Doctor's Order

Chapter 24

As days goes by, Richard had been spending more time at the hospital conference room and talking to Maine. During mornings, they do a run through of the plan and discuss the on-going construction. While in the afternoon, Richard goes to the building site to personally supervise the construction, while Maine attends to her patients. Almost every day, Richard picks Maine from her house and they will go together to the hospital. He always brings her coffee and breakfast.

After almost a year of construction, finally the final stages are well on its way. The year had passed and Maine and Richard had been together most of the time and they have grown closer to one another. There are even times wherein Richard will stay late and wait for Maine to finish her operations just to accompany her going home.

To other people who sees how they interact believes that they are now a couple. Every time the nurses and other doctors tease them, Maine's usual answer is "We're just friends who likes to hang around each other."

One afternoon, Maine is spending time with Valeen on their house. They decided to catch up with each other since they rarely see each other as they are both busy with their work.

"So, how are you? What's new with you?" Valeen asked as she sat across Maine as they were about to have lunch.

"I'm okay. As you know, I'm quite busy with the construction of the Pediatrics wing." Maine said with a smile. "How about you? What's keeping you busy these days aside from our work?"

"Well, I usually hang out on Jerald's café. Sometimes I do help him manage it." Valeen replied. "Actually his café is always busy. A lot of people really go there daily. And mind you, he's already planning of opening another branch."

"Really?! Wow, that's good news."

"Yeah. It's just that he's been working too hard. He's over exerting himself to the point of forgetting to eat and staying up to late because of too much work."

"Well, have you talked to him about it?"

"Yes I did. I do understand his point. His answer is always, 'This is for our future'." Valeen said slowly.

"So, that's a goo --- wait! What did you say?" Maine was now looking at Valeen wide-eyed. "For your future?"

"Yes!" Valeen then raised her left and for Maine to see it.

"Oh My God!!! Oh My God!!! Oh My God!!!" Maine said in high pitched tone, while jumping from her seat to Valeen. "Let me see!"

Valeen then extended her hand to reach out to Maine to show-off her ring. She's smiling from ear to ear as she speaks "He proposed last week. Remember, it was our anniversary?"

Maine was smiling as well. She's so happy for her friend. "I'm so happy for you and Jerald." She then hugged Valeen then continued, "So when is the wedding?"

"We are thinking of having it before end of the year."

"Wow, that's 4 months from now."

"We know, but hey, we wanted to start the new year together as husband and wife. That's why we decided on that date."

"Okay. I'm so happy for both of you. But also, I'm a little sad." Maine said. "So it means I will be alone here next year." Maine said while pouting.

"Hey, don't make me feel guilty! You should be happy for me." Valeen countered.

"I'm just kidding. Of course I'm so happy for you."

"Besides, you have Richard. Why don't you two get married as well?"

"Hahahaha... Richard and I are just friends." Maine said while sitting back to continue eating.

"You know what. We both know that Richard is in love you with you. It's been a year that she's courting you." Valeen said pointedly.

"I know. But I don't know. I think I'm not yet ready."

"Ready? You two have been going out for almost a year." Maine was about to argue but Valeen foretold her. "Hep hep hep, don't tell me that you two are just hanging out as friends. I won't accept it. We both know that Richard likes you very much. No, scrap that. Richard is soooo in love with you. He's been very patient and understanding."

"I know but..."

"Don't you like him? Don't you have any feelings for him?" Valeen asked Maine directly.

"What kind of question is that? Of course I like him. It's just that..."

"What? He's very good looking, smart, caring, and understanding and again, he's so into you."

"I know that."

"Are you still hang up with Miggy?" Valeen then asked.

"Of course not!" Maine denied vehemently. "I'm not hanged up on Miggy anymore. I'm just afraid, I think."

"Well, I just wanted to check. But what are you afraid of?"

"I don't know."

"Are you afraid that Richard will hurt you?"

"No. no." Maine said vehemently as she shakes her head. "I know that Ricard won't hurt me. But I just don't know."

"Well, just remember this. Richard is not Miggy. Richard is way better than Miggy. Well, I don't know Miggy, but from what I can see, Richard really loves you. Besides, isn't it he already introduced you to his parents and they love you so much."

"Yeah. They are so good to me, especially Tita Rose. She treats me like her own daughter."

"Then, that's an indication that Richard really loves you. You know, men don't usually introduce ladies to their families especially to their parents if they're not into it." Valeen said pointedly.

"Really?!?" Maine is now wide-eyed. "Did Jerald already introduced you to his parents?"

"Yes and yes!" Valeen answered with an all-to-knowing-smile.

"And?"

"Well, his parents were so nice to me. They even told Jerald to buy me a helmet! Hahahaha.."

"Wow! That's something."

"I know. But hey, I'm not the topic here. It's your lovelife." Valeen immediately steered the conversation back to Maine. "So, what's it gonna be?"

"Well, okay here it is. I know I like him. Hey, he always make me smile. And I can say I am looking forward to each morning for his texts and time that he will pop in to the hospital. But, still, I'm a little hesitant. Maybe this all too sudden." She then let out a loud sigh and continued, "What do you think?"

"Well, if you ask me, I can say that you don't like him." Maine was about to object but Valeen foretold her. "You don't like him! You're inlove with him. You're just somehow playing it safe and not wanting to take that leap of faith."

"So, what should I do?"

"Hey, I can't tell you what do to. The question here is, how ready are you to put yourself out there? If you can answer that, then you will know what to do." Valeen said with a smile.

Maine just continued to look at her and said nothing.

"Well, you'll know when the time is right. Don't fret about it."

Maine again let out a loud sigh and finally answered, "I guess you're right."

"Okay, enough of this conversation. Hey, we are supposed to relax today. So, let's do that. Do you want to have a massage? I know a place where we can get it."

Maine smiled and said, "I like that idea."

"Okay then, I will call in advance and let's head on to it."

"Game!"