Arletta Jessica McDowell POV
I had just finished therapy with Professor Edward and was sitting in the VIP waiting room. I was holding a piece of paper containing Professor Edward's prescription medication, and then there was a large brown envelope in my lap. The medicines prescribed by Doctor Joshua had been paid for and had been put into a bag.
I looked around. One woman guarded the food and beverage stations, and a man was busy organizing the drawers. There were many empty tables and chairs, as this room was inaccessible to regular visitors.
"I am too lazy to go home. I want to stay here longer." I said to myself and exhaled heavily.
I did not like taking medication, even though it had been prescribed by a psychiatrist. I did not know why I was feeling restless for no reason. What was going on? Was something going to happen to me? I hoped it was not a bad premonition.
I shifted my gaze to the medium-sized wooden table in front of me. There was already a cup of hot tea and a bowl of chocolate cereal with fruits like kiwi, banana, and strawberry. I took the cup and sipped the contents.
"Princess."
I turned my head because someone called me with such a familiar nickname. What a silly nickname, but I must accept it because all the members of The Hidden Dragon must call us Mom, Ben, and I with a special but ridiculous nickname. Damn! It was annoying every time I heard people say that to me unless our family comes from a royal family.
"Yes?" I said to her, and another girl was standing on the left.
Since when has that woman been here? Why did I not hear any steps? Could it be that I did not realize it because I was staring at myself too much? Yeah, that was probably the case. I did not continue drinking the tea because I wanted to know what she was saying.
"Pardon me, Princess. There is a call from the Queen of the Dragon." A woman, who was wearing the name tag, Stella, answered my question, and she handed me a phone.
Oh, Lord! It turned out that the strange premonition I had earlier came true: Mom called here instead. The news about me being admitted to the emergency room had reached her ears. Well, what could I say to her? I picked up the phone feeling uneasy, but in front of Stella, I acted like everything was fine.
"Thank you, Stella."
I put the cup on the table, then put the phone to my left ear. Should I say something now? I guessed so.
Me: "Hello, Mom."
I could only surrender and hope that Mom did not ask too many questions. Dear God, please enable me to get through all these phone conversations well. If possible, do not let me lie even more.
Mom: "Lizzy. I heard that you were admitted to the emergency room. Is that true?"
Me: "That was true, Mom."
Yeah, any news was bound to reach Mom, especially when the embarrassing event happened at The Hidden Dragon's hospital. There was nothing hidden here. All the members were very loyal to Mom, so they would definitely do everything she said without question.
Mom: "What are you feeling that you can be like that?"
Mom would definitely ask me all the things she wants to know about the news she has heard directly from me. Usually, Mom listened carefully and did not want to judge, but this did not mean there would not be any trick questions from her. Mom always found a way to get through, no matter how small, and I must be ready for it.
Me: "I felt very dizzy and immediately squatted down because I could not stand up, Mom."
In that one sentence, fifty percent was a lie, and the remaining fifty percent was true.
Mom: "Didn't you eat before going to the hospital? Your phobias were not flaring up, were they?"
When I heard that last question, my heart stopped beating. As soon as possible, I shook my head, even though Mom could not see my actions.
Me: "You were right. I was checked by the doctor earlier. He said my blood pressure is low, so that was causing the dizziness, and it had nothing to do with the phobias, Mom."
I almost swore at Dad, but I tried my best not to on the phone. He was a jerk, and all my phobias that had been well-controlled suddenly surfaced! Mom had not said anything yet, so I became a little anxious. What was she thinking?
Mom: "Who was the doctor who examined you in the emergency room?"
Oh, yeah. I did not forget the handsome and kind doctor who checked my blood pressure while I was in the emergency room. He was deliberately placed there, specifically at Mom's request.
Me: "Doctor Joshua, Mom."
Mom: "Okay, I will question him. Also, have you been counseling with a psychiatrist?"
Me: "Yes, Mom. I already did."
For that one, I had managed to force Professor Edward a little bit not to tell the real problem to anyone, including Mom, if she asked him. I just wanted the problem to be a conversation between the two of us.
Mom: "How was it going?"
Me: "The professor gave me a prescription, Mom. He told me to stay relaxed and take the medicine."
I only took it on holidays and at night. Taking it every day would definitely interfere with my activities because it caused drowsiness, and I could fall asleep immediately.
Mom: "Okay. Are you still there?"
I nodded again because that was the truth. To be honest, lingering here was not bad. I had peace of mind, and no one dared to bother me because all the staff knew who I really was. They would be afraid to do anything unless Mom called or got orders from her.
Me: "Yes, Mom. I am still at the hospital, in the VIP waiting room, to be exact."
Mom: "Good. I am glad you are in our safe place. If you want something to eat, you can ask the staff in the room, and they will definitely give it to you."
The last sentence Mom said made me want to eat here only, and then after I finished, I went home. I did not want to see Dad. When I get there, I would better go straight to my room and not come out until morning. Mom would understand and explain to Dad why I was acting like that.
Me: "Yes, Mom. I will do it. I think I just have dinner here without any disturbance. I do not want to eat at home."
Mom: "I can take care of it. Do not forget to-"
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