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Finally, the doctor entered. She was impeccably dressed, white coat over a button-down and pressed black slacks. Her hair was pulled up in a sleek black ponytail.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Mendez.”
“Austin Callaway.” His eyes were firmly planted on hers, and he shifted in his seat, his knees bouncing, as though he wanted to jolt up from where he sat.
“I wanted to inform you that we will be transferring you to a room on an upper floor. You’ve caused quite a commotion out front. Once you’re in the room, the nurse will take your vitals, give you a gown to change into. First things first. Let’s get you off this floor. I’ve already talked to your team doctor, who is on his way.”
“How long did they say Dr. Klein will take to get here?”
“He’s tied up right now, so a few hours at least. We talked quickly, but he wants me to brief him as soon as I assess you. Let’s go.” Her eyes teetered to his hand, then mine. “Your girlfriend can come with you, if she wishes.” Her smile was sweet, genuine.
“I’m not …” I started, but Austin cut me off.
“Sydney, let’s go.” He was already up on his feet, but not without pain.
The doctor led us down the hall to an elevator, which led to another set of elevators, which made it seem like we were heading to a whole other section of the hospital.
The scent of bleach and the white walls were making me nauseous, hitting me in the face with all kinds of memories I’d buried a long time ago.
Austin dipped his chin, getting into my line of sight. “You okay?”
I swallowed, forcing a smile on my face. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”
Concern crossed his features, and his eyebrows pulled in. “You’re the one who doesn’tlookokay.”
We entered the room, which was three times the size of the last room, and I almost laughed. This must be the rock-star room.
“Okay, the nurse will be in shortly.”
As the doctor shut the door, Austin sat down on the bed with a labored huff.
I plopped down on the chair next to the bed, feeling light-headed and needing a breather. The familiarity brought me back to the days when my mother had been sick, which was the last time I’d been in a hospital room.
I was sure all these rooms were the same—an adjustable bed with the metal side rails, the flat screen television on the wall, the IV stand, the heart monitor.
Suddenly, my vision got weird. I rested my elbows on my knees, letting my head hang, my focus on the floor as voices haunted me.
“I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing we can do.”
“We’ve tried everything.”
“The cancer has spread.”
“Her heart is failing.”
“It’s time to say good-bye.”
“Sydney?” His voice sounded so far, as though he were in another room. “Sydney!”
Sweat formed at my brow as I lifted my head to meet Austin’s gaze.
“What’s going on with you?”
I shook my head as my heartbeat picked up in tempo. “Nothing.” Sweat lined the back of my neck, the inside of my palms.
“I was calling you. It’s like you didn’t even hear me.”
