When Opposites Attract

by Romina Valdes-Alsina

  "Yes."

  "Okay, pick me up at eight."

  "What? No."

  "Fine then, I'll pick you up."

  "No, I mean no as in I'm not going to go with you."

  "Fine then whatever," She looked away for a minute.

  "I can't go anyways I have something to do and before you ask no I'm not going to tell you what I'm going to do."

  "Okay, okay fine," she hoped off my desk and left looking more than angry.

  ###

  I drove to Anastasia's house. I noticed her car wasn't there although there were two Mercedes, a black one and a red one. Weird usually her house is empty or at least that's what Anastasia always tells me. I parked behind the red one and got out. I ran to the door and before I gave it a second thought I knocked. A woman with red hair, blue eyes, and huge boobs answered the door, surprising me.

  "Hello?" She asked in a hurry.

  "Um hi, I'm sorry to interrupt, but by any chance is Anastasia here?"

  "No she's at the- wait who are you?" She said looking at me for the first time.

  Man her boobs were really distracting. Who was she? She doesn't look anything like Anastasia.

  "I'm Angel," I said trying not to stare.

  "Ana has never mentioned an Angel." She eyed me suspiciously. I don't blame her I bet I don't look like the type of guy Anastasia would hang out with, wearing all black and a beanie that kept my hair in my face.

  "Well, she's my partner for school and we just started to be friends or something, so I don't think she would have mentioned me." Her expression changed.

  "Oh you're Angel, no actually Anastasia mentioned you once."

  "Really?" I asked surprised.

  "Yes, but I guess she forgot to mention she's at the hospital."

  "The hospital?" I started to worry again. Shit why is she at the hospital?

  "Yes, she has been there for a week, and today she's is going into surgery again."

  "Again?"

  "Yes something went wrong after the first surgery."

  I hesitated, "sorry I got to go." I ran towards my car.

  Once I got in I raced towards the hospital. Almost dying in the process.

  I parked, or at least tried to park, as fast and as well as I could then ran inside. I looked around for the front desk. When I found it I ran to it and asked in a rush, "in what room is Anastasia Somerville in?" She showed me her index finger telling me I had to wait, and took her sweet time looking through her computer. I took a deep breath. COME ON! I need to see Anastasia before she goes into surgery! I screamed in my head.

  "Anastasia Somerville. She’s on the fourth floor, room 1020."

  "Thank you," I started for the elevator.

  "Wait!" She said. I turned around.

  "She just went into surgery."

  "Damn, I was trying to get to her before that," I sigh.

  "Sorry, you could wait for her."

  "Um, okay when is the surgery over?"

  "Well," she clicked on something on the computer. "If everything goes well and there are no delays it should end at 5."

  I checked my watch. Shit it's only 12:30.

  "Okay then," I said.

  "I'm sure it's none of my business, but are you all right?" She asked.

  I took a deep breath. Am I really going to tell a complete stranger my problems?

  Anastasia

  The nurse came into the room.

  "All right, Anastasia, are you ready?"

  She asked as the two male nurses came around and started disconnecting me from all the machines except for the ECG, then put me on a gurney and rolled me to the O.R.

  "Hello Anastasia," the doctor said smiling as he appeared next to me.

  "Hi." He placed a facemask over my nose and mouth.

  "Okay Anastasia, just like before. You are going to start feeling drowsy, don't fight it just count down from ten." He said as he injected the tube that was connected to my facemask.

  "Okay.

  10...

  9...

  8...

  7...

  6...

  5..."

  My vision got blurry, and soon there was nothing but darkness.

  Chapter 11

  Angel

  I was sitting behind the counter talking to the receptionist, Ella. I told her everything. All about my feelings towards Anastasia and how we didn't even know much about each other. She listened to everything, not interrupting me; she just nodded and listened; letting me rant on and on. It's so weird, because this isn't like me I have never opened up to anyone like this since my dad died. Not having to think every little detail through before I say anything is refreshing. After I was done there was a long silence. I was about to ask her if she was still there when she asked.

