The Smile

I - The Royal Hospital

The imposing glass and red brick building was like a colossal and scary monster in front of a young and small woman. In fact, the height of the building seemed to engulf the others, and the newcomers were like tiny beings swarming around. And the beauty of the place was disconcerting: who would have supposed that a hospital could be so warm ? it was nothing compared to icy clinics, and worrisome environnements that she had witnessed.

Briefcase in hand, her old white blouse folded in the other, she was definitely prepared to face her first job. She blew twice, and admitted she was obliged to enter in the paunch of the beast. She did.

It was warm inside, at her surprise. But the smell was horrible, as she supposed. A horrible blast of bleach, medicine, and cheap soap. The general hubbub had lost her. The new recruit breathes again, walking slowly to the long and large information, the deposit hall.

Sitting at the large desk, a red hairy secretary was talking to her friend on the phone, in Russian. Her appearance wasn't revealing any form of professionalism, but only showing a recently graduated girl from university, who spent her days gossiping and fooling around. Empty packages of candies, chocolates bars and cinnamon cookies were lying on her desk, above letters, records and files. This secretary was another baffling thing, which she didn't expect. Suddenly, the concerned looked strangely at the new recruit, and blew heavily. She stopped her conversation right away and glared contemptuously.

"Welcome to the Royal London Hospital, what can I do for you ?"

The other one didn't hear her, she was lost apparently, too busy exploring this new place.

"Hey ! Hey ! Are you lost ? She yelled"

The newcomer turned back.

"Oh yes, good even.., morning... excuse me. I am Doctor Ryder and I am here for the..

- I beg your pardon..?"

Silence settled, giving much more room for cringe. The ginger lady opened her eyes, disconcerted as well. She hadn't thought about it.

"Oh. I.. am sorry I expected..

- A man. I know. I get that a lot.

- I mean.. because of..

- The name. Yes."

Russian chatting box changed into a reddish idiot, apologizing and smiling. She quickly hides the empty junks sweets by presenting paperwork.

"The director is waiting for you in the Room 202, across the large hall, at your left, she replied faster than a train."

The new one smiled again, and walked away.

"Excuse me, but you won't need that, the secretary yelled, but sweeter.

- That.. what ?

- Your white blouse. We will give you a blue one instead, as you will work in the odontology department.

- Ah. Yes. Of course. "

Ryder walked back again.

Making her own path among the massive sound of comes and goes, the new recruit headed to the other hallway. There, a group of students were waiting in front of an office. Ryder looks at them for a while, then she glances at a blonde woman in a blue blouse. At first, she notices how confident she seemed in it. Then, she lingers to observe her attitude : she looks bossy and impassive. The way she walks underline a stolid personality. A nice smile indeed, goes with her whole appearance and adds to a weird charm.

"Eliza ?"

The doctor turns at the voice, with a small smirk. Ryder turns too, intrigued. The corner of her lip was sharped as a question mark, and that made her even more convincing. Dr Elizabeth Darcy walks across the common living room, meeting a friendly intern. Both got out smiling and giggling while the new arrival is perturbed. Distracted by their warm contact, whereas she was just new to all of this.