2025-02-20 12:09:08The hallway was a lot busier than usual. I maintained my focus ahead like I always, not concerned about who was passing-by.
The last person I had wanted to talk to met me just at the entrance of the lecture theatre allocated to my class.
“Hey Richmond. I've been trying to reach you for about two days now.” Anna stood in front of me, obstructing my passage. Her hair was packed into a ponytail revealing her green eyes.
“What for?” I replied, a smirk masked on my face.
“Dr. Starr's assignment.”
Memory of the evening with Dr. Starr filled up my thoughts. I shoved it off as I shoved Anna out of my way. “Excuse me.” I mumbled.
I went straight to my seat at the left back corner of the lecture theatre, not replying to anyone's greetings. I was popular on social media a few days ago, probably why they want to fraternize with me. This feeling made me proud of myself, and I was determined to do better in my academics.
Bradley came in with Lauren. It looked like they had slept in the same house, they were smiling at each other's comments while they strode down towards me.
“Hey man, what's going on? Why the long face?” Richmond took the hand I offered for a shake.
“Nothing.” The smirk didn't leave my face. “I see y'all are getting along well.” I gestured my head towards Lauren.
“We had to prepare for today's simulations, I crashed at hers last night.”
“Did your mom know?” My face was lowered, fixed on the screen of my ipad. I couldn't look at his face. He betrays me and now stands in front of me, acting all innocent.
“What's with all the seriousness bro? It was just studying all through.”
He lied. I didn't even suspect him, but he said it out, his conscience was troubling him. ‘First he wants my ex-girlfriend, then he made me got paired with my enemy now he stands in front of me to lie. I wouldn't never lie to Bradley, even about my escapades, I told him him all of them.’ I said within myself.
“Nothing Brad, just cut me some slack.” My face had furrowed in.
“Where's Anna?”
“WHAT THE FUCK BRAD?” I stood up from the chair, took steps towards him, our foreheads almost met. Everyone in class turned to stare. “How dare you ask me about her?” My fists were clenched, my eyes widened.
He raised his hands like in a surrender. “Calm down bro, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry man” He took few steps backwards, letting off the tension that had built between us.
I don't know what triggered me that bad. Anna had provoked me standing on my way. “I don't know where the fuck she is.” The anger had burnt out like a dry paper immediately. I returned to my seat.
Brad took his seat and said Nothing, we both focused on the screens of our phones without a word. We stayed that way until Dr. Starr arrived.
The simulation reports were submitted to Dr. Starr. Anna went down to the podium and submitted something.
Dr. Starr kept looking towards my direction, memories of that evening flashed in and out of my head, I tried to not be enticed by those eyes, the harder I tried, the more frustrating it became. I have to find out what Bradley knows, ‘Time for mind games are over, I'll just ask him straight in his face what's going on.’
Brad did the presentation for his group, he aced it, they answered their questions very well and I'm sure they would have the highest scores.
Anna stepped out to make the presentation for her group. “I and Richmond worked on an emergency case of Cerebrovascular accident, inspired by his viral video that went round the social media a few days ago…” her voice was soft, her confidence was strong for someone who's lying.
“So what was Richmond’s contribution in this case?” Dr. Starr asked Anna, but staring at my direction.
“The topic was his idea, the clinical management and work up, he contributed vastly.”
My finger was tapping on the table, synchronizing with a ticking second of a clock. My face had furrowed.
“What the fuck was that?” I bent over her table, tilted her head backward so her face would be on mine. “How do you just stand there and make all those lies, who were you trying to impress? Me or Dr. Starr?” My voice was stern and intense.
“Nobody, I wasn't trying to impress anyone.” Her voice was shaky, her biro was shaking in her hand. “Dr. Starr would have scored us down. That's what I was trying to tell you”
“That's none of my damn business, Listen.” My eyes widened, and my stare on her intensified. “Next time we are paired together, go tell them you can't work with me.”
She nodded.
“Have you heard me?” I let off the words slowly, with a deep warning voice and widened eyes.
