Page 147 of Rhet

I flip them the bird “I will see you all soon. Jasper don’t leave for a tour without saying bye.”

ZEETA

I sit on the small chair in the examination room, observing all the Alzheimer’s charts on the wall.

“Well, Miss Mitchell, I have good news. Your mom doesn’t have a fracture, there are no broken bones. She sprained her ankle.” Dr. Harris smiles down at me. Relief washes over me.

“Her hallucinations are becoming worse. What should I do?”

I need to know. I’m doing my best to handle this without placing her in some expensive home. Not that it’s even an option.

“Well, we changed her medication. However, if she has an episode. Try not to argue with her. Maybe take her for a walk, be a distraction, and make sure things are out of reach.”

Unlike today, I know that’s what he wants to say. Today, Ms. Helen went to get the mail. Mom thought she heard my dad outside, she ran out and missed the second step, falling in the process.

“Another thing, no arguments or violent shows on TV. She may think the events are happening in real life.”

“Understood. Is there anything else I need to know?” I ask. I should ask Rhet for some time off.

“No. I have looked at you for the last few years Zeeta. You’re an amazing person and you’re doing a great job with your mom.” Dr. Harris smiles brightly.

I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding “Thanks Dr. Harris you’re amazing too.”

“I don’t normally do this but…” The doctor pauses. I look up into his dark brown eyes. “I wonder if you would like to go out with me sometime.”

I didn’t know what to say. My brain is filled with how I failed my mom today. Now he’s asking me out for drinks? What?

“Oh, no, thank you,” I’m trying to be polite.

“My number is on your mom’s form just in case you change your mind.”

“She’s not interested,” Rhet says as he comes to my side.

“Who are you?” Mr. Harris begins to square up. Oh, no, no, doctor he isn’t the one.

“This is Rhet.” I tap Rhet’s shoulders. He looks at me like I just cursed him out.

“I’m her man. That’s why she isn’t taking your number.” His voice sounds a bit dark.

“She never said she had a man.” Okay, that’s it. This doctor has a death wish or he wants to see the new ICU from his patients’ point of view.

“She doesn’t have to say it. Because I’m here.” Rhet steps pass me.

I drag my hand down my face.

“I’m not in the mood for the biggest dick contest, right now. He’s my boyfriend, his dick wins. Now about my mom.”

The doctor looks him up and down, then back at me. “She will be released within the half hour.”

“Thank you.” I turn and I walk back to the waiting room.

Within one hour, my mom is out and we’re already back home.

Rhet lifts my mom up and takes her inside. As I grab my stuff, Ms. Helen comes out the house with tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Zeeta.”

“It’s okay. I understand how it happened. It’s not your fault.” I touch her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“I left the door opened that’s how she came out.” Her shoulders shake.

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