"Lisa, Dr. Mann is after you," a voice whispered.
Lisa's thoughts swirled,"Oh God, what now?"
"Miss McCarthy," Dr. Mann called.
"Yes, Sir?" Lisa replied.
"I'm giving you a chance to prove yourself. You are going to help me perform surgery on my patient," Dr. Mann announced.
Lisa's eyes widened,"What?!"
"You heard me right. Don't mess up," He warned.
"Yes, Sir!" Lisa beamed, her smile spreading from ear to ear.
Alice, her friend, shared her excitement.
"Finally! I got it! I got the chance!" Lisa exclaimed, embracing Alice.
"Girl, I'm happy for you! We need to celebrate after." Alice cheered.
Their celebration was interrupted by a familiar voice,
"Lisa."
They turned to face Dr. Dickson.
"Dr. Dickson, how are you?" Lisa asked.
"I'm well. And I guess you're ecstatic about getting what you've been wishing for?" Dr. Dickson teased.
Lisa nodded,"Yes."
"Best of luck. I brought the patient's file to help you prepare," Mr. Dickson said, handing her the documents.
"Thank you," Lisa smiled.
Mr. Dickson blushed, his eyes darting away as he quickly departed.
Alice raised an eyebrow.
Lisa stepped into the operating room, her confidence wavering.
"Wow, I've always wanted to operate, but now... I'm nervous," she whispered to herself, hands trembling.
Just then, Dr. Mann's voice echoed in her mind,"Hey, Mrs. McCarthy, you there?"
Lisa mustered a steady voice,"Yes."
Dr. Mann's words cut through her anxiety,"You're nervous, aren't you? Remember, someone's life is in your hands. Relax, breathe in and out. I believe in you. Don't mess that up for me."
Lisa's tension eased,"Thank you, Dr. Mann."
With renewed focus, she began,
"May we proceed?"
"Yes, Doc," the nurse replied.
"Pass the scalpel, please."
Two hours of intense concentration passed.
Finally, Lisa exhaled,"It's done."
The team erupted in relieved smiles.
As Lisa got out of the operating room,
Alice rushed to congratulate her,"Congratulations, Lisa! I'm happy for you!"
Warm arms enveloped Lisa in a tight hug.
"Thank you," Lisa beamed, her eyes shining with pride.
As the day drew closer to an end, Lisa was working on her stitches when Alice arrived.
"Want to grab some fun after work?" Alice asked.
Lisa hesitated,"I'm exhausted."
"Come on, we're celebrating! The team's already invited."
Lisa relented,"Fine."
Alice cheered,"Yes!"
Lisa teased,"Just so you don't look foolish without me."
Alice rolled her eyes,"Whatever."
****
Night descended, and the city lights illuminated the streets. Lisa stepped out of her car, stylish in blue jeans, blouse, and coat, her hair tied in a bun.
Alice spotted her and waved,"Girl, you're rocking those jeans! First time seeing you in casual wear."
Lisa smiled, unaware of Dr. Dickson's admiring gaze.
Marcus shouted,"Let's get started!"
The group erupted into cheers and laughter. Hours passed in a blur of drinks, food, and merriment.
As the night wore on, Lisa was now drunk.
Alice asked,"You good?"
Lisa slurred,"Never been better."
Alice chuckled,"You're drunk."
Lisa protested,"I'm okay!"But lost her balance, stumbling from her chair.
Dr. Dickson caught her,"You're drunk."
Lisa insisted,"I'm going home. Thanks for the party."
Alice intervened,"Are you sure you can drive?"
Lisa asserted,"I can!"
Dr. Dickson offered,"Let me take her home."
Lisa refused,"I can go myself. You don't even know where I live, Dr. Dickson."
Under his breath, murmured,
"When will she call me Zach?"
"You're a goner," Alice said, grasping Lisa's arm. "I'm taking you home."
Lisa resisted,"No! I can go myself!" She pushed Alice away and stumbled, her legs giving out.
Zach chuckled, striding over to help. He scooped Lisa onto his back.
"I swear, if you ever get drunk again... God, what can I even do?"
Alice guided Zach,"It's not far from here. I know where she lives."
"Lead the way," Zach said.
The five-minute drive passed in silence.
As the car stopped, Lisa stirred.
"We're here!" Alice announced.
Lisa slid out, slamming the door,"I told you I could go myself!"
Alice shook her head,"She's still drunk."
Lisa staggered into the building.
Alice turned to Zach.
"Can I ask you something?"
Lisa swayed on her floor, fixated on her neighbor's door.
"That son of... God, he's so annoying!" she yelled, banging on the door.
"Hey, Mr. Johnson! Come out now!"
The door creaked open, revealing Dean's concerned face,"What are you doing?"
Lisa's anger boiled,"I should be asking the questions!"
Dean's eyes narrowed at the scent of alcohol.
"Are you drunk?"
Lisa retorted,"Why do you care?"
Dean's tone turned firm,"Go to your room and stop disturbing me."
Lisa's laughter mocked,"Disturbing you? Ha! You cold-blooded jerk!"
Dean's surprise grew,"Jeez, when did you start drinking? You're a different person."
Lisa's gaze locked onto Dean,"Mr. Johnson, do you know me?"
"No," Dean replied.
"Then shut up," Lisa said, her finger on his lips.
Dean flinched.
Her gaze lingered on him as if trying to figure something. Dean was breathless.
"I feel like I know you from somewhere... but can't quite place it," Lisa chuckled. "Don't move," she whispered, closing her eyes and tracing her hands over Dean's face.
Dean recoiled, pushing Lisa to the floor.
"Ouch!"
Before he could apologize, a furious voice interrupted.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO HER?"
YOU ARE READING
BLOOD OR LOVE
RomanceAfter witnessing his family's brutal slaughter at the hands of a high-profile man eight years ago, Dean was trained by his mentor to seek justice against notorious figures masked with their fame and prestige who preyed on the innocent. Now, dri...
