We Learn From Failure. Not From Success.

Danielle Martin, MD 34 Doctor, Traveler, mother

[daniellemartinmd]

Unimaginable || Evan & Danielle

[thexkingsley1]

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[daniellemartinmd]

Catherine followed the other towards the back, looking around the place for a brief moment before turning back to her friend. Watching as she hung the frame on a hook, she let out a soft chuckle. “I’m glad you like it.” She told her before sighing. “I guess I’ve been alright. You know me. My fellowship takes up most of my time and when I’m not working, I’m usually taking care of my step-mum. I don’t have much going on in the romance department either. On the bright side, my fellowship will be ending soon and once I become a proper cardiac electrophysiologist, I might think about getting back into the dating game.” Cat couldn’t help but laugh at her own comment. Although there was someone who she had been interested in, she was still unsure whether she needed to inform Danielle of her work crush. She hadn’t told anyone about him, not even Barnaby, since telling him was the equivalent of broadcasting the news on live TV. Catherine had kept this a secret for a while. “How about yourself? How have you been, you know, besides opening your own practice and all? Have you made any other friends in New York or are you still stuck with me?” She asked, jokingly. Catherine admired Danielle for having her shit together, for whatever reason. She’d moved to New York pretty recently and had already managed to open her own practice. Cat, on the other hand, was still unsure where her career was going ever since she moved to New York. Sure, the fellowship was great and working at one of the best hospitals in the country for heart surgery was kind of rewarding. But other than that, truth be told, she had no idea what she was doing with her life.

Danielle nodded. She completely understood the rigors of medicine. You literally had to give up your entire life while studying. As she admired the picture, she glanced over at Catherine, “Well, for what it’s worth, I’m proud of all you’ve accomplished. Fellowships aren’t easy to come by nor are they easy to complete. As for dating,” she chuckled, “well, you’ll have to keep me apprised, so I can live vicariously through you. I’m most certainly not ready to get back in the game.” Still being in love with her ex didn’t exactly help matters any either. 

“Besides opening a practice?” She laughed and shook her head,“Honestly, between getting the office ready, covering shifts at the hospital and looking for an apartment, I’ve hardly had a moment to breathe. That’s not entirely true. I did have a chance to reconnect with someone I met at a medical conference several months back as well as a couple of people from my past, but otherwise, you’re pretty much it.” She leaned up against the exam table, crossed her arms across her chest and flashed her friend a smile, “Not that I’m complaining in the slightest. Anyway, let’s get back to the juicy stuff. Do you have your eye on anyone or are you thinking of match.com or please don’t say Tinder.” She added with a visible cringe. 

[daniellemartinmd]

Unimaginable || Evan & Danielle

[thexkingsley1]

daniellemartinmd‌:

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[daniellemartinmd]

With a sigh of defeat, Danielle listened as he spoke. He had erected his walls so high she didn’t think even Jack could have reached the top. However, when he broke eye contact, something in her snapped. Instinctively, she closed the gap between them, gently cradled his jaw and guided him to face her.  “No,” she whispered sadly, “I would never presume to say my pain was worse than yours. I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through. I left you to raise her alone. I left you alone. I wish there’d be another way.” She cocked her head to the side while trying desperately not to cry, 

“Maybe there was, but I couldn’t see it. I couldn’t see past the darkness. You couldn’t have saved me, Evan. I had to save myself. God, you kept me afloat for so long. You were my lifeline. My everything. You just didn’t know it,” she licked her once again tear drenched lips and let her trembling hand fall away, “I need you to know that there hasn't been a day that's gone by where I haven't thought about the two of you.” She choked out painfully. “I know I destroyed any chance of us being a family. I know you’ve moved on and don’t love me anymore.” She sucked in a ragged breath before stepping backwards, once again putting a physical distance between them, 

“And I don’t blame you. I broke us. I just - I don’t want her growing up thinking her mother didn’t love her. That her mother didn’t want her.” She rasped out, honestly unsure as to how much more she or her heart could take. With tears streaming down her face, Danielle’s gaze traveled from the love of her life to their daughter, “I’m going to go. I’m staying at the W in the city."She turned to walk away, but stopped a mere foot away. She needed to convey one last thing. While wiping away the remaining tears, she uttered softly, "You've done an amazing job raising her. Then agian, I always knew you would.”

[daniellemartinmd]

Duncan walked into the coffee shop was immediately hit by the strong coffee aroma. Perfect he thought. He walked straight over to counter and ordered a black coffee. He was looking forward to seeing her again. The last time they saw each other he’d been in a really rough place, and while he wouldn’t say he’s perfect now. He’s definitely better than then.

