Sweet Adeline

Four - Physicals

Adeline

A silent tension evades the room, and Owen's lips are pressed together in a tight line as he looks down to his lap.

"Let's take a break." Dr. Allen says, "We can finish this later after everyone has time to relax a bit."

They give a silent nod and Dr. Allen instructs me to change back into my clothes and to set my gown on the counter when I'm through.

I do as told, happy to have the security of my body being covered once again. Walking into the hallway, I see the three of them conversing quietly, no doubtably about the events that just took place. Owen walks over to me, leaving the other two to discuss the matter further.

"Are you okay?"

I nod, and Owen looks unsure of my answer but decides not to push any further.

"I'm proud of your honesty." Owen says, "But, I want you to know that nothing like what happened at your other homes will happen at this one."

I look to the ground, and the familiar feeling of shame makes my stomach drop.

"Hey," He says quietly, "I promise."

If there was one thing I had learned in life, it was to never trust promises.

"I have to go do my rounds and then Evelyn's physical, and then we will come back to finish yours. Is that okay? You can sit in my office if you want."

I nod again, and he manages a small smile. Owen informs them of my consent, and we go our separate ways.

I sit carefully on the small but expensive looking couch in Owen's office, not wanting to accidentally damage the soft fabric. It sat across from a window that overlooked the hospital garden, which was filled with blooming flowers and bright green bushes.

A bird draws my attention as is hops along one of the nearby branches. I watch as it adds pine straw to its nest on the limb overhead. A small cluster of three eggs sit within the nest.

"That bird has been there for months. Evelyn named it Layla." Asher says from the doorway.

He leans against the wall, looking to me with a smile.

"What about the eggs?" I write

"Haven't decided yet. She's waiting for them to hatch" He chuckles.

We look back to the window, the bird now gone, and bright sun rays streaming freely through the glass. He sighs and goes silent for a few seconds before saying what's on his mind.

"Thank you for being honest, Adeline. It was really brave of you." Asher says with a soft look of concern shown on his face.

I hold my gaze out the window, not wanting to acknowledge the uncomfortable, pity filled statement.

I can't help but notice the sense of confusion that entered my mind. No one had ever said they were proud of me or thanked me for being open about my past, except for Olivia. Now, I had two people who had expressed concern and encouragement toward me within the last twenty minutes.

"Let's take a walk. I want to show you something." Asher says, grabbing a pen and paper to hand to me.

I do as he says, and he leads me down the clean, brightly lit halls of the hospital. After an elevator, two left turns, and a big set of double doors, I finally gather enough courage to ask where we are going.

Most people don't like to be questioned. It makes them feel as if you are undermining them.

"My favorite place in the hospital." He says, a wide grin settled on his lips.