EARLIER THAT DAY, AT DIANA'S POV
Distractions. It's what I need.
Each time I close my eyes, I'm haunted by the ghosts of my island traumas. I felt disgusted of myself, that I refuse to look further on my reflections. I tried so hard to look normal in front of my mother. I wouldn't want her to be worried of me. Nevertheless, the struggle was real when she insisted on applying the healing balm on my wounds and abraded skin by herself. I couldn't even look her in the eyes. Gladly, she didn't say much while treating me. After she applied her healing balm, my wounds and bruises became less visible, and and more bearable.
Changing to a nice set of clothes, and taking my white coat with me, I drove to the hospital after having coffee with my mother. Well, she did had another glass of brandy. She let me go first before she headed on to her laboratory. My mother is a scientist and an advocate of modern technology for healing. She's a type of person who highly value intelligence and competence. With a very strong personality, she despises all forms of vulnerability - tears, wounds, and love.
I once told her that those don't usually imply weakness. I cried happy tears when I topped the licensure examination for doctors. My mother just gave me a timid smile, as she tell me that I didn't need to cry, and that she never doubted my capabilities. When I was eighteen, I got wounded from falling off my horse during an equestrian competition, bagging first place. My mother kept a straight face, and then gave me a proud smirk and a slow clap from the VIP room. She told me I should've finished the race without falling. A disgrace, she called. When I was twelve, my beloved pet cat died from her sleep. We were always together day and night, in good times and in bad. When she died, I grieved that I turned night into day. One night, my mother came to my room and said, "The death of your father should be no less from other losses you'll have in your life".
Often times she amazes me, but sometimes I don't like her ways and beliefs. She's a strong woman better than me, I guess.
I arrived at the hospital and spotted the reserved parking slot for me already occupied. Looking closely, I saw a familiar red sedan, with initials on the rear window that says 'L.MURPHY'. "Again?", I said irritably. Dr. Murphy is my arch nemesis ever since I became a part of this hospital. He thinks that my medical achievements and disposition in life would be nothing without the money and influence of my mother.
It isn't my fault that right after medical school, I applied and climbed my way through where I am now in this hospital - making myself as the youngest chief resident of the surgery department. Many were inspired, but most were intimidated. For a time, I was bullied and was at the bottom of the food chain. With my intellect and tenacity, I was able to go through pins and needles proving I am worthy of my position, but still, not with Dr. Murphy. As soon as my mother knew that I was a subject of bullying in the hospital, she invested a large sum of money becoming a major shareholder there. She then supplied most drugs and medications in this hospital making her a valuable part owner.
I specifically told her to keep it low. However, every time she gets news that her precious daughter is belittled by Dr. Murphy, she have no intentions to back down. And recently, I was made the newest board member of DW Medical Hospital for my mother to assure that I will be an untouchable Woodsworth like her. It should be a proud moment, but for me, it's a rough call.
I parked my car in the available slot which is farthest from the main entrance. I got out of my car wearing a white collared blouse, cream plaid blazer and a matching A-line skirt. I hung my white coat on my arm, secured my phone and car keys in my pocket, then proceeded in the hospital. Today is my first day back, so I intend to see the Chief of Surgery to report initially. As I enter the elevator, my day started to become worse.
"Dr. Woodsworth! I didn't know you'll be back today", Dr. Murphy greeted with his arms crossed, looking unimpressed with his pouted lips. "I parked my car on your slot, I hope you don't mind".
"Actually, I do, Dr. Murphy.", I said blandly. "Next time I see your car parked there, I'll have it towed.. with your head under the tires", I entered the elevator, rolling my eyes.
"With the help of dear mummy, of course?", Dr. Murphy said as he sarcastically smiled before getting out of the elevator. "Oh and congratulations on being a new board member! I knew you always had it in you.. I mean your mother", he said, as he left.
