Beginning with Forever

by Lan LLP

  Completely caught off guard from my openness, Richard turned to face me and looked into my eyes. “Those who know much speak little and those who bullshit know little. It’s my own version of an old proverb.” He grinned and clasped the newly bought bracelet around my wrist. “A simple bracelet for an intricate lady.” He winked his right eye at me along with that killer smile that exposed his dazzling white teeth. My face was probably a shade shy of the crimson color of a pomegranate. I thanked him and bashfully turned away to face the window. Secretly, I smiled to myself as I twirled my new bracelet around my wrist.

  Once again, we continued our drive in serene silence, passing more beautiful views of the blue ocean water and lush green tropical trees. Richard was preoccupied in his own world while I mindlessly took in my new surroundings. The radio was softly playing in the background while he lightly drummed his fingers and bopped his head to the rhythm. It was hardly audible until the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” grabbed our attention. We both hummed simultaneously.

  “Bobby McFerrin fan, are you?” I asked him with a quirky smile.

  “Who doesn’t love this mindless song? It makes everyone happy,” he replied with a chuckle.

  “So true,” I nodded and bopped my head along with him.

  He cranked up the volume and started to sing the song’s catchy lyrics in a sexy reggae slash British accent. I surprised him by joining in. We laughed and giggled uncontrollably as we inserted our own lyrics to the song about going to med school. It seemed silly and immature, but I didn’t care because I was having a good time and loving it. The remaining trip passed quickly once we were able to speak openly, and the rigid barrier was torn down.

  Chapter 3

  Lillian Ly

  (Six months prior to the Present)

  The regal building appeared to be an old historical castle transformed into an aristocratic medical school. It was hidden away, high on a cliff, overgrown with luscious tropical foliage, snaking vines and trees. The entire perimeter was guarded with a massive wrought iron and stone fence while the entrance was safely secured by two officials in red uniforms. The grounds were beautifully maintained with many distinctive flowering plants and hand sculpted boxwood bushes. A colossal water fountain with three ornate mermaid statues took center stage in front of the school. This was to be my home for the next five incredible years. I couldn’t imagine my life getting much better than this!

  I strolled up to the fountain’s stone rim and balanced my bottom on it. My index finger dipped into the clear, cool water and drew circles, creating hypnotic rippling rings that grew in size and then faded away. I had a strong impulse to make a self-indulgent wish. I reached into my jean pocket for a couple of coins and tossed them in. Success and happy endings, I silently wished. Richard tapped my right shoulder from behind and my reverie came to a halt. He confirmed his dorm location with a map he picked up at the registrar building. He asked for my information, so we could figure out where I was supposed to be. “Lillian, we’ll be living in the same building,” was what he excitedly informed me as he read through my information letter. “In fact, our rooms are just down the hall from each other.” He pointed at the room number printed on my paper, #1008.

  “That’s great, Richard!” I pretended to also be thrilled, but this was far from the truth. School hadn’t begun, and I already had a handsome male distraction. This accelerated medical program has a severe reputation for its intensity. I couldn’t allow myself to get off track before I even start. My entire future depended on how well I do here.

  Richard led the way to our dorm as I followed behind his trail of two large suitcases. Even with his hands full, Richard considerately insisted on helping me with mine. “I can get that for you. I’ll throw yours on top of mine. It won’t be a problem.”

  I teasingly told him, “This girl can handle her own shit, thank you very much!” I’ve learned to manage myself independently at a very young age because that’s what you do when you grow up poor with a single mom who struggled selflessly to get you both through life.

  “I get it, Miss Independent,” he replied with a grin. “Will you at least have dinner with me tonight?” he insisted.

  “Um…sure,” I reluctantly agreed. I couldn’t seem to discourage this persistent man who now had an invincible grin on his face.

  We pushed our luggage into the elevator and rode up to the 10th floor. Immediately, I wondered how much weight this car could handle. My fear of heights in a tight confining place was probably the worst possible scenario for me to be in. My palms sweated right away as I prayed for the elevator not to drop us. I felt panic creeping up my throat. The doors opened just in the nick of time, before I went into full-blown panic attack mode. We hauled our suitcases out and headed down the hallway in opposite directions. I dragged mine to room #1008.

