that this morning if you like? Have you had breakfast?”
I shake my head.
“Good. I know Dr. Carter explained in detail what was expected with the previous trials, and I believe you did your own research since you contacted him originally.” Nothing slips past him. “I’d like to briefly give you a rundown of what these trials entail and what you can expect. They’re a little different from the previous one,” he explains, leaning back in his chair.
I shift in my seat, my palms sweating.
Toying with the pen between his fingers, he never wavers his gaze from mine. “You will be taking six kinds of medication, four times a week. There will also be an injection administered once a week with a higher dose of corticosteroids. There are no potent chemo drugs this time around, so you won’t lose your hair. However, the side effects in the reported cases seem to be a little more…” He pauses, searching for the right word.
“Extreme,” he settles on, and I’m thankful for his honesty. “Once your time here comes to an end, I can still administer the trial. Nothing will change.”
It’s so much to take in. “How about we cross that bridge once we get to it?” I don’t want to sound like a negative Nancy, but in my case, it’s best to be realistic.
“Of course.” He sits forward, crossing his arms on the desk. “This isn’t going to be easy.”
“I didn’t expect it to be,” I counter quickly.
“And you still want to keep this between us? I’m sure June wouldn’t…”
I nod animatedly, cutting him off. “Yes. No one can know. No one.”
“You have my word. From what I’ve read, you will be able to live a relatively normal life during the trial period.” I cock a brow, amused. Roman reads my thoughts and amends. “Well, as normal as one can. I will be with you every step of the way. You can ask me anything.”
My original question is still scratching away at the surface. Why is he doing this? But that can wait for now.
“Do you have any questions?”
“Nope.”
“None at all?”
“Nope,” I repeat.
He is clearly surprised; it seems he was expecting twenty questions. “In that case”—he stands, adjusting his cherry red tie—“shall we?”
I gulp for so many reasons.
Pushing aside my nerves, I too rise and nervously head for the door.
We walk down the hallway, headed for the small hospital room. There is a weighty silence between us. My mind is a million miles away, and all I can think about is how each step I take will change my life forever.
I can only hope that change is for the better, because as ironic as this is, being surrounded by death has made me want to live. So much so, I will even endure the weekly injections.
The horror must show on my face because Roman teases, “I swear, whatever you’re thinking, I didn’t do it.” Turning to look at him, I don’t hide my confusion. He smirks. “Whatever thought you were lost in didn’t appear to be a happy one.”
My mouth forms an O. “Just thinking about all the needles headed my way.” I shudder at the thought.
He nods in understanding. “No one likes getting jabbed with a needle. I’ll try my best to be gentle.”
Peering down at his long fingers, I have no doubt he will. “You must think I’m a big crybaby.”
“Nonsense. We all have our phobias.”
His comment is my cue, one which I shouldn’t, but will take. “What’s yours?”
I regret it the moment the words leave my lips because it is not only rude, but the hallway is filled with an immediate sense of uneasiness. I don’t have time to apologize, however, because June suddenly emerges from a doorway, perusing the file in her hand.
When Roman sees her, he sighs under his breath, and his footsteps slow a fraction. I don’t have time to question his odd behavior because the moment June’s inquisitive gaze lands our way, I suddenly feel guilty for being caught.
She has no idea what we’re doing, but regardless, her slightly narrowed eyes disclose her interest at seeing us together. My footsteps also slow as I’m in no hurry to get up close and personal with her suspicion.
“Good morning,” she addresses us both.
“Morning,” Roman replies, coming to a stop a few feet away.
“Morning,” I repeat, my voice wavering.
“Where are you two off to?” June’s innocent question isn’t accusing, but nonetheless, I feel like she’s probing.
I look up at Roman, my cover almost certainly blown, but as usual, he’s