Sincerely, Dr. Cruz

Twenty Two: Heartaches

Chapter Twenty Two: Heartaches
Katrina’s House: North Providence, Rhode Island

9 o’clock had come without much fanfare. Travis and I had spent the entire day watching How I Met Your Mother much to his discretion. I had thrown on decent clothing and we had picked up a gift for Kat before I had to take Travis to the airport. It was only then did I realize how empty m life would be again.

“Hey, sis.” Travis said, noticing that I had zoned out.

“Sorry Travis, it’s just… I don’t know. I mean I’m so happy we got to spend the weekend together but now, you’re going to go again and I’ll be all alone… again.”

Travis immediately gave me a hug. “Rei, you have amazing friends here and a psycho mom that’s only a phone call away. We all love you and you know that.”

I told myself I needed to believe that as I let go of him, and he smiled before turning around and proceeding to the security check.

Making my way back to my car, I pulled up Kat’s address and decided I would make the most of the evening.

Her house was sweet. It wasn’t too big nor too small. I had always known that Todd was a rich guy, but the fact that they didn’t make a huge deal of their wealth was always heartwarming. I could see Kat and Todd as parents already.

I barely even rang the doorbell when Kat opened it.

“Reina! It’s so nice to see you! How have you been?”

I forced myself to smile. “I should be asking you that. How have you been Kat?”

“Just peachy. Oh my gosh is that a gift! You shouldn’t have. Here let’s go inside.”

I followed Kat into the house, which was sleek and modern on the inside. I heard the familiar chatter of many of the people that worked at the hospital. I saw Jaya with Armando and a bunch of other familiar people.

Like Neal.

I suddenly felt my stomach flip when I realized that he was here. He was talking to some people, but he still smiled at me.

God that smile.

Stop.

“Reina!” I heard Jaya’s familiar voice call out. I turned to her with about a second to prepare myself for a death hug. “How are you?” She asked, even though she had just seen me yesterday. Why was everyone asking me that? Did I look all that terrible?

“I’m fine.” I croaked out, suddenly wishing I had stayed home.

“Really Reina?” Kat said, obviously oblivious to what Jaya had just addressed. “You look a little sick.”

“I’m fine, I promise.” I said. Smiling nervously and hoping to guide the conversation off of me.

“No really Reina, I mean every time I see you, you seem to drop weight!”

I felt the silence around me. It hit me like cold water in the face.

“Kat…” Jaya started.

“Jaya, but haven’t you noticed? Am I the only one that’s concerned about Reina right now!?”

I knew everyone was staring at me by this point, but only two peoples’ gazes stood out to me.

Neal and Todd. I could sort of understand why Neal’s gaze mattered to me, but Todd… why was he staring at me so intently? I suddenly felt the need to cross my arms.

“Kat, nothing’s wrong.” I said, once again. People had given up by this point, but Neal and Todd were still intent on the conversation. “I’m fine, I swear.”