Cat, Jade, Sinjin and Trina were going to meet their advisor, Doctor Lane Napper, today. The four were sitting in his office, waiting anxiously for his arrival, each one too nervous to even make small talk with each other.
"Good morning everyone, my name is Lane Napper." He shook all their hands, each student dumbfounded that they were meeting one of LA's best doctors.
"I'm really excited to have you all here, and even more excited that you will be a part of this new study. Think about it, after you finish your residency and get your certification, you can also say that you were one of the first doctors to participate in this special case. That's something to be proud of."
"Thanks Dr. Napper," Sinjin said for the four of them.
"Please, call me Lane."
"You mean like, Doctor Lane?" Trina asked.
"No, just Lane. I'm your advisor yes, I'm a doctor as well, but think of me as your friend too. I want all four of you to do great for your final residency. And I'm telling you right now there is no competition. If you can show me you earned your degree, I can easily get you four immediate positions after graduation. That's a promise."
"Wow, how can you do that?!" Jade was amazed. So was everyone.
"I don't like to brag like ever, but I'm sure you all know my background. I've got connections. People trust my word. So if I recommend you, Recruiter will have no problem taking my word. But that doesn't mean you can slack off. Like I wrote to your schools, this is a special case, and I need the most intelligent doctors out there to help me."
"We won't let you down, sir. We promise," Cat smiled.
"Oh fine, call me anything you want. I don't care. I was trying out this hip new thing but whatever," Lane chuckled. That prompted everyone else to chuckle and release the tension and anxiety in their minds.
"Great, now you guys are all relaxed. Ok let's go to the lobby, there's someone I'd like you all to meet."
The four followed suit Lane to the third floor lobby. There they met a middle-aged woman, most just likely a few years older than them. She was talking to the receptionist behind the desk.
"Everyone, this is Dr. Vega. She is my personal assistant."
"Call me Tori," she smiled at the four.
"Believe me I already tried getting them to call me by my first, they don't want to."
"Well you're not getting any younger Lane, I'm more or less closer to age than you are with them."
"Are you saying I'm old?" he asked sarcastically.
"Uh… Duh!" they all laughed at Tori's remark.
"But seriously, call us anything, we really don't care." Tori reassured them.
"Yeah. So if I'm not around Tori is your go-to girl. She's awesome. She's my protégé."
The rest of the day consisted of a hospital tour. The best thing about Lane Napper was how friendly he was. The four found it incredible how everyone loved him. He was already LA's best doctor, now he's everyone's best friend. Their first day ended earlier than usual, Lane giving them about 5 packets to read and study for their special case. Sinjin went straight home to read while Trina took advantage of her short day to go shopping. Cat asked Jade to have lunch and hangout for the rest of the day and Jade gladly obliged.
In the few days Cat had known Jade, she learned a few things. Jade was a tough nugget, but she had a very soft core. She may have an independent act but she was just like any other girl who would fall for the romantic gestures if a guy did the right one. That said, Cat brought Jade to the park and introduced her to Sikowitz. Much to her surprise, Jade went crazy obsessed with Sikowitz's horse and carriage business. A side Cat didn't expect, though secretly knew Jade would've had.
"So how long have you had this business Sikowitz?" Jade asked.
"How old is your brother, Kitty-Cat?"
"He just turned 33."
"Then 37 years I've been in business."
"Wow, that's so cool."
"Sikowitz knew Beck's parents. His dad proposed to his mom while riding, he offered the horse and carriage at the wedding and at my mom's and his dad's wedding. He's really close to Beck's family- well our family."
"Wait, you and Beck are step siblings?"
"Yup," Cat answered.
"And he's three years older?"
"How do you know my age?"
"I looked up all three of you guys. You and I are the same age, Trina and Sinjin a year older."
"Oh. Yeah he's three years older. Our parents got married when I was 5. My parents divorced and his mom died. He's been my big brother ever since and he's the best out there."
"How is he the oldest when he's so immature?" Jade rolled her eyes.
"Well he's a goofball, but I love him. Our parents passed away about 15 years ago. Beck had just turned 18 and barely started College. But he took care of me because I was scared. He gave up a lot and I feel bad but he tells me not to worry because he wouldn't trade his life now for his life then."
Jade didn't know this side of Beck. Though he's only annoyed her the times they've met, she gave somewhat of a slither of respect to him.
"Well that's pretty surprising if you just look at him. He doesn't look…"
"Responsible?"
"Yeah. Sorry."
"Hehe no need. He really isn't. He's a kid. He's forgetful, he's messy, and super energetic; but when it comes to me, he's a responsible person. He doesn't really show that side. Our parents' car accident really tore me up so he tried to make the atmosphere happy for me. It worked sometimes but I figured busying myself would distract me more than his laughs. But I do love when he makes me laugh. I missed out on being a young and reckless adult, but like him I don't regret it."
"Wow Cat. I didn't know."
Cat smiled at Jade and she returned it. Then Cat realized how much she's been talking and was worried.
"But please don't tell anyone what I said. I don't usually open up like this. I don't have much friends."
"It's ok Valentine, your secret's safe with me," Jade pinky promised her.
The ride was silent for a few minutes, Sikowitz offering to give them a twice around the park. Cat liked it to relax and obviously Jade loved it.
"So," Jade spoke up. "Since you shared all that, I guess the 'friend' thing to do is share my story, huh?"
"You don't have to, Jade" Cat smiled. Cat knew Jade wasn't an open person so she might have felt obliged to because of what she poured out earlier. But for some reason Cat trusted Jade and somehow knew Jade trusted her as well. Or at least she hoped.
"No, I trust you Cat. And I don't trust anyone really."
Yay! Cat thought in her mind, Jade trusts me!
"Ok… shoot," Cat offered.
"I didn't have that great of a relationship with my parents. Well, my mom left us when I was 16, and he remarried this harlot who pretty much took all his attention, leaving me to rebel just for him to notice me. Stupid, I know, though it worked at one point. But by then I decided to go to medical school and my dad regretted ignoring me all those years. He wasn't a bad dad, he gave me whatever, but all I wanted was his attention. I mean after my mom left I didn't want him to leave me either. I just sometimes wish I can go back home but my dad is long gone now. He up and moved once I left for school. He talks to me on the phone every once in a while but I'm sure his wife doesn't want me to find him. And I'm fine with that… I just don't trust anyone. I don't want to get my heart broken. Especially with something so stupid as a stupid boy."
"Stupid like, my brother stupid?"
"No, he's an idiot."
"Sure…" Cat winked at her.
"Shut up, Cat. I don't like him."
"But he likes youuu" she sing-songed.
"I think I just barfed in my mouth. I'm not going to let a guy tear me down."
Jade had such a dull face and blank expression the whole time explaining her story, yet Cat knew it was just a cover up. Cat touched Jade on the shoulder.
"You know, you don't have to be brave every minute of every day. Just a few seconds at a time."
"That just shows weakness, Cat. What are you supposed to do when life surprises you and slaps you in the face?"
"Take the hit."
"And then what, wait out the pain? What are you supposed to do then?"
"Well, that's what friends are here for." Cat smiled. Jade looked at her like she was crazy but eventually softened up. She was right. Her tough girl act needed a friend. And Cat Valentine may just be that friend.