Chapter Ten
(.... Driving under the stormy weather with the rain lashing on everything under the sky, all of sudden the car slowly stopped moving, she manages to drive to the side of the highway to avoid clashing with other cars. She places the gear on park then picks her phone...)
Nora:( on the phone) hello Linda?
Linda:( voice message) hey it's Linda here
Nora: yeah I need u...
Linda: ( voice message) psych!! leave a message!!!
Nora: ugh!! You are very annoying ( ends the call).
What is the point of having a friend when she's so useless ( sighs)
...she dials another number and after trying twice, the person answers the call...
Nora: hey
Eric: hey love, what's up?
Nora: I Am stuck in the rain in the middle of the road, my car just broke down ( punches the steering with her left hand), I've tried calling Linda but as usual she isn't picking.
Eric: Okay, so where are you?
Nora: I'm close to the major supermarket
Eric: that's a few minutes drive from my location, how about I come to pick you up?
Nora: what a relief!! thank you so much
Eric: just hang on there, am on my way
Nora: okay ( ends the call)
(... After five minutes of her patiently waiting in her car, a bright light from another car flashes at her, a young man with an umbrella steps out of the car and walks to her car then knocks gently on the car window.
She quickly grabs her bag with her phone and her car keys then opens the door..)
Eric: gently okay!
( He tries to take her bag but she refuses. With the heavy rain still pouring down, they both walk together under the umbrella to Eric's White Benz car, he opens the door of the front seat for her to enter then he quickly enters into the driver seat, starts the engine, and drives off...).
( Smooth blues music playing from the MP3 player )
Eric: ( driving) so how was work today?
Nora: exhausting as always
( Smooth blues music continue to play)
Eric: so hmm... What have you been...
Nora:( interrupts him) can you just shut up and drive!! ( Looks at him then switch off the MP3 player)
Eric: ( clears throat) o.. okay!!!
(.... He continues to drive for about an hour with total silence in the car apart from the sounds created by the rain and other vehicles. Soon they arrive at her house he parks the car, was about to get down but Nora pulls him back...)
Eric:( looking at her) I just wanna open the door for you!!
Nora: thanks but I can open it myself
Eric: I insist!!
(...Eric steps out of his car, then opens the door for Nora. She steps out of the car and walks with Eric together under the umbrella to the front door. He gazes at her for few seconds then was about to walk away...
Nora: Eric?!
Eric: yes( moves closer to her)
Nora: I just wanted to apologize for my actions early on, that was rude of me. My day today has been so long and hectic but that doesn't justify my actions, so am sorry
Eric: hey!!, I understand ( smiling at her) it's okay. By the way, have you called the mechanic to check the car?
Nora: no I haven't
Eric: how about I call the mechanic to come to check your car first time tomorrow morning?
Nora: hmmm...I don't think it will work because I'll be leaving for work very early tomorrow...
Eric: which is why it has to be fixed very early tomorrow morning
Nora: Eric please don't bother, I'll take a cab to work
Eric: I insist!!
Nora:( sighs) okay (lends him the car keys) just be careful with her
Eric: I will ( smiles at her)
Nora : ( looking at the sky) wow the rain has stopped
Eric: I guess it wanted us to meet tonight ( gazing at her)
Nora:( in thoughts)" damn those blue eyes". Eric, please go home, it's already late ( checking her wristwatch) it's 8:30 pm already
Eric: ok I will but you have to take care of yourself okay!!
Nora: do I look sick or pale in your eyes?
Eric: pale? Yes, you do. Are you Okay?
Nora: ( chuckles softly) it's just stress !!
Eric: I hope so, how about you get some rest that would help or maybe a break!
Nora: yeah sure
Eric: I'll be going now
Nora: sure thing and thanks once again
Eric: ( slowly walking to his car) what are friends for!!
(...Eric enters into his car and drives off while Nora gently opens the door and enters into the living room.
She takes a good look around the room which seems to be in perfect condition then she walks upstairs and slowly opens Linda's room door, peeps inside, and sees Linda sleeping like a baby all tucked in her fluffy white blanket. She looks at her what a smile on her face, shakes her head, and gently closes the door back.
She makes her way to her room, enters inside and shuts the door behind her then drops her bag on the table, freshens up. She takes six tablets of her sleeping pills then sits on her bed for a while.
A few minutes later she tries to sleep but couldn't, rolling from one end of the bed to another trying to look for a suitable position, she removes all the pillows but still couldn't sleep...)
Nora: ugh!! ( Passing her fingers through her black hair)
She grabs the biggest pillow with her thick blanket and lays on the rugged floor be to her bed, few minutes later she falls asleep...)
****
Creepy voice: " Nora? (calling her name with a smooth tone)
Nora? ( It calls out again )
*Nora!!!!?*
(.. On hearing her name, she quickly gets up from the floor with little fright in her..)
Nora: ahhh( using her hands to rub her sleepy eyes)
(.. she sits down back on the floor, crosses her legs then looks at the couch close to the door only for her to see...)
Linda: hey girlfriend( smiling at her)
Nora: you're not okay!! ( Picks one of the pillows and throws at her)
Linda: hey( laughing) what did I do?
