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“Excuse me, can I help you?” A voice snips behind me, no doubt having caught me eavesdropping.
Putting a friendly smile on my face, I turn around. The stocky woman glowers at me before her eyes slide to the badge dangling around my neck. “Oh sorry Dr. Mathews. I didn’t realize we hadanother visiting attending today.” She readjusts her posture and tries to pretend she wasn’t just seconds from calling for security.
A large part of my job is blending into any environment. I have badges, IDs, papers, and passes for dozens of professions. One of which is coming in handy for my current task at hand.
My lips twitch in amusement but I keep a stern set to my jaw behind my smile. “Not a problem,” I glance down at her badge, “Penny.” A blush spreads across her cheeks at her name. I may be laying it on a little thick but I have to make sure I’m not evicted until I can ensure a certain little girl doesn’t open her mouth.
Fiddling with the papers in her hand, Penny ducks her head. “If you need anything, just let me know.” She mumbles before hurrying away.
My smile slips as I return my attention to the small exam room. I can hear muffled voices beyond the curtain but can’t make out what’s being said. Settling in, I wait for Avamarie to be discharged so I can follow up with her.
Perhaps she is in need of a more personal reminder.
Chapter 9
Avamarie
I fumble with the plastic bag and papers. Tyler follows me up to my apartment, helping to open the door and getting me a large glass of water. “I could stay, you know, make sure you’re okay?” He offers, not meeting my eyes.
Our already precarious relationship has gotten more rocky since visiting the drug store. I had tried to insist on going in alone but he refused. When he saw me snatch a morning after box, his face shadowed and pain flashed before he hid the emotion.
Smiling awkwardly at him, I dump everything down on the counter. “That’s okay. You heard the doctor, I’m fine. Just have to keep hydrated.” I take the offered glass and ceremoniously take a large gulp.
Tyler doesn’t look amused by my antics.
Setting down the glass, I step toward him and wrap my arms around his body. He stiffens under my touch as I murmur, “Thank you. Really. I’m so grateful for you.”
Softening into my embrace, he wraps his own arms around me, pulling me tighter against him. “There’s no need to thank me, Ava.” He mutters, squeezing me. “I’m here for you, always.”
We stand like that for a while, leaning on each other for different reasons but seeking comfort all the same.
With a sigh, he extracts himself from my arms and places a kiss to the top of my head. “I’ll let you get some rest. Let me know if you need anything.”
I nod, turning to begin putting things away.
Tyler snaps out a hand and turns me back to face him, hands framing my face. “I mean it. Anything.” He insists, holding my gaze. My breath catches at the intensity of his voice and look.
I stare blankly back at him before my brain sparks back to life. Giving him a soft smile, I promise, “I will. Thanks again Tyler.” Looking between my eyes, he finally nods and releases me. I watch as he leaves the apartment, shutting the door behind him.
What even is my life right now?
Two days ago I was a graduate candidate working toward my criminal psychology degree, in love with my best friend with nothing more exciting in my life past an upcoming test.
Now?
Now my best friend apparently cares for me but I’ve lost all desire for him.
Why?
Because some tall stranger fucked me, killed me, saved me, and now haunts my every waking thought.
Groaning, I snatch the plastic bag and trudge to the bathroom. Once I shut the door, I pull out the small box and stare at it. I don’t have any moral quarrels with taking the pill, it’s more a frustration with myself.
I’m careful. I don’t take chances and definitely have never had the need for this particular precaution.
My eyes scan over the instructions and possible side effects.
Take within seventy-two hours of unprotected sex. Recommended to take with water. One pill can help prevent unplanned pregnancy. May cause nausea, cramps, dizziness, sore breasts…
