How Everything Changed for the Better

Chapter VI

I kick my legs in the car, reluctant to go on this car ride. I hate doctor wellness visits. They somehow never go well.

Liz: More hugs tomorrow, I assume?

I look at the message that pops up on my phone. She has been trying to control the panic swelling in my gut since I told her I had the appointment.

Hayden: Of course. Unless you're uncomfortable with it...

Liz: Nope, okay with hugs. I don't mind the clinginess.

Hayden: Usually, you would mind!

I smile. I like how I'm an exception, that I'm different from her the way that she is different from me. It's like a deeper understanding that no one else understands.

Liz: If it were anyone else, I would, but I don't mind when it comes to you. I like your hugs.

Hayden: What's different when it comes to me?

Now it's like bragging or pressing for more, but curiosity was the factor that made me send the message. I look up from the phone, relieved that we aren't even in Swedesboro yet, where my doctor's office is.

Liz: Not sure; yours just screams comfort.

I grin; even with the weather getting colder, my body is now warm with heat. Another message pops up before I can answer.

Liz: Everyone else is a bit aggressive and hugging me like a squeeze.

Hayden: Oh, god.

Liz: what?

I watch the message pop up, typing quickly enough and laughing at my own message once it's sent.

Hayden: Just the thought of someone aggressively squeezing you. I don't want to hurt you or anyone else for that fact.

Liz: you're very gentle and sweet, which makes it easier to accept your hugs.

Hayden: I guess that makes sense.

I smiled at the response she gave, temporarily forgetting about the appointment I'm going to. I hear Zoey and Caleb bickering in the background, not letting it bother me.

Liz: Are you on your way to the doctor's office?

Hayden: Yep, a bit worried though.

Liz: It'll be fine. It's just a wellness visit, right?

Hayden: mhm. I am just not fond of talking about my poor eating and sleeping schedules.

Liz: You seem to sleep better when on call with me, though?

I smile at the memory. Lately, we have been sleeping together on call since the first time. It seems like something she is happy of as well.

Hayden: It's inconsistent.

Liz: We gotta fix that then. How about during the upcoming break, I'll stay up with you and stay on call with you while you sleep? I'll be here every step of the way.

Hayden: That sounds nice.

Liz: Call me at random times; I'll answer.

    My mom pulls into the doctor's office, and I finally look up from the phone. My heart sinks at the sight of it. I groan. "Do we have toooo?'' I ask mom, and she rolls her eyes.

"Yes, Hayden," she says, and she gets out of the car and pulls Caleb and Zoey out.
Caleb starts crying; Zoey told him he would have to get shots. "Caleb, you'll be fine; you're not going to get any shots," mom mumbles.

It's obvious she's getting tired of us. She practically drags Caleb into the doctor's office, and I sit quietly on the chair in the waiting room while Zoey sneaks lollipops from the rewards area into her pocket. Mom checks in, and she lends Caleb a toy car. After a couple minutes of waiting, I hear a quiet voice perk up. "Hayden, Zoey, and Caleb Berger?"