Ray joined Abby outside the hospital on their break, each cupping a mug of something in their hands to ward off the cold. Turning to look at him curiously, Abby raised her eyebrows. "What did you want to talk about?"
She could see the young man fidget uncomfortably before he replied. "Uh…Neela."
"What about Neela?"
"Well…you know her better than I do. Has she…uh…ever mentioned a boyfriend?"
"You've been going out for what, three weeks now? Don't you count as one?" She asked, frowning.
"I was just wondering if…you knew how many guys she'd had…"
"Not the kind of thing she'd tell me, Ray. But not too many – ever met her parents?"
"No…"
"They're…I guess strict is one word for them. Why do you want to know about that?"
"She's kinda…a bit…nervous?"
A raised eyebrow. "Nervous how?"
"You know…when we kiss…"
"Look – you need to be talking about this with her. Not all girls want a physical relationship too soon, Ray."
"Yeah I know, but…"
"But nothing, Ray. Talk about this with her – it's the only way you'll be able to sort it out."
She walked back inside, Ray eventually following suit after he had finished his drink. Everything was so complicated… "Neela!" He ran into her as she tried to brush past him.
"Oh, Hi…" She said, a little vaguely. "Have you seen that girl around anywhere? Tanya Roberts…"
"What, the nausea one? Yeah, she went to the cafeteria. Neela, we need to talk."
"Not now, Ray. I need to find her."
"Why?"
"Because her blood test came back, and she's pregnant. She also has Chlamydia, and I'm worried about the bruising on her vagina."
Ray frowned. "Poor girl. What caused that?"
"What do you think, Ray? I saw some other bruises to, on her arms. I think her boyfriend's been at her." Her anger was evident. "I'll have to ask her…"
"Yeah. I'll…I'll catch you soon, OK?"
"Maybe."
And leaving that "maybe" hanging in the air in front of him, Neela jogged off in the direction of the cafeteria. But her refusal to talk to him only made Ray more annoyed. She wouldn't talk to him…wouldn't do anything with him! So as he walked over to his next patient, he made up his mind. He would end it tonight, when he walked her home after their shift.
