Chapter six #2
When I looked in the mirror, all I saw were flushed cheeks, and all I could feel was my heart beating heavily in my chest.
That was when my sanity snapped, and I decided to make damn sure which brother knew I was seeing him tonight.
In the middle of the underground public bathroom, I shrugged out of my winter coat and wriggled out of the classy black dress I was wearing.
An older lady dressed as if trekking to the North Pole hissed audibly behind me.
I glared at her before resuming to stuff my dress in my handbag and put my jacket back on.
When I returned to the platform, Russell was leaning against the wall, tapping at his phone screen. I strode past him, close enough to ensure he heard the clip of my heels on the concrete. He glanced up and moved to walk beside me.
“Five feet,” I said sharply.
“What?”
“Five feet behind. If you're going to persist with this stupid stalking fetish, at least attempt to mimic the real thing.”
Mia rattling my bedroom door interrupts the memory, and before I can shout to her to come in, she bursts into my room. In one hand she’s carrying a bottle of champagne. In the other, she holds two glasses. Clamped under her chin is a small, brown, rectangular envelope.
“These,” she screeches, waving the bottle in the air, “were left outside our door just now. This is for you.” She leans forward, awkwardly offering me the letter with her chin.
“Who left them?”
“I don’t know. The doorbell rang, but by the time I got there, whoever it was was gone.”
I pluck the letter from its place and stare at the typed name and address. The postmark in the top left-hand corner tells me it’s from a private hospital I’ve never stepped foot in, one of those places only people with money go.
From what I’ve read, it was bought by an American investment company around five years ago, one with its fingers in many pies in the UK.
My research told me that other companies under its ownership included advertising and drug manufacturing.
I remember ruling out applying for a position here because I wanted to work and train directly within the National Health Service.
I didn’t want to be a pawn in a conglomerate operation.
Wishful thinking, now that I reminisce of what I hoped would happen.
A year since starting my investigation into becoming a nurse, I’m still dancing at the club after sending multiple applications to colleges, universities, and traineeships.
Maybe I need to be more realistic about the opportunities within this career path too. Beggars can’t be choosers after all.
“Are you waiting on test results or something?” Mia prompts, gesturing at the name—Varley Medical.
“Even if I was, it wouldn’t be from there.”
“What is it then?” she continues, squinting at the envelope as if somehow she can read through the paper.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, bloody open it.” Mia places the two glasses down on my bedside cabinet, then pops the cork on the champagne. “We need to know whether we’re celebrating or commiserating.”
I slide my thumbnail under the flap, slowly lifting the paper from the glue. It pops open, and I pull the mysterious letter into the light. Once unfolded, I stare at the text in complete confusion.
Varley Medical,
London,
E1 8JH
Dear Miss Coleman,
I am delighted to inform you that you have been awarded an offer of employment to undertake your Adult Nursing (BSc) at Varley Medical, London.
Your course, which predominantly includes on-the-job training, will require study at home and in a university setting from September 2023.
Until then, you will gain valuable experience within my ward as a nursing assistant.
Being a private hospital, we can support a flexible work pattern.
If you wish to accept this offer of employment or require further details, please reply to the email address above, so we can confirm your start date for January.
Kind Regards
Dr. Josephine Rivera
Varley Medical
London
“You didn’t tell me you’d applied for a trainee nursing position,” Mia stammers. “Since when did you want to wipe old people’s asses?”
“There’s a lot more to nursing than that, but that is most likely where I would begin.”
I stare at the piece of paper that could change my life, and it all seems too good to be true.
“I didn’t apply for anything recently. The last time I applied was months ago, and I can’t remember completing anything for Varley Medical. I know I didn’t.”
“You must have,” she cries. “Maybe after a few cocktails and you’ve forgotten?”
“Maybe, or…” My thoughts move to the only person I’ve discussed my desire to be a nurse with.
The person in recent weeks who’s listened as I spoke.
Would Connor be influential enough to negotiate an offer of employment and training in an industry I have no qualifications to work in? It seems the only plausible reason.
“Or what?” Mia prompts.
“Nothing. It must be a scam. Even if it isn’t, there’s no way I can afford the tuition. I’ll call them tomorrow and let them know. Someone is probably trying to rip-off students for fees.”
Mia unplugs my phone from its resting place beside my bed and passes it to me.
“Call now. It might not be a con. That letter looks legit. There is a watermark.”
She hands me a glass of champagne, takes her own, then leaves my bedroom, calling over her shoulder, “Once you’ve spoken to them, let me know whether the occasion is a happy one.”
I watch her leave, then dial the number at the top of the letter. I’m one hundred percent certain it’s a scam.
***
Russell
Sitting at my desk in my office, I lean back in my chair with my phone at my ear.
The woman on the other end purrs and chirps like she has a thousand times before.
Dr. Josephine Rivera and I have a history.
Our sexual relationship is now over, but I’ve helped her out enough to know I can call in a favor.
“Thanks again for sorting that out, Josie. Samantha will be delighted with the traineeship offer. I’ll have the full amount transferred as agreed today.”
“Who is this girl, Russ? She must be special if you’re actively helping her pursue a career.”
“Just a woman needing a break in life,” I reply. “And I’m fortunate enough to be able to help.”