"Good Morning Doctor James." Mia didn't sleep at all the night before and cautiously made her way to work, Sam was on her mind constantly and she was suffering from paranoia. Hao and Kai greeted her as usual and she put on her signature smile and went over the rota for the day. The clinic had been under review and Mia had been working on some new therapy techniques to aid her patients especially those with heavy trauma.
"Kai I'm assigning you to Kuro for today try to ensure she has her daily intake and her boyfriend should be coming around 11am so clear her care plan for the next two hours. Hao I've decided to prioritize Taira for today she's under a lot of stress right now so I'm keeping her under close observation. Hiro was allowed to visit earlier this morning was that correct?" Hao nodded but he had a worried expression on his face. Mia dismissed Kai and asked Hao to stay behind.
"Is something on your mind?" she asked kindly, Hao sighed and sat down.
"I heard about her case, is the perpetrator the same Sam James that was harassing you before?" Mia felt her body go numb, how could he know that information. Hao could see she was uncomfortable and white as a sheet.
"It's the guy who sent the flowers right?" Mia felt her body relax.
"Yes, that's right. Don't worry I have a restraining order ready he won't be permitted on ground for protective reasons." Hao breathed a sigh of relief, Mia almost broke down there and then if her colleagues knew about her struggles.
"That's a relief well if you need me, I'll be with the other patients." He smiled and began shift, Mia also checked her watch and decided she would speak with Taira to see how she was settling in. Mia knocked at her room door until a faint voice permitted her access and she bravely stepped in closing the door behind her.
"Good morning Taira, how are you feeling today?" Taira looked down and didn't answer, of course she wasn't feeling in top shape after everything she'd went through.
"I have some general questions I'd like to ask if that's alright with you." Taira nodded and sat up in bed with her knees close to her body, although she was two years Mia's senior, she still had the body of a teenager and she was under-weight which worried Mia. Taira had short black hair and deep brown eyes, her face was slim, and she had high cheekbones.
"Taira, has your impulsive episode settled down or are you still struggling with the anxiety?" Mia was remaining professional trying not to be too personal, Taira thought hard about her answer.
"I feel secure here." It was dodging the question but by observing her body language she was more defensive than on edge.
"That's good to hear and my apologies for imposing but are you still having any thoughts of harming yourself?" Taira's eyes welled up but she shook her head, it was clearly a lie and Mia put down her clipboard.
"Listen, I'm not a doctor that's going to give you a few pills are everything's going to be fine, your trauma is mainly situational, and I would like to help change that. The best thing for your son right now is for you to get better before your behaviour causes him trauma." Taira looked at Mia shell-shocked, she had changed her personality on a dime and cut the professional talk.
"I'm causing Hiro trauma?" she said sadly, Mia could read the devastating thoughts rushing through her head, but this was a harsh truth.
"Not yet but if you continue this may then it may be a possibility, majority of young children living with mentally ill parents will imitate them leading to similar illnesses in adolescence." Taira stared at Mia intensely as if trying to work her out.
"You sound like your speaking from experience?" she asked faintly. Mia was a little caught off guard, but her story was something she didn't mind sharing.
"I am. I could tell you if you like I don't mind it." Taira looked like she wanted to hear it but asking such a thing was hard, Mia could tell she was trying to be considerate of her.
"When I was sixteen my father was murdered, and it left y mother with a severe form of bereavement. It caused manic episodes and many suicide attempts, I tried my best as a young girl to console her, but I was inexperienced and received the brunt of her episodes. One day she was considered a danger to society and was sectioned for her own sake. After that I had to support myself, I worked two jobs while completing my master's degree in Mental Health. It was really hard, but I pushed through and eventually I started my own clinic and began treating my own mother. I went through a lot of pain because my mother refused to get help, I wouldn't wish that on any child." Mia looked at Tara and saw tears streaming from her eyes as she looked at Mia admirably.
"Forgive me, that's sounds tough. I don't want that for Hiro, I will never hurt him like that." She sobbed realizing the severity of the situation, Mia moved closer and gripped her hands.
