~ Los Angeles ~
10:22 AM
JoAnna met with Emma and Charlie in front of the recording studio for the TV drama 'Good Heart 911' . That is the TV drama where JoAnna is contributing as a medical expert. Today she has a meeting with the production crew at 10:30, and Emma asked if she can join her to see the set.
Emma is a fan of the show and she asking JoAnna more than once when can she get a chance to see the set with a hope to meet one of those heartthrob actors. Photos and an autographs would be amazing!
JoAnna didn't expect Charlie, but one more can't hurt.
"I hope it's not a problem that I joined.", Charlie said with a big smile when two bodyguards helped him from the backseat of the car into the wheelchair.
JoAnna responded while trying to gauge Emma's mood. "Not a problem."
Bodyguards stayed by the car, and JoAnna, Emma and Charlie approached security gate at the entrance of the studio and got passes to hang around their necks. JoAnna's said 'CREW' , and Emma's and Charlie's were 'GUEST' .
JoAnna saw that Charlie is uncomfortable and thought how it's because he came without prior notice. She decided to provide few words of encouragement: "It's absolutely fine that you joined. I have about half an hour meeting with production crew and it's good that Emma will have company. You two can check out the set while you wait. What do you say?"
Charlie craned his neck to see Emma who is pushing the wheelchair.
Emma smiled and nodded.
JoAnna took a mental note to ask Emma what that was about. Last time when JoAnna went to Charlie's home to check his legs, Emma was also there. JoAnna had a suspicion that there is something going on between Emma and Charlie. She asked Emma about that, and Emma swore that there is nothing going on other than a respectable patient-nurse relationship. And JoAnna believed her. But now that she sees how Charlie is looking at her, she will need to ask again. JoAnna is not sure if Emma is ignoring him on purpose or is not aware that he is interested.
"Let's meet here in about half an hour." JoAnna instructed before heading for her meeting. "If I'm here and you are not, I will give you a call and I can join you for a tour. If it seems that my meeting will take longer, I will let you know."
Emma and Charlie agreed and told her not to worry about them. They promised not to cause any trouble.
JoAnna looked after two of them for a second before going to talk to screenwriters, director and the producers. They are working on a high level script for the upcoming season and JoAnna agreed to tell them how different health related conditions would be treated, so that they can get equipment in advance. The ratings of the show improved since JoAnna is making it 'medically accurate' , and even the ones who didn't want to listen to her modifications at first are now converted into believers. It's not that an average viewer understands the changes in the show, but medical workers do and some critics as well, and that improved reviews of the show which caused a cascading effect of increased viewership.
JoAnna also suggested that all actors who are in medical roles take some first aid training. It helps the show to appear more realistic if they know how to handle a syringe when giving an injection, or a needle for a blood draw, or at least to give stitches and put on a bandage. That was accepted as well.
JoAnna is very proud of the impact she has on this show. She didn't expect that they will listen her to this degree.
While JoAnna is discussing needs of the upcoming season with the crew, Emma is pushing Charlie's wheelchair through the set.
"Oh, this is where they filmed a scene of a boy who got injured, but they could not move him… and Dr. Smarty performed a surgery right here on the second step…", Emma explained enthusiastically to Charlie.
"Dr. Smarty?", Charlie sarcastically asked.
"It's his name in the show. He is known for his innovative ways to treat his patients.", Emma clarified and continued switching topics as the set changed along their walk.
She was chatting when she froze. "Oh, my…" Emma fanned herself with her hand at the sight of one of her favorite TV doctors. "That is Dr. Sweety. I think they should call him Dr. Dreamy, because dreamy he is… In the third season he fell for Miranda, but he is not aware that she is in a relationship with Mr. Ritchie who is the biggest shareholder in the hospital…" Emma had difficulty controling her excitment. "It seems that he is free. Maybe I can get an autograph…", Emma started going through her bag frantically to find a pen. She is confident that she had at least three of them, but now she can't find a single one.
"Here!", she victoriously announced and glanced at Charlie who was frowning. Emma paused. "Are you OK?"
"No. I think I have a cramp building up in my left calf."
"Really. Oh, no!", Emma swiftly pushed the wheelchair next to nearby stairs, sat on the second step and started kneading Charlie's leg. "Let me know when it eases up."
Charlie nodded gratefully. "Maybe two inches higher… perfect." He leaned back in his chair and smiled.
Emma wanted that autograph, but helping Charlie comes first. She is happy with the progress of his recovery. Charlie healed well after the surgery and he is at the stage where he can lift his legs now and bend them at the knees and ankles. Emma is confident that soon he will heal enough so that he can stand and start walking.
Emma was disappointed that by the time her massage ended, Dr. Sweety was back to shooting. She watched him longingly for a minute until Charlie suggested that they move on and find a place to get an ice cream. Well, ice cream sounds nice.
The studio is set up as a tourist attraction, and there are various stands for snacks and beverages available. It didn't take long for them to find a stand with ice cream and other frozen treats available. Charlie wanted to get a treat for Emma since she allowed him to tag along.
"Don't be silly. I am the one taking advantage of your company.", Emma responded. "If you didn't join, I would be wondering here by myself now."
"I insist.", Charlie didn't leave her an option to reject as he gave his card to the vendor.
Besides two hours long daily treatment for his legs, Charlie and Emma are spending most of Emma's free time together since she is staying at his villa in Los Angeles. And other than working at LA Medical Center, she has a lot of free time. When she mentioned few days ago that she will be going with JoAnna to the set of this show, Charlie asked if he can join. She didn't see any harm in that, after all, ever since his surgery, he is mostly stuck at home and probably bored.
It's not that Emma does not see that sometimes Charlie is more friendly than just a patient, but he is more than just a patient. She is staying at his villa and they spend several hours every day chatting in a pleasant atmosphere. Emma sees him as a friend, if she needs to label their relationship. JoAnna asked few times if there is more than that, but Emma does not dare to allow her thoughts to go that way because Charlie is a patient. And even if he is not a patient, Emma is aware of the difference in their status. As his personal nurse who stays in his home, she has a chance to see what kind of people are coming to visit him, and she can't deny that she does not belong in that class of people.
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