Free Twist of Love by Paige Powers Page B

really damage the reputation of the hospital. We all have to work hard at our jobs to maintain our image, you know...”
    'Coming from you. All you do is sit around all day and give people headaches. Jerk.' Josie thought to herself.
    “Yes sir, I agree... I think I should spend some time alone first.”
    She was getting overwhelmed by her work all of a sudden. This had never happened to her before. Even when she had just split with Trevor, her work had never suffered. But now, for some unknown reason, she had been messing up operations left and right. She had to do something about it. She was already facing 3 cases filed against her by the family members of patients who she had allegedly mishandled. It was a good thing that there were no casualties. Yet. But it was clear that her work was slipping. Maybe it was indeed time for a break.
    Josie hunched her shoulders and leaned on her chair. If she could have sunk into the chair, she would have done so. She looked away from Huang.
    “I'm glad you see reason, Miss Steele. Please feel free to take as much time off as you see fit.”

 
    23. Old Memories
    Josie drove to the local diner. It was her first leave of absence and this was her first act in her forced vacation. It was an act of pure desperation.
    As she parked the car in the parking lot, the memories flooded Josie's brain. She wished she could turn them off like a TV, but there was no such comfort coming. The local diner brought back all the happy memories of that first date with Blake. She remembered how she’d felt so forced and coerced at first. It was such a sad irony now that she went here of her own free will and was just desperately hoping to somehow see Blake again.
    She opened the familiar door of the diner. The chimes resounded in her ears as they had on that first date. And the memories came back again. Josie fought back the urge to cry.
    “Hey, Miss Steele! How are ya' and Mr. Ingram?”
    Josie heard Megan's familiar voice and her huge size covered her entire vision. Megan had actually gained a lot more weight from the last time they went here.
    “Actually Megan, I was wondering if he had dropped by here recently.” Josie said.
    “It's been more than two weeks and he hasn't dropped by here at all.” Megan said regretfully. “Why? Is anything the matter? I hope Blake's all right.”
    “He's fine, Megan. Just dandy.”
    “Now that you're here, why don't you order our cheeseburger? Or some pancakes?” Megan asked.
    Josie knew that the cheeseburger would trigger even more memories. But what did it matter now? Josie had made her decision, and Blake was gone.
    “Why not? Get me a cheeseburger.” Josie said in resignation.
    She took a seat and wearily sat down. Alone with her thoughts and memories, Josie Steele tried to justify what she had done. But it was no use. Blake was gone.
    “Here's your cheeseburger.” Megan said.
    A hot and flavorful cheeseburger was handed to Josie on a plate. The aroma was exactly like the first burgers they’d eaten here.
    “Does everything have to remind me of him?” She whispered.
    She took the burger and took a bite. It still tasted wonderfully unhealthy and tasty. The wonderful taste of the cheeseburger was no comfort for the harsh reality of never seeing Blake.
    'I'll never see Blake again. He's left me. No, I left him. And I... I... I miss him....’
    Josie took another bite. As she ate the beef, an idea popped into her head. 'No. No! I can't keep moping like this. I left him so abruptly without giving him a chance to explain himself. I just listened to a gossip monger like Thad. This is all wrong. I can't let it end this way!'
    Maybe it didn't have to be this way. Maybe there was still a chance.

 
    24. The Last Presentation
    Josie arrived outside the office of the principal. Her secretary did not look up at Josie, as she was busy with some forms.
    “Yes?” She said, finally looking up.
    “Hello. I would like to speak with Principal Pike.” Josie