2

CHAPTER 2

Kimberley was exhausted by the time her shift was over but what kept her going was the fact that Ian was returning that day and she was the one to go pick him up from the Naval Base which was an hour and a half’s drive from the hospital, a responsibility she had been looking forward to despite how tired she felt.

Staring at the letter of leave of absence in her hands, she couldn’t help but smile to herself, her fingers lightly holding onto the paper as if it meant more than just permission to be away from work. She would have her fiancé all to herself for the next two weeks without having to worry about anything as regards her work. Just the thought of having her fiancé back after more than half a year of being apart made her smile grow wider, the excitement slowly building inside her. She felt like squealing like a teenager but held herself back so she doesn’t attract any unwanted attention to herself, especially in a professional environment like this.

She decided not to waste any more time daydreaming about Ian and tidy her desk since her shift was already over and she had a long drive ahead of her, forcing herself to focus on the present. Once she was done tidying her desk, she left her office, taking one last glance around before stepping out.

“Hey Kim,” a colleague of hers called her attention, his voice stopping her mid-step.

It was Dr. Kingston, a fellow neurosurgeon like herself but a more experienced one since he was eight years older than her and had worked in the hospital longer than she had, someone she was quite familiar with.

“Hey Blake,”

“I heard you were given a leave of absence. Is something wrong?”

Kimberley wondered how he found out about that. How fast news spreads. It’s not even 24 hours yet and they’re already aware of her leave, something she found both surprising and slightly amusing.

“ No, nothing at all… I just kinda need a break,” she replied not wanting to go into personal details, keeping her tone light and casual.

Kimberley noticed Blake suddenly became nervous as he was now rubbing the back of his neck, a habit she had come to recognize.

“Um… Are you sure it’s just a break? You know I can help if something is wrong.”

Oh, so that’s why he suddenly became nervous. She couldn’t help but smile at his politeness and willingness to help her if she had a problem, finding it both kind and a little unnecessary. She wasn’t surprised though since she sensed months back that he had a thing for her. Although, she had tried sending the message that she was already taken on several occasions when they talked, Blake didn’t seem to get the message or maybe, he did but was still hanging on just in case something goes wrong at some point which she doubts would ever happen.

Kimberley sometimes feels pity for him while other times she feels like yelling at him to leave her alone, but that would hurt his feelings and she wasn’t taught to behave in such a manner, no matter how she felt. Her dad would be disappointed in her if he ever got to find out that she was rude to anyone, and that alone was enough to keep her in check.

“Believe me, Blake. It’s nothing,” she replied with a polite smile, hoping that would be enough to reassure him.

“But two weeks is quite long for nothing considering the kind of person you are… No offense though.” Blake said sounding confused and concerned at the same time, clearly not convinced.

“I’m glad to know I can count on you if something goes wrong. But believe me, I need this break. I’ll be back before you know it.” She said calmly, keeping her words firm but still gentle.

“I doubt that since your presence is highly noticeable and needed here.”

“So is yours… I have to go now because I need to run some errands before I head home and I’m sleepy right now,” Kimberley said trying to end the discussion so she could leave the hospital and arrive on time to get Ian, her fatigue starting to catch up with her.

“O-okay. I’m sorry I took some of your time.” He apologized, stepping back slightly.

“It’s okay. Take care of yourself.”

She gave him a peck on his cheek causing him to blush a little, she had no idea her little action could do that, and she didn’t think much of it as she pulled away.

“Goodbye,” he said loud enough for her to hear as she walked away from him and headed for the elevator, waving goodbye before the elevator closed, the doors sliding shut between them.

Kimberley exited the hospital and headed for the parking lot, the fresh air hitting her lightly as she stepped outside. She spotted her white Toyota Camry sedan and unlocked it, letting out a heavy sigh as she got into her car, finally allowing herself a brief moment to relax.

She was excited about seeing Ian but at the same time anxious, the mixed emotions settling quietly within her. Was he going to be as excited as she was when he sees her? Would their relationship still have the same spark as it used to? Why was she even having these stupid thoughts? She wondered, slightly frustrated with herself. Ian is her fiancé who is madly in love with her, so why is she suddenly feeling insecure? She brushed off the feeling and decided to go grab something to eat before going to the Naval Base, choosing not to dwell on it any longer.