Nora: how many times have I warned you not to enter my room again!!
Linda: calm down ( stands up from the Couch and walks closer to her) I only came in to check up on you
Nora: am okay
Linda: well...when did you arrive home yesterday? , because I waited for you and my sausages which you forgot to buy
Nora: Linda my car broke down yesterday and Eric was the one who dropped me here ( gasps) what's the time!!?
Linda: 6:30 am ( looking at the clock on the wall)
Nora: ( stands up from the floor quickly) oh my gosh!! Am late for work...
Linda: How are you gonna get to work?
Nora: Eric is fixing my car for me but I need you to drop me off there.
Linda: Sure no prob
Nora: thanks, now leave my room ( entering into the bathroom)
(... Nora prepared quickly then Linda drives her in her Mazda CX-5 black car to the place she packed her car last night.
On getting there, she sees Eric standing close to her car with a man dressed in mechanic clothes.
She gets down from Linda's car and walks up to Eric while Linda drives off...)
Nora: Hey good morning
Eric: hey beautiful (hugs her)
Nora: wow you surprise me!!, Is he done? ( Looking at the mechanic guy who seems busy under the car)
Eric: almost ( smiles at her)
Nora: Wow I thought you weren't gone do it
Eric: well don't forget that am a man of my word
Nora: hmmm...
(A few minutes later the mechanic guy finished setting the car then tells Nora to turn the ignition switch which made the car engine start....)
Nora: Heyy ( smiling at both of them) wow am so happy right now, you indeed kept your word
Eric: of course
(.. he turns around and pays the mechanic guy off, then moves closer to Nora who's sitting comfortably in her car
Nora: ( fixes her seat belt) so Eric what's in it for you?
Eric: I didn't do any of these to expect anything!!
Nora: hmmm...
( She closes the door and was about to move, Eric taps on the window. She smiles at herself then whines the window down...)
Nora: Yes Eric( still smiling)
Eric: hmmm..I..I...( Stammering)
Nora: ( touches his palm) calm down, what's wrong?
Eric: well I...( Exhales) I was thinking if maybe both of us could hang out, you know go on a date....( Still stammering) not a romantic date but something like...
Nora: ( interrupts him) yes Eric!, I would like to go on a date with you.
Eric: wow...hmm...thank you ( smiles deeply)
Nora: well it's the least I can do, how about tonight by 8 pm
Eric: it's a date!!
Nora: yes it is ( chuckles), okay right now I have to go work ( puts the gear on the drive) and you should do the same
Eric: definitely...
( ...Eric walks into his car and drives off, the same goes for Nora.
A few minutes later she arrives at the hospital and heads to the nurse's counter to sigh in.)
*Nurse 2*: Good morning doctor Nora, You have some visitors waiting for you in the hallway
Nora: really!!!?
*Nurse 2*: yes
Nora: Hmm I wonder who that could be...thanks away
(... She walks to the hallway, a lot of people were sitting there, some were waiting for their doctor's appointment, She passes through the Hallway straight to her office then enters inside. Immediately after entering her office, someone knocks on the door, she quickly drops her bag on the table and opens the door. To her greatest surprise the visitors were her new friends..)
Nora: oh my goodness!!.. wow com'on in
( The both of them enters into her office and sits on the chair)
Nora: wow am so surprised
Lucy:( chuckling) You weren't expecting us right?
Nora: yes to be honest ( smiling) I was told that I had visitors while at the counter but my mind didn't go to you guys!!. So how are you guys doing?
Lucy's mom: Doctor Nora we are fine and you?
Nora:(arranging some documents on her table) well am okay as usual...
Lucy's mom: you're sure?!! , Because while Lucy was been given her injection I overheard some nurse saying something about you. Did something happen to you yesterday?
Nora: yea I had ( rubbing her forehead) a little breakdown ...stress!!
Lucy's Mom: okay!! Well, I hope you're feeling better now!!
Nora: yes!! ...so Lucy how are you doing?
Lucy: Well!! I wasn't feeling too well this morning, the pain from my injury was intense so mom decided that we should come to see the doctor and I was given an injection to ease the pain.
Doctor Nora!! Please tell Mom am fine and that she should allow me to do the things I usually do...
Nora:( chuckles) Lucy you have to be in perfect condition before commencing anything because of your health...
Lucy's Mom:( interrupts her) please tell her, I keep saying it but she won't listen
Nora: Lucy!! You need to listen to your mom, she holds your best interest at heart!!
Lucy: I know!!
Nora: But don't worry once your injury is completely healed, you can go back doing the things you love Okay?
Lucy: okay ( smiles at her)
Lucy's Mom: hmmm... Lucy ( gives lucy her credit card) go get something to eat at the restaurant I'll meet you there!!!
Lucy: KK!!
(.. lucy gently walks out of the office and closes the door behind her. Immediately she left both ladies silently look at each other for a while until....)
Nora:( clears throat) so what's up?
Lucy's mom: Well... Doctor Nora please I need your advice on something
Nora: Sure am all ears!!
