A Teacher's Diary

Short Story: Between Two Bridges

Created July 23, 2017

It was supposed to be an ordinary day  until I received a call from an unknown number.

098824412** calling

Me: "Hello, this is Reese, may I know who's this?"
Unknown Caller (Female Voice Sobbing): "Uhm.. Reese.. This is Kirk's mom. I'm sorry. But.. I.. May I see you?"
Me: "Oh. Mrs. Nach, of course! Are you okay? Where are you?"
Mrs. Nach: "I'm at the hospital. Kirk had an accident few days ago. I'll explain to you later. Would it be ok for you to go to Alpha Medical Center?"
Me: "Oh. Uhm.. Yeah. I'll be there."
Mrs. Nach: "4th Floor Bldng. Room 306. I'm sorry if this is sudden. We just really need you right now."
Me: "Uhm, no problem. I'll see you in a bit."

There. I just receive a call from Mrs. Nach. Kirk's mom, who is by the way, my ex-boyfriend for, what? Past ten years? We broke up. We have our own lives now.

So you see? I am someone from Kirk's past. So I really don't understand why the heck they need me. But his mom said he got into an accident so maybe it was bad. Not that I don't care about Kirk anymore. We had moments. I loved him. But I moved on. I gave up even our friendship. That's where we started anyway. And then we grew apart. And he has his life now. And a girlfriend of five years I suppose? So, why?

[[Cellphone Ringing...]]

Did I sign up for a call center job earlier? People don't stop on calling me. Nice.

Lizzie Bestie calling...

Lizzie: "Hello? Reese!"
Reese: "Hi Liz, what's up?"
Lizzie: "Kirk is in a bad shape."
Reese: "And why are you telling me this?"
Lizzie: "Because... he is looking for you. I suppose his mom called you? You need to be here, Reese. As in.. now! See you."

[[Click.]]

Damn. What the heck is going on?

---

[Alpha Medical Center]

Ugh. Where was it again? Fourth floor? What room number? Damn this freaking memory!

Me: "Hi. I need to go to Kirk Nach's room? May I know where is it?"
Nurse: "You are?"
Me: I'm his ex-girlfriend who apparently called by his mom and our common friend, Liz. So tada! "I'm a friend."
Nurse: "I'm sorry but we no longer allow any more visitors. It's already a riot out there."
Me: "Huh? What? I am Reese. Reese Idelfonso. I was called here and..."
Nurse: "Oh. You are finally that girl! You should have told me sooner. Come!"

Well duh! Can someone tell me what's really going on?

*****

I was still outside but I could hear him shouting. And I saw him. He was crying. All of the people, inside his room were crying. Zara, his girlfriend, the most. Then she suddenly got out of the room and before she walked past me, she looked at me as if I am to blame with everything. That really made me want to leave. And thought that this whole thing, is really... really.. a bad idea.

[Room 306]

Kirk: (Shouting) "Why are you lying?! Reese and I love each other. Stop telling me that.. that girl is my girlfriend. I don't know her!"
Mrs. Nach: "Kirk, my son, that was Zara. You might not remember her but.. she really is your girlfriend. You are even engaged to be married! Why would we lie to you?"
Kirk: "I don't believe you! Where's Reese? I want to see Reese!"

Doctor: (Talking to Mrs. Nach) "Madam, May I talk with you for a moment outside?"

I can't help myself but overhear. I saw Mrs. Nach and the doctor just went outside. Mrs. Nach saw me and gestured for me to wait.. So, I waited.

Doctor: (Talking to Mrs. Nach)
"He has to undergo surgery. It wouldn't help if you insist about the memories he just lost because of the accident. The memory loss might have been caused by the trauma and it would be bad if we force him to remember. He needs to fully recover. If his body fails, he won't be able to go through the surgery and he wouldn't last for a month. I am so sorry. I can only advise you to give what he wants for the meantime. The truth can wait. I am pretty sure the girlfriend would understand the situation. Isn't his well-being more important?"
Mrs. Nach: "Yes, of course, doctor. I understand."
Doctor: "Now, if you'll excuse me."

The doctor leaves and Mrs. Nach walked towards me. She stopped right in front of me and suddenly, hugged me tight. And tell you what, it was honestly... so awkward.

Mrs. Nach: "You came. Thank you, Reese."
Me: As if I have a choice? "Of course, Mrs. Nach. Liz also called me. She, Kirk and I are friends. What's going on? What happened? Is Kirk alright?"
Mrs. Nach: "Reese, honey. Just call me Eva. Is it okay if we go to cafeteria? I have to discuss something with you. I really need your help."
Me: Oh no. This is getting serious. "Uhm, alright."

****

I had a long talk with Mrs. Nach. She explained that I have this particular role to play with, promising me that I just need to do it until her son gets better.

We came back to Kirk's room. I didn't have a choice but to go inside and face some familiar faces.

There I saw him. Pain is visible on his face but as soon as he saw me, his eyes sparked and there was a glimmer of hope.

"Hey", I told him.
"Hey", he answered.

His lips formed a curve that reminded me that very first time when I fell madly and deeply in love with him. And that exact moment, I find myself falling in love... all over again.