Chapter Text
The drive from California to Purgatory had looked like a great one, on paper. But as the drive on the dark blue Harley continued, it was proving to be more and more of a horrible idea. The rain filled the streets, making it dangerous conditions for someone on a motorcycle but it was a trip that had to be completed. As the rain let up and the clouds slightly parted, the lone traveler realized their destination had finally been reached. The light turned red as the biker went through the intersection, almost colliding with a red Jeep. After almost being hit by the car, the stranger decided it would be best to go to the nearest INN and rent a room. After pulling into the parking lot, the jeep pulled in right behind. A short brunette exited the car, looking as if she were ready to yell at the biker. Before she could have the chance, the stranger took off their helmet, releasing the long red hair that had been hiding underneath it. The traveler took off her leather jacket, revealing a soaked black tank top that clung to her curves and showed the definition in her abs and the brunette’s eyes went down to the tight blue jeans she had on that were covering the top of the black boots she was wearing. The jeans hugged all the right spots. She turned facing away from the brunette and ran her hands through her hair, it revealed a white rose tattoo on her right shoulder blade. Feeling a pair of eyes on her, the Red head turned around spotting the brunette. The red head smiled, shyly tucking her hair behind her ear and turning away. The brunette returned the smile, completely forgetting her original plan for yelling at the red head for almost causing the car accident. Both felt a strange connection that neither could explain away and when the red head turned back around to say something to the brunette, she was gone.
As the red headed bombshell made her way into Shorty’s and set her two bags down on the floor next to her. The young man standing at the counter looked at the helmet and smiled. “Welcome to Shorty’s. My name is Jeremy Cherti but you can call me Jeremy. How can I help you?”
“Thanks. ” Nicole reached out her hand to shake the man’s in front of her. “I was wondering if you had any room available?”
“We actually have one room left. You look like you’ve been on the road awhile. Where ya from?”
“I’m originally from Green Bay but I was in Northern California for school and that’s where I road from. I was ok until I got about 20 miles outside of the town where there is no place to stop so I had no choice but to continue.”
“Yea, sorry about the weather. It was the weirdest thing, it came out of no where today. So, you’re riding a motorcycle huh?
“Yea. That made it a faster trip but dangerous when I hit here.”
Jeremy handed Nicole her room keys. “Would you like help?”
“Sure. If you could.”
Jeremy grabbed Nicole’s bags and took her to room 102. As they entered, Jeremy set Nicole’s bags down at the foot of the bed and watched as she set her helmet down. “If you need things to be washed or dried there’s washers and dryers downstairs to the left near the vending machines. And if you need anything else, just give the front desk a call and I’ll be up to help you out.”
“Are you always this nice to the customers. Jeremy?” Nicole grinned.
“Only the pretty young ones. Which isn’t very often. But shh. Don’t tell anyone, I might get fired for saying that.”
“No worries. Your secret’s safe with me.”
“Well, have a good night...I didn’t catch your name.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Nicole. Nicole Haught.”
“Have a good night, Nicole.” Jeremy headed for the door.
“Hey Jeremy?”
“Yes?”
“This is a pretty small town. I was wondering if you can give me some information on someone?”
“I know everyone in town. Who is it you want info on?”
“I don’t know her name. But she’s about 5'3", skinny, brunette hair that hangs just below her shoulders, eyes that kill, very pretty..”
“Oh, you’ve got to be talking about Waverly.”
“Waverly huh? How old is she?”
“26.”
“Do you know her?”
“Defiantly. She’s one of my really good friends. Our families have known each other for years.”
“Can you tell me anything about her?”
“Why are you so interested in Waverly?”
“We kinda met already. I just didn’t catch her name.”
“When you say kinda met already, what do you mean?”
“I mean I wasn’t paying attention and ran a stop light and almost wrecked into her car.”
“Oh, bet she wasn’t happy about that.”
“She didn’t say anything to me, just smiled. Jeremy, where is the hospital?”
“North up the street, go 2 blocks, take a left. You can’t miss it. Why, are you hurt?”
“Huh? Oh, no, I have a residency there. I start in a week or so.”
“You’re a doctor?”
“Some days.” Nicole laughed.
“That’s great. I’m actually in med school right now.”
“So you want to be a doctor?”
“Kind of runs in the family.”
“Ah, one of those.”
“One of what?”
“One of those kids who follows in mommy or daddy’s footsteps.”
“Actually neither of my parents are doctors. My dad is a PI. I really didn’t feel like following in his footsteps. What about you, Nicole? What’s your story?”
“I defiantly didn’t follow in my mom’s footsteps. I guess you can say I followed in my dad’s.”
“He was a doctor?”
Nicole laughed and sat on the end of the bed. “No, he ran off when me and my twin sister were born. I ran as fast as I could away from my mom as he did. Guess I’m more like him then I knew.”
‘You have a twin?”
