Three months to forever

EpisodeFour

FIGHTING MY HEART

I managed to fall back to sleep, obviously through crying my heart.

When I woke up, he was no where to be seen. It did not surprise me. I got off from the bed and stretched. I was thankful the clothes I wore was soft cotton, because I slept in my day clothes.

I was already undressing when he walked into the room, half n***d and with a towel hanging on his waist. His hair was wet, and a drop slid down his face as he glanced at me.

I shamelessly watched as the drop went all the way from his neck to his chest and then disappeared when it got to his navel.

It was too late to look back up, and my tongue ran over my lips as my eyes settled on the bulge on his towel.

I cleared my throat and looked back at him. He had been watching me. Embarrassment flushed through my face as I stood there, my hand clamped over boobs, my top on the floor.

Our eyes meet, and his eyes darken as I bit my lip. But the moment was broken as quick as it was formed.

I was reminded of the fact that he had a child with Lisa and was enraged at the thought that he also kissed me with the same lips he kissed her with.

Because we were pregnant at the same time. Anger flashes in my eyes as my withering form bent to pick up my top. I silently went to shower, leaving my slightly stunned, but definitely arrogant husband in the bedroom with his thoughts.

It was refreshing to know that I still turned him on. I had not lost all my charm then. I smiled at myself in the mirror.

It was a small smile, but one of the few genuine ones that had played on my lips since the whole drama happened.

I sat on the stool beside the jacuzzi, and my mood instantly soured. Noah used to read me books while sitting on this very stool as I soaked in the bath he’d prepare for me during stressful days.

I slowly put my hand in the water as it filled up. The temperature was lukewarm, borderline hot. Just what I needed right now. I was brushing my teeth, then I started coughing.

My eyes widened as I saw blood on my palm. “What the f**k?” I muttered.

Just then, the door to the bathroom opened, revealing Noah. He was wearing a grey Nike sweatpants and a plain black top.

His eyebrows scrunched slightly as his gaze swept over my features. Thankfully, I had washed the blood on my hands away. I turned to the mirror and saw the reason for the expression on his face.

Oh God! No!

I hastily wiped the blood on the corner of my lips, rinsed my mouth and splashed water on my face.

He took a few steps closer to me and tipped my face to face his, his hand under my chin.

Why was he toying with me? Pretending to care? Like he was not going to go mock me with his mistress later on.

I tried to move my face away from his hand continue to go about my business, but his grip on my chin was stronger. He forcefully turned my face to face his again.

“What is it this time?” I spat; venom laced my tone. He should let me go, what was his deal.

“What was that blood?” He simply asked, stunning me.

“Why do you care?” I retorted. I did not want to mistakenly think that he might care about me, because the truth was that he didn’t.

He despised me, for reasons best known to him, and was in love with another woman, to the point that he had a child with her.

As if he got reset, he left my face. Like he realized who he was touching.

I fought the tears in my eyes, the feel of his skin against mine lingering a little.

“You’re right. I don’t f*****g care.” He said through gritted teeth, disgust displayed across his features.

I wish I could say I was used to him looking at me with that look on his face, instead of that of love, but I would be lying.

In these past six months, I still had not gotten used to the repulsive way he looked at me. And frankly speaking, I don’t think I ever will.

The hot water did little to soothe the sudden chill that ran down my spine. Noah's words replayed in my mind, a cruel reminder of the reality I desperately tried to ignore.

The steam from the hot water clung to my skin as I finished showering, but it did little to alleviate the chill that had settled deep inside me.

Noah's nearness, his touch, only served as a stark reminder of the distance that now separated us.

His harsh words echoed in my ears. "I don't care."

He was right. He didn't care. Not about the blood, not about me.

Pushing myself out of the jacuzzi, I wrapped a towel around myself and stepped out, a plan forming in my mind. I needed a distraction again, something to keep me busy and give me a small sense of purpose.

I recounted my therapist’s words and smiled softly to myself. She would be so proud to know that I was listening to her advice.

I checked my planner, which had been very scanty these past six months, except for the constant reoccurrence of the appointments with the doctors concerning my brother’s health.

He hadn't been well lately, his sickle cell anaemia causing him more frequent and severe pain.

The hospital had become his second home, and I, his constant visitor. His resilience and courage were a source of strength, a reminder that life, despite its hardships, was worth fighting for.

I’d do anything for him to feel better and be better. I loved him so much, and he was the only other person I had.

Well… that was alive and still loved me.

The drive to the hospital was a blur, my mind consumed by worry. After speaking to my brother’s nurses, I was ushered into his doctor’s office, his smile fading as he saw the strain etched on my face.

"Leo's condition," he began, his voice soft but firm, "has deteriorated. We need to perform surgery soon."

My heart hammered against my ribs. Surgery? Fear coiled in my stomach, a cold, slithering serpent.

"How much will it cost?" I whispered, the question a heavy weight on my tongue.

Charles hesitated before answering. "There's an outstanding payment of five thousand dollars, and the surgery itself…" He paused again; his eyes filled with sympathy. "Fourteen thousand five hundred dollars."

The numbers echoed in the sterile silence of the room, each one making my heart squeeze further.

I could not afford it; I didn’t have that much.

My bank account, ravaged by months of neglecting work due to the crushing depression of the state of my marriage, held a fraction of what was needed.

Panic clawed at my throat, stealing my breath. How would I pay for it? How could I let Leo suffer when there was a chance to save him? The world tilted on its axis, nausea rising in my throat.

The doctor looked worried and stretched a hand to comfort me, but I involuntarily flinched.

“Thank you,” I said. I would be sure to get back to you on the issue.”

He smiled and watched me leave his office, his brows furrowed in concern. I could understand his worry.

I glanced at my reflection in a nearby window, and I looked pale. I chuckled. ‘I must look like a ghost now’ I muttered to myself.

At least, if Noah and everyone else decided to leave me, I still had my impeccable sense of humor.

“Evelyn!” I heard my name from across the hall. I turned to see Charles, my high school friend, who happened to be a doctor that also worked here.

“Doctor Reid, what a pleasure seeing you here.” I teased. He did not like it when I was formal with him. But I would always do it, just to tease him.

“You know I-” He started, but I cut him off chuckling. “I know, I know.” I said putting my hands up in mock surrender.

“You just look cute when you’re annoyed.” I finished, earning a sheepish grin from him.

“That’s why all the ladies in this hospital want me you know.” He retorted.

I pretended to look around. “Err, I don’t think I see anyone who would want you here Charles. They look like they want something else. And it’s definitely not you.”

He nudged me slightly with his shoulder in a playful manner, and it felt like I was shoved.

What was wrong with me? I was stronger than this.

I clutched my head, suddenly feeling lightheaded and the nausea from earlier returning.

"Evelyn, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. His brow furrowed and his expression turned to full panic.

"Charles..." My voice came out a weak croak.

The next thing I knew, I was falling, the scent of disinfectant the last thing I registered before darkness claimed me.

His frantic voice cut through the oblivion. "Evelyn! Stroller! It's an emergency!"

My hand flew to my nose, and a metallic taste filled my mouth.

Blood?