Mitch’s face was deep into Chelsea’s cleavage as she stumbled under the full weight of his body. 

“Well that’s a little awkward!” I said as I pulled the needle out and threw it down on the exam table. 


“Um, ya. No kidding!” Chelsea’s face was flushed with embarrassment and likely partially from the adrenaline rush. 

Mitch’s respirations sounded like loud snores from deep within Chelsea’s cleavage. I grabbed his shoulders. Slowly, and with great effort, Chelsea and I pushed and pulled his hulking, muscular body backward into the chair. 

…and he’s out!

“Get his head please Chelsea.” She quickly placed a sturdy hand behind his head as it began an arc backward. She held his head such that he was sitting almost upright. The snoring stopped and Mitch was breathing clearly. “Perfect. Thank you. I did’t want to hurt his neck and that opened his airway nicely.”

“Poor thing!” Chelsea whispered as so looked at him tenderly. “When do you think he will wake up?”

“It won’t be long, I wouldn’t think.” I said as I ran the paper towels under some cool water again. I pressed them gently to Mitch’s face as Chelsea supported his head and neck. Mitch’s breathing slowed and his color seemed to be improving.

“Do we need to take him to the hospital?” Chelsea asked, wide eyed.

“Probably not. He just had a vasovagal response due to his extreme anxiety. I don’t know why he is so frightened of needles. Maybe a bad experience as a child? It’s not uncommon for people to have a syncopal event while getting needles or having blood drawn.”

“What is sink-a-pile?”

Syncope

“Sync-o-pal is a fancy word for fainting.” I told Chelsea as I continued to pat the cool towels on Mitch’s face while I held his chin.

“Oh!” Chelsea nodded. “Fancy indeed. Well, who knew that spending a half hour with the camp nurse would be so….life changing!”

“What?” I looked at Chelsea. I was confused.

“I have realized two things while in your presence. One is that I think I need to really consider nursing as a career; and two is that I think I have a little bit of a crush on Mitch! I only saw him as the big tough guy. Seems he has a softer side after all.”

“Oh! I see! His vulnerability makes him attractive.” I smiled and nodded.

“Shhhh.” Chelsea held her finger to her lips. 

“Your secret is safe with me, girl. Patient confidentiality and all.”

Mitch’s eyes began to flutter and then opened. He pulled himself up in the chair as he came fully to his senses. Chelsea and I both released him from our grips.

“So I am guessing from your response that I am not very good at giving needles, Mitch.” I said as I leaned back against the exam table and crossed my arms.

“Oh God. I am so sorry. I have passed out a couple of times with needles before. I was just really hoping it wouldn’t happen this time. I’m so embarrassed.” Mitch looked shyly at Chelsea and myself and then covered his face with his hands.

“Don’t be embarrassed. It’s not uncommon. Happens to a lot of people.” I reassured him as I began cleaning up the small pile of alcohol wrappers and swabs.

“Chelsea! You must think I’m a real loser.” Mitch said as he leaned his elbows on his knees and buried his face.

Chelsea rubbed his shoulder. “Not at all. I was glad I was able to be of some help. Even if it was only a little bit.”

“Oh you were a big help Chelsea!” Mitch sat up and told her earnestly. “All your coaching and encouragement were helpful and very kind too. Thank you.”

“You were a huge help!” I echoed. “Mitch would have been face first into that garbage can if you weren’t here to catch him. And then, God only knows what kind of injuries he would have had with the fall.”

“Really?” Mitch laughed.

“Yup. When you passed out, you pitched forward and Chelsea caught you.” I didn’t bother to mention it was Chelsea’s cleavage that had saved the day. I looked at Chelsea and winked. Her cheeks flushed again.

Awkward