Learning to Live

Chapter 30

"Okay, Doc tell me, what are my MRI results?" I said, sitting in Dr. Martinez's office.

"Mr. Somers, on account to cease the use of chemotherapy because it wasn't working and you declining the aid of any further treatments, the tumor has grown a third of its size. This explains the cause of your speech problem and your ability to focus."

"So how long I got before I...you know."

"We can't actually pinpoint the exact time, but by the way, the tumor is growing, not long. Like I suggested before, you should see a therapist or Cancer support group to help you get through this very difficult time."

"Doc, I'm already seeing an AA group, I don't want to add another one to the list."

"AA? You're an alcoholic?"

I nod without answering. He lowered his glasses on the bridge of his nose and stared at me. "Going to a therapist or group therapy might seem much, also if it's peered with AA Meetings, but speaking to someone about what you're going through, even things you might feel embarrassed to tell your family members about can be beneficial to you, your mental health and relationships. Here, this is a card for a good therapist her name is Dr. Sharlene Whitley, she's very good."

Walking down the hallway of the hospital, a figure approaching me in the distance. His head was lowered; he had on a grey hoodie and black jeans. He walks passed me and slowly lifted his head and our eyes locked. Lo and behold it was Jake Hartley, the ex-employee who at one point lit my office on fire. Something about his expression told me he was surprised to see me here.

"Jake. I..." He immediately punches me in the face. I drop to the ground as some nearby nurses rushed to my aid. From the floor, I only saw his white sneakers running away. The pain was excruciating, I held my nose to stop the blood from gushing out. A young doctor rushed and helped me to my feet.

"Sir, let's get that looked at." He said, escorting me to a nearby station. "Do you know the person who did this?"

"No." I probably should have said yes and get him arrested, but Jake had his reasons and I needed to confront him face to face.

There was one problem; I didn't know where Jake was staying these days, after the incident, he was hard to find. I heard once from one of his friends that he moved to another state. I needed to find him and settle this, once and for all. The best way to dig up info on a guy who doesn't want to be found was to hire, one of Jon's tech guys to track him down. I told him to meet me in my office after the hospital visit.

As I entered my building, a teenage boy approaches me. He had on a peppy smile, accompanied with braces. "Excuse me; do you know where the conference room is? I was supposed to meet my class there for the field trip but I missed the bus."

"It's on the third floor, just turn left down the hall. Actually, I'm going there myself, I'll show you."

"Thanks."

I forgot today was Field trip day for kids aspiring to be entrepreneurs. We got on the third floor, the walkway was filled with handful of students waiting for the door to be opened. They all stare at me like I'm a headliner in a circus. Why does today have to be the day to host a high school field trip? When I've got this bruise on my nose.

"Mr. Somers, I'm Judy Saunders. I'm a business teacher at Prestment High. Thank you so much for having us today."

"My pleasure, Judy," I replied as I use my key card to open the door.

The students all took their seats at the desk as I took mine at the front next to their teacher. I sat back in my chair and studied each of them. Some were on their phones, chewing bubble gum and others looked bored, except for one, the boy I've met earlier. He looked rather intrigued and keen, with a notepad and pens in front of him.