Disclaimer: I do NOT own TVD or any of its characters or concepts; it belongs to its respective owners. Also there may be smut in the later chapters, but I will be placing a warning above each chapter that does contain anything controversial.
Summary: Elena has the best life you could imagine. She got her job at the hospital, she has amazing friends, a decent home, and a loving family. One aspect in her life was always lacking though, Elena has always been rather shy when it comes to love. What happens when her old friend from elementary returns, and how will their relationship rekindle?
Note: I know that I haven't posted lately and I promise you that if you are a follower of my other story, that the next upload for that will be tomorrow, also I will try to upload more consistently and I thank everyone for their patience.
The Path that Leads to You and Me
(Warning: I don't have much knowledge about medical concepts, so if I do get something wrong please understand, also this chapter contains mentions of alcohol and cancer, if you find it triggering then please don't read this)
Relax, you can do this. You've been preparing your whole life for this and you've been training harder than anyone in your class. I wipe my sweaty palms on the side of my skirt as I wait for my name to be called. I'm sitting in a small office lobby fiddling with the plastic folder within my hands. I didn't really have anything to worry about really. There's no one else but me and the desk associate. Granted, I did arrive early, however it is rather intimidating to be meeting up with the president of the Mystic Falls Hospital. I check my watch for the hundredth time in the past five minutes and as an attempt to relax I take a deep breath in and out.
"Nervous?" The desk associate asks, and I glance up at her. She has a kind smile plastered on her face and her auburn hair is put up in an elegant bun. I nod shyly. "Don't worry. He's intimidating at first, but I promise you he's one of the nicest people you'll meet." She tells me which does help my anxiety a bit.
"Do you think he'll like me?" I ask and she gives a small laugh.
"Well… I don't know you nor do I have any clue of your past achievements, however I have a feeling that you're going to do great." She tells me and I smile.
"Thanks." I say before returning my gaze to the folder within my hands. I'm more than qualified for this job and thanks to the kind desk associate I do have a bit more confidence. I'll be sure to thank her once again after my interview. The sound of the phone on the lady's desk gets my attention.
"Yes sir?" She asks which causes my heart rate to speed up. This must be the president. I can only hear his muffled voice as she listens to him. "Yes, I'll send her in right away, sir." She replies before hanging up. She looks up at me and adds, "He's ready for the interview. Good luck." She says and I smile at her before getting up.
"Thanks." I say to her before reaching the office door. I push it open and take in my surroundings. A modern office with floor to ceiling windows. The floor is dark oak, just like this wing of the office building, and there's a large desk with a computer on it and two chairs in front of it. As I sit down I look at the man sitting in front of me. He looks to be in his mid forties and has silvery brown hair and fair skin.
"Welcome, Mrs. Gilbert." He says kindly as I hand him my folder. As he's examining some of the papers within it he adds, "I've done a brief examination of you before, however I'll give you a minute to go through these papers. Make yourself comfortable." He says.
"Thank you, sir." I say as I wait there patiently. He flips through the papers one by one giving a brief scan of each of them before neatly putting the papers back into the folder and glancing up at me, his fingers interlaced with one another.
"So, Miss. Gilbert, it's clear that you have many previous achievements in not only college but as an intern for this hospital in the past, however I must ask, what is it that motivates you in this profession?" He asks and I gulp before answering him.
"When I was a young girl I wanted to go in this career not only because I admired my father, but because I always had a desire to help as many people as possible, however everything changed after my father died. It motivated me further to live up to his image as a doctor. Most recently, two years ago my Aunt and legal guardian was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer which was another thing that motivates me to this day." I reply and he nods, taking in everything I've said.
"Quite honorable motives. Now, I'm curious as to what you believe to be the value you could add to this hospital." He says.
"I'm sure you've already seen my achievements as best in the class at my college as well as all of the work I've done as an intern and resident and I feel as if these prior achievements show my dedication and work ethic. Not only do I see myself as dedicated, but also charismatic. Conversing with patients is another important part of being a doctor and I feel as if I know exactly how to combine both hard work and the communicative aspects of this job." I reply and he smiles, leaning forward slightly.
"And how do you think it's best to inform a patient or the patient's family of bad news?" He asks.
"It's important to be not only polite but to also be direct and honest. Even if the patient or the patient's family is upset with me at the moment, I feel as if they'd be grateful for my honesty with them." I say and he nods, his smile a bit wider.
"Now lastly, I know that there are many different hospitals, so I ask, why do you want to work here?" He asks and I think over the question for a second.
"Not only is it where my dad worked before he died, but also it's close to where I live and where my Aunt and brother live. I need to take care of them and I like being close to friends and family. I've also noticed that this hospital has been taking steps in further development of research in various different aspects of health issues as well as actively listening to patient's input and the input of all employees." I reply and he leans back in his chair.
"Do you have any questions that you wish to ask, Miss. Gilbert?" He asks and I nod.
"Can you tell me more about this hospital as well as the reason for this opening?" I ask curiously.
"This hospital is known to be one of the best in research development as well as client care and we are actively striving to also have this be a better work environment for its employees as well. We have this opening because of the increasing numbers of health issues and we're trying to gather more employees to ensure that we can help as many people as possible." He replies. I'm very satisfied with the answer and I appreciate that this company is not only looking out for its patients but also its employees.
"How many patients am I expected to have if I were to get hired?" I ask and he thinks it over for a second.
"Recently we've had a surplus of patients and I can only assume that the numbers will steadily get higher. You'll be spending most of your time in the office researching all you can about your patients, however for you'll be spending 1-2 hours, maybe possibly more around your patients and in the main hospital. I'd say that unless there is an emergency, you'll be handling 3-5 patients a day." He says and I nod.
