"I've missed you so much!!" Kiara exclaimed, hugging Jolly tightly. She had missed her best friend so much. After a few days, she was finally able to see Jolly again.
"I've missed you too," Jolly replied, hugging her back. "How's your grandmother? And why didn't you let me know when you got back?"
Kiara laughed. "Sorry, I was in such a rush to grab a ticket last night. Plus, I wanted to surprise you!"
"Goodness, you're always full of surprises," Jolly chuckled.
"My grandma got through the critical phase yesterday, but Mom's still taking care of her regularly," Kiara continued.
"Thank goodness. I'm so happy to hear that."
"Five days without seeing you... I've missed you a ton!" Kiara said.
"I've missed you too, I was stressing out. Especially since you barely replied to my messages while you were there."
"Sorry... I was just busy helping mom with grandma."
"I get it, but I was still worried about you."
"Sorry, sorry."
"I've summarized the material for you while you were gone. There's also the infographic task and the material for Tuesday and Thursday. You can check out my example so it's easier to follow."
"Thanks, Jolly! You're the best!"
********
"Ugh, my head hurts." Jolly mumbled, massaging her forehead lightly. Thankfully, today there was only one class, so she could relax a bit without worrying about pushing through the pain for too long.
"What's wrong?" Kiara asked, noticing that her dearest friend was off. Her palms were damp with cold sweat. Jolly shook her head, but Kiara wasn't convinced.
"Are you sick?" Kiara asked, reaching for her hand to raise it and ask the professor for permission. But Jolly quickly stopped her.
"I'm fine."
"You don't look fine. You're sweating like crazy..."
"I swear, I'm fine."
"Don't push yourself. Let me take you to the health center."
Jolly shook her head, refusing. "I'm really okay, trust me."
Kiara hesitated, but finally gave in. "Alright..."
"Miss Preston, Miss Hadrien, please pay attention!" The professor's voice cut in.
"Sorry prof!" both girls said in unison.
"I can't afford to miss another class," Jolly thought, forcing herself to focus.
Kiara glanced at Jolly for a second, sure something had happened to her friend while they were apart.
*******
Jolly gave Kiara a resigned look. She knew exactly what was coming, an onslaught of questions. She silently cursed the timing of her headache, especially during class.
"Tell me what's really going on!"
Jolly shook her head. "I'm just dizzy from exhaustion."
"How long have I known you? You think you can hide something from me?"
"..."
"I want you to be more open with me. You don't have to keep everything bottled up, it's not good. You always hold everything in, and then it ends up getting to you."
"I just don't want to be a burden."
"I'm your best friend, right?"
"Of course."
"Then what's the deal? We've known each other forever, but you still won't talk to me about the big stuff." Kiara sighed. "I'm always worried about you, especially when you get all quiet and distant like this."
"Can't you understand how I feel?" Kiara pressed.
"I'm sorry for dragging you into this, but from now on, you don't have to keep an eye on me."
"Why would you say that?"
"I don't want to cause you any trouble. You shouldn't waste your time on me. I'll always be this complicated and I won't change. You should spend time doing what makes you happy. That would make me feel better too."
Kiara's jaw tightened and there was a look of frustration in her eyes as she stared at Jolly. "Why are you doing this? Did I do something wrong? Is this about your parents? Or Luisa? Are they putting pressure on you? Making demands? What's going on? Please, just tell me!"
Overwhelmed by the rush of questions, Jolly quickly shook her head, her voice rising without meaning to. "No!"
She caught her breath. "It has nothing to do with them, it's just something I decided on myself. It's all my choice."
"Why?" Kiara said, frustration still clear in her tone.
"I already told you, I don't want to drag you into this. This is something I have to handle alone."
Kiara clenched her fists, disappointment flashing in her eyes. "I don't get it. I'm gone for a few days, and you've changed."
Jolly watched sadly as Kiara walked away, angry.
"Why did it have to turn out this way?" she thought.
They had just reunited, but now they were fighting. Still, Jolly thought it might be better this way, keeping Kiara further away from her personal issues.
The closer you get to something, the harder it is to see it clearly. She was everything to me, and I was willing to let go, even if it meant fading away slowly, as long as it brought me some peace.
********
"You're ten minutes late," said the young man with brown hair tinged with dark purple said as he noticed the two others entering the room.
