Theodore stood in front of the room that he’s about to enter. According to his list, it’s the last one there is. He knocked on the door to let the family know that he’s coming in before opening it and gracing them with his presence.
With a smile plastered on his face, he greeted, “Good morning.”
The daughter and her husband instantly turned their heads to see who it was and returned his smile when they saw it was him. “Good morning, doc.”
Theodore glanced at the patient’s bed and saw Mrs. Gertrude looking at him with a thoughtful look on her face. “Good morning, Mrs. Gertrude. You’re looking well today.”
“You should have seen her last night. All she did was keep on talking.” Her daughter said, the smile on her face still intact.
He let out a chuckle. “Always a ball of sunshine.” Theodore faced Mrs. Gertrude once more. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, doc.” Came Mrs. Gertrude’s reply. “You worry too much.”
“Well I’m supposed to, aren’t I?” Theodore replied. “I’m your attending physician after all.”
Mrs. Gertrude chuckled weakly. “Ah yes.”
“Let’s just give you a little check-up. Is that okay?” He asked.
As soon as Mrs. Gertrude nodded her head, Theodore held on to his stethoscope and put the earpiece in his ears. After checking that he used the correct side of the chest piece, he inserted his dominant hand that is currently holding the chest piece and placed it on Mrs. Gertrude’s open part of the gown on the back. Theodore pressed the chest piece against her lungs, listening to any sound that may be indicating a blockage.
Starting at the place below the clavicle, he said, “Take a deep breath please and hold it for three seconds.”
After listening carefully and hearing no abnormalities, he said, “Alright and release.”
Theodore moved the chest piece to the opposite and told Mrs. Gertrude what he told her earlier. When he heard no abnormalities on that side too, he continued following the pattern for the auscultation of the lungs until he reached the xiphoid process.
When he finished, he removed the chest piece pressing against Mrs. Gertrude’s back. “Well, I didn’t hear any abnormalities on your lungs anymore. Not to mention your breathing is just fine.” Theodore said as he removed the earpiece from his ear and hung the stethoscope on his neck right after. “You’ve been following my instructions, I suppose?”
“Oh my daughter made sure of that.” Mrs. Gertrude chuckled while her daughter only gave her mother a sheepish smile.
“Well it’s a good thing she did because you’re improving tremendously.” Theodore told her. “By the rate you’re going, I think you’ll be able to go home two weeks from now.”
“That’s certainly good news.” Mrs. Gertrude replied, genuinely happy about how her recent check-up had gone.
“It is. You feeling alright, Mrs. Gertrude? No pain anywhere?” He queried.
“Not anymore. I’m certainly feeling much better now.”
“Alright, well if you feel anything, just call on the nurse, okay? I’ll be back later to check up on you again.” Theodore said.
Mrs. Gertrude nodded her head. “Thanks, doc.”
“No problem.” Theodore gave her a smile.
After telling Mrs. Gertrude that she should just take it easy and get some rest, he went out of the room and released a sigh.
“That certainly went well.” He muttered, recalling the day before when he had his rounds, nursing a painful throb in his head—which in his case was just a bad hangover.
With how exhausted he was that night and how much alcohol was in his system, it was a wonder he was still able to perform efficiently. Not to mention that he also still managed to make himself presentable for the duration of the day. Thinking about that now, he really doesn’t know how he was able to do all those things without mucking it all up.
He also left Colin and Evan at his apartment when it was time for him to leave, not bothering to wake them up because he knew that it still wouldn’t work. Having all those sleepovers with them helped him know that those two sleep like a log. All of his attempts would have just been regarded as futile efforts, and he really doesn’t want to waste his time doing unnecessary things when he was already running late for his job.
He just hopes that he doesn’t find his friends making a mess out of everything by the time he gets back.
Theodore looked at his watch. “Guess it’s time to get to the clinic. I’m already way behind schedule.”
As he walked through the direction of the parking lot, he was reminded that the date his mother set him up with would be tonight. Just the thought of it makes him want to lock himself in his room until the night ends. He really doesn’t want to go to that date but it seems like his choice is very limited on this matter. His mother made it extremely clear that he would be going no matter what happens.
He could always opt not to go, but he dreads how his mother would make him deal with the repercussions, and it sure won’t be a pretty experience.
