Worry

"What did your friend say to you over the phone? The conversation wasn't on speaker, which made it difficult for me to hear him. Did he say he was coming with your son already? Please, I need to know," Doctor Escobar asked George in the ward. He was standing next to George as he witnessed everything that happened. 

George was shocked to the bone. 

He kept staring at his phone and wondered why Kelly had to end the phone in such a disrespectful manner. "That son of a bitch ended the call. What the fuck was he thinking? I don't want to believe he's messing with my head." 

"Mr. Cooper, we're running out of time. I just asked you a question, and you haven't responded yet. What did your friend say to you? Should we expect him in the next few minutes?" Escobar raised another question that was left unresponsive. That was the attitude that pushed his button and made him lose his cool. 

 "You know, I do hate it when someone gives me a silent treatment and that's precisely what you are doing. You are not just doing it; you are spitting at me," Escobar raged. Despite how upset he was, he still tried his best not to yell at George due to his heart condition. 

"He will be here soon. 

He just spoke with my son," 

George lied without an apology. He forced a smile to complement his explanation.

Growing up, George was meant to understand that speaking the truth set people free, but in his situation, he could only think about lying to Doctor Escobar.

After seeing the pressure Doctor Escobar came with, speaking the truth would get him kicked out of the hospital without a second thought. 

"Are you sure about what you just told me? Why do I have a feeling that you're lying to me? You're scared to speak the truth because you know what I am capable of doing," he doubts. Escobar doubted George. Not only was he filled with doubt, but he kept tossing provocative questions at George as though it were a crime case. 

"Doctor, take a look at me. Do I look like a child? My gray hair wasn't designed by some godforsaken hair stylist, they are fucking natural. That should tell how old I am. Why would I want to lie to you? What do I stand to gain from that? I just told you that my friend is coming with my son. What else do you want to hear from me? Should you're still in doubt, you are allowed to call my friend yourself," George dared Doctor Escobar. He acted like he was cool but deep down, he had a troubled heart. 

It was his first attempt to lie in donkey years. To convince the doctor to buy his lie, George maintained a straight face. He also tried not to smile or display his set of teeth.

"I believe you now. You don't need to start explaining yourself a thousand times just to prove a point." Escobar finally concurred. After seeing how George reacted, he didn't think the telephone conversation was fake. 

"However, you must ask them to make it to the hospital on time. My patience has been long overdue. I don't think I can tolerate any more of this. And for the records, I don't own the hospital. I am just fortunate to be part of the establishment. The management is starting to complain. I've defended you enough. I would rather not lose my job for some stupid reason. I hope you do understand why I am doing this?" To amend the mess he caused, Escobar explained the reason for his action. He would rather not let his patient have another heart attack due to anger. 

"It's fine. The explanation wasn't needed. My son will be here soon, and all of this will be over. You are free to leave now. I require some time alone. I don't mean to sound rude, but you are becoming a major distraction for me."George ignored the prolonged explanation that sounded like damage control. He also kicked Escobar out of the hospital. 

On the verge of leaving, Escobar stood at the doorway just to ask. "If you require someone to speak to, I am here for you. I've got good hearing ability. Aside from being a doctor, I am also a good therapist. My records speak for me."

"That was very thoughtful of you. I love what you are doing. I mean, it's wonderful knowing that you have the power to reconnect people's lives. But guess what? I don't need anyone to talk to. If I ever require a shoulder to cry on, my instinct is there to guide me. But for now, I just want to be left alone. Can you do that for me? I am pretty sure it's not too much to ask, is it?" George frowned. He didn't fail to express his emotions this time. With his facial expressions, he made it clear to Escobar why he wanted to be left alone. 

"Yeah!

Sure! Have a great day.

And please keep in mind your son," Doctor Escobar reminded George and shut the door after exiting the ward.

Ew! He is so needy.

The worst doctor I've ever come across with. Who approved his medical license?"

After the departure of the doctor, George waited for a couple more minutes before reaching Kelly over the phone again. He had a feeling that Kelly hadn't arrived at the mansion yet.

"Pick up the damn phone, Kelly.

I do hope you are not playing games with me. Because I am not going to accept that from you. This is a very delicate situation, and you're messing it up for me." George snarled. He quickly controlled his rage after he remembered his heart issue. 

Eventually, Kelly did answer the phone after several attempts. "Thank goodness I was able to reach you now. You got me worried. Why are you not answering the phone? Are you sure you've arrived in the mansion already, or you're lying to me?"