Atherine

My Journey - Chapter 6 - Katherine and Mary Beth

A/N

- I am blessed with your feedback and thoughts. I am humbled and am very appreciative to share this chapter of both professional and personal challenges and successes.

Life is a challenge in itself. When conflict and turbulence invade our lives it is the ones that love us the most which we can truly count on. This chapter is truly one of life, love, family, sadness, and them not understanding.

All my love to you, KAD.

February 1987

I heard a horn beep behind me. I looked up and saw the left turn lane arrow illuminated green. I turned left onto Georgia Avenue then drove about a mile seeing the black rod iron gates surrounding the property.

This was it, the "Palace" I had heard some call it. The National Capital Region home of Army Medicine. Just a few hundred yards down on the right side is the entrance of Walter Reed Army Hospital. I turned right pulling in and stopped at the Main Gate guard shack. I smiled and handed my ID to the Military Policeman asking for directions to the Welcome Center for newly assigned soldiers.

"I am looking to sign in from leave as I was now being assigned to the hospital." The MP smiled and gave me directions.

The process of arriving or 'signing in' from leave was easy, the CQ or Charge of Quarters was able to get me a temporary BOQ and instructions for tomorrow morning. I was to arrive back here no later than 7:45 for the in-processing briefing which started at 8:00.

Arriving at Walter Reed as an assignment was different than coming here for a school or course. I would need to find somewhere to live, familiarize myself with traffic patterns, time to commute, shopping, etc. This was an added stress along with working out plans with a very insistent girlfriend for when she can come down.

It was just after 7:00 when I made my way to a pay phone at the end of the hallway, giving me a little privacy, as I called Mary Beth. We chatted for a while just being together as best we could and talking about the weeks to come. She made me promise that I would do my best and find somewhere as quickly as possible.

She made it home from the airport safely. She told me of the messages on her answering machine from her mother and father checking to see how she was doing.

I changed subjects quickly debating a one bedroom or two bedroom and what facade we would put up versus "my friend living on the futon". In the end we both agreed to be money wise and she trusted my decision no matter what.

"Closet space Katherine."

"What do you mean?"

I questioned her but then started laughing as Mary Beth continued, "Love, I wear a skirt, blouse and a jacket to work every day, not scrubs. Kathie, I need closet space. Space for shoes." She paused for a moment, "Tell me are you joking, you can't be serious, a woman needs closet space Kathie."

Damn it never crossed my mind what she must go through for work clothes. "Mary Beth, I am sorry I promise to do the best I can for you." And with that she told me she loved me and bid me a good night.

Monday morning came with zero pomp and circumstance. I worked my way through the Welcome Center process which thankfully included the housing office. They were able to assign me a temporary apartment or BOQ. I have two weeks to find somewhere to live. I was then directed to C Company, Troop Medical Battalion, which were two buildings down. I was given a list and more paperwork and sent on my way.

I made my way to the building filled with fear, anticipation, and excitement. I had thankfully spoken with my peer nurse "sponsor" and now got to meet Cpt. Tabitha Phillips, "Tabitha is fine", she told me. We went over to one of the other little cafes and had some coffee and lunch.

She shared with me a few hints and tricks for driving in and out of the hospital but regardless where you live, "there is a bitch of a traffic jam here all the time."

She had given me a few suggestions on where to live and an order of most popular and 'safe' areas. Then she gave me a list of the malls, good food places and some other popular and military friend's establishments. The golf course, a jeweler, hair stylist p, as the one in the hospital was a "pure butcher" and lastly a realtor in the event I would buy.

Tabitha had a very pretty smile and wore very light makeup. But she had explained that sometimes everyone pushed the limit, "What woman, even a woman in the Army, didn't want to feel and look pretty every now and then." I smiled and agreed.

I learned she was single, and she lived in the Silver Springs, MD area. She had originally joined the Army from Michigan. She looked at her watch and said she needed to get back but I was to take as much time of the two weeks to find somewhere to live but when I was done to come up to the ward or give her a call.

She handed me both the nursing station main phone number then her home number. Armed with this information I was ready to go. As we both stood she said to me, "You know Col Bland spoke really high of you Lieutenant Dougherty, there was a buzz about you when we learned you were coming.

