Medical exam, part one

" This is it. You have left your master's wings, and you are going to set out on your own." Kimberly said in a dramatic, high-pitched voice as she faked being in an overly emotional state. People stopped and stared at us. I could feel as the heat rushed up to my cheeks out of embarrassment.

We were standing outside the medical beareau testing center where many people like myself were going to be tested for basic medicinal knowledge needed to serve as an army medical officer or an assistant to a medical officer.

" Don't be so dramatic." Hazel said as she opened her fan, and she rolled her eyes. You must be wondering why I have started addressing both women with their first names. The answer was simple, we were friends! They stayed with me throughout the hellish journey to learning some medical terms and medicinal herbs, and so our bond strengthened.

" Charlotte, why did we bring her here? Why couldn't she have stayed back at the house?" Kimberly said to me, ignoring Hazel but indirectly taunting her.

" You should have been the one who remained behind. You caused a scene just now over nothing." Hazel retorted. In the days I had known her, she was one woman who loathed anything she deemed as scandalous.

" You-"

" Alright, Alright ladies, let's not forget today's agenda, okay?" I said as I interrupted Kimberly, who quickly turned her initial sassy side into an adorable one.

" Yes, yes. You are always the voice of reason. Your elegance never ceases to amaze me." She said as she looked at me with stars in her eyes. She really looked like a toddler given candy. I did a dramatic yet elegant curtsy at her compliment.

Hazel stared at us and rolled her eyes again as she started moving forward towards the entrance of the building,

" Once you are done being drama queens, please feel free to come inside the building." She said, and I felt wronged, I mean, when did I act as a drama queen? Anyway, giggling, we followed her. Being with them really reduced the nervousness.

Inside the building, firstly, I must say, they were more women than men, which I found odd until I heard Hazel's explanation.

" They are mostly hoping for a romantic getaway with the army's heartthrob." She said

" Mr Tom?" I asked skeptical

" Yes, that's the one. Every year, more and more women take this as an opportunity to win themselves a husband. Too bad he can not be tamed. In any case, that's the reason why the medical department of the army is usually so short staffed that they barely scrape by yearly." She continued as she fanned herself with her fan.

" Really, then that's such a shame." I commented

" It is. They are wasting state ink and paper." She replied. This caught us off guard that Kimberly burst out laughing while I managed to control myself. We received quite a few stares because of this, to which we had to non-verbally apologize by slightly bowing our heads.

" One of the reasons why I hate going out. Going out to this society is like voluntarily going into a jungle full of beast men and women." Kimberly pouted. I got her sentiment because she was really trying to follow the basic etiquette I had taught her but then if this was not drilled into you from a very early age,they could be quite challenging to follow.

" Don't mind them." Hazel said to comfort her, and I nodded, " Hmm, don't mind them. I promise you'll be perfect in all these customs by the time we are done." I said as my way of encouraging her.

*Attention, attention, applicants, please make your way to the testing venue the test is about to begin. Other visitors, please make your way to the waiting area. Refreshments will be provided as you wait for the applicants.* A delicate voice sounded over a communication device in the hall.

" Well, I guess this is it." I said, breathing out heavily.

" Hmm, you'll do well. You prepared for this." Hazel said

" Yes, definitely, after all, you had me as your teacher, so nothing will go wrong." Kimberly said, giving me a thumbs up. I felt better a little after they cheered me on, and I really hoped that nothing would go wrong, but I guess luck wasn't on my side this time...