*EP 5* “She told me how you helped her to the cafeteria.” “Oh..” “Thank you.” Martha smiled at him. He gently hit his head as he walked out, disappointed at himself for expecting more. His mind was fixed on Martha as he drove home. “I better not be in love. This better be nothing but pity or compassion.” But deep down, he knew he was. He smiled as he saw the light of his apartment on. He parked his car, carried his bag and coat and walked towards his apartment. “Dad.” He called instead of knocking. The door opened and he threw himself into Abel’s arms. Abel’s laughter echoed as he tapped his son’s back. “You didn’t inform me you were coming, dad.” He drew back from his father’s hug. “Because I enjoy giving you a surprise visit, son.” “What if I was coming with a visitor?” Joe questioned, as he walked in. “He would spend the night with you in your room.” “He?” He laughed. “What if it was a lady?” he followed Abel into the kitchen. Abel stopped and faced him. “You now have a girlfriend?” “I didn’t say that.” He walked past him and opened the refrigerator. “But you made mention of a lady.” “Doesn’t mean I have a girlfriend.” He spoke facing the refrigerator. Abel walked towards him and closed the refrigerator. “Then who is this lady?” “There is no lady, dad. I was just teasing you.” Abel squinted his eyes. “Okay… there’s someone.” Abel’s eyes flew wide opened, making Joe laugh out loud. “I just met her, and I just can’t take my mind off her.” Abel had a mix of emotion as Joe spoke about Matilda. He seemed like he was in love, and that raised his hopes that Joe hasn’t given up on love. “I think it’s best to avoid her for now, Dad.” “What if she feels the same?” Joe paused. Could she be feeling the same way? “I doubt, Dad. She has a lot on her plate already.” “Have you spoken to God about it?” Joe sighed. “I doubt God recognizes my voice any longer.” “I doubt God has forgotten what you sound like, Son.” “I haven’t been to church in a long while, Dad.” “Doesn’t mean He can’t see you.” “So I just go in and talk to Him about Matilda?” “I think you should repent first. And build a relationship back with him.” “For the purpose of Matilda?” “No son. For the purpose of getting things right with Him. With or without Matilda in the picture.” “I would think about it Dad.” “And I hope things work out with you and Matilda.” … But nothing seemed to work. Joe intentionally avoided Matilda all through her stay in the hospital, and regretted his action after he learnt of Martha’s discharge. The thought of never meeting Matilda again gave him chills, and he hoped somehow, someday, he’d get to see her, doing very well and happy. His residency training ended and he transferred to Hillsvile Hospital, not far from his hometown. He moved in with his father and soon forgot about Matilda, until he saw her again. He had gone to the gas station to refill his tank and was almost driving out when a lady wearing a flowery flare gown approach him. “Doctor Josiah.” Her hair danced to the breeze as she ran towards him. His heart leaped as he recognized her. “Matilda.” He smiled. “How have you been?” She panted as she laughed, her cheeks quickly turning red. “I have been good. How about you?” “Doing great, thank you.” He offered her a lift and found out she lived close to his house. They moved in immediately after Matilda’s recovery, hoping to start afresh, which was successful. At first, Joe avoided Matilda, but stopped as soon as he realized Matilda was open to friendship, like she defined it. Matilda was a school teacher, while her sister studied in Olvera high school. She was in her final year. Martha and Abel built a strong bond quickly, leaving Matilda and Joe with no choice than to hang out together. She would get back from school and head over to see Abel till Matilda comes to pick her up. After a long day at work, Matilda goes to pick up Martha, only to realize she had followed Abel to the cinema to see a movie. Joe laughs as she expresses her shock. “I guess you now have a rival.” Joe laughed. “Why didn’t you go with them?” “So I’d keep you company when you arrive.” She blushed as she settled down on the sofa. “Do you mind?” He held up a plate of sliced apples.” “No.” He walked towards her and dropped the plate on the table. She picked up a slice while he picked up the remote. “Josiah.” His heart skipped. She hardly calls him without honorifics. “Yes ma’am.” Puzzled, she turned to face him. “Ma’am?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Why ma’am?” “Cause you just called me Josiah.” “Isn’t that your name?” “You often refer to me as Doc, or Dr. Josiah.” “Oh…” “Is there anything I don’t know about?” She smiled. “Ma’am?” “I’m no ma’am.” She widened her eyes. “There is nothing, Joe.” Joe squinted his eyes. This was an opportunity to let her in on his feelings, but he feared the outcome. His father said they all would make a nice family, but he feared she might not feel the same. She had defined them as friends, it might be too much of him to ask for more. “Josiah.” She called again. “Now what?” He locked his gaze on hers. “There is something isn’t it?” “Yes, there is.” “What is it?” “Uhm…” “Wait. Before you tell me.” He feared. “Whatever is it you want to tell me, I think you should know of my feelings for you.” “I like you, Matilda.” “Like?” “I love you, Josiah.” “What?” “I have battled with it for a long time, Doc, but I just can’t get over it. Right from the hospital, I prayed that God would connect our paths together, and he did. I just can’t get my mind off you, and Martha makes it worse for me, telling me we would make a really nice family together.” “Dad says the same too.” Josiah said, his tone low. “I think it’s best to let you know of my feeling.” “I love you too, Matilda, ever since the first time saw you. At first, I thought it was something else, but till now, I still can’t get my mind off you. Dad also makes it worse for me.” They both laughed. “Seems like they’re working together.” Abel and Martha gave a high five as they overheard their discussion. “It worked!” Abel and Martha couldn’t wait, as they succeeded in bringing the wedding to pass in less than six months! …