  The door to my dorm room opened before I was even able to insert my card into the key slot. I saw a pair of arms reaching out to me, offering a welcoming bear hug and then I saw the rest of her. She introduced herself energetically with a high-pitched voice. “Hello, I’m Amelia McFarland from London, England, your new roomie!”

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Lillian Ly from the U.S.,” I replied with only a quarter of her energy level.

  “Which side of the room would you like, sweetie? She considerately offered. Amelia’s cheerful voice and easiness made her approachable. In the back of my mind, I prayed it was all sincere because I’ve had my share of psychotic roommates from undergraduate school.

  “I’m fine with either one,” I replied. The Brit coincidences I’ve encountered within one day were uncanny. She had the most beautiful shade of scarlet red, silky straight hair that flowed freely past her shoulder blades. Amelia stood a few inches shorter than me with a bust line that both men and women could really appreciate. Her skin was fair with a light dusting of strawberry freckles on the bridge of her nose and high cheek bones. I caught myself coveting her dreamy, greenish-brown eyes.

  I roamed around my new little home. It didn’t feel as lonely as I thought it would be, now that I’d met two really nice people. My fingers glided over the loveseat in the middle of the room and stopped to squeeze the corner of one of the pillows. Wow, this cozy piece of furniture and I will be well acquainted by the end of the year. I had this awful urge to throw my body on top of the soft, red surface and feel the plushness of it, but I restrained myself. My eyes strayed over to a beautiful stained glass window and saw two antiquish dark-hardwood desks beneath it. The full size beds were equipped with vivid red and orange colored beddings. I pinched myself to make sure this wasn’t some amazing dream that would disappear the minute I opened my eyes. Everything I’ve encountered about this place has been surreal. I let my listless body sink deep into my super comfy bed and exhaled an appreciative breath as I stared into a mural ceiling of light blue and white clouds.

  My belongings were unpacked and neatly placed in my personal closet, but something was missing. Oh yes, the graduation picture of me with my mother and two best friends and my lucky fortune. I set them both on my desk and then took a couple of steps back to appreciate it. Now I was ready to call this place my home.

  A rhythmic knocking on the door startled both Amelia and me. I wondered who it could possibly be. Amelia jumped off her bed and clumsily stumbled over her feet to open it. It was Richard, standing at the door entrance, looking particularly charming in dark slacks and a light ivory linen shirt. He was holding a fancy bottle of champagne in his left hand. Perspiration dripped along the sides of it, indicating that it had been properly chilled and was ready for drinking.

  “May I come in ladies? I have a welcoming gift to christen your dorm room,” he asked with a smirk and then leaned his broad shoulder against the wooden doorframe. He was a tall, lanky man. Both Amelia and I were appreciating the same handsome view from different angles. Amelia smiled bashfully and turned a magnificent shade of cerise while walking him into our room. “I’m Amelia,” she shyly introduced herself. He te
lls her his name while staring at me.

  He handed me the bottle, and it was chilled, just as I speculated. “There’s a special place I’d like to take you for dinner tonight,” he reminded me in a warm, deep voice. Oh holy crap, he didn’t forget that I had agreed to go to dinner with him. I quickly included Amelia to help ease the pressure of having dinner alone with him. “Amelia, would you like to come with us?” I asked desperately, giving her pleading eyes.

  “I wish I could, but I have a dinner date with my parents.” Amelia seemed sincerely disappointed that she was unable to come with us, but Richard was rather relieved. He had a triumphant smile plastered across his face.

  ____________________

  Richard escorted me to a fancy restaurant targeted for the upper class tourists as I predicted. I scanned the elaborate establishment and found myself underdressed and completely out of place. Most of the women were wearing elegant evening gowns, and I was wearing a simple, black dress.

  “Richard, why didn’t you tell me I needed to wear something fancier?” I asked, slightly irritated. It wouldn’t have made any difference, I guess. I had nothing fancier than what I was already wearing.

