Zoey, RN and the ER Apocalypse

By Alexandrea Christianson

Working in an ER can be overwhelming but Zoey, being a nurse is only the beginning of her problems. She has to fight the demons coming through the plumbing possessing people. Then she was given a new reaper, Carl who not only has no real clue of what to do but would much rather light up a joint and play video games than help. As her problems continue to mount she also has to deal with Lucifer following her around like a love sick puppy. She is barley keeping afloat with issues when another demon has bigger plans, to kill her and take over the world.
Can Zoey prevent the apocalypse?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098387730

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Copyright 2021

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 978-1-09838-772-3 (softcover)

ISBN: 978-1-09838-773-0 (eBook)

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 1

The hotel dinosaurs penetrated the subway system!

—Anonymous Psychiatric Patient

The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the entire world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

—Revelations 12:7-10

Crimean Peninsula, 1856

Florence Nightingale’s head exploded with stars as she slammed into the stone wall. The British soldier’s breath heaved up her nostrils as his face nearly touched hers, the acrid smell of sulfur further proving that a demon had infected him. Her lamp had flung from her hand and snuffed out. The stone walls shook and dust fell in the church’s cellar as explosions of the war roared outside like a thunderstorm. Light flickered through the small rectangular windows repeatedly taking the room from light to pitch black.

You’ve gone too far! The demon hissed and horns swiftly grew from his head. Florence tried desperately to press further into the wall or slide down out of his grip, but the stone did not give, nor did the demon. She called out, Felicetta! The holy water! Now!

The young girl of thirteen gathered her skirt and scurried over but was completely blinded by the darkness. She heaved up the heavy bucket and flung the water forward, but the rope handle caught her wrist, the bucket flung backward, and she covered herself in holy water as she fell to the floor.

I missed! I am so sorry, Miss Florence! she cried out, her mind racing. Then she thought quickly about her training. She ran blindly forward, ripping the sleeves off her dress, then squeezed the holy water out onto his neck to drip down the demon’s back.

He screamed and swung his arms violently at Felicetta, ineffectively as he would not release Florence. He pulled away ever so slightly, which released one of her arms. Florence then yanked her rosary from the inside of her dress and palmed it to his face. The demon screamed again and staggered backward, holding his face. Florence dropped to the floor, feeling around for her lamp, which had not fallen far. She plucked the small box of matches from her dress pocket and relit the trusty lamp, her hands trembling. The demon dropped back and crouched on the floor, glaring at Florence. Felicetta ran behind Florence, grasping at Florence’s hips in fear.

I believe you have had enough fun in this soldier and it is time you must go. She spoke calmly and firmly.

The demon moaned into a snarl and hissed. His distorted, grotesque features were enhanced by the shadowy flicker of golden light from Florence’s lamp, making him appear more terrifying. This world is ours, it is not yours to determine where we go! He lunged forward.

Florence grabbed Felicetta and yanked her aside as he hit the wall. I know who you are, demon! The power of Christ compels you! Release this solider! She held the out the rosary and again commanded, The power of Christ compels you, release this soldier! I cast you out, back to Hell! She continued repeating the chant. The demon writhed on the floor, moaning. After the command was repeated several more times, the smoke and sulfur poured from his nose, ears, and mouth, rising to the damp, stone ceiling. Florence and Felicetta covered their noses and mouths, their eyes watering, stepped backward. Once the smoke was gone, the sulfur smell lingered in the damp air. The soldier moaned on the floor, the horns gone from his head. Florence immediately kneeled down next to him, always compassionate. He rolled over and looked up.

What happened? He began coughing uncontrollably. Felicetta picked up the bucket that had a small amount of water left in it and held it for him to drink. Florence looked at him knowingly. This would be the best water for him. Holy water.

You were with fever and in your unwell mind you stumbled down here to the cellar. We found you collapsed on the floor. It appears your fever has broken. Let us return you to your bed. I believe you will be well enough to leave the hospital soon. Florence rose and pulled at his arm. He held up his hand for her to slow down, groaned and slowly stood, wobbled, then steadied himself on the wall. A stoic soldier that wanted to be strong enough to walk on his own.

