[ Chicago Med ] Connor and Ava | Hurt by Secrets

Chapter 3

"Maggie, have you seen Ava?" Connor inquired, searching for his colleague. Maggie nodded in response, indicating that Ava was likely in surgery.

"Hey, Connor, can I talk to you for a moment?" Will approached him. "Yeah, what's up?" Connor replied.

"So, I've been doing house calls for an old friend of mine. I suspect he has a heart problem. I was hoping you could do me a favor," Will explained.

"Sure, just let me know when you need me," Connor replied, patting Will's back and offering a friendly smile. "Thanks, man," Will expressed his gratitude.

As the day turned into night, it was already 7:00 pm, and Ava had not seen Connor since their earlier conversation. She began preparing to go home when Connor entered the locker room.

"I've been looking for you. How was the surgery?" Connor asked, seeking an opportunity to address the events of the morning.

"Thankfully, it went well," Ava replied, her tone indicating her reluctance to discuss the matter further.

"So, uh... we haven't talked about this morning," Connor brought up, his voice filled with unease.

"Yeah," Ava responded simply, hinting at her desire to leave the conversation unresolved.

"Can we discuss it over dinner tonight?" Connor proposed, hoping to have a chance to clarify their feelings.

"I can't. I already have plans for dinner at my parents' house," Ava revealed, using the excuse to avoid the discussion.

"Is this just an excuse? What about this morning? And lunch?" Connor pressed, his concern and confusion evident.

"Why would you think that? Good night, Connor. I'll see you in the morning," Ava said dismissively, signaling an end to the conversation.

"Wait, at least let me drive you there so we can have a little chat?" Connor pleaded, hoping for a chance to reconcile.

"No, my brother is already waiting for me in the parking lot," Ava declined, moving to open the door. Connor grabbed her wrist gently, urging her to stay a moment longer.

"Drive home safely. I'll see you tomorrow at the airport," he said, releasing her hand.

---
"You okay? You seem off," Austin, Ava's brother, observed as they drove to their parents' house.

"Yeah, Austin, it's nothing. Just something between doctor and patient," Ava lied, concealing her true emotions from her brother.

Ava's parents had relocated to Chicago a few years ago, so their family visits were infrequent. After a 30-minute drive, they arrived and were warmly welcomed by their mother.

"Ava, my only daughter. How have you been?" her mother greeted with a smile.

"Never been better," Ava replied, returning her mother's embrace. "I've missed you so much, Mom."

For dinner, Ava's mother had prepared Chicago-style hot dogs with homemade relish. As they sat at the rectangular wooden dining table, Ava inquired about their father's whereabouts.

"Where's Dad?" she asked, noticing the exchanged glances between her mother and Austin.

"Why aren't you telling me anything?" Ava probed, sensing something amiss.

"Your dad and I got a divorce right after you left South Africa. We thought it was best not to tell you," her mother revealed, offering an explanation for their silence.

"You knew about this whole thing, didn't you?" Ava turned to Austin, seeking answers.

"Yes," Austin confirmed with a heavy sigh.

"I wish you had reasons for keeping this from me. Let's eat this hot dog, shall we?" Ava deflected, trying to shift the focus of the conversation.

"Yeah," her mother agreed, and the three of them sat down for what was meant to be a pleasant family dinner, reminiscing and catching up. Ava's interactions with her mother had been limited to FaceTime and iMessage over the past three years.

"What's with your phone, Ava? It keeps ringing so many times," her mother inquired, noticing the constant interruptions.

"I don't know. I'll check it later," Ava responded, evading her mother's question.

"It could be the hospital," her mother suggested, concerned for her daughter's responsibilities as a doctor.

Ava chose not to answer, and the conversation shifted to other topics. However, her phone continued to vibrate with incoming calls and text messages from Connor.

As the meal progressed, Ava's phone rang again, and she quickly reached for it, stepping away from the table as she answered the call. Her mother and brother could faintly hear her voice in the distance.

"Yes, I'll be there as fast as I can," Ava said urgently before hanging up.

"Is it an emergency at the hospital?"

"Yeah, apparently you're right. I have to go now. Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Austin," Ava hurriedly bid farewell, grabbing her handbag and rushing out of the house. It was a call from the hospital that prompted her sudden departure, but her phone had been buzzing incessantly with text messages from Connor.

"Can I pick you up for the airport?" (8:01 pm)

"Latham said we have an early flight." (8:06 pm)

"How were your mom and your brother?" (8:11 pm)

"Enjoy your dinner. ☺️" (8:15 pm)

[3 missed calls from Connor] 9:54 pm

"Ava..." (10:02 pm)

"Why haven't you returned any of my calls?" (10:02 pm)