TIGERLILLY- THE BRAVO BOYS [book two]

Chapter SIXTY FIVE

Frankie Xiao

...UPTOWN...

The doctor shines his bright pen-light in both of my eyes and he hums approvingly as I focus to track the movement when he waves it from side to side.. My father sits beside me in the expensive white office, his stern-eyed stare never leaving me.. This is the way it has been for weeks now..

All because I won't talk to him..
I mean.. I can.. But I won't..

My heart is too broken, my will to live and laugh and love has been destroyed by those threatening word's he had said to River on the tarmac..

When my father had spoken of Lovey so cruelly, I had known for certain what I had feared all along.. Father Fei would never let me be myself.. My decisions would not be my own and he would kill River before he'd ever let me be with him.. The only choice I could make is the one I have settled upon..

So River had lied about the money, so what?
After everything that happened, didn't he deserve it?

If it means his daughter could grow up with the things she needs, go to the best school and have the life I had dreamed for her, then I could forgive that..

Sure, I was mad at first but after hearing about his near fatal injuries, I barely have the strength to hold onto anger towards him..

No, instead all my rage and hatred is channeled towards the man who made me..
How could he threaten the innocent life of a child after all Li Jun had done to me?
How could he see me as such a possession to control and Lovely leverage to manipulate others with..

"And she still hasn't said a word since moving home?" The doctor questions, his confused expression remaining unchanged..

"No." Fei replies, irritated.. "She has been like this for weeks now.."

Doctor Clarke, a very friendly older gentleman clicks off his pen light and tucks it away in the chest pocket of his white coat.. "Mr Xiao, would you mind giving us a moment? I'd like to speak to her one on one.."

"Is that really necessary?" My father snaps and I return my gaze to the medical degree that hangs on the wall behind the doctor's desk..

'PHD' it says.. I want one of those.. One day, I will have one..

River believed in me and somehow I will learn to believe in myself again..

"I think it could be beneficial to Miss Xiao's recovery to have a little - independence.." Doctor Clarke glances warily at my father who very reluctantly stands up and strides towards the door..

When I am alone with the doctor, he smiles kindly.. wrinkles warm the edges of his eyes and I am immediately comforted and relaxed by his presence..

"Better?" He lifts the jar of candies from his desk and offers me one with a subtle shake..

I nod, keeping my mouth firmly closed while reaching into the jar to select a colourfully wrapped hard candy.. Grape flavored..

"Now, Francis-"

I always hated to be called by my full name, it felt like a sign of trouble so I open my mouth for what feels like the first time in forever..
"Frankie."

When I correct him, his greenish-grey eyes widen in surprise.. "Excuse me?"

"My name is Frankie.." I assert, already feeling more like myself without the scrutinising and watchful dragon's eye on me..

He nods.. "Okay, Frankie.. I'd like to discuss with you the results of your blood tests.."

"What about them?" I shrug..