Chapter 12

Alex went to his bedroom, took off his shoes, and laid down. He closed his eyes for five minutes before opening them again. Everything that had transpired since he met Ginger was replaying in his memory. He got out of bed and went into the bathroom. He turned on the faucet in the sink and splashed chilly water on his face.

"I need to get some sleep, or else I'll be exhausted tomorrow," he told himself. He patted his face dry before approaching the medication cabinet and opening it. A circular, multicolored bottle was within. Alex had never used medication to help him sleep before, but this time he needed it.

***A few hours later***

Alex groaned in irritation at the consistent chiming, reached over, and silenced the alarm on his phone. The time showed it was 6 a.m.

"I forgot I had it on auto," he thought to himself. He got up from the bed and entered the bathroom. He took care of his personal business and turned on the water for the shower. He undressed and stepped under the running water. While he washed up, Alex mentally went through what to do that day.

First, visit Ginger at the hospital. He wanted to see the redheaded omega and see if he was alright. Second, have a chat with Ginger's doctor about health issues and getting a restraining order. After his shower, Alex dressed in a light blue short-sleeve shirt and brown khakis. He headed into the kitchen and over to the fridge. He fixed himself scrambled eggs and sausage patties. One by one, his family entered the kitchen and fixed themselves breakfast.

"What are your plans for today?" Neil asked as he put two slices of bread in the toaster.

"I plan on seeing Ginger," Alex said. "Then talk to his doctor," he said.

When breakfast was over, Alex walked up to his dad. "Is your lawyer friend still practicing?" he asked.

"Yes, why?" Neil asked. Alex stepped up to the sink and washed his dishes.

"I'm going to try to get a restraining order against Ginger's ex-boyfriend," Alex said.

"I'll have Harry come over when he's free," Neil said.

"Thanks, dad," Alex said, smiling. "Ginger's ex is proving to be a nuisance," he said. "I shouldn't be too late getting home," Alex said as he grabbed his car keys and headed out the door.

***Thirty minutes later***

Alex arrived at the hospital and found an empty parking space. He turned off the engine and headed inside the tall building. He headed over to the receptionist's desk. A brunette female turned her attention to him.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"I'd like the room number for Ginger May," Alex said. "I'm a friend," he said. The woman sat down in front of her desktop computer and fiddled with the keyboard.

"He's in room 212," she said, glancing up at him.

"Thank you," Alex said. He turned around and headed over to the elevators.

Alex entered the elevator and pressed the required button for the floor he desired. He stepped back as he heard a chime and the door closed. It had been thirty seconds when the elevator stopped and the door opened. He quickened his pace when a familiar brunette in a white lab coat stepped out of one of the rooms.

"Dr. Lee, may I speak with you?" Alex asked as he stepped up to him.

"Let's go in here," the doctor said as he motioned for Alex to follow him into an office. Dr. Lee sat down at the desk, while Alex sat down in a chair on the other side of the desk. "What do you want to talk to me about?" Dr. Lee asked, getting comfortable in his chair.

"Ginger and his health," Alex said. "I wanted your opinion, but I was thinking of getting a restraining order against his ex-boyfriend," he said.

Alex sat still and waited for the doctor's reaction. He sighed in relief when the brunette glanced up and smiled at him. "I'll help you in any way I can," he said.

"Has there been any changes?" Alex asked.

"No, but he's built mental walls to protect himself," Dr. Lee said, shaking his head.

"Do you think it'll work if I try to comfort him?" Alex asked.

"Your pheromones helped before, but this time, I'm not certain," Dr. Lee admitted.

"I'd like to try," Alex insisted.

***A few moments later***

Alex stood in front of Ginger's hospital room, pondering how to approach his friend without accidentally traumatizing him further. He reached out his hand and knocked lightly.

He listened for any noise inside the room. There were none.

"I hope that you're decent because I'm coming in," Alex said as he pushed open the door and walked inside. Ginger stood staring silently out the open window. A fluffy, white bathrobe hung loosely on his pale body. Something worrisome caught his eye. Alex slowly stepped closer to the red-headed young man.

Alex stepped closer but halted when Ginger turned around and faced him. The redhead's hazel eyes were empty and showed no recognition. His hair was unkempt and dull-looking. What worried Alex the most was that his friend looked thin. On the table that was next to the bed was a tray with uneaten food. Alex returned his attention to his friend who had turned away and headed over to the hospital bed,

"He is too skinny," Alex thought to himself. Alex sat on the bed beside Ginger and observed every detail. "How long has he been this way?" he asked himself.

Alex shifted his attention to the source when the door opened and a blonde female nurse walked in. She stepped close and picked up the tray.

"How long has he been like this?" he asked. "Isn't he eating?" Alex asked.

"I've seen him take 2 or 3 bites per meal," she stated. "The doctor is concerned," she said. Alex furrowed his gray eyes in worry. The nurse handed him a bagel. "See if you can get him to eat," she said.

"I'll try," Alex said, nodding his head.

"I wish you luck," the nurse said as she left the room.

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