, I couldn't believe it-I actually got a nosebleed., I'd only seen it happen in sitcoms, thinking it was just a comic relief., But here I was, experiencing it firsthand.,

"Licia, you're bleeding!

" Ernest exclaimed, reaching out to wipe away the blood., I was quicker, pinching my nose and tilting my head back.

"I guess I'm just a bit worn out.

",

"Maybe you're dehydrated?

" Ernest said, looking really worried.,

"Yeah, probably...

" I blamed it on dehydration., Ernest handed me a tissue.

"You've been on the go these past few days, not drinking enough water. That's on me for not reminding you.

", He blamed himself, though he really shouldn't have., It wasn't really about being dehydrated, but it sure was because of him that it happened., Thankfully, the nosebleed didn't last long, and Ernest decided to carry me bridal style through the bustling hospital., The stares we got! I just couldn't deal with it.,

"Why are you carrying me? I can walk. Put me down,

" I protested, lightly hitting his chest., Ernest didn't respond, and I knew making a scene would only draw more attention, so I buried my face in his chest instead., We didn't end up going to Fanny's lounge; we went back to Susie's room., Being girls, Susie had spare pads, and Ernest even went out to buy me some granny panties to change into., I don't know how other girls handle these situations with their boyfriends, but having him buy granny panties and pads for me was pretty embarrassing., Susie must've been exhausted; she slept through our whole visit without us disturbing her.,

"Does your stomach hurt?

" Ernest asked, showing his surprisingly detailed knowledge on the subject., I shook my head.

"Nope.

", Actually, it was pretty strange. I hadn't even noticed my period had started, and it was two days early, which is what led to this embarrassing situation. ,

"Ernest, I meddled too much today,

" I confessed, holding the warm tea he'd made for me, bringing up Haley's issue.,

"That's not meddling,

" Ernest surprisingly disagreed with me., I couldn't help but chuckle.

"I get that you're supportive, Ernest, but I was wrong. You don't have to defend me.

",

"No, really,

" he said earnestly, looking, me straight in the eyes,

"you were right to stop her from harming the baby. No matter what the adul issues are, harming an unborn child is off limits. It's about respecting and protecting life.

" , His words carried a weight, stirring something deep within me., I wrapped my legs around his, teasingly rubbing against him.

"That's my soldier.

", Ernest's Adam's apple bobbed, his body tensed.

"Don't start.

", I knew exactly what he meant and couldn't help but laugh., I realized that being with Ernest made me genuinely happy, laugh out loud, and feel utterly cherished. Despite everything, particularly his sister being unwell, Ernest found moments to smile with me., They say the most beautiful love is simple-you tease, and they smile., I once chased what I thought was the perfect love and ended up with nothing. But this unexpected love with Ernest gave me everything I ever wanted. , Life is full of surprises, so it's better to embrace them. You never know, the next corner might reveal a breathtaking view.,

"I heard from Fanny that Susie's surgery might be delayed, is that true?

" I asked Ernest., He softly nodded.

"Yates is trying to secure another heart donor.

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