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Dereck
Dereck tugged at his shirt collar and eyed himself in the mirror before completing his look with a jacket. He was wearing a crisp white shirt with dark blue trousers and a brown Fendi jacket. The smile he wore on his face almost touched his ears, and he fashioned it with an upbeat attitude.
Someone knocked on his office door and after he spoke for them to enter, the door creaked and swung free before closing again. “Look at you dressed all fancy. Amanda folded her arms as the bulge in her chest pushed out further.
Amanda was the newest doctor in his department. Dereck was responsible for getting her settled in the hospital and therefore their relationship developed into a little more than acquaintances, but not quite friendship.
Dereck paid no attention to her chest. “Tonight is the last night of my girlfriend’s exhibition. I’m headed over there now.”
“Oh yeah,” the slender woman moved closer to him. “You mentioned she was an artist.” She was standing so close to Dereck now, she reflected on one side of the mirror. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I could have joined you.”
“I didn’t know you were into those things, Amanda,” Dereck said, straightening his jacket. “But now that I do, I will definitely invite you next time.”
“Great,” Amanda said, pouting her already-highlighted lips. She eyed Dereck from head to toe in the mirror, then turned him around to face her. “Your girlfriend would surely lose her senses today. You look positively handsome,” she said, smoothing down the front of his jacket. Amanda was eyeing Dereck with wanting eyes, yet he didn’t seem to notice.
“Thanks,” he told her and walked back to his desk to retrieve a small velvet box from inside the top drawer.
On seeing the box, Amanda’s eyes bulged and grew wild. “You’re not planning on proposing tonight, are you?”
Dereck looked down at his hand as if just realizing what he held in his hand. Then he chuckled. “Oh no,” he answered. “This is just a congratulatory gift. Have a look.” Dereck opened the box to reveal a pair of diamond studs.
Amanda’s teeth clenched, and she displayed a pinched expression when she asked, “Are you sure it has that wow effect?” She waved her fingers in the air. “I mean, it’s a little small and… plain.”
Dereck looked at the jewelry again. “I think it’s perfect. Alina isn’t into those flashy things, anyway.”
“All women are into that flashy jewelry.” She folded her arms. “But if you say so. You know her best.”
Dereck closed the box and placed it into his jacket pocket as he cleared his throat and shuffled his feet. “I better get going. I don’t want to be late.”
At that moment, the loud ringing of his office phone echoed through the room.
“Are you going to get that?” Amanda asked.
Dereck settled his jacket once again in the mirror. “I’m off the clock.”
Maybe it was the blaring of the phone that prevented Amanda from hearing properly, for she reached over and picked up the receiver. “Dr. Johnson’s office.” Dereck spun around at the sound of her voice. His forehead scrunched into a frown. “Dr. Crawford speaking, sir,” Amanda said, twirling the cord with her hand.
Dereck listened intently while she continued the conversation with someone who was obviously her superior until she ended the call. He was upset by her disregard for him, but he was more curious as to the details of the conversation. “What was that about?”
Amanda turned to face him with her chin held high. “You’re summoned to the Head of Medicine’s office.”
Dereck’s eyes immediately went to his watch. “I’ll go tomorrow before I start my shift.”
Amanda placed a finger in the air and curled back her lips. “He asked if you could come now and I told him yes.” Dereck was about to say something unpleasant when Amanda added. “It sounded important, so I think you should go. Sorry if I overstepped.”
He sighed then and combed his fingers through his hair. “It’s okay. You did the right thing. I would have done the same.” Dereck eyed his watch again. “I better go. If I hustle, I can still make good time.”
Dereck turned around on his heels, leaving Amanda in his office. The elevator ride to the Head of Medicine’s office was short, but he was presented with an unexpected obstacle.
“Another doctor is in there right now. Wait a few minutes,” the gray-haired woman spoke in a soft rusty voice.
“But he is expecting me. He asked me to come.” Dereck couldn’t standstill.
“I don’t know what he told you but he told me not to let anyone disturb him for now,” the woman’s voice was firm and Dereck knew that there was no swaying her.
He looked at his watch as he took one of the seats for guests, but he couldn’t stay seated for long. If he didn’t leave right away, he would be late and Dereck didn’t think Alina would forgive that. She had been working hard on the exhibition and still when she needed to save their relationship; she did not hesitate to place it all on hold. Dereck needed to show her he was as committed to their relationship as she was. Plus, he wanted to be there to support her on her big day.
“Dr. Johnson, you may go in now.” Dereck was so consumed in his thoughts; he didn’t notice when the other doctor came out of the office.
