"I'm really going to miss you, Mom." I buried my face in her shoulders as tears rolled down my eyes. How long was i going to be away? I had no idea. Her caramel toned skin and thick black hair fell over my face. I pulled away and rested my cheeks on her warm palms that wiped my tears.
"Olivia." I turned to the man who was a few feet away from us. He wore a black cotton sweater and a pair of blue jeans just like my Mom. His ebony skin glimmered underneath the airport lighting. His face formed wrinkled lines underneath his eyes and forehead, I could see the love and kindness in his round downturned eyes which was a little bit out of character due to the large bulging glasses he wore. There he was my role model, my very own living guidelines to success. Even though he had a proud, reassuring smile creeping up his lips, I could still see his disapproval and fear in his eyes.
I slowly made my way to him and engulfed him in my warmth one last time. "I'll miss you more, Dad."
He held me tight and gently stroked my head. "My lovely daughter." I could hear him sniff softly.
"Don't forget to call us when you get there." I felt a hand wrapped around the both of us. I pulled away from my father and hugged my sister. She looked almost identical to me, with her cat shaped eyes and dark brown curls that fell over her shoulder and covered her dark tanned skin. She had tears blurring her sight as she tried her earnest best to compose herself and avoid crying.
"Attention passengers: Flight fourteen to Seoul, Korea is departing in ten minutes." The voice of the flight announcer broke our hug. "Please proceed to gate nine."
I turned to the boarding gate where a few passengers were already lining up. Smiling nervously I picked up my bag and pulled my luggage. My parents walked closer to each other and hugged themselves while my sister waved me off. I waved my last goodbye and hurried off to my new beginning.
I hurriedly approached the gate, the soft hum of the airplane's engine grew louder causing my heart to race in anticipation. I joined the queue and patiently awaited my turn.
At the desk was a melanin beauty who had a rosy smile and a pleasant voice. I handed over my boarding pass to her and put on my best smile.
"Welcom, Miss...?" She checked my name on the passenger list and her eyes widened for a split second. "Miss Gilbert."
I heaved out a sigh still maintaining a sweet smile. The flight attendant looked pleased with the information in my pass and handed it over to me. Having done all the necessary procedures she wished me a pleasant flight and handed over my documents. I was led towards the jetway.
I felt so ecstatic as I skipped every now and then. To think my first ever flight would be to South Korea, an indigenous country that has rose to the top.
After my pass was verified for the second time I slowly scurried into the enormous aircraft, a waft of fresh leather and disinfectant filled my nostrils, soft lighting illuminated the cabin and the gentle muttering of passengers who settled in created a wave of comfort to my nervous bones.
I walked over to my seat, It appeared my seatmate was an elderly woman who was at least as old as my grandmother. She was dressed in a native blue gown which represented a tribe from the east. I bowed deeply and greeted politely, a common etiquette that was important in my country. I stowed my carry-on, and buckled up.
"Where are you going to my dear?" The warm cozy voice of the elderly woman came to my hearing.
"South Korea." I smiled but my words seemed to have caused an uproar for her.
"I mean, which part of Seoul Korea?" She corrected as she gently buckled up as well. I heard the engine roar to life and a bolt of shock creeped in on me.
I was so engulfed by the overpowering experience of taking flight for the first time, that I hadn't noticed the elderly woman staring at me. "It seems it's your first time boarding a plane."
I turned to her and smiled nervously. She picked my hand which was resting on the sides of my seat and gently stroked it. "My grandchild always gets calm when I do this."
Knowing full well I was getting a family treatment from a stranger brimmed up a few tears in my eyes.
"So tell me, what is your name dear?" She asked, I could tell she was trying her best to distract me from the moving plane.
"Olivia Gilbert." I smiled meekly. "I got a job at Seoul, and I start on Monday."
"Let me guess," I turned to her a little bit confused. "You're off to find greener pastures."
For some reason I was short at words. "How did you know?" I asked intrigued.
"It's in vouge these days." She laughed brightly. I couldn't help but laugh as well. The plane was long soaring in the sky and I hadn't even noticed yet. I was engrossed in the conversation I had with the woman beside me.
