Vampire Boyfriend: Thaddeus (special preview)

You’re trying to focus, but his lovely face and words keep distracting you from business at hand. “I’ve only ever heard good things about the clinic. It’s part of why my aunt and I want to work with you so badly.”

“I would jump at the chance to work with you, but I’m afraid we must go through the board, consider all options, wade through red tape,” he huffs. “It’s all so bureaucratic, it bores me to tears.”

You nod. “I understand, we fully expected this to be a long process should it happen.” 

“Well, alright then,” he sighs. “I think we should begin the examination. Enough talking for now.” He gets up and sighs. “This is part of my problem.” he says. “Washing my hands so much, and I think these gloves, it exacerbates my problem.”

As you get situated on the examining table he washes his hands. After that, it all becomes very clinical. After you get dressed, you exchange literature and you talk to him a little more about your ideas. He takes to the classes idea right away.

“I think this would be a good way to corroborate as health practices. Provide people a chance to learn about their health and how to best discern what’s right for them. Most don’t understand the options they have.” Dr. Talbot looks at you with a smile. “These are all very well thought out too. You’ve done your work.”

You smile shyly. “Thanks. It means a lot to me. I got really passionate about it when the idea struck. I didn’t think much of it, but the more effort I put in-” You stop and chuckle. “Sorry, you’ll see how long winded I can be in the documents.”

“I doubt you’re as long winded as the meetings we have to attend. Not to mention all the legal things that keep getting updated and changed.” A defeated look comes over his face as he mentions this.

“Legal?” You ask. “You mean, about you being vampire here?”

He nods with a heavy sigh. “We have to get new licenses and take special classes each year. They call us an extreme liability but we’ve had no lawsuits from our patients, just protestors. No accidents. No reason to worry, except for the fact of-” he hinges his jaw. The lines from his mouth to ears goes open with fleshy sheets of muscle spreading like sails. His sharp teeth go in diagonal rows with the bones of his jowls.

“I understand,” you murmur. “My aunt and I are both witches, our whole family is actually. My aunt and I face all sorts of scrutiny for being doctors and witches. Like you said when you first called, people tend to think natural health is bunk.”

“If it weren’t for natural health, we wouldn’t have the systems set in place we do today. People tend to forget that’s how it all started.” He smiles at you and then chuckles shyly. “Well, I think we’ve gassed on long enough. I’ll be seeing you at your office tomorrow. Will you be there, I mean? I know I’m meeting another doctor.”

You shake your head. “My aunt will be there tomorrow. She wants to talk with you as well. We thought it would be best that I handle this aspect.”

“Too bad,” he smirks. “I was rather enjoying talking with you today. Well, at last we can schedule up your next appointment and look forward to that.”

Your aunt fills you in on Dr. Talbot’s visit with Dr. Rosemund. She also had a very lengthy conversation with him.

“He’s a very charming man, so handsome.” She sighs dreamily. “Are you liking him well enough?”

“I think he’s a good doctor. He made me feel comfortable during our visit. I’m looking forward to seeing his work at the next appointment.” You’re a bit shy to talk about it, but you know it’s all part of the clinic, nothing to be ashamed about.

“I offered him a job here,” you aunt says.

You nearly choke on your drink. “What? Why?”

“I could use someone like him here. I made him an offer and he said he would consider it. I know, I know!” She huffs. “We’re trying to work with Dr. Leeche’s and I go and try to snipe one of their doctors. But I couldn’t help myself, having him here would bring in more patients, we’d be able to offer more services. It would be a boone.”

When your appointment comes around you half expect it to be canceled. After all, your aunt had over stepped a little. It might not be professional anymore for Dr. Talbot to see you. But the appointment continues as planned, and you’re soon waiting in a robe for Dr. Talbot to come into his office.

The door opens and he saunters in. He sets charts into a cubby by the door and he removes his lab coat. “Good afternoon, Dr. Ivy,” he says with a smile. “Are you ready today?”

“A little nervous,” you reply. 

“I can help with that.” He dims the lights ever so slightly. 

“Uhm, wait-” You hesitate. “Can we talk for a moment?”

Dr. Talbort glances back at you. “Is something wrong?”

You frown slightly and glance down at your hands. “I don’t feel right about this. My aunt told me the offer she made you and I’m not sure being your patient would be in the best interest at this time.”

“I was surprised by her offer, even more so that I wanted to accept. But I don’t think she understand the liability she would be taking on. It’s one of the reasons I have remained here with Dr. Leeche for so long. I would start my own practice if I could, but it would be so much all the time.” He huffs and scratches behind his ear. “I don’t plan on accepting, so it’s alright if I continue to be your doctor.”

You’re a bit relieved, but at the same time you can’t help but feel disappointed. “Oh, I see,” you murmur.

“Did you have your hopes up?” He chuckles. He then reaches out and takes hold of your hand.