MADISON

My stomach is churning, and I'm in excruciating pain. The only reason I haven't made a move for relief yet is because I can't stand up, it hurts so much and to add to it, I haven't eaten since this morning, waiting patiently for the clock to strike precisely 4:00 pm. That's when my shift automatically ends, and the next person takes over while I go home and relive myself, the pain hurts so much, I didn't think my period would burst out today, not that I track it down so much for a medical student. I've been working in the pediatric department at Evergreen Memorial Hospital for two years now. It's my debut role in the medical realm, and I stumbled upon it by chance. Heaven really knew I needed this job so much.

Evergreen Memorial Hospital holds a prestigious medical reputation, and numerous doctors and aspiring medical professionals like me would eagerly vie for the opportunity to step into this hospital. Recognizing my luck and indispensability, I've made it a point to work and dress impeccably and give my utmost dedication since day one. I receive a commendable salary and enough credit and knowledge for my dedication and hard work.

I strive to work hard day and night. Growing up in a modest household with hardworking parents who struggle to make ends meet. The best assistance my parents can give me is paying for my school and putting a roof over my head. I always knew they were struggling even though they always kept the responsibilities away from me and my sister, Willow, and me. Willow and I knew the efforts our parents made for us and in return, we both worked tirelessly to earn good grades and secure scholarships that would assist in covering up our years of schooling, we relied heavily on the scholarships as we both embarked on our journey in the medical field, a path well-known for its exorbitant costs. On the flip side, I've just wrapped up my second year of pre-med studies at the local college, clearing all the prerequisites. Now, the only dilemma I face is deciding on my specialty when I get into medical school this fall. Although I really love the pediatric department, my love for infants and children made me choose to specialize as a pediatrician.

However, I've been grappling with mental struggles for quite some time, which medical students don't, making it challenging to maintain focus. Kimora, one of the senior physicians at Evergreen Memorial Hospital, offered an intriguing proposition. She mentioned that if I opted for further medical studies, the hospital would reimburse me for every outstanding performance. Talk about pressure, a challenge I love and would die for regardless.

As I tear my gaze away from the panoramic windows adorning the front of the medical records department, I realize it's already 4:56 pm. Fantastic. I've squandered my precious resting time, lost in contemplation of my less-than-ideal career prospects. Snatching my tote and phone, I hastily tidy my workstation before heading out to the parking lot.

Would have grabbed chocolate bars and iced coffee from the vending machine outside the hospital, but I know it wouldn't do me good in my current state and the aftermath of my choice without substantial food intake and drugs would be dreadful. Yet consuming meals has been a struggle lately with how chaotic it has been at the hospital. Like many aspects of my life, it exacerbates my already low mood.

I'm just opening the first door when my back collides with someone.

" I'm sorry, so sorry." I was trying to open my car and just used a little bit of force, lost in my thoughts, but as I looked up, I came to face with Jessie, my overly obsessed best friend.

"Hell, Maddie, are you okay?" Her tender arms are firmly gripping my shoulders to ensure I'm okay, she knows I have been off the radar recently.

"Jessie, what are you doing here?"

Her eyebrows furrow before she guides me aside and away from the car door. "I wanted to surprise you and treat you to a girly date today". I would have arrived earlier, but my boss was having his mind blown again, and I couldn't leave immediately, had to clear things up and send all pending paperwork and stuff, before leaving."

When I lock eyes with her deep brown gaze, I sense the sincerity in her words. She's really making an effort in our friendship. I'll acknowledge that. It's difficult to avoid her clingy attitude and obsessive behavior when she's trying to make sure our friendship doesn't drift apart because of our differences and daily struggles. It's even more challenging when that person is a statuesque beauty with naturally bronzed skin, flowing dark locks, and a figure sculpted from hours in the gym. Add to that her intricate charm and allure, and she's the epitome of every woman's dream.

My eyes soften to her sweet talk and smile, even though I'm exhausted but glad she cared to stop at the hospital. I open my car door again, and she says, " How about going to Battello? We can order Italian cuisine in a really stylish setting and enjoy cocktails, I glance up at Jessie and can't help but decline, telling her about my cramps and how tired I'm after today's work in the hospital, without a word, her eyes soften again understanding my pain, I have always had painful cramps, she suggests we use her car instead, I mutter a thank you, before sliding into her Audi A4, of which I know is the least of her cars considering how wealthy her parents are, but I'm never jealous or envious but take a mental note to work really hard to earn money to get myself everything I want.

Once she's in the car, she talks about getting drugs and asking for my choice of food, the ride to the restaurant and pharmacy is silent and soothing, she drops me off at my house and promises to pick me up for work once my period is over since I took a leave from work due to my cramps on the way to the restaurant.

I smile and wave at her before entering my house, glad she dropped me, I shower change my clothes, and lay on my bed to sleep.