NOVPUBRaelynn sat on the edge of the bed, slipping on her shoes as the morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. She stretched her arms, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Even after waking up, the warmth of her dream still lingered, leaving a pleasant, almost nostalgic feeling in her chest.
She couldn’t remember the last time she had a good dream like that, one that didn’t end in too much confusion or fear. Yet, despite the lightness in her heart, a small voice in the back of her mind nagged at her about today’s visit.
Elion had said it was just to make sure everything was fine, but the suddenness of it unsettled her.
She turned to look at him, standing by the door with his usual composed expression, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. "This sudden visit to Zake… It’s just a check-up, right?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Elion met her gaze, his lips twitching into a small smile. "You’re overthinking it. Just making sure everything’s alright."
Raelynn exhaled, nodding. That made sense. But before she could say anything else, the door opened, and in walked Reinhart and Sloane.
"Are you two ready?" Reinhart asked, stretching lazily. His eyes flicked toward Elion before settling on Raelynn. "Zake’s expecting us."
Raelynn blinked. "You guys are coming too?"
Elion, as if reading her mind, spoke before she could question further. "Not that I don’t trust Sloane, but getting a second opinion wouldn’t hurt."
Sloane arched a brow but smirked knowingly. "Well, aren’t you just full of faith in me?"
Raelynn chuckled, shaking her head. "Fair enough." She appreciated Elion’s cautiousness. If she were being honest with herself, she didn’t mind having multiple people making sure she was okay.
Once they were ready, the four of them headed out. The ride to the hospital was quiet at first, the gentle hum of the car filling the space. Raelynn gazed out the window, watching the city blur past. Every so often, she could feel Elion’s eyes on her. His gaze was sharp, unreadable, and it wasn’t the first time she caught him checking on her. After the third time, she turned to him with an amused look.
"Alright, what’s with that look?" she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. "You’ve been checking on me like a worried husband or something."
Elion smirked, unbothered. "I can be one if you want."
Raelynn felt her breath hitch, heat rushing to her cheeks. She bit her lip tightly, internally scolding herself for teasing him in the first place. She should’ve known by now that Elion never lost these little games. She turned her gaze back to the window, vowing to be more careful with her words next time.
She kept her gaze fixed on the passing buildings, willing her heart to settle. Elion, of course, seemed completely at ease, one hand resting lazily on the steering wheel, a faint smirk still lingering on his lips.
When they finally pulled up to the hospital, Raelynn exhaled slowly, grateful for the distraction.
As she opened the door, the sound of another car pulling up behind them made her pause. She turned her head just in time to see Reinhart and Sloane step out of their vehicle, Reinhart shutting the door with a quiet thud while Sloane stretched her arms overhead with a yawn.
Elion glanced at them through the side mirror before unbuckling his seatbelt. "Right on time," he mused.
Raelynn nodded, pushing open the door and stepping out. They then walked together as Zake’s voice greeted them the moment they entered through the hospital’s backway, his usual calm smile in place. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed as he took in the group. "Long time no see, troublemaker."
Raelynn rolled her eyes but smiled. "You act like I cause trouble on purpose."
Zake chuckled. "If the shoe fits."
Elion wasted no time. "Like I told you on the phone—"
Zake’s smirk faded as he nodded seriously. "Yeah, I got it."
Reinhart grinned. "Before we get to the serious stuff, does Raelynn know about the little history between you and Sloane?"
Raelynn simply nodded. Reinhart, however, didn’t miss the opportunity to smirk. "So, what do you think about those two?"
Sloane groaned. "Reinhart, if you don’t have any new tea, then at least don’t recycle the old stuff."
Zake huffed. "She has a point."
Reinhart pouted. "You guys are no fun."
Raelynn smiled at their banter. It was strange how comfortable she felt around them, despite the unease she carried about the visit. 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝙗.𝒄𝒐𝒎
Once inside the private hospital room, Zake got to work. He ran the usual tests, his tone light and casual as he chatted with her. However, halfway through, she noticed his expression shift. It was subtle—the slight furrow of his brows, the way his hands stilled for just a moment before continuing. If she hadn’t been watching, she might’ve missed it.
Zake and Elion exchanged a glance. A silent exchange. Raelynn’s stomach clenched.
"What?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the way her pulse picked up. "What is it?"
Zake’s usual smirk returned, but there was something guarded behind it. "Nothing major," he said smoothly. "But I’d love to see you again in a week."
Raelynn narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "That’s not an answer."
Zake turned away, scribbling something on a notepad before handing her a prescription. "Just take these. One daily. The other one… only if, God forbid, the pain comes again."
Raelynn stared at the paper before looking back at him. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air. But no one was going to tell her anything. She could feel it.
As they left the hospital, the tension in her chest only grew heavier. The others were chatting lightly, Reinhart cracking another joke that she barely registered. She placed a hand over her belly, fingers tracing over the fabric of her shirt.
"It’s okay," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. "Everything’s okay. Nothing will happen."
Yet, despite her words, the unease in her heart refused to fade.
