Chapter 5
Those words snapped Roy out of his drunken haze. He blinked his eyes open to find Emma looking distressed, and it hit him hard, bringing him back to reality. He remembered babbling a lot of nonsense while he was drunk, but couldn’t recall the details. So, he said, “Emma, I was totally out of it. Whatever I said, please just ignore it.“%
Just then, someone called out for Roy from outside the room. He gave Emma a few comforting pecks before stumbling back to his friends. As she watched him leave, Emma stood up quietly and slipped into the bathroom, where she stood lost in thought for what felt like forever. It wasn’t until her legs started tingling that footsteps outside snapped her out of it.”
Just as she reached for the door, she heard her name. “Where did Emma go? Is she jealous because Roy drank so much for you, Angela?” “Who cares? I know Roy would never fall for someone like her,” Angela replied with a mocking tone.
Emma clenched her fists, listening to the conversation continue, oblivious to her presence.
“I heard she’s not just Roy’s sister’s best friend but also his girlfriend. But Angela, don’t worry, Roy’s just with her for the dating experience. She’s trying to snag a younger guy–talk about shameless.”>
“Tell me about it. Remember when Roy took a knife for me? He almost died, but his first words were to comfort me. He likes me so much he’d risk his life. What does that old woman matter?”
“I think Roy’s gonna ask you out at your birthday party he’s planning. What will you do?“>
Angela shrugged, “We’ll see how he acts.“%
After the sound of running water, the two walked away, laughing. Emma looked down at the deep marks her nails left in her palm and forced a painful smile.
Later, Emma flagged down a cab and headed home. After a restless night, she went to work and handed in her resignation. Her boss was puzzled, “Going back home? I thought you and your boyfriend planned to settle down here. What happened?“}
Emma avoided eye contact, mumbling an excuse while her mind swirled with chaos. She reminisced about her time in Northtown–four years of college, three years of work, and five years of being with Roy. She had countless opportunities to return to Los Angeles but stayed for Roy. Now, it was time to leave. She was giving back the title of “girlfriend.“}
For three days, Roy seemed to vanish. But Emma saw through social media photos and videos that he was with Angela. They were hanging wish plaques at a bridge, strolling beaches, holding hands on roller coasters… In every photo, they were drawn to each other. Not quite lovers, but the chemistry was undeniable.
Emma went through every picture, then shut her phone and pulled out her suitcase. After packing a few necessities, she was about to head out for dinner when Roy’s friend called.
“Emma, you need to get to the hospital. Roy’s had an accident!“}
Emma hesitated, but finally grabbed her keys. Roy was Shelly’s brother, and now that Shelly was abroad, she couldn’t just ignore him. She rushed to the emergency room and found Angela and Roy on stretchers, bloodied, as doctors worked frantically. His friends explained in a panic.
“We were heading up the hill to catch the sunset. Angela wanted to drive, and Roy let her. But she hit the gas instead of the brake, crashing into the hill. They’re both impaled by metal rods. They need those rods removed now!“>
“But the rods are near the heart, and only one doctor in the city can do the surgery. Roy’s in bad shape, Angela’s not as critical. We begged him to go first, but he refuses. Emma, please, talk some sense into him!”
Emma’s heart skipped a beat. She went to Roy, taking in his pale face and the ugly, bleeding wound, her voice shaky.
“Roy, you have to go in for surgery now!”
He barely opened his eyes and shook his head, whispering weakly, “Save… Angela first. I can’t let… her be in danger.”
Emma’s emotions broke through. “Are you crazy? She’ll be fine without immediate surgery, but you could die! What about your parents? Your sister?“%
“L… don’t matter. As long as Angela’s safe, I… can hold on…”
The emergency room lights flashed on, and a nurse brought over a deferral form. When Emma hesitated, Roy used his last bit of strength to sign his name. Was he really willing to risk everything for Angela?%
Emma, in disbelief, tried to snatch the paper, but Roy held onto her sleeve with bloodstained hands. “You’re not… my family. You can’t… make this choice for me.”%
Chapter 6
