Fairy
By the time she was in Year 6, it was clear that Lisa Beaumont would become a fantastic doctor one day. Back then, a boy from the next street over had tumbled from the swings and managed to badly scrape his knee and bang his head. It was a grim sight, not for the faint-hearted, but the quick-witted 12-year-old handled it without blinking.
Jane, fetch water, some bandages, and the antiseptic! she called to her friend, who lived in the block of flats across from the park. Jane dashed home, obedient and fleet-footed.
Just as the boys frantic mother, Mrs Watson, arrivedhaving been somehow alertedLisa had already rinsed the wounds, dressed them carefully, and looked every bit the professional. Mrs Watson couldnt believe her eyes when she learned who had come to the rescue. Gratefully, she hugged Lisa and declared, Youll make a wonderful doctor one day. Not just any doctor, but a truly excellent one. Honestly, Lisa, some doctors could learn a thing or two from you. Just look at you, and at your age!
On camping trips, Lisa was invaluable. Nobody wanted to get injured, of course, but with Lisa Beaumont on hand, it never felt half as scary.
Medical school, foundation training, specialist training, and countless refresher courses followed, year upon year.
One day, she, now Dr Elizabeth Anne Turnerformerly Beaumontfound herself acting head of the diagnostics department. She was well liked and respected at the hospital. The staff were top notch, with just one exception: the elderly deputy medical director, Dr Bernard Wilkins. He was renowned for his cantankerousness and appetite for arguments. He seemed to get a thrill from stirring up drama. Lisa did her best not to rise to his provocations; only she knew the sheer strength this required!
The one consolation: she didnt often cross paths with Wilkins, just the weekly staff meetings where they reviewed new patients cases. But those meetings were never pleasant.
Wilkins would routinely argue with Dr Turner, sometimes making sly digs in front of everyone. He seemed to notice how she tried to let his barbs wash over her, and this only seemed to stoke his fire.
Hes insufferable, she told her husband Mark over dinner. I do my best, honestly. But its as if he goes out of his way to get under my skin.
Mark just smiled kindly, Youll always come out on top, love. Youre the best diplomat in the business.
Their 13-year-old son, Toby, piped up over his mashed potatoes, Mum, you should become an actual diplomat. They earn loads more.
Laughing, Lisa replied, Ill think about it, boys.
Lisa had the knack for tact, that was true. But she wasnt a machine. People have their limits. She could sense the day would come when shed snap, and when it did, thered be a good reason.
At the next weekly meeting, everything was as usualuntil Lisa presented the case of a woman in her early sixties, Mrs Veronica Green, sitting nervously on the examination couch. Normally, after presentations, the patient would leave and the medical staff could discuss details privately. Today, things went off script.
Mrs Green suddenly asked, in a trembling voice, Doctor, please tell me honestly, is it very serious? Will I get better? Ive my little granddaughter to look after.
Her words quivered with hope and despair, her eyes glassy.
Before Lisa could reassure her, Dr Wilkins barked, With your diagnosis? Madam, your condition is so advanced no sensible doctor would promise anything! You really ought to have done something sooner!
Mrs Green was visibly shaken, her lower lip trembling, but Wilkins ploughed on: You lot always do thisignore it at first, try old wives remedies, then finally show up when its nearly too late! Were not miracle workers!
In tears, Mrs Green fled the room. Afterwards, Lisa was angry at herself for not having immediately intervened. Shed been too stunneda senior doctor shouting at an elderly patient, already frightened and alone. Their department head, Dr Mary Wallace, shook her head reproachfully as well.
Deep down, the women knew Wilkins had a point medically. But couldn’t he have been more kind? More respectful of Mrs Greens age?
Lisa had finally had enough.
With all due respect, Dr Wilkins, what do you think youre playing at? she demanded.
Wilkins shrugged carelessly. Facts are facts. Maybe people need a reality check sometimes. The earlier you catch a disease, the better the chancesurely you know that as well as I do.
Lisa noticed the self-satisfied look on his face, realising he believed hed provoked her successfully. But she wasnt going to let him get away with it.
Youre absolutely right, Bernard; everyone knows early treatment is best. But do you have any idea how much convincing it took for Mrs Green just to come for help? She trusted us, dared to hope! And you crushed that in an instant. Well done, you!
She made a frustrated gesture. Wilkins, momentarily taken aback, tried to reassert control, but soon saw it was pointless. He knew now: Dr Turner could not be cowed. She knew her worth.
Wilkinss voice droned on in the background, growing more strident, but Lisa barely listened. She watched as Dr Wallace quietly left the office. Alone with Wilkins, Lisa realised she could hardly breathe. The very air felt toxic. Energy vampire, indeed.
She sat motionless, eyes fixed on the corner, fighting back tears. No, she thought, I wont give him the satisfaction. She walked over to the window, listening as the door clicked shut; glancing back, she saw she was alone.
With a sigh, she sat at her desk and reached for her case notes. Work waits for no one.
A timid voice broke the quiet: Dr Turner? She looked up in surprisecould it be? Wilkins himself stood there, holding a small bottle of valerian drops, looking utterly abashed.
Lisa felt no triumph, only a pang of pity. People said Bernard Wilkins was all alone. Was that where all this bitterness came from?
