novelraw Chapter 15: Attraction 1
Chapter 15: Attraction 1
Chapter 15: Attraction 1Ethan had managed to slip into a light sleep, but it didn't last. He awoke shortly after, feeling the restless energy that seemed to always pulse beneath his skin. He wasn't the type to enjoy the quiet comfort of rest, especially not in a place like this. The sterile scent of the hospital pressed against him like a heavyweight. He couldn't stand it a second longer.
"Can you please call my doctor?" he whispered, his voice raspy from the dryness in his throat. His eyes darted open, landing on Maria-Isabel, who sat nearby, comfortably nestled in a chair with a book in her hands.
Maria-Isabel looked up, alarm flashing in her eyes. "What? Are you in pain? What's wrong?" Her voice was laced with concern, her brow furrowed in worry. Ethan saw it, the way she always overreacted, the way she always cared just a little too much. He found comfort in that, though. She was like a quiet storm, gentle but unyielding.
"No, nothing like that. I'm fine," Ethan reassured her quickly, though his thoughts lingered elsewhere. If only Mara paid as much attention to him as Maria did. If only the fire of ambition and independence that burned so brightly in Mara's eyes could soften just a little.
Ethan couldn't help but admire Mara's strength. She was fearless and self-sufficient. But at times, he wished she'd lean on him more. In his heart, there was a desire to be her superhero, to be the one she turned to when things got tough. But it felt as though she had it all figured out, as though she never needed saving. That was the difference, wasn't it? Mara didn't need him the way Maria did.
Maria breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, thank goodness, you scared me for a moment there," she said, flashing him a soft smile before heading toward the door to call the doctor.
Ethan didn't waste time. As soon as Maria left, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and began to dress. There was no way he was staying here any longer. He had no patience for hospitals.
Moments later, Maria and Dr. Fred walked back in, only to find Ethan fully dressed, his expression stubborn, yet determined. Dr. Fred raised an eyebrow, clearly not surprised by Ethan's impatience.
"And where do you think you're going?" Dr. Fred asked, crossing his arms, his tone firm yet amused.
"I'm discharging myself now. I need you to clear me so I can get out of here," Ethan said, his voice steady, sitting back on the bed as if it were a simple request.
Maria-Isabel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Ethan, you can't be serious..."
But Ethan didn't waver. He had places to go, and things to do. And whether Maria-Isabel or Dr. Fred liked it or not, he was leaving.
"You just had surgery, man. It might have been a simple procedure, but you still need rest. You can't just go back to work like nothing happened," Dr. Fred said, his voice firm with concern.
Ethan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I can't stay. This place makes me feel useless. I'll rest when I get home," he muttered, already feeling the hospital walls closing in on him.
Maria-Isabel stepped in, her voice light but reassuring. "Don't worry, Doctor. I'll make sure he gets the rest he needs," she said with a confident smile.
Dr. Fred sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, if you say so. I know there's no talking sense into this patient. You can take him home," he relented, though his tone carried a mix of amusement and resignation.
Ethan was already halfway to the door when Dr. Fred called after him. "And make sure to come back for your report next week."
"Email it," Ethan replied over his shoulder, disappearing into the hallway with Maria-Isabel close behind.
Dr. Fred watched them leave, shaking his head as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his white coat. Some patients never changed.
***
Ethan let out a slow breath as Maria-Isabel's words settled over him. She had a way of reading between the lines, of understanding things even when he didn't say them out loud. He appreciated that about her.
"I know it's not my place, but you look worried," Maria said gently, her warm brown eyes
For a brief moment, they were happy—two completely different people, lost in a fantasy where pain and reality didn't exist. Maria imagined it was Daniel beside her, excited about their child. Ethan let himself believe, just for a second, that he and Mara were expecting a baby of their own.
It was a fleeting illusion, but it brought comfort.
They moved on to the next shop, their laughter lightening the air between them. Since the baby store would deliver everything later, Maria decided to browse for some new clothes. She tried on a few outfits, stepping out to show Ethan. No matter what she wore, he nodded in approval, grinning.
"You look great in everything," he said simply.
Maria rolled her eyes playfully but didn't argue. They ended up buying everything she tried on, along with a few things Ethan picked out for Mara.
Just as they were about to leave, a voice called out.
"Maria-Isabel?"
Maria froze.
A cold wave of fear washed over her as her body tensed. Her hands trembled, her breath hitched. Was it him? Had Daniel found her?
Her heart pounded against her ribs, and she slowly turned around, bracing herself for what—or who—she was about to face.