Fairy
By the time she was in Year 7, it was clear to everyone that Lisa Bradshaw would make a wonderful doctor one day. Back then, there was this incident where the boy next door took a nasty tumble off the swingscut his knee and split his head open. It was a right mess, not for the faint-hearted, but twelve-year-old Lisa didnt flinch.
Jenny, fetch some water, a bandage and the antiseptic! she called over to her best mate, who lived just across the green. Jenny dashed indoors dutifully.
By the time Mrs Turner, the lads mum, came runninghow she heard what happened no one knowsLisa had already cleaned, dressed, and bandaged the wounds, as calmly as if shed been doing it for years. When Mrs Turner discovered whod come to her sons rescue, she was utterly gobsmacked.
Youre going to make a top-notch doctor, you know, she said, squeezing Lisas shoulder. Not just any doctorone of the good ones. Some grown-ups wouldnt have a clue, and heres you, a girl.
Lisa was the teams secret weapon on school camping trips. No one dared get themselves hurt, but it wasnt quite so terrifying when Lisa Bradshaw was there.
Then came medical school, the slog through clinical placements and junior doctor years, plus an endless parade of training courses.
One day, Lisanow Dr. Elizabeth Taylorwas left acting head of the Diagnostic Department when her boss was away. She was well respected at the hospital, no question. The team were fantastic, barring old Dr. Victor Stephens, deputy chief of medicine, notorious grump, champion complainer, and complete energy vampire. The man just lived to pick fights. Lisa did her best not to rise to it, but only she knew how exhausting it could be!
The only thing that comforted her was that her encounters with Dr. Stephens were mercifully rarejust the weekly doctors committee, hashing out new admissions and diagnoses. Even so, those meetings were never a picnic.
Stephens seemed to have it in for Elizabeth, always challenging her diagnoses, chucking in sly remarks. He knew full well she was trying to ignore his barbswhich seemed to spur him on even more.
Hes insufferable, she told her husband over dinner one evening. Honestly, I try my best to keep a cool head, but its like he goes out of his way to get under my skin.
Ive no doubt youll come out on top, smiled her husband, Mark. Theres no one better at diffusing a heated situation than you.
Its true, Mum, chimed in their thirteen-year-old son, Tom. If you get sick of medicine, you should go into diplomacy. They probably earn more, too.
Lisa laughed. Ill bear it in mind.
Lisa was diplomatic by nature. Still, she was only humannot a robot. Everyone has their limits, and she could sense hers were close.
At the next weekly committee, all was routineuntil Elizabeth reported on the case of a sixty-something lady sitting patiently on the couch opposite them.
Usually, it went like this: after the medical report, the patient would leave, and then Elizabeth, the department head, and the deputy chief would discuss things privately. Not this time.
The older woman piped up, Just tell me thisis it really serious? Will I get better? Im all my granddaughter has left, bless her.
There was a tremble in her voice, and hopeso much hope shining in her worried eyes.
Lisa opened her mouth to give the poor woman some comfort, when Stephens barked, With your diagnosis? Madam, your illness is so far along, no sensible doctor would make any promises. What were you thinking, leaving it so late?
The woman stared in shock, lips quivering. Stephens pressed on, relentless, I know the typesoldiering on until its too late, self-medicating, calling the doctor at the last minute! Were not miracle workers, you know…
The poor soul burst into tears and hurried out. Later, Elizabeth beat herself up for letting Stephens go unchecked, but shed been absolutely dumbstruck. To shout at a pensioner suffering as it wasnot humane at all. Even the department head shook her head in disapproval.
Deep down, the women could see that Stephens had a pointearly diagnosis is best. But really, he could have shown some tact out of respect for the ladys age.
Lisa snapped. Enough was enough! Dr. Stephens, with all due respect, do you think thats an acceptable way to speak to a patient?
He shrugged. Were not magicians. Patients need to understand that. Catching things early is the only way, you know that.
He seemed actually pleased with himself, which only made Lisa bristle more. The department head knew full well he thought his provocation had landed.
Well yes, youre absolutely right about the importance of early treatment, Lisa said, steadying her voice. But do you even realise how much persuading it took to get that lady to trust us? She believed there might still be hopeand you crushed it in seconds. Well done.
Lisa threw up her hands in exasperation. Stephens, taken aback by her outburst, tried reminding everyone of his rank. It was pointless. Hed long since realised Elizabeth Taylor wasnt someone you could browbeatshe knew her worth.
Stephens was still going on, but Lisa heard none of it. She was miles away, staring out the window. She could hardly bear even to be in the same room as him.
She wanted to cry but thought better of it. Nope, Im not giving him the satisfaction. She moved to the window, and just then heard the door bang behind her. She turned to find herself alone.
Lisa sat, took out her notes. Like it or not, the days work wasnt going to do itself.
Dr. Taylor? came a hesitant voice. At first she didnt recognise who it wascertainly not Stephens, he was seldom this meek. But there he was, clutching a bottle of herbal remedy, looking positively sheepish.
Oddly, Lisa felt no satisfaction. Instead, she pitied himshed heard he was a lonely man. Maybe that explained his rough edges.
Please, have thismight help calm the nerves. Oh and… Im sorry, truly. You were probably right
Dr. Stephens, you werent entirely wrong, she replied gently. But its our job to healand sometimes give even a glimmer of hope. You know miracles can happen as well as anyone.
Right, yes, of course, he muttered.
Lisa was surprised by the change in him, but thought, well, best set things straight now.
Please remember, Dr. Stephens: Ill never accept anyone raising their voice to me, or questioning my competence openly, whether the patient is a porter or the Health Secretary himself.
