Chapter 9

MIRA

“You are living with James Carter?” My sister gushed as she bounced on my single bed and watched me pack.

Her thin nose spotted a crystal stud, and her black halter gown looked good against her beige skin. Asides from her purple hair and the good four years gap, we could pass as twins

Ma stood at the door, an impassive expression flitting across her face.

I rolled my eyes. “You have asked me that like seven times now. What is the big deal?” I asked irritated, shoving a rolled up pair of joggers into my suitcase.

This was the same reaction Kathy gave me when I informed her of the hospital’s decision. I did not understand why everyone was so excited about this, and she did not get why I was not, especially since a ton of money would accompany my service.

“You are overthinking this, Mira. Go and do you. You would be amazing, I promise you,” her words rang loud in my head.

Why was I even overthinking this? There was no need to be scared of failure. I was good at my job. I was born for the job. The only difference here was the location.

I did not know how long this trip was going to last so I packed almost everything from my wardrobe.

“Here, let us take a selfie a selfie together,” Greta suggested out of the blues. When I gave her a quizzical look, she said by way of explanation. “For when you get famous.”

What did that even mean? She already had her phone raised in the air.

I sneered at her and kept up with my packing. “Go away, tormentor.”

Her lips curled in a taunting smile. “If you do not get over here right now, you will not find Celcie in a good state when you return.”

My body froze and turned slowly to access the devil’s features. Her full brows knotted close in a defiant glare, just as her eyes gleamed wickedly.

Ma’s amused giggle bounced afloat the room. She knew my sister had gotten my interest.

We all glanced at Celcie. The human sized teddy stood beside my closet, dreamy eyes staring back at me. A white heart with the words ‘Daddy’s Princess’ imprinted in cursive writing contrasted the red colour that was the teddy.

Pa, being the military doctor that he was, had been deployed to treat soldiers in Afghanistan in a brutal war that had lasted for about three years. We had lost contact with him and were all sick with worry.

It was a great joy when he returned. He got me Celcie, a reassuring gift that he would always love me no matter where he was in the world. I was sixteen. I had never let anyone hold it since then, even Kathy.

My kid sister always used it as a leverage against me, to get me to do what she wanted, even though Pa got her a gift too. She had wrecked the ballet dancer some months after and all that remained was the music box which sat on her vanity now.

Greta was damn lucky Celcie never traveled with me, I would have asked that she run into a poll. But I needed it in good shape while I was away so I trudged to where she sat on the bed and sat beside her.

Ma quickly appeared by our side and Greta gave her a deadpanned look.

“What?” Ma quizzed. “She is my daughter and my money got you that phone.” Ma justified why she should be in the picture too.

Greta averted her gaze. “Of course. You have to blackmail your way into everything,” Greta muttered and Ma knocked her on the head.

Greta giggled, looked into the camera and we all smiled to the click. The picture came out real fine.

“Send it over on IG asap,” I told her as I packed the last set of clothing- my underwear.

When I was done, I asked Greta to sit on the suitcase so I could zip it up. It was so full. She helped me drag the suitcase to the verandah.

The Carters had sent a driver who was in a relaxed conversation with Pa while he waited for me. As soon as I surfaced outside, he took the baggage and eased it into the trunk.

I approached my family on the foyer and we all squeezed into a bear hug.

“Go make us proud, baby.” Pa smiled at me, unshed tears dancing in his eyes.

Ma already had tears streaming down her face and Greta watched me longingly. She was not going to say it but I knew she would miss me.

“Call when you arrive,” Ma pecked my cheeks.

I nodded, hugging her one more time.

“Go slither your way into the billionaire’s heart, my love,” Greta said and I replicated the knock Ma had given her before.

“I know I am the least favorite in the house, but can you all quit maltreating me?” Greta faked hurt.

I rolled my eyes at her. “Sure. Once you behave.” And to them all, I said, “Do not miss me too much.”

I got into the car and was driven to the hospital. The morning shift had begun and unlike the mostly serene night shift- except for emergencies, San Francisco General Hospital was a flurry of activities.

I bypassed the reception on my way to Dr. Einstein’s office, but did not find Kathy at the counter. I quickly texted her to let her know I was around.

Eric was just exiting Dr. Einstein’s office. He put up a broad smile when he saw me and I mirrored the gesture, though mine faltered.

“Hi,” he greeted.

His hair was combed to perfection, slightly parted by the side. The shade of the shirt he wore, over white fitted pants matched his blue eyes. I could not help staring at the chiseled oblong face and the handsome man that he was.

I swallowed and snapped out of my reverie. I should explain. “Hey. I am so sorry about last night.”

He shook his head and waved his palm like it was nothing. “We are very cool. I understand. You explained over text already.”

I had bailed on dinner with him. The news of spending the rest of the year and prolly some months in the new year with Mr. Hothead in Ward 11 zapped the enthusiasm I had for a date.

I felt I needed to prepare mentally for it- not that I was now. But at least.

“I am still sorry. I was supposed to be your only friend in the neighborhood. I guess I lost the chance now.” I joked.

“Do not be silly. We could always meet up later. I have work to do now. I will see you around,” he winked at me and walked past.

I turned around to watch him go, then gathered my composure and knocked on Dr. Einstein’s door. Once inside, I quickly signed the provided papers and asked that a copy be sent to my house. I still did not see Kathy on my way out and still had not got a reply from her.

Making my way out of the building, I made a mental note to check up on my best friend later. Soon, I was on the road, set on a four hours journey to ‘out of town,’ the driver called it.