In the Hospital

Vivian’s POV:

“How is he, doc?” I suddenly sat up from the uncomfortable bench, seeing a middle-aged doctor, leaving Harper’s room. I gulped nervously, wiping my sweaty palms onto the side of my pants after waiting for so long. I faced the doctor anxiously, and judging from the look on his face, I could already tell that his news wasn’t good at all. However, knowing that, I still had a sliver of hope.

“It’s not looking that great, how long was he out?” The doctor raised a question, crossing his arms with uncertainty.

Silently cursing at myself, I licked my lips before answering, my tone laced with remorse, “He was already unconscious when we found him, doc.” Perhaps, if I wasn’t the lax detective that I am now, then Harper wouldn’t have to be around within these sterile, white walls, relentless beeping machines, and the murmurs of nurses haunting him.

He sighed exasperatedly, wrinkles forming around his forehead, “It’s already a miracle that he arrived in time. Otherwise, we would have to announce him dead on arrival.” The doctor laughed, trying to light up the already glum atmosphere. However, despite knowing his efforts, I could only find myself smiling slightly, unable to comprehend the unwavering turmoil that had built itself up around my head. Confusion, nervousness, and worry, all three almost bunching themselves in my mind. That’s how much he meant to me, how Harper meant to me.

I couldn’t believe it, even after seeing it with my own eyes. Perchance, that was the reason I was still disorganized, in denial. It’s been a while since I have experienced those words, me, a person who’d always accept the truth, and nothing but the truth. Just then, I heard the doctor cough, as if trying to get my attention and snapping me out of my reverie.

“Ms. Claymore, were you listening?” He repeated, tilting his head to the side while eyeing me, and so I immediately pulled myself together, shaking my head.

“Sorry, uh, what was that?” I responded shortly, patting my pockets and meeting his eyes after staring into space. God, I was spacing out.

He breathed out once again before continuing, “Mr. Ortiz… he, uh, suffered a major concussion, along with a few complications around his neck area. Unfortunately, it damaged a few of his nerves so he’s unable to speak for quite some time. However, I would suggest taking him up for leave after his discharge, just for a few days, and limit talking to him as his body is still recovering. Did you get all that?”

“Yeah, yeah, I did. Thank you.” I nodded, reaching my hand out for a handshake which he gladly gladly took. Then, he excused himself saying he had other matters to attend to and went ahead on his way, with a few nurses following behind him. Now that I think about it, I should check on Harper to see him personally.

I stepped forward in front of his door, my palm on the doorknob until a familiar silhouette entered through my peripheral vision. At the end of the corridor was a person I expected to show up but certainly someone I did not like to meet.

“Oh, hi. Didn’t expect to meet you here.” Gigi commented, Harper’s soon to be ex. Honestly, someone as pretentious as her shouldn’t be here, let alone be allowed to visit him. Though, what can I say?

“Excuse me? I should be the one saying that.” I retorted while raising my eyebrows and laughing sarcastically. I stepped away from the door, coming face-to-face with her. Gigi Horace, I must say, the “Hor” in her name suits her and I couldn’t help but snicker a little, seeing her face slightly contorted in annoyance but had to immediately calm herself. Seriously, what did Harper see in her?

“What’s so funny, detective?” Gigi’s voice dripped with false sweetness, but it wasn’t even close to faze me. Besides, I was already used to her hostility.

“Oh… nothing. Go on, enter if you want to.” I stepped aside, offering the door for her which she entered with a scowl on her face. The door opened beside me, followed with a clicking sound as the light quickly dissipated from the crack of the door once it closed.

Now, it was just me, or at least… I thought so as another figure emerged from the end of the hallway. I widened my eyes, seeing the familiar trench coat and slickback hair. Spencer, my boyfriend, turned a corner and ran towards me, out of breath. What, why is he here?

“Hey, babe, why are you in the hospital? Are you hurt?” He quickly hugged me after reaching me, hearing him let out a breath of relief. His chest seemed to rise as he did, and so I hugged him back, his comfort drowning out my uneasiness. He must have been worried, wait, how did he know I was here anyway? I stopped hugging him, skeptical.

“How did you know I was here?” I queried, letting him calm down for a moment.

“Well… you weren’t at home when I came back, so I was worried and called your co-workers. They told me… you’d be here.” He quickly answered, fixing the lapels of his coat. My mouth formed an ‘O’ shape as he nodded, smiling while leaning forward to kiss my forehead.

“You haven’t answered my question yet, baby.” He reminded me, fixing my hair while caressing it. His touch was soft, seeing him already brightened my mood.

“Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. My colleague was injured, so we brought him here.” I tried to keep up the mood, smiling lightly as he stared at me intently, taking in my words to which he responded with an okay, before laying down at the bench and signaling me to sit beside him, which I did. Sigh, he must've felt lonely when I haven't came home these past few days. Now that I think about it, I should probably rest to clear my mind.

“I understand, I shouldn’t have been too hasty.” He chuckled, scratching the side of his head. He crossed his legs while we sat there in peaceful silence. I sighed, letting my eyes scan his handsome face, which only gave me nothing but comfort.