I sit up frantically. I must’ve fainted and that frightened me but what was even more frightening was where I was. I was in a hospital bed, and I heard a man speaking with the doctor just outside the door. It sounded as though they were talking about me. Just as I tuned into their conversation,

They come into the room. 

The doctor introduces himself and asks how I’m feeling. I give a quick reply. I was more curious as to who he was talking to. 

Just then I see the man who saved me walking in slowly, peaking around the corner before entering. It wasn’t Leo although I remember exactly who he is. 

“What are you doing here?” I should’ve said ‘thank you’ or ‘hello’ but shock same first. It was Jordan Taylor. We had graduated Architectural school together although I hadn’t seen him in many years after he took a job opportunity abroad. He was famous in school for his innovation. Jordan was one of the only people I’ve ever considered a friend. 

“Hey, I was out walking my dog Boomer when I saw you on the sidewalk. You turned pale so I ran to help you and brought you here. It’s nice to see you, Claire.” He says in a gentle smile as if a smile alone could break me into a billion pieces like glass. 

“Last time I saw you – you were packing your bag and holding a one-way ticket to Europe. When did you come back?” I was happy to see him but confused and shocked that we’d meet again like this. I was always happy for Jordan’s success, but I didn’t think I’d ever see him back here. 

The doctor asks if he can examine me once more to make sure I’m okay. 

“You arrived without a moment to spare.” He turns to Jordan. “Your wife could have miscarried had you not brought her in as quickly as you did.” I see Jordan blush. Clearly the doctor was mistaken. 

“I’m sorry doctor but this isn’t my husband. He’s just my friend.” I see what looks like disappointment on Jordan’s face. He didn’t know I was married. 

“Oh, I apologize for assuming. Well then, i would like to add that is very important you share this with your husband. This could have been serious. Signs of miscarriage during early pregnancy can bring many complications – some life-threatening. Your baby is okay now, but you need to be careful.” With that the doctor wishes his best, gives me his contact information for emergencies and leaves the room after I thank him for his advice which I intended to follow religiously. 

My thoughts drift to Leo and I feel my heart aching. He had abandoned me in a time of need once again. He didn’t stop the car, and he was with Charlotte while I sat in the hospital at risk of losing our child. 

A repetition of before when I had fell in the bathroom and hurt my leg. I had called Leo urgently but was sent to voicemail as he was with Charlotte. I was alone so I had to call an ambulance myself, go to the hospital and order an Uber back to our home. He wasn’t there then. And he wasn’t here now. 

What would have happened if Jordan hadn’t seen me today? Would I have miscarried, or would I have died? Having made it in time and hearing the doctor say that another moment longer and I would’ve lost the baby and potentially life – was devastating. It sent a shudder through my entire body. 

“I can take you home… or call your husband to come get you, if you’d like?” 

Leo was with Charlotte and blamed me for everything that had happened today. He would only humiliate me if I asked. He wouldn’t come to my rescue like he does for Charlotte. 

At this moment, I didn’t want to love and care for him anymore. It was one-sided and it was destroying me emotionally trying to salvage something that will never blossom. 

“Thank you for helping me today but I don’t want to be a bother. I’ll just call a taxi to take me home.” I say with a small smile. 

“Claire.” He trailed off deciding whatever he was going to say didn’t need to be said at this time. 

“Well, I just started my own construction company and it’s home-based so I’m here permanently. You can call me at any time if there’s anything you need.” He hands me his business card. It was a beautiful metal dimensional card. He was always thinking outside of the box, and I appreciated everything he’s done for me today. 

He had become so successful in the years since graduation. He built a company and worked on previous projects whereas I became a housewife. I intended to continue working after marrying Leonardo, but his family imposed – stating it would cause unnecessary rumors and hostility in the company and Leonardo agreed. 

“I’m happy for your success! You finally found your dream!” 

“Thank you. Which company are you working for now? I would love to recruit you, well more like steal their greatest architectural asset, and hire you in my Company. We offer competitive salaries.” He was trying to convince me. He’ll be more than disappointed to hear my lack of success, and I was already embarrassed. 

“Actually, I’m a full-time housewife now. I’m not actively working in architecture.” I give a self-pitying smile. I was disappointed in who I had become and for the person I became it for. 

“Claire, you were brilliant in school and your skills are astounding. How could you waste your talent?” He looks surprised and then places his hand on my shoulder. 

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t want to upset you.” He cared about my feelings. That was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. 

“It’s okay.” I go to grab my bag which Jordan must’ve brought for me and look back at Jordan. 

“You’re right. I need to go back to work. Wasting my degree is a mistake.” I smile at Jordan. He always knew just what to say and when I needed to hear it. 

“Claire.” I hear from the doorway behind me. I turn knowing that voice instantly. It was Leonardo. 

I see his eyes look into mine and then settle on Jordan’s hand that still placed on my shoulder. I see an emotion that I hadn’t seen in him before – jealousy.