Liam's Revenge

Chapter 2 - The Patient

For as long as I could remember, I wanted to be a nurse.

I struggled to study like a maniac, to keep up and to regularly get good marks. After this came years of medical school and residency.

I never quit, though. I knew someday it would all be worth it.

And it is.

This fulfilled life I now lead in Rome, it's something I've dreamt of since I was a little girl.

But what I never dreamt of was how far away it would take me from mom — Zerina Martinaj.

Back then, my mother was my biggest cheerleader, her eyes sparkling with pride at the mere thought of me, her only daughter tending to the sick and injured. 

Saving lives.

Of course, afterwards came the revelation – the truth about my mother's involvement with the Albanian mafia. A truth about my father, Captain of the Irish mob. These truths had poisoned my dreams and turned Dublin into a gilded cage.

I acted on time. I won't let her or the past destroy the fragile peace we found. I will protect Sofia, protect my new life. Somehow, I will find a new way, both for myself and for my daughter.

I wave to the two security guards as I pass through the front entrance of the Policlinico and they meet my smile. I always kinda felt bad for those men who were stuck standing outside all day.

Pushing open the heavy metal door with a sigh, I'm greeted by the sterile silence of the staff lounge. The air hangs heavy with the stale scent of coffee and disinfectant, a familiar backdrop to the relentless pace of the ER.

I slump into a vinyl chair, its soft surface cool against my skin. The weight of the upcoming day presses down on me, but I actually kind of don't mind it at all. I never did. It's a tonic for my spirit. So is the disorder around me.

I need life and action around me to distract my invading thoughts, and I need to work.

Alertness clings to me like a second skin, and the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor replays in my head as I mentally ready myself. 

The heavy metal door opens once more, and my gaze lands on a splash of vibrant yellow amidst the sea of muted grays – Rigena.

My blonde childhood friend's smile, as always, is like a burst of sunshine. She bounces towards me, a steaming mug held aloft. "Caffe, Chiara?" she chirps, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief as she accentuates my fake name.

"Grazie," I giggle, accepting the mug with an enthusiastic nod. The warmth seeps through the chilled ceramic, a small comfort against the turmoil of my thoughts within.

I owe everything to Rigena. She was the one who helped me start a new life here, and I'll never forget it.

"Wow, you look like you could use a vacation on a beach with a fruity cocktail," Rigena declares, pulling out a chair and settling next to me with an alarmingly cheerful thump.

I manage a weak smile. "I'm doing great actually. Just... mentally preparing for another day at the Policlinico," I reply, forcing a lightness that doesn't quite reach my voice.

"So, spill the tea," Rigena nudges me. "How's the sexy doctor doing? Any chance he's shown you his... charming bedside manner this morning?"

I take a cautious sip of the coffee, the slightly burnt flavor chasing away the bitter taste in my mouth, and the dream I had of Liam. "He's treating me so well," I say finally. "And hopefully, that's going to stay that way for a while."