Mia returned home and showered before changing into her fluffy white polar bear pajamas. Curling up in her blankets to fend off the icy chill in her apartment she checked her messages. Yu Yan would always praise her for being untouchable to illness, and therefore maintained a healthy lifestyle. Whenever Yu would come over, she'd complain no stop about catching a cold. Mia didn't mind it and it saved her money on bills. Mia watched Yu's name pop up on her messages asking if she was alright. Modestly, she replied he was fine. Yu sent her screenshots from the school reunion group chat where everyone was asking about her well-being primarily the males. Mia just smirked at their sudden concern but soon began chuckling to see she still hadn't shaken her school nickname. Everyone referred to her as Joni, which meant sexy, beautiful female with a sharp tongue. It also referred to the heart beaker of men and the receiver or envy from women. Mia didn't break hearts but would politely decline the countless boy who confessed to her in school. Mia replied with a laughing emoji.
"I guess old habits die hard." She joked, and Yu laughed back. Mia rekindled her nickname before being sadly reminded it was also what the Hangzhou elite reform school boys would call her. Hangzhou Official was only a ten-minute walk from the elite school for the higher-class and Mia wold pass their often which is where she first met Aiden. Mia shook her head bypassing even the slightest memory of him before settling for bed. Mia lay down and hugged her body close while she began drifting off. Just as she was drifting, she felt her phone buzz by her head, groaning in annoyance she picked it up. Mia felt her whole body freeze up to see the message blinding her in the darkness.
'Mia it's Aiden, I'm sorry to contact you but I need to talk to you. It's really important.' Mia felt like throwing her phone across the room but a feeling in her gut evaded her impulses. She didn't reply and continued staring at the screen thinking of what to say without sounding so evil.
'I have nothing to say to you. Kindly, delete my number and refrain from contacting me again.' Mia replied bluntly and waited idle for a response which came back impossibly quick.
'This isn't a selfish act, you owe me nothing, but I'm worried about your safety.' The text didn't give too much away which angered Mia even more. In her mind she believed he was desperately trying to lie in order to see her.
'The only thing that's dangerous for me is talking to you. If your worried about who drugged me don't be it's none of your business. I'm fine just leave me alone.' Mia closed her phone and ignored any other messages that buzzed through. Mia tried to shake this heartache in her chest and eventually pushed it aside and fell asleep.
-----------------------------Hot Spring's Hotel King Suite--------------------
Aiden stood on the balcony looking out at the city disheartened Mia had stopped relying. It would be too unrealistic to say his family had her life in their hands over text but regretted not being direct enough. Aiden picked up his phone and called his assistant once more.
"Yang I need the address of a someone would you be able to obtain that information?" Yang didn't say much as he was rather shocked at such a request.
"I-It would take some time and a few connections, but I could do that for you. Do you have a name for this person?" he stuttered.
"It's Mia James. I'll pay you double the salary if you can get me her address by tomorrow night."
"Understood Master Li I'll do my best." Aiden hung up and retired to bed. It would benefit him to get some rest as the next day he would be in meetings until noon but after that Mia was his priority. Aiden understood why she was so blunt with him, but it didn't make the heartache any easier. This was the girl he once worshiped like a goddess while she treated him like a King. Now they were nothing more than strangers. Even though she was dozy when he last saw her, she still hung onto that baby like face and skin he remembered, she'd barely changed since he fell in love with her. The only difference was her raven hair was a lot longer and her eyes held a more mature glow. No longer did she hold that naive smile she flashed at every passing person. Aiden gripped his hair thinking about her and eventually fell asleep.
--------------------------------------Mia's bedroom----------------
Mia threw on a pair of loose fit navy jeans and a burgundy turtle-neck jumper and almost tripped over her mirror sprinting out of the door with her cell-phone and purse in hand. It was Mia's day off but even then, she attended the ward as a visitor and had slept in meaning the visitor times were less than usual. Mia didn't even brush her hair seeing the time, so she looked a little untidy as she drove away in her Ford. It was times like this she hated the red-light system and tapped her fingers impatiently as she was stopped by every one. Mia followed this route every day on her way to work at the Hangzhou psychiatric health center where she was based.
