Eventually

7. Present

Bradley

I finally have a day-off today. After practically lived in the on-call room for the past few days, it feels really nice to spend the day outside the hospital.

Actually I was planning to go out with my friends tonight. But they said they were busy, had something to do with their girlfriends. I couldn't blame them though. It's Saturday, of course they would be busy.

So, I just spent my day at home. Lying in bed, watching series, order some food, and maybe visit a neighbor? Oh, I wish.

I haven't met Liz since that day when she saw Amy walked out of my place. Truth is, Amy and I are not in a relationship or whatsoever.

Amy and her husband got divorced a few years ago. Since then, she's been living here with Daryl. Daryl is adorable and I got along pretty well with them. Or maybe a little too well. I made out with Amy a couple times, when Daryl was staying with his grandparents. Don't blame me, she's pretty and I am just a normal guy.

Then one time, she told me that she wanted to move forward with this relationship. As much as I adore Daryl, I can't do it. I told her that I wasn't ready for any commitment. At the time, I just started my residency so I used that as an esxcuse. Plus, I still had an unfinished business with this person who lives next door.

Before I make things right with her, I promised myself that I won't have any committed relationship with anyone. And I've been keeping that promise really well.

That day, Amy visited because she wanted to talk about Daryl. It seemed like Daryl fought with someone at school. She got worried and asked me to try to talked to him. Because aside from being his friend, Daryl kinda think of me as a father-figure.

So, I talked to Daryl. Apparently, this other kid made fun of Daryl in front of his friends and told him that he had no Dad. He also said some other bad stuff about Amy. That's why Daryl got mad, and hit this other kid.

Personally, I think this other kid kinda deserved it though. Not deserved to get hit, but deserved to be told that it's not fine to make fun of other's parents. I told Daryl that no matter how mad he is, he shouldn't have hit his friend. Because violence is not a way to solve a problem. It will just lead you to another problem. It will leave a mark and affect your life, more than you thought. Trust me.

Anyway, I kept trying to meet Liz to explain that, but I guess she's too busy with work. I heard from Eric, one of the guard in the front desk, that Liz always came home late these past few days. Despite coming home late, she always smiled and greeted everyone nicely. Of course, she is my Liz. Was. And hopefully will be.

Well, today is Saturday which means she's home and not working. Maybe I should buy us some food. You know, have dinner together and talk about some stuff. Pizza, pasta, and ice cream sounds good. Those are her favorites. I pick my phone to order the food and I look at the date on my phone. February 14.

Oh, I didn't realize that.

Happy Valentine's Day.

It's a day filled with love, where you need to spend it with your loved ones. Sweet. I used to spend it with my loved one too. I still remember that I asked her to be my girlfriend on February 14. We also spent it together for the next few years. Until I messed things up.

Maybe it's a sign. Maybe it's my chance to make things right with her on this date. I need to get out of here. I need to buy her something before going there to talk to her.

I come out of my room and turn to look at her door. Someone is standing in front of her door. A guy, wearing suits. I stare at him and I think he can feel it. Then he turns to me. Crap.

"Bradley?"

"Russell." What is he doing here? I haven't seen him for a year or so.

"Hey, man. Good to see you. You live here?" He smiles and approaches me.

"Yeah, I do. What are you doing here? You moved in here or something?" I ask him. No way though, Frank would've told me if someone moved in here.

"Ah, no. I wish." He slightly laughs before continues, "I am picking up my date."

His what?

Just like it's her cue, she comes out of her door wearing a grey coat and knee-length lace dress beneath it. She lets her hair loose on her shoulder. She's so beautiful, like always.

I think Russ can feel that I'm looking elsewhere, so he turns his head. Then he walks to her. She looks at me for a while, before smiling at Russ who's walking closer to her.

"There you are, gorgeous." Couldn't agree more, Russ.

She blushes and turns to me, again. She looks confused. Of course she is. It turns out her ex-boyfriend is friends with someone that may or may not be her current one. Although he's not my friend, technically.

Russell Adams is a senior. He completed the residency program in our hospital and now taking a fellowship for cardiothoracic surgery. I always thought that he was pretty cool. At least until now, until I saw him standing there beside Liz. Not cool.

"I was just talking to Brad. We actually worked in the same hospital during my residency. You guys know each other right?" He looks at me and her.

"Of course. I brought her a housewarming gift too when she moved in." I force a smile. It's really hard to force a smile. I hope they don't notice.

She returns my smile and says, "Right."

"Well, I would love to talk more but we're gonna be late. You're all set?" He asks her and she nods. Then he looks at me again, "You're going out too, right Brad? Want to walk together?"

That's right. He saw me coming out of my door before. I was going to buy something for her. But I'm not sure that I can walk with them as a third-wheel. It would be really awkward if we walk together and ride the elevator down. I know she would feel uncomfortable too.

I sort of rub my pocket and say, "Yes, but I forgot my wallet. You guys go ahead." I take another glance at her, "Have fun, though."

"Alright. See you later, Brad." He smiles and holds her hand.

I just nod and quickly return to my room.

Damn. I should've known this would happen sooner or later. I thought this would be a perfect time to make amends with her. I guess I was wrong.

Seeing her, with another man, in front of my eyes, is not something that I can handle easily. I don't like this.