Episode 2
1000 Words
After he left , the class erupted into chaos .
"Girl, he totally looked at you like you were his next case study ," Jenna whispered, sliding into the seat next to me, a mischievous smirk on her face .
"Ugh, shut up ," I muttered, trying not to smile, but my face betrayed me .
" No , seriously , Karla . He asked you . In a class full of people . Twice. That’s not coincidence , babe—that’s a storyline ."
I rolled my eyes, stuffing my notebook into my bag .
" Maybe he just thinks I look smart . "
" Or maybe he thinks you look smart , " she teased with emphasis .
I shoved her lightly .
" Whatever . Let’s go before the gossip makes it to the admin office . "
The rest of the day passed in a blur . I couldn't stop thinking about the weird pull I felt when he looked at me . It wasn’t just attraction—it was like he saw something in me , and it shook me a little .
When I got home that evening , my little sister was sprawled on the couch watching some cliché teen drama .
" You're late . Med school turning you into a zombie yet ? " she said without looking away from the screen .
" Something like that , " I replied, dropping my bag and heading to the kitchen .
As I cut myself an apple , my thoughts wandered again. Maybe it was Jenna’s words echoing in my head or just the fact that someone actually acknowledged me in a way that wasn’t about being the “ good daughter ” or the “ future doctor . ”
It felt new .
I sat by the window that night, journal in hand . I hadn’t written in weeks . My pen hovered over the page , unsure where to begin .
" Today , I met someone who reminded me that life isn’t as flat as my lecture notes . "
That’s all I wrote . But it felt good—like .... I was coming back to myself again .
The next morning ...
Our group was back at the cafeteria, all noise and nonsense . The usual. But today, there was a strange tension . Whispers . Stares .
" Okay , what’s the tea ? " I asked, sensing the shift .
" Apparently , Dr. Hot is single , brilliant , and transferred here temporarily from one of the top colleges , " Jenna said , already sipping her third iced coffee .
" And ? "
" And rumors say he’s the Dean’s nephew . "
" Ah , power and looks. Dangerous combo . "
Just then , as if summoned, he passed by . His black coat flowing a bit dramatically , clipboard in hand , looking like he walked straight out of a Netflix medical drama . He didn’t glance our way — but my eyes followed him anyway .
There was something about him .
Later , in class , I kept my head down , trying to actually listen this time . He didn’t call on me again , but I could feel it — he noticed . And I hated that I noticed him noticing .
After the lecture , I stayed back to organize my notes. The room emptied slowly . I didn’t even realize I was the last one until I heard :
" Karla , right ? "
I looked up .
He was standing a few steps away , no clipboard , just hands in his pockets .
" Yes .... sir ? "
Why did it sound like a question ?
He smiled slightly .
" Good recall yesterday . You seem focused . Planning on specializing in OBG ? "
I blinked . " Uhh, no, not really . I don’t even know if I want to be a doctor , honestly . "
Why did I say that ?
He tilted his head, curious . " That’s... surprisingly honest . Most students would never admit that . "
I gave a nervous laugh . " Guess I’m not most students . "
He nodded slowly , almost like he was making a mental note .
" Well , that’s a good thing . "
And then he walked off .
Just like that .
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No explanation . No further questions . Just left me there—heart a little confused, thoughts a little louder than usual .
Days turned into weeks , and what started as a moment—a glance, a casual conversation — grew into a quiet storm inside me .
His name was Dr. Christopher Hale ,Yeah , I found out his full name . Medical forums , student chats, even the Dean mentioned it during some seminar .
And I was right . He was brilliant , from a prestigious college , top of his batch, and clearly not someone meant to stay here.
But he did .
At least for now .
he had unknowingly pulled me into a world I never saw coming .
He was nothing like the other professors — young , intense , sharp-minded , and so painfully composed . He spoke with purpose , and when he looked at you , it was like you were the only one in the room .
It started off subtly .
A smile just for me when I walked into class .
A nod of acknowledgment when I answered correctly .
An occasional question during lectures that always seemed directed , not random .
Jenna , of course, noticed first .
" He watches you, Karla. Like, watches you . "
I brushed it off . At least , I tried to .
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- Writer
