Page 57 of A Grecian Getaway

“But he’s here now. That says something. Your Greece story was so rushed. Maybe you need to see where the next chapter takes you. My sweet daughter, you have always worn your heart on your sleeve. You love everyone with abandon. And there is nothing wrong with that. But not everyone gives their love as quickly or unconditionally. For some, it is a great mountain to climb, with many jagged cliffs, and it can take much longer before they reach the top. Just make sure you hear him out. Give him time. I know this is very difficult because he hurt you, but I think you’ll regret it if you don’t give him a chance.”

“Thank you, mom. I know you’re right. I feel like I want to give him a chance no matter what he says. And that scares me too. Because not being with him hurt so much. But I know what I want my future to look like. And if he knows that’s not something he ever wants, I have to let him go. But I hope that since he’s here that means there’s a chance.” Noelle shrugged.

They hugged and her mom told her to rest until the doctor came back with her results.

Chapter 39

PROGNOSIS AND PLANS ~Demetri~

Demetri had his head down and his face in his hands. A woman cleared her throat. Caroline, Claire, and the man from Noelle’s Instagram photo stood a short distance away in the waiting room. A twinge of jealousy ambled through his body.

“Any news?” he asked.

“She had some tests. She is still weak and tired, but she seems a little better. The blood transfusion seems to have helped. Demetri, this is Noelle’s friend and co-worker, Eli,” Caroline said.

They exchanged hellos, and everyone sat quietly for a few minutes.

“Why is she in Florida? Is she on a vacation?” Demetri looked at them, perplexed.

Caroline and Eli excused themselves to find Niko, and Claire explained.

“Noelle moved here in the early fall after she accepted a job at a graphic design firm. We’d just come down to visit her and were out when she fainted. The rest, you know.”

“Has she ever had an issue like this before? Is she taking care of herself?”

Claire shook her head. “She hasn’t been eating well since… since Greece. And she’s had some headaches.”

“It’s all my fault.”

Claire placed a reassuring hand on Demetri’s shoulder. “No, Demetri, you can’t cause anemia. Heartache, yes. But you’re here now, and that’s a good thing.”

“I need to talk to her, but she wasn’t ready last night, and I didn't want to push her. She has been through so much. I will wait until she is ready. Who is this man, Eli?”

“We told you. He’s a friend and co-worker of Noelle’s.”

“From the picture I saw, he looks like he wants to be more,” he grumbled.

“That will have to be something you and Noelle discuss. But between you and me, you don’t have to worry. Demetri, after everything, I am rooting for you. Don’t make me regret my choice. Don’t break her heart again.”

Guilt seeped into Demetri’s veins again. He didn’t want to hurt Noelle. He wanted to be with her. But he also needed to figure out a way for them to be together for a while without thinking about forever.

A couple of hours later, a woman who looked remarkably like Noelle approached Demetri in the waiting room.This must be her mother.“Hello, I am Maria. I’m Noelle’s mom. You are Demetri?”

Demetri nodded. “Yes, it is nice to meet you. I am very sorry about Noelle.”

“Yes, thank you. I wanted to meet you and tell you what the doctor said. Noelle has severe anemia. After the latest tests, it looks as if the transfusion is getting her back to normal. They aren’t worried about anything more serious. She’ll have to take medication and may need transfusions from time to time to keep everything under control. But, it’s all manageable. She should be able to leave the hospital in a couple days with a set medical plan.”

“Thank you for telling me.” Demetri sat back in his chair, relieved.

“Now, Claire has told me you care about my daughter. Is this true?”

Demetri nodded again. “Yes, very much.”

“You haven’t told Noelle how you feel?” Mrs. Toloupos asked.

Demetri ran his hand through his hair. “I still need to talk to her. She wasn’t ready to see me. So I am giving her time.”

Noelle’s mother smiled. “Time… as you have learned here, time goes by too fast and things happen. Sometimes, not good things. If I were you, I wouldn’t wait much longer. Go to her and tell her how you feel.”

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