"My proposition to stop that from happening is getting you out of that job and away from that kind of environment, a person can only be so strong for so long. Everyone reaches breaking point. I want to know if you would consent to me filing a police report against Sam James for sexual assault." Taira gripped Mia's hands back and shook her head.
"No! He'll kill me if I move against him. You don't understand what kind of man he is, he's dangerous!" Mia bit her lip, she knew all too well that he was a despicable man but wondered if telling Taira the truth would help at all.
"Actually…I know all too well what kind of man he is." She admitted painfully, Taira stopped crying and looked into Mia's eyes. Eyes were windows to the soul and Mia's eyes were filled with resentment looking for redemption.
"Doctor James, you too?" she said almost relieved she wasn't the only one who had fell victim. Mia nodded.
"I know he's involved with the Yakuza, I hear him talking to them all of the time. Sam treats me like a substitute, he's always babbling on about his cousin. It's like he's obsessed." Taira let loose and started spilling secrets about him left right and centre but Mia was still stuck on the second sentence. Taira was a substitute for her? Did that mean she was being punished for Mia not giving into Sam? Taira slowed her pace when Mia's face dropped, and her eyes began trembling violently.
"I'm so sorry." She said quietly, Taira looked at her bowed head and shaking body questionably.
"Why are you apologizing to me?" Mia stiffened up, she couldn't let this woman know who she was it would kill her.
"It's nothing, I'll file a report and we'll go from there." Mia stood up suddenly and began rushing out.
"Wait—"
"Don't worry…I won't let him get away with what he's done to you. I promise." Mia left the room and Taira sat there in a daze, her doctor seemed really shook up. Perhaps she experienced the same thing and that's why this was difficult for her.
End of Shift------------
Mia had distracted herself all day, making the heavy emotions a little lighter for her. Hearing Taira was a substitute for her made her feel overwhelmed with guilt. Hao and Kai said farewell as they swapped for night shift and Mia made her way to her car when her phone buzzed. As she slid into her seat, she checked her messages and was surprised to see it was from Mika.
"Hey, I'm off tonight I was wondering if I could treat you to dinner and we can catch up?" he was jolly as usual and Mia smiled, he still thought about her even after not seeing her for two months. Maybe company was something she needed right now.
"Sounds good, I just finished shift, so I'll get changed and meet you somewhere." It was quick and sweet, she sped home straight away and checked her phone as she stumbled into her apartment. This was the first time she had been out in two months and her heart was racing from the stress. Her phone buzzed again.
"I was thinking The Marriott if that's okay?" Mia smiled, it was a high-class restaurant but not too flashy, so the pressure wasn't too bad. That day Mika found Mia on the beach really saved her, he helped her build up the courage to leave Aiden and she was grateful.
"Perfect, meet you at 8?" Mia immediately jumped into the shower and let the waved wash over her, this was the perfect distraction and Mika was always very understanding in previous conversations maybe he could give her some advice ion her current predicament. Mika agreed and Mia began getting dressed, she searched through her wardrobe for some elegant dresses but came to a fashion stump, she yet again had only formal wear but when she rummaged further she found her old black jumpsuit from when she used to drink socially, it had a diamond belt and skin-tight pants, she studied it wondering f maybe it was a little too provocative but when patched with a blazer it looked quite sophisticated, she gave in and threw it on and let her long black hair loose. Applying a little makeup and lipstick she did one last decency check and rushed out. Mia wasn't trying to impress him but rather wanted to look nice for herself, it was a fancy restaurant after all.
Mia got into her car and began driving downtown subconsciously looking for Sam, he was now always on her mind and she felt her anxiety shoot through the roof when not in her home. Mia pulled up and got her money and phone ready, Mika said he would meet her outside, so she stood patiently studying the people around her. Observation was her forte, watching people in an environment and clarifying their behaviour was a big part of her personality, she didn't mean to be nosy but sometimes people would catch her staring so she would awkwardly avert her eyes. Mia watched in awe as Mika walked straight by her.
