Jonas PoV
After pumping the angioplasty balloon into the narrowed area succeeded in widening the artery and destroying the plaque, I started placing a stent to prevent the coronary artery from narrowing again.
Throughout the PCI process, the patient's family was nagging me until I could barely focus. I exhaled in annoyance. It looks like this nother's eyes l procedure didn't go smoothly.
I hate open surgery! I hate the annoying patient's family!
"Doctor Trent, PCI has not succeeded in restoring blood flow to the heart muscle. The patient's myocardial infarctions are becoming more frequent. We must immediately find another alternative."
I looked at the patient's examination record on the monitor screen. The situation is very critical. If not treated immediately, I think the obstruction to blood flow will become even more massive.
There are two other alternatives to prevent this from happening. With bypass surgery or thrombolysis surgery.
My patient is a minister and I am still sane enough instead of letting him remain critical. It wouldn't make sense for me to tell this man's family that his situation was beyond help.
"Make a consent report for the patient's family! We will perform bypass surgery immediately!" I ordered the nurse and then looked sharply at the monitor screen again.
I hissed. This is the bad situation
"Doctor Trent, don't we need to have a meeting first? The doctor team and the patien's family? This bypass surgery is quite risky for the patient," said the nurse.
Without even turning around, I shook my head slightly. I'm pretty sure I'm smart enough to make decisions. Waiting for claims from the results of all doctors' meetings will take up a lot of time. Not to mention preparing all the equipment and submitting confirmation from the patient's family.
"Even to hold a meeting, we need approval from the head of the hospital. We also have to gather the doctors first. Not to mention making a final report regarding the results of the meeting. Meanwhile, you know the popular doctrine about someone with a chronic heart attack? Their life is at the end of their throat," I said impatiently.
I spoke flatly while moving the cursor to enlarge the object. This minister's heart examination record gives rise to increasingly sad assessments. Nearly ninety-six percent of his chances of survival were lost. This man from a prominent family seemed to only have twenty minutes left to live.
"Quickly deliver the consent report to the patient's family and ask them to sign it," I said. "Or... We will lost one of the best minister this country have ."
The nurse nodded. "Yes, Doctor."
Then, when the surgery is approved, I work hard to create an artificial vessel to open a new pathway. Blockage of blood flow through the coronary artery area must be resolved with the presence of artificial vessels.
"That's the great surgery I ever saw, doctor Trent!" said the nurse, after the surgery finished. "You are amazing, as always."
Now, I leaned my back against the back of the work chair. I turned off the monitor screen and then closed it for a moment.
Dealing all day with all kinds of patient complaints and several surgeries makes me really tired. I lost the energy now and just want to sleep for a minutes.
My eyes opened again when the cell phone rang. There was an incoming call from Mom that really made me sick.
There were only two options until Mom bothered to call me. First, the shopping money runs out. Or secondly, Mother hopes that I will come home. That's why I ignored the cell phone ringing even though my hearing was disturbed.
The ringing of the telephone made my sleep disappear. Finally, I chose to finish the minister's operation report an hour ago, so I could go home immediately.
Then, my eyes stuck to the book on the corner of my desk. The book with a collection of witty quotes in a bone white cover at the top of the pile reminds me of someone.
He was upset that day, because he felt there were many questions he didn't understand in today's exam.
I just listened to him grumble long and short about the questions being too difficult and saying he was giving up and going on strike from studying.
"Read this book. You will find lots of positive quotes that will revive your spirits."
"Huh, you know I hate reading books without pictures!" he replied irritably.
"Just read first. This is a light but very useful book. People who are stupider than you will like it."
"Hey, you call me stupid?"
At that time I just laughed and he then held me in his arms, until we ended up doing sumo on the carpet on the floor of my room and ended up panting because we were tired of wrestling and laughing.
It was one of the many days I spent with him at that time. Beautiful. Full of jokes and joy.
"Stop playing with those girls. Think about your future plans and be a little serious. You don't want to make your father cross your name off the family tree and appoint another child as his successor, right?" I said it again at that time.
In the midst of his activities of opening the book I gave page by page, he nodded.
In the end, throughout the night my bookshelf was completely dismantled and he stole almost ten books containing light reading.
