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Opposites Attract - Chapter 2#
🕑 Added 2022-01-24 04:13:26 +0000 UTC( sorry for shut weird misspellings or grammar mistakes)
Chapter 2
“ Here, would you like to go out? I know its a lo-“
“ No, I'll stay. Can you pull a chair over for me “
He nods, turning and dragging a chair over to the bedside from where it stood against the far wall. I sit down at the man's side, my eyes scanning over him. As I stare I am in awe. Not of his numerous stitched cuts, bandaged head, or all the machines keeping him breathing. No, it is his face. He’s handsome, but looks as though he has never had one easy day. His huge paws; limp on the bed are worn and scarred. His face, though scratched, has three clearly old scars. One large one on his jaw, a long jagged one on his lips, and a small faded one across his right eyebrow.
I look to Brennon “ what’s his name “
He sits back in a chair opposite me letting out deep sigh ” This beast of a dog is Mitch Andreas. “ A soft smile pulls at the corners of my mouth “ he’s definitely big “ Dr Brennon chuckles shaking his head “ believe it or not he is a whole five inches taller than me, and I’m considered tall!“ I grin looking back to Mitch’s still body. I look at his soft ears; one with a small tear in it. Then my eyes wander to his strong brows all bunched together making him look all the more menacing. From his brows my gaze travels down to his eyelashes. They linger as I try to imagine his eyes. I stare for a long moment before I hear Brennan's chair slide causing me to look up. He stands there for a moment looking down at his phone “ I'm sorry I have to go check on a patient on level two. Stay as long as you’d like, just be sure to close the door when you go out. “ I look over my shoulder as he breezes out of the room before I can even respond. I chuckle softly “ doctors huh “ I say aloud smiling faintly as I look at Mitch. His chest rises and falls in a slow rhythm. Leaning forward I gently rub between his brows “ from one dog to another, a big scary guy like you should relax your face or that line will be permanent. Than you’ll have all the girls running for the hills”
To my surprise as I rub his expression softens. I go to say something but a knock on the door has me yanking my hand away. The door opens and the male nurse from earlier leans in.
“ Your friend is here to get you, she seems a bit impatient so I’d be fast “ he says before ducking back out.
Sighing softly I stand; bearing my weight down on the crutches. I turn to go but myself hesitating. I look back at Mitch, and even though I know he can't hear me or see me I wave “ bye bye, wake up soon so I can see your eyes. “ I turn away and make it to the door before I say over my shoulder.
“ I’ll come back. That way you aren’t alone “
With that I open the door and step out. The door clicks shut behind me as I limp out into the warmly lit hallway.
I make my way out to the parking lot where I will surely find an impatient Sophia. As I thought, Sophia is out of her car holding the passenger door open; her foot tapping against the wet pavement.
“ Come on, come on, it's cold as hell. “ she says, gesturing for me to pick up the pace. Rolling my eyes I slide into the passenger seat wincing.
“ I can’t exactly run “ I grumble as Sophia darts around the front of the car and practically throws herself into the driver's seat. I stare at her for a moment before shaking my head and reaching back pulling my seatbelt across me.
The drive home to my apartment that should have only taken about 10 minutes took us an eternity. Sophia, who had been cursing and flailing next to me for the entirety of the drive now sits silent next to me. She lets her head drop down on the wheel and her velvety ears flop on to the dash.
“ I hate New York. Damn it, now I have to do it all over again to get home! “ she complains, throwing her hands up.
“ Stay the night. You’ve done so much for me today. Besides, I want to tell you about someone I met at the hospital. “
Sophia sits up slowly, her head turning to me with a big grin; so much for being angry about the traffic, that big faker.
“ oh? Did you meet a cute doctor? “
I laugh awkwardly; she has no idea how wrong she is. “ no no, actually he's a patient “ I say avoiding her eyes as I unbuckle.
“ a patient? What’s his deal? Did he say “ she unbuckles and comes to the passenger door opening it for me.
“ Well he didn't say much, considering his situation “ mumbling the last part I quickly get out.
