Page 21 of One Step Behind

‘What about CT?’ Diya asks.

I pause for the longest of seconds. Diya’s forehead furrows and I can tell she’s about to prompt me.

‘He has a severe intracranial haemorrhage on the left side,’ I say.

There. It’s done. That’s twice now that I’ve saved your life.

As soon as you’re stable, I leave the resus bay and collapse into a chair in the locker room.

‘What was that all about?’ Diya asks, two steps behind me.

‘What?’

‘You, just now. You were freaking out in there, Jenna. The others might not have been able to see it, but I could.’

‘It was … nothing. I …’

‘Jenna, remember who you’re talking to here.’

I bite down on my lip and nod. ‘It was him.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘That trauma patient, he’s my stalker.’

‘What?’ Diya’s mouth drops open, her eyes widen. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes.’

‘Oh my God. Why didn’t you say something? You shouldn’t have been in there.’

‘He’d be dead if I hadn’t been.’

My words hang in the silence between us and, as I watch the emotions play on my best friend’s face, I see the same thoughts turn over in her mind that I had earlier, and I love her for it.

She reaches over and squeezes my hand. ‘Go home now. OK? You look exhausted. Are you working this weekend?’

I shake my head.

‘Good.’

Diya’s pager beeps and she stands up. ‘I’d better get back. Call me anytime, all right?’

‘Thanks. And Diya?’

‘Yeah?’

‘Will you text me later? Tell me what happens to him?’

She pauses for a moment before nodding her head. ‘Sure.’

She strides out and the walls seem to close in around me the moment I’m alone again. Am I relieved I didn’t kill you? Or disappointed in myself? Did I choose life because of my oath as a doctor; because whether you deserve it or not, I don’t know who I’d be if I intentionally let you die? Or is it simpler: did I just chicken out?

I don’t know.

Chapter 12

Jenna