Mia floored into the paring lot taking her clearance badge out of her purse ready. The receptionist flashed her a happy smile and buzzed her through. The building was covered in glass windows giving an open atmosphere, as well as filled with flowers and bright colors. It was Mia's design, she was responsible for the building plans and believed windows rather than walls would give the patients a more relaxing ordeal. Windows were the closest thing to open doors without granting freedom, but her ideas went down well with her clients who felt safer able to see the outside world. Mental illness was already a very isolating thing so adding white-washed walls to the equation wasn't very fitting.
"Morning Doctor James." The receptionist said politely.
"Morning Jhan, could I have clearance for ward 7 please." Mia said singing in the visitor's book. Jhan was a female apprentice no older than 20 who offered to train as a receptionist at the center to complete her first nursing year and Mia got along with her well. They shared a professional relationship but Jhan looked at Mia as an inspiration achieving so much at such a young age. In time, she hoped to be a Mental Health Clinician like her. Jhan would refer crisis calls to Mia when the ward staff were busy so kept timely contact with her.
"Of course, did you sleep well?" she said buzzing the door.
"Too well. Thank-you I'll see you on my way out." Mia smiled before entering the clinic. Ward 7 was where the high-risk patients resided and where Mia spent most of her time however today, she wasn't here on work. Upon entering, the usual stragglers were making their way to dinner hall practically jumping with joy when they saw her. The patients loved Mia like a mother and respected her a lot so when they decided to kick up a fuss would stop when hearing she'd been called. Mia waved at them before entering the staff offices. Two male nurses, or Mia's right hand men stood organizing medication when she popped her head round the door.
"Morning Kai, morning Hao how have they been?" both men almost jumped out of their skin hearing her voice and spun around. They were both very large men and quite muscular which is why they were stationed on the high-risk ward, in-case patients became violent and needed restraining.
"Jesus, boss don't do that to us, we thought we were in trouble." One of them said catching their breath. Mia laughed at their wide eyed faces.
"Do you have anything to be in trouble for gentlemen?" she asked curiously.
"No Ma'am." They shook their heads.
"Then you have no reason to be so jumpy, could I have the key to her room please?" she asked innocently. Kai walked over and handed her the key with a weary look on his face. Mia knew that look all too well and sighed.
"What has she done now?" she said hopelessly. Kai and Hao looked at each other sadly and cleared their throats.
Hao, "Let's just say she wasn't very happy to eat her breakfast this morning."
Kai, "She would rather I wear it." Kai said gesturing to the stain on his white uniform. Mia stroked her brow.
"My apologies gentlemen, I'll try to talk to her." Both watched as Mia made her way towards her room after placing all valuable in the visitor's box. Mia checked her pockets to make sure she had no items which may be considered harmful and took a deep breath before swiping the key on the keypad. The door beeped open and Mia walked in.
-------------------------------Room 17 Ward 7------------------------
"Morning Mom I'm sorry for being late." Mia said kindly. A frail woman stood looking out of the window at the birds splashing in the garden bath provided by the center. The woman didn't even acknowledge Mia's presence and stood staring without moving a muscle.
The room was bright and fluorescent in the summer sun which highlighted the colorful paintings scattered along the walls of various abstract art and a few scenery pieces. The bed and lounge chair were plain and insignificant to the room décor. Every patient was given their own furniture based on their hobbies so the only thing that made the plain room shine was the oak artist desk by the window. There was barely any wall space leaving only a small square where a clock sat embedded into the plaster, so it wasn't detachable. This room was Mia's second home, so she was accustomed to some of the disturbing art pieces, some ageing back four years when her mother was initially admitted. After her father's passing, she watched her mothers mental state decline until she became a danger to herself and those around her causing Mia to reluctantly admit her to the ward. Mia's mother's name was Jane James and Mia looked almost identical to her except from her black hair which she inherited from her father. Jane had soft facial features and bright blue eyes, along with blonde hair making her even more unique than Mia. Sadly, with the mental decline also came the physical leaving her once blonde hair grey and fine as well as her soft face stone cold with age.
Mia sat studying her mothers newest drawing at her desk which detailed the Robin, her mother favorite British bird. Mia never failed to be captivated by the detail and while all else that made her Mia's mother dissipated her skills never wavered when it came to a paintbrush. Mia waited patiently for her mother to respond to her presence and braced herself for the usual question.
