A stunned look painted Karen’s face and she opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
“Now, I know how strange this must sound. You and I are like hot and cold, but there’s this unexplainable attraction that I can’t ignore. Looking in your eyes, I can see that you feel the same way and that you’re just as confused about all of this as I am,” Chris admitted as Karen desperately finished off her drink, “I really think we can make this work, Karen. All you have to do is say that you’re willing to give it a shot.”
“Chris, I…” Karen attempted as the panic hit, “I…I have to go.”
Karen grabbed her purse and hurried out. Feeling the nausea hit, she ran into the bathroom, throwing open the stall door. She soon found herself regretting mixing alcohol and amphetamines. She emerged from the bathroom barely able to stand on her own two feet. Just then, Chris came around the corner.
“Karen! I’ve been looking all over for you. You don’t look good, are you alright?” Chris inquired rushing next to her and checking her over.
“I’m okay, I guess I just shouldn’t have drank so much on an empty stomach.”
“I’m going to take you home before you pass out on me. Just take it slowly,” He said holding her up as they walked towards the door.
“You don’t have to keep rescuing me, I can get myself a cab.”
“You’re right, I don’t have to, but I choose to, so you’re going to have to deal with it.”
Feeling too sick to argue, Karen allowed Chris to take her home. The two were silent the whole way and didn’t speak until they were in Karen’s apartment.
“So, would you mind explaining to me what happened back there? I didn’t mean to upset you, I just wanted you to know the truth.”
“The truth? Do you even know the definition of the word?” Karen shot out defensively, “You’re wasting your time, Chris, you might as well go home,” She regretted saying the words the minute they left her mouth.
“I don’t think that’s what you want, Karen. I think you want to tell me that you feel the same way, but you’re scared. With the exception of you and Eve, no one in this town talks to me unless they have to. Who would want to admit that they’re falling for someone like that?”
“That has nothing to do with it! You have no idea what you’re talking about, Chris.”
“Then please, enlighten me.”
Chris sank into the seat next to Karen and looked into her eye trying to read them. He was met by sadness and confusion hidden behind dilated pupils. She quickly turned away, praying he wouldn’t call her on it. Hoping the explanation was simple and that he was making something out of nothing, he chose not to mention it.
“We’re two totally different people, Chris. The only thing we have in common is that we’re both doctors who happen to work at the same hospital. Friends are all we could ever be. That’s probably the only type of relationship that I can manage to not screw up.”
“That’s what you’re afraid of? That’s the reason you wont admit that what’s going on between us is real and not something I’m imagining? You might have yourself convinced that it’s true, but I wont buy it, Karen.”
She wanted to be able to tell him that he was wrong and that she felt nothing, but she couldn’t do it. The more he spoke, the more convinced she became that she was falling for Chris Ramsey.

I had no choice but to hear you
You stated your case time and again
I thought about it

You treat me like I’m a princess
I’m not used to liking that
You ask how my day was

You’ve already won me over in spite of me
Don’t be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don’t be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn’t help it
It’s all your fault

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole
You’re so much braver then I give you credit for
That’s not lip service

“What do you want me to say, Chris?”
“I just want you to admit what we both know is true. I want you to stop trying to lie to yourself. I want to hear you say the words.”
Karen knew that she had to do it. Not for him, but for herself. She jumped to her feet.
“Fine! You want to hear me say it? I’ll say it. You’re absolutely right, Chris, there is something between us that can’t be shoved aside, no matter how hard I try.”
“See, I told you! All you had to do was stop fighting it.”

You are the bearer of unconditional things
You held your breath and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

You’re the best listener that I’ve ever met
You’re my best friend
Best friend with benefits
What took you so long?

“Are you happy now? You got what you wanted.”
“Not entirely. There’s something I’ve been waiting a long time to do. Holding back has been killing me,” He stood and faced her.
“What are you talking about?”
He pulled her in to him and let his lips find hers. Caught slightly off-guard, Karen didn’t respond to the kiss. The fiery spark that ignited between them wore away the shock, causing her to kiss him back.
“That was definitely worth the wait,” Chris admitted.
“Definitely,” Karen repeated, still in a daze.
“I should probably go, I have an early shift tomorrow. Are you working?”
“No, but I’ll be in to bring Sydney home. She’s going to be living with me.”
“You can explain that one to me later! I’m going to go and let you get some rest. You still look a little run down from the strike.”
“Gee thanks! Way to make a girl feel good about herself!” Karen laughed, and Chris blushed, “I’ll call you tomorrow?”
“Sounds good to me,” Chris smiled at her effort, “I had a really nice time tonight. I hope we can do this again soon.”
He gently kissed her before walking out the door.

I’ve never felt this healthy before
I’ve never wanted something rational
I am aware now
I am aware now

*Song credits: Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette off her album Jagged Little Pill