Episode Sixteen « The Caliente Affairs

Act 3: End Game

As she watched the sun set, Nina sighed and decided she might as well go to sleep now. The surgery had gone off without a hitch, the infection hadn’t called for her ovaries to be removed, but even still, Nina knew she now would be unable to conceive naturally. Dr. Crane would emphasise there was a chance, but Nina refused to get her hopes up. She was done depending on chances, it was time she took charge of her life and started making some decisions of her own. And it seemed one of her decisions would be made before she got any sleep, as Don cowardly walked into her room. “Sorry I’m late. I set my alarm but it didn’t go off, stupid thing. How long have you been awake? Should you be standing?”

Don reached out to stroke Nina’s hair. For one moment, she let herself slip back into her old weak ways. She let him hold her and she even closed her eyes when they kissed. But when they parted she understood what she had to do.

“I’m fine, I wish I could come home tonight. But maybe it’s best I give you some privacy whilst you pack.” Nina casually said as she pulled back the sheets on her bed.
“I’m sorry?” Don asked in a confused tone.

“Don, stop being sorry. Anyone would think I blame you, but I don’t, it’s not your fault. It’s my fault, I’m the one to blame.” Nina confessed.
“Nina, don’t say that. You shouldn’t blame yourself, forget what the test results say.” Don went to hold Nina again but she backed up and put her hands out to stop him.
“You don’t get it, do you?” Nina asked. Don was silenced, and that was all Nina needed for an answer. “You know, I don’t have a clue about the logistics of science and technology. They can put a man on the moon and clone sheep but that doesn’t mean they’re right one-hundred percent of the time.”

“I’m never going to be able to get pregnant again.” Nina turned around and breathed slowly, she had gotten more worked up then she had intended. She hated to admit it but Don was right about one thing, perhaps she shouldn’t be standing so soon after her surgery.

Don went to comfort Nina but stopped when he saw her bending over and clutching her stomach. As he got closer he heard Nina’s deep breaths and reached out to help her.

“Don’t touch me.” Nina cried as she held up her hand. Don backed off and did as his girlfriend asked.
“I know you’ve been through so much these past few weeks, but I’m only here to help you.” Don edged forward slower this time as Nina turned around.

He reached out and this time Nina let him hold her steady. Together they sat down on the bed as Don held Nina’s hand. “I don’t believe him Nina. I talked to Dina and she made me realise…”
“You talked to Dina about this?” Nina asked, pulling her hand out of Don’s grasp. “How am I ever supposed to trust you when all that comes out of your mouth is crap.” Nina spat out. Don sensed his being there was causing Nina more harm than good.
“I’m sorry.”
“Oh stop it, Don. Stop being so damn sorry all the time. When are you gonna get it through your head that I don’t care whether you are, in fact, the reason for all of my problems.”

“And let’s face it, Don, you’d have to go a pretty long way to convince me otherwise.” Don stood up, realising he should leave before Nina said something she regretted. “So what else have you’ve been talking to Dina about?” Nina said with an accusatory tone that made Don stop in his tracks.
“If you’re getting at what I think you’re getting at, then say it, alright. If this is what it takes to make you feel better, then say anything you want.”
“Oh there’s only one more thing that needs saying.” Nina said.

“We’re through. I’m done playing games with my life, Don. I want something more, something more than just… this.” Nina confessed, leaving Don frozen on the spot.

He couldn’t show his true feelings in front of Nina, despite what she said she was dependant on him after what they had both gone through. “You’re in no condition to be making decisions like that. I know you think it’s for the best now but trust me. Get a good night’s rest and be ready for tomorrow morning, I’ll be here to pick you up.” Don said as he quickly rushed out of the room, close to tears. Nina sighed, but rather than feeling sad, she finally felt calm. She expected that tonight she would get the best night’s sleep she’d had since this whole saga began.

NEXT »

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8