The Doctor's Playmate

Chapter 7- Sweet Guy

Sophie

“Ced!” I quickly got up from my seat as soon as I saw my friend enter the coffee shop.

“Sophie!” Cedrick rushed towards me and gave me a tight hug. “Hey, I’m sorry…I am really sorry…” he mumbled, rubbing my back. “How are you?”

I broke the hug and sniffled. “I’m okay…How are you? Oh, God! We needed to talk….” I added, looking at my dearest friend.

“I know. I’m sorry about grandma Betty…I feel so bad not learning about it early….”

“No, it’s okay. Thank you…”

“I feel bad, girl….” Ced hugged me again and kissed my hair. “It's hard, but I know you. You’re the toughest among my lady friends!”

“Oh, yeah. I know!” I chuckled, “I appreciate it, Ced. I’m happy you answered my messages.”

Ced then squinted his eyes as he looked at me. He was eyeing me from head to toe. “Are you okay? You looked sick. And pale…and you lost flesh…” he arched his brow.

I scoffed. “Yes, I am not sick. I am just stressed and sad and overwhelmed…I need a friend….”

“Gotcha! I am the friend. We have the day today to talk and catch up. Do you want us to stay here or let’s go to my place and talk about it? Have you had your breakie?”

I nodded as I looked at the quiet cafeteria. There weren’t many people, but I didn't think I would be able to handle my emotions. I just had my breakfast at Owens's mansion before Sammy dropped me to see Cedrick.

I was glad he finally agreed to meet me. I needed answers to what happened to him and Layla. They were my friends, like Elisha. The two had been together for years since they were kids, and it was a shock for me to know they had separated and filed for divorce. Elisha and I were with them a few months ago to witness their intimate wedding ceremony, and I didn’t expect it would end soon. Ced’s story was still vague.

“Sophie…” I felt Ced’s nudge.

“Oh, sorry…yes. We better talk privately, Ced….” I answered.

“Sweet…” Cedrick nodded.

We both left the cafeteria and hailed a cab. Ced opened the door for me before getting inside the vehicle.

“Thanks…” I smiled at him.

“I just sold my car, Sophie….” Ced continued, “Don’t worry, my place is nearby, but I didn’t want you to walk. You lost weight, girl…How’s Elisha? Are you girls okay now? I was so busy, and I know it's been a while since we all hung out…” he then bombarded the questions.

My eyes brimmed with tears as I looked at Ced. He had no idea what had happened to Elisha, and I didn't know where or how to start. “Ced…”

“Yes?”

Instead of answering him, I bawled my eyes again. “Damn…” I muttered before receiving the hug Ced gave me.

“Sophie…It’s okay…”

“Its not….Elisha…she’s gone…”

“The f*ck?!” Ced broke the hug and looked at me. “No, you’re kidding!” his dark eyes gaping wide.

I shook my head, “No…she killed herself…but…” somehow, thoughts of Elisha’s chance she could be alive popped into my head.

“No…no…damn…f*ck…” Ced’s frustrated voice worried me. “Damn..no…no….don’t kid me, Sophie…please don’t lie to me…”

“It’s a long story, but let’s wait until we get into your place….”

“Of course…let me absorb this news…Oh, Sophie…”

I kept my mouth mummed this time while wiping my never-ending tears. Ced was silently weeping beside me. I busied myself by checking my phone. Sawyer messaged me and told me he would call me soon.

A few seconds later, Sammy’s name popped on my screen. ‘Hey, love…Is everything okay?’

I half smiled and nodded while typing my reply. ‘Yes, I’m with Cedrick.’

‘I see…let me know when and where to pick you up, yes?’

‘Yes. Thank you.’

‘No biggies. Please be safe, love. See you in a while.’

‘Thanks again, doc.’

I inwardly smiled as I read my chatbox. Sammy insisted on sending and picking me up today. I decided to stay for another day to speak with Cedrick.

The night went well last night with the Owens. Sammy and I had quite a talk about Elisha while waiting for his siblings to come out of the library. I showed him who Elisha was. Her life and what she had been through when she was alive.

Sammy may be calm, but I saw the rage and sadness in his eyes when I told him about Elisha’s story of abuse and maltreatment she got from her stepmom. It was upsetting for him to learn, despite those tragic experiences, Kyle still managed to hurt my friend. No wonder Elisha took her own life after Kyle’s cruel decision to take his revenge on her.

Sammy excused himself and asked me if I could check Gideon so he could join his family. When we went to the dining hall for dinner, Sammy acted as if nothing had happened. Yet, I found out from Sam that he was so angry he quickly beat Kyle when he entered the library. Their parents were taken by surprise when Sammy punched Kyle.

