Chapter Two

Daisy.

Nightmares have become a constant part of my nights, which is why I love spending my evenings elsewhere—somewhere I can stay awake, knowing no one is going to come for me.

I have been in hiding for so long, yet that night continues to haunt me. I’ve done everything possible to help me forget that day, but the blood and those eyes—those lifeless eyes staring right into mine—are memories I can't easily erase.

I’ve been running and hiding for so long that sometimes I can’t help but wonder how much longer I can keep this up before they find me.

With a tired sigh, I turned on the faucet, washed my face, and then grabbed a towel to dry off. I pulled my hair into a messy bun before going through my morning routine as usual.

The sound of someone knocking hard on my door pulled me from my thoughts, and I stepped out of the bathroom. I walked to the door and opened it without asking who it was; there was no need. I already knew who was standing there and why she was here. Just like I expected, Isabel stood in front of my room wearing nothing but panties.

Her bleached blonde hair was messy and littered with some whitish substance I preferred not to think about. Isabel was a short but plump woman with nice curves, yet she used them for all the wrong reasons. She was friendly when I first moved in, but after a few months of knowing each other, I can only describe her as someone difficult to get along with.

“Look, Isabel, I have no money to spare today,” I said before she could speak.

I was thoroughly broke this period so the last thing I want is to lend someone the little I have.

She gasped in surprise, as if that wasn’t going to be her opening line. “Good morning to you too, Daisy,” she said, regaining her composure.

I tried not to roll my eyes as I greeted her back.

“What do you want?” I asked, noticing that she hadn’t yet said anything else.

Her lips curled into a condescending smile, and I knew whatever she was about to say would irritate me.

“I wanted to know when you’re leaving for work?” she asked, leaving me confused.

With a raised eyebrow, I responded, “What work?”

Last I remembered, I didn’t have any work today—thankfully, today was one of my days off.

Isabel frowned as she glanced behind me into my room. I instinctively pulled the door closer, just enough to let my head peek out.

“It’s Monday, Daisy, and you always go to work on Mondays,” Isabel replied. At first, I thought she must be going mad because how could she say today is Monday when it’s Sunday?

But then it registered in my brain. Shit! I intended to close the door and hurry back inside to get ready for work, but she placed her hand on the door to stop me.

“You haven’t answered me yet, Daisy,” she said again, wearing that overly sweet yet suspicious smile.

With a sigh, I responded, “What do you want?”

“I was thinking, maybe you could let my boyfriend and me use your room for today.” I frowned but stayed silent.

“We’ve had sex all over my room, and now it’s starting to feel like a chore and less entertaining. We thought it might be fun to try somewhere new, and we figured your room would be perfect, right, baby?” My eyes snapped to her door, and I immediately regretted it when her boyfriend stepped out—completely naked.

Fucking hell!

Isn't there a word called ‘shame’ and ‘decency’ in their dictionary? I can't have these two people flashing me every single day.

I quickly averted my gaze back to Isabel, who seemed unfazed by her boyfriend’s nudity.

“I think you should leave, Isabel,” I said as politely as I could.

The last thing I wanted was to start a fight with her this morning—something she was clearly looking for.

She frowned, a familiar angry look appearing on her face. “You haven’t answered my question—”

“There’s nothing to say, Isabel. There’s no way I’m letting you and him into my room. If you want a new place to explore, then go to a fucking orgy or a sex dungeon or whatever.” I spoke out of spite, but to my surprise, my words didn’t faze her.

Instead of getting angry at my suggestion, her eyes lit up.

“Why didn't I think of that? That’s perfect!” She said, with so much glee.

I walked back inside and closed the door behind me, not waiting to hear what she would say next. I stood in the middle of my room, feeling sick at the thought of what she had just suggested.

****

I rushed down the hallway, putting on my lab coat and packing my hair into a bun as I neared my supervisor's office.

Fuck, I was running late! If I were lucky enough, maybe I could sneak past my supervisor's office without getting caught—

“You're late, Daisy!” Her loud voice echoed through the hallway.

I looked behind me to ensure no one was following and let out a sigh of relief when I saw no one. I was all too familiar with being berated in front of my colleagues, but I wasn’t ready for that today, so I was glad there was no one around.

With a forced smile, I walked into her office.

As always, she wore the same scowl on her face, her fitted glasses perched on her nose. Victoria Ashford was exactly who she believed herself to be—fierce and hard-working. Although at times she could be a pain in the ass, overall she was lovely when she wanted to be.

“Good morning, Mrs. Ashford. I hope you had a nice night,” I said, maintaining my smile and blinking rapidly.

Her expression didn’t change. She dropped the file she was holding and folded her arms on top of her desk, visibly unimpressed.

“My night wasn’t nice, Daisy. I had to watch a kid die because her parents were too ignorant to realize she wasn’t fine!” she snapped, and I recoiled slightly.

Now I understand why she was upset this morning; the loss of a child would do that to anyone. Despite our best efforts to prevent any child from dying, we know it isn’t always possible. Being a pediatrician means we have to be ready for everything.

With the smile wiped from my face, I bowed my head and said, “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Ashford.” There was nothing I could do, but I felt I should at least say something.

I knew how she must be feeling right now because not even three months into my training, a baby girl named Eunice, with whom I had bonded, had died. Days like that are hard to forget, but for the sake of the other kids here, we try to move on.

“That doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you for being late, Daisy. This is the fourth time this week you’ve arrived late,” she grumbled.

I knew.

I was always late to work due to having nightmares, and for the past few days, they had become constant.

“I promise this will be the last time, Mrs. Ashford,” I swore, crossing my fingers behind my back.

I didn’t truly believe it would be the last time.

She stared at me with a scowl before waving her hand for me to leave.

I blew her a kiss and rushed out to my office. It wasn’t just mine; I shared the office with two other doctors, and my amazing best friend, Mariana. Speaking of Mariana, I looked around the office and frowned when I didn’t see her; I hope it wasn’t what I was thinking though.

Since I was late and had no time to think, I waved the thought off. I know she is fine.

“Good morning, everyone,” I greeted the nurse and the doctors inside before grabbing my things and heading out to check on my patients. From the looks of things, today was going to be a long day and I'm ready for it.