That night, I felt victorious. My house is the best place to complain that he almost often goes.
"This book is for you. Read it whenever you feel annoyed, hopeless, nervous, or afraid. There is a lot of good motivation that will make you come back to yourself," I said again, ruffling his thick hair.
My best friend lowered his head, acting like a student who respects his teacher. However, that annoying face really looks so obvious.
"Of course, Professor Jonas Finnegan Trent!" he said, made a salute form to me.
His laughter rose. As soon as the positive aura appeared at its maximum level, I responded with a grin. He was always fun whenever he was cheerful. I always like his happiness and annoying laugh.
Until now, until this moment, I will never stop falling in love with him. Will never stop reminiscing. No matter how far we are apart, his story will always remain sweet in the depths of my heart.
I can never forget such nights from my past with him. Even now, after eight years have passed without ever seeing each other, he still plays a major role in my every dream and daydream.
How is he now?
***
Xander PoV
"I'm tired of serving people who want to see you, Mr. Xander. At least take a moment of your time to meet them."
I turned lazily towards Norris. Looking up slightly, I chuckled in annoyance. There's no way Norris doesn't understand my character after almost four years of work.
"Just tell those people that I want to rest before the seminar starts. My journey here was quite long. So I think they will understand," I said calmly.
I turned my head again and looked down at the book I was holding and continue reading.
Honestly, I was at a nervous point when I entered backstage. I'm afraid that when I go on stage my performance won't meet expectations.
Read the book line by line, then move on to the next page, makes me calmer and my confidence increases.
"I'm surprised you can still read that book, sir," said Norris in a worried tone. "The book was very worn and full of insulating sticks all over the place."
I laughed at Norris' comment and realized the truth of what he said.
"I'll put it in a glass case when this book is destroyed, Norris, and just stare at it as if reading. After all, I've memorized everything in it," I answered lightly.
"I'll buy you a new book, sir. I'm sure there are new printed versions of books like that in bookstores," said Norris again. "You can throw away that old book."
I chuckled in annoyance. "Don't talk nonsense, Norris! Even if you buy the latest version that was released yesterday, I won't throw away this book. This book will accompany me to the grave!"
Norris sighed and shrugged. "Whatever you say, sir. Ah, don't forget, your father said that you should make time to meet Ms. Linda after the seminar. She is Beta Elmar's daughter."
I waved my hand, sending Norris out. I'm tired of hearing the names of women mentioned, whom I always have to meet here and there, for the reason that I need to quickly find a mate before the time of the coronation.
To hell with my coronation as Supreme Alpha in Father's place. I've been stupid about finding my own partner for a long time. In fact, all this time I was desperately blocking out stimuli that were trying to enter.
I heard voices outside the room where I sat with a book on my lap. I closed my eyes and slowly his words filled my mind again.
"This book is for you. Read it whenever you feel annoyed, hopeless, nervous, or afraid. There is a lot of good motivation that will make you come back to yourself," he said.
His voice was soft and soothing, deep and pleasant.
After years of being apart, I finally realized, that it wasn't this book in my lap that made me calm every time I read its contents, in the bad situations I faced. It was his voice. Him.
Everything about him was the exact opposite of me, but he was the anchor that held me back from the noisy madness of my youth. He is a sedative that calms me from the anxiety of my hectic difficult times. He is an oasis that refreshes me from the thirst of wild adventures.
How is he now
* Flashback, 8 years ago *
Jonas PoV
I walked down the corridor to Mr. Franklin's room. Throughout the journey I just looked down, not daring to look at those around me who were excitedly exchanging stories about the results of their health tests.
Under the stairs, right in front of the women's toilet door, a pair of lovers were fondling each other. The boys held the test report in his hand. I know that there is a happy twinkle between them. I think they found a match in each other.
I predicted their passion would rise here. The two mated and generated pheromones between them. The boy opened the toilet door and pushed his girlfriend in.
I quickened my pace. I'd be lying if I said I was fine. Of the many students at this school, I'm the only one who hasn't gotten results so far. My health check report disappeared somewhere.
Arriving at the door to the principal's office, I immediately looked in. Coincidentally, the door was not closed tightly so I could clearly see what Mr. Franklin inside. The man was standing facing a large bookshelf in the corner of the room.