Sometimes, it really gets on his nerves how Karen is so adamant in finding him a girlfriend. He understands her desire to be a grandmother already, but for him it’s just not yet the right time—not that he would ever figure out when is the right time.
Thinking about it made him wonder what his date is going to be like. What was her name again? Aster? Alicia? Well, he could always just ask her when they meet later. He wasn’t exactly in the best of mind when his mother told him all about her friend’s daughter.
“I am so not looking forward to tonight.” He said.
Surprised to see that he’s already standing in front of his car, he didn’t realize that he spent all of his time alone in his thoughts. Upon realizing this though, he quickly got in his car, willing his mind to forget all about those things for now and focus on his destination.
— • — • —
Theodore didn’t really think much of what would be the outcome of his date tonight as he sat down on his seat. The girl he’s supposed to be on a date with still hasn't arrived. Maybe he’s just early or she just wants to make him wait. Either way, it’s starting to annoy him. He’s so irritable tonight, he’s not even sure himself of what the reason is. All he knows is that it’s probably because he’s here against his own will.
Looking at his watch and seeing that it’s just two minutes before seven, he called on the waiter and ordered a bottle of champagne. Might as well get the drink here early so there is something he could actually do when things start to get awkward. He’s positive that if he doesn’t things would only go downhill real fast—which honestly, doesn’t sound all that bad to him.
Seriously, why couldn’t he have thought of that earlier? Maybe he’ll just do something to sabotage this date he’s having and since he actually came, there’s no way his mother could ever say anything against him.
After all, he did do his end of the deal, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that he has to do everything to make this date go as smoothly as possible as well.
Oh who is he kidding? He’s already tried that tactic way more times than he can count, and it always ends up with him being reprimanded by his mother about how he’s such a lousy date and all that; he sure as hell doesn’t fancy hearing that more than he has to.
As he waited for his date to arrive, he looked around the place to take in the sight in front of him. It seems to him that tonight was most likely a date night for a lot of people because the ones who are mostly present in the restaurant are couples. There are families here and there but one could really see that it’s only a few.
“Great.” Theodore mumbled, feeling his mood dampened even further because of the sight around him. “Just what I needed. More encouragement.”
The waiter soon arrived after that, bringing with him the bottle of champagne he ordered and two wine glasses. Thanking the waiter, he poured himself a drink. Not even five seconds passed since he took a sip and he already felt a presence standing before him.
“Hi, I’m so sorry I’m late. Did you wait long?”
Theodore looked up from his glass and came face to face with a woman with long, blonde hair that looked like it was specially ironed just for tonight; sea blue eyes that looked as deep as the ocean, lined with perfectly curled lashes and a skin that looked tanned to perfection.
Overall, she’s not exactly bad to the eyes. If he’s being honest with himself, she looks gorgeous. The type of gorgeous that is enough to keep his eyes on her during the whole night.
Theodore silently cursed under his breath, knowing full well that his mother did this on purpose—again. He hates that she knows exactly the kind of woman he’s attracted to, and it doesn’t help matters at all that she’s actually able to deliver. Of course, if he was actually looking for a relationship, he would have welcomed his mother’s obvious meddling with open arms, but that’s just not what’s happening right now.
Still, he has to applaud his mother for all her endless efforts.
He stood up from his seat almost immediately. “Oh no, I’ve only been here for a couple of minutes. Please, take a seat.”
She gave him a smile. “Thank you.”
As soon as they both settled down, Theodore said, “I went ahead and ordered champagne. I hope you like what I chose.”
Turning her attention to the bottle placed near her, she examined it with scrutiny before looking at Theodore and giving him another smile. “Laurent-Perrier. Yeah, I like it. Great choice.”
Theodore returned her smile, not quite sure if this sort of conversation they’re having is something that would bore her to death very quickly. “Well I’m glad. Would you like to order now?”
“Oh yes please.” She replied, calling the waiter in the process.
After the waiter gave them the menu and they were already to give the menu a onceover, Theodore said, “I’ll have the fillet seabream with potato puree on the side.”
The waiter nodded. “And for you, ma’am?”
“Um,” She said, her eyes still on the menu. “I’ll have the filet mignon with mustard and mushrooms.”