“Sophie, we are here….”

My train of thought ceased as soon as I heard my name. Ced opened the car door and guided me as I walked out of the car. Ced and Layla once lived in a beautiful and exclusive apartment courtesy of Ced’s boss, and I started to wonder what really happened to my friends.

We quietly walked towards the apartment and entered the elevator. Ced took his keys and opened his door. His place was decent and clean. However, I was confused when I saw three large pieces of luggage in his living room.

“Damn…Sophie…no… Elisha is not dead….” Cedrick sank on the couch as he brushed his face with his palms. “You are pulling my legs, right?” he snorted.

I scoffed, slowly sitting next to him. “I wish I was, Ced… but no. Elisha tried to contact you and Layla, but you didn’t answer her. I am not blaming you, guys. I was too….too busy for granny….”

“When did this happen? Tell me! Please…No… Layla. She needs to know. We broke up, but I still have her contacts and everything but damn….” Ced croaked.

“It's okay. I will tell you, just calm yourself.” I asked him before spending the next hour telling him what happened to Elisha and Kyle. I let him listen to Elisha’s voice messages. I even shared with him how Tom and I beat Kyle’s ass and even how his parents and siblings despised his actions.

“Goddammit! That m*therfucker! I will kill him!” Ced was in a rage. “I’m freaking angry, Sophie…” he added, clenching his fists.

“Ced, I’m sorry…I failed to protect Elisha.”

“It’s not your fault. Please don’t feel bad…Though yes, I admit…I felt awful for not giving El my new number. I wish I knew what happened….”

“Yeah, It's good to have you here….”

“Oh, Sophie…” Ced puffed, “I’m leaving tomorrow….”

I scowled. “To where?!” I asked. It now made sense why there were pieces of luggage around us.

“Paris. I accepted a job offer from my boss to study and work there….” Cedrick answered. “I need an escape. Layla, you know how much I love her, but she cheated on me….”

“What?! No, Ced! I know Layla!” I gasped.

“Likewise, but no, she changed!”

“Please tell me everything too!”

Ced shook his head. “Not now. I can’t even process this news about Elisha. Just ask Layla about it. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, Cedrick…” I hugged him to comfort him. I knew the couple well enough. One of the reasons why they moved here to New York was for them to achieve their dreams. Ced worked full-time to send Layla to medical school.

A lot of things had changed in the span of a few months. Our lives have been through difficult times. It seemed only yesterday that we received our diploma in high school. All four of us aimed to have a great life and future, yet, this was the opposite.

I wondered what was in for me now. I lost my grandmother and then my best friend. And now, one of my closest friends was leaving me, and the other was unreachable.

Ced vaguely explained what happened to him and Layla. All I found out was Layla had lost a baby, and he believed it wasn’t his.

Ced and I continued talking. There would be no funeral arrangement for Elisha until we were sure she was indeed dead. I shared with him the police details about the speculation she could still be alive.

“This is Layla’s new number. We still talked about our divorce settlement. We both agreed with this and even if it was hard for me, I had to let her go and move on….” Cedrick said as he gave me Layla’s contact. “She’ll be back tomorrow or the day after. You should wait for her,” he added, giving me the address of her new apartment.

“Thanks, Ced. I’ll touch base with you,” I replied.

Ced and I shared a takeaway lunch before I decided to leave his apartment. It was a sad goodbye, but I knew we would see each other again. I would update him about everything, even about Layla. I knew he still loved her, but the pain and trauma in his heart were too heavy. I didn't know Layla’s side yet, but I would remain neutral and unbiased.

It took me a while to decide where to go. After leaving Ced’s flat, I remained around the area to find a place to stay. I knew Owens’ mansion would always be open for me. I checked my phone to see if I had any missed calls. “Sh*t…” I uttered, seeing Sawyer’s name on my screen.

I needed a safe place to answer it, so I ignored it and found the nearest cafeteria or store. My brother and I spoke for a while. He was already in California, but grandma’s lawyer wanted to talk to us about her last will next week. He wanted me to represent on his behalf.

“I’ll let you know about your plane ticket. Take care, Sophie. Please call me later,” Sawyer said.

“Yes, I love you, Sy. Thank you,” I replied before hanging up the phone. I sighed a deep breath and rested my back on the chair. I felt so tired and drained. My hands and arms were still sore, “Layla….” Her name popped into my head. I wish she were here with me.

I retook my phone, and to my surprise, I saw a new number registered on my screen. It was Layla! I pressed the button and quickly answered her call.

