The Doctor's Dilemma

Chapter 8~ Lost Bets...or Not

Monday, June 21, 2038

Terrence's POV:

"Hey, haven't seen you in a while. How is the traffic at the practice?" I asked as Vidhi turned the key.

"Hey Terrence, traffic's good. I'm actually trying to find something to do with my spare time now that I'm not attached to a textbook every hour. Where are you heading now?" She responded as we walked to our cars.

"I'm actually heading over to town hall to pay the utility bill. They probably have some position open for a commission or board. Want to come with?" I offered.

"Sure," a pause later, she says," Wait, the two of us could easily go in one car. What did our high school environmental adventures teach us? We could drive there in my car if you want." She offered, clicking open her car.

"Good idea. Is it okay if I just leave my car here and come to pick it up later tonight?" I asked, not wanting to risk getting my car towed.

"Honey, I own this whole corner lot, no one will bother you. Let's go!"She opened her car door and sat inside excitedly. Once I was securely belted in, she pressed play on her Driving with Company playlist to let loose a sudden soundwave that could only be BYU Vocal Point.

"You still listen to them!?" I exclaimed out of surprise. Who would have known that Ms. Serious would actually listen to non-classical music? Not me for sure.

"Yea! And I wouldn't forget about our old friends Anthem Lights!" She slyly told me as the next song showed up.

"You never cease to surprise me, Dr. Patel." And with that, we drove off.

Vidhi's POV:

"Wow, nothing has changed. I don't think that display has been changed since our elementary school days." I observed as I glanced at the glass showcase filled with various township artifacts like various proclamations and groundbreaking shovels.

"That sounds about right, Dr. Patel. I was wondering when we would see you around. There's been a lot of buzz about your practice. I'm surprised that you came back to us." Turning around, I came face to face with my previous chairperson for the Human Relations Commission, Lillian Rhode.

"Oh! Good evening Lieutenant Rhode, why wouldn't I come back? River Hill is where I grew up and it's still a great place." I chuckled, wondering why everyone I ran into was so surprised that I was here and in a white coat with a stethoscope slung around my neck instead of a pantsuit and a political agenda. Lillian laughed, encasing me in her signature hug, nearly squeezing the breath out of me.

"Oh honey, first off it's Lillian to you. Secondly, we all thought the next time we were gonna see you was on the big stage and not American Idol. But the political big stage."

Feeling my face heat up, I smiled and responded,

"Nope, I am definitely choosing the medical route." Diverting my eyes, I happen to glance at the raised eyebrows of Terrence, who must have noticed my voice go up 3 octaves. Remembering why I was here, I asked,

"Actually Lillian, I was wondering if there are any open slots for any of the Commissions. I know it's a long shot, but I have time on my hands and I would love to help out."

"Say no more! We would love to have you back on the Human Relations Commission, Vidhi. Our meeting is still on the second Tuesday of every month at 8 pm, so please join us next month. Send me a copy of your resume, although we probably won't need it, to forward to Mayor Anderson. We are happy to have you back, Vidhi!" She concluded, wrapping me up in another hug before having to answer her radio.

"I can't wait to work with them again. They are always a fun bunch. Anyways, you had to head to the Department of Public Works, right? If my memory serves me correctly, it should be the 2nd door on the left." I guessed, hoping I was right.

"Right indeed. I'll only be a few minutes if you want to come with." He offered. Why not? This is adulting, right?

As we stopped in front of the utility desk, a staff member playfully exclaimed,

"Ah! Did they finally get married? Took you long enough! Matt, you owe me $100!"

With wide eyes, I turned to Terrence and hoped she didn't mean us. Terrence's face turned pink as he handed the envelope to her and tried to correct the error.

"Actually, we aren't married. Vidhi actually just moved back a few weeks ago. Decided to come with and say hi to everyone. Did you all have a bet on when we would get married?" I hid my face behind my hands, my face unbelievably warm to the touch.

"Oooh, yeah. There were actually two bets. One was whether Vidhi would go down the political path or the medical path. I lost that one, unfortunately. The other was whether Vidhi would marry you and move back here. Lost that one too..." she said as she took out her wallet and forked over some bills to a smiling guy in the cubicle over.

Hiding my blushing face behind my hand, I shook my head in disbelief. Once Terrence had confirmed his payment, we headed out to my car, my face still warm.

"That was mortifying!" I exclaimed as I turned the key in the ignition.

"Would it be that bad to be married to me!?" Terrence responded, half-jokingly. Wait, what!? Was he actually serious? I could feel my face warm at the thought.

"No! The part about their bets is mortifying. I feel kinda bad for that lady that had to lose the bet on my career choice..." I said aloud, trailing off.

"Why? Oh, wait. Is it because you are still drawn to the political arena?" His voice trailed off until he was almost whispering. I looked ahead and bit my lip, gnawing thoughtfully. Silence fell between us as I thought about the question posed, the answer I wanted to give, and the answer that truly should be given.

As I parked in front of our apartments, I unlocked the doors and killed the motor.

"Vidhi, are you okay? It was just a question, you don't have to answer it." Terrence said as we got out. I locked the car and joined him on the sidewalk.

"Terrence, you know me better than anyone, except obviously my girlfriends. But, my point is, what if I still want to do both. I spent so many years, thousands of dollars, and tears becoming a doctor. I love medicine and seeing these kids grow up healthy. But..."

He walked closer and wrapped his arms around me as he leaned down and mumbled,

"I know."