Yes, yes, Dr. Taylor, I understand you.
Good, Lisa thought, glancing at her watch. Onwards.
She had a full list for the day.
Later, Lisa checked in on the same ladyVeronica Grey. There was a cheerful bouquet of daffodils on her bedside table. When Lisa came in, Veronica smiled.
Your boss paid a visit! Brought flowers and apologisedsaid theyd do absolutely everything for me. Isnt that something?
Thats lovely, Lisa replied, giving her hand a squeeze. We really will do our bestyoull be right as rain in no time. A bride-to-be herself, Id say!
You cheeky thing! Veronica cackled.
A month later, Veronica was on the mend. On discharge day, Stephens brought her a fancy box of chocolates.
For your granddaughter, he said, an awkward smile on his face.
Ohthank you! she beamed.
And these are for you, he added, handing her a bunch of roses.
What beautiful flowers! Thank you so much. Its been ages since anyone brought me flowers. And thank you to all the doctors for getting me back on my feet.
Stephens chuckled, Id say Come see us again, but perhaps just visit for tea instead. Take care of yourself.
Everyone nearby was stunned. What in the worlds happened to him? they wondered. They genuinely didnt think Dr. Stephens even knew any kind words.
Over time, Lisa and Dr. Stephens formed, if not a friendship, then a solid working relationship. Often, after committee, theyd share a coffee together in the little café around the corner from the hospital.
One cant help feeling theres no real happiness in life, Stephens confided one day. Maybe thats why Im so cantankerous. Lifes passed me by and Ive missed so much.
Lisa shook her head. Missed out? You hold an important post! Thats no small feat.
Well, yes, he said, but Id like a bit of happiness. I had it once, but it slipped through my fingers.
Ah, Lisa thought, so thats how it is, but she stopped herself from teasing him. He was opening up his heart.
She found herself growing rather fond of him, much to her surprise.
Of course, nurses and orderlies picked up on the change. Yet no one gossiped; Dr. Taylor just wasnt the sort, and neither was Stephens.
What did you do to him? asked Annie, a nurse, at one of their weekly tea breaks. Hes actually started smilingI swear!
Every Friday, the hospitals women, regardless of ranknurses, doctors, ward assistants, everyonegathered to enjoy tea and homemade cakes. Everyone looked forward to it; it was a real institution.
Once again, everyone was enjoying freshly brewed tea with Mrs Harriss plum jam when all eyes turned to Lisa, as if shed reveal a state secret.
Oh, theres no magic to it! Lisa laughed, waving them off.
Really? scoffed Mrs Finch, the cloakroom attendant.
Honestly! Its about self-belief and dignity. That gets you through.
You can say that, being a proper doctor! But Im just an orderlyI get knots in my stomach whenever I see him, piped in young Janet.
Lisa grinned, No ones just anything. Everyone deserves respect, whether theyre an orderly or the chief.
Thats right, agreed Dr. Green, the psychiatrist. With types like Stephensthe so-called emotional vampiresconfidence is your shield. They only draw strength from those who doubt themselves.
I reckon hes just a man whos not had much luck in life, mused Mrs Harris.
Everyone agreed, except Lisashe knew for sure.
Have I missed the big news? called Elaine, breathless, bursting in.
Actually youre just in time, smiled Dr. Green. Were talking about Stephens.
Oh, so youve heard! gasped Elaine.
Heard what? came a chorus.
Hes getting married! Elaine exclaimed.
No, really? Thats a shocker!
What a turn up!
Ill believe that when I see pigs fly!
The womens excitement was contagious.
Lisa, dont tell us you didnt know, Mrs Harris grinned slyly.
I had no idea! Lisa exclaimed. Weve spoken about all sorts, but never personal stuff.
No surprise, declared Mrs Lloyd, the psychologist. Stephens is the last person to show his human side.
Lisa thought to herself, Thats trueand yet Who on earth is he marrying?
Do you know who the lucky lady is? asked Janet curiously.
Elaine shrugged, Not surerumour has it, shes one of the patients.
Really?! gasped Mrs Harris, and Lisa smiled to herself, suspecting she knew exactly who it was.
Ladies, isnt this newsworthy enough for something stronger than tea? Lisa suggested. Teas lovely, but a spot of wine would go down a treat!
The idea was greeted with cheers, and the group raised a toast to Dr. Stephenss happiness. Who knewmaybe marriage would mellow him out.
The next day, Lisa was having her post-round coffee when a beaming Dr. Stephensreally beaming, like a shined two pencejoined her. Lisa pretended not to know about his upcoming wedding, leaving him the pleasure of telling her himself.
Youre looking very well, Dr. Stephens, she said, smiling.
Feeling fantastic, thank you! Im getting married, Dr. Taylor.
No! Really? Lisa feigned surprise. Whos the lucky lady? If you dont mind me asking?
The best woman in the worldfor me, anyway, he declared. Its Veronicathe very one you defended so fiercely that day. I couldnt get her out of my head, so I found her file and got in touch, in the name of patient care, of course.
Turns out youre quite the schemer! Lisa laughed. Shes a brilliant choice.
Id like you to come to the wedding, the whole family. I owe youyou helped me meet my other half. You should have been a diplomat!
Oh, dont be silly. If its meant to be, people find each other in the end.
She meant it, too.
On the big day, Stephens scrubbed up well in his suit. The bride looked radianta world away from the frightened, unwell woman who once begged Lisa to save her, for her granddaughters sake. Veronica had got a stylish bob, coloured her hair a glossy chestnut, and looked years youngerten at least. She never stopped thanking Lisa for everything.
And everyone agreed: sometimes, you just need someone to believe in you, and a little hope really can work wonders.