"You see dear, the problem isn't wanting greener pastures, it's finding it. Finding a better future for yourself is like climbing a mountain. The road will be steep, slippery and dangerous but still the aim is the top. Thousands climb mountains, many give up, many are swallowed by the danger, many fall, but those who persevere, who keep moving will one day reach the top and get a clear view of their future. They would finally locate their greener pastures."
I believed that day was the day I heard true words of wisdom. But I truly regret till this day for not asking the old lady a simple question.
How much perseverance do one need to climb a mountain that grows taller every passing day?
Sneakers squeaked against the polished hospital floor as medical personal pushed the gurney through the hallway.
A young lady had her hands pressing down the wound of the victim underneath her. "Faster!" She said as sweat rolled down her light caramel toned skin. She looked rather composed and calm despite the dire situation. "Hang in there."
The nurse who ran beside the gurney looked distressed and a little bit fatigued. She applied pressure to the oxygen pump in her hands.
Patients and staff who stood around all cleared the path for them. The bright lighting on the residence shine on the blood stained marble floor that had a trail following the gurney.
Olivia was laser focused on the pale flickering eyes of the patient, her inner mind commiting the soul into heaven's hands.
The hospital corridor blurred around her as they sprinted toward the trauma room. The scent of antiseptic and fear hung heavy in the air.
"Status, Do-hee." Olivia turned to the nurse who looked more pale than the patient. She could tell she was nervous and probably scared.
"BP's dropping, oxygen levels critical," Do-hee's fringe swayed gently around her hair. Her voice was tight.
As they bursted into the trauma room, the medical team swarmed around them. Olivia stepped down carefully from the gurney and quickly picked the surgery clothing from another nurse who was dressed up.
Getting fully dressed in less than two minutes she stepped into the operating room. The led light hung above the door ringed and the light turned green.
Olivia sighed heavily, she calmed all the tension that was coaxing her veins. This was more than just an emergency – it was a turning point.
The operating room door swung open, and the nurses carefully rolled out the patient, surrounded by the soft beeping of monitors and the antiseptic scent of the hospital. Olivia followed closely behind, her scrubs stained with sweat and blood. Her bright smile, illuminated by the fluorescent lights, reflected her relief that the patient was going to live.
"You sure need a bath, Doctor," Kim said, standing beside her, his black eyes sparkling with amusement as he smiled. His crisp nurse's attire contrasted with the bloody surgery robe draped over his arm, highlighting his rugged yet refined features.
Kim's upwardly turned hooded eyes crinkled at the corners, framing his bright smile. His full cheeks and chiseled jawline accentuated his dashing appearance, complemented by a stylish haircut that added to his intelligent and capable demeanor.
Olivia chuckled, her voice husky from exhaustion. "No one anticipated his vessel would burst, Nurse Kim." She shrugged, and her ebony hair curled out of her neckline, spilling onto her shoulders, her olive skin had a glistened due to the excessive sweat.
Kim's gaze drifted from her eyes to her hair, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "When are you going to braid this mess on your head?" he teased.
Olivia playfully rolled her eyes. "Soon enough. I haven't stepped out of this hospital in weeks. Just hope my landlord doesn't sell off my apartment." Her laughter echoed through the corridor.
Kim's smile faltered for a moment, concern flickering across his face. "You should take some time off, Liv. You're running on fumes."
Olivia's expression softened. "I will, soon. Just need to get through this week." She glanced at Kim, their eyes locking in a moment of understanding.
As they walked towards the staff station of the hospital, they both received odd and unwelcoming glances. Most were directed towards Olivia more than Kim. Kim felt a little bit uncomfortable with the mean glances and muffled gossips around.
Olivia on the other hand wasn't fazed, she had been in Korea for at least two years and had finally grown thick skin towards the racism of some of the staff workers in the hospital. She for one knew very well the reason for the glances and muffled gossips. It was because of the several achievements she had accomplished in a short period of time.
"Dr. Lee's protégée," someone muttered, loud enough to be heard.
Olivia's eyes flickered, but she didn't acknowledge the comment. Kim, on the other hand, bristled, his jaw clenched.
