Coltrain's Proposal

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Author: Diana Palmer

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CHAPTER 1 The leg of the kid was not stopping bleeding. Doctor Louise Blakely knew exactly what it had to do, but it was not easy to manage to appease the pressure adapted on the wound to prevent the severed artery from continuing emptying on the lawn. - Hurt me! - the child whined. - I know it, but we have to achieve that it stops bleeding - she answered him, outlining a soothing smile-. We go, I know loudly. If you behave well your mom will buy to you a chocolatina when we have treated you: truth that yes? - he said lifting the face towards the woman, half note as a sheet, which agreed rapidly-. You will see already, at once you will be well - he promised him the kid, looking at the end of the street. The boy was mounted in his bicycle and had left of the sidewalk, being struck by a car that he was leading at too many speed., on having seen the happened across the big large windows, Lou, who was having lunch in a snack bar had run to helping the child, and had asked to a pedestrian to call the police and to an ambulance. To a few minutes it had come a car patrols, and in the distance it was already possible to hear the siren of the ambulance. Although Jacobsville was a small city, the medical service was quite rapid and effective. - You will see the envy of your friends when you go to the school on Monday and tell them that you have mounted in an ambulance ... - he said to the child when they saw her approaching. - And cannot I remain one week in the hospital? - inquirió the boy filled with enthusiasm before the idea. - Good, I am afraid that you will not happen any more than a pair of hours as very much in the pavilion of urgencies - Lou said to him laughing. The ambulance stopped to a pair of meters of the car of the police. One of the agents was asking the driver for the papers and increpándolo for driving to more speed of allowed inside the city. Two technicians of medical urgencies went down the ambulance and extracted a stretcher on which they put the boy while Lou, who was a part of the medical staff of the hospital of Jacobsville, he was explaining to them the events and was giving them instructions. - I will follow you with my car - he said to them-. I have promised him the mother of the boy who would go with them. - It has been a luck that you were here close - another police officer said to Lou, approaching-. It looks like a quite serious court. - It will put itself well - she answered closing his briefcase., on having come to house, the previous day had forgotten to extract it of the car, and in this moment it could not make happy less than it. - She is the new assistant of the doctor Coltrain: truth? - he asked him about the reagent. - Yes - she answered. He did not add anything any more. The curious expression in the face of the police officer was already saying everything. And the fact is that they were covering rumours of which it was not falling down to the doctor Coltrain precisely in grace. Neither it was not that it had happened to her unnoticed. It was taking almost one year sharing the consultation with him, and was more that it obviated, although he was not managing to understand this opposition. - A great doctor - said the agent-. It saved my wife of a respiratory collapse - added smiling-. It has a few nerves of steel. And you also, judging by what I have just seen. He has been you of many help. - Thank you - she answered. And, after outlining a brief smile, it went to his small Ford silver-plated to continue to the ambulance up to the hospital.


The pavilion of urgencies was packed, as of custom. It was a Saturday, and the accidents were always doubling the weekends. Lou greeted with an inclination of head even patients' pair that he recognized, and continued walking after the stretcher with wheels in which they were taking the kid. The doctor Coltrain was going out in this moment of the operating theatre, and it came across with her in the corridor. The green uniform, which to other doctors him was sitting as a shot, he had left incredibly well, and in spite of the cap, which was concealing most of his red-haired hair, had an elegant and formidable aspect. - What does it do here? - the increpó on having seen her-. It is me who has custody today, not you. " it is already again ", thought Lou, " always extracting conclusions precipitated like ". - I have turned out to be wrapped in an accident of traffic - it began-. I have not... - The hospital pays to the personnel of ambulances so that he attends to these accidents he cut her, looking at her furious while the employees of the center were going and it was coming for the corridor, avoiding them. - But if I I have not ... - she tried herself to explain again, heatedly. - That this not happens again - he cut her again-, or I will have to have a few words with Wright and you will finish of legs in the street: has he understood me? Wright was the director of the hospital, and Coltrain personnel manager, so it had authority to carry out his threat. - Does he want to listen to me? - said to him she exasperated-. I did not go out with the ambulance ...! - He confers a doctorate: do you come? - there called him one of the men who were taking the stretcher of the boy. Coltrain threw a look to the young man and then it turned towards Louise, coming out with annoyance the cap and the mask, which was hanging still by his neck. The hard expression in his clear blue eyes was so intimidante as his position. - If his social life is like that of evil, he confers a doctorate, perhaps he should consider to do something on this matter - he added with a biting sarcasm. Lou was going to answer him, but before it should do it, he had left her there with the open mouth and was moving away for the corridor. The young woman gruñó of pure frustration. He hated that it was doing that one. It was always leaving him with the word in the mouth. Anyhow it was useless to discuss with him, he was saying what he should say in his defense, for him it was always she the one that was mistaken. Breathing heavily, it was turned and assembled with the nurses who were waiting for her. An hour later they had already treated and given points to the boy, and Louise was saying goodbye of him and of his mother in the field of reception, with a smile and a light reprimand on the correct way of mounting in bicycle in a city. - That's why it does not have to worry - said to him the mother with steadfastness-. I do not think to stop that it goes again in bicycle for the street never again! When they had left, Lou continued revising the report of the discharge before delivering it in the field of administration. With the hair gathered in a pigtail, without any makeup that will highlight his chestnut-colored eyes and his beefy lips, and decked with sneakers of sport, jeans and sweatshirt, she was looking like more a student than a professional of the medicine. Why was it going to worry for his appearance? The only man whom it would want to impress, the man of the one that was won the love, would not concentrate on her although it was putting itself on a cartel in the front that he was saying " LOOK AT ME ". This man was a Jebediah Coltrain, who neither saw in her any more that, and he was not even recognizing his efficiency after a co-worker, but, instead of that, he was always finding some unjustified motive for criticizing her. Louise could not allow wondering why, to begin, he would have accepted it as assistant, when it was giving the impression of which could not even see her.


