Spring [Completed]

FORTY-FOUR

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HIM

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"Behind every beautiful thing, there is some kind of pain."
—Bob Dylan

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I rub the sleep from my eyes as my 11:30 alarm goes off. Imani stirs in her sleep, groaning softly as I reach over her and turn it off.

"Don't go," she murmurs, nestling her head under the pillows as I turn on the lamp.

I frown, running a hand across my chin as I climb out of bed. "I wish I could stay."

Imani is silent for a moment and I almost think she's fallen asleep before she groans, throwing the pillow from off her face and pouting. "Five more minutes."

I sigh, smirking at the tired smile that adorns her lips as she glances up at me lazily. "Technically, I wasn't even supposed to fall asleep-"

"Technically," Imani says, propping her head on her palm. "You could be cuddling with me instead of wasting time contemplating-"

"Imani, I've already let you ruin my sleep schedule and frankly I don't trust what I'll do if I get back in bed."

She rolls her eyes playfully. "Aw, you're no fun."

I shake my head as I glance at the clock. "Go back to sleep." I start towards the bathroom and Imani smacks her lips.

"What, no kiss goodbye?" she jokes, and I smile as I make my way back to her side of the bed.

"Goodbye, Imani," I say leaning close as she closes her eyes. Smirking, I plant a kiss on her forehead instead and walk away.

Imani scoffs. "What a tease!" she complains and I laugh picturing her face as she flicks off the lamp.

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It's almost midnight when I finally arrive at the hospital. I keep a brisk pace, purposefully avoiding Kathy's watchful gaze as I make my way to the changing room. When I get there, I'm grateful for the familiar face.

"Hey, what's up Raj?" I say as I step around him and open my locker.

"Ethan!" He smiles, as he pulls his hoodie over his head. "You just getting in?"

"Yeah," I nod as I shrug out of my t-shirt. "You?"

Rajit chuckles. "I am definitely on my way out, my friend. It has been an extremely long day."

I run a hand through my hair as I pull on my scrub bottoms. "I feel you on that one. Today's been crazy."

"Really?" Raj raises a brow and leans against the locker. "What's been going on with you?"

Sighing, I take a seat on the bench and pull on my shoes. "Just stuff with Imani, man. I took her to the obstetrician's this morning and then when I dropped her off her ex came by and took her kid-"

"The little one?" Rajit asks, clearly intrigued.

"Yeah man, and apparently there was a scuffle and Imani got hit-"

"In the stomach?"

I nod, as I step into my other shoe. Rajit's silence only makes it feel more real, and I frown deeply, fighting off the tears I've been suppressing these past few hours. I rest my elbows on my knees and bury my face in my hands as I take a deep shaky breath.

"Is she okay?" Rajit finally asks, as I run my hand along my face.

"I hope so," I say, glancing up to meet his eyes.

Worry laces his features as he sets his things down and takes a seat beside me. "I'm sorry, friend," he says, clapping a hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Yeah, me too, I'm just so worried about her and the baby-"

"I know, Ethan. I know..." He pulls me into a side hug, and we just sit in silence for a moment. "Do you want to know what I would do if I were you?" he asks after a while.

"Yeah," I say, pulling away from him as I stand once more. "I could really use your advice."

"Okay," Raj says, running a hand along his beard. "If I were you, I would take her to get checked up on as soon as possible. From what you have told me, Imani's pregnancy is already high risk, and this kind of trauma could heavily impact the pregnancy." He pauses, deep in thought. "Especially because of her age-"

"Okay, I get it," I say slightly freaking out. "I'll make a call and see if Voss can see her this afternoon."

Rajit nods. "That would be wise."

I close my locker, straightening my scrub top as I wipe my weary eyes. "Thanks for listening man. Sorry for holding you up."

"It is not a problem, Ethan. Never for you." Rajit grabs his bag and stands. "You are my brother, and I want what's best for you. Besides," he says, glancing at me from over his shoulder. "Imani is starting to grow on me."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Take it easy, Raj."

"You do the same, my friend." He smiles as he leans into the door. "It will all work out as it should."

I close my locker at the same moment the door shuts, and I take a deep breath as I brace myself for a day of surgeries and the worrying that will no doubt ensue when I picture our baby as every single neonate I operate on today.

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A/N: Hey guys sorry for the absence. I've been hella busy.

Anyways, hope you liked this short chapter. I'm gonna try to write more with my time isn't consumed by school and work lol

We WILL finish this book!!!

I hope you all are having a great day!

Until next time,

—Kay♡