The Physical Examination
In the ensuing days, it came to pass that a physical examination was scheduled for Ethan, as advised by Austin.
According to his counsel, a pre-surgical physical examination allows the surgical team to ascertain whether one is in good enough health to undergo anesthesia and an operation.
This evaluation provides crucial information to the surgeon and anesthesiologist about the patient’s well-being, ensuring they are fully equipped and capable of customizing their medical care to meet the individual’s specific needs. Moreover, it may unveil any underlying complications that could impede or postpone the planned surgery.
In such situations, any existing health concerns can be addressed prior to the operation to ensure that the procedure is carried out in the safest and most optimal conditions.
As they made their way to the grand and towering hospital, Leilani propelled Ethan forward while Hannah trailed behind, laden with their belongings.
Hannah had taken the day off at her workplace with the excuse that she needed to accompany Leilani and Ethan, as they were her only remaining family members.
However, her hurried pace came to a halt when her phone chimed in her pocket. Retrieving her cellphone, she saw that it was Herbert calling.
“Excuse me, Lani, I need to take this call first,” Hannah announced, causing Leilani to stop and wait while she answered the phone.
“What’s up, Herbert? We’ve just arrived at the hospital. Are you on your way as well?” Hannah inquired with a smile.
“I am sorry, Hannah. I will not be able to make it to the hospital. My boss and I are currently en route to New York for a crucial meeting. Please do not be angry with me,” Herbert apologized politely over the phone.
Hannah’s smile faded into a forlorn expression, as she had been looking forward to Herbert’s company during their hospital visit today.
“It’s alright, Herbert. You have already done so much for us,” she replied in a subdued tone.
Sensing her disappointment, Herbert promised, “I will make sure to be by your side on the day of the surgery, I promise.”
Hannah then beamed with joy and nodded in agreement, “I am eagerly anticipating that day. Additionally, I am growing impatient for you to meet my dear friend, Leilani.”
A brief moment of silence echoed from the other end of the line and just before Hannah could check if the call had ended, his voice came through.
“Likewise, Hannah. I cannot wait to meet your friend. I will end the call now. Take care of yourself,” with that, the line went dead.
Hannah felt a tinge of oddness in his response but quickly brushed it off, assuming that he must be occupied.
“Who was that?” inquired Leilani as Hannah joined them and they continued towards the hospital.
“That was Herbert, Lani. The new acquaintance I mentioned who made all of this possible,” Hannah replied with a wide grin.
Leilani suddenly stopped pushing Ethan’s wheelchair and stopped in her tracks.
“Herbert?” she questioned with a furrowed brow.
Hannah nodded affirmatively, “Why do you ask? Does his name strike a chord?”
Leilani let out a soft sigh and confirmed that it did, glancing at her brother before speaking in a hushed tone, “That is the name of Nelson’s assistant, Herbert.”
Hannah shrugged indifferently, “There can’t possibly be only one Herbert in the entire world.”
Leilani saw logic in Hannah’s words and nodded before they proceeded into the hospital.
To their surprise, as soon as they entered, the staff dropped everything and rushed to attend to them.
Both Leilani and Hannah exchanged a look of astonishment as this level of treatment was unexpected.
Even Austin came out to greet them before being taken to the examination room by some nurses.
“My, my. I am truly taken aback by this hospital. How can they treat us with such kindness when we are not paying a single penny?” Hannah voiced her concern while they both took a seat in the waiting area.
Leilani remained silent, deep in thought about the whole situation.
“Can we arrange a meeting with the hospital management to show our appreciation?” Leilani questioned.
“I don’t know, Lani. We can ask Austin after the examination, what do you think?” Hannah suggested, and Leilani nodded in agreement.
About an hour later, Austin was guiding Ethan in the direction of where Leilani and Hannah were seated.
As they approached, Leilani and Hannah sprang to their feet simultaneously.
Upon reaching them, Leilani immediately dropped to her knees in front of Ethan, carefully examining him as if searching for any signs of injury.
“Are you alright, darling?” She asked with concern, tears starting to well up in her eyes.
“I’m perfectly fine, Lani. Don’t let those tears fall,” Ethan responded sternly, reaching out to wipe the tears from her eyes.
Meanwhile, Hannah had turned to Austin for an update.
“After conducting a standard physical examination on Ethan,” Austin paused, locking his gaze on Ethan.
“What happened, Doctor?” Leilani exclaimed anxiously.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
“Please tell us, Austin. But don’t give us bad news,” Hannah added.
Austin chuckled and apologized, “Congratulations, Ethan is mentally and physically ready for the surgery.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” Hannah breathed a sigh of relief, while Leilani embraced Ethan tightly.
“Please note, he should maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Staying hydrated is also crucial,” Austin continued, and the girls nodded in understanding.
“And he should get enough rest as well,” he added.
“Thank you so much, Doctor. We will remember your advice,” Leilani expressed her gratitude deeply.
“You’re welcome, Miss. I will inform you once the surgery date is scheduled,” Austin concluded.
They all thanked him again before taking their leave.
********
Leilani hailed two cabs and with the help of both drivers, they managed to get Ethan into one of the cabs. She then informed Hannah that she needed to do some grocery shopping.
After sharing a parting hug, Leilani got in the second cab and headed to the store.
In just thirty minutes, she arrived at the grocery store, paid the cab driver, and entered to complete her errands.
As per Austin’s recommendations at the hospital, she purchased a variety of fruits, ground beef in cubes, and vegetables. She also picked up some milk and as she was about to pay at the counter, she saw Jones walking into the store.
“Jones!” she exclaimed, taken aback.
However, Jones did not appear pleased to see her, but he walked over to her nonetheless.
“I hope your husband won’t be angry to see us together again,” he said, not bothering to hide his displeased expression.
Leilani smiled and clarified, “He is not my husband. We have an arrangement that makes us look like a married couple.”
Jones scowled, not fully understanding her words.
“What does that mean exactly?”
“Let’s save that story for another time,” Leilani replied, and they both left the store.
“What are you doing here, anyway?” Leilani inquired once they were outside.
Instead of answering, Jones just stared at her, causing Leilani to instinctively touch her face to check if something was amiss.
“What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, still rubbing her face.
“Are you sure you’re not married, Lani?” Jones questioned, his tone serious.
“Do you have a plan if I am not?” Leilani retorted with a roll of her eyes.
“Yes, Lani. I want things to go back to how they were before. I want to claim you as mine once again,” Jones confessed, reaching out to touch her, but Leilani swiftly avoided his hand.
“Jones, are you alright? Do you mean to imply that you desire a reconciliation after a year apart? Or perhaps you hope to reunite with me solely for your own gratification, after your previous efforts were unsuccessful?” Leilani uttered harshly, her eyes blazing with fury.
“Never, Lani. You know more than anyone else that your virginity holds no weight in my love for you. I truly mean it,” Jones spoke gently, his eyes reflecting his anguish and regret.
Leilani could see the sincerity in his words, and it managed to soothe her anger a bit.
“Do you know what? Can I have your contact information? We could talk more over the phone and perhaps hang out sometime,” Jones offered, flashing one of his charming smiles.
After a moment of contemplation, Leilani nodded in agreement and provided him with her number.
“So, how are Ethan and Hannah doing? It has been quite some time since I last saw them,” said Jones as he stored the number in his phone.
“They are both well,” replied Leilani.
She considered informing Jones about Ethan’s surgery, but quickly dismissed the thought.
He would be utterly shocked when he eventually crossed paths with Ethan after the surgery.