Dr. Nick

"I am proud to introduce this year's valedictorian, Nicholas Shaw!" As the newly graduated doctor, Nicholas Shaw, walked to the podium, he could see his friends and family standing and applauding wildly. Nick beamed at his family then waved everyone down into their seats.

"Honored guests, faculty, my fellow graduates and dear family and friends. I'm still not sure why I was chosen for this honor. Our class has produced wonderful and brilliant doctors so I'll try to do you all justice."

Nick paused to let another round of applause quiet down.

"As a teen I volunteered at our local clinic. When I got older and got a job as an orderly at Harrisburg General, I quickly realized how much we were in need of doctors and nurses. We've all needed some sort of medical attention in the course of our lives. Without the dedication of the medical and nursing community, many of us would not be here today. That's when I knew where the direction of the path that I had chosen for myself was heading.

"There are so many specialties out there today but Infectious Diseases caught my eye. I've always loved a good mystery and trying to diagnose an illness and then determine the correct course of treatment seemed to be what I wanted to do. Some people have told me that direct patient care is more important than hiding in a lab with the beakers and slides. But I don't see it as hiding. I see myself as a detective, hunting down leads, working the theories and in conjunction with the attending physicians and nurses, solving the mysteries of disease and helping our patients with a cure.

"In some cases, there aren't any cures, no magic pill that will take away the hurt, no miracles, but I vow to keep on trying."

Nick paused to take a deep breath. How could he make people understand his vow, his promise to himself to find a cure for what has been termed the incurable. He decided not to try. The ones important to him understood his passion and that's all that mattered.

"I promised myself that I wouldn't bore you all with a long speech. Our families want to see each of us walk across this stage to receive our degrees. Let me just say that I'm grateful to all of our faculty, advisors and my fellow students. You've each touched me in some way and helped me to achieve my goal. I want to say a special thank you to my parents. Throughout my life you've given me love and support. And the occasional kick in the ass when I thought I'd give up and go back to the farm where I thought I belonged."

Nick paused again as the wave of laughter filtered through the auditorium.

"Before I go, I want to express a special thank you to my partner, Hunter. He's been my inspiration for many years now. You balance out my life, make me see why I do what I do and your dedication has never wavered. Thank you, Hunter, I promise I'll never let you down." Nick smiled through unshed tears at the man he loved.

"Honored guests, faculty, friends and family, I give you the best bunch of doctors this university has ever produced!" Nick waved at the room filled with eager young men and women itching to start in their chosen fields. The room roared with a deafening cheer.

*****

"Doctor Nicholas Shaw!" the head of the medical college said as he pressed the sheepskin into Nick's hand. They posed for the photo then Nick went back to his seat. When the ceremony was over, Nick hurried through the crowd and well wishers to the designated spot where he had planned to meet up with his family. After, there was going to be a huge party at his family's farm.

Nick's parents and long time family friends were all there to congratulate him. He was hugged and kissed by everyone, including by his 'acquired' family. Even his old Aunt Amy, who hadn't left Bridgeton in over fifty years was there to offer her congratulations to the first doctor in their family.

Standing off to one side, waiting patiently was the object of Nick's devotion. Hunter's bright eyes were shining, his smile beaming. Hunter approached his lover.

"You did it," Hunter said softly.

"I couldn't have without you," Nick replied.

"I didn't do anything."

"Sure you did. I seem to recall a few well-placed kicks in the ass," Nick blushed.

"Only returning the favor. Besides, I have an ulterior motive."

"Oh, really."

"Yes, really. I seem to remember someone putting his name down on the duty roster at the clinic. Now that you have all those initials behind your name, you're not going to renege, are you?"

"Never. Being a part of what you do for the community is important to me. To all of us."

"Then it's settled."

"I love you, Hunter," Nick stated as he flung his arms around Hunter.

"I love you too, Dr. Nick!"

-end snippet 9-

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