Jaime

First day

"Good day, sir. I'm looking for Doctor Frank. He sent me this office address," Jaime said, her eyes locking onto the doctor's in front of her. "I am Doctor Frank," he responded, his professional tone unwavering. As their gazes met, Jaime's thoughts momentarily strayed, "He's quite distinguished-looking... a commanding presence." Her internal observation was fleeting, and she swiftly refocused on the purpose of her visit.

“And you must be Miss Jaime. Nice to meet you,” he said with a warm smile, extending a hand.

“So, let’s get to the office and start today’s schedule.”

The office wasn’t just any office,it was the heart of the hospital’s administration. A wide glass door slid open silently, revealing a spacious, well-lit room that carried the smell of fresh disinfectant mixed with faint hints of coffee. The walls were painted in a calm shade of ivory, lined with framed medical certificates, motivational quotes, and charts that displayed the hospital’s milestones.

At the far end stood a large mahogany desk, polished to a gleam, stacked neatly with patient files and a sleek computer. Behind it hung a massive hospital logo, reminding everyone who entered that this was the nerve center of care and coordination. To one side, tall bookshelves brimmed with medical journals and law-bound registers, while the other side boasted wide windows, allowing golden sunlight to spill into the room.

A round table with cushioned chairs was placed near the corner for staff meetings, its surface already holding a fresh jug of water and glasses. The soft hum of the central AC and the faint beeping from nearby machines gave the office a professional yet reassuring atmosphere. It was a space that balanced authority and comfort...

Jaime gazed around, taking in the expanse of the office with wide eyes. The polished surfaces, the meticulous organization, and the subtle hum of activity beyond the walls made it feel larger than life.

“Today’s not gonna fix itself,” Frank said firmly, his voice carrying both authority and encouragement as he turned to Jaime.

She was still lost in thought, even after settling into the office. Without much filter, Jaime suddenly let an offensive word slip, then quickly followed with a question that seemed out of place.

“Are you married?” she asked, her tone blunt.

Frank straightened in his chair, his voice calm but firm. “We are not here for such questions and answers, Miss Jaime. But, to keep you in less suspense,no, I’m not married. Now, let’s get back to work.”

As he spoke, Doctor Frank stole a discreet glance at his assistant, his eyes darting toward her every now and then, as though trying not to make it obvious

With that, Frank rose from his seat, adjusting his coat. “Come on, Miss Jaime. The patients won’t wait.”

She nodded quickly, pushing aside her lingering thoughts as they both stepped out of the office. The corridor buzzed with quiet activity,nurses moving with purpose, the low murmur of voices, and the occasional squeak of wheels against the tiled floor.

Together, they began making their rounds, stopping from room to room. Frank led the way, offering brief explanations, even with the distracting greetings from fellow medics,while Jaime observed carefully, trying to keep pace with his confident stride.

It wasn’t long before the rhythm of examining patients became part of the day.

“I’m so happy we made and completed our schedule today,” Jaime said with a smile, her eyes waiting eagerly for Frank’s response.

“So happy, huh? So… what should we do then?” Doctor Frank asked, his tone light but curious.

Jaime froze, her mind drifting into a storm of thoughts. Splendid. Now I have to agree on what we should do. Should I ask him on a date? Movies? A stroll? Or…

“Miss Jaime. Miss Jaime.”

His voice snapped her back. Doctor Frank was watching her with raised brows.

“Yes, Doctor,” she answered quickly, embarrassed.

“You spend too much time in your thoughts,” he said, half-chiding, half-amused. “I have things to do, and tomorrow will be great. But it’s late already,you need to go ho

me and rest.”

“Okay sir, I guess you’re right,” Jaime answered, her tone carrying a hint of bitterness.

“Alright then,” Frank replied after a pause, softening his voice. “Let me take you home.”

They both stepped out of the office, the evening air cooler as they approached the front of the hospital. The building loomed tall and commanding, its wide glass windows glowing softly with the reflection of fluorescent lights. Cars and ambulances moved in and out of the large circular driveway, while the towering entrance stood beneath a massive sign that carried the hospital’s name in bold letters. Security lights shone brightly, making the entire compound feel like a small city on its own,orderly, vast, and alive even at night.

The hospital’s presence was imposing, as though reminding every visitor that countless lives were saved and decisions made within its walls.

“Wait here,” Doctor Frank instructed Jaime as he pulled out his phone. His expression shifted quickly.

“Get to the car now!” Frank barked into the phone, his voice sharp and commanding.

Startled, Jaime tilted her head. “Who was that?” she asked carefully.

Frank didn’t respond. Instead, he slid his phone back into his pocket, his face unreadable. Moments later, a tall man in black appeared and opened the car door with a bow of his head.

“So sorry, Master,” the man muttered, his voice low, before slipping into the driver’s seat to take them to th

eir destination.

“Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it,” Jaime said softly as the car slowed to a stop on her street.

Frank leaned back against the seat, his eyes catching hers in the dim light. “C’mon, I enjoyed your service today. You really did great work.” His lips curved into a teasing smile. “Having you as an assistant would be such a breeze…”

He ended the line with a slow, deliberate wink,confident, almost too confident,carrying a hint of something Jaime couldn’t quite place.

Her chest tightened, unsure whether to take it as a compliment, a flirtation, or

both.