“ his… situation? “ She raises a scrutinizing brow at me. Our eyes meet for a moment and I blush slightly feeling a little silly.
“ he's in a coma “
“ He’s what! “
An embarrassed giggle escapes me as I take my bag from Sophia. I fish my keys from the side pocket before I feel a tight grip on my arm. “ what do you mean Kai “
“ he's just a man who I sat with while I was waiting for you. He doesn’t have anyone, so I plan to go see him now and then.
I turn away from her facing my door; leaning into my crutches as I try and unlock the front door to my apartment. The key, stubborn as ever, refuses to go into the lock. Sophia steps to my side holding out a paw.
Sighing I shove the key into her waiting paw. She shoo’s me out of the way and with no trouble at all the key slides into the lock and opens the door. We make it in before Sophia speaks up.
“ So tell me about your coma buddy. Does he have a name? Or is he just ‘some guy’? “
As I slide my slippers off I smile, shaking my head; my hair falling into my face as I do.
“ his name is Mitch Andreas “
“ hm, why does that sound so familiar? What does he look like? Is he the man of your dreams? “ she teases, fluttering her lashes as she plops down on the couch tossing her shoes off. I slip down into the floor rubbing my ankle softly
“ He is handsome. Not in the Casey way. More rough looking, weathered. He looks like he's waited all his life to get a nap “ I say thoughtfully; turning my head to look at Sophia.
“ So he's ruggedly handsome? Great but you don't know him, why go and sit with him. I’m sure he has family or who knows a wife or girlfriend who will not be pleased to find a pink chick getting all goo goo eyed over their comatose man “
My jaw drops and the inside of my ears flush “ you- you are the worst you know! I know I don't know him. And besides… “ I break eye contact remembering what Silvia had said “ he doesn’t have anyone, have a little respect “
“ He doesn't have anyone. The one person he at least hung out with died in the same accident as him. I talked to the doctor who is overseeing him, he said no one has come in. “
A light touch brushes my curls out of my face. I look up and find Sophia’s face uncharacteristically soft.
“ you are too good for this world kaia, really. “ she leans down from the couch hugging my back; her fuzzy cheek rubbing into mine. I blush a little and reach back hugging her.
“ Just be careful ok. Who knows what kind of person he is. He could wake up and be someone you don’t want to put yourself around. “ She releases me from her hug and slides into the floor next to me leaning back on the couch.
“ but go see him, maybe I’ll come with you one day so I can meet your mysterious man “
I shake my head leaning over letting my head rest on her shoulder.
“ I’ll be careful. I have no intention to fall in love “ Sophia pats my knee softly
“ whatever you say love bird “
That night Sophia did end up staying over, but by morning she had left to go help Casey try and find a substitute. Most teachers would probably rejoice at the idea of being able to take a few days to relax. I am not one of those teachers however. I love my job, I do what I love day in and day out.
The morning after my embarrassing injury I wake up and find I am most definitely not going to work and I can’t go see Mitch either. I’m stubborn but I can't ignore my swollen ankle… but I want to go see him.
Over the next three days of doing nothing but resting my ankle, I find myself thinking more of going back to the hospital than going to work. I can't explain it but I felt as though I was being pulled there.
Friday comes and my ankle is almost as good as new, and that means I can go out. I still won't be dancing for another few days just in case, but I can however go see my sleeping friend.
I wake up early and find myself fussing over what to wear. “Just about anything is better than wearing nothing but a pink leotard” . I say aloud, shaking my head and laughing quietly to myself. At least he couldn't see me. After digging through half my wardrobe I decide on an oversized sweater that just about swallows me, and a pair of jeans and boots. The boots really didn't help me look any taller. Girl, I have seen rabbits taller than you.
With one last quick look in the mirror and some adjustments to my unruly hair I head out.
When I arrive at the hospital, visiting time had just begun. The hospital is buzzing with the chatter of patients, and the nurses going about their morning check-ins. Compared to when I had been in, this feels like madness. Babies crying, fully grown men crying, and nurses and doctors trying their hardest to keep it together. Suddenly I have an all new respect for the patience of the staff as I watch two doctors dealing with a nearly historical elderly ram brandishing a cane.