“Yes.” She nodded.
Brad had finished talking and laughing with Lauren, he came to my seat when I had finished giving Anna a little of my hate for her.
“What happened to you earlier, man? That was so unlike you.” He asked as he sat on the table in front of me.
“I'm sorry, it was just a transfer of aggression. Anna had gotten me upset earlier. She blocked my way and tried to talk to me.”
“She's good, bro. She did well today though.”
“She shouldn't have.”
“Don't tell me you…” he looked towards her. I understood what he said with his eyes.
“Yes, but I didn't hurt her, I just warned her to stay off me.”
“When will you stop all these Richmond?” Brad asked, his face was intense now, he was disappointed at me. But I don't care about him, I just want to know what he is plotting behind me.
I took my face off from Bradley's direction, I was done with the conversation, and I'm sure he understands it. ‘He’s defending her.’
It really became obvious Brad was working on something I didn't know. He had never liked what I hated, ‘we were always on the same team, but he kept defending Anna even when he knew I hate her.
‘What has happened to him? What has happened to our friendship?’ I tried to think of possible reasons, but I and Brad had never had a fight, nor a misunderstanding I could think of.
“Rich, c'mon, you need to ease up on that girl, what's all this hate?” He jumped down from the table infront of me, where he sat. “Today's the party, I'd be happy if you come. There's a gist I'll have to give you later. I and Lauren are going for Lunch, care to join?”
I shook my head. “Enjoy your lunch, I'll meet you at the party. Keep my gist.” I didn't understand my friend anymore.
I dragged him back by the hand just before he left. “I've known Lauren for a while, and you know we have history. Be careful man, she leaves her marks.”
“Thanks bro.” He was about leaving before my phone rang, when he noticed the caller ID he stalled, and leaned in closer.
Dr. Starr.
My heart sank. Since that evening I and Dr. Starr hadn't spoken, with the way her eyes were darting towards my direction during her lecture time today, I doubt we'll be able to keep our hands off each other. ‘I hope she can, cause I won't try.’
She invited me to her office. I noticed the weary, surprise look on his face when I said nothing, this meeting was not part of what he knew. Not part of the plan.
I was then convinced Brad is hiding something. Something I have to figure out before it's too late.
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I sat on the chair beside Anna when I entered the office. Dr. Starr sat across us at the other side of the table, leaning her back on the executive office chair, with a script in her hand.My face furrowed in a frown, I placed clenched fists on my thighs while my foot quietly tapped the floor like a music beat.“Mr. Sullivan, Anna was telling me how you contributed to the ER simulation I tasked you both to carry out. Did you do this work?” Her voice was soft, calm; but it came at me like a bullet shot from a pistol.I stayed quiet, took my gaze away from Dr. Starr's face which had lost all the intensity in her enticing grey eyes to the window pane behind her.“Richmond, I'm asking you a question and you dare not answer.” Her tone rose, I could feel her anger, but mine was higher.“Dr. Starr, I and Rich…” Anna confidently began a lie but I interrupted her.“Shut the fuck up you idiot.” I yelled, “all of this wouldn't happen if there was no scholarship, how would else would you afford t
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I reluctantly dressed up in a pair of grey shorts with a vintage shirt after washing my face in the bathroom sink. The breeze would be heavy when it gets dark so I carried my jacket.I hadn't had that long hour of rest in a while. Brad had called twice, Lauren too. I didn't feel any interest in attending this party. It was optional but I had to be there for Brad, the same Brad who's betraying me.The last school party I attended only came alive when I stepped in, that was two years ago, probably that was the reason Brad wanted me to come. He wanted to enjoy the party with Lauren and he wanted me to add live to it.The drive down to the beach was slow, quiet. Only honks of impatient drivers blared on every corner and police siren chorusing about some few blocks away.Dr. Starr's lips had made an impression on mine, my brain had made a snapshot of her smell, I could still scent her on my skin. Our kiss didn't live long, though not in my head even though it didn't get past that. Her wor
