I'm finally getting cured, yay!
The silliness of it makes me groan, but what matters is that it effectively gets my ass moving, and I'm finally able to clickNextnow that I'm in the changing room.
Please change into the hospital wear provided.
You may leave all of your valuables in your locker.
The combination lock is pre-programmed to match your verification code.
Please choose from the selection of surgical masks provided.
You are required to keep your mask on at all times.
The clinic has been reserved for your appointment for 24 hours.
Please click Finish upon completion of your appointment.
I have the urge to laugh and cry at the same time, but I'm hyperventilating in the next second, and I find myself speed-dialing Andie's number.
I can't do this.
Andie answers my call after the third ring, and she isn't even done saying 'hello' when the whole story comes tumbling out.
"Oh, Lei."
The other girl sounds as distressed as I am by the time I'm done, and this makes me feel even shittier...until I hear her next words.
"I wish you had told me all about this before. 93% of our encounters have already been completed, and they were all a success."
Relief pours into me, but wait—-did she say'ninety-freaking-three percent?
"If anything, having one unsuccessful encounter like yours can only make things look more legit. Not that we've cheated or anything, whichwe haven't," Andie takes care to stress. "But it's understandable that some people would be more leery if our success rate is 100%, soifyou really want to back out, just say the word..."
My head is spinning.
I didn't expect it to be this easy to back out, and I should be happy about it.
So why aren't I?
Andie clears her throat. "But on the other hand..."
Phew.
There's the counterargument I need to hear.
"Is it possible you're suddenly having cold feet because of this seriously huge sister complex you have?"
Huh?
What does Io have to do with this?
"You've looked up to Io your entire life," Andie points out, "and all of a sudden this older perfect sister you idolized completely lost her head over Nik...and had her heart so ruthlessly broken after it. Is it possible you're subconsciously worried that you'll end up doing the same? That if someone as perfect as your sister can get her heart broken, then what chances do you have of avoiding it yourself?"
My lips part, but no words come out.
I wish I can say Andie's got it all wrong, but there's this part of me that feels like she's hit the nail on the head. Am I suddenly freaking out because I've realized far too late that Dr. Somebody can be my kryptonite, the way Nik once was for my sister?
"I know you, Lei," Andie says softly. "You wouldn't have stuck this long or made it this far if you haven't developed any feelings—-"