I don’t remember coming down here. He looked around the cellar.

Florence pulled his arm over her shoulder. Well, I am sure you wouldn’t, as your fever was quite high. They ascended the stairs.

Felicetta scurried to the side of the staircase, reached under the steps, and pulled Athena out from where the pet owl had been hiding.

Are you quite alright, Miss? she asked the owl, cupping the tiny creature in her hands.

The owl puffed up her chest and swung her wings, as she rolled the feathered tips forward punching the air. Quite alright, Miss, We are fighters!

Felicetta rolled her eyes. Athena was always brave after the fact but mostly she was found hiding somewhere when the fight for the Lord was completed. She met Florence at the top of the stairs where she waited with the soldier.

Kindly return him to the infirmary. I must go to the chapel and speak with the Order of the Priests. She handed the weak man to Felicetta and quietly walked away with her lamp in hand.

Felicetta couldn’t help but think, How is she so calm, so gathered? She hoped she could be like Florence someday. Her tiny frame gathered up the soldier as best she could and hobbled down the hall back to the infirmary.

As Florence headed to the cellar, she rounded the corner and nearly bumped into Gabriel, the archangel.

Florence. He sheepishly leaned against the stone wall, grinning. He was dressed as a nun.

Florence then looked him up and down, Why is he…?

Gabriel, I am quite busy. I do not have time for your needless judgment today. She stepped past him, but he pulled away from the wall and blocked her way.

Florence, may I remind you—

No, you may not! she cut him off. She did not have time for his shenanigans. She wondered why he was always showing up at the most inopportune times and making such a fuss. He only put down every decision and action she had done. She did not understand God’s plan but could not for the life of her see how Gabriel fit into it. He was simply unhelpful and rude. She tried very hard in her mind to find compassion for Gabriel, but she found him to be infuriating. And exceptionally rude. She quickly brushed past him and went about her business. She was thankful he did not follow her. She would add him to her prayer list for later.

Present Day

Stars exploded in Zoey’s head as she collided with the wall, the demon’s hand clutched around her neck. She kicked her feet in the lake of toilet water, increasing in depth on the bathroom floor. The faucets continued to gush, the three toilets pouring out a toxic mixture of God knows what. She was able to bring up her knee then push off the wall with her foot, hurling her body forward into the demon, pinning him to the middle stall door, but the wet floor gave no traction and they quickly splashed to the floor. Zoey maintained the upper hand, landing on top of the demon. He screamed, then slowly laughed. His voice deep and menacing, eyes glowing red, his breath reeking of sulfur.

Laugh all you like! All the way back to Hell! Zoey yelled, raising her right hand, tightly gripping a syringe filled with holy water. The demon cackled. He tilted his head up so that his horn protruding from his head pierced her left arm that pinned his shoulder. She screamed out in pain but didn’t move a muscle. It seared her skin as a small plume of smoke rose and blood began to dribble. He stopped laughing and stared deeply into her eyes.

"He’s coming for you! And there is nothing you can do!" he hissed and flicked his tongue through rotted teeth.

A heavy thunk sounded over the Niagara Falls of faucets and toilets, causing both the demon and Zoey to lose focus momentarily and turn their heads. It had been the main door to the public restroom slamming into the tile wall, and there the reaper stood.

Ah! Gross! The floor is all wet! the reaper cried out as he put his hands up on the walls and stood on his tiptoes.

Carl! A little help? You ass! The demon seized the moment to squirm out of her hands.

Oh God! What is that? Carl shrieked like a girl and pulled his hands to his face. Obviously, not taking the hint to help.

Son of a bitch! Zoey worked to stand on the slick tiles.

