Speak To Me: The Easton Brothers

Chapter 4-Stephanie

(Stephanie)

I walked through the doctors office, feeling this sense of pride as Sammy and his dad followed behind me.

He loved the gift I got him. I was a little worried it might be too lame for a six year old boy, but the moment I saw it, I thought of Sammy.

I still remember the conversation in the car as he looked at it in awe.

"Wow, I wish we could go on a train like that." He stated, staring at the train longingly.

"I think they have one not to far from here. I always wanted to go on one too when I was a kid." I said, turning to face the road now.

Mr. Easton keeps glaring at me, and I'm not exactly sure why.

"Can we dad?" Sammy suddenly blurted, making his dad go quiet for a moment.

"Sure, I can get tickets for us. Maybe this weekend." He said cooly. And I couldn't help but feel happy for Sammy. He had a dad that seemed to cherish everything about him. Maybe because he lost him for a little while, so he knows now that each moment is precious.

God, whoever Sammy's mother is, I swear if I ever met her, I would give her a piece of my mind.

"Great! I'm so excited! Will you sit by me on the train Miss Stephanie? Maybe I can bring my snow globe too."

"Wait, what?" Both Sammy's dad and I said at the exact same time.

"Oh Sammy, I don't think your dad meant he was buying tickets for all of us." I laughed awkwardly, glancing towards the older gentleman who was driving the car.

The look on his face seeming to be filled with amusement as I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Dad, Miss Stephanie can come right? She says she's always wanted to!" Sammy blurted, making me reach down and play with hem of my jacket.

"I'm sure Miss Stephanie has plans this weekend. Maybe next time bud." Grant whispered and that's when we spent the rest of the car ride in weird silence.

Now here we are at the office as I race to get this done and over with. I think I've had enough of Mr. Easton for the day.

Stepping towards an empty patient room, I quickly opened the door and turned on the lights. Not many people asked questions here. Everyone who worked at this clinic were good friends of my father who have known him for years.

Sometimes if he meets someone at the hospital who doesn't have insurance and can't afford treatment, dad finds a way to get them seen. I know what he is doing could cost him his liscence, or even worse... but I think of my dad like the modern day Robin Hood. Yeah he might occasionally be breaking the law, but it's for a good cause.

Why Mr. Easton and Sammy are being seen privately, I have no clue, but I'm guessing it has to do with Mr. Easton's ex. Maybe Grant is hiding information about Sammy from her after what she did.

"Okay Sammy, step on the scale for me." I said, motioning towards the small white scale in the corner of the room.

I watched as Sammy hopped over before stepping on it and waiting patiently. He is such a good kid.

Glancing down, I saw the scale reach 38.7 lbs before grabbing my notebook and jotting it down.

"Up two pounds since last time. Great job kiddo!" I said excitedly, highfiving Sammy before he let out a cheer.

Sammy was extremely underweight when I first saw him, but now he is in a normal range and I couldn't be more ecstatic.

"Did you get him down to one shake a day?" I asked Mr. Easton, seeing him nod before crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"I think after this week, we can probably take him off of them completely." I added, motioning for Sammy to go onto the exam table next.

"Finally, those things are disgusting." Sammy grumbled before making a gross face as his dad helped him climb into the table.

"I know kiddo, you have been such a trooper though." I praised, seeing Sammy smile in response before nodding his head in agreement.

"Any more tummy issues?" I asked, pressing on Sammy's stomach before feeling my way around.

"No complaints lately." Mr. Easton answered, making me nod.

"Well, everything feels good. I think we can go ahead and push out our next appointment." I suggested, pulling Sammy's shirt back down but not before tickling him and making him laugh.

"Push it out? Until when?" Mr. Easton rushed, surprising me by how worried he sounded.

"How about four months from now? Of course if something comes up you can always call." I explained, making Sammy look towards his dad before glancing back at me.

"I see." Was all Mr. Easton said, making me feel a weird pang of guilt start to rise.

I mean, this was usual protocol. If a patient was doing better, they wouldn't have to come in as often.

"Is that all then?" Grant suddenly barked, his harsh tone surprising me as I nodded softly.

"I hope you two have a merry Christmas. And if you do go on that train ride Sammy, take some pictures for me okay?" I said, feeling weird now as this suddenly felt like a goodbye.

"Okay." Sammy whispered before jumping off of the exam table and walking to his dad. But before he reached him, he suddenly turned, running straight to me.

"I will get to see you again, right?" Sammy suddenly blurted, his voice seeming to be filled with sadness as I tried to pull him back to look at his face. Was he crying right now?!

"Hey, of course you will see me again. This is good news Sammy. It means you are getting better." I rushed, watching as Grant looked at his son with some type of emotion I couldn't quite decipher.

Finally pulling Sammy back, I was able to squat down and come face to face with him.

"It's okay. I promise I'm not going anywhere. If you ever need me, I will be right here for you, no matter what." I assured, making Sammy sniffle as I reached up, wiping away his tears.

"Awe, don't cry. You should be happy Sammy. You have come so far and have been so strong."

Sammy nodded his head before a small little hiccup escaped his adorable mouth.

Then what he said next, made my heart leap into my throat as I looked at him in shock.

"I love you Miss Stephanie." He whispered before slamming into me with another hug as I almost went tumbling backwards.

Looking up at Mr. Easton, I think he was just as taken aback as I was.

I hugged Sammy tightly, trying to process what was going on as I felt this weird feeling start to rise. I didn't want to say goodbye either. I think I have grown attached to Sammy. After being there for his entire journey, it was bittersweet seeing it end. But this was for the best. Sammy was getting better now and he wouldn't need me very often.

"Come on, we better get going." Grant whispered, placing his hand on Sammy's shoulder before squeezing.

I didn't want to let go, but I did. God, what is wrong with me? Did I seriously grow attached to someone else's kid?

"Bye Sammy! I hope you have a Merry Christmas. And you too Mr. Easton." I said, glancing towards Sammy's dad as he just looked at me for a few moments before nodding and then they left hand in hand.

Leaving me all alone as I couldn't help but feel this weird sadness creeping inside of me.

Why did I feel left out all of a sudden?

I really must be lonely.

Just as I was about to sit down, I heard my phone start to ring. And that's when the name on the screen piqued my interest.

Gabriella Sinclair.

I wonder why she is calling?