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– Jodha –

"YES, DIYA MA. I'VE told you this so many times. I will visit you as soon as I can."

Holding my phone to my ear with one hand, I finagle my purse on one shoulder and my duffle bag and lunch bag with my free hand as I scurry towards the entrance of Forks Community Hospital.

It's always a rush every morning and this Friday is no different, down to the incessant squawking from my precious godmother.

"It's been so long since I've seen you, girl," Diya Ma crooned, oblivious to my struggle to get signed in and greeting fellow nurses manning the station. "That job is keeping you away too long. God knows why your parents wanted to move so far away!"

I grin, finally making it to my desk where I sink into the hard chair. "Seattle is only a few hours away and besides, can I stay away from you too long? July will come all too quickly and then you'll be complaining that I'll be on my way and nothing has been done for my arrival."

A loud giggle erupts from me at Diya Ma's outraged cry and I keep the phone away from my ear as she launches in a volley of Hindi, but I hear the smile behind the words and it lifts my heart.

Fifteen minutes later, I'm in my uniform and ready to take my shift by the horns. I pass the canteen, bumping into my closest friends Alice and Rosalie as they order a quick breakfast.

"Jodha! We've been waiting for you for so long," Alice chirps, fixing the nurse's hat on her head. "There's a lot to discuss with the rest of the group lunch time."

The self-serve espresso machine attracts me and it's relieving to see that the hot chocolate option is back in working order. I grab a Styrofoam cup. "Like what?" The whir of the machine renews my vigour and is enough to get me excited about the day ahead.

"It's Friday!" Rose chimes in, unwrapping her sandwich and chomping off a big bite, muffling her next words. "Dinner and karaoke at the pub."

Alice hums, a twinkle in her puckish eyes. "Maybe some dancing to end things off."

I laugh, nervous. I've never been big on outings but my Fridays tend to usually be fun-filled. From bar hopping in Port Angeles to Saturday shopping sprees, I've never had a moment to catch my breath between these two. Luckily, Bella and Esme always manage to act as welcome buffers which means I'm not swept away in their luxurious and lavish way of living.

"Or maybe Bella and Esme may opt for something different," she added, pursing her lips and tilting a dainty shoulder upwards.

I grab my cup of hot chocolate from the machine, hissing at the immediate shock of heat. "Actually, I was on my way to see Esme. Do you think she's here yet?"

Rosalie's eyes roll heavenward. "Ms. Workaholic is always here. Come on, let's go see her, quickly."

We patter towards the elevators, leaving a few of the other older employees to watch after us. We became accustomed to it over the last few months, being the youngest group of employees to have joined the hospital in a long time. Alice and Rose never failed to turn heads wherever they went, despite the large rocks for wedding rings sparkling on their fingers. Even Bella, who is engaged to golden boy Edward Masen, still attracts many fellows in the populace of Forks.

Luckily for me, it's easy dodge the attention and focus on garnering actual respect for my work but damn, a girl can't help but feel envious once in a while.

Especially where the handsome, elusive Doctor Carlisle Cullen is concerned. The only man who can probably get me to ignore my work and cater to his every need. Having been covering shifts for others in the coronary care unit in the last year, I get to see and work with him occasionally – but never stepping past my boundaries as I see so many desperate nurses do when in his presence. I can leave him alone, satisfied to appreciate his work ethic and level of care he provides from a distance.

And his gorgeous, taut body that fit snug in his suit and doctor's coat proved to be excellent eye candy.

Before the fantasies get too far, I chuck him out of my mind and focus on the task at hand.

● ● ●

ESME IS SITTING AT her desk, rummaging through the mountain of files that are piled on her desk. She passes a hand through her loosely curled, caramel hair as she inhales deeply with closed eyes – immediately reopening them when we knock and enter.

Recently being awarded the position of Head Nurse is a feat that many women would balk at but not Esme. She is capable of making sound, wise decisions and her leadership style makes her such a good fit and completely deserving of her new post. Being the mother hen of our group surely gave her a lot of practice, even with her natural patience. The glue that binds us all together even in times of misunderstanding and miscommunication, and now would help us maintain an efficient workflow. We could not have been luckier.

