Disclaimer: I don't own ER or any of its characters. Too bad. A/N: Thanks for reading my Reela fic. I hope you like it. In italics is what Neela imagines people saying. This is in her POV so I couldn't call them her thoughts, seeing as this fanfiction is her thoughts. Bold indicates the beginnings and ends of flashbacks as well as any authors notes I chose to add in.
Where's Neela? Is she conked out in front of the television? Is she catching up on some chartwork?
That's probably what everyone is thinking. But no, I'm sitting here in a bar, drowning my sorrows in a glass of whiskey. I've just finished moving all of my things out of Abby's apartment. I really need to find my own place, a place where I can be alone. There's nothing wrong with having a roommate but right now I'd rather people just leave me be. After the news got around about Michael's death, I've been bombarded with questions.
How are you holding up Neela? Is there anything I can do for you Neela?
Up until they start asking questions, I've usually succeeded in keeping my mind occupied so to not think about it. Then I'm forced into talking. They say it's good to share my thoughts and express my inner feelings. All I have to say to that is, bloody hell, step off! They don't have a clue what it's like to walk a day in my shoes. So anyway, now I'm hiding out here in this bar, avoiding the rest of the world. I didn't think anyone would look for me here. I look around me and am please when I see no familiar faces. For now I can pretend to be a whole different person. No one here will recognize me as girl-who-just-lost-her-husband. I'm just girl-sitting-in-a-bar.
I take another swig of my drink and stare out of the rain splattered window. Great, weather to match my current mood. I put my hand to my head and massage my temples for I'm developing a slight headache. It must be this music. Must they play so loudly? I glance in the direction of the band when I hear a familiar melody playing. How do I know this? I wrack my brain for an answer when it hits me.
Flashback
He takes his guitar out of its case. "Ugh, not now Ray. I've just finished and awfully stressful shift and I've got a splitting headache." He shrugs off my comment. "Sorry Roomie," he says. "gotta practice. We've got a gig coming up and I promised the guys I'd work on a new song." His fingers strummed the guitar strings effortlessly as the sounds of music filled the room.
End of Flashback
I cannot believe he's here, him of all people! Oh God, please don't let him see me! I turn my back on the band and return to staring absentmindedly out the window. I try to block out the sound but I can't. I get up from my seat and make for the exit. I fling open the door and run out into the rain. My face is soaked with tears and raindrops. "Fine!" I said out loud. "You Win!" I've been battling my conscience for quite some time now and I surrender. When I shared an apartment with Ray, I was happier than I had been in a long time. A voice in my head kept telling me that fate brought us together, that we were meant to be. I'd have to remind myself that I was married, happily married to Michael. I tried to fight the feelings I've developed for Ray. But fate stepped in again, bringing Ray here tonight. Damn fate.
A/N: Did you like it? Please review, as it would make me very very happy. If I get at least 2 reviews I'll update.