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"My suspicions were right, there are indeed traces of tumor fragments left" Ruby commented making sure to focus on the scan results and not Hobbs

"Yeah, mostly at the medulla area of the brain stem" Hobbs replied

Ruby nodded "Thank God we observed sooner. If not his spinal cord might have gotten affected if we had discovered it at a later period"

"So a radiotherapy is our best option right now. Cause performing another surgery might not completely get rid of the tumor. So I suggest this method will be our best bet or what do ya'll think?" Hobbs asked

Ruby and the other doctors agreed. The hospital had three neurosurgeons, two paediatric oncologists and four adult oncologists.

Although not all of them were going to be involved in the surgery, but they had to be aware. As they say 'learning never ceases'

Ruby queried "Which of the radiotherapies will be best then?"

Some doctors went with internal. Some, external and some went with the both of them

"Ruby which do you think will be most appropriate?" Hobbs questioned

"Well firstly, I'm the one who has direct communications with his parents and he is my patient"

"Yeah we know that" one of the doctors replied irritatingly

Ruby chuckled "I don't mean that in a rude or arrogant way. I'm trying to make something clear here. His parents entrusted his life to me, so we just need to try everything possible to save him"

"Let's start with the external first. After a few weeks of complete healing, he can get back to his normal life. If the problem persists, we will have to carry out the internal and we all know that procedure will affect his contact and interaction with his family and friends for a while during his healing process"

"That's true. I think her idea is fine" Hobbs replied

Every other doctor nodded. "So the tumor has to be removed as early as possible before it grows bigger. Time is already being wasted. So I suggest tomorrow " One of the doctors said

"Yeah I agree. Ruby since you're the child's doctor and you have direct communication with his parents as you said. I advice you let them know about the latest update" another doctor concluded

The next day was fixed for the session and that concluded the meeting

Ruby started to leave when Hobbs hastingly reached out to stop her. Ruby looked at him with confusion marring her face

Hobbs smiled nervously "Do you have some minutes to spare please?"

Ruby released her hand forcefully "No I don't " moving forward to open the door once more

Hobbs blocked the door and sighed "Hobbs what are you doing?" Ruby questioned

"I know you're mad Ruby and I wanted to apologise about the last time"

She heard the sincerity in his voice and her features softened. Ruby sighed "Hobbs you know what you did was uncalled for right?"

Bowing his head down in disappointment, he nodded.

She touched his arm "Hey, you know you didn't kill anyone right?" They both chuckled "it was just a kiss which should never have happened"

"It wasn't just a kiss to me Ruby. It meant more and I wish you could just..."

"No Hobbs please we talked about this. I can't, I don't want to hurt you please"

"Fine.. I get it. But there has to be a reason right"

Should I tell him or not?... Ruby contemplated "There is, but I don't wanna talk about it yet"

He sighed "Just know if you ever need a friend. I am here okay?"

She smiled and hugged him "Thank you Hobbs. It means a lot"

"You welcome. Come on, let's head out" placing his hand on her back to lead her out.

Ruby got to her office and called Joshua's parents to inform them about the new updates and they consented to it.

She felt more relaxed and hopeful that Joshua can finally be saved.

But she wished there was someone else she could have been there for. Closing her eyes, she reminisced.

"Why're you really leaving me? Is this what you call love or you've just been about the little money I struggled everyday for?"

Ruby glared at him "how could you even think or say that?"

"I don't know. What did you expect me to think? If you don't want me thinking that way, then tell me why. Even though you know this is just temporary"

Ruby wiped her tears "I'm sorry, but it's been two months. I can't wait anymore and you know this is bad for my future"

He laughed bitterly "So why the fuck are you here then?"

Ruby sighed sadly "I just thought it would be inappropriate to not inform you that I'll be leaving for Minnesota in two weeks"

His eyes widened in surprise and then he chuckled again "Well congratulations, thanks for throwing it at my face"

Ruby groaned "Gosh, why're you being so difficult and unreasonable. Would you have preferred me just leaving without telling you or perhaps prefer staying here with you until you're finally released?"

"I didn't know I was a setback to your future"

Ruby regretted her statement instantly "Look, it's not like that. I'm sorry if i ..."

"Nah, I get it. Does your sisters know you visit me?"

"Uh....uh what.. does that have to do with anything?"

"I don't know. You tell me. You know what, for someone who comes from a well to do home. You were pretty cheap and easy"

Ruby felt like cold water poured on her. His words hurt so much, more than he should have since she was the one breaking up.

She didn't want to act affected, so she let out a sadistic chuckle "I understand you hurt and you prolly don't even wanna look at me right now. But then you're right, I was pretty easy and cheap to have even considered dating a money-deprived low life like you. Have a good life Nelson"

"Get the fuck out of my life Ruby"

And with that, Ruby never looked back.

Present

A lone tear fell of her eyes as she remembered the past. Ruby opened her eyes and let out a low squeal upon sighting Tay standing in front of her with folded arms

"Jesus!! Tay what are you doing here?"

Tay raised one brow "Really? I've been calling you ever since I got in here. But looked like you went on an astral trip. How did it go by the way? Did you get me those Nigerian barbecued meat I always ask for?"

Ruby rolled her eyes at her sarcasm "What do you want Tay? Don't you have work?"

"Uhh... if you hadn't travelled, you would have known it's already late" she replied while pointing at the sky through the window

Ruby puffed out a deep breath "I didn't realise. Thanks for coming to get me. Let me just pack, so we can go"

Tay looked concerned and worried about her friend. She knew something was up.

"Come on Rubs, spill. Is it him again?"

Ruby broke down and Tay sighed deeply, going round her table to console her. "Rubs why? Why can't you forget him when you know remembering him causes so much hurt and guilt"

"I don't know too. I just really miss him. Tay it's so hard to move on. I just wish he would forgive me"

"What if he's even dead? You don't even know if he remembers you or he might have even forgiven you. It's been seven years Rubs, that's a long time"

"Yeah I know. You're right, I just can't help it you know. But I'll get over it"

"Yeah you have to. Come on let's go, we'll talk about this when we get home"

"Alright.... Thanks Tay"

"Anytime sis"

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