"Mika?" she said in disbelief, he spun around with a sour look on his face thinking a stranger was calling him out by his first name. As he stared her up and down his eyes slowly widened as he began realizing who she was.
"No way Mia?" Mia felt a chuckle escape her lips as he stood their tongue tied. Mika smiled and walked over hugging her tight, Mia hugged him back it had been a while since they had seen each other.
"That's right you've never seen me out of my work uniform I forgot." Mika pulled back and scanned her up and down. Mika's hair was curly blonde and his deep hazel eyes complimented his navy, business suit, of course he had on his signature sunglasses.
"You look really good. Come on let's talk." He linked her arm confidently and walked in, he already had a reservation and the waiter spoke to him like an old friend, he was clearly recognizable. Mia thought for a while about how they looked, the way they were linking arms made them seem like a couple. Mika lead her over to a private booth and they both sat down starting off with causal conversation.
"How have you been doing since we left the clinic?" Mia was initially given his care plan for his recovery but with her health and relationship on a decline she sadly passed it over to another nurse, however she did write down in great detail what was needed for his recovery.
"I've been doing a lot better, ever since my treatment I've been in a better mindset and my acting's been improving a lot. What about you?" They had both started eating and Mia had been dreading this question, it was clear he was implying about Aiden.
"I meant what I said, I ended it with him. Since, my life's and work has been a lot better, I'm not looking over my should—" Mia stopped mid-sentence and looked down at her plate biting her tongue. Mika watched her beaming smile turn into a worried glare, something was bothering her.
"Mia, are you okay?" Mika reached over and gripped her hand snapping her out of her daze, Mia cleared her throat and gathered herself. Mia wanted to tell him everything and see if Mika could give her some form of advice.
"I told you about my cousin, right?" she said bitterly, just recalling his face made her want to puke.
"I remember you mentioned him before, is he bothering you?" Mia took a quick drink of her wine and nervously looked around, her paranoia was on the up rise yet again, this situation reminded her of her date with Aiden. That was the day Sam assaulted her.
"Yesterday, his colleague was admitted to the clinic. Sam had been manipulating her and abusing her until she couldn't take anymore. I'm trying my best to help her, and I've even filed a police report against him but…I'm afraid in-case he comes after me again. It's like I'm opening up that door for his to barge through and try to hurt me again." Mika could see the disgust and fear in her heart, and he felt overwhelmingly aggravated someone was making Mia feel this way.
"Sam James, right? If he dares lay a hand on you, I'll teach him what money can really do. I can't stand seeing you on edge like this. What an asshole." Mika sucked down his whiskey, Mia was shell-shocked as he shook in anger. Was Mika really this concerned about her.
"Hey, don't worry legally I don't think he stands a chance. I appreciate you being worried about me but please don't do anything against him. In truth, he's a sociopath and he has serious attachment issues which is why he's pursued me all of these years. Sam was the boy who grew up getting whatever he wanted, apparently, I was the first thing he was ever denied, and he can't grasp the understanding of that. What I'm trying to say is, the more people migrate around me and try to protect me, the more determined he becomes. I'm an object and nothing else. He's dangerous Mika." Mika listened to the seriousness and analysis in her voice.
"Mia, you're afraid of him, aren't you?" Mia gripped her utensils and nodded her head shamefully, she hated admitting defeat.
"I-I underestimated him…he'll do anything to take me…" Mika could hear the despair in her words.
"What do you mean Mia?" Mia was angry, she was afraid. All she could think about from now on is when he was going to attack her again.
"Sam tried to…in a bathroom and he almost succeeded is it wasn't for Aiden at the time. Sam payed dangerous people to kidnap me. This isn't just some petty high school crush, it's a vile obsession that I catch match on my own. I feel insecure all pf the time, even when I'm with other people I'm constantly looking over my shoulder." Mia breathed heavily finally admitting what was on her mind, to her surprise Mika stood up and moved over to her booth. Before Mia could do another thing, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in tight, he could feel her heart pounding it was a heavy vibration against his chest.
