“This is about Lily, isn’t it?” Rachael asked with her brows raised.
“Yes, it is.” Tony agreed, taking his hands up. “You know how she feels about you not speaking to her right?” He asked and Rachael’s expression shifted to sadness.
“I’ll be honest with you, Tony. I think I was too harsh on her. I have been feeling this way for a while but I do not know how to apologize to her. I fear I might have hurt her badly. She avoids me these days and I can see fear in her eyes whenever we meet.” Racheal lamented with a pained expression.
Tony let out a sigh of relief and a light smile. He was glad that Rachael was thinking that way.
“All you have to do is let her know that you are not upset with her and you want things to return to how they were.” He said.
“The good part is, you have the opportunity to do that today.” He smiled. Before he heard her speak, he was going to tell her what Lily’s surprise was and plead with her not to make Lily feel bad but now, he planned on letting Lily do her thing with the hope that Rachael would keep to her word and mend things between them.
“Today?” Rachael asked with a confused look but before Tony could give her a reply, the sound of Lily’s cheerful voice interrupted them.
“Good morning!” She entered the room with a bright smile, her left hand behind her. When Rachael saw her, a smile broke out on her lips as Lily’s cheerful and kind heart despite everything that had happened.
“Good morning, Rachael.” Lily’s expression dropped slightly when she turned to Rachael who was staring intently at her. She expected Rachael to stand and leave the dining room but, to her surprise, she remained seated.
Lily’s eyes shifted to Tony as she struggled to carry on with the plan but he gave her a slight nod, giving her the go-ahead she needed.
Lily took a deep breath and turned to Rachael. “Can I…do you mind if I speak to you?” She asked, biting her lips nervously.
“Of course,” Rachael replied and gestured at the seat before her but Lily shook her head and decided to remain standing
“I just wanted to apologize for everything that has happened within the short time I found myself here. I know this isn’t the life you envisioned for your brother and family and it is all because of me. If I didn’t come in, you guys wouldn’t be worried about being attacked or anything like that.” Lily sighed and lowered her head.
“I am sorry, Rachael. I never planned for any of this to happen. I know that forgiving me would be hard but I plead with you to consider it. I don’t have many friends in my life so, I can’t afford to lose you…. please.” Lily begged and finally raised her head only to see that Rachael was smiling at her with tears in her eyes.
“Oh, Lily…” She sighed. “None of this is your fault. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you. If anything, you are a victim here. I am so sorry.” Rachael apologized and held out her hands for a hug which Lily took gladly, her eyes now watering with tears.
As they pulled out of the hug, Lily finally revealed what she had been hiding in her left hand.
“I got these for you,” Lily said, extending the flowers and an even wider smile broke out on Rachael’s lips.
“Awww, Lily. You’re so sweet. When did you get this?” She asked, taking the bouquet with one hand and the other on her chest.
“During my evening break yesterday,” Lily replied cheerfully.
“I know how much you value your breaks and for you to use that time to get me something…that warms my heart, Lily. Thank you so much. How did you know I love roses? Did Tony tell you?” She asked out of curiosity but Lily shook her head.
“He didn’t. I just took a wild guess. Besides, you look like a rose lover.” She answered with a giggle.
“Well…I’m glad all that is finally out of the way. Can we never do that again?” Tony said, shaking his head with a sigh and both ladies laughed.
*
*
Later that day, Lily and Tony returned to the hospital for the day’s work. Lily felt as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and it was evident in her smiles and giggles all through the ride to the hospital
When they arrived, Lily felt lighter than she had felt in days because of the misunderstanding between her and Rachael.
They said their goodbyes and headed to their various offices but, as Lily walked through the hallway, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. She turned around at intervals to see if there was anyone but all she saw were her fellow nurses and doctors walking to and fro in a hurry.
Lily decided to brush off the feeling since there was no way any of Louis’s men would make it into the hospital. Not after Tony had doubled the security.
As she went into her office, the first place she visited was the dressing room where she changed into her uniform and got ready for the day.
She sat and went through the patient files on her desk when a voice behind made her jump.
“Hey!” The voice called out and Lily almost screamed. When she turned, she saw one of the new male nurses smiling at her. She could tell he was tall with how much she towered over her and the other nurses who walked past. He had neatly combed dark hair and a friendly demeanor, the kind that just makes you get comfortable without even being familiar with them.
“Lily, right?” He asked with a bright smile and she returned a smile with a polite one.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“My name is Oliver and I’m new here but, I’m sure you already know that.” He chuckled nervously and ran his hands through his hair like a high school kid.
“Yes, I do. Is there a problem, Oliver? Do you need my help with something?” She asked kindly, hoping to help him out with whatever issue he had but, he shook his head.
“No, no. Well, yes. I am looking for friends here you know… eat lunch with and hang out once in a while and you caught my eye.
“Oh..”
“Well, I don’t have many morning shifts anymore so, so lunch wouldn’t be possible but, I can always help you out if you need anything.” She assured and he nodded.
“Thank you, Lily. I hope we become good friends.” He said as he walked away.
Lily initially wanted to decline his offer to be friends but then realized that she had been at the hospital for a month and a few weeks and still had no friends.
“Won’t be bad to give this one a try.” She said with a shrug.