Page 48 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

East

EverymorningsinceI’vebeen in this godforsaken place, Zed has been asleep in the chair when I’ve woken up. It’s become a thing. But when I opened my eyes this morning and he wasn’t there, I felt my heart sink a little.

Has he given up already?My heart sinks a little more.

That’s it, East. You’re far too fucked up over this guy. Time to get your arse out of here and take a breath. Away from everyone.

The doctor comes for his normal morning visit.

“Is everything looking as it should?” I ask.

“Yes, Ms. McGarry. It’s looking perfect. There should be no lasting damage if you continue to take good care of it.”

“Good, because I am discharging myself.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Ms. McGarry, that’s not possible.”

“Actually, it is. Please bring me the forms, and I will sign any waiver you want, but I want to be out of here within the next hour.”

“Ms. McGarry. I have been given strict instructions regarding your care. This is not possible.”

“Screw your instructions from my brother. I don’t give a shit what they have told you. I am leaving, and you can’t do jack shit about it. Oh, and you are bound by patient-doctor confidentiality, so no grassing me up to anyone. I will sue your ass personally if they find out I’ve left. Do I make myself clear?”

“Very, Ms. McGarry, but I have to discourage you. This is not a sensible thing for you to be doing.”

“What part of ‘I don’t give a shit’ do you not understand?”

“Okay, Ms. McGarry, I’ll go and get the paperwork.”

“Be quick about it.”

I don’t want Zed, North, or Kara finding out I’m free before I’m ready to tell them. I want to walk outside and feel the sun on my skin and breathe the warm, fresh air. I am so over this air conditioning, set at exactly twenty-one degrees. I need to stretch my legs out and just… be me.

I watch the clock on the wall. It’s nearly 7:30 a.m., and the doctor has been away for fifteen minutes. I can feel the anxiety rising as each minute passes. The longer he takes, the more chance I have of one of them coming to visit.

I start to pack up my things which consists of my laptop, phone, purse, and a few pieces of clothing. Everything else can be left. I don’t need all the shit they have brought in to make me feel better.

At 7:49 a.m., the doctor reappears with a file and points to where I need to sign. It’s a struggle and looks a mess as I am certainly not ambidextrous. Unlike cockhead South. Mr. fucking perfect.Argh, I get so angry when I think about him.

“This is a list of do’s and don’ts and your medical notes for when you need to have the pins removed. Please book that in as soon as possible. They cannot be in there for longer than twelve weeks. Here are some pain killers and some antibiotics to stem off any infection. You must take one every four hours until the pins are removed and then for a week after. I really wish you would reconsider. You do realise you are probably going to cost me my job?”

“No, I’m not. I am the patient, and if my brothers try to take you to court, I will stand up for you and tell the judge or your employers that this was my decision. Please don’t worry. I am not in the habit of wrecking people’s lives. You have my number on file. If you need me to back you up, just call me.”

I pick my bag of belongings up and smile.

“Thank you for everything.” I smile at him genuinely and head out of the door.

Ahhhh. Fresh air. Right… What the hell do I do now?

I spot a coffee hut, and it feels like Christmas. I have not had one single coffee the whole time I’ve been in the hospital. Zed was adamant it would cause me a heart attack. I roll my eyes at the thought.

I order a coffee and muffin, and it’s then I realise this might not be as easy as I thought. I try to manage paying with my phone app, carrying my bag and the coffee. I can feel the frustration as I look at my right arm. Solid plaster surrounds my lower arm, and as I struggle, I catch it on the counter.

Fuck, that hurt.

I’m not giving in. I’m not going back either.

I walk for a while, looking at all the buildings and taking in the frantic lifestyle. It looks different from the outside. Everyone is rushing around or in groups partying. A twinge of loneliness spikes, but I brush it off.

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