Finding Nash
by M and Bridgid
John Nash knew he needed to take medication. His mind worked so differently when
he didn't take it and to be honest he preferred it that way but it seemed he was
not as socially fit when he was not taking them.
Ever since finding that poor young woman he'd pretty much holed up in his room
at the boarding house, barely leaving to take a meal. A good deal of the time he
even retreated to his room after he obtained a plateful of something or other.
Yes, the food was quiet palatable at Millie's. It was good by his standards but
he didn't wish to engage anyone at this point. Perhaps he should seek out the
local physician to obtain refills of his prescribed drugs so that he could
integrate into society here at the Glen.
Waking early in the morning, he showered, dressed and headed out to the clinic,
hoping someone would be there. He arrived just after nine AM.
Before he called out he stopped to stare at a very nice print of Vincent's
Starry Starry Night. How lovely it must have been to be able to define one's
madness in canvas and oil. How liberating.
"The doc" had been up since 0600, rising early had never been a problem for her.
As she walked into her waiting area with a cup of tea she saw him.
"Hello, I'm Doc Knight. M, what can I do for you today?"
John turned calmly. He looked down the bridge of his nose at her and grinned.
"Hello. I'm Professor John Nash. I'm paranoid, schizophrenic and if you are
indeed the doctor then I would like to talk to you about refilling some
medications for me."
Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulled the first bottle out, held it tight
and tapped on it with his index finger. "This on, I believe is to prevent me
from seeing things that do not exist such as small children and tall blonde men.
The other one I have is to keep me safe from the Russians, though I doubt they
pose a threat since the cold war is now over. Can you help me? I've already had
one traumatic event since I've come here and to be honest with you I'd prefer to
just stay calm until Miss Meggie can get the library open."
M smiled whilst her head was spinning. "Thank you for being so forthright
Professor, of course I can refill your medications. Before I do though how about
you and I get to know each other a little better? Shall we take tea and chat?
"I have met a lot of professors in my line of work, I'd be interested to know
what line of work you are in."
Smiling shyly, the professors gaze seemed distant but he was talking directly to
the doctor. "We could say that I work in figures. Mathematics." He said as he
raised his eyes to her. "There are times when these blasted medications disable
me to the point of infancy but they do me some service as well."
Then he thought about the fact that she offered him tea. "I must apologize. I
don't find many types of tea palatable however I will indulge you for the sake
of being social. Forgive me if that was blunt but it goes against my grain not
to speak my mind. It is an active mind at times."
Sitting down, he waited for her to give him a cup of the brew.
M had learnt to prefer white tea. When she was an intern she had needed to be
awake almost 24 hours a day and been a caffeine junkie, those times were gone.
As she plugged in the kettle and put two bags into two cups she turned to him.
"When was the last time someone reviewed your meds John?"
He thought for a moment,. cocking his head as he did so. "I honestly don't
remember but if I had to make an educated guess I would say approximately six
months ago, " he paused then went on. "There was an event here just a day after
I arrived. The young woman who was brutally raped and murdered managed to be
directly in my path. I believe this has caused a setback for me though I am able
to keep things under control right now."
"That was a terrible thing, I would say if you are keeping things under control
after being so close to that then your meds are working, I'm happy to refill
your script. Have you managed to meet many people yet? I'm sure I don't
have to tell you that being around other people helps your condition too."
He shook his head. "No, not yet however I am currently living at a boarding
house and there is constant activity."
John may have sounded fine but he was obviously twitchy. "Could you direct me to
the nearest drug store or as I believe you would call it here, chemist? I should
restart my regimen as soon as possible."
"I can do better than that, I can refill it for you. Are you staying at Millie
and Steve's place? It seems a very lively place."
"Yes, yes I am."
For the first time during her interview, John smiled at her. He found Millie's
to be more comfortable than he'd expected and he was anxious to start meeting
other people. "There is a darling little girl there. Her name is Brook. She
reminds me so much of someone i once knew."
John finally sipped the tea she'd brought him and he grimaced slightly.... "This
brew is acceptable. Perhaps you could tell me where I could obtain some. Your
kindness is much appreciated, Doctor...." he glanced at the diplomas on the wall
and added her surname, "Knight."
"Please call me M and I've met Brook, she's quite the cutie." The doc
smiled back at him, it wasn't hard to see the tea wasn't going down as planned.
"You know I have an idea, why don't you come over to dinner with me and my
partner, I know he'd love to meet you, bring your favourtie tea. As you
will have noticed I'm English and there is nothing an Englishwoman loves more
than a decent cup of tea."
If he were to answer to quickly he may regret his decision as John was one to
calculate every move, especially these days. He pondered for a moment then
replied "Yes, I believe that I would enjoy dining with you and your partner. Are
you sure that he'd be as anxious to meet me?"
"Of course he would, we're quite new here ourselves John so you would be our
first dinner guest. His name is Terry by the way, Terry Thorne, he's Australian
but we can forgive him that since we now all live over here right?" M hoped her
attempt at humour would not put him off.
He smirked slightly. "I will check my date book." he said with his tongue in his
cheek. Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulled out a small calendar with all
kinds of calculations on it. Tapping it lightly with his finger he grinned as he
said "I see to be available every day for the next six months with one
exception. Today." he announced. "I would not have time to pick up a proper
bottle of wine as a gift for you. Would tomorrow be okay?"
"Tomorrow would be perfect, is there anything you don't eat?"
The last thing M wanted was to get The Professor over for dinner and serve him
something he detested but was too polite to say.
"In fact, why don't you tell me what your favourite foods are then it will be
easy to choose the wine that you are so gracefully going to bring."
"Pizza." his answer was succinct "I have respect for pizza."
