Hello Stranger

by Jade West

I knew it was coming before he spoke. I could see it in his eyes. “Chloe…” he started, but I didn’t want it. I didn’t want to hear it. My voice did me proud in that second, it really did. “Please, don’t do it,” I told him. “I know it was a mistake and shouldn’t have happened and all that, but please don’t say let’s just forget about it and I’ll see you on Monday and nice to know you.” I took a breath. “Because it’s more than that to me. Since the bookmark thing, and then seeing you worked at the hospital, and then coming to the same ward… I mean, it’s too weird to ignore, right? And I get it, that you’re my boss and it’s not professional, but I really liked it. And I really like you.” I took another breath. “And I even like your mum now, too. So please don’t send me away and say goodbye.” I stopped myself, and he was staring at me, so intently it took my breath. “What makes you think I was going to do that?” he said.