"Sorry, I was dealing with something before I picked him up," the tall guy with headphones hanging around his neck replied.
"Who else this time?" The other guy finished his coffee in one gulp.
"Of course, it's that sly one."
"Life's too short to complicate things, just relax and enjoy."
"How can I relax when someone like him is always stirring up trouble?"
"Just ignore him then."
"He's the one who keeps bothering me."
"Well, if he's that much of a problem, block him."
"I wish I could, but he'll tell my parents," he answered. "Forget it. Let me introduce you to Trent, the one I mentioned, and Trent, meet Mark, my business partner."
"Trent."
"Mark."
"So, you want me and Bryson to help your family's business pay off their debt to the Sterlings?"
"That's right."
"Why would you want to get involved with them? You know how underhanded they are," Mark said.
"My family's business is almost bankrupt and we had to borrow $8,500 just to stay afloat. I had no choice but to date their daughter, Luisa, so my parents could slowly pay off the debt. But then, Luisa broke up with me because she got bored and now she's demanding I pay the rest of the debt immediately."
"How much is left?"
"$2,000…"
"You really think you can dig yourself out of this hole and then cover everything up? So how are you planning to pay back what you owe me and Bryson?"
"I'll work hard to pay it back. I just need some time."
"Your answer's a little too standard. You expect me to believe that?"
"I'm not lying. I really will pay it back, just give me time."
"So what's the guarantee you'll actually pay it back?" Mark asked.
"I'll definitely pay it back. I'm not a coward. I always keep my promises," Trent said, trying to convince the two men.
"No one can predict what's going to happen and I still can't fully trust you," Bryson said.
"Well then, if you fail to keep your word, you'll become our slave," Mark said.
"Slave?"
"Yeah. You'll sign a contract with me and Bryson. That way, you won't be able to run off without settling the debt."
"If you try to run, you'll be bound to work under us for the rest of your life."
"..."
"I think this is the most reasonable offer for both sides. You'll have the freedom to pay back the debt whenever you're able to."
Trent cursed under his breath, feeling forced to accept their crazy proposal because he had no other options. His life was already on the line because of the previous trouble. With a heavy heart, he finally gave in. "Fine, I agree."
********
Jolly sat, resting her chin on her hand, staring blankly out the window of her room. Several bottles filled with pills were scattered across the table, alongside a nearly empty prescription pad. Her mind was overwhelmed with problems, one never fully resolved before another one popped up.
The argument with Kiara was the biggest issue weighing on her mind right now. She never imagined things would end up like this. Her only intention was to stop involving Kiara in her problems. She cared for Kiara like a sister, but it seemed her words had been misunderstood.
She opened a black soft leather-bound book and flipped to the page marked with a dark brown ribbon. She had written everything in this diary, about a day she would never forget, a day that still made her grateful. Slowly, tears began to fall as she reread the words written on that page.
"I really am useless... I hurt her, even though she's been so good to me..."
The same incident repeated itself. With her small pocketknife, she gently dragged the blade across her hand, channeling her emotional pain into a physical wound. It felt like the only way to cope.
"I'm sorry, Kiara," she whispered.
I just want to disappear, to run as far away from everything that's exhausting me. But is that even possible? Why does fate keep messing with me?
********
Morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, carried on the breeze along with the soft chirping of birds. There was something soothing about early mornings ~ calm, quiet, and still untouched by the noise of the day.
Jolly shifted under blanket, slowly blinking her eyes open. The light in the room told her it was no longer early. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes before glancing at the clock on the wall.
"It's already six…"
With a light stretch, she dragged herself out of bed and shuffled toward the bathroom to wash her face. Today's schedule started with her least favorite class, which didn't exactly make getting up easier. After freshening up, she stepped back out into the living room, still in her pajamas.
"Thank goodness," a quiet sigh of relief left her lips as she noticed the absence of Mark. On the dining table sat a small box with a note.
From Mom.
She opened it, ate half the contents without much thought, then tucked the rest away in the fridge. Grabbing a glass, filled it with water, drank it slowly and returned to her room. There, she took her usual round of pills, swallowing them one by one in silence.
