Friday afternoon had turned out to be hectic for Dr. Lucia. She had least expected her afternoon to unfold the way it did.
She walked swiftly past the casualty department toward the emergency ward.
The same message echoed continuously over the loudspeakers:
"Doctor Mambo, please come to the emergency ward."
The casualty department was bustling with activities peculiar to hospitals. Nurses and doctors pulled trolleys with sick people; patients streamed into the registration counters, while others walked out.
However, Lucia noticed that the nurses, doctors, and even medical students were moving with unusual urgency.
There had been an accident involving a Land Cruiser and a bus. The occupants of the land Cruiser were flown to Randi County Hospital, two in a critical state and two in stable conditions. One of the two who were in a critical condition was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
At the emergency ward, she spotted a young man dressed in a white pilot's uniform under a white coat. Doctor Lucia didn't bother to find out who he was, besides, he was busy handling one of the accident patients who bleeding on the leg — and there was an emergency awaiting her immediate attention.
She was directed toward a patient gasping for his life in the emergency room.
On closer inspection, Lucia immediately realized that the patient was the area member of parliament whom she deeply admired. He was among the team that visited the hospital earlier in the day.
She was quickly briefed that he had been brought in by a flying doctor. From the documents, she discovered that it was Sunset Flying Doctor Services. However, she knew that the owner was currently out of the country.
She did not even stop to examine the signature appended to the documents — the patient had to be rescued urgently.
An emergency surgery had to be performed without delay. The theatre was made available within minutes.
The patient had a stab would in the chest, most likely from a sharp object, and blood was quickly accumulating in his lung cavity.
This was what the X-ray detected.
It was important to drain the blood and stop the internal bleeding - to save his life.
Dr. Mambo performed a five-hour surgery with the aim of draining the blood that was almost reaching the lungs.
She worked tirelessly, determined to ensure the patient was out of danger before she could leave for home that evening.
After giving instructions to the doctor and nurse on duty regarding the patient's care, she headed to her office to pick up her bag and get some rest at home.
To her surprise, she found Benjamin sleeping on one of the couches, adorning his pilot uniform. He seemed so tired that he instantly drew her sympathy.
"Benjamin, wake up," she called out softly.
She had missed him a lot.
As he stirred and sat up on the couch, Lucia could not hold back. She rushed over and gave him a heartfelt embrace.
"I know you have not completed your course — maybe you haven't even properly started — but I am happy to see you. Tell me, what is the surprise visit about?" she asked warmly.
Benjamin thought about all her conversations with Megyn.
How each time they talked, he had a growing desire to see and talk to her face to face, one more time.
His flight left London in the afternoon, the previous day. He reached his apartment in the city and rested for the rest of the night. He decided he would go to the office, take a helicopter and fly it to Randi County hospital.
'The pilot wanted to surprise the girl.'
Why not?
At the office, there was a service request. Their services were needed - an accident had occurred in Valley County and one of the casualties was the member of parliament of Randi Town...and he had to be flown to Randi County hospital urgently.
He immediately changed into his pilot uniform, and flew away, first to the accident scene, and then to Randi - A twist in his plans.
He was with his employed pilot who would fly the helicopter back to the city base.
He truthfully confessed his mission to his aunt...and it was not to bring accident victims to the hospital.
"Auntie, I had to see her once more," Benjamin said as he woke up fully.
He sounded tired and weary, that his aunt's heart went to him.
I'm the one who started this, after all. Dr. Lucia thought.
She gave him an assuring smile and said, "Don't worry. Let us go home. We shall talk about it tomorrow. We'll pass by the cafeteria for a quick supper."
Benjamin nodded like a young boy and silently stood up. They ate their supper together, then Lucia drove them home.
Benjamin slept very soundly that night.
They met at the breakfast table at seven o'clock the next morning.
The house help had arrived early and prepared breakfast.
"It's her mum's birthday party tomorrow," Doctor Lucia informed her nephew as they ate. "...and we are invited." she said with a warm smile.
She completely understood what her nephew was going through.
"Aunty, I didn't tell her I would be coming. She doesn't know," Benjamin said hesitantly.
"She won't mind," Lucia replied reassuringly.
After finishing her breakfast, Lucia left for the hospital to check on her patients, especially the accident victims.
This day, Doctor Lucia just wanted to go to church and pray. She had alot to thank God for. The man she loved almost died. She was afraid that if any other doctors had performed that operation, he would have died.
His driver was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital - an unfortunate occurance.
She was frightened.
Could it be an assassination attempt?
Early investigations showed that the brakes to the land cruiser was interfered with.
"Prepare for church. I'll come and pick you up at half past eight so that we can go together," she instructed as she grabbed her keys.
Benjamin felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was grateful he didn't have to explain anything — his aunt understood.
He took a hot shower and dressed for church within an hour. By eight, he was ready.
Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his contact list until he found the name:
"Gazelle."
Megyn was surprised to see Benjamin calling — and on a Saturday morning, no less!
Her heartbeat quickened, and she was thankful she was alone; she was certain anyone nearby could have heard the pounding in her chest.
She answered the call, her heart leaping at the sound of his voice.
"Hey, Benjie! What a pleasant surprise!"
"Hey, Gazelle." He greeted, "I'm so happy to hear your voice. I can't wait for the day I get to hear it every morning when I wake up, and every night before I sleep." He teased.
"Mmm, you're flirting with me again," she said, smiling at her phone. Her smile flickered across her face like a hologram.
"How are you doing, my Princess, my Gazelle?"
Megyn's heart flipped. Then in a softer voice, she said,
"Things are finally taking shape in my life, and I'm glad."
Benjamin toyed briefly with the idea that he might be the one shaping her life. The thought brought a smile to his face, bright and sudden, like a sunbeam illuminating the dark corners of a room — though Megyn wasn't there to see it.
His mind wandered back to the last conversation they had shared.
"Yeah," he said.
"I'm finishing my attachment at the hospital this month," Megyn continued. "I'll be heading back to university in two months, but I'm not sure how things will turn out."
She hesitated, her voice softening. "I miss you, Benjie. I wish I could see you now... just to have a good look at you, you know."
"I would love to see you too," Benjamin replied warmly. Then, after a pause, he asked, "Say, Megyn, what surprise would you wish from me?"
"Mmm... I'd love to see you at my mom's birthday party tomorrow," Megyn said playfully.
"Let's see... Your wish is my command," Benjamin said, amusement sparkling in his voice.
"Benjie, its okay to have wishful thoughts - I mean, I too have them sometime," Megyn added quickly. "Just call me after the party, alright? Bye for now — I need to get ready for church." She hung up and went to shower.
A happy Benjamin sat down to study his church lesson as he waited for his Aunt. He managed to complete the Wednesday part of the study just as Dr. Lucia returned to pick him up.
Content with the progress her patients were making, she drove them to church. It turned out to be a wonderful day of worship.
Benjamin was left wondering how Megyn's face would be when they meet again.
Tomorrow.