Chapter 311 – Cora at Home

Cora

When I wake up it’s almost eight at night and I groan, realizing that my sleep schedule is

completely wrecked. I’m reminded, suddenly, of my years as a medical resident when this sort of thing was normal – sleeping all day, taking night shifts, living moment to moment rather than a steady, scheduled life.

And quite frankly, right now? That sounds really wonderful, compared against a whole night of empty hours in which I have nothing to do but… think.

Think about what I’m doing in my life, think about my career which has gone in a really weird direction, think about my relationship…s.

About a certain kiss in the woods.

About a sweet doctor who, apparently, wants to build a life with me.

I sigh and sit up, looking around at my sterile little apartment. I never really decorated, I realize as

I look around at the grey and beige furniture, the simple linens, the charmless curtains. Everything is functional and high quality but none of it is… me?

Or is it?

I frown at my space, thinking of Ella’s sweet home that – even though Sinclair picked out most of the furniture before she moved in – still sings Ella Ella Ella in every corner. It’s warm and sweet

and comfortable. What does my space say about me?

I mean, I’m an orphan – I never had any possessions or any control over the environments in

which I lived, so where would I have learned to decorate? I never had a mother to show me how

So where did Ella…

at myself, sick, again, of being jealous of

much – and I’m so happy she has what she wants in her life. But sometimes she’s just so….perfect. That it makes me realize how unhappy I am,

roll over, reaching for my phone, seeking some kind of distraction from these disquieting- thoughts. But when I pick it up the first thing I

how did the baptism go?

You okay?

2

you get up – I know you

from

the messages away and click through the rest

Roger. Not a peep. As I take a deep breath and check my email,

this is a little pathetic, but I’m outside. Can you let me in?

your apartment door…

little bit when I see that. Hank. He’s being so sweet and I’m…well, I’m

doesn’t even want – despite what might have passed between us last night, it doesn’t change anything. And there’s a man standing

me? Quickly, I jump out of my bed

to it, I yank it open,

the large bag of Chinese on the little mail table I keep outside my door. “Gah!”

“I’m so sorry,” I continue, smiling at him, “I just woke up – we

Hank says, giving me his rare, warm smile. “I get it

frame and gesturing towards my little apartment. “I am…well, I am starving,

up a bit

me all about his day. He held down the fort at the little free clinic we both work at, seeing both prospective mothers as well as

cases. I watch Hank closely as he tells me his story, my eyes flicking

my stomach as I watch him, something that makes me…well, makes-

making me blink and focus on him.

words. Then, I grimace a little. I’m sorry, Hank,” I say, giving

squeezing it a bit before sitting

in the clinic,” I respond instantly, looking down at my chicken with broccoli and picking up a morsel. “But she doesn’t have any medical experience. Would she really be helpful there? I think that she would do anything – but

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