Page 3 of Unbroken Promises

“What happened, babe?” A breathy shudder passes over the phone, and my heart sinks. Oh no. “Do you want to talk about it?”

A sob-hiccup escapes before her shaky voice continues, “I’m sorry to wake you up so late. I’ve just- it’s been really hard. Like, really fucking hard, and I’m just coming off my seventy-two-hour rotation and we lost a kid tonight, a little girl. . . I just-” Sierra’s voice breaks off and I can tell she is struggling to hold back the tears as she tries to finish. “- I just needed to hear your voice.”

Fully alert now at the distress of my surrogate sister, I wish I could reach through the phone and squeeze her until her arms go numb from my tight hold. Sadly, she is now in a completely different time zone, three hours ahead of me on the East Coast, so the best I can do is try to offer words of comfort.

“It’s going to be okay, babe. I’m so sorry. Losing a patient always hits hard, especially when it’s a kid. . . I honestly don’t know how you do it some days. But I am so fucking proud of you. For now, you are going to let those tears out; let them wash away the grief of this shift. Then you need to go home and sleep for like, at least twelve hours. Not the on-call room, your actual home. After you have finished your long-ass nap, you need to light one of those scented candles that I sent you in the last care package. Throw in some Mr. Bubbles and zone out with some good smut and a tall glass of wine. There’s nothing like some big dick energy from one of your hot-as-fuck book boyfriends to help you relax.”

The heavy sigh coming over the line is the only indication of my friend’s weariness, and it is very telling. Sierra and I met when I was a freshman in college. She was two years ahead of me, powering through her premed courses and we happened to have several science classes together. We bonded over our mutual hatred of all-things chemistry over months spent in study groups together. Following the rough transitory year, we moved in together in an off-campus apartment that was critically placed next to the sweet little coffee shop that was always open late, while still being within a short walking distance of the library. Caffeine and books were a lifeline we both clung to.

Even though it was her senior year while I was just a sophomore, Sierra made it in to the University’s med school program after graduation, allowing me anotherfour glorious years of bonding with my new lifeline. Late night study sessions and weekend karaoke to blow off steam at a local bar became a huge part of my life as she brought me into the fold of her friend group. Sierra was a strange dichotomy of studious med student, dead-set on becoming a renowned pediatric oncologist, mixed with a hint of carefree party-girl vibes. People gravitated to her upbeat energy like moths to a flame and I found myself just as entranced as the rest of them.

Now, she is off kicking ass as a first-year intern at a top-rated hospital in my old home state of Maryland, and I couldn’t be more fucking proud of her. The only downside, is that with her now being on the opposite side of the country, our schedules often clash when we are wanting to catch up. She has invited me out to stay with her several times, but I just can’t bring myself to go back there. I don’t know if I ever will be able to after what happened. . .

“Seriously, Sierra.” My tone is somber as I continue, “You might be carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders but you need to rest. You can’t keep pushing yourself like this. I know you don’t have control over your crazy-ass schedule, since you are basically grunt labor as the newbie but when you are off, you need to take time to care for yourself or you are going to burn out before you can even reach your goals. Have you talked to Connor about what happened?”

Connor was Sierra’s long-term boyfriend. They met in med school, and are both doing residency programs on the East Coast. I’m not a huge fan of the guy, but if he makes her happy, that’s all that matters, I guess. Anyway, they get each other in a way I don’t. Going through med school and residency is a bonding experience that only someone who has gone through it could really understand.

“No, I left him a message but he doesn’t finish his shift until later today.”

Right. Because the guy refuses to check his phone when he is on his shift. ‘Too unprofessional’ he says. I can’t help but roll my eyes at the thought.

A shaky shudder breaks through the silence on the other end of the line as she continues. “And I know. I know. You’re right. I do need to do a better job of prioritizing my own mental health.”

Laughter escapes me at her begrudging admission. “Of course, I’m right. You want to know why?”

“Oh please, do elaborate.”

“I know that I’m right because it is the same damn advice you have been giving me for years. But taking your own advice is a tough pill to swallow, even for you. . . Doctor Sierra Crawford.” I make sure to emphasize her title, a not-so-subtlereminder for my dear friend of what a bad-ass bitch she is. And like music to my ears, her laughter fills the line.

“I guess you’re right. Thanks babe. Love you.”

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head as I respond. “Love you too. Now go finish your mountain of paperwork and go the fuck home to sleep.” Hanging up, I toss the phone back on the nightstand before rolling over with a huff, flipping my pillow to the cool side before fluffing it vigorously and snuggling in once more.

I awake several hours later to a loud bang, and jolt upright, heart pounding. Switching on the nightstand lamp as my back rests against the headboard, I try to still the racing of my pulse and my erratic breathing. Hands shaking, I fumble momentarily before grabbing my phone. Pulling up the app that Finn installed several years ago, I check the security feed, going through each room.

The apartment is dark and silent, no signs of an intruder. Everything appears to be undisturbed, and the alarm was never tripped. It must have been one of the guys next door. And if something was wrong, they would let me know. I’m sure everything’s fine. Blowing out a shaky breath, I turn off the lamp and once more lay down, adjusting my pillows as I try to get comfortable, knowing full-well that it’s futile, and sleep will be a long time coming.

Chapter Four

Danica

As I roll my neck from side to side, I let out a long sigh as I make my way slowly to the front door. Flipping the switch on the neon sign, the light shuts off as the “Open” notice flickers out. With a quick twist of my wrist, the deadbolt is secured into place, locking up the front door of my modest sports center. All the employees have left for the day, leaving me to finish up the closing duties. It’s my favorite part of the day. I adore working with children, I always have. But there is something to be said about the quiet stillness after a chaotic day filled with the bubbly exuberance of young children and the small hiccups that naturally come along in a job like mine.

Shaking out my wrists, I blow out a breath as I head back into the mat room. Walking over to the far wall, I queue up my personal playlist, Little Sparrow, and a slow melody echoes around the empty room as I settle onto the mats to warm up. A vibration has me checking my watch, and I roll my eyes when I see it’s from Caleb. Picking up my phone off the mat once more, I finish reading his text before shooting off a reply.

Boss Man: How’s my favorite sister today? Are you still at work? Have you eaten anything today?

Me: *insert eye roll* I’m your only sister, dummy.

Me: Trying to get a little practice in after a long day at work, which is hard to do when my overprotective big brother is constantly checking in on me.

Boss Man: Aw come on now, Smarty. I’m not constantly checking in on you. Just want to make sure you are taking care of yourself over there. . .

Boss Man: Besides, just because you are my only little sister, doesn’t mean you can’t also be my favorite *winky face*

Me: Seriously, I’mfine.I’ve eaten, I’m not overworking myself. I’m being safe, I promise.

Boss Man: Really? Because that’s not what Finn was saying.

---