Kirkland's Private Clinic: Open

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"I see." Alistair concluded. "You were granted a special scholarship, correct? One of free lodging and tuition at a medical school?"

Oscar's brow furrowed. Indeed he had been given such an unreal opportunity. One that he never dared to mention. But if this man knew of the special treatment, it would explain the years of resentment.

"Do you know who granted you that scholarship?" Alistair continued.

Oscar shook his head. "I've had a few guesses, but no. I do not."

Alistair grinned widely. "Well then, it's time to meet that someone." gesturing his hand to behind Oscar’s seat.

Turning his head, he saw an old yet familiar face. “Dr. Clarkson?” Alistair’s father? But why?

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Oscar stared out the hospital’s window, feeling hollow, stiffed, and parched. His arms were tied to each side of the bed to prevent further harm. Neck placed with a brace to prevent movement as it recovered. The doctors and staff stood just outside, whispering back and forth of the strange teen. The guardian was furious at Arthur's trespassing and had planned to sue despite saving his friend’s life.

A doctor who overheard the commotion, approached the child. He spoke gently, asking basic questions. Oscar merely made small sounds to the yes and no questions. “If you were able to start life all over, what would your dream be?” 

Such a particular thing to ask someone who just attempt at suicide, yet it sparked something. “I want- to help people.” he replied in a hoarse tone, still fixated on the window. This was something he had thought of before after tending the many scrapes and cuts Arthur showed up at each visit. “A doctor.”

[THIS PAGE IS SKIP-ABLE!!! READ AT OWN RISK]

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[This portion of the story contains sensitive material. Trigger Warnings for suicide, abuse, depression, and blood]

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Alistair broke through his train of thought. “I'll admit, my initial intent wasn’t pure.” he relieved a soft sigh as though he had truly weighed out his actions. “However, I came to realize I practically know nothing about you and your past. I would like nothing more than to fix that.”

The doctor’s eyes blinked for a few seconds before the waitress arrived with their orders and placed them before them. He thanked the young girl before continuing to reflect. “What would you like to know?”

“Let’s start with the beginning, your childhood? What were some precious moments?” Bringing the tea to his lips, gently blowing off the steam.

Oscar added a cube or two into his cup and stirred. “When I was fairly young, most of my fondest memories were of my mother. She was very kind and patient…” eyes sullen while replaying the events. “The first few years weren’t so bad, but it wasn't too long for finances to catch up. She literally worked herself to death, trying to raise me. She was unable to afford a sitter or childcare. Some days that meant staying home alone to myself to watch tv. Other days she’d wait till I was asleep to work overnight shifts, with no rest for days.” He placed the spoon to the side, staring back at the hot liquid. “Despite all of that, she would greet me with smiles and often hand me a butterscotch she got from a co-worker, just to ensure that everything would be alright...” He took a sip.

"Were there any other family members? You're father, perhaps?" He inquired curiously.

"There were a few times I did stay with my uncle’s family. I've gotten close to my youngest cousin. But they were unable to watch me for extensive periods for their own reasons. Unfortunately my uncle and aunt have passed on. Not long after my mother."

“I am sorry to hear that.”

Oscar shook his head. “As for my father- I only know that she met him as a one night stand. She had long since lost contact with him.” His face grimaced. “It’s because of that fact that I ended up in the custody of that man.”

Alistair could sense the bitterness from the last statement, nonetheless, he pressed on the conversation. “And is it because of this man for the injury?” bringing back the former topic.

His body tensed up as he thought back on the day.

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"Now I believe there was something you wish to discuss with me... Alistair?" There was a bit of sternest in his tone. For he had been quite skeptical of this meeting since the invitation. The two had not gotten along all that well since their internships at the hospital. The elder gentleman had often made it publicly clear of his disapproval of Oscar's position. However, today that man gave off a friendly aura, driving up the level of uneasiness. Surely this was all some sort of ploy.

Waitress arrives for their orders. Oscar orders chamomile tea.

The other man orders a scone and a cup of earl grey tea.

"Ah, straight to the point like always." he sighed with slight disappointment. "I merely stumbled upon some interesting information about you recently-"

Oscar's back straightened. What could he have possibly found? Was this going to be used for blackmail?

Sensing his discomfort he added. "I'm aware I haven't been all that kind in the past, but rest assured, nothing discussed here will leave the table."

Oscar studied the doctor carefully before accepting. "Alright."

"That neck-" He gestured to his own in reflection to Oscar's. "It's a deep scar, is it not? Such a wound would require serious medical treatment. You've had it throughout your medical studies and yet all physical records of such a thing mysteriously are wiped clean."

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“Ah! There you are! I was starting to think you were declining my invite. Come now, have a seat.”

“You are looking well, Oscar. Not pushing yourself hard running the clinic are you?”

“Seeing how rare it is for you to invite me anywhere, who am I to refuse this little meeting.

My clinic is running just fine. You appear to be well too, Dr. Clarkson. Owning a Hospital hasn’t sent you to an early grave I see.”