Her eyes moved to her cluttered desk. Last night's mess still lingered ~ open notebooks, highlighters scattered, and papers out of place. She tidied things up while setting aside what she needed for class. After that, she pulled out her bag and checked the day's schedule, then reached for a towel and fresh clothes before heading into the bathroom.
********
As usual, Jolly took the bus to campus. Once she got off at the stop near the main entrance, she continued on foot.
"Hey, Jolly."
"Huh, Luisa?"
"Morning class today?" Luisa asked with a warm smile.
"Yeah. You too?"
Luisa shook her head. "Nah, I've got something to take care of at the club. You're coming this afternoon, right?"
"Of course."
"Alright, see you later then."
"See you." Jolly gave her forehead a light tap. She'd completely forgotten about the club meeting. Thank goodness one of the seniors reminded her, she could've skipped it again and that would've been huge problem.
She quickened her pace toward the building and slipped into the lift. By the time she reached her classroom, it was already buzzing with chatter. Her eyes scanned the room, naturally drifting toward her usual seat, but it was empty. She glanced around once more and spotted Kiara in the far corner, laughing and chatting with two other classmates.
Her chest tightened.
"Maybe this is for the best." Even if it hurts, she'd endure it ~ if it meant Kiara could be happy. Judging by that smile, she was doing just fine without her.
"I'm glad you can laugh like that again, you deserve to be happy."
A faint smile touched Jolly's lips. She made her way to a different seat, pulled out a couple of books, and quietly began working on some of the assignments she'd missed, grateful that the professor had given her the chance to make up for the days she was absent.
********
"Hi, Dr. Aiden," Jeanne greeted cheerfully.
"Oh, hey Jeanne, you're here?" Aiden asked as he tidied up some medical tools he'd just finished using.
"Yeah, I was hoping to see Jolly."
"Jolly? Did you two plan to meet?"
"No, but I've got a feeling she'll show up today."
"Is that so? If she does, let me know, alright?"
"Why?"
"What do you mean why?"
Jeanne chuckled. "Don't tell me you've got a crush on her."
"H-Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Aiden stammered, clearly flustered.
"I've seen the way you look at her. Even when we were all hanging out, you couldn't take your eyes off her."
"Stop giving me that smug smile," Aiden grumbled. "She's my patient. Of course I'm keeping an eye on her."
"Patient?"
"Yeah."
"But she's not admitted here. Is there something wrong with her?"
Aiden hesitated, unsure how much to say. "Didn't you notice the bandages on her arms?"
Jeanne nodded. "Yeah, I did. A few of them, actually."
"I'm the one who treated those."
"Really? I just thought they were regular scratches or something."
"They are, more or less. But Jolly tends to be a little careless, so I help her take care of them."
Jeanne gave a thoughtful nod.
"Let's hope she doesn't get suspicious," Aiden thought.
"I didn't know that," Jeanne murmured.
"Well, that's why I've been checking on her. Just like Dr. Brenner always keeps an eye on you."
Jeanne smiled. "You remind me of Dr. Brenner, you both like helping people."
"Of course. That's what being a doctor's all about."
"I want to be like you two someday."
"Really? Then you'll have to study hard, if you want to be like Dr. Brenner."
"But… can I really?"
"Hm?"
"I don't have the money for college. I heard medical school's super expensive."
Aiden's expression softened. Even though she didn't say it with tears, her words carried the quiet weight of something heavy. "I think you absolutely can."
"If you work hard in school, you can get a scholarship that covers everything. That means you could go for free."
"Really?!" Jeanne's eyes lit up instantly.
"Of course, and if you want, I'll help you look for medical scholarship programs."
"Yes, please! Thank you so much, Dr. Aiden!"
"You're welcome." Aiden couldn't help smiling as he watched her face light up with hope.
********
"Wow, that's awesome!" Jeanne said, eyes wide as she stared at the pile of books. "You must be some kind of genius."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Jolly asked, looking confused.
"All your books are huge and every time I see you here, you're working on some assignment," Jeanne said. "I seriously admire that!"
Jolly chuckled softly. "It's not like I want to. I kind of have to and need to keep my scholarship."
"Wait, you're on a scholarship too?"
"Yeah. Otherwise, there's no way I could afford to study there. The regular tuition is insane."
"That's amazing… I wish I had one too."
"Do you know what college you want to go to? Or what you want to major in?"
