'Here we go again'.
It was definitely Mrs Hayes, the only one who could scream like that in his quiet hospital.
The voice of his mother was the only voice that could move him.
' You insolent son of mine, all you had to do was go to the blind date but you refused to. Do you want me to loose my position at home!!'.
Mrs Heart's voice rang in the quiet hallway. The doctors and nurses were quite used to it already. Cecilia barged ino her son's office and found him lying on the couch.
'You don't even come home anymore but you'd rather be here .
Liam knew all his mother cared about was her position as the head of the house. His father was the only son but he refused and his position was given to his wife.
Everyone knew Mrs Heart to be a ruthless woman.
'Liam dear, get ready and go to the blind date.you will love the person I picked for you, come on!'
Cecilia screamed as she tried to move Liam.
When she realized that screaming won't do, she smiled sweetly.
"It's just dinner, darling. She's a lovely girl. You'll like her."
"I also like silence, sterile environments, and people who don't try to fix my social life."
"You can't be alone forever, you know."
"Watch me."
"You're going. No arguments."
"Fine. One hour. If she talks about horoscopes or crystals, I'm leaving through the kitchen window and I will not go on another date with those Pretentious women'.
"One hour won't kill you. It might even make you slightly more human."
Liam buttoned his sleeve.
"Unlikely. But I'll survive. Can't say the same for your matchmaking streak."
"She's smart. A teacher. Teaches children."
"Fantastic. I deal with emotional messes at work. Why not add finger paint and tantrums to my evenings too?"
"You know, if your father were here—"
"He's not. And he wouldn't force me to date someone over grilled chicken and pity wine."
"You can't keep hiding behind your stethoscope, Liam. Life isn't a diagnosis to avoid."
"And yet, denial has excellent survival rates."
'Fine then, I know what to do if you don't want to go '.
Liam knew how stubborn his mother is so he followed her and as expected, she was going to do something crazy.
'what are you doing?'
'I'm going to jump down from here if you don't go to the blind date '.
'really?'.
"If you don't go to this date, I swear, I'll jump. Maybe that'll get you to feel something."
"You're three floors up. Statistically, you'd survive—with several fractures. I'd know. I'd be the one setting your bones."
"Liam, I'm serious!"
"So am I. This is emotional blackmail, and it's beneath you. You want me to date, fine. But don't pretend your life depends on it."
"I just want you to live, Liam. Not just exist."
"Existing is safer. But I'll go. Not for her—for your blood pressure."
'Really? You'll go? Thank you son, thank you '.
'Ugh'.
Having no other options, Liam had to go to the blind date.
***
Luelle, 'Luelle!!, Get here right now!'.
Old man Tom shouted on the top of his lungs. His insolent granddaughter has always been a pain in his old ass. He found her unruly behavior unacceptable at times but he still loves her.
He gave her everything she wished for and allowed her to do anything she wanted.
He realized quite late that he had spoiled her rotten, and now all he wants now is to get her married before he dies.
' Yes pops I am here'.
Luelle got down to give her grandfather a kiss.
' I have set up a blind date for you and you have to go, the driver will pick you up in thirty minute. Do not keep him waiting'.
' Not again pops, I just got back home today and I haven't had the chance to even meet my fans but you already set up another blind date '.
' Don't tell me that young lady. I am doing all this for you, I will stop setting a blind date when you bring me a grandson in- law. Go and get ready and it will be better if you stick to your birth name '.
Luelle stomped her feet in anger.
'Are you a five year old?'.
' I will not go!'.
'If you don't go then I will jump down from the top floor right this instance!'.
' Alright, fine but please, no more blind dates'.
Luelle rushed to get ready. Her grandfather was a man of his words and he could do anything, she couldn't risk losing the only person that genuinely cares about her.
' I will go back to county V after this before Pops set another blind date'.
Luelle made sure to spend extra time in the bathroom.
'If you're done practicing under the shower, can you please leave!'.
The old man shouted and Luelle finally came out.
She got to the restaurant but to her surprise, her date wasn't there yet.
'Ugh, guess I'll have to wait '.
***After some time
Liam steps in, his emotionless eyes scanning the room like he's reading vitals. He spots her—red dress, alone at a corner table and walks over.
"You must be Claire."
Luelle stood up for a handshake but Liam sat before she could extend her hand. She didn't get angry but chuckled instead.
"You must be... exactly how my grandfather described you. Cold and punctual.
"It's Liam. Dr. Liam Hayes."
"Luelle. But most people call me Lily."
"Luelle? That's… not what I was expecting."
"Neither were you. But I've decided to embrace chaos tonight."
"So you're the school teacher. That explains the sense of humor."
"And you're the physician with a resting heart rate of ice."
"Cardiology would disagree, but I see your point."
(A waiter arrives and they ordered drinks)
"So, do you always show up to dates looking like you're about to deliver a diagnosis?"
"I came from the hospital. I don't change clothes for social rituals I didn't initiate."
"Wow. Your students must love you."
"Patients. Not students."
Luelle laughed, "Right. Of course.Got it."
"You didn't say what school you teach at."
*School? Does he think I'm a teacher? That's interesting*.
"It's a bit... unconventional. Not the kind you'd find on a map."
"Sounds evasive."
"Sounds like boundaries."
(They sit in a moment of taut silence—she's enjoying the game; he's trying to figure her out like a puzzle that refuses to solve.)
"You're different from what I expected."
"So are you. I thought you'd be boring."
"And I thought you'd be quieter."
"Disappointed?"
"Not yet."
'Since you're really bored doctor, why don't I take you somewhere fun'.
'No'.
'Come on doctor, let's go '.
Luelle didn't give room for Liam to object. She stood up and dragged him away.
When they finally got there, Liam was surprised at where she brought him.
'What's this?'.
'Never been to a park doc?'.
'huh?.
'let's go'.