Let Me Love You

- Chapter two -

Today's topic was one I'd been anxiously anticipating: Advancements in Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment. As I opened my laptop, my mind raced through the readings I'd done for the day.

Dr. Harrison's voice cut through the noise, and the room fell silent. "Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we dive into the promising world of immunotherapy. A field where the body's defenses are harnessed to fight cancer-a revolution in treatment."

His words hung in the air. This was why I chose oncology. The idea that we could train the body to fight its own battles, to give patients hope where there once was nothing, was the kind of work that made the late nights of studying, the endless exams, and the clinical rotations worth it.

As Dr. Harrison began explaining the mechanisms behind checkpoint inhibitors, I scribbled notes furiously, my mind painting images of T-cells and cancer cells locked in battle.

"Imagine," Dr. Harrison continued, "a world where we no longer see cancer as a death sentence but as a manageable condition. Where treatment doesn't just extend life but restores quality of life."

I nodded, lost in the concept he created. I could see myself, years from now, sitting across from a patient, explaining how their own body could help fight the disease inside them.

I was halfway through my notes, trying to keep up with Dr. Harrison's lecture on immunotherapy when my phone buzzed beside me. I glanced down, pretending to adjust my pen. It was a message from Sarah.

Sarah: Lunch after class? We need to talk.

I sighed softly. I knew it was about Chace.

My friends had been silent about the situation this last week, making little comments here and there as if I hadn't noticed the shift myself. But I had- I just wasn't sure I was ready to face it. Or face him.

"Immunotherapy isn't just about extending life, but about giving patients their lives back," Dr. Harrison's voice cut through my thoughts. I quickly scribbled down the point, but my mind wasn't in the room anymore. It was with Chace, replaying the last time we were together. His voice was softer, almost hesitant, when he said goodbye.

I told myself it didn't mean anything. We had an agreement that it was casual. It was supposed to be simple, a way to let off some steam in the middle of all the chaos. But lately, it hadn't felt simple at all.

Dr. Harrison's voice pulled me back again, and I realized I hadn't really heard anything he'd said for the last few minutes. I forced myself to focus, jotting down notes even though my mind was still tangled up in thoughts of Chace. I couldn't afford to be distracted, not now, not when I was so close to what I'd worked so hard for.

"Hazel?"

I blinked, startled, as Dr. Harrison's gaze landed on me. I scrambled to piece together what I could from the lecture, mumbling something about checkpoint inhibitors. He nodded, moving on, but I felt the embarrassment flush my cheeks. I needed to get it together.

As the lecture wrapped up, I packed my things slowly, steeling myself for lunch with Sarah. I knew what the conversation was going to be about. And even tho I dreaded the idea, I knew it was necessary.

"Hazel, wait!"

I heard a female voice coming from behind me. I turned around to acknowledge her with a polite smile. She was stunning. Long, straight black hair, the biggest brown eyes with eyelashes that could make any woman jealous.

"Yes? Did I forget something inside of the classroom?"

"Oh no, sorry. I'm Monica."

Monica. A tall brunette with incredible legs, wearing the world's smallest red skirt and a very tight black v-neck shirt, making her boobs to be the stars of the show. She was really working for it.