"You're not my daughter your hairs far too long, who are you?" her voice weakly asked. Mia smiled at her mother's pain-stricken face and took her hand closing her eyes ready for the dreaded abuse that was about to ensue.
"It's me mom, it's Mia." Mia watched as her mother snatched her hand away and scoffed returning to the window. Mia never failed to visit her mother, but it didn't mean their time together was pleasant. Jane blamed Mia entirely for the death of her father… Mia could never fathom why because her mother was very secretive with her father's details but never objected to her mother's views. Thinking this was part of her mental illness.
"I see the murderer has returned. Would you like my life this time?" Jane said hatefully. Mia sighed.
"No, I wanted to ask you to stop throwing food over the ward staff. You should be eating it not throwing it." Mia said exhaustively. Jane nagged her head hard against the window and laughed.
"I'll do what I very well please with my own meals. What do you want?" she coughed.
"I wanted to see you."
Jane, "Hah spare me your guilt girl it's pathetic." Mia had heard the same words escape her mother's mouth for years, so it didn't hurt as much as it used to hearing her speak so indignantly towards her. Mia thought about what to say next and Aiden contacting her mysteriously popped into her head. Mia remembered that reminding someone of people they knew in the past would often rationalize someone's mind, even though Mia didn't want to even say his name she recalled her mother was very fond of him when they dated.
"Mom, my ex-boyfriend Aiden messaged me last night asking me to see him. Of course, after what he did, I declined. Do you remember him?" Mia took this as general conversation with no significant value but was in awe to see her mother shaking. Jane slowly turned around and looked Mia dead in the eyes with the most frightening glare she'd ever seen. Mia used her training to recognize her mother had received a trigger but couldn't understand why it was Aiden's name who had angered her mother so direly. The room stopped dead and Mia began to feel endangered, their visit had gone from the usual resentment to down right murderous intent at the drop of a dime. Mia had only seen her mother look like this once before almost killing her daughter during her episode.
"Mom, please calm down. I'm sorry I mentioned him." Mia said fearfully edging her way towards the emergency call buzzer, just as she was almost their Jane picked of the desk chair and flung it at Mia with all her might. Mia had quick reflexes and dodged the full weight, but a chair leg struck her head disorientating her. Mia desperately pressed the red button.
"Code red in room 17, orderlies requested with 40 ccs of Promethazine." Mia shouted over the calling system clutching her head. Jane pulled her away from the system and straddled her with either hand wrapped tightly around her throat. Mia didn't recognize the once loving mother she admired and instead saw an incoherent lunatic with eyes so empty it chilled her to the bone.
"You stupid little b*tch you never learn. How many more people have to die before you learn?" Jane screamed at her squeezing Mia's neck. Mia tried to pry away her hands, but it was to no avail. Jane was a frail woman, but it was proven through research that the mentally ill were inhumanly strong. Mia managed to gasp her words under the pressure and looked for answers.
"What have I done to deserve this! If you have something to blame me for then state it!" Mia cried out aimlessly.
"If you hadn't of dated that boy none of this would have happened!" Jane screamed tears rolling from her face. Mia felt her body go numb at her mothers' words. What was she implying?...
Before Mia could ask another thing, Kai and Hao sprinted through the doors and peeled Jane from Mia throat jabbing her with the needle. Mia gasped for breath as she wriggled away from her mother tears streaming from her face. Jane outstretched her hands towards her daughter like a deranged lunatic before relaxing, Mia watched her mother eyes lose their light before she succumbed to the drugs.
Kai," I'll place her in solitary Hao, help Doctor James to the first aid room and call an ambulance." Mia watched her mother be carried away dazed at what just happened. Hao tapped her arm and could see she was in shock, so he placed his arm under her shoulder and carried her out of the room.
Patients looked on in concern at their doctors bruised neck and tear streaked face but were shooed to their rooms by the nursing staff. Mia felt completely numb with shock and didn't even remember being carried to the first aid office. Her shock was eased as Hao applied a cold compress to her head which she held tightly.
"Doctor James, are you alright." Hao asked frantically. Mia took the cold water from him and gulped it down wiping the excess from the side of her mouth.
"An ambulance won't be necessary, I'll be fine in a second." Mia said quietly. Hao breathed a sigh of relief and sat opposed to her in the medical surrounded room. It surprised him how quickly Mia collected herself applying the compress to her bruised neck.