Lifting her stare from the menu she held on her hand, she gave the waiter a smile and gave him back the menu. As the waiter nodded and walked away after telling the couple that their food would be served in approximately twenty to twenty-five minutes, Theodore’s date turned her attention back to him.
When he saw that she was about to speak, he decided now would probably be the best time to ask her for her name. He figured that asking her name after they talked and got to know each other wouldn’t exactly be the best way to make an impression. He might be here against his will, but he would still like to be someone that his date remembered—and not just because he’s the son of her mother’s friend, but because she actually enjoyed his presence during the duration of the night.
He might have thought about sabotaging his very own date, but it’s not like he would have gone through with it anyway.
“I’m sorry,” Theodore started, effectively making his date stop from whatever she was about to say. “I know this is coming off as extremely rude but would you mind telling me your name?”
She stared at him for the longest time. It may have been only a few seconds in reality, but to him it felt much longer than that. He was absolutely nervous about what her response would be. Would she be offended that he didn’t remember her name? Would she think that he’s a lousy date? He honestly wanted to know the answer to those questions but the stare she gave him made him rethink that.
Theodore started to think that he already messed it up. Hell, he was even ready to leave. But when he heard the chuckle that came out of her mouth, he felt the slightest bit at ease. At least now he knows that he didn’t really ruin anything after all—yet.
“It’s no problem, really. I was already expecting this to happen. After all, it wasn’t really your choice to go on a date with me so I understand.” She told him. Theodore felt the creeping feeling of shame welling up on his chest but he didn’t do anything to keep it down. Somehow, he felt like it would only make him feel more shameless if he actually tried to keep that feeling down. “It’s Alison. Theodore, right?”
“Yeah.” Theodore breathed out. “But you can just call me Theo if you prefer. It’s not that much of a mouthful compared to Theodore.”
“I suppose Theo could work just fine.” Alison grinned. “So, I heard you’re a doctor.”
“And what you heard is true. I’m an internist, specifically.” Theodore replied.
“Oh, interesting choice.” She said. “What’s your sub-spec?”
“Nothing in particular at the moment. I’m still working on it.” With a sheepish smile plastered on his face, he picked up the glass of champagne in front of him. “Kind of hard to decide.”
Alison chuckled. “Torn in between?”
“You got it.” He said. “I’m not even sure if my choices are my final choices.”
“Well I’m sure you’ll figure it out given some time.” She replied. “I bet you’re great at what you do.”
Theodore shook his head in an amused manner. “I’m alright. But you on the other hand, you’re the one who is great at what you do.”
The slightest pink colored her cheeks but not light enough for Theo not to be able to notice. “And what is it I do, hmm? I assume you forgot about that too?”
He took her teasing as a good sign. With a smirk, Theodore said, “Oh this I know. You’re a fashion designer, right?”
Alison nodded her head as she giggled. “Yeah, I am.”
“See? There’s actually something I do remember about you. I mean even if I didn’t, that still would have been my first guess. It’s not exactly that hard to tell considering how much style you put in in your outfit tonight.” Theodore said, gaining a look of absolute interest from her.
“And how did I put style in my outfit tonight?” She challenged, the glint in her eye never wavering.
“Well I’m not much of a fashion designer or a fashion icon myself, but I’m pretty sure your choice of clothing tonight is something that can already be considered as ‘putting yourself out there’ in an elegant and sophisticated manner.” He smirked.
After hearing his words, she laughed. “Oh you are such a charmer. When my mom showed me a photo of you, I knew in that instant that you would definitely be someone interesting.”
“Glad to know I didn’t disappoint.” Theodore commented as he tried to cover up his shyness as best as he could.
“No, you did not.” She grinned. “I did not expect talking to you would be this… freeing. It’s something new; fresh. I like it.”
“Enough that you would be able to endure talking to me for a couple more hours? Because you’re stuck with me until this night is done.” He gave her a grin of his own.
“I personally don’t mind. I do find our conversation interesting.” She said with a laugh, lifting her glass of champagne and taking a sip right after.
Theodore gave her a chuckle. “Alright. So how did your mom tell you about this date?”
“Well, I visited her during the weekend so she told me about this then. Honestly, I didn’t know what to think or react when she told me about this.” She replied as her eyebrows furrowed together.
