James The Hospital Clerk

James The Hospital Clerk
Roland's Point of View:

“Doctor Roland? How may I help you?” The hospital clerk asked with a menacing smile on his face. He looked uneasy, and he kept giving me looks, begging me to get out.

“Great! He doesn't like us!” My inner mind roared, but I managed to keep a smile on my face.

“You must be…..” I paused and quickly looked at his name tag. “Uh…. James! You are James?”

He looked at me with furrowed brows, not bothering to reply. “Did you come here to tell me my name?” He finally asked after an awkward silence.

I shook my head. “No, of course not. I was hoping you would be able to help me,” I said and flashed him a smile.

“Look, if you need any help, contact your assistant. There's a reason she was hired in the first place,” James replied with a grimace.

The disdain on his face was still present, and he didn't even bother to mask it. I knew with such an attitude, he wouldn't help me even if I begged desperately, so I decided to get to the point.

"I need to access the hospital's records," I said, trying to sound as friendly and non-threatening as possible.

James raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "What records?" he asked gruffly.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. I knew I couldn't trust him, and something about his demeanor told me that he might contact the director the minute I left.

"The records of a patient in the oncology and radiation department," I said with a bright smile.

James's expression turned even more hostile, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't think I can help you with that, Mister!" He said curtly.

I sighed inwardly, realizing that I was going to have to try a different tactic. "Look, James, I'm just trying to win the other doctors’ trust. None of them trust me, and I was hoping that I could change their minds if I helped a cancer patient."

James snorted a look of disgust on his face. "You're as confused as I heard. What in the world will help a cancer patient do? And it's not like you are innocent, you deserve all the hate you're getting!” He said, his voice dripping with malice.

I felt a surge of anger at his tone, but I managed to keep my cool. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

James leaned forward, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Let's just say that I know all about you and your family's...arrangement with the director."

I was surprised and speechless. “Wow, the word moves so quickly,” I muttered, and James hissed.

“Also, since you have nothing else to say, leave my office!” James thundered, and it felt like my day was worse than I had expected it to be.

I reluctantly moved my feet out of his office, my eyes lingering on the thousands of files neatly arranged.

“Fuck, that didn't go as planned!” I took a deep breath, resting my back on his door.

“Should I just ask the Director for help?” I asked myself, considering my options, but I knew the director would get suspicious, and unnecessary attention might be on Riley.

Two young nurses passed by my side, they were discussing happily, but the moment they saw me, they kept quiet and heard their footsteps.

I didn't say anything, I simply watched them as they left. I knew they were gossiping about me, but I didn't feel bitter or angry because I had already gotten used to such attention.

Once again, I opened the door of James's office, and the second he saw me a grimace appeared on his face.

“What do you want again, Doctor Roland? I am a very busy man,” James deadpanned.

I faked a smile, pocketed my hands, and slowly moved closer to James. “I am just coming from the director's office, and she told me that I should inform you to hand over any file l ask for,” I lied with a smooth voice.

James didn't blink his eyes, he watched me, waiting for my next action. When I made none, he scoffed.

“Look here, Roland, I am in no mood for mind games. If you are serious about this, then go back to the director, and tell her to forward a clearance mail. Better give me a call,” he replied with a bored expression.

I sighed, feeling defeated. “Fine, you caught me, I was lying. But why are you refusing to give me the file? I am a doctor here, aren't I? Or is it because of the circulating rumors?” I asked curiously.

James shrugged his shoulders before replying. “I don't care about any rumors. I barely have time to listen to such. Before I give a doctor access to any patient file, he must come with clearance.”

I knew the method I was trying wasn't going to work, so I decided to use my charm. I smiled seductively and flashed him my teeth. “Would you like to have lunch with me today?”

James chuckled. “No. I have more important things to attend to.” He replied harshly and picked up the file he was going through before.

I laughed, trying to save face. "Well, I guess I got rejected. You're the first person to ever say no to lunch with me."

James raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I'm sure you'll survive."

I grinned, deciding to try a different tactic. "You know, James, I think we got off on the wrong foot. Can I ask you something?"

James's expression turned wary, but he nodded. "What is it?"

"Why are you so against helping me? Is it just about the clearance, or is there something more to it?" I asked, trying to sound sincere.

James's expression turned guarded, and he leaned back in his chair. "Let's just say that I'm not a fan of people who think they're above the rules."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And you think I'm one of those people?"

James nodded. "Yeah, I do."

I sighed, realizing that I wasn't going to get anywhere with James. "Well, I appreciate your honesty. But I'm not giving up. I'll find a way to prove to you that I mean no harm."

James smirked. "I'm shaking in my boots."

I smiled, feeling a sense of determination. "We'll see about that.” I turned to leave, but immediately I touched the doorknob, and James coughed.

“I know I shouldn't be saying this, and I really don't care about your fascination with the oncology department, but if you are so keen on helping cancer patients, then you should visit the doctor in charge of the said patient. Who knows, they might give you the files before you even ask,” James replied with a smug smile. I was so happy, that I felt like hugging him, but the grimace on his face discouraged me.

“Thank you so much, James. I owe you one,” I appreciated him.

James shrugged, “And maybe, just maybe we'll have the dinner you crave.”