Purple Romance

''Well, it is possible because at the time of the accident, if the person experienced a shock or something life threatening even before the accident or at the point of the accident, it is possible for that person to have a different memory of how things played out. Did the person you want to help have such signs?''

''I think so. It just doesn't feel right, Professor Glow. How can someone who was perfectly fine after an accident suddenly couldn't use her legs again after a few months of recovery? Don't you find it strange?''

''Paige, what sort of case are you getting yourself into? This person, how is she related to you?''

''She is a friend, just someone I know''

''If she was able to use her legs a few months after the accident and suddenly couldn't again, then there is probably one deduction I can make from it. Either, the impact wasn't realised and treated early enough, or it could be a medical error during the time she was been operated on. But there are also a lot of factors, so let's not get ahead of ourselves. Why don't you bring this person to the village for me to have a look at, since you care so much about her''

''I will do that after I talk to her guardian, I will call you back later. Thank you, Professor Glow'' Paige said and hung up when she saw Carlien and Lazarus getting out of his car. She took the report and kept it in her bag before looking towards them with a smile.

''Look who we have here, Paige'' Lazarus said as he went up to hug her. Paige stood up from the chair, embracing him happily.

''Lazarus, how long has it been? You look so good'' Paige said to him as they sat. she looked at Carlien who dressed up with a little makeup and smirked. She seemed to still like him.

''How are you doing, Paige?''

''I'm fine. When did you get back?''

''A week ago. I must say, finding you girls was much harder than finding an apartment to stay in'' Lazarus said and they laughed.

''You are back for real? Are you done with your studies?'' Paige asked.

''Yes, I am back for real'' he said looking at Carlien's face.

''Oh, why are you looking at Carlien's face? Did you come back because of her?'' Paige asked curiously and more on behalf of her best friend whom she knew didn't have the guts to ask.

''Carlien doesn't have a boyfriend, right?'' Lazarus asked looking at Carlien and she flushed.

''She doesn't. Who knows, she might have been waiting for someone'' Paige said meaningfully.

''I'm glad I came at the right time'' he said and stood up, ''Carl, what would you drink?''

''Anything is fine with me'' Carlien said shyly looking away.

''Same for you, right Paige?''

''Yes, sure''

''I'd be back'' Lazarus walked away to the counter and Paige leaned closer, looking at Carlien.

''Carly, your face is so red''

''Paige, don't think I will let you off for this. How could you tell him that? What if he thinks I couldn't have any man but him?''

''But, you like him. You always talked about me having a useless crush on Joel, what about you? You have had a crush on Lazarus for so long, and now he is back. He seems interested in 

''Paige, don't put ideas into my head. My heart is so fragile; I can't stand rejection''

''What rejection. Can't you see the way he looks at you? It's obvious he likes you. He even asked you if you had a boyfriend or not? Isn't that obvious he likes you? Carlien, let's go on a double couple date soon''

''Paige, stop he is coming'' Carlien said hurriedly to Paige and they quietened down.

''Here we go ladies'' Lazarus placed the drinks on the table and sat closer to Carlien.

''Thank you'' Carlien muttered.

''So, where do you girls intend to do your final year internship at?''

''I'm doing mine at Healing Village''

''I still haven't decided where to it yet?'' Carlien answered.

''Then, let's do it together. I can get you a place at B-City's First Hospital''

''First Hospital is a private one with only a limited number of interns'' Carlien said and looked at him.

''Leave that to me. I have my ways'' Lazarus said confidently. First Hospital was their family's but not a lot of people knew, including his two friends.

''Then, it's good, Carly'' Paige chipped in excited for her friend.

.....

After parting ways with Lazarus, Paige and Carlien arrived at school for their evening lectures which was also the very last one for the semester before their started their final internship. They had different lessons, so each went their own way.

Carlien walked towards her department and saw Lucas chatting with another lecture. She quickly turned around, taking a different path but he saw her and quickly said some few words to the lecturer before catching up with her.

''Why are you avoiding me?'' he asked as he walked side by side with her.

''You have so much confidence in yourself, why would I avoid you?'' Carlien said walking away rather fast.

''See, you are walking fast. Do you hate me that much?'' he asked and Carlien stopped in her strides. She seemed to be contemplating what sort of answer to give to him, ''I just want to be friends with you, that's all. Do you have to always look at me as if… as if I am not worth your time?''

''I don't hate you'' Carlien turned back and faced him, they stood about an arm length away from each other.

''Like now. You said you don't hate me, but the way you look at me makes me feel that you are not sincere with your words?''

''How do I look at you?''

''You look down on me, just like now, you look at me with judgement''

''That's because… that's because you have not acted like a gentleman. You treat women like trash. I don't want to be friends with someone who doesn't respect me''

''I will respect you. I will be a gentleman, also, I don't treat women like trash. All those times were just circumstances that were unfavourable''

''You… why do you want to be friends with me? We are very different from each other''

''I just want to be friends with you. Am I not worthy enough to be your friend?''

''It's not that. In any case, my perception about you is bad, so if you want me to see you differently, then you have to show me how different you are from what I think of you and be a good man to women. Those girls you mess with have feelings, you can't just disregard them like that''

''Do you have time later on?''

''Huh?''

''There is this family party that I want to attend with you. Jordan will be going with Paige; it will be good to have you there too. You like good food, there will be plenty of good food there''

''You… how did you know I love to eat? Are you saying I am a foodie?''

''No, I like women who don't pretend. Women I can hold a conversation with, a woman who won't fall for my handsome looks''

''Tsk. Still so arrogant''

''Is that a yes?''

''Well, since there will be good food there, why not? I love free food''

''I will call you later on, dress beautifully''

''Huh? But, you don't have my number…?'' Carlien said as Lucas turned and walked away. She frowned and realised their conversation now was a little weird.

''Wait, what just happened? Did I just…?'' she asked rhetorically as she pointed at her nose. ''Assh, I'm getting late because of him'' she muttered and hanged her bag properly as she ran towards her lecture hall.

…..

''Huh? Party? What kind of party is that?''

''Is the birthday of a friend of ours''

''Won't a lot of people from your circle be there? Is it appropriate for me to be there with you?'' Paige asked as she sat in Jordan's car with him after her lectures.

''What is inappropriate about that? Besides, Jessi and Mirabel will be there. They are people you know''

''I haven't really attended a party before, I don't want to go and disgrace you''

''You won't disgrace me, besides, I have a dress prepared for you already. You just have to stay by my side. Some of those rich kids can be arrogant, but I promise, I won't allow anyone of them to look down upon you''

''Will there be good food?'' Paige asked and Jordan chuckled.

''You little foodie, there will be a lot of good food there''

''Can I bring Carly along? She would kill me if she finds out I left her out''

''That has been taken care of. Lucas went to ask Carly and she agreed to go with him''

''Lucas and Carlien? But, Carly hates him?''

''Yes, but Lucas is bent on making her see him in a different light, so he is taking the first steps towards her''

''Does Lucas like my friend?''

''I'm not sure about that, but, he sees her as a friend. Don't worry, he won't mess with her. He knows I will kill him when he does that''

''Okay, then is settled''