Chapter 6

“Elijiah.” Bach.

“Elijiah Kris”, I said instead.

Her lips immediately curled up, “Cool”.

She turned to me with still the same smile that may could have light up others’ day but could just annoy mine a little, when the elevator stopped in the 19th floor.

“I gotta go. It was nice meeting you.”

I just nodded in response but she stayed outside the elevator with her lips curling up until it reached her eyes while waving at me until the elevator door closed.

I brewed coffee while frying sliced beef loaf with egg for breakfast. I don’t know where I got this recipe but surely, this isn’t one of the common dishes I ate. There were just days when I was still in France when I crave for this along with other dishes that are usually not suitable for my palate.

A life like every day could have been so nice. Starting the day with a morning jog, then eating simple breakfast that isn’t served by Michelin chefs and just living on your own without tens of butlers and maids to assist you in your every action.

Too sad, I can’t live like that. But good for me because I was able to negotiate with Lolo.

Feeling full and satisfied, I went to shower and dressed up for work.

I only wore a black short that is right below my thighs. It has a built-in belt made of the same fabric type and color. I paired it with a white sleeveless satin blouse making me look like I’m just moving with the wind, ever so graceful and swift. I topped it with a black boyfriend coat so the friendliness and informality of the outfit would go unnoticed.

I just blowdried my hair because it is already seven in the morning and I might be late due to the traffic. But, the boss never gets late.

I just grabbed the black pumps I wore yesterday, and the car key I left on the center table last night. I immediately maneuvered my car and drive towards the Bach Main Branch Hospital because my secretary is currently staying in the office there so she could easily do the papers if there are anything needed. Staying at the main headquarters would be a hassle.

As I walked through the hospital’s lobby, the feeling of nostalgia with a hint of melancholy suddenly surged into my system.

Unlike last night, the hospital by the day seemed so busy but a little less lonelier.

Is it because of the bright sky above with the radiant light reflecting the glass windows? Or is it the idea that the people are busy working?

As I walk past by different people – patients, doctors, nurses, relatives and friends of the patients, I realized how this moment should be treasured. Simple, noisy but very familiar and worth keeping. I don’t get moments like this easily.

Going to work without anyone minding and intimidated by your presence because you’re the boss – surely is worth-keeping.

I was in the middle of rejoicing for this wonderful opportunity, taking it in seriously when suddenly a rushing doctor almost bump me. It all happened in a blink of an eye, as if a lightning just passed by me.

My head was on the clouds and ambushing me like this made me confused whether to step back or just stand there, frozen in shock.

I felt my body spun as if I was made like the earth, rotating in its own orbit. My legs were of the jellies which made it trip on its own. I closed my eyes, anticipating for my hard fall because I knew right there, that there was no hope I could avoid it.

I anticipated for my fall but none came. Surely, I wasn’t floating nor have the ability to do so. Instead, a large hand is on my waist, gripping me so tightly. The familiar and warm touch makes me want to drift away with the lost dreamy feeling I felt earlier. 

I slowly opened my eyes, with a little bit of anxiousness of the unknown and still a bit light-headed on what's happening around me.

I had to blink again to regain my focus. Hazel eyes with more flecks of different shades of green met with mine. 

"Sorry Miss." His voice was husky but cold at the same time.

He suddenly removed his hands on my waist while I was still in a very disoriented state. I almost tripped and fell down as a result. I had to bite my lower lip to snap out. 

Why does that guy look awfully familiar? Not just familiar but it's like I've known that guy ever since. Who is he?

I was still trying to regain the composure I lost from a simple bumping of shoulders when I met with his gaze again.

I prayed to the heavens not to punish me because it was as if hundreds of angels are staring right back at me and all have equally beautiful hazel eyes. The loud thumping of my heart were like of a gong’s, a sign that someone in heaven is being heavily punished.

"Miss, please don't drool over me. I will be no longer there to catch you if you might fall…again."

My mouth slowly parted at his remark. This guy! He even has the nerve to wink at me!

I was too stunned to react and I bet a thousand bucks of how I surely look like a fool, standing there with gawking eyes as if a lovesick lady. Not to mention I was in the middle of the lobby.

The nerve of this guy!

I snapped myself out of it. This is one heck of a hospital. I shook my head while waiting for the elevator door to open.

I don’t know if I should think about the embarrassment or the arrogance of that doctor. Or maybe, not think about it at all instead.

I was adjusting my wrist watch when a familiar high-pitched voice spoke beside me. “You work here?”

I directed my eyes towards her while still adjusting my wrist watch band. She was all smiles with her hair braided and since it’s long, she put it over her shoulders which emphasized her hairstyle more.

She looks rather formal, skirt with high heels. I almost didn’t recognize her, if not because of her high-pitch voice that made my ears tingle.

“Yes. You too?”

“Ah yes. I’m a resident doctor.”

My Lolo and parents taught me not judge people but I can’t just deny the shock I felt when this bubbly and free-spirited girl is actually a doctor.

The elevator door opened so both of us stepped in. She pressed the ninth button while I pressed the twelfth. She looked at me inquisitively but I guess she decided not to mind.

“Good thing I saw you. You’re actually friends with Doc Zion?”

My brows furrowed as the mention of the unfamiliar name made me think twice if it really was unfamiliar or was it too familiar that hearing it from someone else is new? I don’t know, really.

“Who?” I ask again, this time giving her my full attention.

Zion is a very common name but I don’t think I’m friends with any Zion.

“Doctor Zion Mendezuela..?” She said, a bit confused now.

“Zion…Mendezuela?” I said in a low tone, saying it more for myself rather than for her to hear.

Zion Mendezuela. Have I heard the name before? Or..? The name feels so familiar that saying it feels so normal. It just rolled in my tongue so smoothly as if I’ve said the word more than a thousand times. But the thing is..

“I’m sorry, I really don’t know the guy you’re talking about.”

“Oh!” Her mouth was agape as she looked at me curiously.

She just flashed me a toothy grin before waving goodbye when she was already on the right floor.

The twelfth floor isn’t as busy as the other floors, rather, there wasn’t even a single soul in sight. The interior design screams modern but professional, all in white, metallic gray, black and a bit of blue just like all of Bachs but this particular floor is rather different than the others.

There are only three doors in sight. For the Director’s Office, CEO’s Office and the President’s Office. Beside each door is a table, a large table for the secretaries with their monitor and other files on top. But among the three tables, there is only person in sight.

"Good morning." The woman in white dress covered with a large black coat with its buttons locked greeted.

A large white belt accented her outfit, as if she’s off to a Dior fashion show, only that, she’s wearing a short dress underneath. Her jet black hair in high ponytail swayed as she clicked her head, while looking at my reaction.

“Good Morning Drey.” I greeted back as I nodded at her.

Because of that, her smile grew wider as she stepped forward. Her eyes were asking permission and so I nodded and gave her a small smile. She spread her arms and wrapped them around me for an embrace which reminds me that I’m finally home.

I smiled as I heard her giggle. She has been by my side since time immemorial.

My butler personal assistant is more than just someone who works for me, she’s a friend, a sister and someone who has high credentials that could take her to the highest peaks but she still chose to stay.

She broke the hug and I noticed how her forehead creased a little.

"Late? Wow, didn't expect it especially on your first day here." Although confused, she said it so lightly, almost teasing me.

I scrunched my face when I remembered what happened at the lobby.

"Yeah. I just met a crazy jerk."

Her mouth parted as she looks at me amusingly, as if a puzzle with the tiniest pieces that’s too hard but challenging to solve.

"And now I want to see who made my boss pissed on her first day of work."