"Mr. Franklin, you called me?" I asked after knocking on the door and he gave me permission to sit.
Mr Franklin looked back while staying in place. He stared at me a little longer without words. I don't know why I feel anxious. Although after that Mr. Franklin smiled, I'm not satisfied yet.
"Yes, Jonas. I want to talk to you."
I nodded. Mr Franklin pulled a piece of paper from a brown envelope on his desk before sitting directly facing me.
"Your medical test results have come out and sadly, you are in the unclear category. There are no signs that you are an Alpha or Omega, Jonas."
I gulped. "Yeah?"
"Let me ask," said Mr. Franklin carefully. "How do you feel lately? Something strange happened to you body?"
"Nothing. I felt nothing strange at all. I think I'm a Beta, Mr. Franklin. Since there's no sign of a rut or heat on me, that means I'm somewhere in the middle," I said.
Mr Franklin stared at me for a while and nodded. "Yeah, that rare situation because even if you were a Beta, there's always a sign of that. But, your report literally blank. Here, your result."
The examination sheet was completely handed over to me and like he said, it was completely blank.
"You can go back to class, Jonas. Remember that your status is still not clear. This means your health must be rechecked," said Mr. Franklin. "And don't worry, it will be better next test."
I nodded in understanding. "Excuse me," I said goodbye.
Before I actually got up from the chair, I looked at the piece of paper again. The statement stated is still very gray. So it made sense when other students had already gotten the answers, while my results weren't among the pile of papers on the teacher's desk and I ended up being called by Mr. Franklin.
I hastened my steps up the stairs one by one after realizing that it was now exactly ten o'clock.
Miss Selena's class will start soon. I'm sure the children who took Miss Selena's specialization class have already entered the room. The reason is that Miss Selena will not hesitate to deduct the assessment from her report card if a student is late for class.
I braked right in front of Miss Selena's classroom. I looked for a moment at the square table with silver iron chairs facing the row of marid benches.
Not yet her signature bun and oversized black jacket with casual women's shoes. I hurriedly stepped towards the back seat in the corner and looked down.
Meanwhile, in front of me people still were busy discussing their health results with each other.
As soon as the tapping of shoes mixed with sharp eyes entered the classroom, the noisy voices suddenly quieted down.
Everyone rushed to take out their calculus notebooks and crossed their arms on the table.
Miss Selena started today's learning with a quiz. Meanwhile, my performance today dropped drastically. I'm not as diligent in answering questions as usual.
My eyes had been focused on the sheet that had not yet left my hand, then turned to look at the man sitting in the middle row.
Occasionally Miss Selena is pointed at and given questions in the easy category, in my opinion. However, he was just play games while counting the number of sunflower seeds in one package!
"Gosh, my mouth is so bitter. Moreover, I'm too bored listening to the teacher babble about integrals. Nothing enters my brain at all," he sent me text.
I just gave a question mark sticker to answered him.
After the bell rang, Miss Selena ended today's class. Ten long-form questions as well as a literature assignment on calculus are recorded as assignments and must be completed in the third week of this month.
He walked over to my desk. "Come with me, Jonas. I want to smoke on the rooftop," he said while patting my shoulder.
I just ignored him and packed the books into my bag. He chuckled impatiently and grabbed my hand, leading me upstairs without caring about my protests. Gosh!
Arriving at the roof, Xander invited me to jump over the dividing wall and sit on the very edge.
I, who doubted it would be safe, shook my head. Meanwhile, this delinquent boy moved freely and immediately dangled his feet down. His body sat right on the edge of the barrier.
"What are your test results, Jonas?" he asked while lit his cigarette.
I looked at Xander, my bestfriend since kindergarten. I wonder how his test result.
I shook my head. "Unclear," I answered.
There was a weak tone mixed with a slightly suppressed volume from my vocal chords. It was as if my words were strangled. I also clearly showed a gloomy expression towards Xander.
I wouldn't be this miserable if I was with someone else. My introverted side and shy nature contrasted enough that my cheerful and open figure could only be seen by Xander.
"Maybe I am just a Beta," I chuckled sadly.
