The Royal Contract

“It will sting, but I already put something that would ease the pain.” The doctor warned her as he started treating the cut. The wound was not very long, but it was deep and had hit an artery.

Suddenly, he wished it was him in her position. So she did not have to suffer the pain. Every cringe he saw in her face was like a knife going through his guts. He felt he deserved it more than she did.

“Please, continue,” Amelia said bravely. “Don’t mind me. I can take the pain.” She kept saying as the doctor abruptly stopped when she pulled her hands away from him.

Sometimes her eyes closed tightly, appearing to be blocking out the pain. It made him want to punch the man again and again. But his logical mind had stopped him from walking out of this cubicle. Then look for the man who was also receiving care for his injuries.

Evan kept telling himself that he should have beaten the man senseless before he had the chance to hurt her. Then, none of this would have happened. But it was too late for regret.

However, he was glad that the man was now in the custody of the police. He was out of the street where he could hurt anyone else. He would make sure that man would rot behind bars.

.....

Those kinds of people had no place in the community. Yet, he believed that some people could change, but others were hopeless. He doubted that man was capable of rehabilitation.

“I think we are all done here. I will give you some prescription for the pain and some antibiotics to prevent complications.” The doctor said as he cleaned up the materials he used, throwing them in the medical waste bin.

He snapped out of his reverie as he looked at the large plaster covering her arms, a reminder of what happened today. But he should still be thankful for that.

“Thanks, Doc.” Both simultaneously said while the doctor only smiled and nodded. “Do you think she would need supervision? Is it ok for her to be alone for the night?” Evan continued asking questions as several scenes ran through his mind.

He remembered people who had trauma had dizzy spells and had late reactions. He was worried that the symptoms might show up when he was not around.

The doctor had a funny grin on his lips when he faced him. “Ms. Amelia only sustained a minor injury. But unless she had a concussion on her head that we did not know about, I doubt she would need constant supervision.”

Well, he was not a doctor. Besides, this was his first time attending to an injured person. Nobody could blame him for being thorough since he was only concerned about her condition.

“All you need to do is to drink your medicines and apply the wound ointment on the affected area when you clean them so it would heal faster.” The doctor reminded her before turning to him. He just assumed that he would be helping her in the process of her care.

He knew he had done good in defending her against that man, but he still felt terrible that she got hurt. He wanted to make it up to her, but he had no idea how.

“I am ok. I know what I have to do.” Amelia said to him when she faced her as the doctor finally left them after treating her wound. His face must have worry lines and a signboard that said he was anxious as she smiled, trying to reassure him.

“Can I drive you back to your hotel?” He told her, unable to think of anything else to say. “If you need any help. I am here.” He quickly added.

“Ok.” She responded with a sweet, shy smile as deep dimples appeared on her cheeks. “But I am happy that you were unharmed.” She stood up from the bed and grabbed her bag from the other side.

At least they managed to retrieve all her belongings that the man had stolen from her. Although she kept saying all her things were replaceable. She still insisted she would not know what to do if something terrible happened to Evan.

“You should never play the hero. You could have seriously hurt yourself or died.” She added as she finally walked before him, exiting the cubicle and out of the emergency area.

She was right about that.

He should never play the hero because he was far from being one. But under that circumstances, knowing it was her life on the line. He knew he would do it all over again. He could never ignore her safety.

Why was he doing this? Why was he acting this strange?

Because maybe David and Rosella were right. She was the one, but he was closing on his door to the possibility. He was so focused on his commitment issue that he had forgotten what was important, having someone in his life.

“Oh! I forgot.” He scratched the back of his head, realizing one mistake. He rode with her in the ambulance, so he had no car. Besides, he was jogging before they ended up in a hospital.

“Let me just grab a taxi then.” He guided her further into the street.

Using his two fingers, he whistled loudly. It was the most effective way to call a taxi in this place.

“After you,” Evan opened the door as soon as the taxi stopped before them. Then he followed her inside, giving instructions on where to go.

He automatically assumed she was staying at the same hotel where he saw her. It was where the event was happening. But she appeared surprised that he knew.

“I know, Haley. I guessed she would book you at the same place for the event.” He explained as they sat in the backseat of the cab on their way to her hotel.

Suddenly, he could not determine if fate kept intertwining their life together or if the world had gotten tinier for the two of them. It was weird that they kept bumping into each other, especially with today’s incident.

Once outside the hotel lobby, he wondered if he should still accompany her to her room. She was safe inside this lobby, and the doctors said she would not need any more supervision.

But a part of him did not want the day to end. Not just yet. He was genuinely enjoying her company. And he would like to spend more time with her.

He was through denying it to himself, but could he admit that to her? Would she believe him? How would he tell her that he was ready for a commitment?