“That’s to be expected, I guess. I mean she did drop the bomb on you quite suddenly.” Theodore took another sip of his drink.
“I know. I only even had three days to prepare for it.”
Theodore calculated it in his head. “So she told you about it last Saturday?”
“She did.” Alison said.
“Ah, so only a day after my mom told me about it then.” He shared. “I was certainly not expecting that call from her.”
Alison laughed. “I heard she’s not in the city.”
“Yeah, she isn’t. Her and dad are on a vacation.” Theodore told her, sighing when he remembered the conversation he had with her. He wouldn’t want a repeat of that as much as possible, but he knows that that wish of his is never coming true.
“Tokyo, right?” She queried.
Theodore nodded. “I was surprised when I found out they weren’t here. I thought they were just at home.”
As they continued talking about anything they could think of, Theodore obviously didn’t expect that this date would be going this well. He dreaded this for several days and it seemed like his worries were merely just his paranoia kicking in. Dates are something that he doesn’t do quite often and being suddenly forced into one kind of took him aback to the point that he didn’t know what to do. Try as he might, he just couldn’t find it in himself to be ready for tonight.
But now that it’s here and he’s finally face to face with her, it doesn’t really seem so bad. He’s also thankful for the fact that she seems to be enjoying his presence as much as he’s enjoying hers.
Not a moment too soon, their food arrived, the both of them captivated by the smell and the presentation of the food.
“Wow, this looks great.” Alison commented.
“It does.” Theodore agreed.
“Well, bon appétit.”
Theodore carefully sliced a piece of his food and brought it towards his mouth. Tasting the food now, he could really say that the presentation wasn’t just there to impress. It actually lived up to what people would expect when tasting such exquisite-looking food.
Alison was the first to break the silence. “This is delicious.”
Theodore chuckled. “Seems like our mothers went through their choices of restaurants very carefully.”
She gave him a chuckle of her own. “I’m glad they did. So, what are your plans this week?”
“Same as any other week.” Theodore responded. “Work, eat, rest, and then more work. Nothing exciting particularly happens in my life.”
“It’s the same for me too. I do nothing but work.” She stated.
“I guess it’s really like that for some people.” He responded. “But I guess now that my friends managed to persuade me into taking a vacation, then I guess that’s where I’ll be.”
Alison hummed as she cut a piece of her food. “Vacations are nice. I take one every time I can.” She looked up at him. “It’s the only time you’ll ever get to relax.”
“That’s true.” Theodore responded noncommittally, feeling very torn about her statement but decided to say nothing about it.
“Where will you be going on your vacation?” She queried.
“Um, my friends and I are going on a cruise trip. Although I’m not sure how true that is since they always like to take me by surprise.”
Theodore’s eyebrows scrunched together as he realized the possibility of that happening.
He wasn’t exactly thinking of that until he heard what just came out of his mouth. Knowing his friends, they would probably take him somewhere else—or not. But either way, he doesn’t have a sure way to know if they really will go on a cruise trip. Evan and Colin could end up taking him halfway across the globe and he wouldn’t have any idea about it.
Alison’s laugh brought him away from his reveries. “Your friends sound like a handful.”
“They are.” Theodore replied, a smile making its way onto his lips.
“My friends are a handful too.” She said. “But I love them nonetheless.”
“Guess that’s something we have in common, then.” Theodore states.
“That, and matchmaker mothers.” Alison grinned.
“That too.” Theodore laughed. “I still can’t believe my mother managed to arrange a date for me and she’s not even in the country.”
“Well, mothers are resourceful, you know. When they want something, they do anything to get that.” She told him.
“Even on the account of their children not being able to get themselves ready?”
Alison laughed. “I guess that’s another thing we both have in common.”
“Imagine what their reactions are right now, knowing that they succeeded in their plan.” He said.
“Probably grinning from ear to ear, laughing as they talk about what could be happening right now.” Alison replied, lifting her glass of champagne and taking a sip of it.
Theodore tried imaging it for a second. “Yeah, I definitely see that happening.”
As he continued talking to her, it surprised him greatly that he found this date not all that bad—compared to the other ones he was forced to attend as well. Conversations are easy between them, and right now, he guesses it isn’t too far off to actually admit it to himself that he’s enjoying this more than he actually thought he would.
Damn his mother and her maternal instincts.
Aksara