On arriving at the staff station, they found an elderly man reviewing patient charts. He was a neat plain white medical coat and his inner wear was a pale blue scrub. By the side of his coat was his identification card which read Doctor Do Lee. His expression turned warm as they approached.
"Olivia, Kim, good work today," Dr. Lee said, his voice a soothing balm amidst the tension.
"Thank you, sir," Olivia replied, her voice even.
Dr. Lee's gaze swept the area, his eyes narrowing at the subtle hostility. "Ignore them, Olivia. Your skills and dedication speak louder than petty gossip."
Kim nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on Olivia's, admiration and respect shining within.
"You're truly like your father, Olivia Gilbert." Dr Lee commented. "Due to your swift emergency protocol we were able to save another patient. I am truly grateful for service." He bowed politely.
"It wasn't all me. If it weren't for your daughter who administered an emergency first aid he would be dead. Do-hee has potential." Olivia smiled turning back to the nurse's door. Do-hee stepped in looking tired and fatigued, glancing at Olivia a shy smile stretched her face. She was very fond of Olivia and even looked up to her as a mentor.
"I see." Dr Lee said as his eyes narrowed down and stared at his daughter with calculative eyes. "I'll be off now."
Do-hee looked sad and a little bit inferior, her head was held low as her father walked out of the room. Olivia looked a little bit guilty, she felt like she was the gap between a father and a daughter.
Suddenly, the hospital's director, Dr. Park, emerged from the doo, his expression stern.
"Dr. Olivia Edwards, may I have a word?" Dr. Choi asked, his tone formal.
Olivia's heart skipped a beat. What now?
Olivia's POV
I gulped in a whole lot of saliva as I made my way to Doctor Park's office. I could hear my own heartbeat loudly in my ears. I wouldn't lie I was a little bit terrified by him. He didn't by any chance hide his disdain towards me.
I stared at his back which seemed like a large wall that was impossible to climb. This was much more than the mountain I have endured and perserved.
I passed a few doctors who all gazed at me with envy and anger. I didn't really mind though, I would if I was a year younger but not anymore. If there was anything I learnt from my stay here, it was definitely the fact not everyone would accept the way you are. It wasn't because I was in a foreign country, I mean I still experienced it while I was in my country.
I decided to love myself for who I am, accept the acknowledgement of those who saw my worth and ignore the spiteful behaviors of those who weren't happy with my existence. But that wasn't the case for Mr Park.
If for anything, I needed his acknowledgement more than ever. I needed my International Medical Graduate certificate, and this man was amongst the board members who supervised the program. This was a year and three months, I really hoped for good news this year. I'd be honest I missed home so much.
"Doctor Olivia," his stern gruff voice echoed in the hallway. My brows furrowed when he took another route which led to the Pediatric section of the hospital.
"Yes sir." I answered politely, but still couldn't see he wasn't satisfied with my answer.
"I heard you reapplied for the IMG program this year as well." My smile faltered and nervousness gradually crawled in.
"Yes sir, I did." I replied calmly though there was a turbulent wave of fear coaxing in my veins.
"I see." He said. A few nurses bowed to him as we stepped into the section. My eyes trailed the area, it smelled a lot different from the main hospital. A sad smile stretched my lip when a little boy in a wheelchair wheeled towards us. He looked pale skinned and his eyes sagged. I could tell by appearance he had little time left in the world.
"Do you think you would pass this year?" Mr Park's question was like a bolt in my chest. It sounded more like a threat than a question. I stared at him a little bit dazed and confused.
"I-I have high hopes for myself sir." I tried to sound confident, I wasn't going to cower at his presence like I did last year. I needed to stead my feet and hold up my cross.
"Well don't," he retorted a little bit harshly. He turned to face me, His sharp, slanting eyes seemed to bore into my soul, framed by deep creases etched on his pale, aging face. His wrinkled face and fallen cheeks folded in unswerving hate, and his stern, gruff voice only added to the intimidation. Wire-rimmed glasses magnified his piercing gaze, making me shift uncomfortably.
"Let me be clear, I have no intention of graduating you. Do you really think you have a chance this year as well? Don't be so full of yourself," he nodded slowly. "Your father's fame is not yours to feed on and bend for favor."
