George fell quiet. Had it been a little too obvious that he was indeed taking things personal? That it wasn't just for Amy's sake but more for his heart that had become uneasy from the moment he witnessed Joanne's sickness? His anxiety and his involvement, did it really seem personal?
A small smile stretched on his lips. He thought he was keeping things together, but it seemed he was wrong.
"Sure."
He gave one more glance at Joanne. Although an oxygen mask had been placed to aid her in breathing, it only worried him more. He knew the situation but could not help but wonder.... She should be alright, right? With that, he turned to leave the room. Alice sighed when she saw his lonely back. What could he have gone through?
George had on a heavy expression as he exited the room. He was like a robot going to take the elevator going down to the first floor. He had spaced out but seemed to find his way easily. He let out a heavy sigh, snapping out of his thoughts.
Ding! The elevator doors swung open and he walked around the first floor looking for a vending machine. He finally found it in some part of the hospital that was also a lounge area. People were seated there chatting away. Some were visitors, others were patients with their guardians who had come out for some fresh air.
His good looks earned the attention of some but his mind was elsewhere. He placed some money inside the machine and pressed for the drinks to be released.
Scenes from twenty years ago flashed in his mind. His mother on the hospital bed, his father nowhere in sight, the feeling of helplessness from being unable to get her the best treatment; to his luck, Victoria and the family arrived to help but it was too late.
He sighed, snapping out of the painful memory as he picked up the two drinks and moved to walk back to the elevator.
"Help! Help! Help us!" A woman shouted as she rushed to the E.R with a little girl in her hands.
George was about to move when he saw a familiar silhouette. His brows went up and he subconsciously found himself following.
The woman was led to a spare bed and she let down the girl. She looked just fine from the outside but with the way the woman was freaking out, something bad must have happened.
"What happened?" A doctor asked as he moved to examine the girl.
"She got a jelly bean stuck in her ear", she explained while breathing heavily. She was obviously nervous.
"How did that happen?"
"We were playing how many jelly beans can you fit in your ear!"
"Stacy!" The woman whisper shouted in horror from being snitched on.
"You didn't say that I can't tell the doctor", Stacy said innocently with a shrug.
The doctor gave the older woman a disapproving look before looking back at Stacy. "And how many did you fit in there?"
"One!" Stacy held up her finger.
"Well, we'll get that out in no time. But jelly beans are meant to be eaten and not put in here. Don't do that again no matter who tells you to", he said while giving the woman a dirty look before looking back at Stacy. "Alright?"
"Yes doctor!"
"And you can't eat too many of them either otherwise your teeth will go bad. You don't want that now, do you?"
"No."
"Good girl. Now let's get this out."
"Wow!" A deep voice spoke from behind them. There was no sign of amusement in their tone.
The woman turned around to find George looking at her with a disapproving look. He shooked his head at her. She recognized him from meeting him at the library.
"Did you follow me here?" Nora eyed him as her lips curled in annoyance.
"Sorry sweetheart but you're not that special", George countered.
"Then what are you doing here?" Her brows were furrowed as she looked him up and down.
"Hello!" Stacy shouted from behind them.
"Hello", George waved at her and smiled at her cuteness. Would Roserie grow up to be as cute as well? There was no doubt and he couldn't wait for that moment.
"I got a jelly bean stuck in my ear", she shouted with a huge smile on her face.
"Are we telling everyone Stacy?" Nora said through gritted teeth.
"You didn't say I can't tell anyone else", Stacy shrugged innocently.
Nora let out a tired sigh before looking back at George who was staring at Stacy in amusement.
"Excuse me, keep those perverted eyes on me and not my niece", she warned him. Was she insulting him or encouraging him to only keep his eyes on her? But more importantly:
"She's your niece?"
"Why do you sound so relieved?" She frowned at him.
George stopped only to realize how obviously relieved he was. Why though? She didn't give him a chance to respond.
"There's nothing to see here. Move along!" She said and pulled the curtain closed, shielding his view.
George was still standing there. Why was he obviously relieved that she was not her daughter? And more importantly, why did he walk over when it had nothing to do with him? They were strangers! B
He couldn help but think that Nora looked so familiar. Had he met her before besides earlier that day? He had a sharp memory so he would know if he met her anywhere else? Especially with those unforgettable looks and fashion choice.
Either way, one thing was for sure: he didn't like this woman at all.
'Annoying', he mused.
It was not sure if he meant himself, her or just the situation as he walked back to the elevator. He had Joanne to look after and not stop to get insulted by some woman! And she shouldn't feel herself. She was not his type!
'Who said anything about types? Annoying!'
He was so focused on being annoyed that he had not realized the encounter had taken his mind off his mom's issue from earlier....
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