Ipomoea Alba

DIANA POV

Driving through the darkest night of my life, I stepped on the gas as I hurriedly bring Kate straight to the nearest hospital. The bumpy ride was difficult for her, as she cried softly in pain and discomfort everytime I run over rough and pitted surfaces. I slowed down every once in a while whenever she wails loudly. Disheartened to see Kate's suffering, the laceration I have on my arm has no match with it. The best thing I I could only do is speed up my truck to get her to a decent hospital.

It took me an hour to locate one. The primary hospital we ended in was small and partially equipped with surgical and medical supplies. Also, they lack medical practitioners to perform surgery. Kate needs medical and surgical attention, and her situation can't wait for another hour to be attended to.

With all the strength I have left, I asked permission if I could perform the surgery myself before it's too late for Kate. After losing my father at the cavern earlier today, I can't bear to lose another person close to my heart again. Also, I cannot afford to lose the only person who can see right through me.

The thought terrifies me that I cried no tears. Maybe because I've cried so many tears before until I taste them, and right now, not a single tear fell on my cheek.

Kate started to manifest severe blood loss, as shown by her pale skin, shortness of breath and weak pulse. Gladly, I was permitted to save the life of my dearest best friend as her surgeon, assisted by one medical resident, anesthesiologist and a nurse. I held her hand close to my heart as the stretcher takes her to the operating room.

The facility is not too bad. The staff were too kind to lend me a clean set of plain blue scrubsuit as well. Considering the clothes I was wearing were too filthy, I had to change and scrub my hands too hard prior surgery. After much preparation, I headed the operation for Kate even with only the basic surgical supplies.

Thankfully, no major organs were hit. After three hours of having Kate surgically treated under the knife, she was able to fight for her life just fine. Blood has been transfused and Kate is now completely out of danger. I requested if she could be transferred to our hospital of choice for further tests, particularly in DW Medical Hospital. They allowed to release us from their medical care, thus, they do not have an available ambulatory vehicle to assist us.

The cellular reception in this place is horrible. After several attempts to reach out Dr. Blackwell, I was able to send him a message about arranging Kate's transfer via an ambulance. Exhausted and weary, I sat on the cold floor of the empty hallway while I wait for Kate to be released from the recovery room.

Resting my head against the wall, I closed my eyes and took a long deep sigh as I think of my father. Being reunited with him even for a short while uplifted my spirits. It was brief, but real. We had the same eyes and the same smile. His shabby home in his cave reflected his personality - simple, assidious in pursuit of learning and reticent. I wonder if Ofir's marbles protected him.

Then, I thought of Scott. I wonder how is he. I can't wait to tell him that I found the cure. He would be surprised with the stories of my incredible journey. Smiling with my heart's pleasure, I took my phone out and called his number. It was out of reach. I sighed in disappointment. Maybe I'll just tell him in person.

The few minutes shuteye in the corridor felt like a good night's sleep. Also, the wound on my arm have already healed. I hope one day, I'd be able to transform to a wolf so the people I love won't have to sacrifice their precious life for me.

Later that day, Dr. Blackwell arrived with a convoy. He greeted me with a warm embrace just like the old times. But this time, it felt different. "Long time, no see", he said. "If it isn't the best time to get a call from you", he added.

"Not too long", I replied. "You didn't have to personally pick us up if you're busy", I said with a smile.

"You have a lot of explaining to do. You got me all worried", Dr. Blackwell clicked his tongue as he rub my shoulders. "Kate will be accompanied by our medical team, and you can ride with me to the hospital. I know wouldn't want to leave her", he said as I agree to his plans. Unsure when did Dr. Blackwell had so many protective men, I played it well to pretend that I didn't notice.

As the DW Medical Team push Kate to the ambulance, I walked up to her and held her hand. "Everything's going to be fine", I said as she nodded.

"Do what you have to do, D. Don't worry about me", she squeezed my hand before she was boarded in the ambulance.

I sincerely thanked the staff of the hospital, then proceeded to Dr. Blackwell's black sedan. My car will be driven by a few of his accompanying men who seemed very vigilant.

I sat beside Dr. Blackwell in the backseat. One of his companions sat in front as we follow the ambulance. No one dared to talk. There's no music in the radio to kill the awkward silence. I know Dr. Blackwell is waiting for me to say something as he clears his throat all the time, and even glances at me so often.

I remained silent and trusted my instincts. Something is wrong.

Dr. Blackwell finally gave in and broke the silence. "I've never meddled in your personal life. But when I do, you know it's something that I needed to do for your own good", Dr. Blackwell said as he took a quick look at the men sitting infront.

"Of course. And I'll always be thankful", I replied. Dr. Blackwell just smiled. Knowingly, I noticed how he clenched his fists. He then kept mum all throughout the trip going to the hospital. Dr. Blackwell has always been protective of me. However, his indifference today bothers me.

It was almost sunset, and the sun is preparing to retire for the day. It could have been just a 4-hour trip, but the driver had so many stop overs for various reasons. The weather in the city is scorching hot when we arrived in DW Medical hospital. As soon as Kate entered the hospital doors, she was immediately seen and examined by the hospital staff as they quickly assess her.

While everybody is swarming Kate with overwhelming greetings and questions, I took the chance to slide out in one of the computer rooms of the hospital in the search for a certain word from the paper my dad gave me. Written on the paper was the cure he told me about, along with the other ingredients to be used and the step-by-step procedure on how to concoct it. Opening a browser, I immediately typed in the words written at the top of the paper as it says, "Ipomoea Alba". I smiled at the plant that instantly appeared on the computer screen.

While I was lost in my happy thoughts, I gasped when Dr. Blackwell suddenly appeared in front me by the door. Was he there a long time now? I should always keep my senses up. People sneak on me without me noticing their presence. "Yes, Doctor?", I asked as I quickly folded the paper and kept in my chest pocket.

"Kate will be admitted in room 3046. Would you like to go up?", he asked as he walked towards me

As far as I could remember, the rooms on that floor are for high profile patients only. I don't think Kate would like to be placed in one of those rooms. She never preferred to live a very extravagant life, much more be treated with improvident attention. "Aren't there any other rooms available?", I asked as I clear the history search of the computer browser before Dr. Blackwell can see the monitor. He is definitely acting weird.

"I would want to have Kate to receive the best treatment we could provide. That's what you'd want right?", he asked as he peak a little on the computer.

"Uhh. Yes, Doctor. But, that room is too much. Maybe we can get a simple private room for Kate? She would prefer that too.", I insisted as I turn off the computer and stood up. "I don't want to be scolded by my best friend", I added as I get suspiscious of Dr. Blackwell.