Loving You Too Long

Nathan then stood up and left her alone. Haisley’s chest hurt seeing his treatment of her.

“Why? Can’t you be gentle? Just like how gentle you are with Crystal? Or now with Loretta?” Haisley wondered in her heart. She wiped her tears.

Nathan returned with a female doctor behind him.

“Are you feeling better?” the doctor asked gently. Haisley nodded. “No more pain in your stomach? Or head?” Haisley shook her head. The doctor smiled. “I’ve prescribed medication for you. If the pain persists after the medication is finished, come back here for further examination, okay?” Haisley simply nodded.

She just wanted to go home and sleep in her own bed. She didn’t want to see Nathan’s angry gaze again.

A nurse removed the IV from her hand, and then they left. Nathan grabbed something from the bedside drawer. It turned out to be the prescription the doctor mentioned. He handed it to Haisley.

They left the ER together. That’s when Haisley felt confused. She didn’t have her phone, let alone her wallet. Asking Nathan for fare felt embarrassing, but she had no other choice.

“What…” her words hung in the air. She shook her head. “Thank you for bringing me here. I promise I’ll cover all the medical expenses,” Haisley said finally.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Do you think I’d ask for compensation?” Nathan retorted. Haisley smiled. Of course, Nathan didn’t need it. He had more than enough money in his savings.

“Thanks again,” Haisley could only repeat those sacred words. Nathan walked towards the parking lot without looking back. Haisley assumed she would follow him, given that she didn’t have any money or a phone. But when Nathan reached his car, he didn’t find Haisley behind him.

His eyes searched for the petite girl in a cream-colored jacket and saw her walking away from the hospital parking lot. In frustration, Nathan cursed. He then got into his car and drove, following her.

His car was blocked by a line of vehicles trying to leave the hospital. When he finally made it out, he couldn’t find her anymore.

Only at a bus stop did he spot her, sitting hunched over, seemingly staring at her feet moving back and forth. Nathan stopped his car and rolled down the passenger window.

“What are you doing there!” his shout attracted the attention of several people, including Haisley. She lifted her head and saw Nathan. “Come on in!” he commanded. But Haisley remained rooted to her spot.

Irritated, Nathan got out of the car and approached her. “You really enjoy making me angry, don’t you!” he said sharply. He stood towering over Haisley. Haisley was about to speak, but Nathan pulled her roughly to stand beside him.

Before Nathan could pull her further, a hand slapped his hand away. Haisley lost her balance and ended up in the strong embrace of a man.

“Dean?” Nathan exclaimed in disbelief.

“Stop being harsh to her, Nath!” The call sounded just as cold.

Haisley and Nathan turned their heads simultaneously. “What are you doing here?” Haisley asked, a smile on her face. Dean returned her look and smiled back.

“If I say I was looking for you, would you believe me?” The man replied, a playful glint in his eyes. “Are you okay? You look pale.” Haisley nodded in confirmation. “Shall we go? Gilbert told me you’re not staying with him anymore.” He chose to ignore Nathan and guided Haisley in the opposite direction.

Haisley nodded in response to Dean’s question. “But you haven’t answered my question. What are you doing here?” She repeated her question.

“I’m on a student exchange program,” the man answered casually and naturally gentle.

“Student exchange program?” Haisley asked, surprised.

“Yes. It’s supposed to start next semester. So I came here just to hang out and find a place to stay. I tried contacting Gilbert, thinking I could stay with him until the exchange program starts. But when he said you’re not staying with him anymore, I decided to find another place.” He replied.

“But how did you end up here?” Haisley asked again. Still not understanding. After all, a hospital wasn’t a place people visited accidentally.

“I just dropped off my friend at his friend’s place. As I was about to leave, I thought I saw you. I took a closer look, and it really was you. So I got out of the car just when that barbarian was pulling your hand.” Haisley chuckled when she heard Dean call Nathan a barbarian.

Nathan and Dean were cousins from their mother’s side. Despite being cousins, they never got along. There was always something they argued about. Dean was older than Gilbert but younger than Nathan. His position as a cousin didn’t seem to intimidate Dean; he even caused more trouble for Nathan.

“Where do you live?” They had entered Dean’s car and were getting ready to drive. Haisley mentioned her address, making Dean furrow his brow. Haisley knew what was on his mind. Probably not far from what Nathan was thinking.

“It’s comfortable, really. A bit noisy, though. But genuinely comfortable,” Haisley replied honestly. Dean could only nod. They passed by Nathan, who was still frozen in his spot.

“Has your relationship with him not improved?” Dean asked again. Haisley could only shake her head weakly. “Chasing scholarships, studying in a foreign country just to be close to the man of your dreams, yet he treats you the same. Instead of hoping for him, why don’t you just date me?” Haisley playfully nudged Dean with the little strength she had left. He chuckled.

“What’s wrong with you? What did the doctor say?”

“Nothing, just exhausted.” She replied briefly. Dean just nodded. If Haisley said so, then it must be true. They didn’t talk much during the journey.

Dean parked his car a few meters away from Haisley’s place, as the main road was almost full of other vehicles.

He guided Haisley up to her flat. Seeing the mess inside, Haisley groaned. Dean laughed at her reaction.

“Rest, I’ll help tidy up.” He said.

Haisley just nodded. She was too tired to confront him. Eventually, she walked to her bed, laid down, and covered herself with a blanket almost reaching her shoulders.

Dean tidied up his flat as he said he would. He even sorted out the plastic bags of ignored food that Haisley brought. Meanwhile, Haisley fell into a deep sleep.