I blushed a deep red; I am no one special I just want to be a great nurse. And Tabitha, if it's okay please call me Katherine."

We shared a quick non-emotional hug and off I went.

Within two days I found a nice, top floor 3rd floor, spacious, and more importantly furnished, two bedrooms, with a decent kitchen in Silver Springs, MD with lots of closet space. There was a nice little back deck that looked out to the tree line which added a little privacy unlike in Georgia where I looked out the parking lot.

I signed the lease to move in on February 16th. I called and had utilities set up, just basic cable TV and my phone. It was strange I didn't need an answering machine. They had a new electronic voicemail on the telephone line and I had two-way calling.

This was strange to me, modern technology living in the DC area I guess.

February 8th

With my new hospital badge in hand I walked into the main floor of Walter Reed, paused for a moment and headed towards the staff elevators. It took me a few minutes to get up to the ICU but was met by Tabitha. She walked me over to the nurse's station and started the introductions to all of the staff. I was surprised by how many staff members were already here at 6:00 on a Monday morning but this was a 24 bed ICU.

We all paused as a medium height; very skinny man dressed in camouflage approached us. He introduced himself as Major Michael Knoll, the ICU Nurse Manager. He went on to explain to me that Tabitha would be not only my sponsor but she would also be my preceptor for the next two weeks, part of my orientation.

Cpt. Phillips, Tabitha's and my schedule seemed to sync rather nicely. The three of us Maj. Knoll, Tabitha and I went over to the nurse's lounge for a cup of coffee and an introduction and expectations meeting.

He explained to me my schedule; I would work her schedule until she signed off on the preceptor checklist. I would be on days, 6:00am - 2:00pm. Then I would spend the next two weeks with another ICU nurse getting myself acquainted with the 2:00pm - 10:00pm shift but then flip to midnights for two weeks working 10:00pm - 6:00am with a good Charge Nurse and team able to assist me but I would be on my own with my own patient load.

With that plan set, the meeting was adjourned and off I went. The first few days were easy, nothing too heavy but these were critically ill but yet healing patients. I loved the pace, the flow and challenge and spun stories each night when I spoke with Mary Beth about what I was learning and doing.

I could feel and hear her frustration. She was trying so hard but the temptation to just quit and move here on the 16th was too much for her. That is when I finally broke down and attempted to give her a timeline of how things might work best based on the scheduling of events. Yes she needed me and absolutely I needed her but I needed her strong and focused for at least three or four weeks.

"Mary Beth Kaufman" I snapped into the phone, almost barking at her. "You know how much we love each other and that will not change, it grows strong and we together will always grow deeper and deeper in love. But you need to listen and understand that I have a plan."

The phone line was silent; I couldn't even hear her breathing. "Hey" I said softly, "I do love you but we will get through this."

I went on to explain how I wanted her to give her two week notice at her job and that she would move with me down to DC the third weekend of March. "Tell them your last day will be March 20th"

She immediately pushed back, "Why so long Kathie?"

I started to explain, "Mary Beth, the schedule here is similar to when I was in Georgia, but we do shifts in two week rotations. So, my plan is to drive up after finishing the Midnight shift. If needed, help pack your apartment, then meet your folks, see my folks, take a nap and drive back that night or the next morning." I explained.

"Mary Beth, looking at my schedule I will drive up the morning of March 24th as soon as I get off the midnight shift. I can make it through that 5 hours drive with coffee and excitement."

That made her slightly afraid that I would be too tired but all we were moving were her clothes and small personal items, she didn't have too much. We continued chatting, I changed the topic to something lighthearted but she wasn't interested. She was looking at and considering the problems with the move and coming out to Ralph and Rosemarie.

I asked if she felt having my parents at dinner on the night of the 24th or 25th would help. She wanted to consider it; I suggested that with their acceptance and experience in our relationship it may help lessen the backlash.

We then agreed that she would go ahead and notify the apartment manager of her move out date giving more than the 30-days' notice needed and you would pay her rent through the end of March.

