Unexpected 7: Franken Doc

Chapter 12: Getting help

Community Center, noon...

Hondo's car made a screeching stop in the third spot in the crowded parking lot. My ass is in trouble if I don't move quickly! he thought as the appointment was scheduled for 1pm and he hadn't even had lunch yet! As soon as he came in through the door, he noticed Nichelle standing in the reception area, arms crossed, head shaking slowly.

"You were not doing SWAT stuff, were you?" she paused, leaning back against the same desk behind her. "Like you promised you wouldn't do so your shoulder could get better, right?"

"Nah, baby. I was just talking." he said with a big smile, he said as he approached her

She moved her head sideways, frowning disappointingly at him. "Hondo?"

"Baby!" he said as he grabbed her by the waist with his free hand and pulled her close, landing a soft kiss. "Trust me! No force necessary!"

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him back. Then, she pulled away slowly.

"You better not be getting into trouble, mister!"

"No, ma' am!"

"I'm so proud of you... the way you handled the doc this morning? Getting the brace, doing the therapy and making that appointment for the psychologist was great, honey. I'm glad you're taking things seriously this time." she said calmly

"Thanks to my you!" he said as he planted a soft kiss on her lips. Then, he moved towards a nearby chair, to sit and relaxed his knee. "To be honest, baby, I'm scared. This thing with the meds got me messed up, for real. I ain't never been this attached to anything in my life. I feel like if I don't take em, everything in my body gonna hurt, you know? My veins itch! You know what I'm saying?"

"It's called an addiction, honey. You've put all of your hopes into it like a placebo. You believe it's gonna cure you and your brain programs your body to be on a constant dose. It is serious, baby...but we'll get through this. Ok?" she said as he listened carefully.

This woman is smart as hell! he thought

"Yeah, so...what do you say we go ahead and grab a quick lunch, then go to that big appointment, huh?" Nichelle proposed

"Sounds great!" he said nodding his head, smiling contently

She wasn't all that hungry, so they decided to get themselves a sandwich and eat it on the way. They enjoyed the ride downtown, as the heavy traffic gave them enough time to down the quick lunch and beverage. They continued their small talk, until Nichelle turned onto Convention Avenue and they saw the building complex where the clinic was located.

The space consisted of more than 30 office buildings, each with their own parking area and security. Not only that, the area was enclosed by a security gate that also came with a guard shed, a sophisticated camera system and two security check points. It was obvious LA was not about to allow any nonsense in that part of town!

Nichelle went through security detail as Hondo sat comfortably in the passenger seat, helping her locate the building. When they finally spotted it, they were impressed by the beautiful flower arrangements that decorated its front and sides. She rolled her car to the side and then went through yet another security checkpoint into the parking building.

"Baby, take it easy, ok?" she warned Hondo

"I got this, babe." he said as he opened the car door and swung his healthy leg first, to use it as support for the other.

She quickly exited the car, went around it and held the door for him. She provided him her hand and placed his on her shoulder, until he was out of the car and able to straightened up.