Surrounded But Alone

Chapter 22- Cafe Date?

Doctor Harrison's Point Of View;

He stopped talking at that point and looked down at his feet. He didn't go into too much detail but I understood how he thought better. Sharing things with people isn't something he is used to doing so I dared not interrupt.

"I know it wasn't easy for you to tell me all of that. That takes a lot more strength than you realize right now." It was just as the doctors said the wounds from the accident were more extensive than he told his friends. He confirmed some self-neglect I heard from Mitchum.

I couldn't leave him like he was in that down state of mind of what he thinks are weaknesses on his part. It was time for me to show that he had played an important role in his friend's lives.

"You know when you made the effort to go out, you prevented something terrible from happening to Gail that same day," I said and he just shrugged his shoulders.

"A broken clock gets the time right twice a day but in the end don't you still have to throw it away? It was the least I could do," He added, looking at the wall as if he were talking to it instead. I knew he was referring to himself when he said that. I've seen hundreds of teens like him say something like that but it still breaks my heart every time.

"Not if it's a one-of-a-kind antique, we keep those and treat it with the utmost care. Only those who don't know the true value of it would throw it away. We're all one of a kind Presley and you're included in that." I said hoping it would at least ease some of the painful feelings that he wasn't saying.

"Well whatever I did, I think I broke Gail. I could have just asked her to come back into the cafe but I got so flustered on what to do." He muttered while shaking his head as if the memory itself hunted him. That reply caught me off-guard because he was expressing guilt. Did he remember what had happened correctly?

"Presley that wasn't you're fault, you saved her. That's why she's here today," I reasoned.

"Everyone keeps saying that, but I was there at the end of it. I didn't do it properly 'cause she broke down, like I have. I made it worse!" He said with his hands covering his ears and closed his eyes.

I came over closer to him and put my hand on his shoulder. He tense under my grip but at least I had his attention. I needed to calm him down. "That's not how Gail sees it, she doesn't blame you. Her feeling that way had nothing to do with the way you saved her. She was just glad that you did."

He relaxed a little but his head remained low and he said nothing in response. His naturally quiet behavior seemed to be kicking in to deal with it. I sat back down with my file and put back on my glasses.

"Gail told me her version of what happened. I think it would do some good to listen to it," I said, making him shift slightly before nodding.

Gail's Point Of View;

Homer and I had not long ago arrived at the cafe together. It was a cozy yet spacious place that blended the scents of different pastries and coffee that filled the air. It was a place that I didn't mind coming to over and over again because the relaxed and cool atmosphere. Four single chairs with the seatings all softly padded and surrounding each rounded-shaped table. Homer and I had chosen to sit in one of the booths that followed the same color design of the abstract cream and brown design that matched the side chairs. They were near the large glass wall-like window where we could see outside.

The view was of plants along with a few tables and chairs with the shed of the cafe providing covering. Too bad we couldn't see the sunset as we were near the business area district. Large skyscraper buildings followed on the other side of the road. I hope Presley will make it this time. This place would be perfect for him since he seems to be a very particular person and it isn't very crowded this evening.