Chapter 11

**Angela’s POV**

I gazed at the familiar face, memories flooding back. I felt shell-shocked. I couldn’t speak and the room was a sea of awkward silence.

“Uh, you’re here to see Harvey?” His voice wavered and I nodded averting my gaze although I was pretty sure he was still staring at me.

I completely forgot that Brad was standing next to me; he cleared his throat and gained Paul’s attention.

“What’s happened to him?” Brad’s voice was abrasive and I winced at his tone.

“Apparently he is being bullied at school. A couple of kids beat him up pretty bad.”

I gasped in horror. How did I not know about this?

“Not to worry, no serious damage has been done, just a couple of bruised ribs.” His gaze was focused on Brad.

“Are you two the legal guardians?” His eyes shot to mine and I felt my heart sink. Paul and I didn’t exactly part on the best of terms.

“No.” I quickly answered and explained my relationship to Harvey. He nodded his head slowly and my mind wandered, how different would my life be if Paul and I had gotten married.

Of course, he was nothing special compared to Brad but he was literally the nicest person I knew.

“Well I guess you can see him.” He motioned for me to walk ahead of him. I stared at Brad for the first time during this...episode. His eyes intent on mine. He raised an eyebrow at me and I wanted to smack him!

“Can he come too?” Damn! I sounded like a two year old. I saw Paul eyes sadden and he replied.

“Of course, he’s your husband after all.” The words simple yet I knew him, I knew the hidden meaning behind it.

He allowed us to walk ahead of him. Unusually, Brad was silent but I knew he was curious, hell, who wouldn’t be.

We entered the ward and I immediately saw Harvey. I arrived at his side in no time. My hand coming to rest on the bruises on his face. I saw him wince at my touch.

“How did this happen?” I asked, I didn’t quite sound like myself.

He turned his gaze away from me.

“Hey.” I caught his gaze. “Talk to me.”

“It’s no big deal just a couple of stupid kids at school.” He responded and I grew angry.

How dare they? Didn’t they have some morality? I knew he was a social outcast but did children have to be so inconsiderate?

“Can we take him?” I heard Brad’s voice and I stilled. He was talking to Paul. Was it just me or was that awkward?

I spun around and both their gazes fell on me. Brad was taller than Paul and considerately more built.

My gaze flickered uncomfortably between the two.

“Of course. Just sign the papers and your all set.” He responded, I saw him look at me anxiously.

“Can I have a word with you, Angela?” I sneaked a peek at Brad and his jaw had set, his hands clenched at his side.

“I’ll take the kid outside.” He answered. His eyes glowing dark.

Lord! If looks could kill!

They exited the room too quickly and I found myself fidgeting.

“That’s him huh?” Paul questioned and I nodded. I was unable to stare at him.

“It is.” I responded, feeling the weight of my silence

“Are you married?” I asked out of courtesy. I was uncertain where this conversation was leading.

“No. Up until now, I was focused on Med school and then here I am.” He responded casually.

“Well, I am really happy you’re a doctor now. I know it’s what you always wanted.”

“Yea, and what about you? Teaching now?” He questioned and I sucked in a huge breath.

“I was for a while, but I stopped after I got married,” I responded.

“I never would have thought. You were so passionate about that.” He commented.

“Uh huh.”

“This is so weird.” He responded frankly, his lips quirking up in a smile. I raised a brow at him.

“It’s been so long and now I am seeing my best friend again.” He clarified.

So as you were wondering, Paul and I were best of friends but we were more too...

I smiled and his expression grew strained. “So how are you?”

“I am fine.” I answered knowing he meant my marriage.

“Well, I am happy about that. Can I ask you something?” He questioned.

“Sure.”

“Do you want to go for dinner tonight and catch up? If it’s not a problem with your husband of course.” He eyed me hopefully.

“You know fully well that it won’t be a problem with my-“ I swallowed hard as the word stalled in my throat. “husband. I would love to.”

“Great! Just give me your number and I will contact you and you can give me your address.” He sank his hand into his lab coat and pulled out his cell. He gave it to me and I entered my number.

We said our goodbyes and I left. Actually, it felt as if I ran out. Why? I was not sure. But hopefully, for tonight I would be a little better prepared to face him.
I got into the car and saw Harvey sitting in the back seat. “We are gonna drop you off at home okay?” I told him and he shook his head positively.

I sank against my seat, my emotions all meshed and confused. I peaked at Brad, his focus on the road but I felt the tension, it radiated from him and it made me nervous.

Why? I have no idea. Normally I wouldn’t give a damn about his tensions but my sanity was slowly going. That’s the most logical explanation.

After dropping of Harvey, I felt the awkwardness increase! Hell! How was that possible! He was purposely giving me the silent treatment! I grew angry at that thought.

“I-“ I opened my mouth to speak. Brad shot me his deadliest glare and I paused, he reached his hand forward and the radio came on.

His attention on the road in front of him. I stared at him incredulously. I bit my lips to refrain from arguing. My temper skyrocketed.

This inconsiderate bastard! I felt the vein at my temple pulse and I hand the urge to slam my fists into something. I clenched them at my sides.

This is why I could never like him.