FADED SCAR

Evelyn's Point of View I smile at the novel in my hands, knowing fully well that I have reached the peak of the story. Winter, Dad says, and I jolt upright, the book falling from my hands. Dad.I smiled and stood up, and he gave me a knowing look, and curses me for having a very expressive face, and my ever-blushing skin doesn't make it easy. We're reading another dirty book, are we? He teases me, and I smile, embarrassed. I have no idea what you are talking about, Father, I say, hugging him. Ready? He asks, and I nod. My dad, Stephen Carter, is a doctor at the Cedars-Sinar Medical Center. He has been a doctor for since I can remember, and I am twenty-nine, so that is saying a lot. He is the Chief of Staff of the Oncology Department, and I, Evelyn Winter Carter, is a Gynecologist at Cedars-Sinar Hospital, and a Professor at the University of Southern California. Absolutely not, Mom says, walking out, with her hands on her hips. I watch my parents smile at each other, feeling disgusted by their loved-up display. I do not live with my parents, but every Monday, going to the hospital with my Dad is a ritual, so I take a cab out to Beverly Hills from Echo Park, and we drive to work together. Evelyn, I always tell you to eat, but you indulge your father every time.Mom scolds her, and I smile, kissing her cheeks, then walked to the kitchen, giving them the privacy they needed, because in minutes, they will be all over each other, like they haven't woken up in the same bed. It annoys me, but, deep down, I am a bit unnerved that after thirty-five years together, they are still hopelessly in love, while I am a few months shy of thirty and still single, with no prospects. _____ Aria, I say, as I walk towards my office, with a smile, looking at my sister through the phone's screen. You're slaying, B. She says, and I laugh, shake my head at her theatrics, then wave my hands at Jenny, my personal assistant. Aria is my immediate sister, she is twenty-three, while Nicholas is twenty-six, and then there are the twins, Isobel and Ian, who are 21. How's the book coming?" I ask, placing my bag on the table, Aria is a writer, like Carter. Family needed an extra push in publicity. Well, I spent the entire week drafting out the character's details and all, but I am almost done. with the other one, she says, and I nod, settling down. Jenny, have the patients ready in three minutes, I say, and she nods with a smile. I should let you go, busy bee, Aria says, and I nod. Poppy, I made lasagna. I hear, and laugh softly, as Jeremiah, Aria's husband, comes into view. Oh, Hey Evelyn, How is it going? He says, and I smile at him, feeling that stupid ache in my chest again. Jeremiah, you look good. I have to go catch you later.I smile, hang up, as my patient walks in. Hello, I am Dr. Evelyn Carter, I say to the woman who took a seat before me. Hi, I am Stella. She says that, and I notice her glancing at my platinum-blonde hair. I love your hair. She says it, and I laugh because it never gets old. Thank you, Stella, your necklace is almost as beautiful as you are." She blushes, and I smile,. She is careful; she is a new patient after all, and we need to slowly build. What can I do for you this beautiful morning? I. She pauses, and I tilt my head, staring at her. I think I need to get an abortion. I stared at her, and nod, sitting straighter. Think? She nods, I am, I am a bit conflicted. How far along are you, Stella? Three weeks. Do you want to talk to me about it? I say, and she nods. I don't think I'm ready to be a mother, and my boyfriend is really busy, he is in Law school and doesn't really have much time. We got sloppy one time, and here I am. I am so sorry that you are in this position, Stella. Have you thought about telling him? Maybe over a nice dinner, or a date night? I ask, and she tears up. I want to, but I am just so scared. What if he doesn't want us? I lean towards her, passing her the tissue, noting her use of the word us, and saying, There's a baby inside you, and the decision is yours. If he doesn't want you and your baby, then he is such an i***t. However, if you do decide to have an abortion, I am right here, willing to guide you. Through every step, or if you decide to keep the baby, I'll still be here." Now, she is weeping, and my heart twists for her. Are your parents still around? I ask, when she settles a bit. Yes. She nods, with a small smile. This is something you could talk to them about, talk to your boyfriend too, and whatever you choose to do, I'll be here. Here, I hand her my personal number. Call me anytime, all I ask is that you think about this well." She takes the card and smiles, Thank you, Dr. Carter. Please, call me Evelyn, we are friends, already. I wink, and she laughs. ____ I take a bite of my pie, scroll through the news, I have to be at USC by Wednesday, and I haven't graded the term papers. Miss Evelyn. I look up with a smile at Jenny, who is my assistant, and in her late twenties. Hi Jen. I say, and she grins. Your 2 pm-4 pm was canceled, and we asked if they could reschedule, but your schedule is full for the next two weeks." I frowned, Who is it? It is the Christophers, they are pregnant, and due in two months." Oh, I smile, remembering my goofy patients. Fix them in on Wednesday evening, or Friday morning, before I go to university, whatever works well for them.I say, and she nods with a smile. Hey Bitchess. The door opens with a bang, and I shake my head as my best friend, Willow, walks in, holding something in her hands. Wills, I could have been with a patient. I scolded for the hundredth time. She scoffs," Please, Jens and I talk frequently. I gave them a look, then closed my laptop, because, with Willow here, I could not get any work done. Up for a visit to our favorite coffee shop? She says, and I look at her -- Willow is a beautiful woman, and the total opposite of me, with her beige hair, and her green eyes, a contrast to my blue ones. Yes, I say, grabbing my coat. For you, my lady, Willow says, handing Jenny a doughnut, then shoves one at me, making me smile. Typical Willow. Willow is a Fashion Designer, and by that, I mean, a very successful designer who has been in the same room with Vera Wang. Her brand -- Seasons was established in New York when we were twenty-five, that was four years ago, and now, she has built an empire. So have I.