  "You want to know what I think?"

  "Yes," I said as soon as she finished talking.

  She smiled.

  "You two should get to know each other better."

  "Why? I mean, from what's happened doesn't that tell you that we won't get along?"

  "Because you are in love with her," she stated.

  "No, I'm not!" I said.

  "Yeah, you are," she said stubbornly.

  "No, I'm not," I said not giving up.

  "Whatever," She looked at her computer.

  "Your girlfriend's surgery should be over by now."

  "Great, and she's not my girlfriend," I said as I got up.

  "Yet," she said after me.

  I was about to fight back, but she put her hand in the air.

  "Whatever," I said giving up and walked up to the elevator, "but I want an invite to the wedding!"

  I walked over to the elevator and went inside when it arrived. Once I got out on the fourth floor I got lost. Rooms went from 1010 to 1040. Eventually I had to put my ego aside and ask for help. I looked around for a nurse or something.

  "Hi, um, can you please tell me where room 1020 is?"

  She smiled, "you must be the boyfriend."

  "No, I'm not," she just kept smiling.

  "Through these double doors, third to the left."

  "Thanks," I walked away. What's up with this hospital? Did Anastasia have a group session where she told everyone what's up or something? Well, either way nothing is up.

  I stood in front of a white door with a sign next to it that read 1020. I took a deep breath. I didn't know what to do, so I just knocked on the door. No answer, okay. I slowly opened the door slightly and sneaked a look inside the room. What am I doing? This is a hospital and I'm a visitor. I walked inside the room. I looked around it was a nice room television, Sofa, lots of get well balloons, flowers, and teddy bears. Then, my gaze landed on her; she was sleeping on the hospital bed. Wow even when she's sick she looks beautiful and it's not only that she looks pretty, because she has purple circles around her puffy eyes, her lips are pale and chapped, and her nose is bright red, but to me she looks beautiful, you know, for a Prep. I have never thought of a prep like this, and it's weird. I felt my phone vibrate.

  "Hello?" I whispered.

  "Hey, Angel, wait why are you whispering?" Pete asked.

  "Hey, Pete," I whispered.

  "Man, you're weird," I rolled my eyes.

  "Get to the point," I said.

  "Hello? Earth to Angel, you were supposed to come over today to chill."

  "Right I'll be right there."

  "Cool."

  My gaze landed on Anastasia’s calm face, when the doctor came in scaring the crap out of me.

  "Hello," he said to me, unaware that he just scared me half to death. At least this is a hospital.

  "Uh, hello, sir, when will she go home?" I asked.

  "The surgery went extremely well." I was so relieved to hear that even though I didn't know what was wrong with her in the first place. "So she will only need a day or so to recover, maybe tomorrow she will be home, because I can tell she is getting very tired of being here."

  I smiled. "I bet, okay well I have to go." I said walking towar
ds the door.

  "Should I tell her you stopped by?"

  My phone vibrated again.

  "I'm sorry, but I really have to go," I said then ran out. I should have told him not to say anything. I went back, but he looked really busy with all the machines and stuff. I didn't want him to mess anything up, so I just walked away.

  Anastasia

  I woke up to see my doctor checking everything. I just stared at him, not wanting to move. He noticed my staring, so he faced me and smiled.

  "It's good to see you awake. How are you feeling?"

  "Fine, I guess."

  "Does anything hurt?" He asked.

  "Nothing hurts too much, only one thing really hurts, but you won't be able to fix it."

  "Really?"

  I sigh, "yeah."

  "Well, I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but there was a young man here a few hours ago. I'm sure you have an idea of who I'm talking about."

  "Who was it?"

  "I didn't catch a name, but he was wearing all black and he had a beanie kind of looked like an-"

  "Angel!" I said surprised, interrupting him.

  "Not my idea of an Angel."

  I laughed and he chuckled along.

  "Well, Anastasia, I'm glad you're feeling better you should be able to go home tomorrow. I'm pretty sure you're happy that."

