Eight

Ugh.. I’m so tired…

My whole body hurts all over...

No.. I loved my job.. I loved my job.. I loved my job…

Yes, I loved my job. The perks were few and far between but they were still there.

First, I got the chance to help people, who could beat that? Secondly, You will never be unneeded anywhere, hey, who doesn't need a doctor? I can work anywhere. and finally, of course, the doctor's fee exceeds the tuition fees I've paid.

Even though sometimes the shifts are horrible, but hey, that's part of the process, right?

One day I will definitely be great like those senior doctors.

After a week of non-stop work at the hospital because two interns were sick and had to rest so I had to cover them all, quickly I contacted Kate that I couldn't work at her cafe. I finally got two days off starting today, and like a plastic bag floating in the wind, I thought staying at home and resting was what I needed but only I felt lost and aimless.

Staring at the contacts on my phone, I stopped at a name before grin happily.

Maya…

Sighing, I ventured to try to contact her.

Click...  “Babbeee…” 

She answered immediately even before the first ring ended.

"Are you busy?" I asked quickly.

She laughed, "Definitely not, want to come here?" 

Maya was my high school friend, she and Vernon were my best friends who didn't actually go to the same school as me, but our schools were close together.

She was also the reason I wanted to become a doctor who could help others.

"How about meeting at 'the Maze'?" I asked and invited her to go to the place we used to hang when I’m tired of studying.

"Hahaha... okay, I'll take Vernon, okay?"

"See you."

Jumping in happily since I haven’t seen them for more than a couple of months, I quickly hopped into the shower and got ready.

It was only after 3 in the afternoon when I arrived at the Maze and saw two of my best friends sitting beside the window where I could notice them.

“BABBBEEEEE..” I scream happily and make everyone, yes, everyone in the place turn their head at me then I run toward them to sit on Vernon’s lap.

Vernon just laughed and hugged me sitting on his lap while Maya just shook her head at my behavior, "You're still the same, I thought being a doctor would make you mature." My best friend criticized me while throwing french fries at me who just stuck out my tongue to tease her.

"You're just jealous because Vernon loves me more." I joked and my friend just hugged me tighter.

"Glad you finally have time."

I nodded and finished his coffee in one long gulp, "Seriously, Dwyne?!" He complained, annoyed that his coffee was gone by me.

I smiled sweetly and rested my head on his shoulder, "Don't be mad, Vern-Vern." I coaxed, knowing that he couldn't be mad at me, his best friend who was like a sister.

Maya raised her hand to call the waiter who immediately came. "I want 2 espressos and 1 big burger for this hungry girl." She said to the waiter who immediately nodded and turned around to prepare our orders.

“So, what’s new?” I asked both of my friends while taking the fries from the table.

"Aren't you worried that I have a girlfriend and she's angry that I'm holding a girl?" Vern asked out of the blue and made me look in his direction.

I snorted, "No way you have one, there must be many." I replied casually and made Maya burst out laughing at that.

“She has a point.” She added and made him roll his eyes.

“You two…” He sighed and shook his head.

We talked and joked all day, happy that it was Sunday and we could spend time with both of them after a long absence.

When the clock struck 8, we moved to a more pleasant place.

Well... actually Maya wanted to drink alcohol, she was bored with coffee so Vernon took us to a place where he used to hang out with his friends who were motorcycle racers, or so I thought.

“Yo Vern, new babe?”

It was the welcome we heard upon entering the pub that made Maya and I roll our eyes.

"How often do you bring your date here?" Maya asked and we sat in front of the bartender.

Vernon just grinned and we didn't need to know the answer, which was always.

D*mn him!

"Please tell me we're not your date, I want to try your friend." Maya added with a wiggle of her eyebrows that made Vernon groan.

The place was packed with men wearing the leather vintage-style biker jackets, motorcycle parts and many more. Women wear tiny skirts and tops unlike us two who wore tight jeans so I took off my shirt since I wear my tight tank top inside.

“Hey, pretty lady - what’ll it be?” a spiky-haired green man asked, flashing me and Maya a wide grin.

Maya leaned closer which made Vernon roll his eyes while I just laughed, “Surprise us.” She whispered in a seductive way.

“She embarrassed me.” Vernon whispered in my ear and I couldn't help but laugh with a nodded head.

He handed me a bottle of beer which I immediately took a sip while looking around.

" It's my first time here, it's quite nice." I said and he nodded.

"How was your medical education?" He asked while taking a sip of his beer

I glanced at him, "Seriously you're asking about my job?" I demand and make him laugh.

"Hey, I want to know. That's why you're so busy, right?" He responded quickly while paying attention to one of our friends, Maya, who was still busy flirting with the bartender.

By the time my fifth drink, Vernon dan Mayapulling me to the center of the dance floor, they know I hate dancing and only when I'm drunk will I move my body a little, but right now the beer hasn't intoxicated me too much.

Laughing, I finally gave in and started to follow them moving my body to the song.

Strong hands, however, dug into my waist and I felt the warmth of the body right behind me.

Staring at Vernon who usually always fends off all the men who try to get close to me is just silently staring, making me nervous to know who is able to make my racer friend scared like that.

Warm breath tickled my ear. “Are you avoiding me, Puppet?"

That voice....

And that nickname....

Oh. My. F*cking. God!

**************