Aurora
My heart skipped and my knees felt weak but outwardly I remained unmoved and composed. I didn't even spare him a glance as he stormed out of the room despite the painful constricting feeling in my chest. It was after he left that I released the breath I didn't even know I was holding.
I felt tears threatening to pour out of my eyes as his words replayed in my head over and over again but I kept pushing it back as hard as I can.
“Mum, is everything okay? Did Uncle Ethan do something?” Arne asked curiously which only made me feel irritated.
“Focus on getting ready instead of asking me silly questions," I retorted harshly and I instantly regretted it. What the hell was wrong with me, how could I let such a news ruin my mood to the extent of transferring the aggression to my son?
“Sorry mummy, I'm ready now.” I felt deeply ashamed when I heard his small guilty voice and I sighed.
I pulled my son in for a hug and placed a small kiss on his forehead before pulling back with a slightly forced smile on my face, “You did nothing wrong okay? Mummy was wrong for scolding you and I apologize. You know what, why don't you follow me to the hospital today, what do you think? It would be fun.” I suggested with hopeful eyes.
Kelly was supposed to care for him today while I work but the thought of Ethan coming to bond with him while I was away made me change the plan. The plan has always been to keep Ethan far away from our lives but it seemed I had been failing.
“Okay mummy, let's go.” Arne bounced on his feet happily.
My son was mine only, I was his only parent and if I wanted to keep it that way, I had to make sure him and Ethan doesn't bond for any reason. Today reminded me that Ethan was always going to be Ethan, nothing has changed.
I smiled and nodded before taking his hand and proceeding out of the room.
As we walked, I struggled to push the images of last night and the last words Ethan said to me few minutes ago off my head. I regretted it, last night, everything that transpired between us.
I regretted how quickly I succumbed to his advances when I should have push him off and warned him to stay away, but I failed to control myself. I let my emotions get the best of me and I did something I should never have. I felt like the same girl again, the one ten years ago who was left heartbroken by a man who promised to make me his wife. Except now I was supposed to be smarter and wiser, I was supposed to know better from experience.
But no, foolish me made such a grave mistake and even had the small thought that he would burst through the door and tell me that his wedding with Tiffany was cancelled because he wanted me instead.
I guess that was just wishful thinking. I let myself down by letting him touch me in places that brought memories and I won't let him come close anymore. I just needed to hasten up to find the cure for the plague and get the fuck out of here with Arne.
I felt my cheeks with my fingers and that was when I realized it was wet with tears, I couldn't hold it back in while I was lost in thoughts. I quickly used my handkerchief to wipe it off before someone would see me crying, I may have messed up but it was not completely ruined. I could still buckle up and avoid Ethan like my life depended on it. Affliction will not rise again for the second time.
We arrived at the hospital and went straight to my office, passerbys and staffs greeted me with respect as I walked passed them.
I got into my office and quickly settled in while Arne sat quietly on the waiting sofa.
I rechecked the samples on my desk and recorded any significant changes I noticed. Fortunately I had finally pushed thoughts of Ethan away and gotten into work mode, I was eager to get something significant today, the earlier I finish, the earlier I could leave.
A knock came from the door and I answered with a quick come in, I have been working here for a few months so I already knew who was at the door.
“Good morning doc, time for morning check up with the patients” The familiar voice of Ferdinand came in, he had the usual smile on his face.
I stood up from my chair and managed to smile back even though I was not in the mood for it.
“Alright, let's go” Then I turned to Arne and said, “Play with your tab okay? I'll be right back. Don't touch anything." I warned and stepped out.
I left my office with Ferdinand to the patient's ward, the place was filled to the brim and I spent time checking them for any critical or deteriorating problems.
I playfully laughed and chatted with some of the patients to lighten up the room. Over the past few months here, I had somehow attached my emotions to the people here.
They were suffering with this strange plague and if care wasn't taken, they would die away into extinction. I pitied them and I wanted to help anyway I could, it was why I was still here. If not for them, I would have at least tried to run away once.
When I became a doctor, I swore an oath to save lives no matter what and so my principle applies to everyone, including the man who I wanted to avoid with everything in me.
After a while, I was done and I returned to my office. As soon as the door opened, what I saw made colour drain from my face.
Arne's face was wet with tears and his hands that was stretched out was stained with blood.