CHAPTER EIGHT

THIRD PERSON POV

"You must be Aquilina," a cheerful looking young nurse greeted. "Please do come with me."

Aqui hurried alongside the nurse in the bright 'MediCentre' of the school. Every surface and corner sparkled.

I guess I would love working here, even as an assistant.

"Meet Dr. Brown, and Dr. Brown, this is Aquilina," she introduced him to the resident doctor. "Our surgeon is not always seen around. But he comes by often enough."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady. I believe you were given this position because you can handle it," Dr. Brown said shaking her hand firmly.

Aqui only smiled in response.

"I guess Rose will show you the ropes. It can get tiring, especially with your school work involved. But hey, make the most of it while you can."

After a few pleasantries, Ms. Rose led her to the normal nurses' office which was highly equipped. For all the workers were professionals.

She handed her a working coat and taught Aquilina the various medicines that students often needed for minor issues.

And a few major ones.

Aqui noted them down obediently though she was familiar with a majority of them. It was interesting how different countries used various treatments. She loved to learn them all.

"Are you always this quiet?" Ms. Rose surprised her by asking.

"Uhm..." Aqui blushed a little.

"Maybe..." She added a tiny smile.

"Aww... I think I'll like you. You're so cute." She pinched Aqui's cheek.

"Oh, and by the way, you'll be working here during lunchtime, you can order in from the cafeteria anytime. And also, during your free periods." She sat at her comfortable-looking desk and went on.

There goes my free time.

"Things are not always busy here, you can rest in any of the rooms whenever you want or leave but only for a short time. Oh, and no PE for you."

Who wouldn't want that? She thought.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Rose."

"Oh, please. Call me Rose, Ms. Rose makes me sound just so — prim and proper."

Aqui chuckled at that.

"Okay, Rose. Thanks so much for everything."

"You're welcome, honey."

———————

Aquilina worked tirelessly to arrange the newly brought-in medications. She had a free period that morning before lunch and had decided to set out to work early.

From France, Israel...

She smiled, as she placed each in its designated area and ticked them off on the tablet she had been given.

She then tidied up the place — though it all looked clean, she loved to work.

Yes, even at home, her parents had trained all of her along with all her siblings the joy of working hard.

When the bell rang for lunch, she realised she had forgotten to tell Francesco about her new position. He might look for her.

Well, she could at least not have to worry about facing Javier. She had carefully avoided him during and after class afraid of what his reaction about the medicine might be.

If only I could text Francesco now... She groaned inwardly.

"Hey, I'll be stepping out a bit. Feel free, and page me on that device over there if you need me."

She nodded, "Alright."

She was done with her work for the moment, so she took out her school-provided music device and sat at her own desk which had been provided for her.

After plugging in her earphones, she began to listen to a podcast on Neuroscience — to remain up to date even out of work — as she began to sketch randomly in her book.

She did not hear anyone enter but felt the presence behind her before a gentle tap.

"Hey," Francesco said.

"Hey!" She unplugged her earphones and responded in surprise. She then eyed him. He had a food package in his hands.

"Guess who brought lunch?" He said setting the food package on the desk and began to unpack them.

He had learnt her food preferences well. She smiled to herself.

"Well, someone didn't tell me she was working here now. I had to find out from your friend... Natalie." He said with mock disappointment.

"Oh... I'm so sorry. I forgot to tell you. It happened just yesterday. Please, forgive me?"

"Okay, then how about a trade-in?"

"How?"

"I'll forgive you if you join me to paint the main artwork for the block."

Wow. That is pretty huge.

"Let me think about it. Mmm..." She placed her hand on her chin and pretended to contemplate deeply. "I think I'll take you up on that offer."

He chuckled and flicked her nose.

"Come on, dig in."

As they ate, he shared a few stories of his childhood with her. A few about him with Rosa and Javier. But she soon realised he never went too deep about Javier.

I wonder why that is? She mused quietly.

"So that is how I got grounded for three weeks, being stuck at home to learn the history of my ancestors," he sighed. "I guess that was when I got to love art. It became an escape for me."

Aqui had enjoyed chatting with him. He had shared something special about himself with her.

She sighed when the bell rang again to signal lunch was over.

"Well... Rose isn't here yet. I guess I'll have to wait."

"Rose?"

"Yes, the Nurse."

"Oh, I see."

"So are you skipping class then?"

"Sure... a nice escape," she said mischievously.

"Becoming a delinquent, are we?" He said in a teasing tone and tugged her ear gently like a little girl.

"No, I'm not. I'm just... prioritising my responsibilities."

"Well, then, I guess I'll keep you company." He said with an easy grin.

"Who's the delinquent now?"

"I'm only prioritising. Putting my girl first —"

"Who do we have here?" Rose said as she appeared in the door way with her arms folded against her chest.

"Oh! You're back!" Aqui said flustered. She felt like a deer caught in highlights.

"Hi, you must be Rose," Francesco said turning on his charm mode.

He flashed her a smile, and Rose blushed a bit. He had that effect on a lot of people.

"And you are Francesco. Nice to finally meet you."

They shook hands. She finally seemed to have composed herself.

"Well, if you are going to put on a show of PDA here, I suggest you use the worker's resting room," She said teasingly. "Aqui, you have the keys, I believe."

"No, it's not anything like that —" she started.

"Actually," Francesco put his arm around her shoulder. "My Lina and I would take you up on that offer."

"No, Rose that's not the case at all —"

"Aquilina! How dare you try to hide this from me."

"Yeah, Lina. Are you ashamed of me? You've hurt my feelings." Francesco said with his arm over his chest feigning sorrow.

She noticed that they were just teasing her.

She huffed and took Francesco's arm off her shoulder.

"Fine, you all win. Now, I have a class to attend."

She stomped out to the laughter of Rose and Francesco. Once outside the MediCentre, she realised that she was still in her assistant's coat which she had worn over her uniform.

I guess I'll have to stop by my cubicle before heading to class.

———————-

Hola, mi familia. Thanks so much for making it this far. GOD bless you all.

I am so grateful for the words of encouragement to continue.

Who is your favourite so far? Javier or Francesco?