He grabbed his coffee and turned to the seating area. HE saw her straight and smiled. He went over and sat across from her running his hand through his hair as he took a sip and put his coffee down. “how are you?”

Danielle flashed him a smile in return. “Tired,” she said with a breathy laugh, “I feel as though I’ve been going non-stop for days, but you know how it is opening a practice. All par for the course. I’m also in the process of finding an apartment which are apparently quite scarce these days.” 

She shrugged and took a sip from her cup, “I might end up having to move out to one of the suburbs which wouldn’t be ideal, but I’m looking for something very specific and I’m not sure I’ll be able to find it in the city. Not at a price I can afford anyway, but enough about me; how are you? You’re looking well. It’s been what? Six months or so? Catch me up to speed.”

[daniellemartinmd]

  “It’s fine,” he replied in a soft voice. Alec was never one to turn anyone away from his restaurant, that was his policy in all his restaurants and something he was proud off. Even if the person standing next to him did hurt his brother badly, there was no way he could be mean or kick them out since they walked in because they were hungry. A sigh escaped his lips for a moment. Thinking of what to say but decided to be silent and just listen to the other.

“I bet it did not go well….but, you can stay and I can make you a sandwich. I have some meat and cheese that I was planning to take home but, since you’re hungry…” he added after listening to the other. “I am good and thanks. You look good as well.”

Danielle shrugged slightly and rolled her lips together. “He had every right to react the way he did. My leaving destroyed him,” she said sadly, knowing that probably wasn’t new information. Even though Evan had always been one to internalize, there was no way he could have hidden everything.

 “Listen, I know it probably doesn’t matter, but I didn’t leave because I wanted to. I left for the well-being of my family. I wasn’t good for them. I needed to fix what was broken,” she shook her head, cleared her throat and forced a smile. There was no reason to burden Alec.

“Anyway, thank you for the offer, but I’m alright. Really. I should probably go. I truly am glad that everything is going so well for you.” She looked around the restaurant with a smile, “It truly is a lovely place.”  

[daniellemartinmd]

Zander knew there were people who’d get upset if they were asked to prove who they were, but not Zander with the world we lived in today he was surprised that more people didn’t do it “ Yep I help them sometimes” He replied as he looked at her, most people were surprised and impressed when they found out he worked for the FBI. “What can I say, I have a bit of a hero complex.” He joked anyone who knew the man would know that it wasn’t true, he liked to stay out of the spotlight.  Following her inside her took a quick look around, it was the pretty nice size he had to admit, he’d seen ones much smaller than this.  “ Well I charge $16 an hour and if I find any issues that are going to take up a lot of my time I add an extra charge to that”

Danielle laughed softly in reply. “Well, you’ll certainly be my hero if you can get this system fully operational.” And she wasn’t joking. As she led him to the backroom that housed their multiple servers, Danielle eyed him curiously. “Really? Given your expertise, I’d have expected you to charge a much higher rate. While I am all for a good deal, I’m not one to take advantage. If you’d like to give me a discount, I will gladly take it, but you must let me pay you closer to your going rate.” 

[daniellemartinmd]

Gus stepped back, letting her take the boxes. She didn’t seem to want his help, but she was nice about it, at least. He tucked his hands back into his pockets. He could probably just go, save her from having to humor this random guy who just waltzed into her office. “That’s amazing. I never thought I would be a teacher either, but life has a funny way of working things out.” He chuckled, raising his eyebrows as she offered him coffee. “Oh! Thank you. I don’t mean to take up your time… especially if I’m in the wrong place, and you’re clearly setting up shit- I mean, sorry, uh. Stuff.” But he shuffled over to the little coffee maker.

“Well I just started teaching as a forensics professor at NYU this year. Before that, I was actually an FBI agent.” The smiling man hardly looked like someone from one of those crime shows. He put a hand on his gut with a grin. “Definitely don’t look or feel like one any more. I retired from the force after a few hard cases and just re-entered the work force this year.” He smiled softly. A hint of sadness in his face.

