option. That she’d humiliated Chris was bad enough; he had no desire to help her do so again.
He needed to forget Katie and focus on important matters. Namely, getting Reid tossed out on his ass at Memorial . After all, Reid had done almost`as much to him.
His whole life, Chris had been groomed to follow in his father's footsteps at Memorial. Many times, he hadn't even been convinced that's what he wanted. But eventually, he adopted his father's dream as his own.
”Dr. Hughes, this board is grateful you seem to be well on your way to a full recovery. We cannot, however, overlook the recklessness with which you handled your own medical care. Enlisting Dr. Oliver to help you cover-up your condition could’ve compromised you both,” Barnard Collins chastised him.
“Then why isn’t he getting this lecture?” Chris demanded.
“We have already spoken with Dr. Oliver. Indeed, the board planned to suspend him for treating you off the books. He was able to demonstrate, however, that he had in fact submitted all the correct paperwork associated with your case in a timely fashion. It merely escaped attention due to his decision to enter the data into the system himself, along with inventing some… creative… file names.”
It was the first Chris heard of Reid keeping a hospital file on his case. Of course the jerk would cover his own ass. Chris felt like the biggest idiot in the world for ever trusting him, but it shouldn’t have surprised him the neurosurgeon would use Chris’ desperation at the time against him. Now, instead of them being in this mess together, the board felt Reid followed proper procedures, while Chris had been negligent in their eyes in procuring the proper care for himself.
“And aren’t my files supposed to be private?” Chris accused.
“Of course, Dr. Hughes. Dr. Oliver did not show us what’s in the files; merely that they existed. The time stamps verify the files were created on the dates he treated you. And Dr. John Dixon, who you granted access to your entire medical history, has verified that Dr. Oliver kept meticulous records on your treatment. His conduct is not at issue here.”
“And mine is? How is my illness any of your business?”
“It’s our business because by the time Dr. Dixon received your case, your heart had sustained significantly more damage than it might have had you initially sought the proper treatment. While he declined to comment on the specifics of your condition, it is apparent to this board that a doctor who allows his own health to deteriorate in such a fashion may possess questionable judgment.
We recognize the possibility that had you pursued the correct action, the need for a transplant may not have existed. If that was the case, another life may have been unnecessarily lost that could have been saved by the heart now beating in your chest. We are hereby recommending that when your medical leave lapses, you begin a one-month unpaid suspension, and undergo a ten-hour course in medical ethics.”
That was how Chris had learned he was out, and Reid was in. Reid Oliver, Oakdale’s God complex on legs, had stolen the position Chris had worked his whole life for out from under him. In that moment, he didn’t react angrily to the news.
He simply thanked Mr. Collins and the board for their time and good wishes for his health, and promised to pursue the training immediately. He even shook hands with the board members before he left. He could tell they were impressed with his seeming humility and remorse.
It was all part of a plan that had formed almost instantaneously. Reid had ruined everything for Chris. The solution was simple.
Reid Oliver had to go.
Chapter 8