"It's our fault Doctor I knew she was overly agitated this morning and let you see her anyway." Hao said sadly. Mia patted his hand and smiled at him.
"This was a benign trigger, it was no-one's fault Hao. My mother still had certain anomalies which cause her to act out even I was unaware of." Mia coughed reliving the pressure I her throat and breathed deeply.
"Should I record the trigger to avoid it causing her distress in future." He asked professionally but Mia shook her head.
"It's of personal nature so it's highly unlikely staff or patients will bring it up. I'm sorry to have startled you and Kai." She said with a genuine look in her eyes. Mia was still evaluating the situation in her head trying to find another alternative to Aiden which triggered her mother's psychotic episode but couldn't identify one. What could her mother of possibly meant by saying her relationship with Aiden caused her father's death.
"It's not your fault Doctor I'm just happy your alright. Shouldn't you take tomorrow to rest your neck looks quite painful." Hao asked in concern but knew what Mia's answer would be. She was a personified workaholic after all it would take more than this to stop her.
"It would be pointless I'd only worry too much. My mother should be drowsy over the next few days, but I'd like a supervised visit with her once she regains her mentality." Mia needed to confront her mother about her words. All these years Mia had never mentioned Aiden once because she had no reason too, he was a bad memory in her mind. Which coincided with her mother delusion but after thinking about it more maybe her mother wasn't so deluded after all…
Mia rested for a while before reassuring the staff and patients, she was alright. Jhan buzzed her out and Mia sat in her car looking at the ring of blue skin around her neck. It would be difficult to hide it, but she would find a way, this wasn't the first incident at the end of the day. Mia knew Yu was the perfect person to talk too at times like this. Not because she gave good advice which wasn't her forte, but she listened and remembered Jane before her admittance. Mia text her asking if she could drop by and within seconds Yu insisted. Mia went to put her phone down but saw she still had a new message from Aiden. Mia thought about reading it but quickly reminded herself she couldn't care less about what he was trying to say. Mia sped to Yu's apartment which was around the same size as hers but a lot warmer. The minute Mia opened the door Yu wrapped her arms around her tightly.
"Oh, Mia I'm so sorry." She said trying not to sound too pitiful. Mia nuzzled her head in her neck and nodded lightly to say thank you. Yu sat her down and made her some tea and was saddened to see she wasn't very talkative. Mia looked around to see Yu Yan had started packing ready to move away for university. Mia questioned if burdening Yu with such things when she was pursuing her dream was selfish but knew Yu would slap her silly if she said that. Yu sat down some chamomile tea to calm Mia's nerves and sat waiting for her to say something.
"Yu… my whole world has been flipped, and I don't know how to turn it back around." Mia said painfully.
"Hey, talk to me maybe I can help. What happened today?" Yu asked sincerely. Mia refrained from starting there and decided to tell her about Aiden contacting her in the dark that it was Yu who gave him her number. Mia took a deep breath and let it out.
"Aiden contacted me last night… I don't know how he got my number and I don't care to know. Talking carelessly about being concerned for my safety like he can just walk back into my life as if nothing's changed. I know it's his guilty conscience coming back to pester me, but I want nothing to do with him Yu. That boy almost killed me when he left." Mia said holding her head in her hands. Yu immediately felt guilty for making Mia feel like this but was also furious to hear Aiden hadn't told her the reason he left. Yu didn't want to keep information like that to herself, but she had no business to say it was Aiden responsibility.
"Mia you owe that boy nothing and don't hate me for saying this but maybe talking to him again will resolve this turmoil in your head, if you keep ignoring him, he'll only keep trying. Although he doesn't deserve it maybe you should put him out of his misery and force him to let you go." Mia was surprised to hear Yu come out with some valuable advice. It hadn't even occurred to Mia to cleanse herself of the past by facing him head on. Mia smiled at Yu realizing she was right.
"That's one problem, what about your mother?" Yu asked concerned, Mia relived the events in her head and it brought tears to her eyes. She sipped her tea with shaking hands before continuing.
"It was like any other visit, she spat the usual abuse at me and I took it without being affected. Then, I thought about Aiden texting me and remembered my mother like him a lot. So, I decided to bring him up and pretty much the gates of hell opened. Before I knew it, she was strangling me." Mia said it so nonchalantly Yu questioned her mental state, why wasn't she phased by this?