Danielle blew out a breath then smiled. She really had nothing against the man standing in her office. He seemed like a very pleasant individual. In fact, she felt a pang of guilt in the pit of her stomach and small knot form in her throat. “You’re not bothering me in anyway,” she replied genuinely, “In fact, it’s nice to finally have an adult conversation, one that doesn’t involve ordering tongue depressors or lab equipment. It’s difficult being a transplant in such a robust city.” She added while unpacking a few items from the box, 

“You know, I just recently met a tech guru from the FBI,” she scrunched her nose before correcting herself,” Actually, I believe he contracted for the FBI, but anyway, that’s really not relevant to our conversations. So you’re a Professor? Sounds like you’ve led quite the life,” she remarked, taking note of the sudden change in demeanor. She didn’t know if it was her place to ask what happened, but it almost seemed like he wanted to discuss whatever was bothering him. Danielle licked her lips and made her way across the small waiting area to the coffee machine, 

“If I’m overstepping, please feel free to say so, but your mannerisms changed when you mentioned reentering the workforce. I know we don’t know one another, but I am happy to lend an ear.” She knew she was entering dangerous waters. This man was dating the father of her child. However she couldn’t help herself. She was doctor. She’d sworn an oath and honestly, it was in her nature to assist others. That being said, she couldn’t in good conscious let him continue without telling him the truth. At least her identity, so she held up her hand and stated, “Wait, before you tell me anything, I want you to know I think you're a very nice person. Truly. It's just," she licked her lips and blew out a breath, “the little girl you talked about. Well, she’s my daughter." She paused again and cleared her throat, "Mine and Evan’s.”

[daniellemartinmd]

Despite only staying a few blocks away, Danielle decided it was best to take a taxi to the Teaspoon. After paying the driver, she stepped outside and took a moment to take in the sights around her. While Austin definitely had an active nightlife, it didn’t compare to the hustle and bustle of NYC. Wanting to avoid the busy foot traffic, Danielle slipped inside the coffee house, pausing to inhale in the intense aromatic fragrance. Now this felt like home. 

She quickly placed her order and took a seat in an empty booth. She hadn’t seen Duncan in approximately six months and couldn’t wait to catch up with him. They’d met at a medical conference and immediately bonded over their difficult personal lives. It was nice to have someone to relate to, even if for a short period of time. They’d exchanged numbers, politely suggesting they get together if either were in the area, but Danielle never expected anything to come of it. However, once she moved to the city, she decided contacting him couldn’t hurt. So, as she sat in the booth sipping her coffee and reading an article on her phone, Danielle made sure to keep on eye on the front door for Duncan.  

Closed starter for @duncanmcarthur

[daniellemartinmd]

Catherine smiled politely at the other. “Of course, I’m sorry… I should have called. But I thought this would be a nice surprise.” As she watched her turn the lights back on, she finally stepped into the office to get a better look of the place. “I wouldn’t call it a vacation, to be honest. My birthday was on Saturday so I flew down to Boston on Friday night. I met up with a bunch of friends from college over the weekend just got back last night. I won’t be at work until Tuesday afternoon and I don’t know when you’d be stopping by the hospital. I had to come and see you.” Catherine set the frame of a cartoon human body she had found for Danielle’s office. For someone who claimed to be a workaholic, she sure had the time to maintain her social life. She had a lot of friends, now that she thought of it, both in Boston and in New York.

Danielle shook her head, “No, don’t be ridiculous. I appreciate you coming by,” she replied earnestly. “Well, it certainly sounds like a nice little getaway. I'm glad you had a chance to celebrate your birthday,” she added, flashing Catherine a warm smile.”And thank you for the gift. It’s wonderful. My patient’s will love it.” She picked up the framed drawing and walked towards the back, gesturing for her friend to follow. “I actually know the perfect place for it.” Danielle made her way into one of the examination rooms and carefully hung the picture up on the free hook. As she stepped back and eyed the frame for evenness, she looked over at Catherine and waved her hand in the direction of the artwork, “See, perfect. Now, tell me. Besides the occasional trips to Boston, how have been?” 

[daniellemartinmd]

Text || Duncan

[daniellemartinmd]

Duncan: I’ve been doing okay. Better.

Duncan: Coffee at the Teaspoon? In an hour or two if you’re not busy?

Danielle: Better is definitely an improvement. I’m glad to hear it. 

Danielle:  Coffee sounds wonderful. I can be there in an hour. 

[daniellemartinmd]

Text || Duncan

[daniellemartinmd]

Duncan: Hey. Seriously?

Duncan: That’s great, we’ll have to catch up for sure.

Danielle: Yes, seriously. I’m staying at the W right now.  Danielle: Absolutely. Just let me know when and where. How have you been? 

[daniellemartinmd]

Text || Duncan

Danielle: Hey. Remember how you said I should message you whenever I was in town?

