Page 60 of Dr. Alpha

“But if I see any male I like that wants to be dominated, I'll run to you for help,” she suggested.

“And I'll be there to help,” I assured her.

For the first time since she had been born, I had a sister.

****

I decided to drive around Maryland. It was not like I was looking for where Bruce might have been; I genuinely wanted to see what Maryland offered. A hospital caught my attention.

‘Bri’s Hospital for Children’.

There was something oddly familiar about it that just pulled me to it.

“Maybe I can see what it's like and take some ideas,” I said to myself as I parked the car and got out.

There was a playground. It was the first time I saw a children's hospital with a playground. Some children were using it. I could see that a few had crutches or were in wheelchairs; but they still were having fun playing catch. The nurses were genuinely happy, watching over the children.

“Interesting,” I murmured.

One of the staff noticed me and waved. I returned the gesture with a smile. She nodded and continued her job.

Now I want a playground for my children's hospital.

I made my way inside, and from the look of things, the place had been newly renovated. The walls were freshly painted. The halls were busy, and I could hear the echo of children's laughter. It didn't feel like I was at a children's hospital.

Mothers held hands with their children. Nurses or doctors were talking to the kids. I saw pregnant women being attended to by the receptionists as well. From what I could tell from the sign, the hospital focused on pregnant women and children. The only inclusive treatment for adults was a resident dentist.

I liked it. It felt homely. I saw a sign that read: ‘Volunteers are Welcome!’ They accepted volunteers, too? I didn't have much to do, so I thought about volunteering. Then, a photo caught my attention.

“Tabitha?” a familiar voice called to me.

I turned and found Bruce standing behind me, a surprised expression gracing his face.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Bruce?” I raised a brow, still in disbelief. “I'm supposed to be asking you that question.”

“Oh my, is that Dr. Tabitha Hill?” A man was standing next to him. Something about him reminded me of Jerry.

“That would be me,” I replied with a warm smile.

“I'm Mark,” he replied. “Head nurse. Just let me know if you need anything.”

The man excused us immediately when he was done talking. I had a feeling he knew about me and Bruce.

“What are you doing here?” Bruce asked.

He wasn't angry to see me; it sounded like he wanted me to be there.

“My sister was having a speech, and I thought I'd visit,” I explained.

“You came… to see your sister?” he asked, doubtful. “I thought you and your siblings didn't get along. Or did you come for another round of blackmail?”

“At least have a little faith in me.” I rolled my eyes.

Now that he said them aloud, it made me feel like I had been a bad person all this time.

“You didn't give me that much to believe in when it came to you and your siblings,” he remarked.

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