  I smiled, "yeah I am. You are by far the best doctor I've ever had. Don’t tell my step mom that I said that."

  "Thank you, good night, and I'll see you in the morning."

  "Good night."

  So Angel was here? Huh, why was he here? I thought I was a shallow prep with no feelings. I thought he hated me, but you wouldn't go and see someone at the hospital if you hated him unless you wanted to kill him like you see in the movies how the villain comes and puts the pillow over the persons face and suffocate them. Before I could finish thinking all the pain medication I was on overwhelmed me and took my energy and confused thoughts away. I drifted off to sleep.

  ###

  I woke up to see a nurse.

  "Yes, Anastasia?" She asked when I called her.

  I would talk her ear off sometimes; she was a really sweet woman.

  "Can you help me to the bathroom?" I asked.

  I was a little unsteady, so she had to help me walk. She helped me up and led me to the bathroom. I wasn't allowed to shower yet, and that bothered me so much! It totally throws off my routine. I did my business and did what I call a 'fake shower' how the nurse told me to do. I came out and she helped me get dressed.

  "Can you please tie my hair back?" I asked her because I couldn't raise my arms without it hurting.

  "Sure," she said she grabbed a brush from my bag and started to gently brush my hair back.

  "Thank you," I said when she finished.

  Can you walk by yourself?" She asked.

  "Slowly, but yes." I replied smiling.

  "Okay well your father will be here in a few minutes."

  "My dad is here?" I asked surprised. I couldn't believe it.

  "Yes, he’s coming to pick you up."

  "But that's impossible, he is supposed to be in Afghanistan, in the middle of a war."

  "Well then, you must be pretty special," she said with a small smile.

  I smiled back suddenly filled with joy.

  "Okay when you’re ready go downstairs to patient access."

  I nodded, "okay".

  She smiled at me then left, I slowly turned to look at myself in the mirror. I can't believe it! My dad would never leave in the middle of a war, but he did for me, wow. I carefully slipped on my flats, gathered my things, and slowly walked towards the elevator. When I finally got to patient access I asked the girl behind the counter if my dad had signed in. When I gave her my name she smiled and studied me, but I decided to ignore it and I asked her again.

  "No, but he has called already and said he was on his way."

  Sakura

  "Pete, I don't want to go in damn it!” I said annoyed.

  “Come on, you have to go," he said dragging me one step closer to the horrible place.

  "Why?"

  "Because you're my girlfriend."

  "Fine! Whatever," I walked inside.

  "Ugh I hate hospitals! They are gross and dirty, no matter how clean they smell, and they are full of sick people, SICK PEOPLE!!"

  "Oh come on!"

  Pete's brother got into a dirt bike accident. What a dumb ass. I looked around the disgusting place. Oh, my god! Is that Anastasia? It is!

  "Pete, I'm going to buy a soda."

  "Sure, I'll be inside meet me there."

  "Yeah yeah," I dismissed him and walked up to Anastasia.

  "What are you doing here?" I asked. She looked down at me. Stupid prep thinks she's better than everyone.

  "I came here for fun," she said sarcastically. "What do you think I'm doing here?"

  "Ooh, preps got an attitude."

  "Then that makes two of us."

  "Wow, bitch much?" I said not surprised.

  "Whatever why are you here?" She asked.

  "I'm here with Pete, his stupid brother got into an accident, but I couldn't give a shit."

  "Wow, girlfriend of the year," she said sarcastically. "I don't know why Pete puts up with you."

  "Me neither, I don't really like Pete anyways."

  "So what? You're going out with him just to go out with someone?"

  "No, I want Angel."

  "Oh," she seemed surprised. I don’t know why since Angel is the best looking guy at our school.

  "Yeah."

  She looked around. "Well, I have to go my dad is here."

  "Whatever," I said then walked away towards the soda machines. I got a Coke and then went inside to find Pete and get this over with.

  Anastasia

  "Oh my gosh, daddy!" I walked up to him and hugged him as hard as I could without hurting myself. He was still in his uniform.

