If I wasn’t driving and she wasn’t suffering from head trauma, this would be the part where we kissed with the possibility of some old school dry humping, but that would have to wait for another day.
“Kris?” Belen’s voice was breathy and low.
“Yeah.”
“Are the lights swirling around the sky or is that just me?”
My face dropped along with any thoughts of her naked body writhing on top of mine. “We’re going to the urgent care.”
Belen opened her mouth to protest, but I shot her a look shutting down any remaining fight. In the waiting room of the MedHealth Urgent Care, Belen held onto my hand, her left leg bouncing while she muttered to herself under her breath.
“It’s going to be okay. This is just a precaution.” I hoped to alleviate some of her anxiety.
“I hate hospitals.”
“This is more like a doctor’s office than a hospital.”
“Are there doctors?”
“Yes.”
“And nurses in scrubs.”
“Also yes.”
“I’m a bit groggy but I still know those two things equate hospital.”
“I just want a doctor to confirm you’re alright. I played football in high school and college. And untreated concussions can end in memory loss or death.”
Her eyes grew wide.
“But nothing like that is going to happen to you. This is just a routine checkup.” The muscles in my jaw bunched. Belen did not need to hear worst-case scenarios right now.
“Belen Goodwin,” a nurse called.
“Here.” Belen stood and walked toward the nurse, dragging me with her because she refused to let go of my hand.
“Your friend will have to stay in the waiting room,” the nurse instructed.
“He’s not my friend.” Belen sized me up. “He’s my emotional support human.”
“Ma’am, I’m sorry but facility protocol only allows family memb …”
“Well we are family,” Belen blurted out, stepping over the nurse’s unfinished sentence.
Our nurse’s eyes narrowed. “What is the nature of your relationship?”
Belen released a chuckle. “That’s a loaded question.”
“I’m her brother,” I said. Unfortunately, Belen answered at the same time and claimed I was her husband. I offered an apologetic smile. “It’s complicated.”
The redheaded nurse released her pursed lips. “Follow me, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin.”
While we waited in the exam room, I tried to keep Belen talking. “Why do you hate hospitals?”
“Because nothing good ever happens at hospitals.” Belen pinched at the skin on her neck, something I never noticed her do before. It was like the thought of being in a hospital was unlocking a new glitch.
“What do you mean? Babies are born and people’s lives are saved every day.”
