Chapter 1

It's already dark outside but it's the opposite inside our house. The chandeliers are lit, and the candles' fire are dancing through the soft blow of the wind.

As I go down the stairs, the chattering sounds from the living room becomes louder and louder.

As I entered the living room hall, all pairs of eyes suddenly looked towards me. Then, all persons called my name and greeted me.

I just nodded and looked for a place to sit, somewhere I can have the least attention.

I saw my grandpa sitting alone in the corner reading his old book. I slowly walked towards his direction. As I was a few inches away from him, he noticed me and then he lowered his book and smiled at me.

"Sweetie!" he greeted me with open arms. I hopped a little to get to him quickly. I leaned down for a hug and a kiss on his cheek. Then, I sat beside him and then he wrapped his arms around me.

"What chapter are you now, Grandpa?" I asked him.

"Hmm," he flicked the pages backwards and then stopped, "Twenty seven."

"That fast? You just started last night!"

He laughed and then that caught one of my big brothers' attention. He looked at our direction and then he stood and walked towards us. My heart began to pound so fast.

"Hey, how's your preparation for tomorrow?" Oh right, tonight's gathering is for tomorrow.

"It's fine, I guess."

"I know you'll pass. No one in the family has ever failed KU's entrance exam." I don't feel encouraged by that fact at all. All I feel right now is pressure-an enormous amount of pressure.

I grew up in a family of doctors. My parents were both surgeons, but now they're running three hospitals. My three older brothers are also working there, too. My one older sister owns her own derma clinic and my other older sister just finished her internship in one of our hospitals. Both my grandpas were nurses, while my maternal grandma was a dentist and my paternal grandma was a surgeon.

They all went to Khramels University, a well-known school for medicine in the country. I am the youngest in the family, and tomorrow it will be my turn to enter my family's alma mater. Just like them, I never had a failing grade in my report card. Not to brag but our family is known for being achievers and topnotch in our respective classes. But, I am wondering why I have this enormous doubt in my heart that I am going to pass the exams tomorrow.

"I hope so," it's the only words that I responded to my brother, Ian. He's the eldest among all of us.

After a few moments, we were told to proceed to the dining area.

We all sat and began to eat. They were all busy talking about all kinds of stuffs while I was silently stuffing my mouth with meat.

"Is everything alright, dear?" that was Mom. The hall became silent, and I could feel everyone was staring at me. I slowly looked to the left, to my mom's direction, and I was right-she was looking right at me.

"Y-yes." my voice cracked a little as I was so nervous.

"Tonight is for you, my love. Your brothers and sisters are here to wish you good luck for tomorrow." she said in a sweet tone, but I know what she really wants to say. She wants me to realize how important it is for me to get accepted at KU. It's not just for me, but it's for the family's reputation. I can't fail, we can't fail.

Last month, my mom caught me playing the guitar for a school band competition and I received a good scolding. She doesn't want me to get distracted by anything because I need to enter into medical school after high school. I did not say anything. I am not the expressive type of child unlike all my siblings. I always keep my thoughts to myself. I always wonder how they could confidently complain to my parents if they're having a difficult time when they were still studying. But in the end, my parents always won in every argument. But at the very least, my siblings got to say what they really feel. My sister, Fiona, the one who just finished her internship, was the most expressive of all. She could confidently start an argument with my mom, but even with the guts that she had, my mom always wins.

"Thanks everyone, I'll do my best tomorrow." although my lips were trembling, I still managed to smile after I spoke. And then, thankfully, everybody went on with dinner and chatting.

When I noticed some of us already went back to the living room, I smoothly exited the dining area and went to my room. I changed in my pajamas and got ready for bed. It's still 9 PM, but I have to rest early for tomorrow.

When I was about to close my eyes, I heard a soft knock from my door. The knob turned and my sister, Fiona, entered.

"Hey." she smiled and went towards me. She hopped on my bed and laid down beside me.

"I know your nervous."

I just sniffed and smiled.

"Don't think of anything else tomorrow but answering the questions correctly. Forget about mom and dad and us being doctors, just do it for you."

"Okay. Thanks, Fiona."

"You're welcome, darling. I believe in you," she patted my head and kissed my forehead.

"Was becoming a doctor your dream?" she looked surprised by what I asked. Then, she smiled and moved her head from side to side.

"Really? What was your dream?"

"A teacher. I wanted to be a preschool teacher."

"But what happened?"

"Nothing. I tried to tell mom, but she won. She bargained with money and I took her offer."

"Ugh, she always wins."

We both laughed.

"Why did you ask? Do you want to do something else too?"

"I don't know what I want, but I'm sure med school is not for me."

She looked at me with a gloomy face.

"But don't worry, I'll ace the test tomorrow so everybody won't be disappointed."

"I know you will."