The Lost Sister

Chapter Five

Nicole

I sag against the on-call room's door since I finally have a moment to myself. This morning's ER case was a heavy one. A family hit by a drunk driver all came in with critical injuries. The parents took the worst of the hit. The two kids suffered broken legs. The dad is currently in surgery as the surgeons try to save his life. The mom coded as soon as the paramedics brought her in. Despite my best attempts it was too late for her. My only hope is that the dad pulls through. Those kids deserve to have one parent still.

A knock at the door startles me from my spot. I quickly wipe my cheeks removing any remaining tears before I unlock the door.

Jake stands in the entry with his head down. I don't need to ask what happened by the way he hangs his head down low, I already know.

"He didn't make it." Jake whispers.

A sob breaks free from my chest as Jake pulls me into his arms. He holds me tight against his chest. Jake has always been good at comforting me when work becomes too much. As I try to take deep breaths to calm my racing heart my nose catches an unmistakable scent.

I shove him back as rage begins to boil my blood. Jake looks at me with confusion in his eyes.

He holds his hands up like he just got caught with it in the cookie jar. "Baby, what's wrong?"

My fingernails dig into my palms as I clench my fist. I'm so angry I can hear the blood rushing in my ears.

"Why does your scrub top smell like our wedding planner's perfume?" I ask coldly.

Jake's eyes widen for a fraction of a second before he schools his features. "I'm sure you're mistaken, baby." He takes a step forward just as I take one back.

"Don't lie to me." I say through clenched teeth.

He says nothing for a beat before dropping his hands. His shoulders fall as well. I should have seen it coming. She always called him when she had a question about the wedding even though I told her I was the point of contact. I should have seen it in the way he would sit closest to her rather than me.

God, I am a fucking idiot.

"It didn't mean anything". He whispers.

I bite my lip to keep from screaming expletives at him. I told him before that I would never tolerate cheating. I release a deep breath then bring my hands up to unclasp the chain I keep my ring on while working. Then I place it in his palm.

"I'm working overnight. I want you out of the house before I get home." I state.

When I attempt to move around him he grabs me by the elbow.

"Don't do this." He pleads.

I shake my head and then level him with a death glare.

"I told you I would never tolerate cheating and I fucking meant it." I hiss at him.

Jake clenches his jaw. "It was a mistake." Gripping my elbow tighter he pushes me up against the door. "It didn't mean anything."

"How long have you been fucking her?"

He doesn't respond. I take that means a long fucking time.

"And Rose? Are you fucking her to?" I ask.

Again he says nothing. Just then my phone beeps with an incoming message. I glance at the message then push Jake away but pause with my hand on the doorknob.

"I meant what I said Jake." I turn my head slightly, "I want you out of the house before I get there."

Then I walk out the door.