Where Iris Bloom

Ch. 37 Rough Sea

It has been weeks ever since that heart wrenching night took place. Kim granted the wish of the young doctor and gave her space that she needed. Though it was not something easy to do, she willed herself to take distance from the younger one but unbeknownst to them all, Kim took it upon herself to make it a habit to check on Iris if she has arrived home, if she has arrived to work safely. She would always stay far enough to see Iris on a daily basis.

Kim made sure that Iris wouldn't see her, she doesn't want to give the impression that she is invading her private space. She would usually watch her get on her car or sometimes, she'd see Iris go with Shelby.

The older woman would often use a different car to conceal her presence. It's enough for her, for now.

It was half past 8 in the evening and Kim parked at her usual spot near the corner where Iris would usually park her car. The silent roaring of the engine lulled her while she waits for Iris to get into her car. The business woman has been waiting for almost two hours now just to peek a glimpse of the young doctor. Just a glimpse.

She was about to glance at her wrist watch when a loud knock startled her from her musings. Her heart was beating so hard against her rib cage when she saw who it was.

Hesitant to lower down her heavily tinted window, she didn't have the time to go against her will when another knock came in.

"I knew it. Open the door." Kim gulped and felt the need to follow the order from the girl who's standing on the door of her passenger's car.

"How'd you know it was me?" Kim inquired quizzically when the girl has settled in.

"Alam ko hindi ka magkakasya lang sa pagpapasuyo mo ng food ni Iris every day." Shelby frowned.

Kim has been asking favor to Shelby ever since that incident. She would go to the hospital every lunch hour just to drop by and give the food to Shelby and the latter would pretend the food was from her.

Though Shelby didn't came around with the idea of helping out Kim initially, she saw the frustration and helplessness of Kim with the whole ordeal. She had come to wrap her head around on where Kim is coming from. Yes she is still mad of how Kim took Iris for granted at the very beginning but, Kim begged her.

START OF FLASHBACK

"I'm begging you, Shelby. I know, you of all the people who's mad at me, is the most livid person who's angry at me. I'm desperate. This is the least I can do to take care of her...even just from afar." Kim sighed and anyone who can hear what she has said could feel the weight of it.

"I might not totally understand and know what really happened between the two of you but," Shelby paused and gathered her just judgment to convince herself to hear out what Kim has to say. "Tell me something that would make me want to help you."

Kim bit her lips and averted her gaze trying to muster the courage and let Shelby know what she has been up to lately.

"I... I've started seeing a therapist." She fiddled with her fingers feeling anxious. "Just a week ago. I want to let go of my burden and make myself better. Not only for Iris, but also for myself." Shelby saw that faint glimmer reflecting on the older woman's eyes. She saw the deluging sorrow on her eyes that she was trying to hide.

That exact night, Shelby had understood what Iris was saying to her before whenever she asks the young doctor of why she's so drawn to Kim. Shelby was able to have a glimpse of the vulnerable side of the woman.

Those words resonated in her mind and those were enough for her to give the older woman a chance to redeem herself.

END OF FLASHBACK