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CHAPTER 13

Jamie stood dumbfounded as the cardio surgeon walked pass her without saying anything. She was asking her about their routine - visiting Tan every year. Lada's face was blank and emotionless. Lada was very sensitive about the topic. They always did it the gentlest way to bring that up, subtly asking and waited for her respond. And that was exactly what Jamie did. 

After the question, Lada usually hardened her jaw then sighed then let a low 'okay! out.  But this time, she probably didn't even mind her presence.

"Hey! Good thing you guys are here!" Jamie greeted her friends. She was hungry and wanted to steal some food from surgery department, lounge. She went straight to the refrigerator without further ado - mussing its content. 

"I just saw Lada. I ask her if it's okay if we go visit Tan tomorrow. She looks like a ghost. You know, blank and drag her feet emotionless," Jamie said, while opening a plastic box containing Chicken Katsu, she put one piece into her mouth and chewed it. "I haven't seen her like that since.." 

She stood up when she saw the same blank face on Bow's  and Emi's face.

"Oh god, what the hell did you guys do!?"

"I-I should go. find her. It's my fault," Emi abruptly moved from her place. 

"No, Emi. Don't." Bow said sternly.

"If she do something stupid, Bow, I can never forgive myself."

Jamie didn't have a clue on what was going on. But she knew something really bad happened. 

"It is not wise if she sees you now, Emi. She won't hear whatever you say. Let her calm down first then maybe we can talk to her." Jamie said.

"This is my fault, It is my responsibility to make sure she's okay,"

"Lets not do this is my mistake or your mistake. We are all in blame here. Lada is an adult, she perfectly understand the consequences if ever she do something fool." The anesthesiologist tried to explain. 

"Let her be for now. We'll talk later."

*****

The woman on the couch lowered the TV volume as she heard the front door cracked open. She held her breath waiting for the certain person she had been avoiding for the past weeks to come and greet her. Lada wasn't home last night. She was probably on call, she thought.

She heard the door close. She exhaled some oxygen from her lungs. For some vague reason, she felt nervous. She wondered if the situation would make them back to the beginning? She couldn't imagine the awkwardness. It was unbearable. Or would they be just like the usual? Lada was an expert in ignoring such circumstances.

"P'Mor?" She called as the sound of something fall reached her ears. 

No respond. 

"P'Mor!?" She quickly got off from the couch and ran towards the front door. She gasped to the sight of Lada on the floor.

"P'Mor, are you okay?" She turned over her body only to catch very strong alcohol smell.

"Are you drunk!?"

The girl on her lap slumped.

She slurred, "No, I'm tipsyy." she chuckled.

"Come on, get up. Lets get you clean up," Earn struggled to lift her small body. The latter wasn't cooperative at all. With all the strength she had, Earn led her to the bedroom.

Now she wasn't sure where Lada was last night or what was the reason she drunk this severe. Since Earn moved in, wine was the only alcoholic drink Lada consumed. And she was always totally sober.