"Jonas, you know? God created you as the luckiest person in the world. You have absolutely no pressure. I think your control as a Beta will relieve you a lot."
Between gasps and puffs of smoke, Xander said. I am quiet. I don't know what to say or how to behave.
I looked at him closely as soon as his words ended and the cigarette was inhaled again. A small smile appeared on my lips.
"What are your results?" I asked, even I knew without question.
Xander punched my right arm softly. "Do genius like you still bother asking about my identity? It's clear that I am my father's heir as an Alpha," he answered.
"After this I will find my mate and will be crowned Supreme Alpha to replace my father," he continued.
Xander put out his short cigarette and jumped down from the dividing wall.
"When I take over the pack from my father, you will also be crowned my Beta, Jonas. We will be inseparable," he said cheerfully.
"You revealed me to be your Beta?" I asked, unsure of what he said.
Xander looked at me with furrowed brows. "Of course! Who else but you deserves me?"
The sentences spoken by Xander sounded ambiguous to my ears. Like a hope, but I know, that hope is misguided, not in accordance with what I really hope for.
For a moment I regretted asking about his identity. There was a strange, unlucky feeling of pain that continued to grow. A combination of anxiety and fear of missing out, perhaps.
Damn!
I just reopened the table of chromosome pairs and then wrote down the important points in my notebook.
The college written test for the medical scholarship route will soon begin. I have a big ambition to tear down the walls that will prevent me from getting a full scholarship. I desperately pursued my own dreams and proved to Mother that I could.
In the middle of my activity of setting up the music box, the cell phone rang indicating an incoming call. Xander's name was written clearly on the cellphone screen.
I hurriedly picked it up and put the cell phone to my left earlobe. Meanwhile, my hands were busy turning down the folk music I was playing.
"Hello, Xander?" I said.
"Hey, Jonas, what are you doing?" Xander asked in his deep voice.
"Study," I said.
I heard him click his tongue. "Come on, Jonas, stop for a moment from those boring activities," said Xander. "Stop thinking about chemistry and physics formulas and start thinking about who you are going to take to prom the day after tomorrow!"
I considered for a moment. Actually there is one name that I really want to mention. However, every time I wanted to say it, it was as if my vocal cords were broken.
"I'm not going, Xander. My parents are going to visit Grandma who is sick. So I have to look after my little sister at home. Dad will be angry if I leave her at home alone."
I was only able to scream in my heart, saying his name very loudly even though I was the only one who could hear.
The matter of my parents going to visit my grandmother who is sick is not an alibi. So Dad really entrusted me to look after my little brother.
Besides, I don't like crowds. Instead of attending a prom night that lasts until midnight, I'd better focus on studying to pursue a scholarship. In my opinion such events are only for party crazy people.
"I'm a little disappointed with your answer, Jonas. Actually, I wanted to show off how I confessed my love to the person I really admired for a long time. However, it can't be helped. It looks like you really won't go."
From the other side, a deep voice that sounded very disappointed made me not know what to answer.
Yes, I already know! There was no way Xander would come to the party alone. Thousands of girls (and some cute boys too) queuing behind the classroom windows will always be ready to be invited by him.
"The person who will be my destiny is very special, Jonas. Just wait, she will definitely submit to me."
I slowly moved the small study lamp located in the corner. Then I closed the notebook and tucked it neatly among the pile of other books.
The pen in my hand seemed to move of its own accord. Scribbled his name on the study table with extra force, causing very visible black ink marks.
"Who is she? Cyntia?" I asked, try to sounded enthusiastic.
"You knew?" he asked. "Wow, Jonas! You will really be the best Beta for me. You even know everything about me without me having to say it!"
I took a breath. Either he really didn't know anything or was just stupid, but now I felt it would be better to stop listening to his voice any longer.
"I'll hang up, okay? I have to study. See you later!" I said.
"Hei, Jonas, wait--"
I ended the conversation without waiting for him to finish his sentence.
I increased the volume of the folk music playing in the music box until it reached the highest volume.
I ended up daydreaming, piling my two legs on the table and resting my palms on my chin. I really feel annoyed.
