The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 49: The Surgery

Nathaniel sat in his office, mentally drained and desperate for a moment of peace. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Rayne stormed into the room with an air of urgency. Nathaniel's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. Rayne had come to collect on their agreement, and Nathaniel knew he couldn't evade it any longer.

Rayne's eyes narrowed as he confronted Nathaniel. "It's time, Nathaniel," he stated firmly, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Nathaniel's gaze shifted uneasily, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. He couldn't abandon Alannah, not when her surgery was imminent. He mustered his courage and replied, "Rayne, I... I can't go with you right now. There's something important happening, something I can't leave behind."

Rayne's face contorted with anger. "You made a promise, Nathaniel," he barked, his voice laced with frustration. "You think you can just back out now? You're in this too deep, and there's no turning back."

Nathaniel's shoulders slumped, the weight of his obligations pressing down on him. He had put himself in this precarious situation, and now he had to face the consequences. He took a deep breath and looked Rayne in the eye. "Alright, Rayne," he said, his voice filled with resignation. "Let's go."

Rayne's expression softened slightly, his anger subsiding. "Good," he replied curtly. "You won't regret this, Nathaniel."

Nathaniel remained silent, his thoughts consumed by worry for Alannah. He knew he was making a difficult choice, leaving her when she needed him the most. But the deal with Rayne couldn't be postponed any longer.

As they exited the office, Nathaniel's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at him, knowing that Alannah would be left waiting and fearing for his safety.

Little did he know the impact his absence would have, the ripple effect it would create in their lives. Nathaniel steeled himself for what lay ahead, hoping that somehow, he could navigate this treacherous path and return to Alannah unscathed.

****

Alannah sat in the waiting area of the doctor's office, her hands trembling with nervous anticipation. The scheduled time for her surgery had arrived, but there was no sign of Nathaniel. She had been calling him repeatedly, but he hadn't answered any of her calls.

Beside her, Amy sensed her friend's growing unease. "I'm sure there's a good reason why he hasn't come yet, Alannah. Maybe he got caught up with something important."

Alannah nodded, her brows furrowed with worry. "I hope so, Amy. I really wanted him to be here with me."

As minutes turned into what felt like hours, Alannah's mind raced with thoughts of what could have happened to Nathaniel. Doubts and fears crept in, making her question his absence. Was he hurt? Did something go wrong? Why wasn't he answering her calls?

Trying to distract herself, Alannah took deep breaths and focused on the positive outcome she hoped for from the surgery. She knew Nathaniel cared for her deeply, but his absence at such a crucial moment weighed heavily on her heart.

Meanwhile, Amy reached for her own phone and began dialing Nathaniel's number. Perhaps she could get through to him and find out what was going on. After a few rings, she frowned, realizing that he wasn't answering her call either.

Concern etched across her face, Amy turned to Alannah. "I can't reach him either, Alannah. I'm starting to get worried too."

Alannah's heart sank as her worst fears seemed to be confirmed. She whispered, "What if something happened to him? What if he's in trouble and can't be here?"