The Mute and The Celebrity

VIII

❝I find it hard to believe that he would do something like that to Paula, ❞ Shawn said in response to James' previous statement.

❝ What's your perspective, Shawn? I understand you're intelligent, but I respectfully disagree,❞ James voiced, knowing that he knew Joulo's personality.

❝ Consider this for a moment, mate. If he truly had ulterior motives to have sex with her, he wouldn't be doing this much effort and going out of his way to help her. Have you ever seen Joulo to pull over in the middle of nowhere, drop us off, and then drive her to the hospital? It simply not him,❞ Shawn said with a hint of frustration. Matthew turned to James, who seemed puzzled and showed no response.

❝ I have my doubts about Joulo's intentions. I mean, does he really need to go to such lengths for Paula?❞ Matthew voiced his suspicions.

❝What do you think he's up to?❞ James asked, looking even more dumbedfounded. Both Matthew and Shawn remained silent, unable to respond.

❝Hey, ease up, man. Maybe Joulo has a crush on Paula,❞  Matthew explained, giving James a smack in the head.

James rubbed his head, looking bewildered. ❝ But I thought he was into Jamie,❞ he protested.

❝I don't know, man. Love is complicated,❞  Shawn shrugged and gestured for them to move on. ❝Come on, let's not waste time speculating.❞

As they walked away, James hurried to catch up with them. ❝ Wait up, guys! And for the record, hitting me won't make me smarter,❞  he grumbled.

❃ ❃ ❃

Joulo gently lifted Paula out of the car, like princess carried her in his arms like a delicate flower.

The nurse at the emergency reception greeted them with a flush of embarrassment with a blush on her cheeks as her gaze locked onto Joulo.

❝ Good day, how may I assist you today?❞ she asked, trying to maintain her professional composure.

❝ I have a young woman here who seems to be in a weak condition,❞ Joulo replied, his voice calm and steady as he carried Paula towards the nearest vacant bed. The nurse followed them and she glanced at Paula's ashen complexion and shallow breathing, her eyes widen with concern.

❝ Doctor Rose, is this the patient you mentioned?❞ the nurse called out to a renowned doctor walking by in the hallway. Doctor Rose was an expert in her field, known for her herbal treatments and remarkable success rates.

Joulo's attention drifted to a woman running towards them. Doctor Rose's eyes lit up with recognition as she approached them. ❝ Yes, that's her. How is she doing, nurse?❞ she asked, assessing Paula's vital signs.

❝ Paula!❞ she exclaimed, tears of relief and joy streaming down her face. Joulo watched silently as they hugged, trying to make sense of the scene.

Eventually, Doctor Rose led him to her clinic and placed Paula on a bed with care. She examined Paula and asked Joulo what had happened.

❝ I found her lying on the sidewalk when I was driving to school with my friends,❞ Joulo explained what happened. Rose nodded, murmuring to herself as she noticed Paula's skin condition.