Megyn hurriedly walked to her workstation determined not to be late. For this week, she was assigned to the record section- a change from her usual rotations.
She stepped into her supervisor's office to check in and collect her white overcoat.
Her supervisor- a middle-aged woman – probably in her early forties looked up from her desk, with a warm smile.
"Good morning sister." Megyn said with a polite smile.
The woman smiled. "Good morning. You must be Doctor Megyn."
"Yes," she said, slipping on the coat. "…and I'm reporting for duty."
"I am Alice," the woman introduced herself. "I must say that I am thrilled you accepted an assignment in the records department. Most medical students prefer to avoid this part of the hospital."
Megyn smiled. "Actually, I requested it. I'd like to understand how records are handled here and see what improvements could be made to benefit the patients."
Alice beamed. "That's refreshing to hear. I'll be your supervisor this week, so don't hesitate to ask me anything."
She handed Megyn a work schedule. Megyn glanced at it before heading to the registry, where she'd spend most of her shift.
Her primary role was to process file requests from the reception, retrieving patients' files and delivering them to the necessary departments.
At first glance, it seemed like it would be a long week of shuffling files across the hospital, but she was mentally prepared. This was an opportunity to learn.
By mid-morning, Megyn had met her new colleagues - two men and a woman.
Terry, a sharp and efficient woman; Mutua, a short but energetic man who talked too much; and Makori, a quiet, reserved man who had worked in the registry for over twenty-five years.
Terry handled filing and retrieval. The men, Mutua and Makori, were responsible for delivering records where needed.
Mutua was the first to speak.
"We welcome you, Megyn," Mutua said drastically. "To the ward of paper patients! Please handle them with utmost care."
The others burst out into laughter.
This summarized what Megyn had to know to start her work, albeit the delivery of the message was so hilarious.
The arrangement of the files should be alphabetically in a chronological manner.
Some records in the files have become loose with continuous referrals over the years.
Megyn grinned, "loud and clear, sir."
Mutua was entertaining, but Megyn quickly realized that Makori was expert when it came to organizing records. He had a system – one he had followed for decades. He was already returning files to shelves, carefully placing them in alphabetical order.
Megyn noticed how outdated the system was. Patients' records were still being managed manually, a stark contrast to the efficient digital systems she had seen in the city hospitals.
Curious, she asked Terry, "why hasn't the hospital transitioned to an electronic system?"
Terry smile, "It's in the works. The hospital is preparing to implement one soon."
Makori overhearing them sighed. He wasn't happy about the upcoming transition to an electronic system.
"These computers will mess everything up," he muttered. "I've done this job just fine without them for twenty-five years."
He placed the files he was holding on the table and straightened his back, looking at Terry, "I don't see why we need to change what works."
Terry looked at him too and spoke. "Be careful, Makori. Technology is inevitable will retire you before you're ready, if you don't adapt."
Makori shrugged. "I'm close to retirement. I'll leave the computers to the younger generation."
Mutua returned from a file drop-off and groaned drastically. "I hope this new system will save us from running all over the hospital."
Mutua laughed. "That's why I am embracing it. I'm finishing my diploma in records management next week."
He slipped his hands in his coat's pocket and said enthusiastically, "If I get a promotion, I'll have a bigger paycheck to pay for a gym membership."
Megyn smiled at their banter.
But what really caught her attention was Terry's explanation of the new Electronic Medical records (EMR) System.
The EMR will replace most of these paper files, "Terry explained. It'll allow doctors, clinics, and pharmacies within the hospital to access patients' information instantly. No more running around delivering files."
Mutua gasped in fake horror. "No more running? I'll get fat!"
Terry smirked. "That's why you'll need that gym membership."
Megyn chuckled.
This was what she wanted to learn. The future of medical records.
The transition was necessary, but she wondered how long it would take – and how much resistance there would be.
Megyn was engrossed in her work, and she didn't realize lunch time had reached. The aroma of French fries made her raise her head – seeing Makori eating. She suddenly remembered her plan to have lunch with Cindy.
She excused herself, rushed to the hospital cafeteria, expecting to meet Cindy. She spotted her seated at a table, enjoying a well-prepared meal – not the usual student budget-friendly fries. Sitting across from her was a young doctor - the same doctor she had been gushing about earlier, his eyes focused entirely on Cindy. They were laughing, completely engrossed in each other.
Megyn smirked. No wonder Cindy didn't even call me!
Megyn sighed and went to the counter, grabbing a simple lunch of French fries and vegetable salad. When she reached Cindy's table, her friend looked up guiltily.
"I totally forgot to call you," Cindy said, smiling sheepishly. "Jerry here insisted on buying me lunch, and well…you know how it is."
Megyn smirked. "Oh, I know how it is."
Jerry extended a hand, "Doctor Jerry Ocharo. Nice to meet you."
Megyn shook it. "Megyn Maringo. And don't worry – I forgive you for stealing my friend."
Jerry chuckled. "Good to know."
After a few minutes, he excused himself, leaving Cindy and Megyn alone.
Megyn arched an eyebrow. "So…this is the doctor, huh?"
Cindy sighed dreamily. "He's perfect, Megyn. I think he's the one."
Megyn nearly choked on her drink. "Cindy, should I remind you that you say that about every guy?"
Cindy playfully flicked a fry at her. "This time, I mean it."
But then Cindy's expression shifted.
"There's just one problem." She admitted.
"What?"
Cindy hesitated. "There's a hospital staff member named Terry who's been really interested in him. And I don't know if they've ever…you know."
Megyn frowned. "Have you asked him?"
Cindy shook her head. "No. I don't want to seem jealous."