"Shouldn't you be in shock right now how could you say that so carelessly." She asked bewildered.
"Yu, I've had my mother hands wrapped around my throat more times than I can count that's not what frightened me. It was her words… As you know she has always blamed me for my father death and I put it down to delusion but I'm now questioning that." Mia never questioned anything she was generally spot on with most of her diagnosis, but this sudden event had made her doubt. Yu also knew that Mia was a genius, her best friend could decipher the human mind better than anyone so even she was surprised to see her looking confused.
"My mom implied that if I'd never dated Aiden my father would still be alive. It's much too broad of a statement for me to make any sense from without further inquiry. I could speculate that she was triggered by me bringing up a time when my father was alive, but it doesn't seem likely. There was something in her eyes that burned when I said his name. When she comes around, I'll ask her again, until then I must push it to the back of my mind. I'm at work tomorrow and can't be distracted." Mia put her patients before anyone else including herself, it was just her nature. Yu always scolded her for not taking time off, but Mia needed that sort of motivation or she'd die of boredom.
"Promise me, you will take a day off before I leave. Knowing you you'll be probably filling out admittance forms while I hug you goodbye." Yu joked, Mia couldn't argue.
"As for your mother your right there's no point finding a solution if you're not clear. You're Mia James, you'll work it out." Mia hugged Yu tightly, she was the best friend Mia could ever have asked for.
------------------------------- Shijie Li company headquarters-------------------------
Aiden had been in business meetings and easily expanded the company without fault. Japanese officials shook his hand as they left, in work Aiden was a completely different man. He was stern and dominant ensuring the smallest of clauses didn't slip by him resulting in his name being associated with ruthless negotiations. Yang handed him a cup of water as he relaxed at his desk, having been overwhelmed by the business chatter. Yang was an elderly man who'd served the Li family for generations, but he'd taken a shine to Aiden. Aiden had handled being thrown into his position well surpassing Yang's expectations. Aiden also enjoyed Yang's accompaniment but was still stern being his boss. In the three weeks of knowing each other Yang noticed that Aiden had no reliance on his father and independently tackled the overbearing responsibility of running the business with ease.
Yang, "That concludes the meetings for today Master Li, all parties are happy with your proposition. Would you like to retire for the day?"
Aiden, "Not yet, could you pull the Hangzhou shopping outlet stats from file. I'd like to review our current income in that area." Yang looked at Aiden with a complicated expression.
"Master Li that duty isn't required for another month or so are you sure you want to review it now?" Yang said worriedly.
"Don't question me that's not your place. I want to make sure I'm ahead of schedule as I'll be busy with personal affairs in the near future. Speaking of did you get what I asked?" Yang remembered his request and pulled the piece of paper from his pocket handing it over.
"Apartment 301 South Side complex, in the center of the Hangzhou city sir." Aiden recognized the area and thanked Yang before returning to his paperwork. Yang admired Aiden taking on such a large workload but also worried for his well-being, he'd barely eaten all say. In truth, Aiden wasn't hungry his mind was too busy to think about such things. Mia was a heavy factor, but he kept his business head on and finished his work. Aiden dismissed Yang and drove towards the center of town with butterflies in his stomach. If Mia didn't punch him in the face, she would surely have some hurtful words to throw his way. Aiden admired the dusk which was pink and captivating, it was around eight o clock, so night was soon approaching.
Aiden began driving across Qiantang River Bridge when he pressed his brakes hard and pulled off to the side. His car screeched to a stop and his heart almost burst out of his chest to see a young man sitting precariously on the edge. Cars carelessly drove by sweeping the wind around him making him wobble in position. Aiden slowly exited the car and stopped at a distance not knowing what to do. He'd never been in a situation like this before and struggled to speak, this was an event he hadn't anticipated in his darkest dreams.
"H-hey are you alright?" he shouted over the passing cars and the young man broke from his thoughts and jumped to hear his voice.
"Stay back or I'll jump!" he cried out tears streaming from his face. Aiden could see he was really distressed so he put his hands up and backed up a few steps.
"Let me help you do you have a guardian I can call." He asked desperately. The young boy looked out to the lake 300 feet or so below him and thought for a while. Aiden knew this bridge was commonly victim to jumpers and those looking to end their life, so every moment was critical.