My heartbeat was racing faster and my sweat-producing glands seemed to be working extra in the cold temperature of my room. I'm incredibly congested.
Xander... If I could choose as I please, the person I want to hold at the prom night is... you!
***
Xander's PoV
Sometimes Jonas can be annoying, when it comes to studying. He can be very serious and suddenly become cold and stiff like a two-door refrigerator.
But, this guy is fun when I'm playing games or when I need a comfortable place after my energy has been completely drained.
He can always make me feel comfortable and relieved, after he listens to my complaints patiently and sometimes gives short, but concise and clear responses.
I didn't mean anything by telling him about Cyntia, to be honest. I don't want to make him jealous because since the results of his medical test came out and he was declared unclear, Jonas hasn't received any confirmation at all.
I just want8 my true friend be happy once I find my true partner. Unfortunately, Jonas didn't answer two or three words when I spoke at length on the phone.
I plopped down on my study chair then scrolled through the message homepage. However, even though I repeatedly read the list of names that I frequently contacted, there was only one name whose message I repeatedly reread. Cyntia-the girl I've dreamed of since my first year of high school.
Gosh, I'm going to go crazy just thinking about that girl!
Without realizing it, my room was knocked many times and my Mother appeared with a tray of warm drinks.
She put the tray on my desk and sitting on my bed.
"What about your date at promnight tomorrow? Have you made thorough preparations?"
"Of course, Mom," I said.
No need to ask anymore. Whatever the situation, if I date Cyntia, everything will seem easy. The twinkle in my eyes that shows my most masculine side, my virility as an Alpha, and my background as the heir to the wealthy Riordan family. All my advantages will make any woman, including Cyntia, submit.
"Obviously I have prepared very well, Mom. Soon I will get my mate and I will mark her as mine."
I said it confidently. Maybe this trait of mine was passed down directly through my Parents. I always feel safe because Daddy's wealth is incomparable and he is the Supreme Alpha on Agera Coutry. Meanwhile my Mother was the world famous chef and the powerful Luna of our pack.
"Remember, Xander. Once you find your mate, you will be crowned Supreme Alpha. So you have to really make sure that your mate is someone worthy," said my Mother seriously.
I nodded. "I understand, Mom. Just watch, as soon as I introduce her as my mate, you will fall in love with her."
"What about Jonas? What was the result?" my mother asked.
I took a breath. "He received the results as unclear, Mom. The principal said that he would have to take the test again until the results were clear."
"Oh, that's very rare," my mother said thoughtfully. "What's wrong with him?"
"He considers himself a Beta because there is no sign of Alpha or Omega. That's the most neutral, right?" I asked.
My mother nodded and her face looked happy. "It would be very good for you if he was a Beta. He would be the best companion for you, because he is a very intelligent and sensitive child. You have also been together since childhood so you already know each other well."
"Yes, I hope so too, Mom. I want to stay with him while leading the Pack in Dad's place," I said hopefully.
"I hope he takes another test soon and gets the best results. I know most of his family members are Omega and Beta but his father is a great Alpha, and so are most of the men there," my mother said confidently.
"I hope so," I responded. "He was quite upset about the result, but I think it was less important to him than his desire to study medicine at St. Agera University."
My mother nodded and stood up from the bed, then approached me. She kissed the top of my head.
"Okay, okay. Tonight you have to go to bed early. So tomorrow you'll be fresh until midnight. Hurry up and put on your pajamas and get a new blanket in the cupboard. I'll turn off the lights, okay?"
Hearing that, I chuckled. What time is it still? Seven thirty in the evening. I'm not even sleepy yet. So I shook my head while frowning.
"You're no fun, Mom! My girlfriend still send messages to me about our plan tomorrow. It's impossible for me to ignore her," I said, grinning.
My Mother shaking her head. "Don't be too late, Xander."
"Yes, I understand, Mom."
Then my Mother went and closed the bedroom door from the outside.
I sent a message to Jonas. "I'll stay at your house after prom tomorrow night. Prepare your ears to hear my story about making Cyntia my mate."
Two minutes later Jonas replied to my message. He sent a middle finger emoticon and an angry face.
I laughed out loud and continued exchanging messages with Cyntia, discussing the technicalities of prom night tomorrow.