#Chapter 312 – Cora at Home

Cora

When I wake up it’s almost eight at night and I groan, realizing that my sleep schedule is

completely wrecked. I’m reminded, suddenly, of my years as a medical resident when this sort of thing was normal – sleeping all day, taking night shifts, living moment to moment rather than a steady, scheduled life.

And quite frankly, right now? That sounds really wonderful, compared against a whole night of empty hours in which I have nothing to do but… think.

Think about what I’m doing in my life, think about my career which has gone in a really weird direction, think about my relationship…s.

About a certain kiss in the woods.

About a sweet doctor who, apparently, wants to build a life with me.

I sigh and sit up, looking around at my sterile little apartment. I never really decorated, I realize as

I look around at the grey and beige furniture, the simple linens, the charmless curtains. Everything is functional and high quality but none of it is… me?

Or is it?

I frown at my space, thinking of Ella’s sweet home that – even though Sinclair picked out most of the furniture before she moved in – still sings Ella Ella Ella in every corner. It’s warm and sweet

and comfortable. What does my space say about me?

I mean, I’m an orphan – I never had any possessions or any control over the environments in

which I lived, so where would I have learned to decorate? I never had a mother to show me how

So where did Ella…

rolling my eyes at myself, sick, again,

wants in her life. But sometimes she’s just so….perfect. That it makes me realize how unhappy I am, when I stand

But when I pick it up the first thing I see is one of those relationships I’m trying to avoid leaving me an assortment of messages.

Cora – how did

Cora? You

2

when you get up – I know you were up all night but I’m worried that I

from

click through

all from Roger. Not a peep. As I

little pathetic, but I’m outside.

your apartment door…

bit when I see that. Hank. He’s being so sweet and I’m…well, I’m not being fair to him, am I?

Roger, one he doesn’t even want – despite what might have passed between us last night, it doesn’t change anything. And there’s a man standing outside

what’s wrong with me? Quickly, I jump out of my bed and dash for the

it, I yank it open,

little, his eyes going wide, accidentally dropping the large bag of Chinese on the little

maybe too bright, too cheerful. “I’m so sorry,” I continue, smiling at him, “I just woke up – we were up all night. It’s

giving me his rare, warm smile. “I get it – you had

you want to come in?” I ask, leaning against my door frame and gesturing towards my little apartment. “I am…well,

his lips turning up a bit at the corner. “That sounds great, Cora.”

out around us on the coffee table, eating right out of the containers with the supplied chopsticks, Hank tells me all about his day. He held down the fort

his story,

something twist in my stomach as I watch him, something that makes me…well, makes- me want to

making me blink and focus

shaking myself and forcing myself to listen to his words. Then, I grimace a little. I’m sorry, Hank,” I say, giving him an apologetic look.

and reaching out to grab my hand, squeezing it a bit before sitting back. “I was just curious if you think Ella would want to be more involved

at my chicken with broccoli and picking up a morsel. “But she doesn’t have

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255