A Hero in the Dark: 2nd Edition

Chapter 84: Date With A Neurologist

"G'morning," says a young, tan doctor in a white coat; Dr. Reed, I assume, as it says on the exam room door. "How are we doing today? It's Emily, right? And Ron?"

"That's right," dad says while I resort to my usual silence.

"Neat-o." He's checking me; I can tell. I set my lips into a hard line so he knows how uneager I am. "Nice to meet you. I saw what you did in New York, Emily. It was quite extraordinary."

"Yes, well, that's actually why we're here, doctor," dad begins.

"Oh?"

"These powers she has? Are they permanent?"

Dr. Reed stares at him, ignoring me, and opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. I don't think he knows what to say. "It hasn't been that long since my first patient with supernatural abilities," he says, "so unfortunately, my research is still in development. But I'll be happy to do what I can for Emily. If you have any specific concerns, we'll get to them."

"Can you reverse them, doctor?"

"I'll need to run some tests," he says. "It may take some time."

"Good. Then take it, please," dad says. "As far as I'm concerned, these powers aren't natural, are they? They're dangerous, and I don't want her exposed to anything unnatural or inhuman."

"Natural can be quite a... hybrid term."

"What tests do you need to do?" I ask, wishing I could sink into the wall.

"Well, we'll need to talk about any allergies you have, current or prior medications taken, smoking and alcohol usage, exercise, dietary habits, surgeries done in the past, mental health issues that I should be made aware of, an up-to-date idea of your immunization record, as well as some brief insight on your menstruation cycles," he says, turning to dad, and my chest spikes at the latter. "I may need a demonstration of her abilities as well, if possible."

"Yes, that's fine," dad says. "Any tests you need to do, go ahead and do, except for the demonstration. I don't want her exposed to these things."

Dr. Reed looks at me, confused, or maybe stunned? I look away. "Sir, if I may, I highly suggest some free reign with her abilities. It might help us understand—"

"I want them removed, doctor, if it's possible." He's stricter now. "I heard good things about the work you do, and I'm willing to pay any fees if it's necessary." My eyes won't leave dads', though he isn't paying attention to me anymore. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Healthcare in Canada is free, so if there are any 'fees' involved, they'll be from dad straight to this man. Is that how far he's willing to go? Is he honestly going to bribe this guy to take my Legacies away?! I want to run at the idea. My fists tighten under my butt. "Am I clear?" he asks.

"Of course, Sir. I'll have a chat with Emily about all the topics of interests I mentioned, but it may take some time, a half hour or so. May I ask you to wait in the waiting room?"

"I'd like to stay actually, if that's ok."

"Is that ok, Emily?" Dr. Reed asks. I'm surprised I have a say in this. Honestly, I'd rather not talk about all of that with dad in the room, especially menstruation cycles.

I lower my gaze, keep my hands pinned, and try to keep my hanging feet from shaking. "I'd rather do it alone then, if... if that's ok..."

Dr. Reed nods. "Sir, if you could step outside and wait in the waiting room, that'd be great. She'll be done momentarily."

For a second, dad doesn't move; he stares at me with some hindrance of annoyance in the deep brown of his eyes, but eventually, he does get up and leave, and as soon as Dr. Reed shuts the door after him, my chest seems to relax... a bit. I didn't realize I've been holding my breath. "Ok, Emily, first things first, how are your eating and sleeping habits?"