At the library, Evie typed up her new essay for her psychology class. Feeling her neck tighten uncomfortably after an hour of sitting, she tried to stretch it and massage it. But when her fingers touched her neck, she was reminded of Abel's gentle touch.
Abel. He always seemed to interject her train of thought throughout the day. Before she saw him, he had just been a shadow in her life, always there but something she could choose to ignore. She hated to admit it, but she still held a tenderness for him and longed to see that boyish smile, to know him again.
She couldn't tell Tommy that she was going to continue seeing him. He would be pissed. But hadn't they been best friends at some point too, as close as brothers?
Evie shook her head, to break off any thoughts relating to Abel. Enough, she needed to focus on her essay.
Her phone buzzed as a new text message flashed on her screen.
Marina: "Hey Evie, thanks for finding the new place for me! I've just about settled in. Lunch next week?"
Evie smiled, and swiped to send a voice message, "That's good to hear, Ri Ri. Big yes to lunch. How's Tommy?"
Marina: "...Tommy's great. Also, you know how I feel about that nickname."
Evie sent her a kissy face in reply. Just as she was about to ask what Marina meant about Tommy, her phone started ringing, embarrassingly loud in the silence of the library. Looking around nervously, she hurried to answer the phone.
"Hi, mama," Evie said.
"Hi, baby. How's your first week back been?"
"Good! Psych's been kicking my butt a little, but nothing I can't handle."
"加油! How's Tommy been with the new place?"
Evie grinned, "I set him up with one of my friends."
There was alarm in Sera's voice when she asked, "Do I want to know? Evie, don't meddle!"
Evie giggled. "Don't worry, mama. It's just Marina. She's moved in with him at the apartment."
Sera sighed. "Alright. Just make sure you bring him home for dinner next weekend. I want to see my babies."
Evie smiled subconsciously as she skimmed through her psychology notes. "Ok, mama. I will. Sorry, I've got to rush off to the clinic. I'll talk to you soon. Love you."
As per usual, Evie was cutting it close for time. By the time she arrived at the rehabilitation centre where she would be conducting research for her honours year thesis, she had barely a minute left to spare. She rushed towards the reception and swore internally when she realised she had arrived later than her supervisor, Doctor Triste.
"Ah, Evie. Just made it, I see." Evie had only ever met Doctor Triste through video calls, and he seemed even sterner in person somehow. His frosty grey eyes pierced her appraisingly.
Evie cleared her throat. "Hi, Doctor Triste, glad to finally meet you in person," she said, sticking out a hand. But he had already turned around, pacing down the hallway. Evie blinked. Right, then. She hurried to follow behind him.
"Today, you'll get an introduction to a few of my regular patients, who have been impacted by severe accidents and have sustained serious injuries. I just want you to listen, observe and take notes. No questions. I'll do the talking today."
Evie nodded and brought out her notepad. "Our first patient has begun physical therapy after surgery for a hip fracture. He was in a serious motorcycle accident." He handed her the patient profile to look over and pushed open the clinic door.
YOU ARE READING
Growing Pains
Roman d'amour"You left me. You. left. me. You ran away. How do I know that you won't do it again the next time something goes wrong?" As kids, Evie, Tommy and Abel were best friends. Kind-hearted Evie brought Tommy and Abel under her wing. Until one horrible da...