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I crossed my arms on my chest and leaned closer to Brad whose lips extended in a smile. He increasingly became reluctant to tell me the secret he's been keeping. If he's scared I'll be upset, then I'll really be upset and I couldn't make promises I couldn't keep. “Tell me what it is Brad,” I screamed in his ears. “Talk man, I'm curious here.” My brows narrowed in, as I held his shoulders. His eyes were firm on my face, and the effect of the alcohol was distorting his balance. “You'll really be upset Richmond, I know. I'm sorry I went that far.” “What are you talking about?” A smirk had plastered on my face, I left him, walked a few steps away and returned to him, but I didn't hold him again. The frown on my face got deeper. “C'mon Richmond, I just needed a chance with Lauren.” The smile on his face was replaced by a faint face, his countenance was like one who wants to cry. “Lauren? What's all these about?” I paced about again and returned, my heart beat had increased, m
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My eyes barely came open to the first light of the day when I felt repeated taps on my back. I struggled to raise my head in the midst of the pain and weakness that gripped my entire body.I looked around when I had turned, trying to figure out how I ended up there. In the sands.My eyes jolted open, a strong surge of energy ran through me when my eyes met Anna Rodriguez sitting, clenching hard to my jacket that covered her body and staring at me with a smirk on her face.I dropped my head back and closed my eyes hoping to wake up from the nightmare by the time I opened my eyes.“What the fuck are you doing here?” I said with narrowed brows and a frown that covered my face when I realized this was reality.“What am I doing here?” She gave me the once over look, the smirk had turned to a frown. “And what did you do to me?” Her voice was firm and fierce, her folded hands became tighter on the jacket.“Do to you?” I chuckled and tried to raise myself up, dusting off some of the sand from
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Not her? Not my mom, but who'd have such strong semblance with her? A relative of her I haven't known about or is she my sister? Step sister rather. These thoughts of surprise and curiosities were accompanied by anger and I won't hold myself raising a hand on this woman.I dropped my ipad on the table infront of her, peered at her with a smirk on my face. I heard chuckles and giggles from the other members of the class, and I could feel their eyes staring, expecting a scene.“Who the fuck you think you are?” My voice was firm and strong, with furrowed brows and clenched jaws.“I don't understand?” She carried her face to meet mine.I was about to throw my clenched fist into her face, before Bradley blocked my arm mid air.“Take it easy man.” He jumped between me and the new girl, shoving me farther away from her. “Calm down bro.”Other members of the class jumped to the scene. What was their business though? Once it's about me, everyone jumps in, most times the crowd is against me esp
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Aside from partying; reading medical journals and medical books keeps me sane. Becoming a doctor has been the best decision of my life, it's the only thing I have.My attention drifted from the ipad screen placed on the table in my study to the mobile phone that buzzed non stop. Brad.Bradley asked if I could offer him a ride to school. “Yes man.” I nodded. “Sure.” I went into the bedroom, threw a black tee over my naked skin and with all the excitement and energy of a new day, I made it down stairs to start preparing.‘Today should be a good day.’ I said to myself, dancing every step through the stairway.“Hey.” A female's voice which I could only remember it's moaning and screaming my name almost the entire night startled me, breaking the excitement, the dance.I froze, my heart skipped, but started beating harder and faster almost immediately. “Jeez.” The only word that managed out of my throat.“I'm making breakfast.” She smiled and pursed her lips.Her blonde hair was packed wi
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Dr. Starr's office table was large with only a stack of a few books at the left end. Seated in front of her on the opposite side of the table, I couldn't stop imagining bending her over the table.Her long dark hair dropped on her shoulders, covering the arm of the blue A line dress, her head was in a straight firm position as she fixed her green eyes on me.“Mr. Sullivan, there's no way that's going to happen, you won't choose your patient nor would you choose your attending during residency.” She said with a soft, but firm voice.I wanted to explain to her, I wanted her to know the emotional torture I'll go through if she doesn't change Anna as my partner, but I didn't want her to see the soft part of me.“Even if emotions were attached?” I finally was bold to maintain eye contact.She didn't flinch.“Would you want to tell me more?” She leaned towards me from her side of the table. She placed her elbow on the table, using her arm to support her head.The curious expression on her f
