Chapter Five : Confinement
With her discharge extended for two more days, Sophie found herself confined to her hospital room once again. While she initially felt frustrated, she decided to redirect her energy into her studies. She had always excelled academically, and even after neglecting her homework for four days, she was confident she could catch up.
Settling into a rhythm, she pulled out her textbooks and began reviewing her notes. The room was quiet, except for the occasional sound of nurses in the hallway and Mrs. Cleene's soft movements as she organized Sophie's things.
"Wow, Sophie, this is impressive," Mrs. Cleene said, peering over at Sophie's work. "You've managed to understand all this material without even attending classes for a week."
Sophie glanced up, a hint of pride in her smile. "Thanks! It's just how I learn, I guess. Once I get a grasp on the concepts, everything falls into place."
Mrs. Cleene nodded, thinking to herself, *What a scary bloodline of the Carter family. It's no wonder they've always been top achievers.* She couldn't help but admire Sophie's intelligence, even as she felt a twinge of concern about the pressures that came with it.
As the hours passed, Sophie found herself glancing at the door more frequently, hoping for a visit from Ethan. Her cheeks flushed with anticipation every time she heard footsteps in the hallway. "What if he thinks I've given up?" she mused, her mind racing. She wanted to show him that she was still her quirky self, even if her freedom was temporarily restricted.
Finally, after a brief moment of contemplation, Sophie turned to Mrs. Cleene, her face turning slightly pink. "Um, do you think I could see Ethan?"
Mrs. Cleene raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. "Ethan? Dr Grant's son?"
Sophie nodded, her heart racing. "Yes, I mean, just for a little bit. I promise I won't get in trouble!"
With a soft chuckle, Mrs. Cleene decided to indulge Sophie's request, noting the youthful determination in her eyes. "Alright, I'll see if he's available. But no antics this time, okay?"
Sophie grinned, her excitement bubbling over. "I promise! Just a chat."
Meanwhile, Ethan had been curious about Sophie's absence but assumed she was undergoing a routine check-up or simply taking a break. "The most quirky patient, huh?" he thought to himself, chuckling as he recalled their recent adventures. "I guess she gave up on causing trouble."
When Mrs. Cleene approached him with the request to see Sophie, he was surprised but intrigued. "Of course! I'll drop by," he replied, eager to check on her.
As he made his way to her room, he felt a mix of concern and curiosity. He wondered how she was managing without her usual antics. Would she be bored out of her mind?
When Ethan entered Sophie's room, he was greeted by her bright smile, a stark contrast to the sterile surroundings. "Hey, you!" she said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide her excitement.
"Hey, Sophie. How's it going?" he asked, taking a seat by her bed.
"I'm surviving," she replied, leaning forward. "I've been studying like crazy. You'd be impressed!"
"Yeah? I can't say I'm surprised," he said with a grin. "You've always been a star student."
Sophie's cheeks flushed. "I've missed our little adventures, you know? This whole 'sitting in my room' thing is overrated."
Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of connection. "I can imagine. But hey, it's only a couple of days. You'll be out of here soon enough."
As they chatted, Mrs. Cleene observed from the doorway, her instincts kicking in. She couldn't help but feel a little uneasy about Sophie's excitement. "You're really attached to that girl, aren't you?" she thought, her protective instincts flaring up. *I'll have to keep an eye on this.*
Once the visit wrapped up, Mrs. Cleene discreetly noted Sophie's enthusiasm around Ethan. She knew it was innocent, but she also felt it was something worth monitoring. After all, the dynamics between a wealthy girl and a medical student could be tricky, and she wanted to ensure that Sophie's focus remained on her health and studies.
As Ethan left, Sophie felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. She couldn't wait to show him that even in the hospital, she was still the same quirky, adventurous girl he had met. And with a little bit of luck, she'd find ways to keep their connection alive, no matter the circumstances.