Life at Your Feet (Sequel to The Player)

What are the odds?

Jessica was lost in her thoughts. It had been a few days since she last spoke to Robert. She decided to keep her distance, she thought that was the best to be done. She was no longer part of his life, as he was not part of hers. She would not interfere in it.

It was her day off the hospital, but it was also the day Robert was repeating the surgery. And she could not think about anything else. Maybe I should have changed my day off to another time. I should be there. Her mind kept telling her. Why are you even thinking like that? Your colleagues are perfectly capable of taking care of him, as well. Her mind told her right after.

“Jess?!” She was called back to reality to see Jude in front of her “Did you hear anything I just said?” He asked.

They were having a simple home lunch. They had not spent time together in so long. Jessica didn’t really miss it, miss him. She felt cruel for admitting it, but she didn’t.

“Uh, sorry Jude” She whispered

“What is wrong, Jess?” He softly, yet disappointed, asked “We are never together now, you barely call me… and now I am here it’s like you are not”

“I am sorry, Jude. I said I’m sorry” She stood up, going to the living room

“But what is wrong?!” he asked

Jessica stood silent, she was not in the mood to have the conversation

“This is not about Robert, is it?” He asked “I told me you were over him for a long time”

Jessica sighed and sat in the couch “It is not about him…” she lied

Jude softly sat next to her and pulled her into a hug “Honey, I’m sorry I spoke like that” he kissed her forehead “I’m just… scared you’re going to leave… I love you”

Jess closed her eyes, she felt the worst person alive.

*The next day, at the hospital*

Robert softly opened his eyes, his parents and Nicole looking at him eagerly. He felt a lot better. The pain had vanished, only his chest bothered him a bit, still. But nothing like all the previous days.

“Did they do it?” He asked

“They said it was successful and that you were going to be ok” His mother cried, kissing his forehead “How are you feeling?”

“A lot better…” he whispered

Nicole smiled next to him “You’re so strong baby” she whispered

Robert glanced around “How long was I out?”

“Some good hours, but it is ok” Nicole said “Everyone seem to know already, your fans at the hospital entrance are going crazy”

Robert looked at her “How do they know?”

“Well… they called me and… I thought it was ok to tell the good news?”

Robert looked away, shrugging.

“I’m thirsty…”  

“I’m going to get you some water” Nicole quickly stood up and left the room

“Son…” Robert’s father smiled at him messing with his hair “The surgery went well… but have you really won the battle against your heart?”

The footballer looked at his father, understanding the meaning of his question. He looked down, not answering

“We know you, Rob, we have raised you, you are our boy.” He said “We just want you to be happy”