Hospital

Chapter two

The morning sunlight streamed through my bedroom window, painting the room in pale gold. I yawned and stretched, though my body felt heavy with last night’s emotions. Even after hours of sleep, my mind refused to rest. Rubben had come home. He was with Mara. And for some reason, the memory of their smiles still burned in my chest like hot iron.

I pulled on my scrubs slowly, trying to focus. Today was a long shift at the hospital, and I needed to keep myself busy. But as I brushed my hair, my reflection in the mirror mocked me. My cheeks were still flushed from last night’s dinner. My eyes looked heavier, and my heart still thudded whenever I remembered Rubben's smile.

Stop thinking about him, I whispered to myself. He’s with her now. Just focus on your life.

I hurriedly took a bath, today was going to be another stressful day.

I dressed in my nurse outfit, did a light makeup and let my hair fell over my back.

I didn't really care much about appearance, as long i was properly dressed.

"Lia". Come down from breakfast! My mom called from the kitchen

As I walked downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee hit me , making my stomach twinge in hunger.i entered the living room trying to compose myself .

Rubben sat at the couch scanning the news paper, I really have never understood the joy these adults get from reading the news, if anything, I'd rather watch than read. he looked up his gaze meeting mine for a brief moment before he smiled, " good morning Lia, you look lovely today I must say. You're a natural nurse, your patients are lucky to have you.

I felt a flush rise in my cheeks , as I avoided his gaze focusing on the ground instead , I didn't trust myself staring into those steaming eyes of his.

Thanks, I muttered taking a seat at the dinning table . Just as Rubben was about to say something else, mara bust into the living room, her eyes sparkling with excitement .

"Rubben darling,! I got us a ticket to the art exhibition tonight ."

Rubben attention immediately shifted from me to her, I felt a pang of disappointment.

I busied myself with my food trying to ignore them.

That's great baby, I will make sure it worth your while.

"Baby" he called her baby.

I immediately dropped my plate, my appetite suddenly gone. I pushed my food around, took my bag and left without a word shutting the door behind me.

...

By the time I reached the hospital, my mind was already exhausted . The sterile smell of disinfectant and the soft booming of machine greeted me like old friends. I waved at my colleagues, putting on my mask.

"Morning ,Lia"a familiar voice called from across the nurse station.

I glanced up and saw David, my coworker - and someone who has clearly had a crush on me for months.he leaned casually against the counter , a playful grin on his face , his brown eyes sparked with mischief. As though he knew I was going to ignore him.

" Morning I said quickly '', avoiding eye contact as I grabbed my clipboard.

"That's it? Just morning?, come on Lia you can do better than that."

I sighed, putting on a polite smile, I'm fine busy day ahead.

He pushed off the counter and walked closer, lowering his voice to tease me. Busy or just distracted?

"Distracted "well that sounds like a familiar word to me." I said within me.

I'm focused on work David.

David smirked. “Uh-huh. Sure. You’ve been avoiding me all week. Not even a smile in the hallway. Not even a glance. Something’s up.”

I bit my lip angrily . “I said I’m fine, Rubben. Please… let’s just work.”

He tilted his head, studying me as if trying to see through a wall I had built. “You’re hiding something. I can tell.”

I rolled my eyes ignoring whatever he was saying.

Before I could respond, a patient’s call interrupted us. I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and walked toward the room. Rubben followed, a few steps behind, still grinning.

i could feel his eyes lingering against my curve taking in the shape of my hips, I knew i had a body that commanded attention, And I wasn't surprised when he quickened his pace.

As I checked on the patient, she just had a light fever that some drugs prescription will do justice to.

I checked her pulse and her heart beat rate , all was normal. My mind drafted to Rubben sitting with Mara, laughing so naturally the way he looked at her . My hand shook slightly as I adjusted the IV , I felt silly for letting someone else Control my emotions, I couldn't help it.

Daniel noticed, " You okay?, he asked quietly leaning against the door frame

"Yes, everything is fine."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice even further, are you avoiding me Lia?.

I shook my head frustration rising, "Just leave it, Daniel"

He sighed dramatically, but there was a playful sparkle in his eyes. “Alright. But don’t think I’m giving up. One day, Lia, you’ll notice me.”

I smiled faintly, though inside I felt torn. Daniel’s attention should have made me happy. Most girls would have been flattered. But my heart was already tangled in knots for someone I could never have.

...

At lunch,I sat alone in the staff room unpacking my sandwich, that was when Linda walked in , the sound of her heels echoing through the walls, swaying her hips towards me.

Linda has been in love with Daniel for as long as eternity, but he never once glanced at her. Whenever I stood beside Daniel or probably having a conversation with him , her gaze alone was deadly.

She saw me as a threat.

She raised her eyebrows, scanning me head to toe.

The doctor seeks your attention, she said slamming a file on my desk. walked out without another word.

I don't know how she does this , one of the nurses said with a grin.

Maybe she's just trying to toughen up, another nurse chipped in.

She does like she knows it all , trying to prove what she isn't

David will never notice her I'm sure of that .

........

By the time my shift ended, I felt drained from work, and all the trouble that comes with it.

As I walked home in the fading sunlight, I wondered how I could survive the coming days. How could I hide my feelings from everyone my parents, Rubben… even myself?.

I was about crossing the street when a light highlights Blazed toward me , my breath caught, my feet glued to the pervement, I tried to move but it was too fast......