Chapter 66

Carla's mood is evidently different from the past days as she stares gloomily around the emergency room of TGH. People started noticing it as she has been like that ever since she found out that she's on duty on August 8 which happens to be Joshua's birthday. And that's what happened. Today is August 8 and she's on night shift. Well, she was able to change her schedule from morning to night shift because she thought at least she and Joshua can do something today before she goes to work. But when she greeted Joshua that morning, his reply was a simple 'Thank you. Have a great day!'. He didn't even give a hint that he wanted her to be with him on his birthday, and there are also no disappointed message telling her he wants to be with her today if only she has no work. If only Joshua brought that up, if he had told her the disappointment he feels for her being on duty today, Carla could have told him that they can spend the whole day together for them to celebrate his birthday. But nothing like that happened, and she felt ashamed for initiating it. That's why Carla thinks he's sulking right now. But what can she do? No one wants to switch day off with her. She had only managed to change shift from morning to night. Maybe she should have been more keen with the details about him? She didn't even know that today is his birthday. But wait, she's not yet his girlfriend, right? So does she need to research about the details of his life? Although, they are close and maybe, that is enough reason for her to know a lot about him? Whatever! Carla feels more stressed with what she is thinking. Good thing is that they don't have a lot of patients in the ER tonight. Since she started her duty earlier at 6PM, she has only treated two patients so far, and both are mild cases, so they were immediately discharged. That's why she hadn't done that much for the last one and a half hour of her shift. One of the nurses in ER went to her and handed her a piece of paper. "Doc, a message from MD," the nurse said. Carla frowned as she took the paper from the nurse. What might be the message of their MD or medical director? She opened the paper to answer that question. Rooftop. Now. Carla felt more confused. "What?" she asked the nurse. "I don't know as well, Doc," the nurse said. "She just called and asked me to write that. Then she asked me to give it to you." Carla looked at the paper again and wondered what their medical director is planning. "Maybe she wants you to go to the rooftop, Doc," the nurse said. Carla also thought of that. But why would she ask her to go to the rooftop? "Okay, thank you," she said as she stood up. "If someone asked for me, just tell them I'm at the rooftop." "Noted, Doc," the nurse said with a nod. She went to the rooftop of the hospital. Along the way, she noticed nothing unusual, and everything looked ordinary. That's why she did not expect what greeted her when she arrived at the rooftop. Joshua was there. He was standing next to a candlelit table full of whatever it was that Carla could not identify because of shock and bewilderment upon seeing the smiling face of the very person who's the subject of her thoughts the entire day. "Happy birthday! To me!" Joshua took out a bunch of flowers from behind him. It's not a structure bouquet as it looks like some flowers he just put together and tied into a ribbon. When Carla did not move, Joshua walked to her and gave her the flowers. That's when Carla saw the bouquet properly. It's a bunch of whites, which includes roses and lilies and mums and baby's breath and others that she could not tell. Overall, it was lovely. Its simplicity gives out a very sweet feeling to her. "Happy birthday," Carla managed to say. Joshua smiled. "I wanted to be with you tonight, so..." He looked at the candlelit table behind him. "I was hoping we could have dinner together. You can have dinner, right?" Well, they don't have that many patients, and it's still early so there are other residents in the ER at that moment. But Carla thought of teasing Joshua who looked so happy tonight. "You know I'm still on duty, right?" she asked. "Ah! Your MD said it's fine if you stay here for a while," Joshua said. Carla frowned. "I told her we just need two hours. That would do for now. Let's just go out again on your off. I just want to be with you tonight, you know." Okay, fine. Carla felt giddy and thrilled at what he said. But she also felt kind of curious. "So our MD is involved in this... How were you able to do that?" "Connections." Joshua smiled. Carla chortled. She's just too overjoyed any explanation is not needed anymore. But Joshua still expounded. "Diane helped me. Actually, she was the one who set you up during the weekend on their manor," Joshua explained. "I figured." Carla already realized that. "Fortunately she knows someone who knows your boss, so I was able to get this chance and set this up and have some time with you." Carla nodded. Rich people. If you have money, you can do almost everything because of the people you know. "So... Let's eat? You need to go back as soon as possible," Joshua said. Carla did as Joshua said. She did not bother telling him that their medical director might have told the ER staff to not disturb her unless the situation is urgent. She won't be surprised if her hunch is true. The table is full of food, but Carla seems to can't recognize whatever delicacies those are because her thoughts are all focused on the man sitting in front of her. The subtle lighting from the candles made the mood very romantic that was enhanced by the starlit sky. "I wonder what you told our MD to convince her to allow me to come," Carla said. "It wasn't that hard convincing her," Joshua said. He then smiled. "I kind of expected that a little," Carla said. Of course, he is still Joshua Socorro. He might not be that active with showbiz lately, but his popularity with the fans is still there. "I know what you're thinking, but me being a celebrity has nothing to do with it... Well, I guess it helped that Dr. Quinto knew about me. But the real hero was Dianne. She was the one who did the convincing. Then, that's it... Although, because of that your boss found out about us." It can't be helped, Carla thought. Especially if they become official. Carla knows that that might happen sooner. Actually, she can feel it happening very, very soon she suddenly felt thrilled. "It can't be helped," she said before going back to her food to tone down the excitement she's feeling. "They said I should do well, because who knows? I might finally be your boyfriend tonight." Joshua looked down as he smiled shyly. Carla felt that familiar pounding on her chest. She was just thinking about when she would say 'yes' to Joshua's appeal to be his girlfriend, like thinking it won't take long for her to give in. Then, Joshua himself mentioned it. Was it a sign from the heavens? Is she becoming a clairvoyant right now, gaining psychic powers making her see the future? Okay... Maybe, that's too much. There is this thing called chance, right? Everything might only be coincidence. But it doesn't mean that mere coincidence could not become destiny, right? Anyway, that's where everything will end up. So, why is she delaying what is bound to happen? "Then tell them, I did become your girlfriend tonight." She waited for Joshua to be able to move again after absorbing what she just said. She saw how his mouth opened and his eyes widened upon realizing what she meant. She was too happy she looked back at her plate and continued eating. Though she can't continue eating. "Are you serious?" Carla saw the euphoria in Joshua's whole being. It made her smile and feel overly glad. "Let's just say, it's my birthday gift to you. Sorry I wasn't able to buy something for you. But, I hope that will do?" "Are you kidding me? It's the most wonderful gift I received today! I mean, ever!" Joshua is actually shouting in glee. Carla can't hide her happiness as well. She beamed as she watched Joshua take in all the joy that her acceptance gave him. 'Can I shout?" Joshua asked suddenly. She paused for a moment. Then she laughed at him. 'We're still in the hospital, remember?" she asked. Joshua contemplated. Then he suddenly stood up. 'I can't shout, but I can dance, right?" Carla was not able to answer as Joshua started dancing and jumping. Eventually she just laughed at what he did. He suddenly went to her. Carla was surprised when he kneeled down in front of her. 'Thank you… Thank you…" Joshua said in between panting. Carla smiled as she returned the embrace. Seven years had passed since he stopped courting her before. Who would have thought that after seven years, they would still end up together? Maybe, fate is really magical. You cannot easily calculate it. You will just be surprised that the person you were destined to love already existed in your past. You won't even think that he is the one for you. Speaking of Destiny, she's secretly watching on the other side of the rooftop. She smiled proudly before walking away, and eventually vanishing in thin air.