"Okay so Mary Beth, it's settled, I will get off work, drive up, get to your apartment by 11:00 or 12:00 and then we pack the Jeep and your car. In between we make love, we sleep and shower. That night we have dinner then sleep at your apartment or a hotel. The next morning we drive our cars to

our

place in Silver Springs. "

"Kathie, I am nervous but excited. I will give my notice at work but also start with my resume and maybe start looking for jobs once I am there."

"If my father and mother are not at dinner, which I am hoping they will be, then I would like to stop by and at least see them. Okay?"

She immediately started crying when she realized that I truly had our best interests in mind and she did understand that I had a solid plan put together for the success of our relationship.

We said good night to each other, I had a few busy days ahead of me as I would be working and then moving into our new apartment. I scheduled to have my home furniture and household goods delivered which would be a full day off and that was tentatively scheduled for next week. Maj. Knoll was happy I had moved this process quickly. He wanted to get me moving with patients as soon as possible.

Mary Beth and I continue to chat every day, we just bounce our times as needed depending when I worked and what traffic was like when I got home. This Washington DC traffic is no dang joke. Th8s was truly a culture shock to me.

One thing which I truly loved was with every phone call and each day closer and closer to our magical day or March 24th, Mary Beth was getting more and more excited.

Life was flowing rather smoothly. I was happy with the amazing people I was working with and was thrilled with the feedback I heard from the preceptors, my Charge RN and Maj Knoll.

***

A few days had gone past when I badged in on the sixth floor and was granted access to the ICU. There was a slight buzz in the air as I arrived on the floor and at the nurse's station. I saw Tabitha at the nurse's station and she quickly waved me over to the station.

We greeted each other and she whispered in my ear asking if I had heard the news about Maj Knoll? I just shook my head and shrugged my shoulders denying any knowledge of any rumors as I didn't know who the gossip carriers are. I told Tabitha, I am still new, I really hadn't heard anything. We chatted for a few minutes then she finally said.

"I wonder who will replace Maj Knoll. It is most likely that will remove him from his position. They don't take too well to adultery in the Army, especially at the "Palace" let alone

in

the building."

I gave a curious look. "What did he do?"

"Well, it seems he got caught dipping something into the wrong cookie jar." She smirked, "If you know what I mean."

"Yeah, okay he was having sex, so what? What is so wrong with a good hard fuck?" Her eyes opened wide and I was sort of surprised to see her mouth open some.

"Come on Tabitha, there is nothing wrong with a good fuck. Don't be a prude." I made certain I whispered that into her ear.

"He isn't married is he?"

"No, that's the point and maybe his only saving grace, he was sleeping with, well we heard he was 'crazy fucking' the wife of one of the ER Doctors and supposedly got caught. She is a nurse anesthetist and works in the OR."

I stayed as calm as I could, then finally smiled and whispered to her, "So yeah that's a shame. What will they do to him?"

"Well that depends on the political landscape he is involved in."

I looked at her inquisitively.

"Kathie, this place is so politically connected. Let's just say, keep private stuff private. Outside of here. Kathie enjoy the life you want and as much of it as you want, just don't do it in the building."

I nodded my head. "Thanks. I feel bad for him. He seems nice."

She leaned closer to my ear and said in a very breathy whisper, "He is, he just dipped his dick where it didn't belong."

She leaned back then winked at me. "We should have a drink one night, my treat and we can see what your political landscape is."

I blushed, and then she smiled then said, "Yep I thought so Lieutenant Dougherty, I thought so."

Our conversation broke up as we then focused on the shift change briefing. Once done, I turned and started my day filled with guilt. It seems she just hit on me. Fear came over me immediately. I stopped smiling and turned my thoughts to the love of my life, Mary Beth and my patients.

That night on the phone with Mary Beth I felt so guilty, I didn't even feel like talking. When she asked I just blamed it on a headache. I didn't sleep well realizing what a bad girlfriend I was.

***

A few days later, we flipped over to the afternoon shift and I hadn't seen Tabitha for a few days. Between our days off and her schedule we hadn't been scheduled on the same day. I was working with Cpt. Carla Anderson these next few weeks. She was a tall slender woman from New York. An ROTC cadet like me but wow, she was full of herself. But I learned so much from her and her processes.

