Read Beginning with Forever for Free Online Page A

for us to buy from them as soon as Richard stopped the car. I felt even more humble and blessed to have what I have after witnessing this. Richard bought a handful of dainty bracelets with shiny pink stones from many of the street vendors and gave several small bills to the surrounding children. I had misjudged him altogether. He’s generous and tenderhearted, not typical of his kind . I stowed my tough outer shell and shared a vulnerable side of me with him. “When I was younger, I met a very compassionate doctor who took care of my mother at a free health clinic. His generosity inspired me to want to become a doctor. He and I both believe that everyone deserves to be healthy whether they can afford it or not,” I disclosed to Richard while staring at the sweet little faces gathered around us.
    Completely caught off guard from my openness, Richard turned to face me and looked into my eyes. “Those who know much speak little and those who bullshit know little. It’s my own version of an old proverb.” He grinned and clasped the newly bought bracelet around my wrist. “A simple bracelet for an intricate lady.” He winked his right eye at me along with that killer smile that exposed his dazzling white teeth. My face was probably a shade shy of the crimson color of a pomegranate. I thanked him and bashfully turned away to face the window. Secretly, I smiled to myself as I twirled my new bracelet around my wrist.
    Once again, we continued our drive in serene silence, passing more beautiful views of the blue ocean water and lush green tropical trees. Richard was preoccupied in his own world while I mindlessly took in my new surroundings. The radio was softly playing in the background while he lightly drummed his fingers and bopped his head to the rhythm. It was hardly audible until the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” grabbed our attention. We both hummed simultaneously.
    “ Bobby McFerrin fan, are you?” I asked him with a quirky smile.
    “Who doesn’t love this mindless song?  It makes everyone happy,” he replied with a chuckle.
    “ So true,” I nodded and bopped my head along with him.
    H e cranked up the volume and started to sing the song’s catchy lyrics in a sexy reggae slash British accent.  I surprised him by joining in. We laughed and giggled uncontrollably as we inserted our own lyrics to the song about going to med school. It seemed silly and immature, but I didn’t care because I was having a good time and loving it. The remaining trip passed quickly once we were able to speak openly, and the rigid barrier was torn down.

C hapter 3
Lillian Ly
( Six months prior to the Present)
    T he regal building appeared to be an old historical castle transformed into an aristocratic medical school. It was hidden away, high on a cliff, overgrown with luscious tropical foliage, snaking vines and trees. The entire perimeter was guarded with a massive wrought iron and stone fence while the entrance was safely secured by two officials in red uniforms. The grounds were beautifully maintained with many distinctive flowering plants and hand sculpted boxwood bushes. A colossal water fountain with three ornate mermaid statues took center stage in front of the school. This was to be my home for the next five incredible years. I couldn’t imagine my life getting much better than this!
    I st rolled up to the fountain’s stone rim and balanced my bottom on it. My index finger dipped into the clear, cool water and drew circles, creating hypnotic rippling rings that grew in size and then faded away. I had a strong impulse to make a self-indulgent wish. I reached into my jean pocket for a couple of coins and tossed them in. Success and happy endings , I silently wished. Richard tapped my right shoulder from behind and my reverie came to a halt. He confirmed his dorm location with a map he picked up at the registrar building. He asked for my information, so we could figure out where I was supposed to be. “Lillian, we’ll