#rejection?

Things move fast. They take Beth straight back. He tries to follow to be told he will be let back after they have her settled. All he can do is pace the waiting room, from the fish tank, to the dingy chairs and magazine covered tables, by the television mounted on the wall playing an old movie, and back around. It is on his six rotation, that his name is called.

“Is she okay? Is it a rejection?” He gasps out as he follows the nurse into the bowels of the ER.

“I can't answer those questions.” She patiently replies. She opens a door and gestures him to go in.

“Beth! Baby what have they said?” She lays on the stretcher/bed, an IV in and a monitor on her heart. The ‘thump' is reassuring.

“Julian, come sit.” She fears he will pass out on her and that will help nothing. When he is in the chair beside her she continues, “They have done test. But, as you can hear, my heart sounds good.”

“It does. How long?”

“They put a rush on them. There are meds if I am rejecting. But I don’t think I am. Before, I could feel myself being pulled away. I don’t feel that way now.”

“Good. I am not ready to let you go yet.” She smiles but turns away from his sincere look. “What? What is it Beth? Talk to me.”

“It is just this puts it all in focus. Just how limited our time is. If not now, it will be before Reilly starts puberty, if we are blessed.”

“There is meds, as you said, another heart. Right?”

“Maybe. It is just..”

“Miss Pierce?” They look up at the entrance of the doctor. “I am Dr. Patel, head cardiologist here.”

“So, am I rejecting?” Julian reaches for her hand. She clings to it.

“No. I am sorry I scared you. It is just with the transplant, I was assigned to your case.”

“Thank God!” Julian prays.

“Dr. Patel, My boyfriend, Julian Kern.”

“Nice to meet you. Miss Pierce, you have the flu. We are going to admit you, because..”

“All infections are dangerous.”

“Just so. A dose of antiviral meds, monitoring your heart, for a few days. You should be good to go then.”

“Thank you Dr. Patel.”

“You are welcome to stay Mr. Kern.”

“He can't. He has a baby.”

“Okay. We will have you upstairs in an hour.” He leaves them.

“I can and will get my mom to sit Reilly.” He declares.

“No. Julian I can't take you away from your son for two or three days.”

“It isn’t a problem Beth.”

“This is getting complicated. Maybe we should slow it down.”

“What? Beth I love you.”

“I know. But you have already loss one woman you loved. I can't let you experience that again.”

“Life isn't guaranteed Beth.”

“No but me needing a new heart in, at the most, nine years, is. Go home to Reilly. I will see you when I get out.”

“Beth please.” He holds tight to her hand as tears drip down his face.

“I love you. This isn't good bye just see you later. Please. I need time to think.”

He stands on shaky legs. “I will see you when you get out?”

Him: so are we fucking tonight?;)

Me: I have a headache

Him: I can make it better;)

Me: I’m exhausted

Him: I can wake you up with something;)

Me: I don’t feel well

Him: I can make you feel better;)

Me: I got hit by a bus

Him: I’ll hit you with something harder;)

Me: I am literally dead inside

Him: I’ll put some life into you;)

Me: Motherfucker, I’m on my period!

Him: So....in a week?;)

Me: Alright I’m demisexual

Him: ....?

Me: I don’t get turned on by strangers, I need an emotional connection.

Him: ....

Me: I don’t hookups, romantic connections only

Him: *blocks me on literally everything*