Beginning with Forever by Lan LLP Read Free Book Online Page A

up to his warm, soft lips. The hairs on my body rose from the tingling sensation of our touch. I had never been this close to a man before besides for Hayden from high school, but he really didn’t count because we were just immature teenagers. Richard was moving a bit too fast for me, and I didn’t know how to respond to his advances without offending him.
    “It ’s one of the few pieces of jewelry I own. I cherish the meaning behind it.” I slowly retrieved my hand away from his lips as I tried my best to cool the rising heat between us. “Richard, school is my first priority. Everything else will have to wait,” I regretfully broke it down to him.
    “I understand. I know you want to help people,” he sweetly responded.
    “Thanks for u nderstanding.” I was grateful he handed my blow so smoothly. We ended the evening by telling each other personal stories and getting more acquainted as friends over coffee and dessert.
    Richard shares my passion of helping people in need. “My mother taught me to never take anything for granted. ‘We should share our fortune with the less fortunate,’ she would tell us kids over and over again, hoping it would eventually sink in one day.” I saw the obvious admiration he had for her in his piercing blue eyes as he spoke proudly of his mother.
    “Your mother sounds like an amazing woman. I’d love to meet her one day.” Seeing this personal side of Richard made me like him so much more.
    “She is. You remind me a lot of her. I’m sure she’d love you at first sight,” he paid me one last sweet compliment.

Lillian Ly
( Present)
    I can’t believe it’s already early September. Six months has swiftly flown by, but I can’t say it’s been an easy breeze either. I’ve had my share of headaches and sleepless nights. I knew the academic demands would be challenging, but when long hours of hospital rotations are added to this maddening equation, the pressure is multiplied by a thousand at least. Every so often I sometimes secretly wish I would’ve gone the conventional medical school route. Having some breaks in between semesters instead of studying or working at the hospital all year long would be nice. It’s frustrating at times, but manageable for now. I just pray that I’ll be able to endure the remaining years ahead.
    On my non-hospital rotation weekends, I spoil myself with visits to the local botanical gardens or walks along the fine, white, sandy beaches. It doesn’t sound too exciting for most people my age, but it’s my ordinary way of coping with stress. I found a secluded spot just a few miles away from the dorm while walking the length of a beach one day. Vacationers and locals avoid this area altogether because of the surrounding sharp corals. This doesn’t bother me because I come here for the shady palm trees and my personal view of the ocean.
    After such a crazy week of exams and extended late hours at the hospital, I’m more than ready to call it a weekend. I spent most of yesterday studying and catching up with my mom and friends via internet and phone calls. Sunday is my day of rest. I pack a picnic lunch, my iPod and a cozy beach blanket before heading out solo. I feel somewhat guilty about not sharing this exclusive spot with Amelia or Richard, but I figure they can find their own personal spaces somewhere else on this island.
    I lay my blanket neatly over the powdery, white sand to forge a comfy beach bed under two shady palm trees. I shuffle through my iPod playlist for Relaxation Music . Enya’s angelic voice is undeniably soothing. I lazily lower my fatigued body back and seal my eyelids shut. Ah…this is the life. My arms and legs stretch out freely, enjoying the cool-humid breeze. I convince myself to take a quick catnap first, and then continue studying after I’m replenished with new energy.
    I rest eagerly like I’ve been deprived for weeks, maybe months, enjoying every precious minute of it. It doesn’t take me long to doze into