  "I can't believe you're really here! How did General Foaster afford to let you come? How did you convince him? I can't believe it!"

  "Whoa, sweetie, take a breath. Come on lets go home."

  I took a deep breath.

  He smiled, "lets go home."

  "Okay."

  He helped me walk towards his jeep and when I was strapped in we went home. When he helped me inside, he put me down in the living room and called my sisters, so they could come home. When they did there were lots of hugs, kisses, and tears. After that, we all sat down together and he told us horrible stories and he also explained that since he has never missed a day the general, without an excuse, let him come. My dad is pretty young; my parents got married and pregnant at a very young age.

  "I'm so glad you came, dad," Katrina said.

  "Yes, so what's new? I know I missed a lot," my dad said sadly.

  "Well dad, you're just in time for my sweet sixteen," I said with a big smile on my face.

  "That's great!" He said sounding happier.

  "Oh, daddy, banana, and Kat, I have some big news." Aitana said; her dark blue eyes were filled with joy, she was glowing.

  "What?" We all asked.

  "Jeremy and I are getting married!" She said showing us her engagement ring.

  "Oh my gosh, it's beautiful!" I exclaimed at the same time Kat yelled, "It's gorgeous!"

  We both got closer to have a better look. I gave her a soft hug; she was careful not to hurt me.

  'I'm so happy for you!" Katrina said.

  "Me too, Congratulations!" I said.

  "Wait! Wait! Hold up!" My dad said. All of us turned to look at him confused.

  "What's the matter?" I asked.

  "Well my daughter is getting married and I have no clue to who?"

  "Oh right, well daddy you have to meet Jeremy he is so amazing, he is nice and sweet. He's studying to become a doctor. I love him, and he loves me. We have been dating two years and he proposed today!" Aitana explained in a rush. "The day you and banana came home safe. The best day of m
y life!"

  "Then I will meet him tomorrow," my dad said firmly.

  "Okay then, I'll go call him." She said while she walked towards the kitchen.

  "I'm tired can you take me up to my room?" I asked my dad.

  "Of course," he said then carried me up to my room. Kat and Aitana helped me take a shower and change. Then I got in bed and talked to my dad. We talked for hours; I missed him so much! I told him about my problem with Angel and with a smile he said that we would figure it out and everything will work out for the better. I gave him a kiss and hug goodnight and fell asleep in no time, due to the medications I was under.

  Chapter 12

  I woke and a little disorientated. I looked around my room for my clock. It was 3 p.m.! I have never slept in so late; I'm a morning person most of the time. I slowly and painfully got up and walked to the bathroom to do my morning routine. Aitana walked passed the bathroom.

  "Aiti, can you please help me put on a dress?" I asked.

  "Sure, let me just check up on dad and Jeremy."

  "Oh, he's here already?"

  "Yeah, since noon." She said with a huge sigh.

  "Where is Katrina?"

  "She and James are looking for a bigger house to buy."

  "Oh okay."

  "I'll meet you in your room, okay?"

  "Okay."

  I waited around five minutes, then she came back helped me get dressed and downstairs.

  "Thanks," I said as I sat down next to my dad. He smiled at me.

  "Good morning, sweetie," he said I looked at Jeremy for a moment. He looked relieved for the distraction.

  "Morning," I said then he went back to asking Jeremy questions.

  My stomach started yelling at me that it was breakfast time, so I got up and started walking towards the kitchen. When I passed the front door, the doorbell rung.

  "Can you get it?" Aitana asked as she took drinks to the guys.

  "Sure," I slowly backtracked and reached out and opened the door.

  "Angel?" I said surprised.

  "Hello," he said looking slightly nervous.

  "What are you doing here?" I finally asked breaking the awkward silence that formed between us.

  "Well you weren't in school and-"

  "You were worried about me," I blurted out.

  "No," he said quickly.

  I looked back inside and my dad was throwing questions left and right. I giggled at Aitana and Jeremy's faces as I slowly walked outside and closed the door.