“Sophie!”

“Layla!”

“Oh, Sophie… Cedrick sent me a message. He said I needed to talk and see you. It’s about Elisha! What’s wrong?!”

I winced as I thought about how to break the sad news. “We need to see each other, Layla…Where are you?”

“Mexico. I’ll be back the day after tomorrow. Wait, tell me, Is Elisha okay?”

“Ah. Yes. Let’s…let’s meet…” I answered, silently hoping for good news from Sam and the police before breaking the horrible news to Layla. Cedrick mentioned she was still healing and not mentally fit yet.

“Okay. I’ll see you soon. I’m on a medical mission with some classmates, but I will call you soon, yes?” Layla replied.

“Yes, see you soon. Take care, and I love you,” I stated, smiling alone.

“I love you too. Take care,” Layla hung up the phone.

For some reason, I lost my courage to break the news to Layla. We were best friends, but it wasn't fair for her to feel anguish and blame herself for not being with Elisha. She had her reason and still dealt with her own shits during those times.

I stayed in the coffee shop for a while. I ordered coffee to kill time while waiting for Sammy’s call. I messaged him where I was staying, and he quickly replied to wait for me. Midway from drinking my hot drink, my phone rang. It was Sam.

I opened her message. “Oh…” My eyes watered once more as I read it. ‘The police believed Elisha was alive and must be still in the city. Still trying to find where they went….’

I sniffled and blew my nose as I cried silently. My heart was numb from pain, and I wished the news was trustworthy. ‘They’ It meant someone helped her. The tiny spark of hope was still there, yet I couldn’t afford to hear any sad news again.

“Sophia?”

I looked up and checked the person. “Ryzen!”

“Oh, it’s you! Are you okay, Sophie?! Why are you crying?” Ryzen asked as he sat next to me. He was a friend of mine back in New Jersey. Elisha and I once hung out with him and his twin brother, Ryker.

I wiped the tears with the back of my hand. “Yes! Yes, just sad, but I am okay,” I sadly smiled at him.

“Sophie…” Ryzen held my arm and rubbed it. “No, you’re not. Please tell me. By the way, where is Elisha? Have you guys patched up?” he snorted, wiggling his brows.

I didn’t know what to answer. As far as I knew, Ryzen had some hots with Elisha. Ryzen was aware of what happened to Elisha and me on my birthday. He knew that we had a big fight, which was one reason why I left the state.

I shook my head. “I…I don’t know how to say it, and I am so done answering and telling bad news,” I paused to breathe, “Ry…something happened to Elisha. Everyone now believes she took her own life and is dead, but the investigation is still ongoing. She could be alive. I just received a message from Sam…” I added, peeking all over his face for his reaction. His lips quivered, forehead creasing.

“No way…no…no…that’s impossible! What happened?”

“I can’t tell you all right now. Please understand me….”

Ryzen nodded. “But you said she could be alive, right?”

“Yes, I’m praying she’s alright….”

“Oh, my word.”

“We are still hoping she is alright.”

“Okay, I hear you…I understand.” Ryzen squeezed my hands. “Oh, Sophie…” he croaked.

“Thank you,” I embraced Ryzen this time. We hugged each other for some time, consoling one another. It must be hard for him, too, but knowing a chance Elisha could be just somewhere kept me moving and hoping.

“Sophie…” I heard someone call my name again.

I looked up while still hugging Ryzen. “Sammy…”

“Hey,” Sammy replied, eyes piercing at me and Ryzen behind his thick eyeglasses.

We broke the hug. “Doctor Sammy! Hey!” Ryzen quickly acknowledged the doctor. “You know Sophia?”

Sammy cleared his throat. “Yes,” his deadpanned face answered Ryzen’s innocent question. I didn’t know what was running in his head, but his facial expression could tell everything. His clenching jaw and cheeks were flushed for some reason.

“Oh…yes of course…” Ryzen mumbled, perhaps realizing who Sammy was. The connection between Kyle and Elisha was apparent. “I’ve heard what happened to Elisha. I hope she’s alright wherever she is,” he added.

Sammy nodded, and his face softened. “We are pinning our faith.”

“Likewise,” Ryzen heaved a deep breath, “Anyway, I shall go now and see you soon,” he said before looking at me. “Sophie. Let’s touch base, yes?” he held my hand.

“Sure! Thanks, Ry! See you,” I bade, but now without giving him a quick hug.

“See you, doc,” Ryzen patted Sammy’s shoulder before walking away.