"Jesus Mia, you shouldn't be carrying this by yourself. If you'd told me earlier, I would have protected you." Mia was stiff but eventually relaxed, it had been a while she'd felt this content as Mika's expensive scent tickled her nose.
"I'm sorry. I'm used to dealing with things on my own. I guess I'm stubborn." Mika chuckled.
"You've got that right." They both talked for the rest of the meal, Mika sat closely beside her.
"Mia, if you ever need me just call, I'll be there in a heartbeat. I promise." Mia smiled and nodded as they began walking side by side down the street walk, they were happily arguing over which movie genre was better. As they laughed till their hearts content, Mika's face suddenly dropped. Paparazzi and journalists were surrounding a new Audi A8, there camera flashes blinded Mia so she couldn't get a good look but when her vision returned, she was met with a shocking sight.
"That's Aiden, right?" Mia couldn't speak…Aiden was linked with none other than Alice the girl Mia caught him kissing at the office, she was clouded in make-up and designer clothing. Alice smiled waving at the paparazzi like a pro while Aiden kept a straight face ignoring his surroundings. Mia began overhearing the bellowing questions being hurled at them both.
"Mr Li! Where will the venue be set!" Aiden stood there daydreaming while Alice began answering all of there questions. Mika glanced at Mia who had a face like thunder, Aiden couldn't be serious after he was adamant that girl was nothing but his parents plot.
"Mia, do you want to go the other way?" Mia clenched her fists, there was no way she was backing down in this situation.
"Screw that we're walking through. Put your sunglasses on." Mika was stunned how determined she was, Mika smirked and pulled them over. As they began walking towards the scene, Mia jumped when Mika took her hand and pulled her close. It looks like they had the same idea. Mia smirked, without even glancing at Aiden both her and Mika walked straight by. Mika intentionally looked at Aiden on his way passed and gave his widest grin. Aiden scowled wondering what he was glaring at when he looked at the girl next to him. Aiden eyes suddenly widened, and the noise of chatter and camera shutters died down around his. Mia walking hand in hand with Mika Hu, was he seeing this right?
"Wait, was that Mika Hu! Who's that with him?" The paparazzi soon directed their attention, Mika could hear someone call out his name and spun around, Mia also glanced back. Aiden's face went red with rage, it was her. The big blue eyes and raven hair were unmistakable, Mia watched his sad eyes and face burned with anger. Mika tugged her hand with a playfully smile on his face.
"Run!" he said happily, Mia laughed as they began running for their lives. Paparazzi were like vultures all trying to get a picture of her face. Eventually they lost them down a back alley and Mia was so stunned she couldn't help but burst out laughing as they both leaned against the wall out of breath.
"Welcome to my world." He said exhausted as he chuckled.
"Thankyou." She said kindly. Mika knew what she was thanking him for and nodded happily.
"Don't mention it. That asshole had it coming, I might be a theater kid but I'm not dumb. That girl was the one you caught him with, right? I could tell by your face, I don't think I've ever seen you that pissed before." Mia took a deep breath.
"Actually, I was pissed at first, but it only goes to show how naïve I was to fall for his bullsh*t." Mika and Mia walked back out on the street looking both ways to avoid any attention.
"Hey, it's a learning experience at least he can't hurt you anymore." Mia nodded in agreement and then felt a little pain in her chest like she couldn't breathe. Mia began cursing her body in her mind, why did she feel so heartbroken seeing him with her? Mia felt guilty, it wasn't fair to break his heart and then become lovesick seeing him with someone else.
"How about next week when were both off, I could pick you up?" Mia snapped out of her thoughts at Mika's proposal.
"I'd like that." They hugged and both went their separate ways. Mia began walking back to her car outside of the restaurant, all of the commotion from before had died down and the street was pretty quiet. Mia carefully walked up to her car when a cough from behind her stopped her in her tracks followed by footsteps rushing up behind her. Mia put up her hands defensively and winced.
"Hey." Mia gradually opened her eyes; her heart was pounding, and her limbs had went numb from fear. When she was met with big green eyes, the pain in her chest grew greater.
"What do you want Aiden?"