“Yea, her name is Ashton. I haven’t seen her in a couple years. When I went to California, she was trying to make her way through Europe with her band. Haven’t heard much since. Man, why am I telling you this? I never tell anyone anything.”
“Guess it’s cuz I made such a great impression on you.”
“Doubt that’s it.”
“You’re a funny one. Look, I have to get back to work, if you ever wanna talk again, you know where I work and sleep.”
“You live here?”
“Yup. Get’s me through school and pays the bills.” Jeremy winked at Nicole and left the room.
Nicole started unpacking her things, soon realizing everything was soaking wet and needed to be washed anyways. She walked into the bathroom, stripping off her clothes and jumping in the shower. As she finished, she grabbed the robe and put it on. She picked up all her clothes and headed down to the washer and dryers. Lucky, Nicole didn’t have much with her and it all fit in two loads of wash. She sat next to the dryer, wearing nothing but the big, fluffy white robe that was in the room. This, of course, caught the attention of many guys and even some girls in the Inn.
Nicole didn’t even notice the people staring. Her mind was on Waverly. She couldn’t help but think about how they almost met and the image she had stuck in her head was the soft yet sexy smile Waverly had flashed her. When Nicole’s clothes finished she got dressed and made her way over the hospital.
Nicole walked in and headed straight for 3rd floor nursing station. She was set to work in pediatrics. She always loved making kids smile. When she was about 16, one of her neighbors broke her leg when she fell out of a tree. Nicole had never taken classes but for some reason knew exactly what to do and she put a splint on the 5 year old’s leg and kept her from going into shock until the EMTS got there. When they did, they told her had done such a good job she should think about going into medical school. Of course, Nicole’s mother didn’t agree and told her she’d end up at the stop and shop in town.
After Nicole checked in at the station, she made her way to the office of one Xavier Dolls, which was just on the other side of the ER. She sat in the ER, waiting. 20 minutes had passed and a young girl had been brought in. All the other ER doctors were busy so Nicole grabbed a medical jacket and headed over to the little girl.
“Hi. My name’s Cole. What’s yours?” Nicole said, looking over the 10 year old’s leg, which was cut open.
“I’m Wraith Earp.”
“What did you do, Wraith?”
“She was playing soccer and one of the other kids dove in front of her and hit her with her spikes..” A voice came from behind her. Nicole turned, seeing an dark hair woman. Her accent was heavy. Nicole believed it to be Spanish..
“Ooo, that’s no good. Let me see what I can do, ok Wraith?”
Wraith nodded. Nicole gently looked over Wraith’s leg. “I have to clean your leg, ok? It’s going to hurt just a little bit because this stuff right here...” Nicole held up a bottle. “It stings just a little bit.”
“How bad will it hurt?” The girl sobbed.
“As much as a puppy licking your face.” Nicole smiled. Wraith laughed. “Are you ready?”
Wraith nodded and Nicole gently sprayed the contents on Wraith’s leg. She flinched but didn’t seem to mind it all that much. “Is she going to be ok?”
“Well, I don’t think her leg is broken. But, I’ll have another doctor order up x-rays, just to be on the safe side. She might need stitches. It’s a pretty good cut. One question Wraith, why weren’t you wearing shin guards?”
“I forgot them at home.”
“Well, don’t forget them anymore because I don’t want to keep seeing you in here.”
“Ok, Dr. Cole.”
Nicole turned to the lady. “My name is Nicole Haught.” She extended her hand out to the lady. The lady finally shook Nicole’s hand after some hesitation.
“My name is Rosita.”
“Your daughter is going to be fine. Like I said, I think she needs stitches and some x-rays.”
“Oh, she’s not my daughter...she’s..”
“She’s dating my mom.” Warith piped up from the bed.
“Oh, sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed.”
“No it’s fine. We’ve been together 5 years now, so Wraith is practically my own.”
“Dr. Haught?”
Nicole knew she was in trouble now. “Yes? Dr. Dolls!”
“Yes. What seems to be the problem here?” Xavier asked Rosita.
“Nothing at all. Nicole was just looking at Wraith’s leg. I’ve never seen someone calm her down like this. She’s got a way with kids.”
“That is why Dr. Haught has been brought in to take the place of Dr. Ramaro until we can find a more permanent replacement.”
“Can she be my doctor?” Wraith spoke up from the bed, once again.
“Well, I think we’d have to talk to your mother about that but if she says it’s ok, I don’t see why not.”
“How would you feel about that Nicole?”
“I’d love to have Wraith as one of my patients. I’ve never had a kid so well behaved.”
“Good. Nicole, why don’t you finish your exam and meet me in my office.”
“Yes, Sir.” Nicole went back to Wraith, ordering up the x-rays.
“Do x-rays hurt?”
“You’ve never had an x-ray before?”
“No.”
“Well, they don’t hurt at all. It’s like getting a picture taken but it shows just your bones.”
“Really? That’s so cool.”
“Have you ever had stitches before?”
“Yea.”
