Behind the mask

Chapter 3

Hadleigh curved her lips downwards like a baby whose lollipop was snatched away as she started to sniff and crying. She lowered her head in other to gain sympathy from the doctor.

"Doc, can u believe what a wicked world we leave in right now. I just lost my only hope of getting a job just because I cared about my dad's life......".

"...... Now how am I supposed to get enough money to help my dad?, they don't even get it, why?".

The doctor was touched by this little girls tears, but he was also caught off by company rules.

"Miss Peters I understand your predicament but......".

Before the doctor could complete whatever statement he was about to make, Hadleigh cries got louder as she fell to the ground and wrapped her arms around the doctor's one leg.

"Sir even you?, Won't you have pity on a young girl like me?, I thought doctor's were to save life but right I think your every word is drawing me closer AND closer closer to my grave.....".

Hadleigh had really started to draw a lot of attention to herself and the doctor but she didn't mind that was all part of the plan, so that the doctor might feel a little bit embarrassed and not think straight anymore.

She was playing the mind game on him. Hadleigh didn't care who passed by or what they were saying she just continued with her drama.

"I don't think my mom would want to see me now doc, she would see herself as a bad mom and she will regret not been there for me. I don't want my mom to be disappointed in me or herself......".

"......And take a look at my dad doc, he is a hard working man, how would he feel if his daughter can't even save him from this?, Tell me doc do you have the answer then".

Hadleigh continued her drama for quite sometime and the doctor was so confused about what to do with this young girl. He had unconsciously started to sweat in the air conditioned vicinity.

"What is going on here?". A deep, manly, authoritative voice.

Hadleigh hopped to her feet, her hazel violet eyes were still a little watery from the fake tears she had shed. The doctor had a little ray of hope in his eyes.

Mr Tran walked up to them, he was one of the higher ups in the hospital. Doctor Vans explained the entire situation to Mr Tran.

Just when the doctor was through explaining to Mr Tran another young man walked up to them and whispered something to Mr Tran.

"Sir he fired all of them, including her, we need to send someone else and quick before the spot is taken".

Mr Tran looked back at Hadleigh who was hardly paying attention to them now and replied his assistant.

"Don't worry I'll handle it".

His assistant immediately understood what his boss had said, he stole a glance at Hadleigh before he turned to leave.

"Don't worry doctor Vans, I'll take care of her".

"Miss......".

"Peters, Hadleigh Peters".

"Ok, miss Peters please come with me to my office. its not convenient to discuss matters like this out here its a public place. I hope you get it".

"Yeah, sure".

The dou went into the closed room and Tran gestured her sit opposite him.

"Miss Peters what do you. want us to do for you regarding your dad's case?".

"Sir I just need you guys to give me a little more time to get a job and I'll pay for my dad's treatment".

"Well if that's the case there is no big deal but how long are we going to give you".

"How much time can you spare me?".

"I'm afraid less than 1 month".

"1 month?!!!!". Hadleigh asked again in disbelieve.

"Yes I think that's how much time the hospital can afford to spear you. We can't keep our wards occupied, this is not a small hospital we have cases everyday".

"Can't you make it 2 months at least?". Hadleigh asked a little unsure.

"I don't think I can take that decision on my own and our boss definitely isn't going to be happy with it".

"But......". Hadleigh didn't know what to say anymore she was completely dumb founded.

"You getting any job now is not even certain yet so I don't think we can take that risk".

Hadleigh felt a strong sense of defeat. After her long silence she finally spoke between tears.

"What do I do?".

Just the question Tran was waiting for. He was also someone very good at manipulating people to the point that they were helpless and they will do whatever it is that he wants them to do.

Tran waited for quite a while before he replied her.

"There is only one job I know that might be certain for you now but I don't know if you will accept it".

"Yes I will. I will do anything to save my dad". Hadleigh replied desperately.

"Calm down miss Peters, you might not want to be involved in such types of jobs after getting your degree but its what life has to offer, it's the only hope you have towards saving your family".

"Just tell me what it is sir, I'll do anything".

Mr Tran let out a light sign before continuing. "Ok then".