Jeanne shook her head. "Not really. I just know I want to study medicine somewhere that offers scholarships. That's good enough for me."
"You want to be a doctor?"
She nodded eagerly. "Yeah! I want to be like Dr. Brenner and Dr. Aiden."
"That's great. Then you'd better start studying hard," Jolly said with a smile.
Jeanne giggled, and Jolly gave her a puzzled look.
"That's exactly what Dr. Aiden said to me," Jeanne said, grinning. "You two really are a perfect match."
Jolly blinked, caught off guard. "Wait… what's that supposed to mean?"
"Hehe, nothing," Jeanne said, brushing it off with a wave. "I just think Dr. Aiden cares about you. He told me you're one of his patients."
"Patient?"
"Yeah. He said you get hurt a lot 'cause you're clumsy." Jeanne pointed to the bandages still wrapped around Jolly's arm.
"Oh… that… y-yeah, I guess I do get hurt sometimes," Jolly replied, her voice faltering a little.
"You should be more careful, so you don't keep ending up like that."
"I will… I'll try."
"So… he didn't tell her the truth…" A tiny, almost invisible smile formed on Jolly's lips. In that quiet moment, one thing became crystal clear ~ Dr. Aiden was someone she could trust.
********
"Hey, Aiden," Jolly greeted as she walked up to the medical assistant who had just stepped out of a patient's room.
"Oh, you're here already? Sorry, I didn't even notice."
"It's okay. I was in the garden with Jeanne, like usual," Jolly replied with a small smile.
"You two seem pretty close already," Aiden said.
"Yeah, Jeanne's super sweet. She's got this endless energy, kind of infectious, honestly."
"I'm glad you two clicked so quickly," Aiden said, then hesitated for a moment. "Hey, weren't you usually with your friend? You mentioned she went back to her hometown. Hasn't she come back yet?"
Jolly's smile faded a little at the question.
"Jolly?" Aiden asked gently, picking up on the subtle change in her expression.
"We… had a fight," she admitted after a pause.
Aiden looked surprised, though a part of him had already sensed something was off. "I see… I'm sorry for bringing it up."
Jolly shook her head. "No, it's okay. It was my fault, anyway."
"What happened? Did something go wrong?"
"Yeah," she said with a sigh. "I guess… all the problems kind of started with me."
Aiden watched her silently, then reached out and gave her shoulder a light, reassuring pat. "There's always a reason behind things. Don't beat yourself up too much. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here."
"I just didn't want her to waste her time taking care of me all the time," Jolly said quietly. "She could've been doing so many other things, better things than driving me to the hospital or constantly worrying about where I was."
Aiden didn't say anything. He just listened, letting her get it all out.
"I wasn't a good friend to her. I thought I was doing the right thing, giving her space, letting her live without feeling responsible for me. And honestly… ever since the fight, she seems happier."
"I get it," Aiden said gently. "Your heart's heavy, tangled up in guilt and worry. But I think it's important you hear her side too. People always say time heals, but what really helps is understanding. Maybe she just needed a little space to clear her head. And maybe you both need a real, honest conversation. That's the only way forward."
Jolly let out a slow breath. "I don't even know if she still wants to talk to me."
"But you still want to fix things, right?"
"Yeah. I do."
"Then that's enough to start with," Aiden said. "From what I've seen, Miss Preston really cares about you. Everything she's done because she loves you. No strings attached."
"I hope we can go back to how we were… I really do. We both care, we're just… bad at showing it."
"You're not a bad friend just because things got hard," Aiden said. "The fact that you tried to step back for her sake shows how much you care. That kind of selflessness takes a good heart."
"You really think so?"
"Of course. You've a good person, Jolly. When the time feels right, talk to her in person."
Jolly nodded, her gaze softening. "Thanks, Aiden. I feel… lighter, now that I've said it out loud."
"Anytime. Don't ever feel like you're alone. I'm always here to listen."
A soft smile spread across Jolly's face ~ gentle, glowing. It warmed the space between them. "Thank you."
It was the first time in a long while she felt at peace. Really, truly at peace.
And deep down, she knew Aiden would never break that trust. She felt lucky, so lucky to have someone like him.
Meanwhile, Aiden just stood there, caught off guard by that smile.He'd never seen it before.
And in that moment, he thought ~ it might just be the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
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*** To Be Continue ***