Chapter 5

While I was in school, whenever I sprained my ankle, I had my writing, but now, all I can do is lay here and do my work; at least I got more time to work on my book once my actual work was done. For the past week, I have been sitting on the couch and bed, working. Mom stuck around the house to look after me, but after a couple days, she trusted that I’d be able to take care of myself.

I got up and made my way to the kitchen. I was nearly done with my work for the day, so I decided to take a break to make a sandwich. Ham, turkey, mayo, and cheese, the perfect sandwich! I grabbed a drink and my favorite chips and went back to the living room to watch a movie.

After my lunch, I went back to work. Mom returned and smiled at me, “So, what are your plans for after Christmas?” She asked; I shrugged,

“Probably go back home,” I replied; Mom seemed disappointed,

“I was hoping you’d stay for New Year’s Eve.” I sighed,

“I’ll see what I can do,” I told her as I finished the last bit of my work for the day and sent Jesse an email that contained the file I had just finished.

“Are you hungry?” Mom asked; I shook my head as I pulled up the file for my book,

“No, I just had a sandwich not too long ago,” I said. Mom nodded and then went to her room for a minute before returning to the living room with me,

“What are you working on?” She asked; I smiled,

“It’s a book about a dragon princess who has been captured. Longing to be freed by her lover,” I explained, not wanting to go into too much detail. I decided it would be a good idea to have someone besides me and Jesse read it, so I connected my computer to the printer and hit print. “There’s a copy on the printer in the office,” I said. She instantly got up and practically ran to the office, grabbing her glasses as she returned and sat on the love seat as she read and I worked through some more edits.

Two weeks! I go to the clinic tomorrow, which means I see Chris tomorrow too. I was in the middle of editing another client’s work when Jesse called on Skype. I answered, “Hey, Jess, what’s up?” I asked; he smiled widely,

“How’s it going?” He asked,

“Well, I sprained my ankle last week, my ex is my doctor, and I’m still trying to figure out the book,” I told him, and he nodded,

“That explains how you managed to get most of your work done as quickly as you did.” Jesse said, “I thought it would take you through Christmas.” I rolled my eyes,

“You know I’m fast with my edits, but when I’m having to edit something as long as that manuscript, it’s going to take me a hot minute.” I defended, “But yeah, since I had so much free time, I got it done sooner.” Jesse looked at me worriedly,

“Everything okay?” I smiled,

“Yeah,” I told him, but he gave me a look, “Mom’s been trying to talk me into going and seeing my Dad.” Jesse gave me a confused look,

“Why don’t you want to see him?” I sighed,

“Because he’s an alcoholic,” I told Jesse and began explaining everything that happened when I was younger. Needless to say, Jesse was shocked.

“So, you don’t believe he is sober this time?” I shook my head,

“He always says he is but a few days or even a week later, he’ll have some form of alcohol in his hand.” I explained, “The last time I saw him, he was drunk to hell and back, and he hit me. I had enough of it, so I went to the police.”

“Maybe you could give him a small chance. See him, talk to him, and see how things go.” Jesse suggested. I pondered this for a moment, considering it actually.

“Maybe. I’ll think about it.” I told him, “I need to go; I’m about to get this last edit done, then I’m going to work on my novel.” Jesse smiled,

“Okay! Talk to you later.” And with that, he hung up. I stared at my screen, still thinking about what Jesse said about my father.

I sat at the clinic with Mom, and she turned to me, “Have you thought any more about seeing your father?” She asked; sighing, I looked at her,

“Tell you what, if Chris says my ankle is good to go, I’ll see Dad tomorrow.” Her face lit up,

“Really?” She asked; I knew I was going to regret this,

“Yes,” I said, forcing a smile. She smirked at me, clearly planning something.

“Sophia Brooks,” we looked over to the door leading to the back, “the Doctor will see you now.” Mom and I followed the nurse to the back, checked my vitals, then went to an exam room.

There was a knock on the door, and the Doctor walked in. I was expecting it to be Chris, but it wasn’t. “Hello, I am Doctor Andrews,” the man introduced himself, “I’m filling in for Doctor Tanner today.” I looked at this man as he spoke to my mother; he had hair that was utterly silver, but his eyes and smile shone brightly. He made me feel comfortable, a skill not many have.

“Where is Doctor Tanner today?” Mom asked; I shot her a glare. I knew exactly what she was trying to do.

“He had a personal patient he needed to see today.” Dr. Andrews replied,

“Could we confirm your diagnosis with Dr. Tanner?” Mom asked,

“Mother!” I scolded, then turned to the Doctor, “I apologize for my mother.” I said, “We have a deal, and she is rude to you, Dr. Andrews.” He simply chuckled,

“It’s quite alright.” He told me, “Many of my patients like him, which will make leaving my practice easier, I believe.” I smiled, “Now, let’s get an x-ray of that ankle and see what we’re working with.” He walked me to the x-ray room and did the x-ray.

When Dr. Andrews came back to the room, he wore a somewhat sad expression, “I’ve got some bad news.”

“Not healed?” I asked; he smirked,

“You will be seeing your father tomorrow.” My jaw dropped, and I turned to my mother,

“What did you do?” I asked her; she only smiled innocently,

“I sent the films to Dr. Tanner, who concurs with my diagnoses. Your ankle is better.” He said, “Now, I would like you to wear your brace for another week, maybe two, just to be safe.”

“Okay, thank you, Dr. Andrews,” I said as he left the room. I gave my mother a look, then sighed. I guess I’m seeing my Dad tomorrow.