Stitches and Scars

Chapter 8

"Some days, it's like I'm walking a tightrope, trying to balance truth and secrecy, loyalty and desire. I never saw myself in this situation, yet here I am, dealing with emotions I never knew existed. It's a wild ride, but hey, maybe there's something to learn in all this chaos, right?"

Karylle rushed to catch up with Anne, who appeared both shocked and angry. "Anne, please let me explain," she pleaded once she finally reached her friend.

"Explain what? That you've been cozying up to him so that he'll let you scrub in more on his surgeries? Trading special favors for special treatment?"

Karylle was taken aback by Anne's accusation. "It's not what you think. You know me better than that. He's not giving me any special treatment at all."

Anne's brow furrowed as she listened, her arms folding tightly across her chest. "That's not how it looked from where I was standing," she countered, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Why him, Karylle? Of all people. You never even liked him before. What changed?"

Karylle paused, her breath catching in her throat as she tried to gather her thoughts under Anne's scrutinizing gaze. "The thing is, I met him the night before I started this internship," she admitted, "I didn't even know who he was at the time. I don't even had a clue that he was a surgeon. It was just supposed to be a one-time thing, but then I found out he also work here."

She could feel Anne's eyes searching hers for any sign of deception, "I never anticipated things would get this complicated. It's not like I planned any of this. And besides, it doesn't even matter now," Karylle said, remembering her last conversation with Vice.

There was a moment of silence between them as Anne absorbed her words, her expression softening slightly. "Well, I'm sorry for being a bit over dramatic. But I just wish you had told me sooner. I hate feeling like I'm in the dark about what's going on with you. You're my friend, K, whether you like it or not. And I'll always stick by you no matter what."

Karylle couldn't help but smile at Anne's words, her heart warming at the sincerity behind them. A sense of relief washed over her. Knowing that she had at least one person she could confide in about her current situation.

~•~•~•~

Lopez Memorial was buzzing with activity, like a busy marketplace on a Saturday afternoon. Interns and surgeons looking like bees in a hive, while some patients sit in chairs, flipping through magazines or staring at their phones. The air smells like rubbing alcohol, with a hint of nervous energy mixed in.

Behind the front desk, it's like organized chaos, with phones ringing off the hook and papers flying everywhere. In the hallways — the constant beeping of machines, while outside — the occasional distant siren wailing.

As Karylle walked alongside her fellow interns, following Alice's lead, they crossed paths with the Chief. His imposing figure exuded authority, commanding respect without uttering a single word yet.

"Dr. Martinez," Alice greeted him as they stopped. The other interns also did the same.

"Alice, kailangan ko ng interns sa ER to meet a harvest donor today. Mind giving two of your interns away for awhile?" his gaze fell upon Karylle, and Alice instantly understood the implication.

She turned to Karylle that was standing behind the group, and then looked at Jericho, "Alright, Tatlonghari, Rosales, you heard the Chief. Proceed to the ER while the rest of you follow me," her tone relaxed yet still authoritative.

Entering the room, a nurse immediately briefed them, "Ito po yong donor galing Medical City. Unfortunately, she has been declared brain dead, and her family wants to honor her wish for organ donation."