Chapter 41

41. Son of a Billionaire.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger sit at a far table in the hospital cafeteria as we arrive at the hospital, looking tired. But as soon as they see us, they shoot us watery smiles and straighten in greeting.

“Hey, did you guys get any sort of rest?” I ask them, my voice gentle.

“We certainly tried, but well, Coraline has still not woken up, so sleep was the last thing on our minds,” Mrs. Granger smiles ruefully, “but the doctors said that she’s going to be fine, although she will need therapy. Both for her leg and her psyche, if she so desires.”

“I mean, if it were me, I’d definitely need therapy,” Mr. Granger mutters, “getting shot like that, on the side of the road god, my baby girl.”

His wife entangles her arm with his and leans into him in comfort. I feel bad for this couple who had to see their kid in the hospital twice this month, both of them being while in my company. A part of me wonders if this is my fault somehow Am I the reason why Coraline keeps getting into these circumstances? After all, I was the one who suggested the pizza joint where she went into anaphylactic shock. Had I known of her allergy, I’d have never chosen the place.

Perhaps it was not my fault. But the shooting? Well, the doubt and guilt are there and needling my mind.

After conversing a bit with Coraline’s parents, I travel off to the other end of the hospital where the reception tables are and try to find Nurse Clara who was present yesterday.

But she is nowhere near the reception area, so I ask a passing nurse where she is.

“Oh, she’s at the storage area. Her station was changed after the incident yesterday. Boss nearly fired her but took pity on her afterward.” The nurse tells me, and I nod.

“Oh, that’s great. Can I enter the storage area to meet her?”

“Yeah, sure. You a friend?” the nurse asks, curious.

I can’t help but smirk, “not really, no.” I am the farthest from a friend.

I find Nurse Clara in one of the storage rooms, folding some standard white blankets from a trolley and depositing them in a cupboard. She looks so miserable that I feel a tinge of pity for her.

Before I can call her, she catches me hovering near the doorway. Her eyes widen before her face settles into a guarded expression.

“Mr. Greyson,” she utters, her voice neutral.

“Good morning, Nurse Clara,” I greet her, trying to ignore the tension between us.

“Good morning to you as well,” she steps away from the laundry and turns to me, “I heard the patient you came to visit has been stabilized.”

“Uh, yeah. She is alright now. Out of the danger zone, at least.”

“Great, that is wonderful,” she starts to shift from foot to foot, and her expression changes to one of nervousness “So, uh, i just wanted to see if you’re still around,” without letting the awkwardness drag, I stop beating around the bush, “after the whole fiasco last night. I asked the director not to take drastic measures, and I am gratified to see that he followed my request.”

“Uh, yeah,” the nurse takes a deep breath, Mr. Greyson, I have to apologize for what I did last night and how i treated you I am so, very sorry for all the horrible things I said and implied, it was not in my position, and I was downright rude and judgmental. Normally, I’m not like that but last night, it wasn’t a good shift, and I was just so tired that my brain got addled with annoyance..anyways, I have no excuse for treating anyone like that, and I need to apologize.”

I hear and see the sincerity in her voice and her expression, and manage a smile, “yeah, it’s alright. You’re forgiven.”

“And I have to thank you for talking with the director too,” she goes on, “no one else would’ve done so, in fact, I was so certain that you would want me again, and you had every right to feel that way. I was, frankly, a jerk to a person who just saw his friend get shot.

“Well, I have to admit that I was mad yesterday.” I reply cautiously, “but I believe that everyone deceives second chances.”

Finally, Nurse Clara smiles genuinely “Thanks again,” she says, “honestly, I can’t thank you enough. So, uh, if you want anything, like, anything that I can do for you, you can give me a call, or drop by at the hospital.”

I raise a brow, “huh?”

“I mean, it’s my way of repaying you for what I did, and for what you did.” she blushes, “you don’t have to take me up on it. But if you need any help from a nurse or someone in the medical industry, do know that I will be glad to provide it “Well, that is a very generous offer, Nurse Clara,” the need to gawk at her in disbelief is strong because honestly, I did not expect her to extend such an offer But I control myself with a valiant effort. “I will be sure to keep it in mind.”

“Right,” the nurse nods.

Silence ensues, and before it can get awkward again, I state, “well, I’m sure that you have a lot of work to attend to. So, I will be taking my leave now.

“Oh, yes, of course, Mr. Greyson. Have a pleasant day.”

“Yeah, you too,” I reply and turn to leave, but then she calls my name.

“Yes?”

“The shootout,” she asks, looking curious, “do you know who’s behind it?”

“Regretfully, no. But I’m sure the police will find it out soon,” I say, and then add, “better be cautious while. you’re out and about though. Who knows what these criminals are getting up to?”

“You too, sir,” the nurse replies, “who knows, maybe they might have been targeting you and got Miss. Granger by mistake. You are the son of a billionaire after all.”

I stand still at that.

I did not look at the situation that way before.

“You know, nurse,” I utter, feeling the depth of my heartbeat in my chest, “you may have a good point.”