Saving Grace

Joshua woke up with a splitting headache, his body felt weak and tired as if he had ran a marathon. He rose up from the couch and rubbed his eyes repeatedly, he didn’t remember dozing off on the couch. He suddenly stared at the floor and he gasped.

His shirt and trouser were crumpled on the floor and he was stark naked. He reached out to pick it up but something else sparked his attention.

It was red, his heart thumped faster against his ribcage. He picked it up and his breathing became faster.

Red lacy panties.

He nearly choked due to astonishment. Memories of what happened the previous day started flooding into his memory. He dropped the panties on the floor and scratched his head.

He remembered drinking with Helen, he recollected being drunk. He remembered Helen carrying him into his car. He remembered Helen dragging him all the way up his porch. Then he was confused.

What the hell happened?

He glanced at the panties and shut his eyes in exasperation.

“No, No, No!” Joshua cried.

Then he instantly remembered what he dreaded most. He had sex with someone. He had fun with someone and it was Helen.

He felt violated and sad at home. Why did he allow Helen to seduce him? He remembered her pressing her nipples into his mouth and he stupidly sucked on them. He recollected touching her, everywhere.

Then he realized something. He had cheated on Grace. He allowed Helen to seduce and explore his desires. He wanted to do all of that with Grace when she was ready and not with Helen.

He shook his head repeatedly, refusing to believe that had happened. He bent his head finally and cried quietly.

****

Joshua entered the hospital with a gloomy face. He walked slowly, drowning in the events that occurred the previous day. He touched his neck slightly and discovered an hickey. Helen bit him, claiming possession. He knew Helen was also drunk and he hoped that they can put it behind them without speaking about it.

He was so engrossed in what he was thinking that he didn’t realize that he had bumped into someone.

“Hey there, Joshua.”

Joshua looked up to see Clark, smiling at him and he simply nodded.

“I’m sorry about what happened, I shouldn’t have said all that trash.” Clark pleaded with his eyes.

“It’s okay.” Joshua replied slowly.

“Are you okay, Joshua?” Clark asked.

“Sure.” Joshua nodded.

“You don’t look okay, you are sweating much more than normal.” Clark replied.

“I accepted your apology, good day.” Joshua stated. He was irritated by his nosy attitude.

He was about to walk past him when Clark grabbed his left arm. Joshua shot him a death glare.

“You don’t have to be so rude. It was hard for me to apologise so at least have a little bit of respect. I don’t know what you are facing presently but from the frown on your face, it looks like you had a bad night. Stick in it, don’t take your frustration out on an innocent patient. Bury your crazy attitude and be a doctor. The doctor I can’t stand.” Clark said, lifting his gaze to meet Joshua’s.

Joshua exhaled, then removed Clark’s firm grip and shoved his hand away.

Placing a fake smile on his face, Joshua replied, “I can’t believe I’m saying this but thank you.”

“Whatever, it’s not like you really mean it.” Clark smirked.

“Maybe we could grab a drink sometimes.” Joshua raised his shoulders, he felt a little bit sorry.

“Sorry, my profession doesn’t allow it.” Clark laughed.

“But–”

“Good day.” Clark spoke and began walking way, a smile etching at the corner of his lips.

Joshua grinned and yelled, “You are rude as well. Hypocrite!”

He laughed harder when Clark gave him the middle finger. He walked towards the elevator and drummed his fingers again at the wall.

“Hey Joshua.” Someone cried out his name.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Joshua turned his head instantly and as soon as his eyes landed on the person calling his name, he stopped drumming his fingers against the wall.

It was Helen and she was advancing towards him, a smile plastered on her face. Joshua gulped and turned around. The elevator opened and he literally ran inside. He clicked a button and placed a hand on his chest to steady his breathing. He saw Helen’s face and his eye popped open.

Not again. Her naked body flooded into his brain, her perky nipples were all his head could fathom. Her blouse was halfway done and her creamy cleavage was enticing and swaying towards his eyes.

“Joshua!” she repeated but the elevator snapped shut. Joshua exhaled dramatically as the elevator vibrated gently. He didn’t know what to say to Helen and fleeing was looking like the best option. How was he going to act normal while talking to her?

The elevator opened, blinding him from his overthinking and he walked towards Grace’s room. He didn’t know why he kept walking but a magnet in his heart was drawing him to her. He needed to talk to her, he needed to explain what happened with him and Helen before he exploded.

When he reached her room, he looked through the window and inhaled sharply at the beautiful scenario before him. Grace was scribbling something, her hair tucked in at each sides of her ear and she looked fasincating while doing it. It was driving him crazy to see her so relaxed while there was a raging storm in his head. He walked towards the door slowly, intending to knock but he couldn’t. His fist was mid way, hanging in the air. He couldn’t do it, the guilt he felt in his heart was enormous.

He bit his lips and turned on his heels, he shut his eyes briefly and groaned. He walked to his office without sparing anyone a glance. He walked into his office and took off his scrubs from the hanger. He had to perform surgery to keep his head cool and calm, that was the ritual he performed when he lost his wife and daughter. He strode into the tiny bathroom and began to change this clothes. Mid way into changing, he flung his clothes on the floor in anger. He was so disappointed in himself. Why did he give in to Helen?