Chapter Two
1230 Words
Caden adjusted his collar as Anna left. He got to his feet and walked to the counter to get his cup of coffee. He hoped that his real date would take a turn for the better. After all, he was already embarrassed by mistaking Anna for his date.
When he took a look around again, he noticed that his actual date was waiting. If he had looked hard enough, he would have seen her.
She wasn't wearing white. Instead, she wore a bright red blazer that screamed power and money. She was very different from Anna.
Anna was kinder but, this woman looked like she was ready for war. Caden forced himself to smile as he walked over to her. “Hi, my name is Caden. I'm sorry I’m late.” he began.
“You’re late,” she snapped. "This is almost four thirty. I've been waiting for close to twenty minutes."
Caden stood there. “I sincerely apologize. I had a bit of a mix-up. I thought you were going to be wearing a white dress.” As agreed, Caden wanted to add.
The woman finally looked up. “A mix-up? You’re not off to a great start on this date, are you?” She asked.
“No, I guess not.” He replied, keeping his voice calm. This woman was rude. Why would his friend have recommended her to him?
Given, he had come to her late but it wasn't completely his fault. She didn't have to be so rude about it.
“Whatever, let’s just get this over with.” She dismissed him.
Caden sat down. Maybe he should’ve just left after meeting Anna by accident. At least, they had a somewhat good conversation.
“So, I’m Caden and you are—”
“I know who you are,” she cut him off. She had a bad habit of doing that. “My friend told me all about you. You’re the nurse, aren't you?”
She sounded like she had pity on him for being a nurse. Caden prepared himself mentally. He knew where this conversation was going.
“Yeah. I work in gynecology and obstetrics.” He replied, deciding to just let the truth out.
She gave a mocking laugh. “Wow, a male delivery nurse. You're not an ambitious person.”
Caden clenched his jaw in a bit of anger. “I like what I do.”
“Do you? I mean, don’t you want to do something more important? I'm sure you'd like to do something more suitable for a man.” She arched an eyebrow.
He stared at her. “Is helping bring kids into the world not seen as important? Is that what you're saying?”
She shrugged. “Well, I guess it's okay. But be honest with me, there’s a reason you’re single, right?”
Caden was annoyed. “You don’t even know me.”
“I know enough. You arrived late. It tells me everything I need to know about the level of respect you have.”
Caden didn't hide his annoyance. “I told you, there was a mix up and—”
Before he could finish, she grabbed her glass of water and splashed it over his face and shirt. “Don't talk back at me.” She snapped.
Caden sat there, soaked and shocked by her audacity.
“Good luck with your likeable career. This was a total waste of my time.” With that, she stood to her feet and stormed out of the café.
Caden sat there, more embarassed than he'd ever been. He was ready to call it a day and go home.
But, as he left, walking down the streets, Caden spotted someone familiar. It was Anna. She was standing outside, waiting for something or someone, when a group of men approached her.
At first, Caden thought they were just going to pass her but then, they surrounded her.
He saw one of the thugs lean in. Anna took a step back but she didn't back down. She glared at the men. Caden found himself walking towards them.
“Hey, is there a problem here?” he asked as he reached them.
The thugs turned to him. “Who the hell are you?” One of them asked.
“I’m the guy who’s going to make sure all of you regret it if you don’t leave her alone.” Caden said, straightening his shoulder.
One of the thugs who looked like the leader took a step forward. “You don’t look like much of a threat, buddy. I suggest you go back home to your mother or who ever it is that changes your diapers.”
They laughed at him but Caden didn't budge. “Why don't you try me and find out?”
It happened so fast. The leader punched him but Caden was ready. He dodged the low and grabbed the man’s arm. He twisted it behind his back. The man yelled in pain and Caden pushed him. The man fell.
The two thugs standing looked at each other. “Let’s just leave here. This woman isn't worth a fight. This guy is crazy.” They walked away, taking the leader on the ground with them.
Caden turned to Anna, who had been watching with wide eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked,.
Anna blinked. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
Caden gave her a small smile. “Don't mention. I'm always happy to help.”
“Thank you really. You didn't have to help me. You don't even know me.” She said before adding, “Can I do something to repay you?”
Caden shook his head. “There’s no need. I’m just glad you’re safe.”
Anna frowned. “No actually, I might have something in mind. How about I introduce you to a position at Caltex Industries? I’m sure you can do more than just nursing.”
Caden knew Caltex Industries. Getting a job there was hard. Only 1 person out of a 100 could be hired. But, he wasn't interested.
He shook his head. “I appreciate your kind offer, but I love my job. I don’t need anything else.”
She raised an eyebrow at him. “You love your job?” Anna had assumed he was doing it because he had no choice.
“Yes, I do. It might not the most rewarding thing but it’s important to me. Besides, I didn’t become a nurse for the prestige.”
Anna stared at him. “Hmm, you're different.”
Caden shrugged. “I just know what I want.”
Anna smiled. “I can respect that.”
Before she could say anything, her phone rang in her bag. It was always ringing. “I have to go. My driver's here. But, thank you, really.”
Caden nodded, watching as a black luxurious car pulled over. She got into it and drove away.
As he walked home, Caden couldn’t help but think about all that happened today. His cloth was soiled and he had to go back home for dinner. His mother had insisted that he came back home on time today.
As he walked towards the front door, he saw someone standing there. It was someone he never expected to see at his own home.
It was the woman from his blind date.
- Writer