Danielle: Well, guess what? I just opened a practice in the city.

[suspicioushospitality]

New Office || Caleb & Danielle

[daniellemartinmd]

Caleb didn’t know why he kept taking the big orders. Maybe because his lead barista, while a fantastic coffee-maker, had a bit of an attitude problem and she definitely didn’t need to be thrust into a situation where human errors could and did arise (any more than necessary). Caleb knew the doctor’s office that had made the big coffee order. He usually brought some specific orders over and hand delivered them, bringing each coffee to each office and of course, the specific drinks to the ladies running the front lobby. Today, however, there was an extra order, and he was trying to make sure he’d read it correctly. But yes, it seemed there was a new office number on the sheet today.

“Hello?” Caleb carried the last drink over to the office door in question, knocking lightly with his knuckles. “I have your coffee. I’m the usual coffee delivery man from the Teaspoon.” He explained. The place really did look brand new. “You must be new to these offices. I haven’t brought you coffee before.” Caleb chuckled, holding it out.

It was still dark outside when Danielle entered her office with her lukewarm coffee in hand. She still hadn’t gotten used to driving in the city and didn’t dare risk maneuvering through traffic one-handed. After turning on the lights and computers, Danielle quickly downed her tinted water and went to work. Once she’d reviewed her cases for the day; cases which spanned from nine all the way to five, she walked to the back to make sure the lab equipment was working properly. 

Once she felt comfortable that everything was in place and she was ready for the day, Danielle decided to take a much needed caffeine break. However, just as she was about to pour the water into the carafe, she heard the sound of a male voice resonating throughout the empty office. Warily, she wandered down the hall, her heels clicking as she went. “Hello?” She called out, announcing her impending appearance.

“Are you sure you have coffee for me? I don’t remember placing an order. In fact, I was just about to brew some,” she informed him as her gaze darted between him and the cup. And your assumption would be correct. I moved in over the weekend, but we officially open in,” she pulled out her phone to check the time, “an hour.” She looked back up at him and couldn’t help but smile, “Are you sure you're the regular delivery man?"

She shook her head, "I'm so sorry. That was incredibly rude of me. It's just you look a little more distinguished than what I would have expected. Please come in,” she turned and headed towards the reception desk to rummage through her purse, “I know I said I didn’t place the order, but you were kind enough to bring it,” she glanced at him from over her shoulder, “the least i can do is pay for it. How much do I owe you?” 

[daniellemartinmd]

Carter blinked, looking down at the woman and realizing she definitely wasn’t who he thought she was. “Well darn. I apologize. I haven’t been to the ER any time recently, but I do wear roller skates so a fall is imminent in my line of work.” He chuckled at his own bad joke. “Not sure about Dell Seton. That in Texas, though? I grew up in the Houston area, but moved all around with my dad for work.” He nodded at her request. “Too exhausted to eat? Not even a little something? We have really good mini cookies. I’ll bring you some, on the house. They’re perfect with the coffee. Cream and sugar?

Danielle chuckled lightly and smiled, “Yes, Austin and it’s probably a good thing we didn’t meet there. I think you’d have had a rather difficult time squeezing into those tiny pediatric beds.” She teased while stretching, so she could peer down at his feet, “Yes, I can see that,” she sat back up, admittedly a little surprised and dare she say impressed, “Yes, I covered someone’s shift at the hospital and - it was a busy night.  However, you did skate all this way and it would be rude of me to turn down such a kind offer.” She cleared her throat gently, “Actually, I prefer it black and I know you mentioned I was your last customer of the evening, so please don’t feel you have to wait on my account. I don’t want to keep you from enjoying what’s left of your night.” 

[daniellemartinmd]

What's a dessert that you would create for people to eat if you wanted them to understand your personality?

This took me a bit of time to think about. I’d probably prepare Salted Dark Chocolate Toffee Fudge. I think it represents my personality in a few different ways. 

It appears complex when it’s in fact fairly simple to make and understand.

It’s multi-dimensional. If you take your time to really enjoy it, you’ll discover it’s subtle layers 

It has contrasting flavors (sweet and salty), yet they complement one another well

It’s decadent and has quite a bit to offer to even the most discerning palates

That took quite a bit more time and effort than I anticipated. Back to seeing patients. 

[daniellemartinmd]

If you had one week left to live, how would you spend it?

That’s an easy one to answer. I’d spend whatever little time I had left with my daughter. 

[daniellemartinmd]