Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (books to get back into reading TXT) 📕

five in the morning, right on schedule. My heart beat faster. I told Belín, in Spanish, to stand in front of me in the elevator so I could hide behind her, just in case someone from the ER got in with us. We made it to the breast cancer floor without any glitches. I felt some relief that we were almost there. I led the way to the room, realizing I was walking a little too fast. My mother once again noticed my nervous behavior and started a conversation with Ben.

“So, Ben,” she began, “would you like to get coffee while we wait for the girls?”

“You won’t be getting yours done today?” he asked.

“Oh no, not me. I’m just here for moral support. My birthday is in May, so I’ll have mine done back home. And also, my well woman with my Ob/Gyn,” she offered. “I really won’t go to any other doctor for that, you know. I like my doctor and I trust her. I’m sure you can understand that, Ben…” My mother patted his arm, adding, “since you have a background in medicine. It’s very important for the patient to feel comfortable with her doctor.”

“Yes, ma’am, I do,” he answered. “And yes, I’m sure it will be fine. I just need to make sure the area is secure and have a back-up agent.”

“Wonderful! We can get coffee for that agent too,” she said.

We walked in the waiting area, my mother took a seat while Ben secured the area. Belín and I went to the receptionist desk.

“Brenda!” I gently yelled.

A middle-aged, woman came out of one of the rooms, grinning at us. She has a motherly look to her and a very down to earth personality.

“Hey!” Her sunny disposition put everyone at ease. “I haven’t seen you since your last visit. Is this your cousin from Spain? The journalist?”

“Yes.” I introduced them, “Brenda, this is Belín and yes, she does speak English.”

Everyone laughed. “I knew she had to speak a little English if she’s a journalist and following a story all the way here.” She waved for us to come back. “Well, come on in and let’s get started.”

We went through the door and followed her to the very back. She took us to the emergency exit.

“Doctor Langley, you have me lying through my teeth,” she complained, placing her hands on her hips. “One of these days you’re going to have to tell me what this is all about.”

“I promise, one of these days I will.” I dug into my purse and pulled out two tickets to a basketball game. A birthday present I had received from an old colleague. They were good seats too. Too bad I don’t like basketball. “Brenda, these are for you and your hubby. I know lying goes against your nature and I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Her eyes grew wide with delight as she took the tickets. “Dr. Langley, you did not have to do this but I’m glad you did. Thank you!” she said with a huge smile.

“No, thank you! And take care of my cousin while I’m gone.” I hugged Brenda and handed Belín my jacket.

I raced down two flights of stairs, my adrenaline pumping. I got to the door and checked my watch. It was only five twenty, still on schedule. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. I told myself to calm down but it was no use. I opened the door and stepped out. I was frantically looking for his room, wondering if Belín gave me misinformation. The halls were empty and the lighting was still a little dim. I looked in the direction of the nurse’s station and saw only one nurse; she didn’t seem to notice me. I finally found his room and froze. My feet felt like lead. I was having trouble moving. My head was swimming with so many possibilities on how this visit could go that I started to panic.

“Pull it together, Isabel,” I told myself. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that I had to try. I turned the handle, quietly walked in and locked the door behind me. His room was dark, just soft lighting running along the base of one of the walls, the only thing illuminating his room. I saw him sitting on his bed, his back to me and slouching. He was wearing the watch I bought him for his birthday. I could also see the cake my mother bought him sitting on the tray table. My heart was pounding. I was breathing heavy from running down the stairs. He heard me but only slightly turned his head, not enough to see it was me.

“I don’t need help, nurse, I’m fine. You’ll be glad to hear I’ve already used the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I already told you I would make an effort.” His voice sounded hoarse yet it still had that sultriness I remembered.

“I’m actually a doctor,” I answered timidly.

His back and head straightened. “Isabel Grace?” he croaked.

I started walking toward him not knowing what to expect. “Yes?” I stood in front of him, gazing upon his perfect face, taking in his perfect features. His hair was messy and he had a thick stubble. My eyes flashed from the top of his head to his feet. He was wearing a hospital gown that looked like it was two sizes too small for his solid muscled build. He looked pale and consumed yet still muscular and intimidating. He seemed as if he were struggling just to sit up. Was his expression pain or rage? We held each other’s gaze for a long minute. His eyes looked tense and angry. Were they filled with hate and resentment toward me? His jaw was clenched with the same tension as his gaze. I noticed his hands were balled up into fists, causing the muscles in his