I felt literally slapped with words. Yes my Father, Doctor Gilbert Harrison was truly an outstanding medical personnel. He had won at least nine international awards, one of which was given to him by the same man who stood in front of me.
"Go back to your nest little bird." He had a mild smirk which eluded mockery. "Your wings aren't strong yet."
My hands held each other tightly for support. I think tears were already blurring my sight but I sucked them in. I didn't forfeit most of my childhood to give up, I didn't tirelessly work hard in college to fall, I didn't travel halfway across the world to return empty handed. I was way too high up in this mountain to stumble, to cower, to fall. Holding up my head high, I smiled proudly and replied.
"How else can my wings get strong if I don't leave my nest? The little bird must leave her nest to grow. Like I said sir, I have high hopes for myself this year." I bowed deeply. "I have a patient to attend to in a few minutes, thank you for time sir."
I walked away hurriedly before my newly found resolve melts away.
Do-hee POV
I stepped out of the rooftop access door, the gently breeze of spring wiped my hair on my face. In my hand was a wrapped sandwich and a cup of ice tea, perfect for lunch after an emergency surgery. This was my resting place, I enjoyed seating on the helipad while watching the bustling street of Seoul, Korea.
I gently tucked in the lose strands of my hair and made my way to the yellow marks on the roof. I arranged my clothes as I sat gently on the center line on the h sign. I felt a little bit down today, maybe I am still bothered about my father's thoughts towards me.
Seeing as Olivia's good words about me still didn't please him troubled my heart. How I wish he could truly be happy for me. I mean, I gave up on my dreams just to be the best daughter for him. Yet nothing I do seems to make him smile.
"Crying again." I quickly wiped off my tears and stuffed in my sandwich. "Oh please don't, I'm not hungry anyway."
"Yoon-ji." I gasped when she sat beside me. Her long black hair waved down her shoulders and her beautiful vixen eyes looked ready for mischief, she had a smirk on her face that already signalled trouble. She was truly a beauty and yet a troublemaker.
"Isn't it a shame, a father admires and sings the praises of another man's child while he is disgusted toward his." Her rose lips were known to spit only harsh words and mockery on the unfortunate. Isn't it a good day for her. I was her prey today.
"What do you want?" I asked sternly while glaring at her and gripping my lunch. Yoon-ji looked oblivious and smiled reassuringly.
"Oh come on, I am only here to make you feel better." Lies, I yelled internally. "I heard, doctor Olivia will be rejected this year."
"Yeah right," I scoffed and packed up my things. I wasn't going sit here and entertain her gossips.
"You don't believe me." She held my hand and pulled me right before I stood up. "Listen I heard from one of the nurses in the pediatric section. She said Doctor Park wasn't going to recommend her certificate."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes in disgust. "And what is so good about it?" I asked unfazed by her words. She looked a little bit annoyed, perfect, I wasn't going to feed on her hate for someone. "If you have nothing more to do why not take a leave and head out with your kind."
"Really?" She rolled her eyes. "don't you see this is a perfect chance to finally frustrate that thorn in the neck out of here." She smiled. My lips gaped to form an O. I have known yoon-ji for years now, she was definitely putting up with a farce. She mingle with people who have the same interests like her, once you don't fit into her world, she throws a fit.
"And what makes you think I'm interested?" I forcefully pulled my hand away from hers and stood up. "You really need to get your head out of the ground. You're a nurse, what ever is going on with Doctor Olivia is absolutely none of your business. Grow up already." I walked towards the door when I heard her scream angrily.
"Aren't you tired of her pushing her weight around?!" Couldn't she try to sound mature? "Just because her father was a famous foreign doctor doesn't make her star."
"So that's where the thorn lies." I turned to her with a smirk. "No one said you can't use your father to push your weight around, neither does it mean you can't be a star." I rolled my eyes and walked away. Listening to people like yoon-ji could rot my brain.
"Fine, keep dancing in her shadows." Yoon-ji snorted behind me.
THIRD PERSON POV
Yoon-ji breathe in and out heavily, she tried to calm her nerves but the thought of Olivia made her blood boil. She didn't have hatred towards Olivia because of her achievements in the hospital. It was all because of one sensitive reason.
'Kim Seung-kim'