  “You look stunning to me. It’s the person, not the dress that matters.” His expression was humble. How nice of him to pay me such a sweet compliment, but unfortunately, I still felt like an odd piece that didn’t fit into this perfect puzzle.

  We sat outside on the terrace with a mesmerizing view of tranquil, cerulean waves flowing endlessly to the edge of the earth where it met the embrace of a crimson sunset. Even though the humidity was still present, there was a calm, constant, cool breeze that balanced the evening’s atmosphere. I ordered grilled fish with asparagus and so did Richard. The waiter recommended a crisp white wine to complement the fish. Being an amateur drinker, I was careful to take only a few small sips at a time. I’m a total light weight; therefore, it doesn’t take much to influence me.

  I had to admit, I enjoyed it all very much, maybe too much. The ambience was truly romantic, and my company wasn’t Mr. Average Joe. He was charismatic and so good looking. It would’ve been fairly easy to get lost in the moment, but not for me. I’m too determined to allow myself to stray. I cautioned myself to keep things simple between us. Nonchalantly, he reached for my wrist and adjusted my bracelet so the smooth pink stones faced up. “I see you’re still wearing my priceless bracelet. I’m honored,” he acknowledged with delight as he brought my hand up to his warm, soft lips. The hairs on my body rose from the tingling sensation of our touch. I had never been this close to a man before besides for Hayden from high school, but he really didn’t count because we were just immature teenagers. Richard was moving a bit too fast for me, and I didn’t know how to respond to his advances without offending him.

  “It’s one of the few pieces of jewelry I own. I cherish the meaning behind it.” I slowly retrieved my hand away from his lips as I tried my best to cool the rising heat between us. “Richard, school is my first priority. Everything else will have to wait,” I regretfully broke it down to him.

  “I understand. I know you want to help people,” he sweetly responded.

  “Thanks for understanding.” I was grateful he handed my blow so smoothly. We ended the evening by telling each other personal stories and getting more acquainted as friends over coffee and dessert.

  Richard shares my passion of helping people in need. “My mother taught me to never take anything for granted. ‘We should share our fortune with the less fortunate,’ she would tell us kids over and over again, hoping it would eventually sink in one day.” I saw the obvious admiration he had for her in his piercing blue eyes as he spoke proudly of his mother.

  “Your mother sounds like an amazing woman. I’d love to meet her one day.” Seeing this personal side of Richard made me like him so much more.

  “She is. You remind me a lot of her. I’m sure she’d love you at first sight,” he paid me one last sweet compliment.

  Lillian Ly

  (Present)

  I can’t believe it’s already early September. Six months has swiftly flown by, but I can’t say it’s been an easy breeze either. I’ve had my share of headaches and sleepless nights. I knew the academic demands would be challenging, but when long hours of hospital rotations are added to this maddening equation, the pressure is multiplied by a thousand at least. Every so often I sometimes secretly wish I would’ve gone the conventional medical school route. Having some breaks in between semesters instead of studying or working at the hospital all year long would be nice. It’s frustrating at times, but manageable for now. I just pray that I’ll be able to endure the remaining years ahead.

  On my non-hospital rotation weekends, I spoil myself with visits to the local botanical gardens or walks along the fine, white, sandy beaches. It doesn’t sound too exciting for most people my age, but it’s my ordinary way of coping with stress. I found a secluded spot just a few miles away from the dorm while walking the length of a beach one day. Vacationers and locals avoid this area altogether because of the surrounding sharp corals. This doesn’t bother me because I come here for the shady palm trees and my personal view of the ocean.

  After such a crazy week of exams and extended late hours at the hospital, I’m more than ready to call it a weekend. I spent most of yesterday studying and catching up with my mom and friends via internet and phone calls. Sunday is my day of rest. I pack a picnic lunch, my iPod and a cozy beach blanket before heading out solo. I feel somewhat guilty about not sharing this exclusive spot with Amelia or Richard, but I figure they can find their own personal spaces somewhere else on this island.

  I lay my blanket neatly over the powdery, white sand to forge a comfy beach bed under two shady palm trees. I shuffle through my iPod playlist for Relaxation Music. Enya’s angelic voice is undeniably soothing. I lazily lower my fatigued body back and seal my eyelids shut. Ah…this is the life. My arms and legs stretch out freely, enjoying the cool-humid breeze. I convince myself to take a quick catnap first, and then continue studying after I’m replenished with new energy.

