How It's Going To Be [h.s.]

Chapter 97

Not to alarm anyone, but the story is coming to a close. 

{Harry's Point of View}

I could feel the fatigue of early morning tugging at my eyes and dulling my senses. Now and then, my jaw tightned when a yawn crept up my throat. My hands loosened their grip on the steering wheel as I relaxed back in the seat. Regardless of how tired I was, there was no risk of falling asleep while driving—not with the resounding echo of car horns honking a menacing song of irritation.

Monday morning traffic was heavy under a March sky of tumbling fog. I looked between my wristwatch indicating we were late and the speedometer on my dash with the needle stuck at zero. I let out a long sigh, letting my hands drop from the steering wheel and land on my lap.

"It's fine," Kate hummed. Her soft voice made me turn to see her face, but she was looking out the passenger window. My glance turned into a stare as I noticed the muted light reflecting around her. Kate had soft, tired features. Her hair was still a little messy from sleep after she had traded getting ready time for more sleep time. She played with her charm bracelet absently, which made me smile. I loved seeing it back on her wrist. As we sat in traffic, both feeling tired and slightly irritable, she looked absolutely beautiful. How I had missed the privilege just to sit and stare at her...

"Harry?"

"Sorry, yeah?"

She turned her head and I saw her face; eyes sleepy, lips tilted into a half-smile. "I said it's fine if we're a little late. There's nothing we can do. Don't worry so much."

"I'm not worried," I defended.

She scoffed, "It's written all over you."

____________

We reached Dr. Monahan's office nearly twenty minutes late. I opened the door and allowed Kate to walk in first. She walked through, and then hesitated. I put my hand on her back and gently guided her into the waiting room. I looked around and realized why she had stopped. There were six people seated, all of whom turned to watch as Kate and I walked in.

"Harry," she whispered frantically.

"It's okay, love. Go tell Morgan you're here." I gently pushed her forward again and she walked up to the reception desk where Morgan waited with a smile.

Kate joined me at a spot in the corner. We sank into the chairs pretending like we didn't notice six sets of eyes glued to us. I felt a small pang of guilt; I knew how nervous situations like this made Kate. When I saw one of the other patients subtly raise her phone to snap our photo, I turned and faced Kate to distract her. I put my hand on her thigh. "How are you feeling, love?"

"Fine," she said quietly.

"Are you nervous about talking to Dr. Monahan?"

"No. He said he just wanted to ask a few questions about recovery. I've been feeling better lately, so I don't think I need to worry."

"Of course not," I frowned.

"Kate?" A nurse appeared in the doorway. There was a simultaneous eye roll from the other waiting patients who had been waiting longer than us. Kate stood up and I followed her lead.

"Actually, Harry," Kate turned around, "do you think you could wait here for me?"

"You don't want me to go with you?"

"It's not that," she shook her head.

"It's fine," I smiled. "I'll wait here for you, love. Whatever you want."