Chapter - 24 - Hell’s door

Gianna was surprised as she never thought he would offer help without her asking for it. She couldn't refuse it because who knows, she might need his help in the future as she doesn't have a good relationship with the HOD of ER. She knew she was selfish thinking like that and thought she would try her best to treat Zane better in the future.

She looked at him and said, "Thank you, Dr.Zane. Also thank you for standing up for my residents yesterday." Zane choked on his food and started coughing hard. Gianna passed him the bottle of water which was near and waited for him to calm down. After a few minutes, he felt better and replayed Dr.G's words in his mind. He expected another cold response from her but he couldn't believe she thanked him!

"Are you okay?" asked Dr.G with concern. Zane nodded at her and started to eat his lunch quietly. Zane wanted to ask Gianna whether she remembered him but decided to talk about it some other day. As they continued to eat, they could hear hushed whispers all around them and also glances towards them from time to time.

Gianna sighed and could only curse the society in her mind. "Dr.Zane, don't be alarmed if you hear rumors about you dating me very soon." She looked around with extreme rage in her eyes. The surrounding became silent at once when they met her killer gaze. She knew she cannot stop the rumor but at least wished to have her lunch peacefully. "Don't worry Dr.G, I will take care of it as we took care of the other rumor." said Dr.Zane savoring the lunch.

"We? What do you mean by 'we took care of the other rumor'?" asked Gianna with confusion. Zane wanted to slap himself and run away from her as far as possible. Zane noticed her serious look and knew he wouldn't be able to exit the cafeteria without answering her. He looked at her and hesitantly told her everything. She listened to him calmly and finished her lunch. She was about to get up from the chair when Zane said in a steady voice, "Please don't be angry with the residents. It was me who pestered them for the details. I am really sorry to interfere in your matter, Dr.G."

She knew he was genuinely sorry and also liked how he defended the team. "I trust my team and if they chose to share the information with you, I am sure they had a good reason for it. They don't usually go to a random passerby to share this kind of information. So from now on, if there is any matter regarding me, include me in your discussion, as it will save time for all of us and can focus on many other things."

She said her piece and left quietly. Zane gaped at her departing image and didn't know whether Dr.G being nice to him was a sign that his death was near. He completed his lunch soon and left for the ER still in a daze. Before reaching the ER, he called Ralph and told him what happened during lunch in disbelief. Ralph was also stunned hearing Zane's words and immediately shared the news with the team in the department room. They were equally stunned and were in a dilemma whether to be happy or cautious around Dr.G.

Meanwhile, Alexander was shifted into the private room and met with his dear grandfather. Tears rolled down on both of their faces and the silence between them spoke a million words. After Alexander's parents passed away in a car accident when he was 8 years old, his grandpa was the one who looked after him day and night. So, his grandpa is the only family remaining in this world and could never think of a life without him. Alexander promised himself to obey his grandpa from now on.

Mr.Ellerbrock promised himself that he would let his grandson live as he wished and would never bother him again because Alexi was the only family left. Ralph came in and saw both of them in tears. He never imagined that Mr.Ellerbrock would cry for his grandson's sake. He cleared his throat as he walked towards them.

Ralph smiled at them gently and said looking at Mr.Ellerbrock, "As you would have noticed, Mr.Alexander has some difficulty in speaking at the moment but don't worry, it's just a temporary impact from the injury. He will be able to speak, as he tries to overcome his trauma. Later on, therapists will be here to examine him. Please make sure he doesn't move his head at any cost. Also, you can communicate with him through the blinking method."

Mr.Ellerbrock looked at him in confusion when he said about the blinking method. Ralph understood his confusion. He looked at Alexander and asked, "Are you happy after meeting your grandfather?" Mr.Ellerbrock looked at Ralph and then at Alexi. He saw Alexi blinking his eyes and then he understood this is what Ralph mentioned about earlier. Ralph further said that one blink means yes and two blink means no.

Mr.Ellerbrock was happy knowing Alexi was happy that he was with him and patted Alexi's hand with love. Ralph instructed the nurse about the medications and turned to leave. Mr.Ellerbrock stopped him and asked, "Can you ask Dr.Gianna, if it's okay to station three of my men here to guard my grandson?" Ralph smiled at him and couldn't compare the man who was ready to break the hell's door to meet his grandson yesterday with the man in front of him asking for permission to station his own men. Ralph controlled his laughter as he was still scared of Mr.Ellerbrock.

"I will ask her and let you know Mr.Ellerbrock. Take care of your health too." said Ralph and left to complete the project requirements.