I smile to myself, sipping my hot chocolate, as she stands to greet us with warmth. "Good morning, ladies. What's up? Where's Bella?"

"No idea," we respond in unison.

"Probably locked up in a supply closet somewhere with her fiancée," Rose adds, shaking her head in contemplative appreciation.

Esme chuckles as Alice and I make exaggerated noises of disgust. It wouldn't be the first time our friend has done something like this but it seems that taking such a risk at the workplace is odd and not worth the effort.

Even if I am willing to do anything to end up in such a situation with the handsome Doctor Cullen.

I turn to Esme, a tad concerned for her wellbeing. "Is everything going well, Ms. Head Nurse?"

"As well as it can," she sighed, her last few words ending on a small laugh. "There's something I want to talk to you girls about but not now." She glances at me particularly, making me think that there is some underlying meaning in her words but I pay no heed – my attention forced on Alice's enthusiasm.

The petite ravenette throws her hands in the air and plops onto a chair. "Time to plan our evening outing! Dress code, semi-casual."

"Oh boy." Esme sits again, rolling her chair backwards to rest her arms on her lap. "As long as there are hot wings and draft beer available then I'm in."

I hum in agreement. "I second that motion."

"Gluttons," Rose teased, "always thinking about your bellies."

"Says the girl who just ate a sandwich in three bites," I retort, sticking my tongue at her – almost spilling my cup as I rush to Esme's side when she feigns a swipe at me.

Her reddened, outraged face makes me laugh. It's always a treat when the ice queen gets hot under the ears. "Hey, it was tiny!"

Alice huffed, tapping her foot. "Can we focus, please? We got the semi-casual look; we got the hot wings and beer."

"Maybe we should add the dancing," I say.

Esme puts an arm around my waist. "Yes, our outings have been mundane lately. I think dancing would really jazz it up."

Rose snorted. "Oh please, we all know ever since we told you about Jodha's insane dancing skills last week you've been dying to see it yourself."

My cheeks heat as I try to counter the statement but no words come out. Esme grins, pulling me closer to her as we share a slight hug.

"I won't mind that. As long as I get to dance too."

Truly, out of all the women in the group, my trust in and overall connection with Esme is the strongest. I knew, despite her jest, she'd shield me from the worst the girls expected me to do.

● ● ●

– Carlisle –

SLIPPING MY COAT ON and fixing the stethoscope around my neck, I rush to the ER where a cardiac patient was due any minute. Many serious cases didn't afflict the town's residents but when it did, it usually tended to be a close to lethal scenario. Perhaps when a strict treatment and health regime wasn't followed. The percentage of persons who preferred alternative medicine was far and few and this patient is one of them.

I just hope she can be saved before it's too late.

Nurse Absalom and Nurse McCarty were already at the forefront, waiting to jump into action as soon as the ambulance rolls in.

"How long ago was that call?" I ask, checking my watch.

Nurse Absalom turns to me, worry etched on her face. "Ten minutes ago, Doctor. She was at the grocer's when it happened. They should be close by already."

At her words, sirens blare in the distance and soon enough, the ambulance arrives. Mere minutes later, we're rolling a crying, gasping and groaning Mrs. Brady to get checked out.

"No drugs," she wheezes out, clutching Nurse Absalom's hand in a seemingly painful grip. "No drugs, please. Don't let him put drugs in me."

Nurse Absalom rests her other hand atop the lady's sweat-laden forehead, her voice and words light and comforting. "Don't worry, Mrs. Brady. Doctor Cullen is wonderful. He'll give you exactly what you need, hm? Don't worry at all. You're in the most capable hands."

My head whips up and I stare at her, my brows furrowing. Anyone who knows me well enough will know that my intolerance for foolishness has established my reputation as asshole of the hospital. To describe me as wonderful, when all I want to do is tell this woman that she will die if she fucks with her life, seems incongruent.

Nevertheless, Nurse Absalom's words calms her long enough before she is rolled into the OR.

