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“We’re here,” Cedrissa announced, a bright smile spreading across her face. She glanced up at the hospital sign, her eyes scanning the letters on the board while reading them out. “Care Haven Hospital,”
Her gaze snapped back to Alaric, her excitement palpable. “This is the biggest hospital in the city. You know that, right?” She asked.
Alaric nodded, his expression a mix of resignation and fatigue. He had been cooped up in the car for too long and was itching to stretch his legs, but Cedrissa’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he couldn’t deny her excitement.
Easton hopped out of the car, fetched the wheelchair, and positioned it beside Alaric’s door. He spread it, ready to assist Alaric out of the vehicle, but Cedrissa’s hand shot up, halting him.
“Don't worry,” she said, her voice gentle. “I’ll take care of him.”
Cedrissa quickly exited the car and walked around to the other side, her eyes locking onto Alaric’s as she opened the door.
She offered a reassuring smile, which made his heart skip a beat. His face relaxed, trusting her to help him.
She gently grasped his left arm, her hands warm and supportive, allowing Alaric to wrap his right arm around her neck.
“Ready to get into your chair?” she asked, her voice soft and soothing.
With a slight nod, Alaric leaned forward, and Cedrissa carefully lifted him, her movements controlled and gentle.
She pivoted slowly, keeping Alaric close, and gently lowered him into his wheelchair.
“Already in?” Alaric sounded surprised. He deliberately relaxed into her, savoring the moment, and didn’t want it to end.
As Cedrissa adjusted the chair’s armrests, her fingers brushed against him, sending a spark of connection.
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Thanks,” he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.
Cedrissa’s smile deepened as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind his ear. “Anytime,” she said, asking, “shall we head inside now?”
Alaric nodded, his excitement evident. “Yes.”
“You can wait for us in the car,” Cedrissa instructed, and Easton nodded in compliance.
She moved behind Alaric’s wheelchair and gently pushed him forward. As they entered the hospital lobby, a nurse who had been waiting for their arrival waved at them, and they headed in her direction.
The nurse approached them with a warm smile, greeting Cedrissa first. “Good day, ma’am,” she said, before turning to Alaric and nodding respectfully. “Good day, sir. How are you doing?”
Alaric chuckled dryly. “If I'm fine, we wouldn’t be here.” he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.
Cedrissa quickly intervened, smiling politely. “Good day. You’re from Doctor Reed, right?”
The nurse nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Okay. Lead the way, please.” Cedrissa requested.
The nurse nodded and turned to lead them to the elevator, with Cedrissa pushing Alaric’s wheelchair closely behind her.
Cedrissa checked the time on her phone screen, turning it off afterward. They had been waiting in the doctor’s office for a while, and knowing Alaric was growing impatient but unwilling to discuss it, she subtly turned toward him.
“Thanks for yesterday,” she said, initiating a conversation to pass the time.
Alaric’s expression was puzzled, but before he could ask what she meant, she added, “the file you gave me. If I hadn’t had that file, who knows what might be happening in that mansion right now? Thanks.”
Her words softened his gaze, and a gentle smile spread across his lips. “It’s nothing,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “Consider it a gift from me to you. Besides, I’ll do whatever it takes to ease your stress,”
“You have enough to worry about without the maids adding to your concerns.”
Cedrissa nodded, understanding, and smiled brightly. “Thanks,” she said, glancing at her watch before refocusing on Alaric. “I'm sorry we’re waiting this long.”
Alaric’s smile broadened as he shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring. “We’re both waiting because the nurse said the doctor is busy with an emergency. It’s not your fault, and even if it were, it’s nothing to apologize for.”
Cedrissa's grin faltered for a moment before she smiled again, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as Alaric continued speaking.
“As long as you’re with me, I’m not tired of waiting,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “It’s nice being around you, you know? I’m willing to stay until whenever.”
Cedrissa nodded, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. “Thanks.”
Alaric’s brow furrowed in confusion. “For what?” He asked, his eyes searching hers. “What favor have I done that warrants that?”
“Hum.” Cedrissa made a soft sound, her eyes darting away for a moment. She knew Alaric understood what she meant, but she didn’t have the words to explain, so she simply shook her head. “Nothing.”
Alaric’s gaze never wavered, his eyes locked on hers as he asked his next question. “How did you used to celebrate your birthday?”
Cedrissa’s response was simple yet profound. “I've never celebrated a birthday…”
Her voice trailed off as she cast her gaze downward, her hand tightening on her thighs.
Alaric’s curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, “why?”
Cedrissa’s eyes welled up with tears, and she struggled to hold them back. She licked her lips, her gaze meeting Alaric’s once more.
“Nothing,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Don't ask any more questions. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Alaric nodded, understanding. He was interested in her past, but he didn't want to push her, so he decided to let it go. “Okay,” he said softly.
Seeing the pain in her eyes, he felt a pang of remorse for bringing up a topic that had upset her. He wanted to apologize, to make things right between them.
“I'm sorry,” he apologized, his voice low and regretful, his face reflecting the weight of his regret. “I didn’t mean to—”
Cedrissa cut him off, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You did nothing wrong,” she said, brushing her hand over her forehead. “I understand. Your question came from concern. You didn't ask to hurt me.”
Alaric nodded, his expression softening. “Thanks,” he said, pausing for a moment before trying to lighten the mood. “Okay, so how would you like to celebrate your birthday this year?”
Cedrissa sighed, her expression firm. “We have more pressing concerns. A birthday celebration isn't a priority.” She shook her head. “Let’s stay focused, please.”
“But-” Alaric tried to interject, but Cedrissa talked over him.
“I don’t want to celebrate my birthday,” she said, her voice firm but polite. “I appreciate your concern, but this is my decision. I’d appreciate it if you respected it.”
Alaric’s lips tightened as he looked down, his hands clenching together. “Okay,” he said softly. Cedrissa turned away, her chin raised and her eyes wide, fighting to hold back tears.
\-Ten minutes…
\-Twenty minutes…
\-Twenty-seven minutes…
Alaric shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling the weight of the silence between him and Cedrissa. He was already deeply invested in Cedrissa, and the quiet was starting to feel like a physical ache.
Part of him urged him to break the silence, but another part warned him that Cedrissa needed space, and that caution held him back every time he tried to speak.
He struggled to find the right words, but his hesitation won out, and he remained silent, despite his growing concern.
He craned his neck to catch a glimpse of Cedrissa’s face, worried that she might be crying, but he couldn’t see her expression. The strain on his neck became uncomfortable, and he sat back, his anxiety spiking.
He longed to move closer, to take her hand or offer a reassuring hug, but his fear of overstepping held him back.
The minutes ticked by—five, eight, thirteen—and Alaric’s frustration grew. Finally, he summoned his courage and pushed himself forward, ready to speak.
“What—” he began, but the timely arrival of Doctor Reed cut off his words.
‘Fuck!’ Alaric muttered under his breath, frustrated by the interruption.
‘Wrong timing!’