She was convinced that what was meant to be is what would happen. However, she felt a stab of jealousy and discomfort but shoved it down brutally.
Megyn sighed. "Cindy, be yourself. If Jerry likes you, he'll make it clear. And if he doesn't…" she smirked. "Then, he's a pig."
Cindy burst out laughing. "You totally stole that line from me."
Megyn grinned. "You are welcome."
Cindy turned to her with a knowing look. "You still haven't told me about your date."
Megyn hesitated.
And for the first time in a long time, she didn't know what to say to her best friend.
Cindy suddenly wore a familiar smile on her face.
"Megyn Maringo, I know you," she said. Looking at Megyn's phone on the table, she asked, "are you ghosting him?"
"...and why would I do that?" Megyn shook her head feigning innocence.
"Megyn Maringo, the girl who once ghosted a guy for texting her." Cindy laughed.
"Cindy, I don't know… and don't be on my case about this." Megyn wiped her mouth with a paper towel signaling she was through with lunch.
"Megyn, you like him. You clearly like him." Cindy said excitedly.
Megyn frowned, staring at her phone.
That was a true statement, wasn't it?
Did she like him?
Megyn sighed. "Liking someone isn't enough, Cindy…I mean, we just met yesterday."
Cindy leaned forward. "Meg, if he is worth it, you'll know. And if he's not, you will figure that out too. But you won't know anything if you block his number."
Am I that obvious to Cindy. Megyn thought.
She had blocked his number - for sure.
Megyn exhaled, then picked up her phone. She scrolled to blocked numbers and unblocked Benjamin's number.
Cindy grinned.
With lunchtime over, they agreed they'd go back home together, however by the time the afternoon hours were over, Cindy called Megyn and apologized that they would not go home together.
"O.K. I know it is Jerry again, and I understand. Just be careful my friend." Megyn said giggling. "And please note that you cannot replace me easily."
"Point noted my friend…and don't ghost Benjamin again. Give him the chance…and respond to his texts."
They talked briefly, mainly about Cindy, before hanging up.
As Megyn left for home, her phone buzzed.
She looked at it, smiled and stashed it in her bag.
Her heart - merrier.
At the Maringo residence, Amanda, who was the house help, was busy with the evening preparations for dinner.
Amanda loved Megyn so much, like her own child. She prepared her hot chocolate.
As Megyn curled up on the couch, nursing the mug, she looked at her texts.
Now, how do I even respond to this?
Do I even need to respond?
Mex came into the living room, a lovely and a bubbly boy.
"How is our baby boy," Megyn asked, hugging the little boy.
"I'm fine, Meg…and I am not a baby."
"Oh yes you are."
"No am not."
"Meg, you look tired. Are they giving you lots of work at the hospital?"
"I'll just rest for a bit and Ill be fine," Megyn said stroking Mex's hair, that was starting to grow after a clean shave
– Jordan's.
Mellissa, who was in the dining room also came to hug her sister.
"Hi little sister," she greeted. A small smile formed on Mellissa's lips. "Spill it Mel…what is it?"
"I am so happy you don't have a boyfriend." Mellissa said.
Megyn pulled her closer.
"What does that have to do with you, Mel?" she asked.
"My friend's sister has a boyfriend, and they are getting married. "Mellissa frowned.
"Is that bad?" Megyn asked.
"It is bad because she will be leaving after the wedding, and my friend is sad."
Megyn pulled her sister into a passionate hug.
Her mind turned back to Benjamin.
Will it one day turn into a marriage?
How will Mellissa take it?
The next morning Megyn arrived at the hospital feeling drained. She hadn't slept well, and it showed.
She was barely five minutes into sorting patients' files when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Late night contemplations?"
She turned to find Terry, arms folded, watching her with amusement.
Megyn rolled her eyes. "More like late night overthinking."
Terry smirked. "Oh. This must be the man. Huh!"
Megyn's eyes widened slightly.
"What? I mean, how did you…know?"
Terry chuckled.
"Megyn, you've been walking around like you are starring in a slow-motion music video. Your eyes are unfocused. You are almost talking to yourself. It's a man."
Megyn groaned, dropped her head onto the desk. "Am I that obvious?"
Terry sat on the edge of the desk. "So, who is he?"
Megyn hesitated. "It's complicated. I just met him, and he left for London – Two-year training program."
Terry let out a low whistle. "Well, that is complicated."
She studied Megyn for a moment. "Are you going to wait for him."
Megyn opened her mouth and closed it.
Then she said, "My best friend once said I am still young and not seriously searching. Why not – wait for him?"
Terry smirked. "I thought so." She stood up, adjusting her coat.
"Well, if you need someone to overanalyze every text message with you, count on me. I'm available."
Megyn chuckled. "Noted."
As Terry walked away, Megyn pulled out her phone, staring at Benjamin's unread message again.
Maybe I should reply…
No.
She blocked him again.
She didn't go for lunch at the cafeteria. Amanda had packed her lunch. She sat on the registry office balcony, munching her food, and staring at Lake Randy's horizon. The lake was busy with numerous activities.
Cindy came and joined her.
"Meg, guess who is coming to assess us." Cindy said.
"Cindy. Just go straight to the point."
Cindy came and sat next to her, taking the spoon from Megyn's hand, scooping some fried rice, and putting it into her mouth.
"This is very nice!" she exclaimed.
She made for the spoon again, but this time Megyn swatted her hands.
"Cindy Mukami. Tell me. Who is coming to evaluate us?" Megyn asked.
"Doctor Evans." Cindy replied. "
"Doctor Evans?" Megyn repeated.
As Cindy leaves for her workstation, she leaves Megyn wondering.
She didn't like Dr. Evans at all
There was a storm surely brewing.