Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

"Hey, Jackson, want some more food?" His voice was barely a whisper, trembling just a bit.

Jackson got out of the car, handed him a card, and said, "Grab yourself something to eat. I've got things to do. No classes this afternoon, so head home early and hit the books. Fail the next exam, and I'll kick your butt."

With that, Jackson hopped back in the car, hit the gas, and took off.

Nash huffed, pouting a little. If it weren't for respecting his elders and caring for the young, he wouldn't be scared of Jackson at all! Yeah, that's it, he was just being polite.

Clutching the credit card, he headed to the mall and treated himself to a feast, completely forgetting about Fiona's hospital visit earlier. If Jackson wasn't worried, then Fiona must be okay.

...

When Fiona got back to the hospital, she found Christina on the sofa having lunch. As soon as Christina saw her, she quickly put her takeout box on the coffee table.

She sprang up and rushed over, worry etched on her face. It had been nearly three hours since Fiona left. What, did she have a Thanksgiving dinner or something?

Christina glared at Fiona and huffed, "Finally decided to come back, did you?"

"Is Allen not needing my help anymore?" Fiona snapped back.

Christina paused for a moment, then quickly said, "We paid for his treatment; of course, he needs it."

Feeling guilty, Christina had been on edge since Fiona's comment that morning. Her nerves were so shot she could barely think straight.

Fiona rolled her eyes. If Allen still needed treatment, then Christina should stop with the drama.

"Leaving those needles in for so long is that safe?" Christina asked, her tone softening as she glanced at Fiona. "I'm just worried about Allen; he's so frail."

Fiona ignored her, sizing Christina

up before turning her attention to Allen. She walked over, pulled out a silver needle, and carefully inserted it into his fingers and toes. Each hand and foot ended up with ten needle marks, and before long, the bright réd blood turned a dark, nasty shade.

Christina stood there, frozen. Had her actions been uncovered?

Fiona raised an eyebrow at her. Didn't Christina always love to butt heads with her? Why the sudden silence?

Fiona had expected Christina to be bold enough to keep her attitude, even after doing something so awful.

"Come over here and help," Fiona called out, her voice flat. "Put these absorbent pads under Allen."noveldrama

Fiona didn't want the floor stained with this kind of blood; it would be a pain to clean. Plus, she hated weird smells lingering in her space.

Christina didn't move at first. It wasn't until Fiona finished placing the pads herself that Christina snapped out of it, her eyes wide with disbelief at Fiona's unexpected skills. The high school kid she had underestimated!

"What happened?" Christina gulped, her eyes darting around nervously. "Sorry, I zoned out for a sec."

Her earlier arrogance was gone, replaced by genuine fear.

Moments later, the hospital director walked in with several doctors. Her office wasn't small, just about the size of two or three regular doctors' offices. After all, she didn't like cramped spaces; they made her feel boxed in and interrupted her work.

Pel·