After a week at the ER Aelia got a few more privileges. It started to feel like a real job, and like she had a purpose in life. Her mind had let go of parts of the slave period easily. Other parts were harder to get rid of. She pushed a certain face far down. And Yunho was constantly on her mind as well. But the feeling of being less worthy, of having to do whatever others told her to do, was fading. Maybe it was fading too quickly because she had trouble not standing up to her superiors at the hospital. Which, again, led her to sit in Chan's office.
«Seriously, dr Bell,» he sighed. «Again?»
«I'm sorry?»
«An apology should not sound like a question, Aelia.»
«Well, as I don't understand why I should apologize at all, I am questioning it.»
«You don't even remember your training, you should be a little more humble, I think.»
«Sorry, I don't think that's part of my personality.»
«I'm starting to see that,» he agreed and tried to hold back a smile.
«I do apologize for causing you problems, dr Bang.»
«That apology actually sounds sincere.»
«It is!» she hissed, making him chuckle. She was easily riled up, but he understood why. Everywhere she went in this hospital the staff looked at her with clouded eyes. Rumors traveled fast, and they all knew she was a former slave. No one knew why, though. Dr Bang didn't know himself. From what he understood, neither did she.
«Are you starting to remember more?» he asked. There was no beating around the bush.
She thought about it for a moment.
«When things are hectic, I work the best. I immediately know what actions to take, what to look for, and which procedures are necessary.»
He nodded.
«I don't remember my training,» she hesitated. «But... if you asked me to name every bone in my body, I could. I just don't know how I know this.»
«I think your memory is changing slightly.»
«I agree,» she said. «It's like the personal part of my memory is still locked away. I know nothing of my own story, I don't remember family or my past, but... what I do remember is what I need to remember to function.»
«Convenient.»
«I'm not faking it.»
«I wasn't being sarcastic. Your training is going well, I'd say you'd be able to go back to normal work pretty soon.»
«But how is that supposed to work, if I don't remember who I am? I'm broken.»
«You've been traumatized. That's not a crime. It's not your fault. You'll be able to work, and I'll help you find a place.»
«Really?»
«Yes, really. But it should not be here.»
«Why?»
«Because too many people know you're a former slave here, and it follows you around.»
«So?»
«It doesn't hold you back?» he said, leaning back in his chair to look at her.
«No. Other people being assholes does not mean I should leave a workplace that I like. I think I could do a good job here. I have no problem standing up for myself.»
«Oh, I know you don't. Just don't take it too far.»
«And what is taking it too far? Am I not a free person? I should be able to act like anyone else.»
«Absolutely, you should. But I also have a feeling that you are far stronger and smarter than anyone of us realizes just yet. That could get you into trouble.»
«I don't care!» she sighed. «I just want to work! I don't remember anything that really matters. Without work, I have... nothing!»
«I get that, Aelia. I really get it.»
She took deep breaths to calm herself, she did not want anyone within these walls to see her crying.
«I'm going to send you to a different department,» he said after having thought about it for a minute.
«Okay?»
«Yes, you'll start your residency with dr Hwang. He'll say he doesn't want you there, believe me, but you'll just have to deal with him. He's the best cardiac surgeon there is.»
«Surgeon?»
«Yes, dr Bell.»
«Does... does that mean I'm...»
«A surgeon? Yes, it does. From what I can tell, you've done well in this field already, but we'll call it a residency as you need to brush up on your skills again.»
Aelia's eyes were wide, but she didn't protest.
«Who is dr Hwang?»
«We were able to hire him only six months ago, but he is already turning out to be such a wonderful surgeon. He is... a handful, though. But I'm sure you'll take no crap.»
«That's true, I won't. I don't think.»
Chan chuckled as her voice toned down. He was confident with her, even when she herself wasn't.
«Well, you start there tomorrow then. Ask for Dr Hwang, he'll show you the ropes.»
«Will he though?»
«Yes. He will.» Chan looked at her with determination.
«Okay. Thanks.»
«Now, go home.»
«It's only lunchtime.»
«And you're off ER duty. Go home. I'm going to pretend this is me punishing you.»
«Oh. Right. But I actually do want to work.»
«Then you're actually being punished, dr Bell. Get out of here. Right now.»
«Fine,» she sighed, rolling her eyes.
Chan chuckled when he was alone. Yeah, dr Hwang would have his hands full with this one.
YOU ARE READING
Take Me Home // Ateez // Stray Kids
FanficAfter an unexpected escape from the Mansion, Aelia finds herself in a Safe House. Who is a friend and who has alternate motives? And what do the butterflies have to do with it? As a former slave, life looks empty. Aelia has to find her way in life...