I was looking at Ryzen when I felt Sammy step forward and stand tall in front of me. “Hey, you okay?” he sweetly asked, tucking my loose hair behind my ears.

I bent my neck up and smiled. “Yes, sad, but I am fine, thanks for asking.” I simply answered.

Sam beamed at me. “Are you hungry? Do you want us to eat before going home?” he asked.

I was taken aback. ‘Going home?’ I inwardly asked before realizing he meant returning to their mansion. “No, I am not hungry. I hope you won’t mind me staying at your place until Layla returns tomorrow,” I sheepishly expressed.

Sammy snorted. “Our mansion and my place are always open for you, Sophie. I would suggest staying in my place since it's closer to the city.”

I looked away and found my coffee interesting. “Let me see….” Layla’s house was indeed near his apartment.

“Sophie…” Sammy held my hand, “I won’t take no for an answer, love.”

I inhaled, “Okay. I’ll stay until Layla comes, and I’ll leave since my grandma’s lawyer wants to see our family. My brother Sawyer couldn’t attend,” I vaguely explained.

“As you wish. Just let me know,” Sammy smiled at me.

Sammy and I walked out of the cafeteria. We went to a nearby restaurant and had some tea. Sammy told me he had left the hospital and was on-call duty. After getting our quick snack, we headed back to his place. Surprisingly, I saw bags of newly shopped clothes on the couch. “Sam asked me to buy stuff for you, Sophie,” Yelena happily greeted me.

“Oh, no…” My eyes gaped, staring at the branded paper bags.

“Yes, Sophie. That’s for you. I know you didn’t bring much of your stuff,” Sammy chimed in. “You will stay for days, and you can also leave them here so you have something to use once you’re in the city.”

He was right. I didn’t bring many clothes when I came here. Just enough for a day or two. “Thank you, though you didn’t have to,” I could only say about his suggestion of leaving some of it in his place.

Like my plan, I stayed for another day in Sammy’s humble place. I used the guest room, and I stayed there the whole time. I slept for nearly twenty-four hours and only woke up whenever it was time to eat. My body needed rest and nourishment. Fortunately, Yelena was there throughout the time while the doctor was on duty. I still had a great time with Sammy though I was still cringing for what occurred one time with him.

Layla returned the next day, and we had a heart-to-heart talk about her troubles. It was saddening for me to hear her story. I also shared with her what happened to Elisha. Not everything, although I told her what Elisha did, plus the investigation about the possibility of Elisha being alive.

Later that same day, I bid goodbye to Layla and Sammy. The two sent me to the airport for my flight to Florida. As much as I wanted to stay and be updated about Elisha’s case, I had to return to the city to speak with the lawyer.

“Sophia and Sawyer, the reason I have given you the New Jersey property is that you love it as much as I do. Your mom and dad know that place very well. I know they will be back someday. If the time comes when personal or family concerns mean that it makes sense to sell it, do so with a light heart -- and knowing that it's just what I would have done, had I not still hoping your parents would come back and see you. I love all my children equally, and I will leave an equal amount of money to all my grandchildren….”

Those words still lingered in my thoughts as I walked down the street to go to my part-time job in the nearby town. I had been staying here in the city for nearly a week.

Grandma had left us a small property in New Jersey. It was our old house that I hadn’t seen for years. It was pretty far from the city, and it needed repair as well. She also left us some cash. It wasn’t much, but it would help me get by.

So far, I have yet to hear from Sam about Elisha. Police had stopped investigating, although Sam’s private investigators continued to find Elisha. My heart was still gutted. However, Sammy’s sweet words and messages kept the tiny hope sparkling.

We still kept in touch. We chatted and talked on the phone if he had free time. I didn’t know when I would be back in New York. I prayed it would be soon and continued hoping they would find Elisha soon.

I got slightly startled when I felt my phone vibrate inside my jeans. I fished it out and took it. “Sammy!” my eyes lit up in excitement.

I opened his message and smiled. He said he would start his hospital shift at one in the afternoon and call me at lunchtime. He also asked me where I was. “Hmm…sweet guy, eh…” I commented, beaming as I thought about how caring and sweet he was.

I was about to answer his message when I bumped into something. Then, I heard someone mutter my name. “Sophia…”

I looked up and checked who it was. Then, to amazement and dismay, I saw the last person I’d ever want to meet again. ‘Chase’. He was standing in front of me. Man, he looked different and hideous. Buff and muscled, unlike the last time I saw him.“C…Chase…” I mumbled, staring at his awful tattooed face. He looked scary, to say the least.

“It’s been a while, my little minx….” Chase smirked in his menacing dark demeanor.

xx