Chapter 132
I couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing.
Clyde finally noticed I was there, instantly letting go, and Lisa nearly toppled over.
But quickly, she wrapped her arms around Clyde’s neck again. Then she exaggeratedly opened her mouth as if she had just noticed me. “Melanie, I’m so sorry. Clyde said he’d take me out for a day, but I’ve twisted my ankle. Are you okay? He didn’t mean to leave you behind. It’s all my fault. I’m such a klutz.”
She leaned into Clyde’s shoulder, looking sad, while Clyde rolled his eyes so hard that I thought they’d stick that way. He gave me a look that screamed, “Help me,” without saying a word.
I struggled to keep a straight face as I helped her up, eyeing her fine ankle, and couldn’t help but think she could’ve at least pretended to have heatstroke or something more convincing,
makes
“It’s okay. You’re my elder cousin, which makes you Clyde’s relative. He can’t just ignore you, right?”
After all, Clyde and I were the same age, and Lisa was older than Clyde. Women cared about their age, and Lisa’s face fell immediately. Lisa protested, “Melanie, I skipped grades. I’m only two years older than you.”
“Exactly, so you’re my elder cousin.” I feigned innocence, giving her an ignorant look. I’d been perfecting it since grade school.
When we got to the ER, the doctor’s face fell. But given the high fees of the private hospital, he still managed a professional smile. “This lady just twisted her ankle. A bit of rest, and she’ll be fine.”
“Just rest? It hurts, though.” Lisa looked up at Clyde with watery eyes.
Meanwhile, Clyde was busy with his phone, running out of patience.
He was like that. He couldn’t stand being near women he disliked, as if they were from another planet.
Lisa pretended to be in tears. “Clyde, I think it might be fractured.”
I was totally speechless. Clyde isn’t a doctor, after all.
The doctor sighed, handing over a form. “Then let’s get an X–ray to be sure.”
“Family members can pay and take the patient for the scan.” He handed the form to Clyde, who pretended to be on a call and stepped
out.
The doctor looked at me. I sighed and took the form. While glancing at Lisa’s fine ankle, an idea struck me.
“I’ll go find Clyde. Let him take you for the scan.” I rushed to the door, meeting Clyde’s irritated gaze.
The next second, I clutched my head, collapsing into his arms.
“Melanie, Melanie!” He looked at me worriedly, and I winked at him.
He got the hint immediately. “I’m taking you home. You’re having a hypoglycemia episode.”
I was speechless, thinking he could’ve figured out a better excuse.
Hypoglycemia, in a hospital, and we had to go home?
Lisa stopped her act, hurrying out. “What about me? I need the
scan!”
“I’ll call you a cab later. I need to take Melanie home now.” Clyde carried me off like we were escaping a fire.
I could see Lisa stomping her foot in frustration, apparently forgetting she was supposed to have a ‘fractured ankle.
Once in the car, Clyde sighed, eager to get us away from the scene.
Suddenly, he turned to me. “What brought you to the hospital anyway?”
I paused and quickly patted my bag. “I had to get a follow–up for my last radiation check. I’ve been losing weight, remember? De Chandter prescribed me some anti–radiation meds.”
Clyde didn’t dwell on it. Next time, let me come with you. Don’t go alone.”
I nodded silently, not wanting to explain any further.
Clyde fumed. Lisa’s getting cheeky, thinking she can trick me. What’s your plan?
“We’ll see how far she’ll go.” I stared out the window impassively feeling like a storm was brewing