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My eyes barely came open to the first light of the day when I felt repeated taps on my back. I struggled to raise my head in the midst of the pain and weakness that gripped my entire body.I looked around when I had turned, trying to figure out how I ended up there. In the sands.My eyes jolted open, a strong surge of energy ran through me when my eyes met Anna Rodriguez sitting, clenching hard to my jacket that covered her body and staring at me with a smirk on her face.I dropped my head back and closed my eyes hoping to wake up from the nightmare by the time I opened my eyes.“What the fuck are you doing here?” I said with narrowed brows and a frown that covered my face when I realized this was reality.“What am I doing here?” She gave me the once over look, the smirk had turned to a frown. “And what did you do to me?” Her voice was firm and fierce, her folded hands became tighter on the jacket.“Do to you?” I chuckled and tried to raise myself up, dusting off some of the sand from
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I crossed my arms on my chest and leaned closer to Brad whose lips extended in a smile. He increasingly became reluctant to tell me the secret he's been keeping. If he's scared I'll be upset, then I'll really be upset and I couldn't make promises I couldn't keep. “Tell me what it is Brad,” I screamed in his ears. “Talk man, I'm curious here.” My brows narrowed in, as I held his shoulders. His eyes were firm on my face, and the effect of the alcohol was distorting his balance. “You'll really be upset Richmond, I know. I'm sorry I went that far.” “What are you talking about?” A smirk had plastered on my face, I left him, walked a few steps away and returned to him, but I didn't hold him again. The frown on my face got deeper. “C'mon Richmond, I just needed a chance with Lauren.” The smile on his face was replaced by a faint face, his countenance was like one who wants to cry. “Lauren? What's all these about?” I paced about again and returned, my heart beat had increased, m
Chapter Nine
I reluctantly dressed up in a pair of grey shorts with a vintage shirt after washing my face in the bathroom sink. The breeze would be heavy when it gets dark so I carried my jacket.I hadn't had that long hour of rest in a while. Brad had called twice, Lauren too. I didn't feel any interest in attending this party. It was optional but I had to be there for Brad, the same Brad who's betraying me.The last school party I attended only came alive when I stepped in, that was two years ago, probably that was the reason Brad wanted me to come. He wanted to enjoy the party with Lauren and he wanted me to add live to it.The drive down to the beach was slow, quiet. Only honks of impatient drivers blared on every corner and police siren chorusing about some few blocks away.Dr. Starr's lips had made an impression on mine, my brain had made a snapshot of her smell, I could still scent her on my skin. Our kiss didn't live long, though not in my head even though it didn't get past that. Her wor
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I sat on the chair beside Anna when I entered the office. Dr. Starr sat across us at the other side of the table, leaning her back on the executive office chair, with a script in her hand.My face furrowed in a frown, I placed clenched fists on my thighs while my foot quietly tapped the floor like a music beat.“Mr. Sullivan, Anna was telling me how you contributed to the ER simulation I tasked you both to carry out. Did you do this work?” Her voice was soft, calm; but it came at me like a bullet shot from a pistol.I stayed quiet, took my gaze away from Dr. Starr's face which had lost all the intensity in her enticing grey eyes to the window pane behind her.“Richmond, I'm asking you a question and you dare not answer.” Her tone rose, I could feel her anger, but mine was higher.“Dr. Starr, I and Rich…” Anna confidently began a lie but I interrupted her.“Shut the fuck up you idiot.” I yelled, “all of this wouldn't happen if there was no scholarship, how would else would you afford t
Chapter Seven
