A chance for love

Chapter 5

Greenheart hospitals stood out among its contemporaries of high rise buildings. Situated in the heart of the metropolis itself, its innovative architecture concept seems to add more life to the art itself compared to the flat faced penthouses and companies surrounding it. Shortly after retirement, Reuben had traveled down the road passing across the hospital and the nostalgia had given him something to work towards. Even in his army days, Reuben has been posted to the medical department countless times because of his medical acumen.He had a thing for tending to the sick and wounded and the departmental head had once commended him for having a “true doctor’s heart”. After serving his term in the army, Reuben made up his mind to pursue medicine and major in obstetrics.

Quite some years had passed and ever since he had been leaving his dream of work in the Greenheart hospitals and home life…at least till now.

Reuben sat in the waiting room taking a breather after two successive appointments. Contrary to other people who hated Mondays, he has always been a fan of it..the rush, the buzz, adrenaline pumping, making split life saving decisions..this is what he lived for! The busy nature of the work would keep his mind occupied and working but somehow..it couldn't do that today.

After Lillian visited on Saturday, Reuben had proposed in his heart to turn down her offer. Though his mother had asked to rethink it and be sure of whatever he decides, He didn't feel ready and accepting such a proposal would disrupt his work and life balance.”That's all that matters” he told himself. “But just what if.. there's more to life than this…”

“Hey hey hey who do we have here, if it isn't a lover boy himself…haa..how are you doing? Ben called out, snapping Reuben from his trance.

“Hey Ben, I am , how are the sessions going?” Reuben replied. He already started preparing himself for the incoming questions.

“Common this is our break time.. sessions went well bro…so how was your date last weekend, last time we spoke, you didn't really give details. Considering the efforts I put in, I think I deserve to know” Ben insisted.

Reuben then began telling him his story, right from his embarrassing mistake and humiliation at the restaurant, and also rescuing Lilian from thieves which wasn't even the highlight of the day. He also narrated the scene at his mother's house between Vee and him and the icing on the cake: Lillian's proposal.

“…woah that was one kind of weekend!!” Ben roared and as he laughed.

“So what are you going to do about Lilian's proposal now..I mean every other guy I know would dive at some proposal..like…joint heir to the Wally's dynasty..all that riches?..but I know you are not like that” Ben continued , now seeming serious.

“I don't really know..before I was so certain that it would be best to turn her down..but throughout today I just wasn't at peace..like…and this isn't about the money or anything “ Reuben said, while he continuously pressed his biro buttons..he wished his tennis ball was here.

“ I perfectly understand you , I think you just need to take some time and think it through..for you to take this long.. meaning there's a spark somewhere..anyways my personal advice to you…is to give it a try. I know love always has its blunt side but this was the objective of setting up the date in the first place!..so common bro..give it a shot..you got this” Ben said.

Reuben continued to look at the ceiling, pondering on what Ben had said. Then, the buzz rang, signaling the end of their break.

“ Thanks so much Ben, let's see how it goes” Reuben said as they shaked hands and made for their respective departments.

The day wasn't any easier for Reuben. Luckily there weren't many appointments left. He managed to finish up the paperwork and subsequently signed out. The drive back was a lot more peaceful than the hospital. At the back of his mind , there was like a suggestion, an action he was supposed to take, but he just couldn't figure it out.

Reaching home, he rushed to take his bath and get something to eat. As he was eating, his eyes cut the image of a box on his bed and he left his food to check it out . Getting closer, he remembered that this box was among a series of other boxes Lilian brought to their house as a gift. Finally unraveling the box, it contained a Christian mark Watch, a very popular and expensive watch.He smiled and sat on the bed.

“It doesn't really end well to mess with all these rich people.” He thought. Inside the box was a contact card for Lilian. He stared hard at the card and dropped it to return to his Food.

At the Wally's mansion, Lillian lies down on the bed, contemplating her future. Presently visiting them was Minister Stari, a friend and contemporary of her Dad. Of course, his aim will be to offer a marriage proposal between their family. His first son, Leni is finally back from Sweden and is set to inherit all his father's holdings and positions. She had seen Leni pictures a couple of times and yes he looked good and all manly but there was something wrong.. something off about him.

She thought about Reuben. She wondered if she had used her confidence and riches to push him away.

“But he didn't seem like one to be intimidated,” she thought. It's been a while and she hasn't heard anything from him.

“ Ohh!!..I am such a fool..” she mustered to herself as she buried her head in her pillow,, abruptly her phone rang and it's an unknown number calling. She thought of leaving it but decided to pick it up.

“Hello, who is speaking”

“Hey uhm..it's Reuben. Please.. can we meet ?”