Paper Roses

Chap. 37; Punishable Payback (Rated R)

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Anna's Point-of-View

"How are you feeling, darling?" Doctor Hemsworth, or as he like to be called, John, asked as he placed his stethoscope's earpiece on his ears and started to examine my heart beat.

"Deep breaths please." And I did what I was told. He laced his stethoscope around his neck as soon as he's done.

"I'm doing fine, I guess." I shrugged.

He took me wrist and started counting my heartbeat in a minute. He furrowed his brows and placed my hand back on my pockets.

"I noticed that your heartbeat's is unusually low." He started jotting down notes. "Any chest pains?" I nodded. "How often?"

"Every day."

"How come?" his face looked shocked mixed with concern.

"I'm a human. I have emotions but unfortunately my heart's contradicting with it." I explained. "But the pills are still working which, I think, is a good thing, right?"

He nodded, "How's your appetite?"

"Fine, I guess?"

"Miss Lopez, we cannot take any guesses here." he lowered his glasses and crossed his arms.

"I know, I know. I didn't eat dinner last night and breakfast this morning but I know it's normal. I usually don't eat breakfast."

He sighed, "Anna, you shouldn't skip meals."

I nodded, "Of course, doc."

"Have you been throwing up?" he asked.

I shook my head, "Should I be?"

"You shouldn't be. But in case you do, come to me immediately."

"I'll remember that." I fiddled with my fingers. I just can't wait to get this check-up over with.

"Mind explaining to me why we're doing your check up in a dentist's office?" he sat on the stool in front of me.

"I kind of told them you were my new dentist."

He chuckled, "They still don't know?"

I shook my head and sighed, "I can't tell them. It'll break their heart, especially the lads... Gemma... Everyone..."

"You have to." He held my hand and squeezed it gently. "They have to prepare."

"It's not that easy, doc."

"Nothing is ever that easy, darling." He spoke of the truth.

"That's the sad truth about the world."

"You'll make the right choice, child." He cupped my cheek and stroked his thumb across it.

"I sure do hope so, doc." He lowered his hand from my cheek and stood up. "I guess, I'll see you in three weeks for another check-up. Same day, same time and same office?"

I nodded, chuckling, "Will do, doc. Tell your wife and kids I said hi."

We did our one last hug before I stepped out from the clinic. I saw the lads leaning on the wall from across the hall.

"I told you, lads, it wouldn't take that long." I chuckled, walking towards them. Harry slung his arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head.

"What did you even talk about anyway?" Louis was the first to speak.

"I think I'm getting braces in three weeks." I hate lying to them. It's like acid's being put in my mouth.