"Why do you care if I do!" he shouted in anger. Aiden furrowed his brows and took a deep breath.
"I care about what you do, you're a young boy. You still have a future ahead of you." He said despairingly. The young boy stood up and held onto the beams unsteadily facing Aiden.
"You sound like my doctor." He said seeming to be enlightened to hear familiar words.
"Can I call them I'm sure they would be happy to hear your voice." Aiden spoke softly making sure he didn't panic the boy. After thinking deeply for a while, the boy reluctantly nodded and called out a number to Aiden, so he would call. Quickly, he dialed the number and waiting for a voice to come through.
"Hangzhou psychiatric health center how can I help you?" a young female voice answered the phone.
"Hi, I have a young man here under your care currently sitting on the edge of Qiantang River Bridge. He's quite distressed and I'm concerned for his safety." Aiden had a shaky voice adrenaline pumping through his veins staring at this poor boy.
"Okay, stay calm and try not to make any sudden movements. Could you kindly ask him his name, so we can find his file?" Aiden pulled the phone away from his ear calling out to the boy.
"What's your name son?"
"Blaike Lang…" he said quietly.
"His name is Blaike Lang."
"We have his doctor on the other line and she will be there in approximately seven minutes could you keep him talking until then?" the woman asked politely.
"Sure…what should I ask?"
The woman gave Aiden, some general questions to ask him and Aiden listened closely. Blaike watched him talk to his clinic and he wanted nothing more than to jump being in this predicament again. His only reason for staying put was because he knew Mia would be upset.
"Blaike, were going to help you okay? You have to trust me." Aiden had a reassuring smile on his face and stepped cautiously towards him.
"Please don't come towards me just s-stay away." Aiden back up again understanding the boy was clearly overwhelmed but also relived he was talking. Silence was the secret killer in situations like this, at least he was engaging.
"Okay I won't do anything you don't want me too. Do you have any family?" Blaike was reluctant to answer but knew it was a while before his doctor got there so he agreed.
"I have a mom and a little sister…"
"So, you still have people that care about you that's good. What about your doctor is she nice?" Aiden remembered it was her who eased his mind slightly so brought her up as a stimulant.
"Yeah she's the only person who's ever understood me. I like her a lot." Blaike said thoughtfully.
"Well she must be worried about you, she'll be here soon so just hold on okay." Blaike nodded and gripped the bridge tightly.
-----------------------------Mia's car----------------------
Mia was tapping away to her pop music returning home from Yu's when her work phone began ringing. She turned the stereo off and picked up the call knowing immediately they only rang her when she was off if there was a crisis.
"Doctor Mia James speaking."
"Hi, Doctor James sorry to disturb you on your day off but we have a crisis at Qiantang River Bridge. The patient is Blaike Lang, according to the report he is sitting on the edge of the bridge and is quite distressed." Mia felt her heart drop to hear his name and immediately switched to work mode.
"Understood, are there any bystanders with him?"
"Yes, one male called to inform us, he's distracting him for now but Blaike is requesting you."
"I'm seven minutes out. Could you request the bystander keep him stimulated through speech until I arrive? Also call the paramedics to wait at a mile out in perimeter in-case he jumps but request their sirens remain off I don't want to overwhelm him."
"Yes, I've informed them." Mia hung up the phone and began speeding towards the bridge. Blaike was a patient she treasured dearly and could already decipher why he'd gone to these lengths. Blaike was a recluse and would become overwhelmed outside of his home. It wasn't clear why he's pushed himself so far, but she knew Blaike had suicidal tendencies through experience, so every minute was dyer. In under 6 minutes she pulled up the bridge and parked at the end running conservativity towards the two shadows before her.
"It looks like the doctor is on scene should I hand you over?" Aiden said seeing a silhouette moving quickly towards them. Blaike looked over and could tell from her size it was Mia.
"No just stand back and let her do her job we appreciate your efforts." Aiden went to answer back but dropped the phone to the floor seeing Mia approach them. Mia felt her feet freeze to the floor as her aquamarine eyes met with Aiden's. Mia was in work mode, so she quickly ignored any personal feeling towards the situation and directed her attention towards Blaike. Aiden blinked a few times as his world stopped still to see her standing before him…she really did accomplish her dreams after all.