Colleagues with Benefits

Chapter Seven

The guest room in my apartment had always been Ariana's.
It basically already had half of her closet, before she even officially moved in. So it wasnt hard for her to get settled. She still sleeps with this one bear named jolly rancher every night.

It is the same bear her mother gave her when she was 3 and Ariana hasn't slept one night without it since. Especially since her mother passed away a couple of years ago. She cherishes that bear like it was her mother itself.

I could go on and on about this bear that Ariana has had ever since she was three, but im sure thats not the hot topic as of now. Justin is. Well after the jerk gave me the diagnosis that he basically caused, he vanished.

I havent heard of him since, and I am glad.

I do have some ideas on the case though, being in bed rest with Ariana watching me all day gave me time to think.

And I mean, lots and lots of time.
But I can finally go to work tomorrow, after debating with my bff for an hour, I had persuaded her that I was ready to go back. She really is overprotective, but I understand. I dont know how I would be if the roles were switched.

*****

Walking into the hospital was a huge step for me. I had eyes on me every step I took. But I made it. I wonder what crazy stories the nurses made up.

I bet half of them think I'm pregnant.
I went to my computer and checked all the emails I had gotten. After I replied to about 6 emails I went off to do my first case.

It was a 6 year old that has a hard time breathing. After running some tests we found out what was wrong, it was only minor. She just needs to be on an inhaler during the night. I studied the parents faces as I tell them that their little girl was going to be alright, all she needed was a couple of antibiotics and shed be good to go. Their facial expressions were of complete joy and happiness. God, I missed this.

Lunch time came and as usual, I was late. I texted Ariana and told her to not wait up for me, she only had a 30 minute lunch break. I took the stairs down to the cafeteria but something stopped my tracts, it was two people vigorously making out. After a moment of staring at them I found out that its Justin and Ariana.

They didn't notice my presence so I tip toed up the stairs and into the nearest door.

I sat in an empty storage room for an hour now. I was crouched down on the floor leaning on the wall. My beeper hasn't stopped ringing. But questions just kept flooding in my head.

Was this what Ariana has been doing for the past couple of days while I was gone?

Is this why Justin has been avoiding me?

Why is Ariana hiding this from me?

Our relationship was based on no secrets. At all. Ever. It avoided problems and confusion. And drama. Lots and lots of drama.

Why was I hiding? I felt like I was being melodramatic and pathetic. So I got up, put me beeper in my pocket and made sure the coast was clear before I got out the storage closet.

The nurses would have a field day if one of them caught me walking out of a storage closet, alone.. After an hour of being missing. I made my way towards the cafeteria again.. This time using the elevator.

After a chicken salad and water bottle, I was back in my office. My mind was still blowing with questions but it had to wait, so I walked over to my 6th case of the day in room 256.

I was in the middle of talking with my patients parents before I saw Ariana on the corner of my eye. She was trying to catch my attention from the hall by waving her arms.

I ignored her and continued answering my patients parents questions.

Once I left the room Ariana was hot on my tail, she tried to catch up to me but I was known for my speed walking skills. I didnt know how I was going to talk to her without blurting out what I saw. Im sure she kept calling my name while my back is turned, which is really stupid, but im sure she still did it.

Do you know how I am sure? Everyone in that damn hallway was trying to catch my attention, some even tried to hold onto my arm. But I forcibly pushed that guy away.

Im sure the nurses have something to talk about now over their cup of tea and crumpets in the café. Great, just great. Another scene all in just one day. I met myself halfway up the stairs when Ariana finally caught up to me and held onto my arm. I let out a small yelp before snatching my hand back.

"What was that for? " I said in disgust.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you run away from me? What the hell did I do to you? " she yelled. Her eyes were filled with anger.

"Nothing is wrong. I just want to be left alone and you didn't get the message. " she looked taken back my attitude.

"Fine." Is all she says before stomping up the stairs and into the third floor.

I let out a sigh of relief before sitting down on the stairs. But my relief didnt last for too long as I thought of the fact that I could avoid her in work, but not at home.

*****

I was exactly three hours and twenty seven minutes late from work. I had a long night and I was exhausted. I had permission from the chief to let me sleep in. By sleep in I mean be at work by 9 instead of 7. Unless there was an emergency, in that case, I would be there at any time.

I walked into my bedroom and kicked off my shoes. I decided on a shower before going to sleep, I grabbed my bath robe before walking into the bathroom.

I stood at the mirror, staring at myself for a good two minutes before I started taking off my make up and extensions.

My shower ended thirty minutes later and I walked back into my bedroom to find Ariana sitting on my bed.
"Jesus christ Ariana, warn me next time" I say while clutching onto my chest.

She just stared back at me, her eyes cold.

"What are you doing awake? " I asked. I took a step closer before looking into her teary eyes.

"I really like him Ria. Oh, and don't act oblivious, I know that you caught us in the stairwell." she says in a low voice.

"Did you see me? " I asked.

"Yea you were kind of loud sweetie. " she says with a half smile

I knew my tip toeing skills were bad but ..

"So, what now? " I ask

"Im not sure, I honestly like him ria. He makes me happy. And he cares for you too. You were technically the one who brought us together. He used to come check on you, twice a day. Everyday. We started talking one night while you were asleep and one thing led to another.." She says.
My eyes widen as I realize why she didn't finish her last sentence.

"I have to go to bed." Is all that I say before walking around to the other side of my queen sized bed and tucked myself into my blankets, with my robe still on.

*****
Ria is a bit over dramatic but she is in shock. She didn't expect this. She feels betrayed by the person she trusts the most.
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