Continuing his idiocy, he shoved his hands into his jean pockets, the black hoodie pulled up over his head. He tiptoed in the water, making his way toward Zoey, but his foot slipped and he spun off the floor while gravity took over his fall. Having his hands in his pockets prevented him from breaking the fall in any possible way. He hit the sopping mess like a broomstick. Zoey would have started laughing, but she didn’t have time. She would have to send the demon back to Hell, and apparently with no help.

Super! That is exactly what I needed. Realizing Carl would be of no help, she turned back to the monster.

The homeless-man-turned-demon climbed up the wall like a creepy human spider and braced himself on the paper towel dispenser. He pawed toward the ceiling, a large vent above him.

God damn it! I can’t let this bastard get away! Zoey jumped onto the counter, almost sliding off into the water and lunged forward, grabbing him by the ankle which prevented her from face-planting on the floor. He hissed and squirmed and kicked, but her hand held tight to his ankle. He leaned forward, intending to nail her with one of those freakin’ horns again. She dove forward with the syringe and slammed on the plunger as they fell to the floor, splashing in the water.

The demon let out an ear-piercing scream, leaving her with nothing but ringing in her own eardrums. Yellow and white smoke billowed into the air and escaped into the vent. The horns disappeared from the man’s head and all that was left on the floor was a heaping pile of dirty clothes containing a homeless man.

She leaned back against the wall, knees drawn up, trying to slow her breathing. The sinks stopped running and the toilets stopped spewing. She glanced over at Carl. Rubbing his head, he started pulling himself up from the floor. Water chugged into the drain centered on the tiles.

Oh man, oh God, I think I’m gonna throw up. Oh God, I have a concussion. Carl leaned forward on his hands and knees.

Oh, for God’s sake! Quit! You’re dead! Why do I have to keep telling you this? She stood up from the sopping mess of sewage, then stepped toward Carl and held her hand out to him. They were interrupted by screaming.

Ahhhhhh! What the—What? Where am I? The homeless man sat looking around wildly, soaked in his filthy brown trench coat, stained black pants, and old black tennis shoes. His eyes were wide as he looked at himself, the bathroom, then Zoey. His head just kept darting around, trying desperately to understand his surroundings. The demon had possessed a homeless man. Now that the demon was gone, he sat on the floor soaking wet, confused by his situation and the fact that he had a giant syringe sticking out of his chest.

Zoey walked over and yanked the syringe out quickly as the man spun around on his hands, kicking his legs on the slick floor scrambling for the door.

Thunk! Thunk!

He pulled at the handle while staring at Zoey, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. He couldn’t get the door open. Finally, looking up, he saw he had to pull it open. Zoey moved toward him to help, but he wailed even louder. He finally got the door open, but his feet continued to slip and slide as he frantically tried to get out of the bathroom. Unable to gain any traction he slammed into the Christmas tree of the ER waiting room. The bells on the tree jingled and the lights flickered. The man was wild with fear, he screamed again as he began punching the tree. . Glass bulbs shattered as the tree fell to the floor. He dropped back on his palms and crab-walked backward toward the automatic door. Several people in the chairs of the waiting room stared in silence, mouths hanging open. Faintly, the intercom sounded with Christmas music, Here comes Santa Clause, here comes Santa Clause, right down Santa Claus lane.

Fuck you, lady, fuck you! He rolled over and got to his feet, gaining traction on the door mat then ran out the automatic door. He stepped out of one of his shoes but kept on running.

Zoey stood at the bathroom door, looking indifferently at the destroyed tree, her sopping wet scrubs, and glanced at the shocked faces of the people in the waiting room.

I guess I should slide this giant syringe in my pocket? Zoey felt awkward with everyone staring.

Two security guards ran up, as did the Triage nurse, Amy. A barrage of questions ensued simultaneously, Are you ok? What happened? Who was that guy? Are you hurt?

Zoey wanted to answer all three of them, but wasn’t sure who to focus on and answer first.

You ok? We were called for the shouting from the bathroom. We didn’t know you were in there! said Steve with security. Zoey felt bad. He was super sweet and always made sure nurses were safe. She knew he always genuinely felt bad if he thought otherwise.

