Meghan started going from room to room, speaking with her volunteers. Some she told they weren’t needed anymore and offered them the opportunity to either go ahead and leave or stick around for pizza. Others were told they might be getting a tester or two coming back for a repeat attempt. She also reminded these volunteers that pizza was on its way!

Meghan poked her head into one of the medical examination scenario rooms in between students. “How are you guys holding up?”

Brad and Mitch looked up. “Meghan! Come over here and sit down.”

She sighed, rolled her eyes, but did as told. “Before you even ask, I’m tired but I’m fine. I was coming to check on y’all.”

Brad looked at her askance. “We’re doing fine. How many more testers do we still have?”

Meghan consulted her stack of failures. “I’m not sure how many are still waiting for your station, but you might have one or two who want to retest. Also, pizza should be here around 12:30.”

Mitch looked at her. “Pizza would be good – as would getting this stuff off my face. I keep touching it and getting it on my fingers.”

Meghan giggled. “I’ve got baby wipes in the break room for when you’re done.”

“I’ll take advantage of those,” he said.

Brad looked over at Meghan. “Do I have time for a quick bathroom break?”

“Absolutely. We can hold another tester until you’re back.” Brad left the room, leaving Meghan with Mitch.

“You’re pale,” Mitch said softly. “How are you holding up?”

“I’d love to take a long nap,” she admitted. “But I’m okay, aside from being tired. And hungry. I’m looking forward to that pizza!”

Mitch raised an eyebrow at her. She sighed and shook her head. “I think you and Fred are related. You have the same reactions.”

Mitch chuckled. “We just got you home from the hospital and don’t want to send you back this afternoon. Don’t blame us for being cautious.”

Meghan rolled her eyes again. “I’m telling you I’m fine. But if it makes you feel better, you can take my vitals.”

Mitch smiled. “Your spunk is still intact, so I’ll take your word for it.”

“Take her word for what?” Jerry sauntered into the room. “Squirt, you look like crap. Feeling okay?”

Meghan buried her head in her hands, muttering. They could hear something like “can’t win for losing”, and smiled at each other. She straightened back up, picked up her papers from her lap, and stood. “I’ve got to take care of these failures, see who wants to retest. Pizza will be here soon.”

She headed out the door, breezing past a surprised Brad, and headed down the hall.

Jerry looked at Mitch. “Something I said?” Mitch just shrugged.

**********

Testing finally wrapped up about the time the pizza arrived. Meghan was extremely glad for the arrival of food and directed the delivery guy to the break room. Volunteers were starting to come in as the stations were broken down and supplies were transferred back to the EMS classroom.

After the majority of people had gathered, Meghan stood up and got their attention. “Last speech of the day, I promise!” People chuckled.

“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone. I apologize that so much of this was short notice, and am so appreciative that so many of you pitched in to help. I have a couple of quick housekeeping things to go over. First, for those of you who were patients, we need to get our prostheses back. I also have several packs of baby wipes so you can get the makeup off! Second, if everyone would please fill out a volunteer survey! It helps us to better take care of our volunteer staff! Thanks again, and enjoy the pizza!"

People cheered, and there was a smattering of applause before everyone started rushing for pizza and drinks. Meghan sat down heavily in her seat, sighing. Those in the know and close by gave her looks, but she just shook her head and shooed them towards the pizza.

Rick leaned in close. “What kind of pizza do you want? Want something to drink?”

Meghan smiled. “A slice of cheese and a slice of the veggie, if you don’t mind, and some Dr. Pepper would be nice. And thank you for not asking.”

Rick chuckled. “I figure the rest of them are already hounding you enough. Let’s see if some food can perk you up.” With that, Rick headed for the line. Mitch had made it there before him, and the two feinted each other as Rick playfully cut in line in front of him. Meghan giggled at their antics.

Soon, Rick was back, juggling plates and drinks. “Here you are! Cheese and veggie, and Dr. Pepper, as requested.” He settled himself in the seat next to her, while Mitch, Jerry, and Fred took seats nearby. Meghan flashed him a smile before proceeding to take a big bite of pizza. She wagged her eyebrows across the table at Jerry, who just shook his head before digging into his own food.

Chatter flowed throughout the room as people made new acquaintances and caught up with old ones. Meghan smiled. This was one of her favorite parts of the testing day. She knew that friendships formed here would not only bring people back to volunteer again but also helped people make connections. The world of emergency services was small, and you depend on each other. She hoped that knowledge would sink in with her younger volunteers.

Full and having accomplished the events of the morning, people started filtering out of the room. Meghan spent a good half hour saying goodbyes as people stopped by on their way out. Finally, she was down to Fred, Brad, Mitch, and Rick. Mitch and Rick had already gotten out of their prostheses and makeup, although Mitch still had some blue around his hairline and ears.

“Thanks for all your help, guys. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”

Brad smiled. “Glad I could help. What all do you still need to do to get out of here?”

“I need to take care of the clean-up in here. Feel free to take any leftover pizza or sodas home. I also need to double-check classrooms and make sure I have all of the mannequins and equipment in the EMS classroom – I can deal with putting stuff away from there next week.”

Fred nodded. “I think Brad and I can handle that and lock up. Why don’t you go ahead and head on home, get some rest?”

Meghan hesitated. “Are you sure? I can manage to finish up. I need to round up paperwork as well.”

Brad gave her a look. “You round up paperwork and scoot. Fred and I have this covered.”

Meghan threw up her hands and acquiesced. “Fine. Mitch, Rick, want some pizza and soda to take home?”

They took some pizza while Meghan rounded up all of her paperwork. She walked down to the EMS office and stuffed them into her backpack. She headed out of the office and ran headlong into Rick. Surprised, Meghan yelped.

“You okay?” Rick asked, stabilizing her.

“Yeah. You just surprised me.”

He grinned. “So, is this your office?”

“One of two. I need one of those bumper stickers that says ‘My Other Office Is My Ambulance’!” She grinned.

Rick laughed. “Well, I think Mitch and I have gotten all of the pizza and soda we want. Are you ready to bug outta here?”

“Absolutely! I think a bed somewhere is calling my name.” They headed to the front of the school, where Mitch waited, pizza boxes in hand.

“I think you need a nap,” Mitch observed.

“I know I need a nap,” Meghan countered. “How about we head back to your place so I can do that?”

Mitch nodded and headed for the car. Meghan turned to Rick. “Rick, thanks again for all your help today.”

“It was my pleasure. Give me a call when you wake up. If you’re still interested, I’ll take us out for a bite to eat.” He smiled kindly.

“Let me see how I feel after the nap, but I’ll call,” she promised.

Rick watched as she headed to Mitch’s car and got in. He waved as they pulled out of the parking lot and hoped she’d call.