The Waiting Room

   I stride into the waiting room, holding a little girl by the hand. The smell hits me like a slap to the face. Strong chemicals assault my nose. Their smell of cleanliness threatens to give me a migraine. Still holding the girl's hand, I walk over to the secretary. I give her our names, she gives me a three page form. My high heels clack as I walk over to the chairs. I smooth my skirt down before I sit.  The chairs  are lumpy, and overstuffed, not comfortable at all. When I think of the people who sat in these... yuck. The girl sits down next to me, her tiny legs dangling off the end of the chair. She looks up at me, her eyes watery, pleading.
     "Do I hafta get my shots?"
     My heart melts. I want to tell her no. I want to scoop her up in my arms, protecting her from this place full of needles, doctors, and germs. But I know I can't.
     "Yes honey, you have to," I say instead. She exhales loudly and launches herself into the back of the chair, arms crossed. I sigh and sit back as well. I draw in circles on the paper, waiting for the ink to run down the pen. When it finally starts to write, I begin to fill out the forms. Maiden Name, Mother's Maiden Name, Birthday, why do they need to know this about ME?
     She starts to whimper beside me. I get up to turn in the finished forms. As I sit back down, the lady across from me coughs. I grimace. More germs.
     A petite nurse comes from behind a closed door.
     "Miss Bethany? Could you follow me?" she says with a southern accent and a sweet smile. Bethany stands up. She bravely starts for the nurse, but halfway there she stops. Slowly, Bethany turns. Her little hand comes up, shaking a bit. I give her  a reassuring smile, then I stand and take her hand. Together, we walk through the doorway.

Hey everyone! Thanks for reading! Comment on how you liked this short little story. Don't worry, the big ones are comming soon. Be patient!