Here, do have some, he said, awkwardly. And forgive me. You might have a point, you know
Lisas anger faded. Youre right too, Bernard. But its our job to heal, to give people hopea sliver of it, at least. Sometimes, thats real medicine, as you know well.
Yes, yes… of course Wilkins muttered.
The change was remarkable, almost amusing. But Lisa was in no mood for surprise nowshe preferred to strike while the iron was hot.
Bernard, please remember this: I won’t allow anyone, ever, to shout at me or question my professionalism in front of a patientnot even the Health Minister.
Yes, Dr Turner. I understand.
She checked her watch, thinking, Well, lets see if it lasts. There was plenty of work left.
An hour later, she visited Mrs Greens ward. The woman smiled shyly, tulips on her bed table.
Can you believe, your boss brought me flowers! Mrs Green giggled. He even apologised and said, Well do everything possible and impossible to help you get well!
Thats just what well do, Lisa said kindly, squeezing her hand. Youll be right as rain in no time. The toast of the town, you will be.
Oh, youre a card! Mrs Green laughed.
A month on, Mrs Green was on her feet again. On her discharge day, Wilkins brought her a box of luxury chocolates.
These are for your granddaughter, he said, bashful.
Oh, bless you! she beamed.
And these, he handed her a bouquet of roses, are for you.
I cant remember the last time I had flowers, Mrs Green smiled, her eyes misty. Thank you, Doctor! And thank you to the whole team for working a miracle.
Wilkins smiled, Id say come again, butwell, only as a guest. Do look after yourself.
Everyone witnessing this was, frankly, astonished. Whats come over him? they wondered. No one thought Bernard Wilkins even knew a kind word.
His rapport with Lisa changed, if not exactly friendly then certainly cordial. They often shared coffee after meetings or ran into each other at the café near the hospital.
One thing about life, Wilkins confessed, stirring his tea, you can do everything right, yet happiness slips through your fingers. Ive let life pass me by, really.
Lisa was surprised. But youre so respected, Bernard. Success counts for something.
He nodded. I suppose. Still, I miss being happy. Used to have that, once. Lost it somewhere.
Lisa hid a smile. Hes confiding in me, she thought. Be gentle.
She found herself warming to him.
Their shifting dynamic didnt go unnoticed among the staff. No one gossiped thoughLisa was above reproach, and Wilkins certainly no womaniser.
What have you done to him? Nurse Pauline asked at their weekly tea, where the ladies swapped gossip over home-baked cakes, scones, and Victoria sponge. Hes almost smiling, sometimes!
Lisa feigned innocence. Oh, its no big secret. Its all confidence and self-respect. Anyone can stand up to him, nurse or head doctor alike.
Pauline snorted. Easy for you to say! I still go cold at the sight of him.
Lisa smiled. We all have a right to dignity. Even cleaning staff. And a bit of self-assurance never hurt anyone.
Psychiatrist Dr Helen Cartwright added, When dealing with energy drainers like him, confidence is key. They sense itand stay away.
Loneliness, if you ask me, mused Vera, the cook, is at the root of his grumpiness.
Everyone agreed, except Lisa, who knew for certain.
Suddenly, Harriet the ward clerk bustled in. Ladies, have I missed much? she panted.
No, just in time! laughed Dr Helen. Were dissecting Wilkins, so to speak.
Oh, have you heard? Harriet announced breathlessly. Wilkins is getting married!
No!
Youre joking!
Thatll be the day!
The air buzzed with disbelief.
Lisa, dont pretend you didnt know, the head nurse sneered playfully.
Lisa blinked. No, honestly. Weve talked about a lot, but never his love life.
Not surprising, said the psychologist. Men like him never show that side.
Lisa wondered, On earth, whos he marrying?
Any idea whom? burst out Jane, the junior porter.
Not really… But some say its a former patient, Harriet answered, pouring herself a cuppa.
A patient?! laughed Vera, as Lisa hid a knowing smile. Surely, it must be Mrs Green.
Ladies, doesnt this news call for a different kind of drink? Lisa suggested, as the room erupted with approval.
They toasted Bernards happiness with a bottle of crisp white wine. Perhaps married life would soften the old bear just a bit.
The next day, over her lunch break, Bernard himself approached Lisa, beaming like a weathered coin.
Lisa kept a straight face; better let Bernard have his big reveal.
Youre looking well, Bernard, she smiled.
He added, And Im in grand spirits. Im getting married, Elizabeth.
Really? And whos the lucky woman? Or is it a secret?
Not at all! Bernard chuckled. Im marrying Veronicayou know, the lady you rightly gave me a ticking off about. Shes wonderful. I tracked down her number under the pretext of medical follow-up!
So youre quite the schemer! Lisa burst out laughing. Shes a splendid match, Bernard. Congratulations!
I owe it all to you, Elizabeth. Id like you and your family at our wedding. Thanks to you, I found happiness again. You shouldve been a diplomat!
Oh, dont say thatif its meant to be, it will be, she said, still smiling.
At the church, Bernard scrubbed up well. The bride looked radiant; no sign of the anxious patient of weeks before. Veronica, auburn hair in a bob, was nearly unrecognisablea decade younger and glowing. She couldnt thank Lisa enough.
Lisa stood back, content. If fairy godmothers existed, perhaps she was one after all.
