Chapter 19: The Differences of Our Worlds

Forever has passed before Nelly calmed down. Stacy reached for the jar and poured some water into the glass in her hand. Shocked, Nelly looked up at Stacy. She couldn’t figure her out. This person in front of her is a mystery.

“I’m sorry,” Nelly said apologetically while rubbing away the tear stain on her face. “What for? You did nothing wrong,” Stacy said. She clinked her glass with the one in Nelly’s hand. Then, she downed her whiskey.

Nelly was still confused. Her eyes darted between Stacy and the glass in her hand. Cautiously, she lifted the glass to her nose and sniffed. Her action made Stacy laugh. “That’s water, alright. Seems like you’re not that clueless after all.”

“What?” Nelly asked. “Nothing. Just drink it. It’s water. I didn’t add anything,” Stacy confirmed. Nelly hesitated a little before lifting the glass to her mouth. She took a small sip. Then, she downed the whole glass.

“What’s it like?”

“Sorry?” Nelly thought she heard Stacy say something.

“What is it like? The life you had,” she elaborated her question.

“What do you mean?” Nelly was confused.

“To be that sad, the life you lost must have to be great,” Stacy said plainly.

Nelly took some time to think before answering, “I simply felt helpless. Two months ago, I was still living in the apartment with my mom. The biggest problem I had to face was not being able to pay the tuition fee.”

Stacy poured more whiskey into her own glass. “I never knew that was a problem. That’s new,” she mused, “will they kick you out immediately if you fail to pay? Or are there any other punishments?”

“If you fail to pay then you won’t be able to continue your studies..,” Nelly replied. That was when realization dawned on her. “Are there any other punishments in your school?” She chose her question carefully.

“I don’t know. Never been to one,” Stacy answered. Nelly’s jaw dropped open. “Really? Where did you learn medicine, then?”

Stacy gave her a smirk, “they never say that you have to learn everything in school.” Nelly sat up straight. Her interest was piqued. “You’re really skilled, though. I couldn’t believe that you never went to school.”

“I didn’t learn medicine or whatsoever. I used to do part time jobs here and there. There was this one gig that required us to stitch,” Stacy explained. Nelly’s mind started turning. “Is there such a gig? Did you do volunteer work? You need to know the body structures and organs to be able to stitch..” something about Stacy’s expression made her stop. “Oh, ah..” she smiled sheepishly.

“You won’t want to know. Or do you?” Stacy laughed. She took another sip from her glass. Something about Nelly made her relax. She wouldn’t feel too much need to put up a high wall in front of her. Maybe it was her innocence and vulnerability.

Nelly turned her empty glass. “I’m afraid to ask,” she said with a smile, “the things you said surprised me. You’re mysterious and have a unique point of view.”

“Oh, is that how you see me?” Stacy mused.

“Despite all that, I’m thankful,” Nelly continued, “I was petrified when I followed my brother here. I spent my whole life either with patients or studying. I rarely go to a place with so many people. I’m not very good at having a conversation, especially with people of the opposite sex. I was slightly comforted when I saw you.”

“Really? All of them look at me like I’m a tickling bomb and you feel comforted?" Stacy laughed out loud. “I know you’re a good person,” Nelly asserted.

“Let me tell you one thing. Do you trust me?” Stacy’s demeanor changed. She’s more serious now. Nelly swallowed. “I guess so, yes,” she sounded uncertain at first but decided to agree. “Wrong! Rule number one, do not trust anyone. Here, anyone can hurt you. Even someone you thought to be a good person can betray you. Everyone strives to survive, and sometimes, in order to do that, there is no limit to how much lower a person can stoop. The longer you navigate this world, the more you’ll see that trust is the weakest thing. It can break easily with the slightest sway.”

Nelly nodded slowly. “If I can’t trust anyone, who can I trust, then?”

Stacy leaned back casually. “I’d like to say trust yourself but that’s kind of bullshit. Sometimes, even I couldn’t trust myself. I’m not sure anymore. Whenever I escape from a dangerous situation, I’m not sure why I decided to push through. Was it the strong will to survive, knowing that luck is always on my side, or was it the faith I had in myself, knowing that I could survive?”

Nelly was quiet as she studied the woman in front of her. She thought that she’s a girl her age but she wasn’t really sure anymore. What must she have gone through?

Stacy looked at Nelly. “Forget it. You’ll understand in time. Now that you’ve cried it out and talked about it, you should start thinking about what you have to do next,” she said. The statement once again puzzled Nelly. “What should I do?” She asked.

Stacy sighed. “Think about it. You came here to save the injured. The word must’ve already spread out that there’s a doctor in the gang. Although it’s always disregarded, it’s still a fact that having a doctor is necessary. There are two gangs in this area. Usually in this situation, they’ll either fight to have you join them or kill you so the enemy wouldn't be able to use you.”

Nelly gasped at the last sentence. Her face paled visibly. “What should I do?”

“I have a speculation. Since you’re Neil’s sister, the Reapers wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. It’s true that the clubhouse is very dangerous because it’s bound to attacks from the enemy. From what I observed, I think Neil would send you back to the inn and strengthen security,” Stacy analyzed.

“So, I’d be safe. Right?” Nelly asked a little too enthusiastically. “...right?” She asked again after a few beats, sounding more and more unsure.