I stared blankly ahead as the elevator doors closed. As soon as I was left along inside the lift, I sighed deeply from such great relief. That old man is such a pain in the ass, and I know this will never end. I wonder what I did in my past life to endure a man like him. I reached the office of the Chief, and knocked twice before opening the door. "Dr. Blackwell", I greeted my mentor, who's also my father's colleague and one of the first doctors in this hospital who believed in my capabilities. He's a huggable brown haired fully bearded big guy with a soft heart, and sharp mind. All these years, Dr. Blackwell was like a father to me, who guided and taught me everything he knows.
"Diana! What a pleasant surprise! How's your.. your trip?", he asked hesitantly. He knows that I got stood up from the wedding considering that he's the only person from this hospital aside from Kate who, I invited. Apparently, I didn't saw him at the church. He had work, as always.
"Please sit down, make yourself comfortable", he smiled pleasantly.
"It was fun. I just had to come back. I'm missing Murphy", I sat down on the black chair, and placed my bag on the floor.
"Did he bothered you again? Don't mind that old geezer. He just sees himself in you.", he said as he clasp his hands together on the table. His eyes suddenly widened as soon as he got a good look at me. "What happened to your face?", he leaned forward looking directly at my forehead.
"Just a minor hiccup during my trip. I'm fine now, ready for rounds and surgery", I leaned back and rested my arms on the arm chair.
"Oh no no. You know I don't let my surgeons hold a scalpel with a pre occupied mind", he worriedly said.
"I'm fine Dr. Blackwell, it's getting better", I insisted as I show him my faint bruises.
"Dr. Woodsworth. Two more days. Anyhow, you are supposedly on a vacation. I'll give you two more days out of the surgery charts.", he lifted up two fingers, ordering me not to go to work. In my head, I have screamed in dispute, but I try to be calm. After all that I've been through, it would totally be a bummer if I stay home. I would totally lose my mind. The suffering that I've gone through from the hands of William and his friend's would play like a broken record in my head.
"Please.", I plead with the best puppy eyes that I can do. "I need to do something to... divert my attention. The humiliation that I experienced at the church is taking too much of my mental well being. And if I stay at home, it would damage me wholly", of course a little acting should do the trick. Working at the hospital have become my life. My devotion in taking care of my patients kept me sane. Taking my passion off my hands, even just for a few days, would drive me out of my mind.
Dr. Black kept on clicking his tongue, and shaking his head as if he's believing my little white lie. If I tell him the truth of what really happened back in the island, he'd definitely not allow me to step in this hospital as a doctor without being a patient to get some tests and rest. "Fine..." he gave out a loud and long sigh. "For now, work with the paper works case studies and patient rounds. Strictly NO surgeries. I'll send the memo to your secretary", Dr. Blackwell continued as he pick up his phone calling his secretary to make the memo.
"But, Dr. Blackwell..", I wasn't expecting to do something so minimal. Cutting skin is my drug. Of course, he had to cut me off before I oppose.
"Diana, I need my surgeons to be a hundred percent focused with a clear mind. As a doctor, with the look of your bruises, you are not okay. And with what you have been through at the wedding, is not okay too. I should've sent you home, but for your mental state, this is the best that I can do.", he said, as he continue his phone call.
I waited for Dr. Blackwell to have my memo arranged. As soon as he's done, I stood up and took my bag from the floor and set my eyes on Dr. Blackwell. "Can I go to my office now, Dr. Blackwell?".
"Yes, That would be all Diana.", he smiled as he nodded at me. "And, will you tell me soon what happened? You've never been physical with your fights..", he added.
Maybe one day, I'll tell him as how I have always been honest with him. However, now is really not yet the time."Dr. Blackwell, do you believe in humans turning to wolves?" I asked.
Astonished with my question, Dr. Blackwell leaned backward and steepled his fingers. "So it has finally come to this.. Yes, it's a famous folklore your dad and I believed on.", he added, with a little sparkle in his eyes. Dr. Blackwell stood up and walked towards me. "Do you remember now, Diana?", he asked as he staring at me, eagerly waiting for my answer.