We were at 100% capacity with patients and CPT Anderson was letting me do more and more one-on-one patient care myself. On the third afternoon shift, when I badged in I saw Tabitha we just waved and smiled saying we would catch up later but we were so busy. I was in a great flow and was starting to feel good.

Mary Beth and I were still talking every night but these afternoon shifts were tough. I had begged her to call me before she left for work and sometimes she did. I felt so good after those calls about my love for her and where we were going to be. I was counting down the days. It was less than twenty days until I would see her again.

Thursday night we finished our shift and there were a group of us walking to our cars. Michael Novack, a very seasoned ICU nurse, suggested that Sunday after shift we all go out for a drink. A few including Tabitha and Carla agreed but when they looked at me I balked, making an excuse that I would pass.

That night I was down, and really I really missed Mary Beth, the lack of sex was one thing but I just missed sleeping with her. I must've been asleep for just a few short hours because I woke up seeing it was still dark outside. I stumbled through the new apartment making my way to the kitchen. I got a drink of water and sat on the sofa for a few seconds.

I don't know if it was because of my physical self-torture or my mental self-torture, or the stress of Mary Beth moving down but I broke down in tears just hugging a pillow wishing she would hurry up and get down here. The next thing I knew I was picking up the phone and calling her just needing to hear her voice.

Mary Beth answered the phone. I could barely hear her. "Hey Kath."

"Mary Beth!" I started sobbing again.

"Kathie? What's wrong?"

"I am sorry but I needed to hear your voice. I am so sorry I woke you. I just miss you so much and well, I just can't wait, we are less than three weeks away Mary Beth."

We chatted for a few more minutes about nothing. My wonderful and amazing girlfriend just listened to me stressing out about so many things and how I missed her. As we got ready to end the call, I asked her, "Baby, a few of us were going to have drinks on Sunday. Are you okay if I go out with them?"

"Kathie, absolutely. Go, go out with your coworkers and have some fun. I will be there in a few weeks and trust me; I am going to keep you captive for a while."

We ended the call reminding each other of our continued love for each other. "Mine and mine alone, from not and until the end of eternity."

I still woke at my normal time, I would just be sleep deprived. It was around 11:30; I had just got back from my run and was getting ready to jump in the shower when the phone rang. I didn't answer the call because I needed my shower. When I got out of the shower, I listened to the voicemail and I couldn't believe my ears.

"Hi Kathie. Look I only have a few seconds as I just ran out for lunch. I wanted to check on you. I hope you are doing better after some sleep."

She paused then whispered, "Kath, you better rest up because I am going to make love to you and wear your body out. Then I can't wait for you to fuck me silly baby. Love you bye."

I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt. I smiled wider than I had in a long, long time.

I dressed and went to work with a little extra skip in my step and a smile on my face. At one point when I sat at the nurse's station for a few seconds, Tabitha leaned over and whispered. "You're smiling; someone must have had a good morning!"

She pulled back and looked in my eyes. I said, "Not yet, soon, it's coming soon." I smiled and went back to my paperwork.

***

Three day later, Sunday was our last afternoon shift, there was a little buzz going as some of the team was going out for appetizers and drinks after work. We were part way through the shift, Tabitha stopped over at the nurse's station, and she looked at me and shrugged her shoulders.

"Well Lieutenant?"

"Well what Ma'am? I am sorry I am not certain what you are referring to." I asked CPT Tabitha Phillips.

She looked at me, "You are joining us tonight aren't you? After the shift for chatting and drinks."

"Ma'am, I um, well... um I am still not sure. I mean, maybe I can meet you where you are going?"

I was trying to accept the invite. Mary Beth told me to and I would be seeing her in just two long weeks from now. "I still need to..."

Beep... Beep... Beep "That's my patient's monitor. Ma'am." I walked away heading to my patient's room. I exhaled then took a deep breath, I was struggling with this.

A little later in the shift I took a break grabbing a cup of coffee in the break room. Cpt. Phillips, Tabitha, came into the break room; she smiled at me and poured a cup of coffee. She sat down at the small four person table and smiled.