Chapter 6: A Step That Shakes

On my way to our agreed location, I was clouded with thoughts. What would happen from hereon, how we would tell Elon about our separation, how he would react. What will my father say? If news spread about Damian and Elizabeth, it would ruin his name. It would affect his candidacy.

Everything would be out of my control and somehow… although I knew I did what I could to not let it uncover the ugliest way, it was still troubling.

Unwittingly, my right hand moved towards left to touch the cold ring sitting on my fourth finger. I traced the stones on the side, before I looked down on it like I was meeting its significance eye to eye. My heart thundered. I have worn this ring so long, it now feels like a part of my skin.

It was a testament of our love… that has turned to a material about to lose its purpose.

That being said, it hasn’t. So, I let it stay there, and walked out the elevator.

One taxi ride and I arrived at Retro Roastery. Mike was already there, looking over his watch when I caught sight of him.

“I hope I didn’t make you wait,” I approached with a lighthearted banter. “I just had to make sure Elon’s sleeping before I go out.”

“Just on time, Eleanor.” Mike smiled, raising his right hand to get the waitress’ attention. “You brought Elon’s medical consultation and test results, right?”

I nodded. I put my bag on the left side of the table, and handed him the brown envelope where I compiled Elon’s medical records, as well as his treatment plan. Mike reviewed all of it right away, one-by-one.

“What’s your order, Sir?”

“Order for me, Eleanor.” Mike spoke as he continued to scan the documents.

I asked for the menu and ordered two hot chocolate and cinnamon coffee rolls. It was almost eight, so I figured coffee would be out of the equation. The waitress left, and I just sat there waiting for Mike to finish.

“A stage-two..” He mumbled, looking up to me. “What about a second opinion?”

“I’m planning to,” I responded quietly. “If you have a specific person in mind, please let me know. I don’t care how far it is, I’ll take Elon to him.”

Getting a second opinion is what I was also planning before proceeding to the procedure and treatment. I haven’t spoken to Damian about this yet, but if it comes down to receiving treatment, I want Elon to get the best. Certainly, this town wasn’t the right place for that condition.

“I believe Golden Coast Cancer Center would be the best option. Top cancer specialists around the world work on the Golden Coast. I’ve been there.” He suggested, putting all the papers back in the envelope.

Golden Coast is located in California. I have heard of it before.

“I’ll talk to Damian about this. I’ll also have my secretary check Golden Coast.” I breathed hard, and pulled out my phone from my bag to inform Alicia.

Just a little background check is fine, their success rate, maybe knowing a few of their recent patients, too. I trust Mike but knowing all those would put my mind to rest. I want to be sure that what we would attain there wasn’t just hope but a real chance of successful recovery.

“For the meantime, if you want, I could switch patients with Dr. Jullie and handle Elon.” Mike offered, giving me a light smile. “That way I could also get closer to him, and hopefully, help you better.”

Mike’s gentle and kind demeanor made me look up to him. He was really the same Mike that I knew way back— and it feels nice to hear comforting words like that. He was just like Abby.

“I would be happy if you could, Mike.” I let out a small smile. “I owe you.”

“Well…” He raised his brows. “Invite me to your auction tomorrow, maybe eat dinner with me too.”

Lines etched in my forehead. “You know about the auction?” I’m surprised.

“And I’m ready to say yes if you invite me.” He flashed a mischievous smile. “Don’t forget the dinner.”

“You would have to ask Elon for permission.” I looked elsewhere and shook my head a little.

“Consider it done, Eleanor.”

The small talk finished after a cup of hot chocolate. I went back to the hospital with Mike, holding a paper bag from the Retro, since I had my cinnamon as a take-away order for Elon to eat once he woke up.

Damian and I switched. When I entered the room, he left without a word, and I decoded it as his way of asking me to look after Elon that night. I stayed until the afternoon, during which time Elon was transferred to Mike, and the two once again bonded as if they had known each other for a long time.

I was happy with the attention, care, and stories Mike willingly gave Elon. I appreciated that, and thought that I had to give the favor back, no matter what happens, after Elon recovers. To recognize that, I asked Mike out for dinner, with the condition of Abby being there so the three of us could bond together.

But as soon as the clock ticked to four PM, I bid goodbye to Elon. The personal nurse I hired arrived before I left, so I felt a bit relieved as I got ready for the auction. At least, he wasn’t alone.

I also contacted Damian, but as I expected, he didn’t reply, so I just left a message about the scheduled event for tonight.

“Please call Damian when the event starts. Elon wouldn’t be able to sleep without any of us around,” I told Alicia, who was beside me as I stood in front of the mirror.

I had just finished with my hair and make-up. What was left was to wear the black column dress with gold sequins and crystals in the chest and train. It was the final dress my stylist chose.

A supposed dress in paired with a suit. But Damian wouldn’t come.

“I don’t think he’s going to make it to the hospital.”

I looked at Alicia through the mirror, my brows meeting. “What, why?”

“He’s on the list of attendees, apparently, plus one of your sister, Elizabeth.”