Oh, I am fine. This guy fell. There’s a lot of water on the floor. I think he did something and flooded the bathroom! Then he got all mad and left. I have no idea. I just tried to help. You know?

Oh damn, I think I’m feeling better! Carl walked up behind Zoey, rubbing his head.

"Well, as long as you feel better," Zoey muttered.

Joe, another security guard, looked at her quizzically. Why would I feel better? I am so sorry. I really didn’t know you were in there! He started to put his hand on her shoulder but pulled back from her wet scrubs.

Oh, sorry, I…never mind, Zoey stammered.

Steve smiled at her with concern on his face. Zoey generally had some quick remark when she talked to Carl, being that no one else could see the reaper following her around the ER. She moved toward the double doors to the main ER.

Excuse me! Excuse me! I need to be seen! When do you plan to all stop jabbering and see me? It was a loud, whiney voice. The new patient’s arms were crossed, and she fumed, tapping her foot and flaring her nostrils.

Everyone’s head turned slowly toward the demanding patient. Amy, working Triage asked, Uh, sorry, ma’am. How may we help you? Her tone lacked sincerity.

I need to be seen by the doctor! Not you morons!

Wow. Sure, let me get you a doctor but he will want to know what the issue is. Amy was irritated but always handled these types of situations in stride.

I got the beetus! I’m homoglycemic! And my sugars are all high! And it’s time for me to eat! She put her hand on her lumpy hips and stared. Her stretch pants were at maximum capacity, turning the flower pattern into a distorted pattern reminiscent of Salvador Dali.

Amy smiled at Zoey, then turned back to the angry woman. Let me just grab a crash cart and get you a doctor. The security guards left to write up a report as Amy and Zoey again moved to return to the main ER as the woman continued to shout. So, make sure you get me graham crackers and cheese!

Amy gave a thumbs-up as she continued walking.

Graham crackers and cheese? That sounds disgusting, Zoey remarked to Amy.

What? You never heard of the Kyle special?

Uh, no. That is disturbing. I mean, we see a lot and that is gross!

Hahaha! When Kyle was a new nurse, a patient asked for food so he like, goes and grabs graham crackers and cheese for her! The nurse practitioner saw him and asked what the hell he was doing. Amy started laughing. He had no idea, he just grabbed what was in the drawer!

Gross! He took that to a patient?

Yeah. Her, actually. He was new and didn’t think about it. Well, apparently, she thinks it’s the greatest combo ever!

That’s seriously disturbing!

Amy held up her hands. True story. For real!

Zoey shook her head and walked on to the locker room. Carl stood outside the door while Zoey changed. He felt like an idiot and hated that he was always messing up. He felt like he couldn’t do anything right, but he always felt stupid around Zoey. She knew what she was doing. She was smart and totally gorgeous. He had always been a loser, flunking out of school, smoking pot, getting killed at age twenty-three before he could continue to amount to nothing. Carl often berated himself with a slew of insecurities and felt helpless in his thoughts.

Zoey, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t know you were in there fighting with a demon. I mean, I don’t see how you can tell the difference between a demon and a patient! Carl knew it irritated her.

Zoey chuckled slightly, as his statement could have been a joke if he were smarter. She didn’t feel like answering him. She was tired of him being a complete fuck-up. He had no clue of the nuances of his job. Nor did he seem to care.

Carl had died two weeks ago. In life, he had sat around all day playing video games, smoking pot, and drinking Mountain Dew. He was twenty-three and still living in his mother’s basement. Carl’s death was a freak accident really, but Zoey believed the world itself was no worse off for his death. He was worthless and an idiot.

Carl’s mom had asked him to run to the store. The only reason Carl was willing to leave the house was because he needed to see his dealer, Jeremy, for weed. After stealing twenty bucks from his little sister’s sock drawer, he headed out the door. He never made it to either destination.

Stepping onto the front porch, starting a text to Jeremy, he missed the step off the front porch, rolled his ankle, and fell. He sat up, grabbing his deformed ankle,