Lucy's mom: ( sits up ) Doctor Nora, Micheal has always been there for me and my daughter; right from when I was pregnant with her to her birth, I mean he became a father to lucy and that's something Jack wasn't able to do.
Micheal is nice, good-looking, caring, supportive and so on but after my experience with Jack, I have a little fright towards men. The other day he asked me out but I haven't given him my reply yet...
Nora :hmmm... And why is that?
Lucy's mom: Well am looking out for my daughter Lucy, I mean Michael and Lucy are very close, they're like buds but I don't know how she will react when she finds out that am dating Micheal, like can she see Micheal as the father that Jack wasn't able to be? This is the question I keep asking myself because am scared, I don't want anything bad to happen to my daughter again if her biological father could do such to her then the worst can happen from someone who isn't her blood.
Nora: hmmm...( Sitting up) to be honest am the worst person for this because am not the relationship type but ( clears throat) I'll tell you these; follow your heart and make sure whatever decision you are planning on making surrounds around your happiness and lucy's happiness most especially.
But with the way you just described him, he sounds like a wonderful man
Lucy's mom: ( sighs) I know... but you do know all men are the same, once they get what they want things to change...
Nora: ma'am it takes a man to stand out and also men are not the same, they may have a lot
in common but they are different all you have to do is try to be patient and know that no one is perfect.
And also have you tried to bring this conversation up with your daughter?
Lucy's mom: Not really, I don't know how she's gonna take it
Nora: well you have to talk to her about it because children see things that we adults don't, you might think she's close to him but deep down it's not like that like they say " seeing is deceiving".Ma'am, I think you should try having this conversation with your daughter first before answering him and please don't give her the idea that your happiness is in the hands of Micheal because if she thinks like that, she gonna say yes and when something isn't right she's not going to talk because she just wanna see you happy
Lucy's Mom: wow!!... How do you know all these?
Nora: ma'am your daughter is a very intelligent girl, she knows a lot just try having a good conversation with her then maybe you'd see what am talking about. And I think it's high time you open up to your mom, tell her everything so that in case something happens in the future you'd have a witness by your side
Lucy's Mom: Thank you and I'll take your advice
Nora:( smiling at her) that's cool
Lucy's mom: Doctor Nora why did you say you're not the relationship type?
Nora: Well that's because it's the truth
Lucy's Mom: well after hearing all these, I doubt!!
Nora: hmmm...
Lucy's Mom: so there's no special someone in your life?
Nora: yes ( leans on the chair)
Lucy's Mom: why? ...are you chasing them away or no one is coming?
Nora: Am always occupied and busy, I barely have time for that
Lucy's mom: well that's not what I saw the other day ( smirking)
Nora: what do you mean? ( looks at her)
Lucy's Mom: well I saw you with a very good looking guy the other day
Nora: Really?
Lucy's Mom: yea, the day lucy had her surgery done. You were standing close to a very handsome guy and both of you were looking like two young teenagers in love...
Nora: ( quickly interrupts her) wo!! Hold it right there (chuckles) that's Eric and there's nothing between both of us
Lucy's Mom:( laughs) you're sure?
Nora:( sits up) yes am very sure, to be honest, I'm very busy I have a lot of things to do, I don't have time for any relationship stuff
Lucy's Mom: hmmm.... for a lady who is so beautiful, intelligent, wealthy. you seem to have everything already doctor Nora what else could be you be looking for?
Nora: peace!!!, Rest of mind and most especially happiness!!
Lucy's Mom: I don't seem to understand...
( Just then lucy walks into the office interrupting their conversation)
Lucy: mom!!?
Lucy's mom: Am sorry baby ( she gets off from the chair and looks at Nora)
Nora: ma'am I think it's high time you go with your daughter, I love my life private and I'd like for it to remain that way
Lucy's Mom: but...
Nora: Thanks for the visit I appreciate
( Lucy and Mom walk out of her office then make their way to the car park while Nora walks to the children's ward...)
Nora: ( entering into the room) hi everyone!!
( She looks around and sees Miss Kate sits close to her daughter's bed, she moves closer to them although a little bit nervous..)
Nora: hi...hi!!!
Miss Kate: Good morning doctor
Nora: how's she? ( Looking at the little girl sleeping on the bed)
Miss Kate: Well better than yesterday
Nora: That's good to hear so how about the man, has he been arrested?
Miss Kate: of course yes, no one can commit such an offense and go scout free especially not to my daughter
Nora:( chuckles nervously) well am glad she's okay. I also want to apologize for my actions yesterday, it was so unprofessional.
Miss Kate: No it's fine, I'm just glad you didn't do anything stupid to my daughter in that condition ( admiring her fingernails).
Nora: ( exhales) yes me too and I pray that in her next world ( looks at the little girl on the bed) she won't have a careless mother like her present one ( smiles and walks out)
(...She continues with her work; checking on her patients, emergency cases rising here and there, doctors and nurses on the move as usual.
But as they say "every day has an ending", soon it was evening she walks to Nurse's counter then sighs out moves to the parking lot enter into her car, and drives off....)