The Missing Dragon

Forest Grove Medical Facility

Sofia was settled in a plush chair with a donut and a mug full of coffee with sugar. Irene had the same and once settled said “So, what’s your goals while here at this clinic?”

“I want to learn my job and move up in positions over time if possible.” Sofia wasn’t really expecting that question and wanted to slap her head because of that response.

“Wow. That’s about as boring and textbook as you can go. Let’s try something else, why are you here?” Irene was back to scrutinizing, I bet she didn’t miss anything!

“I, well I, wanted to leave home and make something of myself. I love my family so much but I want to make a name for myself. I want to be important. I’m not describing it well, sorry I should’ve been ready for questions. If I’m being honest I’m so excited to have a serious job and have a chance to maybe one day do something big. Where people respect me like they do my mom at her job. She became a detective when woman really weren’t excepted. She had a kick down doors and stand tall like attitude and I want that.” Sofia realized she rambled and just wanted to shrink.

But Irene just smiled and put down her coffee. “I like you Sofia. You seem ready for this job. Can I ask you questions that HR should never ask employees?” Irene laughed and Sofia let the last brick of her wall of defenses fall as she joined in the laughter. “Sure!”

Irene made a face that she couldn’t understand then clicked her tongue and asked “Are you single? Do you have any interest in dating right now?”

Sofia didn’t know what question to expect but it wasn’t that. “W-what? Single? Yes. Very single and I want to focus on work so no interest in dating. Why?”

“I don’t like my staff dating patients. It makes things messy and I don’t like mess. It’s not a rule but there have been employees that I had to let go because they were not a good fit for a clinic that sees primarily single men. I would recommend wearing scrubs unless you want men stumbling over themselves every time you talk to them. Honestly the jobs these men have deprive them of being with loved ones and also letting off steam when it comes to knocking boots.” Sofia groaned inwardly, did she just say knocking boots?! She didn’t even hear the rest of what she said.

“Um, o-ok. Don’t knock boots. Got it.” Irene laughed so loud that Sofia again couldn’t help but join in and ease up.

“Sofia you are going to do just fine here. I’ll go ahead..oh let me answer this call! It’s my son. He’s apart of a rescue team and has been gone for a month now. Hey baby! Haha ok, sorry not baby, Allan. When are you coming home? Your home! I should beat you! When are you coming in to see me? Now! Ugh kids! Ok, love let me take the new girl to her trainer and I’ll meet you in the cafe. Sorry about that, my baby’s home! That’s the one man that won’t stumble talking to you, Allan won’t give any girl the time of day no matter how many times I try to set him up. I’ll take you to your department and get you settled in.” Irene lit up after talking to her son, I couldn’t help but feel elated for her but at the same time miss my family so much back home.

“Here’s your department dear at the records room. Heather will be your trainer and show you the ropes. Talk soon, bye dear!” Irene ran off and left her standing with a young girl around her age with blonde hair and blues eyes, just like her sister.

“Irene left in a hurry, usually she stays and chats. Anyways, hey! I’m Heather, I’ve been here for almost 2 years now.” She shook her hand and got ready to work.

After hours of writing notes and watching so many processes she knew she was a good fit for this job. She felt so confident that she would be amazing at this. “It’s time for lunch, come on. I’ll show you the cafe!” Sofia almost forgot about lunch till Heather said something.

Walking to the cafe she still can’t believe how state of the art everything is. This facility was so nice! “Oof!” She bumped into what felt like a wall and fell on her ass. “I’m so sorry! I wasn’t paying attention..” she looked up into the prettiest brown eyes she’s ever seen. It looked like if honey was cooked just a little to long. Damn. This man was solid with golden skin and jet black slightly curled hair. Irene’s voice brought her back down to earth while Heather helped her stand, which she noticed the man didn’t move to help at all.

“Oh dear! Are you ok? This is my son Allan that I was telling you about.” Allan snapped his head to his mom with a furrowed brow. Irene laughed at him “Not like that! She was in my office when you called. She just started today actually. How’s it going dear?” Sofia felt her cheeks redden with all eyes on her but pushed that down and reminded herself for the 100th time today she’s a badass.

“I’m doing good. I appreciate Heather so much for being patient with me.” Sofia smiled at Heather who beamed!

“Honestly Sofia has picked this up so quickly, she’s where I was at 6 months into the job.” Girl power! Sofia knew Heather would be a good friend.

“Thats great! I love to hear that. Sofia I’m not done talking to you though, come to my office first thing tomorrow please. We have to go over some of the off limits things in the clinics and the classified sites within it. With that Irene and Allan walked off, she couldn’t help but watch his shoulders flex just by walking. Not to mention his built butt.

“Allan’s dreamy but take it from me, he won’t look twice at anybody that’s not his mate.” Mate? What the hell is a mate? Sofia just starred at heather till she finally said “Mate?”.

“Yea, you know… oh! Umm, like soul mate! Yea, soul mate! That’s a thing. Let’s get food!” Heather was weird sometimes but Sofia liked her.

First thing in the morning Sofia reported to Irene’s office and knocked!

“Hey dear! Come in for some coffee and donuts again.” Sofia already felt so close to this lady and it’s only been like three interactions.

Once they were in their spots with treats and caffeine Irene went right into the classified sections. She explained that there were clinics that only certain members could enter and to not ask any questions or push. If she was found trying to snoop it was immediate termination of work. She also added if she ever witnessed anything unusual just to come to Irene with questions. Weird, but ok.

“Any questions dear? I need you to understand how serious I am on this matter.” Sofia shook her head and said “yes ma’am.”

“Alright, it was nice talking to you. Have a good day at work and let me know if you need anything.” Sofia drank the last of her coffee and walked out of the office in a hurry. She opened the door and ran right into Allan. Sofia groaned inwardly, not again!