“Really? What happened?”
“I was playing softball and I hit a home run and slide into home, cut open my leg on the plate.”
“You are a very active young lady aren’t you?”
“Yea. My mom let’s me play all the sports I want, just as long as I keep my grades up.”
“Ok, the doctor is here, who is going to do the stitches in your leg. I’m going to leave her with you, ok?”
“No! Nicole, will you please stay? I really, really don’t like needles.”
“Sweetie, Nicole probably has other people to see, we can’t take up all her time.” Rosita eyes pleaded for the little girl to send Nicole away.
“No! I want Nicole to stay.”
“I’ll stay if it’s ok with you, Rosita.”
“Yea..I guess.”
As the other doctor pulled out the needle, Wraith started to freak out. Nicole put her hand on Wraith’s. “Ok, Wraith, look at me. Tell me about your mom.”
“Wh...wh...what do you want to know?”
“Anything. What’s she like?”
“She’s nice. She’s not like my grandma. My mom is really pretty too....do you have a boyfriend Nicole?”
“I did. But not anymore.”
“Why?”
“Well, I had to move here. He didn’t want to come. Just means it wasn’t meant to be. What sports do you play?”
“Softball, Basketball and Soccer.”
“Oh, you play a sport all year round?”
“Yea.”
“Which one is your favorite?”
“I really like softball. If I could, I would just play that all year.”
“I played softball.”
“Really?”
“Oh yea. I was really good.”
“Why’d you stop playing?”
“I found something I loved to do more.”
“What was it?”
“I helped a friend who got hurt and that’s when I knew I wanted to be a doctor.” Wraith smiled. “So what do you want to be when you grow up?”
“I haven’t thought about anything other than sports.”
“Hey, being an athlete is a great dream. I think if you really want to do it, you should go for it. Nothing’s impossible if you really want it.”
“Wow. You sound just like my mom.” Nicole laughed.
“I hope that’s a good thing.”
“It is.”
“Well, Wraith. Your stitches are all done.”
“Wow. I didn’t even feel it.”
“Told you I was a good doctor.” Wraith reached over and hugged Nicole. Nicole was taken back by the action but welcomed it. “Just go get the x-rays done and we’ll get you checked out. But you should stay off the leg for about 3 days and not get back on the field for 7 days. I know that’s hard but we don’t want those to reopen because that’ll mean even longer you can’t play. Ok?”
“Ok. So we come back in 7 days?”
“Yes. I want to see Wraith again in 7 days because I might be able to take the stitches out then.”
“Ok. Thank you very much, Dr. Haught.”
“No problem. See you two next week.”
“Bye Cole.”
“Bye Wraith, remember, wear your shine guards.” Nicole smiled and walked into Dolls’ office.
“Hey, Nicole, I’m glad to see you made it safely. I got worried when the rain hit.”
“Yea, it was a bad drive when the storm came in. How are you doing cousin?” Nicole embraced Dolls.
“I’m doing good. And it looks like you did pretty good out there yourself.”
“She’s a sweet kid.”
“You haven’t met her grandmother yet.”
“That bad huh?”
“Oh yea. Hell on wheels that woman. Anyways, have you found a place to stay yet?”
“Yea, I’m staying above a bar called Shorty’s. A friend suggested it. I really like it.”
“You sure you don’t want to stay at my place?”
“Thanks for the offer Dolls but I don’t want people knowing we’re related. Not that I’m embarrassed by it or anything because I’m not. I don’t want people thinking I got this job because I’m friends with you.”
“I completely understand Nicole. Well, since you already made yourself at home with the patients. When can you start?”
“I’d say a couple days? Let me get my bearings and get settled in.”
“Ok, sounds good. I’ll put you on next week’s rotation. Since you wont be getting many hours for the next couple of months, I wanted to offer you a part in something. You’ll be paid but it’s not exactly what doctors do.”
“What is it?”
“Our hospital is sponsoring a 9-12 year old girls softball team. We need a manager. Like I said, it’s a paid position if you want it.”
“Um...sure, why not. Will you be working around the softball schedule?”
“Yes, we will.”
“Ok. I’ll do it.”
“Alright, welcome aboard Nicole. I’m really glad you came.”
“Me too. Since my mom died, I haven’t stayed in one place too long but hopefully I’ll be able to find a home here.”
“I hope you do. I’d love to have you around more.”
“I’ll see you in a few days, Dolls.”
“Ok. Take care of yourself Nicole.”
“Oh, come on, you know me.”
“Yea. I do know you. Always getting in trouble.”
“Come on, I haven’t gotten in trouble in at least 3 days.” Nicole smirked.
“Funny. Go get some rest. You’ll be having some long days when you start.”
Nicole left, heading back to Shorty’s. Her first day in town had already been an interesting one. From meeting the most intense person she had not yet met, to a great little girl to taking a job as a coach. She knew Purgatory was going to be a new experience, she just didn’t realize how big of an experience it would be.