Fall

Chapter 1: Preoperative waiting.

"So...." I asked while rubbing my sweaty palms together, this is harder than I thought but I need to get my mind off it by engaging in a conversation even if it could be unethical.
The doctor looked up at me, indicating I speak up.
"So, what's the deal?" I asked
"About what? I thought we've discussed everything with you earlier?"
"Yeah, I know, but you seemed to be checking, like you're trying to make sure of something and it's taking longer than I thought, when they brought me in, they said it's all set up and I only need to get in"
"Yeah, they seem to have found something, I don't know what, but they called and asked us to wait a bit"
I nodded, before heaving a sigh.
"I hope it's nothing serious" trying to calm my nerves.
"It's nothing serious, they may be wanting to falsify their claim of you needing a surgery"
"I see" I said unconvinced by his statement.
"So where did you go to school?"
"Here" he answered astonished by my question
"Where did you grow up?" I asked while sitting up, I might as well sit if I'm going to wait so I can feel healthy, even though the robe is begging to remind me that I'm not.
"Here" nodding his head slowly.
I nodded forming an 'o' of realization.
"And the English?" I pressed
"What English?" He laughed out.
"Your English, you don't have an accent of someone who grew up here" I remarked.
"What does that mean?"
"Well..." I trailed before waving it off. "Don't worry, I know your type, you grew up watching and reading all things English, probably went to those English comprehensive schools and goes to English countries for a vacation often, an I right?" I questioned impressed that nothing of his mien denied my presumptions.
He breathed out and strengthened himself before saying "You must have researched about me before coming here"
"Why would I ever do that? I just met you" I mumbled
"Well, you're right"
"Yes!" I exclaimed fist pumping my hand in victory. "I am so good at what I do" I said more to myself than anyone.
"And what is that?" Interest sipping through his every word.
"Figuring things out...or rather people" I answered nodding my head to prove a point.
"I see, I'll give you that one then"
"You know I can teach you.." I suggested.
"Ho.." "do you even like read?" I cut him off before he could finish.
"Read as in?" "Read as in, not academic but like novels and stuffs"
"Yeah, every once in a while" he said quizzically.
"The way I do it is, I pick like 3-5 best works of a writer, read them, try to have some associations, analyze the writers' points, most of them have this unique way of writing that can help you figure their character or interest out without even knowing them" I took a breath before continuing when he cut in with his question "and why do you find that interesting?" He said wondering.
"Oh! Don't worry I was getting there, patience doctor, patience"
He figured I wouldn't be done anytime soon, so he grabbed the nearest chair and sat down to my right.
"I read other stuffs, I'm an explorer, I like venturing out of my bubble" gesturing with my hands for emphasis.
"I see"
Then we went quite and I could hear the sound of the fan on the ceiling which caught my attention, before I knew it I was counting the ceilings, and the number of equipment in the room. I growled and looked at his direction but he was staring at the ground with a furrowed brow. "You know, you could leave if you have somewhere to be" I suggested
"I don't have to be anywhere" he said not bothering to look up.
"Why are you here then?" I questioned, hoping he wouldn't just choose to leave.
"Just whirling away time"
"Oh!" Was all I could say to that, even though I had no right to find it hurtful, I mean it wasn't even his job to try entertaining me. I just stared at the cream colored room.
I mean why do they even bother painting hospital rooms in brighter shades, it's not like the brightness will penetrate through you and soak away your illness.
"Do you enjoy reading?" I heard from nowhere before realizing I wasn't in room. I looked to my right but the sit was empty, he had somehow gotten up and was standing by the window while I was swimming in my pool of thoughts.
"Yes I do, I read a lot" I maundered before clearing my throat. My voice must have gone with my thoughts.
"Like what?" He asked not even bothering to look back.
"Many things; philosophy, world history, literature, social psychology, behavioral and environmental sciences among others" I listed while nodding my head, a habit I developed over the years. I feel like it help remind me of things I've forgotten.
"Wow" he turned folding his arms.
"What?" I asked, finding it hard to decipher his impression.
"Among other things?" He questioned with a grin. He has dimples, I didn't notice them before.
"Yeah, things that aren't in any of those categories but at some point interest me" I pointed out.
He nodded in agreement. He must have ingested a lizard on the way here, all he does is nod his hard like a lizard, I thought.
"It helps me understand my surroundings and encounters more" I stated. Even though he clearly didn't seem interested in knowing my reasons.
"What academic level are you now?" He questioned as he walked back to sit on the chair.
"I graduated from medical school like three months ago"
"Med school? You must have time at your hand to venture into all that"
"Not really, reading is my hobby, and every once in a while you find yourself uninterested in school work. What I do is entertain myself with reading or writing, it really isn't much of a work if you look at it this way, it isn't a responsibility"
"You must be good then"
"Not really, though I was average"
"What would have happened if you invested much more in med school?"
"This is where I say better?" I answered with a question. "I think so" he stated.
"Well, I don't think it would have affected my performance" I snapped in a defensive tone, surprised at myself too.
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck before giving me the look that said 'where did that come from'
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to"  I muttered.
"Don't worry about it"
"How long before we go in?" I asked
"Are you already tired?"
"You have no idea" I groaned before slumping back on my pillow. I turned to see him looking at me, making me realize my inappropriate behavior before sitting up right.
"What will you specialize in?"
"Neurosurgery is my first choice, but the time is too much so I'll start with surgery first"
"That's a good choice" he said
"Of course, you're a surgeon"
"Not really, you'll be a great one"
"You think so?" I questioned in excitement.
"Yeah, you have good both fore and hindsight" I stated.
"Well I must be good then" I reasoned.
"I guess that's why my body is begin to be cut open now" I added, knowing it'll take a while before he said something.
"That's absurd" He laughed. He seemed like somehow who seldom laugh.
"No really, it thinks I'll be a better patient now than later" I stated clearly.
"I can't make a sense out of that"
"Well, they say doctors are the worst patients, having a surgery now will make me a worse patient than I would be if it were delayed" I pointed
"I see..." he trailed
"Well, have you ever watched any of the medical shows, you would know if you have, it's a proven fact and I've seen it"
"Well, may be you're my chance of seeing that proven fact"
I groaned in frustration before following his sight to the door where my dad stood with another doctor looking at us with unreadable faces.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he's finding it had to entertain the thought of me having a casual conversation with a man"
"Casual conversation...he has every right to be" he said before standing up towards the door. I watched as they got into an intense conversation going through some papers. After what seemed like forever, the door opened and they walked in, with my dad leading the way.
"Any good news, are we entering now?" I asked nervously.
"I'm afraid no" answered my dad, making me more nervous. He went on explaining to the new findings to me.
The only word I picked out was 'cancer' and then blacked out.