At ODDS - Chapter 6

Chapter 6
REVELATIONS

Jay just couldn't believe it. What Chuck Ventura told her really stunned her. In the latest hospital board meeting, Arnie Marin was convinced to life the suspension on her and topped to that, he even told them that "She is a priceless asset." And the "More doctors should be like her." She was seated in the bar of the house talking to Chuck over the phone.
Chuck went, "He even said that the board should put all your bad marks behind."
"What!" This was a real surprise. Jay wasn't used to letting her skeletons be exposed. "Like what did he exactly say?"
"He just said that, the hospital didn't make any mistakes when it got you to work here."
"Anything else?" Jay just wanted to be sure she knew everything. She knew there was something else the board discussed. Something Chuck was keeping from her.
There was a slight pause at the other line. "The issue of you getting your job here because of your father's connections with the hospital and his past position in the government was raised."
Jay felt silent. Her father was once a governor and knew the chairman of the hospital board. It was something she was quite embarrassed of. Actually, the hospital wanted someone else but she had the connections. Jay said goodbye to Chuck and she hung up. It was really depressing. Just as she was mooning over her thoughts, the doorbell rang. It was a delivery boy with a package. She approached the door. To her surprise, it was not a package but a bouquet of flowers.
The sweet scent overwhelmed her as she appreciated the beauty of the blending colors. She signed the receipt and took the bouquet in. It was accompanied by a card which had, printed in its cover the large word "PEACE." It was so surprising to hear from Arnie Marin. He was trying to make peace pact and was inviting her over for dinner the next day. Jay didn't know how to react. He seemed sincere in his efforts to mend their misunderstanding. She still didn't know whether she would go or send an RSVP.

At ODDS - Chapter 5

Chapter 5
Making Amends

The country club was the only place Jay could go to. At this point in time, she was glad everything was over. The malpractice suit against her was dropped, and also, there was a public apology from Arnie Marin. Even then, she still felt alienated and ashamed. Everywhere she went, there were people looking at her like she came from Mars. She was still thinking of resigning and transferring to the city. That way, she can start over again. She even thought of selling the house. Now that was another reason why she was in the club. She just met with a realtor friend and had something worked out regarding the sale of her property.
She had just finished her lunch and went to her Range Rover to get her gear and then to the shooting range for rifling later afternoon. She was going to release all her tension and anger through all those bullets. She reached her car and took her gear. As she closed the tailgate, she throat clear behind her.
"Hello, Doctor." It was the deep, husky voice of Arnie Marin.
Jay's response was flat, and cold, "Hello yourself."
"Look, I thought we already buried the hatchet. Why is it that I see a lot of ire in you?"
Jay looked at her clothes. "I don't see any." She motioned to walk away but after two steps, a strong hand grasped her arm. This time, the grasp was gentle.
"Please, Doctor. I am someone who can't rest easy until I know the person I've wronged forgives me. I have so much to thank you for. You saved my brother's life and that means a lot to me. My brother is very important to me. He's the only family I have left. Please understand if sometimes I trudge on other people. I normally don't."
"Sure you don't. I thought aristocratic people did." Jay's sarcasm was really burning.
"I know I've caused you a lot of shame. And I am really sorry. It's not excuse, but I'm just very protective of the people I really care about."
Jay looked at him. He seemed sincere enough. "I see that. Now please let go of me. I have to go and shoot."
Arnie released his grip on her arm and gave out a wan smile. For the first time since their first encounter, she saw his anger-filled eyes brightened. His eyes now were not the usual dagger-stabbing eyes but more of the humorous crescents. She was compelled to lighten up and return the same wan superficial smile but she just looked at him blankly.

- Para sa aking mga mambabasa, ipagpaumanhin po ninyo ang paputol-putol kong pagpopost ng katuluyan ng nobelang ito sa kadahilanang maraming ginagawa ang inyong lingkod. Maraming Salamat Po.