● ● ●

HOURS LATER, I'M ALL scrubbed out and bone tired. Stabilizing and treating Mrs. Brady almost proved to be a disaster but I'm nothing if not determined to make my patients live.

It's already evening, the orange-yellow hues fading into indigo. Cracking the window open, the surprisingly warm breeze refreshes me. For some odd reason, Miss Absalom's earlier words about me echoes in the annals of my mind. A part of me believes that she only said it to ensure the lady's compliance. Hard to believe anyone in this damn place would think otherwise.

My office is a much-needed reprieve after such a lengthy operation and the coffee doesn't quite satisfy my hunger pangs. Before I can decide if to order from the canteen and stay through the night, a few gentle raps on the door greets me.

"Come in."

Nurse Absalom pops her head in, dressed in casual clothing as she probably heads out for the evening. She wears a kind smile on her face as she approaches my desk, her dark hair falling in waves around her shoulders.

One of the many nurses deserving of my respect for her impeccable work ethic and astuteness, Nurse Absalom carries out her duties with an utmost dedication rarely seen. Ever since she joined my unit a few months ago, she brought with her an infectious joy and lightness that inspired my patients and boosted their morale to work towards healthier living. The recent spike in the rate of recovery seemed too good to be true.

The odd thing was that, she isn't quite special in any way. She kept herself natural. Plain. And while she is incredibly kind, most people are in Forks. Yet all of the patients gravitated towards her; their days were not complete without her checking up on them. Her topics of conversation apparently charming them. Some of them also called her the angel of the ward, especially the older males.

An understated, soft-spoken little thing whom everyone gave importance and unquestionable respect.

What an anomaly.

"Hello, Doctor. I hope I wasn't disturbing you." She holds up a brown paper bag and the smells emanating from it were nothing short of divine. My stomach protests louder than before. "I brought this for you." She places it on my desk, slightly stepping back. "My mother is a caterer for Diya's Patisserie so I requested her to assemble a little dinner and dessert for you."

I stand, certain my raised brows showed my surprise. I love the food from that patisserie. "But...why? What was the need?"

She chuckled, looking down at her knotted hands. "It's a little thank you for Mrs. Brady. My family and I are her neighbours and try to be there for her as much as we can. We've been very worried about her, you know, since her husband died."

In spite of myself, I smile – accepting the bag. Not only was I starving but how could I refuse a random act of kindness?

"Thank you, Miss Absalom, but as you are aware, I only did my job."

"I know." She grinned. "But it's still good to show gratitude, Doctor. Especially to the ones who go above and beyond the call of duty."

"Thank you very much then. Tell Mrs. Absalom I really appreciate it."

"Of course." She paused, glancing back up at me. "Will you be joining my friends and I tomorrow night?"

"What's tomorrow night?" Fishing out the bowl of freshly made alfredo pasta, the strong scent of masala makes me salivate. Another peek into the bag gives me immense pleasure to find my favourite pastry in there.

"Oh, I guess Emmett and the other guys haven't spoken to you as yet. They were planning to invite you."

I tear the fork from its plastic packaging, cracking the container open. "Ah. I'm sure those dumbasses will be haggling me when I least expect it."

It's almost difficult not to laugh and feign ignorance at the sliver of shock writ on her face, but I keep it in before she directs another full-toothed smile at me. "Well, I hope you do join us. We had planned for tonight but postponed when I told them about Mrs. Brady."

"Oh, will you be helping out Mrs. Brady when she eventually is discharged?"

"Well, my mom, yes. I'll help out if needed. The others volunteered as well, which was nice."

Too kind. This family is too kind. This girl is too kind. "I'm glad you're keeping an eye out for her. Especially in her continual mourning."

She nods, a somber movement. "Yes. Anyway, I should probably go now. My dad is waiting for me outside. And you must be very hungry."

She saunters to the door, the rhythmic sway of her hips capturing my attention for the briefest moment. Her oversized sweater hints at curve, my mind in overdrive as realization and regret dawns on me. What the hell is wrong with me? "Of course. Have a good night, Miss Absalom."

