Chapter 2: The Bed by the Window

"Mom, don't talk about her like that. She's actually really good." Willow's voice carried a practiced little pout. "Good? What's good about her?" Damian snorted. "She used to do whatever she was told. Now she marries Felix and suddenly she thinks she's someone." Dad's voice joined in. "Vanessa's always been sensible. Lately, I don't know what's gotten into her." "Exactly." Mom sighed. "She was never like this before. Now she's got an attitude about everything." I stood in the hallway. Listening. Didn't push the door open. Didn't announce myself. I walked to the meal station at the end of the hall. Set the box of cinnamon rolls down. "Nurse. Can you take this to room 601 later? For Willow. Just tell her I left it here." The nurse looked up. She took in my pale face. Glanced at the pastry box. "Why not take it in yourself? You don't look good. Are you okay?" I shook my head. "I'm fine. Thank you." I turned. Walked to the billing counter. The private-room card that was supposed to be mine was with Willow now. "Hi. I need to redo my admission." I handed the registration clerk my ID. "Didn't you already check in? Private room. Deposit's been paid." The clerk checked the computer. "That was for my sister." My voice stayed even. "I need a new room assignment, please." The clerk paused. Gave me a complicated look. "Ms. Sinclair. I'm sorry. All our private suites are full." "The only general beds left are in a shared ward. It'll be noisy. Are you sure?" "Yes." I took the new bed slip and walked into the shared ward at the end of the hall. The room was thick with smells. Beds crammed together. Visitors in folding chairs, chatting. Noise everywhere. I found my bed by the window. Set my canvas tote down in silence. Just sat down. My phone lit up. Felix. Video call. I pulled in a breath. Fixed my face. Hit answer. Felix filled the screen. Dark shirt, deep-set eyes. Hotel room somewhere overseas behind him. "Vanessa. How are you feeling? Is the baby giving you trouble?" His voice was low. Gentle. "Everything's good. The baby's being good." I forced my voice light. Felix caught it anyway. His brow furrowed. He stared at the background behind me. "You're not in your room. Where is this? Why's it so loud?" I angled the phone down without thinking. "Oh. The AC broke in my room. The nurse had me squeeze in here for now. It'll be fixed tomorrow." Felix's frown deepened. "Your parents? They're not with you?" "They went to get something for Willow." I dropped my eyes. Avoided his searching gaze. Felix went quiet for two seconds. "Vanessa. Are they hurting you?" The sting hit the back of my eyes. I bit down hard on my lip. Forced the tears back. "No. You're imagining things." "Is work going okay? When are you coming back?" "Fastest I can is the day after tomorrow." Felix exhaled. "I'm sorry, Vanessa. I should be there." "It's fine. Work comes first. My parents are still with me. Don't worry." I hung up. Leaned back against the stiff pillow. Closed my eyes. My phone buzzed again. Damian this time. I picked up. His rage blasted through instantly. "Vanessa! The damn pastries were freezing by the time you got here. You trying to make Willow sick?" "Then throw them out." My voice was flat. Damian froze. Didn't expect me to talk back. "What the hell is wrong with you? Where's this attitude coming from?" "Where are you? Get back here and peel an apple for Willow!" "I'm tired. I'm resting." I hung up. Switched my phone off. The ward was loud. The woman in the next bed was yelling at her kid. I'd never felt more peace.