Page 26 of Edward’s Bunny

Owen released me, and I stood up. "I know you guys came over to help me, but I think I need to go to the hospital and break things off with Randy. I can't put it off any longer. I need to be free."

Hayden got up. "Do you need us to drive you there?"

"Yeah, we can be there for you," Owen added.

I nodded. "Thanks again."

I grabbed my phone and slipped on my shoes. I didn't know where this sudden surge of determination came from, but I knew it was for the best. I owed it to Randy and myself, to be honest. With a plan in place, I felt unburdened and, for once, unafraid.

It didn’t take long for us to arrive at Tampa General. Even though Tampa was a major city, the streets thinned in the night hours allowing for unhindered travel.

Hayden pulled into the ER parking area, and I released a deep breath. My heart was racing, and my stomach rolled. This was it, the time had come, and now I was petrified to go in.

“Do you want us to go in with you?” Owen asked as Hayden put his car in park.

I shook my head. “No, this is something I have to do alone.” I opened the side door and slid out. “I’ll need you guys when I’m done.”

Owen smiled. “We’ll be here. Do what you have to do.”

I released another breath and headed for the bright entrance. The doors opened with a loud swoosh, and I could feel a burst of cold air. I scanned the room, and there were only a few people filling the sterile, white-walled room.

I smiled at the little old lady who looked at me and headed for reception.

“Excuse me. Can you tell me where I can find Doctor Halla?” I asked.

The young brunette peered up from her computer. Dark circles graced her fair skin. She looked exhausted and confused.

“Uh, Doctor Halla isn’t on shift tonight? Can I get you another doctor?”

I shook my head. “No. I’m his boyfriend. He was called in.”

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped; however, she quickly recovered from her evident surprise.

“Oh, uh, um…” she focused back on her computer and quickly typed for a moment before returning to me. “Um, he’s not showing on shift,” " she said, her eyes filled with concern.

I scrunched my brow and bowed my head. This didn’t make sense. Why would he lie? I looked back at the receptionist and asked, “Uh, is there a Doctor Ali here? She’s the one that usually calls him in.”

The young woman’s eyes widened again at my words, and I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what she had to say next.

“Um, I... I don’t know if, um.”

Her nervous babbling confirmed that it was bad. “Please just tell me,” I said, resigned.

She nodded, “Well, we do have a Doctor Alejandro Botalla that works here. I know he goes by Doctor Ali, but he’s definitely not a woman.”

My heart sank. It was as if a complete puzzle had formed in my mind, and I could see the finished picture. It all made sense now. The tension, the fighting, all of it, it made total sense.

I felt my blood begin to boil as everything flashed before me. All the fucking fights. It had nothing to do with me, I thought to myself.

I swallowed and attempted to tamp down my rage. “Is he here? Dr. Botalla?” I asked through clenched teeth.

She bit her lip and slowly nodded. “Yes… Um, last I heard, he’s in the break room. Um.” She looked around and leaned forward before continuing in a whisper. “I think you may find Dr. Halla with him.”

I squeezed my eyes closed and nodded. “Thank you for telling me.” I opened my eyes and looked down the hall. “The break room is this way, right?”

“Yes, follow the red stripe on the ground, and it’s the fourth door on the right.”

With a nod, I thanked her and made my way down the hall. My heart was pounding furiously, and I felt like I was on autopilot. I arrived at the fourth door and stared at the knob. I needed to know I needed to finish things.

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