DOCTOR 1: Nicole Alison

episode 27

The next day, Alison spent her time with Nike, Olivia, and their baby Nico. Much of Alison's delight, the toddler seemed to like her more than his own father.

Later that day, Olivia and Nico were left with Alison because Nike had to do something for Breakfree.

"When was the last time we did this?" Olivia asked Alison as she settled Nico on her lap, feeding on his bottle.

They are in a fancy café, taking a break after they let Niko play at the mall's playground.

"I didn't even remember if we had the time to do this. We are just... I don't know, busy, I guess," Alison replied.

"Our Doctor Alison is busy, huh? Have you talked to him yet?" Olivia asks.

"Uhm," Alison avoided her gaze. "I actually forgot my phone at the hospital, so no."

Olivia's eyebrow twitched. "Seriously? You forgot, or you did it on purpose?"

"No, I seriously forgot about it. I didn't text you guys because I wanted to surprise you. I didn't see it in my locker when I changed my clothes before coming here. Probably was hidden in between my extra clothes." She shrugged her shoulders, silently thanking the heavens for her honest mistake of forgetting her phone.

He would have called, and she would have to agree to his request to break up.

'No, I can't. I don't want to. I'm scared shitless.'

"Why are you so scared anyway? If anything, Hayden should be scared because of what he did. He asked you to marry him. He shouldn't be out hugging his exes in your face."

"I just... I know I won't be able to forgive him if he really did it. And I don't want to do that to him. To myself."

"So you're just going to run away like what you did last time?"

"Olivia, you know I didn't run away. I had an internship abroad. Besides, I stayed for a few minutes when I saw him in the act. I trusted him that time. We were only together for almost 2 months, and I trusted him with my heart and my life. So I stayed. Only to watch him shove his tongue down on his ex.

"When I came back, I already forgot about it. I've forgiven him because he has proven himself worthy of my forgiveness. But yesterday, when I saw him with Nicole, initiating a hug, it reminded me of the past and got so scared." Alison smiled bitterly as she sips her frappe.

Olivia sighs and laid down her sleeping son on his stroller. "I understand you, Alison. But have you thought of the possibility that what you saw is not what you think? I think you have to at least give him a chance to explain himself so you won't have to live with what-ifs for the rest of your life."

"I'm praying to all the divine beings that I was wrong about it. But my mind kept reminding me of the last time. This is so hard."

"I know. But talking to him is the only way, Alison. It might hurt you, yes. But with time, it will go away. You will be fine. At least, you can sleep peacefully at night knowing that you did your part as his fiancée." Olivia looked at her across the table and held her hand. "At least, give that to yourself, Alison. You deserve it."

"I will. Thank you, Liv. Thank you for being my sister. On my next day off, I will come here. I can babysit Nico so you and Nike can have some time alone."

"Alison, you will always be a sister to me. I only have stupid brothers and Nike is an only child so you are the closest thing to a sister in my life. I would do everything in my power for you to be happy. But I'll take your offer, don't take it back." Olivia smiles at her.