I trudged back to my room, still reeling from the encounter with Emma. My mind raced with thoughts of Mia's insensitivity, and a migraine threatened to consume me.
As I entered my room, a familiar figure stood by my bed, her stature eerily reminiscent of someone from my past. As she turned, my heart skipped a beat.
"Ava?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with recognition. "Nate Williams, it's been ages."
I stood frozen, my words caught in my throat. The room seemed to shrink, leaving only Ava and me, suspended in a sea of memories.
****************
Flashback:
Winter's chill gripped the air, and I shivered, clad in two jackets. Ava and I stood together, our breath visible in the frosty evening.
"Ava, I have something to tell you," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "We've been friends forever, and I couldn't keep this inside anymore. You're beautiful, and I've been hiding my feelings, afraid of ruining our friendship."
My heart pounded as I confessed, "Mia, I think I'm in love with you. I can treat you better than those guys who keep breaking your heart. Will you be my girlfriend?"
Ava's smile softened, her eyes filled with warmth. "Nate, I love you, but as a friend."
My world crumbled, plunging me into darkness. The words I dreaded most.
"I thought we had something more," I stuttered, desperation creeping into my voice.
Ava's expression turned sympathetic. "We've been friends since childhood, Nate. Seeing you as more feels weird. I'm sorry."
The blow struck deep.
"Am leaving the country", she said.
"You're leaving?" I asked, stunned.
"Tomorrow," she replied, her voice laced with regret. "I didn't know if I'd ever return."
I felt betrayed, our close friendship seemingly a myth.
Ava turned to leave, and I watched, paralyzed, as she walked away, disappearing into the night.
********
Standing in my hospital room, facing Ava, memories came crashing back like a tidal wave. Past feelings resurfaced, and my heart skipped a beat.
"Ava, what are you doing here?" I managed to ask, my voice laced with a mix of surprise and longing.
Ava's eyes sparkled with amusement, her full lips curving into a gentle smile. "Is that how you greet an old friend you haven't seen for a while?" she teased, her voice warm and melodious.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I struggled to compose myself. The years melted away, and I was transported back to our winter confession.
"I...I didn't expect to see you," I stammered, my gaze drifting over her familiar features. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Her bright green eyes, once filled with warmth and friendship, now shone with a professional detachment.
Ava's smile widened, and she took a step closer. "I'm your doctor," she said, her voice taking on a subtle authoritative tone.
The white coat she wore seemed to symbolize a barrier between our past and present. Yet, her eyes still held a glimmer of the connection we once shared.
"Fate's a strange thing," I muttered, my thoughts racing.
Ava's expression softened. "Indeed it is, Nate. How have you been?"
Her question bridged the gap between our past and present, inviting me to reconnect.
"I'm doing remarkably well, too well if I may say," I declared, attempting to sound nonchalant as I made my way back to the bed. My legs trembled slightly, but I refused to show weakness in front of Ava.
Ava's gaze followed me, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I see you haven't changed one bit," she said, her voice dripping with familiarity.
Her words cut through my ego like a sharp knife. Haven't changed? I thought to myself. I'm not that awkward, timid boy you knew back then. I've grown, evolved. I've even sprouted a rugged beard to prove it.
I settled into the bed, trying to appear relaxed, but Ava's comment had awakened my insecurities. I smoothed my beard, a gesture of self-assurance.
"Still the same old Nate, huh?" I replied, forcing a chuckle to mask the sting of her words. My eyes locked onto hers, searching for a glimmer of the connection we once shared.
Ava's smile faltered for a moment, and she glanced away, her gaze drifting to the medical chart in her hand.
"What happened to you?" I pressed, curiosity getting the better of me. "When did you return to the country?"
Ava's eyes refocused on mine, and she hesitated, as if weighing how much to reveal. "It's a long story for another day," she said finally, her tone gentle but firm.
The hint of mystery surrounding her return only piqued my interest.
Ava's expression shifted to a professional mask. "Right now, I'm just your doctor, and I need to carry out some tests on you."
She gestured to the bed, her hand pale against the crisp white sheets.
"Can you lie down for a bit?" Ava asked, her voice softening.
I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest as I settled back onto the pillows.
Ava's gaze swept over me, her eyes lingering on my face before she began her examination.
"Let's take a look at those bruises," she murmured, her fingers brushing against my skin.
The touch sent shivers down my spine.
"Your vitals look good", she said in a professional way. "But I'll need to run some additional text".
Just as Ava was finishing her examination, the door swung open and a familiar figure strode in. Stacy Lin's poised entrance commanded attention, but her presence was the last thing I wanted.
What was she doing here? Had she come to finish what she started? Her face was the last thing I wanted to see, especially after Ava's gentle touch and warm smile.
Stacy's eyes locked onto mine, her expression unreadable. "Nate, we need to talk."
Ava, sensing the tension, excused herself. "I'll be right back. I have to attend to another patient."
As Ava departed, Stacy's gaze never wavered. "What do you want?" I asked gruffly, turning away, my voice laced with bitterness.
"Don't be bitter, Nate. It was just business. Hope no hard feelings?" Stacy's tone was conciliatory, but her words rang hollow.
"Yeah, tell that to my pride and broken arm," I shot back, my sarcasm biting.
Stacy's expression softened, and for a moment, I glimpsed a glimmer of genuine emotion.
"Nate, I'm not here for that. Something else brought me here." She paused, her voice taking on a deeper, more personal tone.
"The young lady you saved from that accident...she's my daughter, my only child. I owe you a debt of gratitude. If you weren't there..." Stacy's voice trailed off, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.
I was caught off guard, my surprise etched on my face like a sculpture. "Oh, really?" I stuttered.
Stacy's composure returned, and she continued, "To show my appreciation, I want you on our team. Your proposal wasn't up to our standards, but there was something unique in it that drew me in. You're a brilliant lad, Nate."
She paused, her eyes locking onto mine.
"Will you be willing to join our team?" Stacy asked, her voice low
and sincere.
I hesitated, my mind reeling from the revelation. Stacy Lin, the ruthless businesswoman, had a vulnerable side?