Chapter 3. # Flame of Love

Once the BMW started rolling in action, Erica turned towards Zac, who was busy adjusting his hair using the front mirror. Zac saw Erica staring at him and smirked.

'Tell me, what do you want?' – Erica asked Zac keeping her eyes on the road ahead.

'You know it, sissy! I want to visit the hospital today and observe, learn how things work. You know, I have started my internship but the chief is on leave. Every time you deny but not anymore, no more excuses; I am coming with you.' – Zac said all of this in one breath.

I simply grinned at him. 

"Is that a yes?" – asked Zac. 

"Yes, my dear baby brother, provided you follow my instructions.'- I replied.

'Great! Hey, don't call me baby bro anymore, I will soon be a full-time doctor just like you. And it can be Zac in front of your colleagues too but I would prefer Dr Zachary Cooper.' – Zac added.

Shaking my head, I focused on my driving. I was amused at his antics but at the same time, I was so pleased to see his passion for learning medicine in a practical environment.

He too had joined 'Clinton's Multispecialty Hospital' for his internship in ortho department as he was specializing in Orthopedics but the chief doctor was off work and so gave him to 2-3 days break before joining as an intern.

Clinton was the best hospital in town and I was on cloud nine when I was offered a job in the hospital. Since I was the 'Head of Cardiology Department', I could get him the pass easily. I have been working with Clinton's as a cardiologist for a few years now and everyone here is supportive to me.

We reached the hospital entrance and Zac was about to get down when I strictly told him – 'No pranks, Zac. No trespassing or flirting with female staff, am I clear? If I find you doing something that is not acceptable, then immediately you shall go back home.' Zac nodded and we both got down. I gave my keys to the security guard for parking and took the elevator to my floor.

As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, I went towards the reception and we were greeted by Dr Lee, who is my colleague and a friend.

Lee gave a hi-fi to Zac and they both hugged each other tightly. Lee grinned at him and said – 'Looks like someone convinced the officer.'

I narrowed my eyes at them and walked towards my cabin. I could hear both of them laughing and following me.

Lee asked – 'So, Zac what's your plan for today?'

'Umm how about we have a guy's day out?' – mocked Zac and I smacked him.

'Lee, can you show Zac around the hospital and just explain how things work. I have some work in the OPD. After lunch, Zac will be with me and you can take care of your surgery.

'Sounds good. Let's get going Zachy. I can't believe soon you will be a doctor and I am sure you will be a great one.' - said Lee.

Zac gave me a quick hug and just then Clara, my close friend entered my cabin. She is an MBA but she is into hospital and healthcare management. Often, she visits the hospital officially; its good to meet her today as recently we have not been able to catch up.

'Hey guys, wassup? Hey Zachy, good to see you to-be-doc.' Clara exclaimed seeing them and gave me a bear hug.

'Erica, where have you been? Why can't we get together just like old times? Work is crazy and none of us was able to catch up in the last 2 months.' – said Clara.

'Yeah, this is the longest time we have stayed apart and not met each other. Well, let's catch up during lunch break and we need to plan something for August's birthday.' – I said casually.

'Oh no, we still haven't got her a gift yet.' – Clara said. Both the guys were just looking back and forth at us.

The nurse came in and called me for an emergency. Hence, we decided to meet and discuss during lunchtime and I rushed to the O.T.

After 45 mins, I was out of the O.T and thankfully the patient's condition got stabilized. I decided to freshen up and went for my rounds.

By the time I got free, it was already 1.30 pm and I saw all three – Clara, Lee and Zac waiting in my cabin with food.

The three of them glanced at me and Zac said – 'Finally you are here, I am famished and wanted to eat mine, but these guys didn't let me eat.'

I settled on the chair and asked Zac to start eating his food. Zac loves burgers and so he got one for himself and Lee. Clara and I had quinoa bowl. 

As we were having our lunch, I asked – "What should we do for August this time? Did anyone check with Max?'

Lee, August, Clara and Max have been our pals since childhood and they also moved here with us. Though Zac is younger to us, he simply enjoys being with them. Zac is a bit reserved guy and doesn't have many friends here, so my gang is his gang too and so he is a part of every plan. Zac, Lee and Max are the three musketeers of our gang. Whenever these three unite, they drive each one of us crazy and our CCP gets transformed into a madhouse on fire.

'Let's book a theme resort and chill this weekend. We can spend some quality time together and will get a cake and a gift for her. All of us are so stressed due to work, it will be a much-deserved break. We can ask Max to bring her there directly.' – suggested Clara.

'We are in.' – Zac happily announced after exchanging looks with Lee.

'Okay, then let's choose the resort and Clara, you can get the cake.' – I said. Clara nodded and said – 'We both will go gift shopping today after work.'

'I will try to wind things asap but I can't promise.' I told her because these days a lot of emergency cases have been coming in.

She sighed and we saw both Lee & Zac were already looking for resorts.

'Lee, don't you have to go for your rounds?' – I glared at him and Zac too.

'Hey, I still have 15 mins left, I will leave in another 10 mins.' – Lee replied.

'Ok. Zac, come with me, I need you to read a case study'. – I said.

Zac shrugged while Lee and Clara giggled. Clara too left for her meeting with the Admin Head while I took the file and handed over to Zac saying - 'Read this carefully and I want you to make a report on it with your observations, remarks and plan of action. Ok?'

  ***********************************

Everyone was busy in their work and we didn't realise it was already 6 pm. Clara called me and said she was waiting for me outside. Lee was done with his work and met me on the way to my cabin.

'Hey Lee, can you drop Zac at home today? I am taking my car to the mall.' I asked Lee.

'You don't have to ask me, you know that; Zac is my brother too, no formalities, Erica.' – Lee told me. Yes, I knew he will drop him home, I didn't need to ask him but still I don't like taking undue advantage of my best friends.

'Zac, I am going to the mall and Lee will drop you home.' – I informed him as we both entered the cabin.

Zac nodded gleefully and handed over me the report. I smiled at him, knowing both the guys have already planned something and that something is nothing but playing X-Box.

I kept my stuff in the proper place, took my purse, locked my cabin and left for the day.

I saw Clara waiting for me in the parking area. I waved at her and unlocked my car, and both of us sat inside. I started the engine and drove out of the hospital towards the mall.

I realized Clara stealing glances at me as if she was hiding something from me but also wanted to tell me about it.

Finally, I broke the uncomfortable silence and said – 'Clara, what's the matter? What's wrong? Just spill it out, I can see you have something to tell me.'

Clara bit her lips nervously and then said – 'Eriiccaa, I .. umm ... I... I saw HIM.'

I applied the brakes abruptly and the car came to a screeching halt.