That Thing Between Eli and Gwen(48)

Sadly, he followed me up two at a time. “She’s not even your type.”

“Female is my type, didn’t you know?” I replied, heading to the locker room.

He snickered, pulling his hair up into a ponytail. “I bet you I can get her to go on a date faster than your cruel, stiff self.”

“Really? How much are we talking about?” I lifted my shirt and pulled out my scrubs.

“The usual $5K, and this time the loser has to dye his hair.”

Idiot. “Fine. Shake on it.” I offered my hand.

When he took it, I said, “I think pink would look nice. How about you?”

“Fine, as long as you are willing to bleach that dark hair of yours.” He still didn’t get it. Pulling out my phone, I video-chatted her.

“Eli?” She stared, confused.

“I was just wondering, what should I make for our first date tonight?” I smiled as Dr. Seo's mouth opened and closed before he flipped me off.

“Anything is fine, I’m only allergic to—”

“Coffee, I remember. Sorry for bothering you.”

“No problem. Bye.” She laughed, hanging up.

“Sometimes man, I can’t believe I’m your friend,” he muttered.

I tied my laces. “I warned you if you tried to go any further you would regret it, didn’t I? Listening is what makes you a good doctor.” I patted his arm, heading to the door.

“One of these days I’m going to win against you. I’m donating the money to the children’s ward again?”

“At least someone will just think you are a remarkable guy,” I replied, walking out. When I did, I noticed Dr. Stretch, Dr. Four Eyes, and Dr. Bunhead were only then running up to me.

“You're late,” I said, glancing down at my watch.

“Only by two minutes!” Dr. Stretch raised his hand.

I glared at him.

“The pit?”

They sound so sad. It was nice. I didn’t answer, just nodded, heading to my first patient. That day I felt amazing.





Guinevere


Taking a step back, I stared at the wall in front of me. I had been at it for the last four hours and had only traced out the left corner. Stretching my arm and fingers, I kept stepping back.

“What is it?”

Turning around I saw no one, but I felt her move toward the wall. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I stopped her from kneeling down. Her head was covered with a small hospital cap with a bow on it. Her white skin was so pale it was eerie. She didn’t even really look alive.

She hugged her teddy bear to her chest.

She shouldn’t be walking. “Ms. Molly?”

“Hi Guinevere.”

“Molly, shouldn’t you be in your room or something—”

“No!” she yelled, pulling herself from me and running. She didn’t get very far before tripping…or maybe her legs just gave out.

“Molly.” I rushed over, picking her up. “Molly, can you hear me?”

She wrapped her arms around my neck, taking deep breaths. “I want to go outside.” She started to cry. “I hate it here. I want to play.”

I walked quickly to the nurses’ station. Three doctors came running toward me, their eyes glued to the little girl in my arms. However, it was…what was his name…that man from apartment 32C who called out to her.

“Molly!” he yelled, trying to take her into his arms. “Molly, come on. Stop this, let's go back.”

“No!” she screamed in my ear.

I winced. Her grip on me tightened. “I found her at my work station. She’s not letting go.”

I tried to take her off of me, but she just wrapped her legs tighter.

What is this?

“Molly, if I promise to come play with you, will you go with your doctors?” I hoped she would loosen up.

She shook her head. “Grown ups lie, you won’t come. Daddy lied, he said I would feel better. The doctors lied, saying the other doctor would me fix me. I want to go home!” She cried harder.

I glanced at her dad, who just looked broken. His shirt was rumpled, his shoulders hunched, and his five o' clock shadow seemed to be working on its tenth hour.

“Okay. I won’t lie then,” I said, shifting her. “You are sick, Ms. Molly, and these people are trying to help. Running away won’t make you feel better, and you won't win in the end. You liked the drawing, right? I can’t come to play, but I can paint you any picture you want. Just tell me.”

“My mommy,” she whispered. “Can you draw her?”

I smiled, nodding. “I will have it to you in a week, and if you don’t receive it, you can tell everyone I am a liar too. But right now, will you go with your doctors?”

She frowned, but nodded.