Chapter 27: Moira Rose
- RAYA -
When Rory comes back in the room, I’m praying Dex isn’t a step behind her. As sweet as it was for him to stay, it would be super awkward and uncomfortable to see him right now. Even though it feels like I know him, I don’t. No doubt today has brought us quite a bit closer than any normal second day would after meeting someone, though.
So when Rory shuts the door behind herself, I sigh in relief—internally, of course.
"Dex is gone," she says, reading my mind it seems. "He reminded me of something, though. Someone is going to have to feed Moira Rose while you’re in the hospital. How long will you be staying for?"
Since the nurse with all the answers left the room while Rory was gone, I glance at my dad. My brain isn’t really retaining any information.
"She said it would likely be three days. If all goes well, you’ll be discharged Sunday night."
Three days. "Can you feed her, Roar? I know it’s asking a lot."
Rory offers a wide, apologetic smile. "I wish I could. We’re leaving tomorrow night for that Foodies Festival in London. I still have to pack."
"Oh, that’s right," I groan, remembering. "I mean, that’s great. I’m excited for you and Westin obviously."
"If something happens though, I will totally fly back early. I’m just so relieved you are okay. The drivers in this city are terrifying..."
"Yeah," I grimace and swallow, trying to keep my thoughts from returning back to what happened.
"Has no one gotten you any water?" Rory asks, her voice rising in accusation to no one in particular.
"I have some right here." I gesture next to the bed. "The nurse got it for me. I’m okay. Dad, are you able to feed my cat while I’m here?"
He hesitates but then squeezes my hand. "Sure, honey. Of course. Anything you need."
"Thank you," I sigh. He obviously had plans this weekend. I can tell by the way he hesitated, but there’s no one else I can think of that I would trust asking to go to my apartment. "How did Dex remind you of Moira Rose, Rory?" I frown, realizing that’s an odd conversation to just spring up out of nowhere.
She shrugs. "He just asked me if you have a cat."
I puzzle over that for a second before letting the mystery go. It was just Dex being thoughtful again, I’m sure. I hadn’t even thought about Moira yet. Good thing it came up or I would be calling Rory in a panic tomorrow to feed her when she’s going to be leaving town.
The nurse comes back in with a second nurse trailing behind her. "We’re going to be moving you to a different room where we’ll get you all set up for the night. Is that okay, hon?"
It’s just a polite question, because she starts disconnecting things to prepare the bed for transport before I even have a chance to answer. But of course it’s okay. What choice do I have?
Rory grabs my bag and dad steps back to let the nurses do their job.
"Rory, you don’t have to stay. It’s late. I’m okay."
"Are you sure? I don’t want to just leave..."
"You’re flying out tomorrow. You need to get home, but I appreciate you being here. Wait..." I sit up a little, causing one of the nurses to stop what she’s doing and place a hand on my shoulder. "How did you even know that this happened to me?"
"Dex left a message on my phone and then I called Dad. I’m sorry I didn’t answer or get it earlier. I’m answering every call from now on, no matter what. I was working and I just figured that maybe it was about..." she shrugs with a crooked smile, "you know, what we already talked about."
"With how cryptic you two are being, I almost want to ask if you’re pregnant Raya," Dad says with a small chuckle. "But obviously we know that’s not the case. Wait... don’t we?"
"I’m not pregnant Dad, god," I groan. "It’s just... sister stuff."
"Right. Sister stuff," Rory agrees and then kisses me on the forehead. "Love you, Auraya. Make sure she has her phone by her bed before you leave, dad. Call me and let me know how you’re doing," she says, turning back to me. And then she hands my bag to dad.
"Enjoy your trip," I smile.
———
Once I’m set up in the hospital room, dad collapses onto the couch nearby with the TV remote. "Anything you want to watch, Ray?"
"I’ll probably just sleep. You don’t have to stay."
"I’m staying," he says, clicking the TV on and beginning to flip through the channels. I just lay there and watch, not arguing.
It’s nice to have company. If I didn’t, who knows which rabbit hole my mind would choose to go down? The obsessively dreaming of my new boss before I ever even met him rabbit hole? The possibly losing my job or getting arrested if I stay and do Lawson’s ’favor’ rabbit hole? The I just witnessed the very last moments of a sweet old lady’s life rabbit hole? There are so many options. Too many. I’ve never had this many reasons to have a panic attack in my life.
"Oh look—a Twilight Zone marathon," my dad says, pointing at the TV. "We can watch it together just like when you were little."
I smile, too tired now to giggle or even reply. I don’t remember the last time Dad and I have ever hung out like this except for maybe when I was little. The only time we really see each other is on holidays and birthdays. We rarely even talk except for the occasional text saying we’re thinking about each other. I might see an interesting article and send it to him on social media. To have him here right now just... being my dad... is really beautiful.
"Go ahead and rest, Raya. I’ll be here," he says softly. And then I drift off to the creepy and yet somehow comforting sounds of the Twilight Zone while my father stays to keep watch.
