Hannah met seven other staff members and six other nurses at the clinic. In addition to Ashton, who specialized in pediatrics, there were several other doctors: a general practitioner, a dentist, and an internist.
The staff and nurses were welcoming and made Hannah feel at home on her first day. Once the introductions were over, she got to work. Nothing was too challenging; she had to get some financial reports in order.
As she was concentrating on her work, there was a knock on the partially open door.
“Good morning, Hannah!” Ashton greeted her from the doorway of the administration room, poking his head in.
Hannah rose quickly and nodded respectfully. “Good morning, sir.”
Ashton raised an eyebrow and stepped further into the room with a sigh. “I’m not a ‘sir’ or a businessman. Just call me ‘Doc’ or, better yet, Ashton.”
“I’m sorry,” Hannah chuckled. “Doc.”
Ashton pointed a finger at her. “Ashton.”
“Doc Ashton.”
Ashton laughed heartily. “All right, whatever you want. Just keep up the enthusiasm, not just on the first day.”
“Yes, Doc,” Hannah saluted him.
“Oh, by the way, I don’t have your phone number.” Ashton pulled his phone out of his white coat. “What’s your number?”
Hannah paused, momentarily forgetting her new phone number. She’d even created a new email. Quickly, she dug into her pocket, pulled out her phone, and showed him her number.
“New number?” Ashton asked.
Hannah nodded. “Couldn’t use my old one. Different country.”
“You’re right.” Ashton nodded and typed in her number. “Okay, see you later.”
Ashton left the room and disappeared behind the door. Hannah took a deep breath. It was a quiet morning, but there was a lingering feeling inside her.
Since she had lost her old number, she could no longer contact Susan. She considered searching for Susan online but had a conversation with Elizabeth that morning.
…
They were having breakfast when Elizabeth placed a phone box and a new number on the table. Hannah looked at her in confusion, but Elizabeth handed her the phone.
“This is your new phone and number,” Elizabeth said.
“But…”
“I’ll take care of your ID and other documents. You just focus on your pregnancy and your new job,” Elizabeth interrupted.
Hannah nearly cried, again touched by Elizabeth’s kindness, which she didn’t know how to repay.
“Thank you, Elizabeth,” Hannah said emotionally.
“I want you to put all of Summerhill behind you, Hannah,” Elizabeth said.
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.”
“You’re starting a new life here, and I think staying in touch with people from Summerhill would only distract you,” Elizabeth explained.
Hannah didn’t argue because of all Elizabeth had done for her but because Elizabeth’s words made sense.
“If you’re still in touch with Susan, you’ll hear about Alden, Sarah, and everyone else there. Whether you deny it or not, those things will come up,” Elizabeth paused. “It’ll make it hard for you to move on, and you’ll just sink into bitterness.”
“I-I…”
“It’s not that I want to end your friendship with Susan, but it might be better if you focused on finding peace here. This is the right place to make a fresh start.”
Elizabeth’s reasoning made sense. Hannah’s life would not be peaceful if she remained connected to the people of Summerhill, especially now that she was officially divorced.
Alden would soon be moving on as well, trying to forget her.
And if Hannah heard what Alden was doing without her, it would only destroy her.
“All right, Elizabeth. Thanks for the advice,” Hannah said.
“Now, finish your breakfast. You have to go to work soon, don’t you?”
…
Hannah exhaled again and shook off her thoughts. Just as she was about to concentrate on her work again, another knock was at her door. Ashton entered, holding several bottles of vitamins.
“Have you been taking vitamins?” Ashton asked.
Hannah nodded. “Well, Elizabeth actually gave me supplements and vitamins.”
“Ah, okay.” Ashton grinned. “Just don’t take too many; that’s not good either. But if you run out, let me know, and I’ll get you more.”
It was only her first day, but getting this kind of special treatment felt a little strange. Maybe Ashton was being friendly because Hannah was Elizabeth’s friend-after all, Elizabeth was Ashton’s mother’s friend.
“Doc, I don’t want to use the clinic’s supplies. It doesn’t feel right,” Hannah admitted honestly.
“No worries, Hannah. The staff here can receive vitamins and medication, which is part of their rights. Don’t feel uncomfortable.”
“Really?”
“It’s a clinic, Hannah. It would seem odd if our staff didn’t get insurance from us.”
Hannah smiled. “Thank you, Doc.”
“So, take these vitamins, okay?”
*
Once the clinic opened, it was pretty busy. Hannah noticed that most of the patients were from low-to middle-income backgrounds. This puzzled her; the clinic’s quality medicines came at affordable prices that might not cover the clinic’s costs.
At noon, Hannah left her office to discuss something with Ashton, who was on his way to her office.
“Doc, I wanted to talk to you about something,” Hannah said.
“Sure. Let’s talk over lunch.”
Ashton replied casually and walked toward the clinic’s front door, leaving Hannah speechless. She had planned to talk after lunch. Hannah had hoped to bond with the other staff, but she was unexpectedly going to lunch with Ashton.
“But, Doc…”
“What would you like to eat? There’s a great Italian place two blocks from here or a fantastic Vietnamese place across the street,” Ashton interrupted enthusiastically.
Hannah resigned herself. “Vietnamese sounds good, Doc.”
They left the clinic and waited to cross the busy street.
“There’s a sign here to keep cars under 20 kilometers per hour,” Ashton complained.
“Yeah, but not everybody pays attention, Doc.”
“True,” Ashton nodded. “Oh, it’s clear now. Let’s go, Hannah.”
Suddenly, Ashton took Hannah’s hand and led her across.
Hannah felt a shiver run through her.
What was wrong with this doctor? Why did he act so impulsively? After all, they barely knew each other!