ER ➸ John Carter

⋆Part 15: before the storm⋆

"Have you seen the way he looks at you?"

I sat down next to Carol with a steaming cup of coffee in my hand. The lounge was empty this early in the morning. I slept in the ER and checked on Ollie. He was doing a lot better then before which was a relief. When I saw Carol I asked if she could talk and she said yes.

'My parents just landed in Chicago, the weather was awful so they didn't fly last night.' I said and I took a sip of my drink. 'How are they holding up?' She asked. 'A bit shaken up but okay.' I said and I turned my body toward her so I could face her.

'And how are things going with Doug?' I asked trying to change the subject. I just wanted to get my mind off things.

'It's going great. We just went on our fifth date and he seems really committed.' She said and I looked confused at her.

'Seems?' I asked.

'There are a few things from the past that you don't know about yet. We went out a while ago... he cheated a lot.' She told me. I frowned at her. 'I have a hard time trusting him again but I'm trying.' She continued, I would never go back to a guy who cheated on me but I wanted to be supportive. She's really happy. 'I hope you guys can make it work.' I said smiling. 'Thanks.' She said and I took another sip of my drink.

'Anyway, anything new in your love life?' She asked and I laughed. 'Well...' I said and she looked at me surprised.

'I kind of like John.' I said as I scratched the back of my neck waiting for what she was going to say.

'God I thought you'd never figure it out.' She told me and I pushed her arm jokingly.

'How did you know?' I asked. I didn't tell anybody how could she know?

'Come on Valerie, it's obvious you guys like each other.' She said and I chuckled.

'What no. John doesn't like me.' I said and she shook her head.

'Have you seen the way he looks at you?' She asked not believing a word I said. 'No?' I asked.

'Just trust me, okay?' She said and I nodded. What did she mean? John could get any girl he wanted, he wouldn't pick me...right? We're best friends first and I'm scared that he will never see me the way I see him. He makes me feel alive. Like he is always there to support me and I'm there to help him. But liking me in that way? I don't think he would.

'Val?' Carol asked and I saw her hands waving before my eyes. 'I'm sorry. I was away for a second.' I told her and she giggled.

★ ★ ★

After my coffee with Carol, I went to the lift and pressed the button to check on my brother.

'Wait for me.' I heard a familiar voice say. I saw John's gorgeous face come around the corner and I couldn't help myself but stare. His plum lips and brown eye's made me swoon.

'Hey, you're on again?' I asked trying not to let him notice.

'Benton.' He simply answered and I nodded knowing what he meant. He pressed the button and I did the same. I played with my fingers thinking about the conversation I just had with Carol.

'How is Ollie doing?' he asked.

'Good... better.' I said distracted and he smiled.
'That's great.' He told me as I tried to notice what Carol was talking about.

'Are you sure you're okay?' John asked out of the blue.

'What do mean?' I asked as I stepped closed and frowned.