Blood Donation Drive

Sara approaches the room where the Blood Donation Drive was held. Several medical professionals were there and some were already in the process of donating. She went towards the registration table to fill up some forms and was guided towards the designated chair.

She was informed of her cans and can'ts while her blood was drawn. She sat down and listened to the advice given patiently, aware that it would take a minimum of 45 minutes.

Once the nurse left her to attend someone else, she began to mindlessly watched people in the room. There were two nurses on the right side of the room chatting animatedly, another nurse struggling to find the veins of the young man who now looks visibly shaken and scared whereas the nurses on the left were busy handling the blood bag and sorting them out.

"I can't believe they are asking us a week to prepare all this. Like there's not enough work already at the health care," one of the nurses complained to her colleague.

"The turnover is also quite low. There is barely any publicity for today. Did you not notice there was not much banners and posters?" the other nurse commented.

"And this place is hidden too. If it was out in the opened, passer-by could randomly donate."

"Have you heard?" the nurse now said in a very soft voice, barely audible. "The Blood Bank is actually full. I don't see why today is necessary. In the end, all the blood would go towards KHCI anyway."

Sara overheard the nurses' conversation and sympathise with their job, 'Everyone is similar after all, no matter what your occupation is. The higher-ups want it, those below need to carry out their instructions.'

But now the longer she hears, the more it became a gossip - which turned her off. She tried to tune their voice out. She rests her eyes and the image of lined up beautiful trees appeared in her mind. The enchanted forest she saw once feels too long ago. She was not sure whether it was a dream or she has been there physically. After all, she has lost three days without her knowing what happened in between.

As she starts to immersed herself in her memory, she could hear buzzing sounds of people and quick footsteps around her. The sound has infiltrated to her "dream", making her frown in displeasure. The quiet and peaceful scenery she saw in her mind has been tarnished by noise pollution, to be followed by a male voice greeting Sara.

Lucas was standing right beside her. He was wearing a dark blue suit with midnight black tie, looking as charming and smart as ever. His hair was neatly combed to the left and he was flashing his alluring smile.

Sara's eyes widened in shocked and she awkwardly exchanged greetings. 'No wonder there were too many noises in my dream,' she complained as she found the source of disturbances to her peace.

Blanketed by the heavily uncomfortable and unpleasant atmosphere, Sara forced herself to start a conversation and so she asked the appealing man before her, "Are you here to donate blood?"

"Do I look like I'm dressing to donate?" he smirked playfully.

"Trueee… But you came here, a designated room to donate blood. If not to donate, what are you doing here?" Sara did feel silly to ask an obvious question, considering the outfit he was wearing but she is still not wrong. He did come to a room designated for a Blood Drive Donation.

Lucas just stood there calm and collected, not bother to answer Sara's question as though her question is like a bullet ricocheting of him. She breathed out in frustration, knowing Lucas is living in his own world and Sara should have known better than to expect a reasonable answer from him.

"How long have you been here?" He asked as his hands caressed the blood bag containing Sara's blood. The smell of Sara's blood for Lucas is akin to smelling fresh bakery out of the oven early in the morning. He wanted to savour the smell but was contaminated by the others. His body moved on its own accord, unaware that he is inching towards Sara with his eyes closed.

"Not that long actually," Sara responded and slowly pulled her other hands closer to avoid bumping into Lucas.

Lucas almost loses his self-control but fortunately, Sara's voice broke the spell. He becomes aware of what a huge mistake he had just done and he needed to be out of this place really quick. He bid his farewell to Sara rather hastily and walked towards to the Head Nurse to discuss small matter. He exited the room and dialled up Davian's number instantly.

"Hey Dav, call your sister up and tell her to give me Sara's blood bag by tonight," he commanded once the line was connected but Davian had hung up the phone conversation.

There was phone ringing and this time it was Davian who called Lucas up. Both the men talked simultaneously but this time Davian managed to say a piece of his mind.

"How dare you ha-"

"Don't boss me around when you are asking for favours," says Davian grimly.

The line was dead as soon as Davian finished talking because Lucas hangs up in annoyance. It was as though he wanted to pay back for what Davian did to him.

* * * * *

Sara is puzzled by his sudden departure but could not be bothered at the same time. She saw Lucas went to the Head Nurse and pointed in her direction.

'I hope he is not trying to get me in trouble!' she prayed earnestly on the account that she saw the Head Nurse is slowly approaching her direction.

"Hi, Miss. I would like to sincerely apologise for our lack of attention towards you. Hope you would forgive my team and I. I will ensure you have a comfortable rest while you are here," says the Head Nurse, full of enthusiasm.

Sara was completely astounded that words failed to come out of her mouth. She immediately closed her opened mouth shut and nodded along quietly.

Now she cannot rest peacefully as the nurses are now being overly polite, tending to every little movement she makes. 'Goodbye peace, for now,' she silently cries, sarcastically.