"What are the traits of the successful doctors here as well as what can I specifically do to improve this company?"
"Most of our successful doctors are people who work well under pressure as well as people who are able to not only work hard, even if that means working extra hours, but also people that are able to give the best possible care and attention to their patients." He says and I take the information in. "As for you, the best way you can improve this company is to not only work to the best of your ability every day, but to also actively participate and give your input to the company." He adds.
"Thank you sir, I have no more questions." I reply and he smiles and stands up as do I. He extends in hand and I take it giving it a sturdy shake.
"No, thank you Miss. Gilbert. I quite appreciated this interview. You'll be receiving an email tomorrow evening at latest on whether you're hired or not. Thank you for your time." He tells me with a bright smile before letting go of my hand. He also returns my folder to me and I graciously accept it.
"Thank you for your time." I say, giving him a smile in return before exiting his office. As I exit the office I can't help but have a wide smile.
"Do you think you did well?" The desk associate asks.
"Yes, thank you for your kind words before the interview. It really helped." I reply and she smiles.
"Don't mention it. Have a wonderful day, Miss. Gilbert." She says and I wave to her before exiting the office wing. I leave the building and once I reach my car I plop down into the driver's seat with a sigh and a wide smile. This is going to be an awesome day.
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I stopped by my Aunt's house before going to my apartment as I usually do whenever I go out and have time to spare. She's doing better which is a relief and I'm glad that she's fought this long and her doctors say that her health is improving which is quite a relief. As I'm driving to my apartment, I received a text.
'Caroline: Hey girl! Bon Bon and I are going to the Grill tonight, you coming?'
'Yeah, I just got off from my interview and I'll tell you both about it when I get there!'
'Can't wait! I'm sure you did awesome!'
'Thanks! I'll see you soon.'
'See ya!'
Once I get to the nearest U-turn I change my direction to the Grill and soon enough I make it. I know that I'm dressed a bit formally in my pencil skirt and blouse, however I'm sure no one will mind. I bet it's normal for people to come here after work anyways.
When I get inside I see Bonnie and Caroline sitting at a table already chatting away and I smile before walking over to them. When Caroline sees me she smiles and gestures for me to sit next to her.
"Hey, Bonnie. Elena told me that she just got back from her interview." Caroline says enthusiastically which causes Bonnie to grin.
"Really? Elena, how did it go? Do you think that you impressed him?" She asks curiously and I smile softly.
"Yeah, I know that I had all the capabilities as well as I'm proud of the answers I made to him." I say and Caroline claps.
"Awesome! I told you that you'd do awesome… you know, this requires some celebratory booze. I'll be back with three beers!" Caroline says before sauntering over to the bar. Bonnie and I exchange glaces before laughing.
"Classic Care'." I say. "Anyways, it's good to have you back from your visit to Rome. I'm so jealous that you get to travel for a living." I say and she smiles warmly.
"Yeah it's nice, but… I did meet someone while I visited Rome." She says with a blush and I smirk before leaning closer to her.
"Oh? Please do tell." I pry and she laughs.
"Well, he lives in Rome right now but he was originally from the UK."
"Oh, his acceptance must've been dreamy." I say in awe and she makes a sound of approval.
"Don't get me started, but… you know how I feel about long distance." She says and I sigh.
"Bonnie, if you really like him you have to go for it, do you have his number?" I ask and she nods, "Then text him and make the first move. It takes a lot off of a guy's shoulders if you make the first move." I tell her and she sighs.
"Maybe you're right… but don't tell Caroline yet. You know how she gets when love is involved." Bonnie says and I laugh.
"You're telling me, I'm the one who she's been pestering to get a boyfriend for for years." I say and we both laugh at that.
"I'm back, and I've got the good stuff." Caroline says while holding three beers.
"Took you long enough." I say as she hands Bonnie and I a beer
"Sorry, the bartender was a bit of a flirt and he was cute so I may have been so gracious as to reply." She tells me with a smirk and I sigh while shaking my head.
"Cheers, to new beginnings and friendship." Bonnie says, holding out her glass and we all smile clinking the bottles together.
"Cheers." We all say before taking a sip.
"Oh, guys guess what!" Caroline says.
"What is it?" Bonnie asks.
"Well, I heard that the Salvatore family moved back into town." Caroline says and I furrow my brows. Why does that name sound familiar?
"The whole family?" Bonnie asks and Caroline shakes her head.
"No, after the whole legal issues they all had to leave, but the eldest brother was able to take custody of Stefan." Caroline says and my memory gets a kick-starter.
"Stefan? As in your childhood sweetheart, Stefan?" I ask Caroline and she blushes.
"Yeah, but weren't you friends with Damon too." Caroline says suggestive and my heart stops for a second. That's where that name sounds familiar. Damon, my best friend in Elementary and throughout the beginning of middle school. I've forgotten him over the past few years, but he was back. As I think over my most recent memories of him I feel a bit nauseous and stand up.
"I'm sorry, I have to go to the bathroom." I say before rushing in the direction of the bathroom. I can hear their voices behind me, but I can't bring myself to think right now. When I get inside the stall I lock the door behind me and lean over the sink, breathing heavily. I look up to the mirror with tears in my eyes as I recall the last thing he said to me.
'I love you, Elena.'
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A/N: How did you guys enjoy this chapter? If you did please follow it and I love to hear feedback from you all, so don't hesitate to review. The next chapter will start with a flashback to Elena's childhood, so be prepared! Have wonderful days!