The hallway was a lot busier than usual. I maintained my focus ahead like I always, not concerned about who was passing-by.The last person I had wanted to talk to met me just at the entrance of the lecture theatre allocated to my class.“Hey Richmond. I've been trying to reach you for about two days now.” Anna stood in front of me, obstructing my passage. Her hair was packed into a ponytail revealing her green eyes.“What for?” I replied, a smirk masked on my face.“Dr. Starr's assignment.”Memory of the evening with Dr. Starr filled up my thoughts. I shoved it off as I shoved Anna out of my way. “Excuse me.” I mumbled.I went straight to my seat at the left back corner of the lecture theatre, not replying to anyone's greetings. I was popular on social media a few days ago, probably why they want to fraternize with me. This feeling made me proud of myself, and I was determined to do better in my academics.Bradley came in with Lauren. It looked like they had slept in the same house,
Chapter Six
Dr. Starr had snapped out of the kiss shortly after it started, her voice re-echoed in my head as I drove back home, “we shouldn't be doing this,” she had said when she pulled herself out of the couch.My thought was fixed on her calling eyes, the tan top she wore, I still felt the softness of her skin. I barely focused on the road as I drove, almost flooring the gas pedal.I could still feel her soft lips on mine, her smell lingered on my shirt, I kept sniffing on it trying to let off the pain of the disappointment in every exhale. Disappointed that I didn't get too lucky or I let down my guards and did what I wasn't supposed to do.“SHIT.” I immediately pushed the honk when my attention drifted to a man dressed in ragged clothes moving across the front of my car. I had almost hit him. I floored the brake, “Watch where you are going, man.” I screamed at him.The memories of Dr Starr's lips on my mind would not leave my mind easily, I had to find a way to sort it out.I changed the ro
Chapter Five
The meeting with my dad went worse than anticipated, I barely said a thing. He kept jumping from me doing this to not being that but I was patient and tried to not give my emotions a chance.While he was running his mouth, my thoughts were on their race; jumping between the short moment my eyes were locked on Dr. Liz Starr's, and the chances of my medical career being interfered by my hurting past. By Anna. By my betraying mom.If I have to get past this, I'll have to take Brad's ideas; I'll have to make peace with myself. Choose the grief of being hurt over a medical career I'm proud about.But what if my mom is dead? My heart beat became harder and faster, I wished my dad would skip to that.But like always, everything had to be about him. When he noticed I was calm and unresponsive, he told me the reason he invited me over.Turns out his firm won a huge case and now he is the solicitor for the biggest Biotechnology company in the country, BioTEK.I was pissed that he called me out
Chapter Four
Dr. Starr's office table was large with only a stack of a few books at the left end. Seated in front of her on the opposite side of the table, I couldn't stop imagining bending her over the table.Her long dark hair dropped on her shoulders, covering the arm of the blue A line dress, her head was in a straight firm position as she fixed her green eyes on me.“Mr. Sullivan, there's no way that's going to happen, you won't choose your patient nor would you choose your attending during residency.” She said with a soft, but firm voice.I wanted to explain to her, I wanted her to know the emotional torture I'll go through if she doesn't change Anna as my partner, but I didn't want her to see the soft part of me.“Even if emotions were attached?” I finally was bold to maintain eye contact.She didn't flinch.“Would you want to tell me more?” She leaned towards me from her side of the table. She placed her elbow on the table, using her arm to support her head.The curious expression on her f
Chapter Three
Aside from partying; reading medical journals and medical books keeps me sane. Becoming a doctor has been the best decision of my life, it's the only thing I have.My attention drifted from the ipad screen placed on the table in my study to the mobile phone that buzzed non stop. Brad.Bradley asked if I could offer him a ride to school. “Yes man.” I nodded. “Sure.” I went into the bedroom, threw a black tee over my naked skin and with all the excitement and energy of a new day, I made it down stairs to start preparing.‘Today should be a good day.’ I said to myself, dancing every step through the stairway.“Hey.” A female's voice which I could only remember it's moaning and screaming my name almost the entire night startled me, breaking the excitement, the dance.I froze, my heart skipped, but started beating harder and faster almost immediately. “Jeez.” The only word that managed out of my throat.“I'm making breakfast.” She smiled and pursed her lips.Her blonde hair was packed wi
