Heartstrings and Handcuffs, A Detective's Dilemma

Chapter 3

Olivia

As the sun rises on Tuesday morning, I step into the busy corridors of the hospital, ready to go on another 12-hour shift. The air is filled with anticipation, and the hum of activity fills the halls, signaling the start of another busy day.

Lindsay, my dear friend, rushes over and envelops me in a quick hug, welcoming me back after my week-long leave. It's a comforting sight to see everyone bustling about their tasks as if nothing has changed during my absence. The routine continues seamlessly, and it feels like I've never left.

While sorting through paperwork, Lindsay's voice cuts through the air, catching me off guard. "Haven't you been answering Andrew's calls?" she inquires, her tone a blend of curiosity as she continues to shuffle through charts.

"We haven't talked since, I just needed some time alone to process everything," I explain, my gaze fixed on the task at hand as I attempt to mask the vulnerability I feel.

Lindsay's reaction is swift and unexpected. She turns to face me, her expression a mixture of surprise and disbelief. "He's your boyfriend, Olivia," she exclaims. "He should be comforting you during those times. Gosh, I can't believe you," she remarks, shaking her head in disbelief.

Her words hit me like a slap in the face, stirring emotions within me. I feel guilty for pushing Andrew away when I needed him the most. I suppose shutting everyone out is my way of coping.

I am on my way to the medicine cabinet when suddenly Andrew appears before me as if he has been listening, taking me completely by surprise. His damp hair and the medicine tray in his hands suggest he's been busy.

"Olivia!" he exclaims, his voice breaking. His surprise is evident as he registers my presence. "I didn't know you were back."

I feel a sudden rush of emotions flood over me: surprise, uncertainty, and a twinge of apprehension. I hadn't anticipated this encounter so early in the morning, and I'm not sure if I was ready to face him after ignoring him.

As I struggle to compose myself, I manage a weak smile in response to Andrew. "I... I just got back," I stammer, my voice betraying my inner turmoil. "It's good to see you," I add, trying to keep the conversation light despite the tension that hangs in the air.

A call from one of the residents interrupts us, and I excuse myself for a moment. Throughout the shift, I try to keep myself occupied, deliberately avoiding any interaction with Andrew. Every time he attempts to engage me in conversation, I deflect his efforts, focusing on our work over personal matters.

"Can I drive you home?" Andrew asks as we start our handover to the incoming shift.

I hesitate before answering. "I'm not sure," I reply, avoiding his gaze.

"Please, Liv, we need to talk," he pleads, his voice tinged with longing and exhaustion.

With a sigh, I finally concede, "Alright." My heart flutters nervously in my chest.

As we walk to his car, the silence between us speaks volumes, carrying the weight of unspoken words.

"Uhm," he starts, breaking the heavy silence between us. "How's your family doing?"

I adjust my seat in the car, the familiar comfort offering a small sense of solace. "I guess they're coping as well as can be expected, we've all been finding it tough," I reply, my voice tinged with sadness.

"I'm sorry about Ava," he says softly. The pain of our shared loss is palpable in his voice.

We hadn't discussed my sister since the incident, and the silence that surrounded her absence felt suffocating at times. I had taken refuge in solitude as I dealt with the overwhelming grief that threatened to consume me. In doing so, I had inadvertently distanced myself from Andrew, isolating me from the one person who had always been there for me.