  I rest eagerly like I’ve been deprived for weeks, maybe months, enjoying every precious minute of it. It doesn’t take me long to doze into REM state. My body enjoys the peaceful sleep coma, until the sensation of wet fingers gripping my right ankle alarms me. Where’s the moan coming from? Am I dreaming? My exhaustion paired with the heat has completely overtaken my depleted mind. I’m so tired that I can’t even differentiate between reality and dream. I force my heavy lids to open, squinting and blinking against the glaring sunlight until I could focus my burning, watery eyes. “Oh my god! Oh my god!” I scream hysterically out loud. There’s an unconscious man lying face down with his right hand attached to my ankle. I can’t see his face or chest to determine if he’s still breathing or not. I’m hoping and praying that he’s not…dead. I quickly pull my quivering right leg away from him and hug both my legs tightly against my chest. My shaking body is rocking back and forth. My mind runs for its wits, but my body remains fixed and dumfounded. I know I should be calm, but I just can’t help it. I’ve only had six months of patient care, and I’ve never had to resuscitate a real person, only CPR Annie, the dummy.

  Calm down Lily, I coach myself. I then take a deep breath, exhale and immediately crawl to his side to assess his condition. Flipping him over onto his back, I then remove his lifejacket to release his body from its confines. His perfectly carved face is covered with sand, so I gently stroke it off his cheeks and forehead. I can’t believe I’m mentally noting how attractive his features are at a time like this. What a weirdo. I shake my head several times to brush off this craziness. I lift my blanket off the ground, shake the sand loose and prop his head up with it. I exert all my might to roll his heavy body into a recovery position and then obtain his pulse rate and vital signs. Thank god, he’s alive, I celebrate silently.

  At this point, I can only visually assess that he’s suffering from sunburn and some minor scrapes on his hand
s and elbows, possibly from the sharp corals. I’ll check for bodily injuries as soon as his suit is removed. I quickly make a call to my assigned hospital for an ambulance while maintaining a vigil over his weakened body. My hands are still shaky, and my heart hasn’t stopped hammering since I first encounter this stranger. I need to pull myself together because this unfortunate man needs my professional care, and this is what I’m training to do.

  After about fifteen minutes, the paramedics arrive with their emergency kit. They lay his unconscious body on the stretcher and quickly start an IV. They transport him into the ambulance and insist that I ride in the back with them to the hospital. I’ve never ridden in one before, so this will be an interesting experience for me. It’s jerky, which I expected, due to the horrible road conditions as well as fighting with the incoming traffic. Several times I almost fall forward because of hasty stops they have to make for reckless drivers and crazy pedestrians. How will I ever get this continuous, loud, blaring siren out of my head? I’m sure I’ll have this ringing in my ears for days to come.

  His sun-chapped lips beg for my attention as I stare at him. I pour my water bottle over the corner of a sheet and dab his dry mouth with it, peeling his lips apart. He responds to it by lightly licking the moistened path with his tongue. I hear him mumble something softly under his breath, but it’s incoherent. Is he trying to tell me something? Regardless of the condition of his blistering lips, it doesn’t diminish how perfectly shaped they are. Why can’t I help myself from finding this man so attractive, even in this condition?

  We inspect all his pockets thoroughly for any form of identification. There’s nothing but the initials C.B. on his platinum cufflinks that potentially identify him. His costly designer suit is perfectly tailored to conform to his lean body. He must’ve lost his jacket somewhere in the water. His dampened, ocean-scented, white shirt is no longer white. It has streaks of green seaweed and light brown stains on both sleeves. His gray vest is missing a button at the bottom and his gray tie is completely loose. I also notice an expensive gold watch on his left wrist. One of the paramedics made a repulsive comment about his Rolex watch costing over $75,000. Wow, I can’t imagine anyone crazy or stupid enough to spend that kind of money on a small watch. He has no wedding band on his ring finger. I’m not sure why I’m even noting his eligibility status.