She turns briefly, awarding me a final polite smile. "Goodnight, Doctor Cullen. I hope you enjoy the food."

"Oh, I will." Her smile touches her eyes when a giggle escapes her lips and then she's gone.

An anomaly indeed.

● ● ●

I'M HEADING OUT OF the hospital, saying goodbye to the receptionist. The visage of her naked, curvaceous body sliding out of my bed last weekend still persists and tempts me to reschedule again but I rein it in just as the guys ambush me from all sides.

"Not trying to avoid us, are you?" Jasper enquires in his Southern lilt.

An emphatic sigh leaves me as they follow me through the automatic doors. "If you're here to invite me for tomorrow night, I'm not interested."

Edward keeps my pace. "Who told you?"

"Miss Absalom did."

"Jodha?"

"Yes, why?" Emmett's bemused tone makes me frown but I don't bother commenting.

"No reason, did she tell you we'll be hitting your favourite watering hole?"

Wolfsbane Pub, a cosy hole-in-the-wall burrowed in a dark but lively corner of the town. Packed every Friday night and even more so during game season. Somehow, knowing they are going there makes my personal familiarity with the place feel less appealing. Emmett's good-natured ribbing and raucous behaviour, Jasper's obscene dancing and Edward's tendency to try to (erroneously) read someone's mind whenever he was tipsy – it would ruin the whole experience and specialty of that place for me.

They loved to play the fool. A shame, really, considering how highly intelligent they are. Edward has the most potential in cardiology while Emmett and Jasper will do extremely well in oncology. If only Doctor Snow could be their mentor again. They excelled for the short period of his tutelage. For married men, their shenanigans tend to precede their work ethics and that will pose a serious problem for those two.

Not that I give a shit anyway.

Wealth and status only served to exacerbate their behaviour and they could do fuck-all as long as they showed ample results from working under us seniors.

I decide to refuse.

Before I can open my mouth, the most angelic voice captures our attention. Heels clicking on the asphalt, the woman I've been eager to see this entire day manages to overwhelm me at the first glance. I'm rendered mute with Esme's strong, soothing presence.

"What are you guys still doing here?" Her smile illuminates her face, putting the silvery crescent above us to shame. I almost miss the skip in my chest at the sight of her glittering brown eyes.

Emmett smirked and shrugged. "Oh, you know, just giving Cullen here the old shakedown."

I love seeing the power she wields over the boys, the only one who can get them in line with just a dignified look. "Well, don't be too hard on him now. He saved a woman's life today. Well done once again, Doctor Cullen. I take it your nurses worked efficiently?"

"Yes, they did. They do. Thank you," I manage to choke out. Her sonorous voice winds its way around every part of me. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. Not a day goes by where I don't imagine her lithe limbs wrapping around my body as my pistoning cock urges her to the brink of ecstasy.

Then why can't I make her mine? What stops me?

"I take it you'll be joining us tomorrow night?"

"Of course." My reply is without thought. If she goes, I go too.

It seems that the guys notice this as well because they give me weird looks. Fumbling with my goodbyes, I unlock my car and I'm speeding out of there as if chased by the hounds of Hell.

I'm spent. Full from my delicious dinner and completely at the mercy of my libidinous thoughts of Esme.

Hating myself with every passing moment.

● ● ●

Word Count: 3147

Accumulated Word Count: 3147

● ● ●

Hey everyone! I have no idea what possessed me to write in first-person POV for this competition, when third-person is my strength but...it's being done. Because I'm masochistic. (Maybe that's why I love Twilight so much, hmmm.)

I really hope the chapter reads well. I spent so much time trying to edit and re-edit and making the voice flow. It's a challenge but I'm taking it in stride as I'm NOT going to rewrite over 4k words in third person. (Chapter 2 is in progress!)

Hopefully, I emerge from the competition a better first-person narrator.

Thanks so much for reading! If you enjoyed this chapter, kindly leave your comments and hit that golden star! It means the world to me when you do.

If you're also doing the competition, all the best and good luck with your entry!

-HEAVEN