Craniotomy? But Stephen’s specialty was cardiovascular diseases!
Moreover, there was no record of Layla having any cranial medical conditions, only the procedure itself. And as Abigail was about to read through the key points, she heard someone outside say, “Dr. Carr.”
That meant Stephen had returned, so she quickly put the file back where she found it and made sure it looked like it was not touched.
Then, she pretended to be idling and waited until Stephen entered, flashing a smile, “Dr. Carr. Where were you just now? Anyway, I’ve spoken to Admin–Dr. Lohan will be at the CT scan room tomorrow morning.”
Stephen glanced at the table, and nodded when he saw that nothing was out of place. “Alright. Be here early tomorrow–you can go back to work now.”
As Abigail turned to leave, Stephen sat behind his desk and stared at the document folder in front of him for a while.
There was something strange about that look in his eyes, as if he could tell that Abigail had read it, but he did not expose her.
On the other hand, Abigail heaved a huge sigh of relief once she got out of Stephen’s office.
It was the first time she snooped around like this!
That was when her phone suddenly rang, startling her.
Patting her chest to calm herself, she then whipped out her phone and answered it.
It was Lulu.
“I’m right outside your hospital. Are you free right now? We need to talk.”
“Okay,” Abigail replied–she just happened to be free, and quickly headed outside once she hung up.
She saw Lulu standing at the main entrance from afar, and Zachary behind her.
She stopped in her tracks.
No way… Had they made up already?
But she knew Lulu-she should be unable to accept Zachary’s duplicity.
Moreover, Lulu appeared tired.
Abigail took a moment to compose herself before going to them. “Zachary, Lulu.”
Lulu was not smiling, but did so when she saw Abigail.
“You came together?” Abigail asked before they said anything.
Lulu nodded and asked, “Are you free right now? There’s something we have to tell you.”
Abigail nodded. “More or less.”
“Let’s go somewhere quiet,” Lulu said and pointed at the garden behind Melville Hospital–there were not many people there at the moment.
“Sure,” Abigail replied.
As they walked, Zachary remained silent and kept his distance from Lulu.
They appeared more like strangers than lovers now–even friends would be a stretch.
Abigail had a foreboding feeling just then, and it soon came true.
“Abigail, we’ve decided to break up and stay friends from now on,” Lulu said.
Abigail turned toward Zachary. “Hey…”
Zachary stayed silent, but the look on his face was horrible.
Abigail decided that she could not say anything about that–this was their relationship, and their own issue.
The problem was their disparity in family backgrounds, and Zachary’s mother’s obstinate protests.
She understood that Lulu could not compromise, because as a woman, she needed contingency.
As for Zachary, he was caught in between his beloved Lulu and his own mother, and it hurt him to stay stuck in between.
“We came together to tell you because you’re our friend,” Lulu said just then.
Abigail nodded, knowing that she could say nothing or meddle–they were adults with their own mindsets and considerations.
“We’ve made peace-we didn’t argue, and if we do see each other again, we’re still friends,” Lulu said, and turned toward Zachary. “Right?”
Zachary turned away, still silent.
“Alright, I’ve said all I needed to say, so I’ll get going now. You should get back to work, Abigail.”
Lulu appeared unemotional and unaffected–she was way past hysterics, and it was time she learned to let go.
-As she left, Zachary was going to follow suit but Abigail stopped him. “Zachary.”
Zachary stopped in his tracks but did not turn around. “Don’t ask. Everything she said is right–I’ve done her dirty.”
He was very clear about it, affording Abigail no space to argue.
“Take care of yourself, Zachary.”
Zachary heaved a deep sigh then, and left, while Abigail returned to work.
www
Over at Bernstein Mansion, Lulu was packing her belongings.
Sheryl Harris was helping her, and she told Lulu, “You can visit anytime you want if you miss Abigail. Think of this place as your home, and we have more rooms than we need. I’ll save one so you can come here anytime.
Lulu’s toughness crumbled from Sheryl’s warmth.
Tears welled out of Lulu’s eyes right then, and she firmly wiped it away. “Thank you.”
“It’s no issue, Sheryl said, patting her on the back of her hand and adding mildly. “You’re like a sister to Abigail and you’ve helped her a lot. From where I’m standing, you’re both my children.”
Lulu could not say anything then, because she was already choking with tears and would not be able to hold it in.
Once she was done packing, Sheryl was walking with her to the front gate when Ricky just happened to return.
It appeared that he left something at home, and his eyes widened when he saw Lulu holding her suitcase. “Where are you going?”
“Back to Sunny City.” Lulu forced a smile. “Come visit me when you can. I’ll buy you some good food.”
Ricky tugged at her. “Don’t go.”
Lulu gave him a look. “This isn’t my home, so I can’t stay forever. Even so, I’m grateful that you took such good care of me. I’ll remember your grace, and if I have the chance, I’ll be offering you lodging instead.”
She then added jokingly, “I hope you wouldn’t have to do that, though.”
Even so, Ricky said, “Come on. You can stay a little longer.”
“I’ve stayed long enough,” Lulu replied. “And I still have a job.”
Ricky gave up then. “Can I at least offer a ride?”
“Sure, thanks.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
Leave a Reply