I come to the front desk limping only slightly; trying to avoid getting clobbered. I spot Silvia speaking to a thin rabbit girl holding a small bundle I can only assume is where all the crying is coming from. She smiles widely at me, politely holding up a claw as if to say I will be with you in just a minute.
I nod smiling back. I look past the rabbit's ears to the room where I’d find Mitch. I wonder if he's doing ok. This hospital isn’t the best, are the doctors being nice to him, is that doctor still being-
“ Good morning! I thought I might be seeing you. “ I jump ever so slightly at the sudden sound of Silvia’s voice. Heat flushes my ears pink as I looking to her.
“ Oh! I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you “ she holds a clipboard out to me. “ No it's my fault, I was just spacing out. “ I take the clipboard, It’s a visitor's sign in. I look up to her tilting my head in silent question. How did you know? She smiles once again as she hands me a pen.
“ Dr Brennon mentioned you might come in to visit sleeping beauty “ a sudden laugh bursts from me; it is however quickly hushed by the paw I clap over my mouth. Silvia giggles but her expression soon goes a bit dark.
“ It really is kind of you to come see him. No one has. The nurses and I would but as you can imagine, we don't have a whole lot of time to just sit. “ she gestures to the packed waiting room.
I look down the hall once more “ I just hate the idea of him waking up all by himself. If he woke up and found out not a single person cared where he was, or if he was ok or not. I think that would hurt more than anything.” Silvia nods sadly. “ He will be happy to know he wasn’t alone. Plus he can probably hear you. He can’t respond but me and another nurse found he likes when you talk. His hands move”
I smile slightly as I jot my signature down. “ Well, in that case. I will talk his ear off “
Silvia takes me down the hall and unlocks the door. Once we are inside, Silvia sighs deeply letting her back press into the door “ I love my job, I love my job, I love my job “ she recites it as though to remind herself. She inhales deeply and pushes off the door. “Are a lot of days like this one? “ I ask; tucking a loose strand of hair back.
“ No no, thank god. Most days are relatively peaceful. But when days like this do come. I question my career choice “ she laughs softly; straightening her scrubs before turning back to the door. “ You two have fun. Mitch be sure you give her a chance to talk too “ I put a paw over my mouth holding in another little laugh. She grins and winks before slipping back out of the room. The door clicks shut then I turn. I turn to find Mitch looks even more tired. I quietly slip to his side and take a seat in a cozy chair. I scoot in a bit closer till my knees touch the edge of the bed, and his hand is just within reach.
His soft brown tuft of fur hangs down in his eyes and his brows were back to being bunched together. I clear my throat slightly as I rest my elbows on the edge of the bed and look up at him.
“ For someone who does nothing but sleep, you look exhausted. And what did we talk about? You are going to look grumpy forever if you sleep like that. “ I reach over him, placing a padded finger in between his brows. I press, running little strokes as if o were smoothing a wrinkle in paper. Once again his face gradually relaxes.
“ There you go… much better. “ I stare down at him; my paw drifts up to his hair. Without thinking about it I brush it back out of his face. His small horns press into my touch. From there my hand slides down till I’m caressing his cheek. My hand rests there for a moment before I pull it away.
“ You my friend, need a hair brush, and look at your scruffy chin “
I tisk softly, shaking my head letting a smile grow on my face “ don’t worry you still look handsome. Even if you do look a bit scratched up. “ my smile falls as I lean my chin into my paw “ girl, you’re flirting with a guy in a coma who doesn’t know you “ I sigh deeply letting my head drop onto the edge of the bed “ what Casey sees in me I have no idea “
There is a long pause then I hear something. I sit up and stare at him; ears pinned trying to listen “ did you move “ I say as I notice his large paw closest to me is now balled into a fist “ you did! You can hear me can’t you. “ I feel pink come to my ears again “ How embarrassing, and here I was talking about Casey “ I say softly to myself. I glance down to his paw again and notice it has relaxed slightly. I reach a hand out and spread his paw back out. I rub the center of it noticing impressions from his sharp claws “ Relax or your nails will end up po- “
The door opens suddenly and in steps Dr Brennon. Wait, no it’s not Brennon. It’s that other doctor I saw the day I came in. I pull my hand away suddenly as he steps in nose buried in his clipboard “ alright coma boy, let’s see if you are going to be able to wake up anytime soon “
“It’s not very nice to talk about someone like that “ I say without even looking to the wolf. He looks up suddenly, I seem to have caused him to lose the ability to speak. I turn to him, a look of disgust on my face “ cat got your tongue? “
He clears his throat shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts “ why are you in here girl. Do you know Mr Andreas “
I nod lifting my paw, delicately placing it in Mitch's. “ He is a friend.” A lie but what do I care about? This wolf clearly doesn't respect his patients. Why would he respect me if I said I was just a random girl visiting. “don’t appreciate the way you talk about him doctor… “ I squint to read his name tag “ Dr Caiman. “
Dr Caiman stiffens his alert ear pinning back “ I don’t think you really know this man. He doesn’t have any family yet you just show up.” He takes a prowling step forward, his large clawed paws digging into the paper of the clipboard. “ How do you know him. “My back presses into the chair hard as he takes another large step towards me; a soft growl lacing his words “ who would be friends with a stupid, flea bitten, south side mutt like him! “
The door opens abruptly, sending Dr Caiman spinning. In the doorway with his arms crossed stands Brennon. “ Sorry for the interruption. Dr Caiman are you done harassing our visitors, and our poor patients? “
Caiman looks at me over his shoulder before huffing a growl shoving past Brennon out into the hall.
I take a shaking breath sitting back up “ are you ok? I’m so sorry about him “ nodding slowly I relax ever so slightly. I go to brush my paw over my hair when I realize it is being held. Not hard but firmly. I smile looking back to Dr Brennon. “ It's ok, he didn’t touch me. Besides I had someone’s paw to hold. “
I look down to my paw, tipping my chin toward the large one softly holding mine. Brennons brows raise in shock
“ The nurses did say he liked when people talk but he's holding onto you. That is a really good sign. He will probably be able to wake up soon if he continues to show this kind of activity “
“ really? “
Brennon takes a seat on the edge of the bed looking down at our hands. He nods a small smile growing on his face as his eyes meet mine.
“ It will be another few weeks till we can take him off the machines but once we do he should come to in a few days. It often takes time to get back to full consciousness “
I feel Mitch’s grip tighten and I look up to find that Mitch’s face has tensed again.
“ He does that a lot, tenses his face all up. It makes me wonder what he's thinking and what might be happening in his long dream. “
Dr Brennon rubs his white haired scruffy chin for a moment. “ I believe he is dreaming but also entirely aware. He hears us, knows we are here but just cant move or speak. “
I place my free paw on Mitch’s tense hand rubbing softly.
“ if that’s true, then all the more reason for me to stay and make sure he isn’t alone. I'll come everyday. No one should have to be alone through something like this. “
Brennon smiles widely; his old eyes bunching in the corners.
“ Well, I look forward to having you here. You are welcome whenever you feel like coming. I'd love to stay longer but I have to talk to the higher ups about that Dr Caiman. He has been upsetting many of the staff and as you’ve seen he is not very respectful to our patients. “
He stands with a soft sigh and turns to me “ ill be sure to have your chair waiting the next time you come. “
Smiling, I give him a nod of thanks before he turns and leaves me. Once he's gone I look back once more to the warm paw holding mine. I let my free paw run up to his elbow to where various small scars dapple his forearm.
“ relax, you’re ok “ I say softly shifting so my elbows are resting on the edge of the bed.
“ I’ll be stay “
Comments
I can’t wait for more 😭😭 this is so good
Working on it 💕
This is so freaking cute I need more I have to ready more