It was clear that also he was wondering why it continued there, supporting it. For what he was feeling for him alone by that, it was answered, and, if it continued with this so belligerent attitude, one day this would not even be already a sufficient reason not to resign. After delivering the report, Lou had hung the purse of the man and was preparing to go out of the pavilion of urgencies when he met the doctor Drew Morris. Drew also was a member of the staff of the hospital and an old friend; it was precisely him who called her to Austin's hospital, where it was working then, to say to him that there was a vacancy that he might be interested in. His parents had just died, and, of course, she had not wanted to allow to escape the opportunity of a renewal, and also, like for a capricious coincidence of the destination, in the place from which his parents were coming. For what he had never waited was that animosity was going to similar awakening in Coltrain. - Lou ... what are you doing here? He believed that it was Koper who had custody today - he said to him on having seen her. The young woman contracted the face. Copper was the nickname that his friends were using with the doctor Coltrain, for the copper color of his hair. Not she, skylight, she did not have these confidences with him. - There was an accident opposite to the snack bar in the one that was having lunch explained to him. - I see already. Do you go away to house? Lou shrank of shoulders. - Good - he said-, if you obviate the fact that Coltrain cannot see me not in painting, I suppose that it might be said that it me does not go badly completely. Drew put the hands in the pockets of his white robe and wiggled the head. - I feel it, all this is my fault. I thought that with the time he would realize that it is unjust, but you already take almost one year working here and it continues in foot of war with you. Lou's face contracted and, although it turned the head, Drew could see his expression. - Poor Lou - it murmured-. Indeed that I feel. I suppose that I got enthusiastic with the idea of that you could work here, and power like that to see us more often, and ... the truth is that I believed that you needed a change after ... good, later dela death of your parents, and me parecío that would be a good opportunity for you. Copper is one of the best surgeons that I have met, and you are great professional of the general medicine. I do not know, it seemed to me that it would be a good combination of talents. In fact you have taken an enormous load of work from him, and thanks to you it can spend more time on his speciality of surgery. It should be satisfied and on the other hand ... - it exhaled a deep sigh and wiggled the head again-. In end: who understands this man?. Lou shrank of h shoulders. - All that does not matter already. The contract that I signed was for one year, and the year is on the verge of finishing - he remembered him. - And what do you think to do later? - I will turn to Austin. - You might obtain a position here in the pavilion of urgencies - Drew stung it. That was a prank generalized between the personnel of the hospital. The work in the pavilion of urgencies was so exhausting, that none of the local doctors wanted there a permanent position, and the direction had to bring them of out of Jacobsville. - Not, thank you - answered Lou with a smile-. I would like to put my own consultation, but I have no money as for to do it, so I suppose that I will have to begin again, I will be content on what they meet to me. - It is a shame that you leave to us. You are doing an excellent work here. - So if you ask sure Coltrain who does not think the same thing - said she-. According to him, I do not do anything well. In any case I am tired of all this, Drew, of getting up every morning and feeling that I come to a field of battle. I need a change. - Perhaps yes - his friend murmured, fruciendo the lips and outlining next a smile it misses-. What you need is: to go out round there to spending good good - he threw a glance to his


clock of bracelet-. Go: is it already time? I have to go away. I will call you: in agreement? Lou saw it moving away for the corridor with a look of worry. He was hoping to be wrong, because it had given him the impression of which Drew had intention to ask him to go out, and she was not feeling anything for him in this sense, for much that wanted it as friend. He was a kind man, a widower who had been very in love with his wife, and who still it was, five years after his death. Drew had been born in Jacobsville, and had met his parents. In fact, he had felt a very sincere appreciation for his mother, and had been a pupil of his father in Austin's clinical hospital, after they were moving there. It had been of that time when Lou had known it. In end, the best thing would be that it was not turning him to what he had said to him, he thought. Probably it had been only one of his impressions. It went out of the pavilion of urgencies and went towards the parking, observing irritated that the doctor Coltrain was going also in that direction dressing with an expensive gray suit. Lou pressed the teeth and reduced the step, but he stopped to wait for her and began to walk next to you when she happened along with him. - He would be grateful to him that the next time that gives to him for be walking round there with the service of ambulances dresses itself at least in a more professional way - he said throwing a cold look out of the corner of the eye. Louise stopped in dry and looked at it furious. - I go not walking myself round there with the service of ambulances - it mumbled-. I have already said to him that... Pero Coltrain did not seem ready to listen to her. - And at the moment we do not need any more personnel of ambulances. If we needed... - Be kept silent! - she cut it, surprising it with this in a bad mood starter-. For once in his life he is going to listen to me, and is not going to interrupt me! - he added on having seen that he was opening the mouth-. There was an accident opposite to the snack bar where he was having lunch, so I went out to helping the hurt child. I am not necessary to go round there with the personnel of ambulances to spend it to me well! And how me seen in my free days his matter is not! - it pierced him, suppressing with difficulty an improperio. Coltrain seized her for the left doll, and pulled her to attract her towards yes. Louise aspired inwards and tried to be liberated, but the pressure of the fingers of him only became firmer. That mute violence had done that there were returning to his mind events of the past that he did not want to remember. It remained still, looking at it with the exhorbitant eyes and the contained breath. And then, with the same brusqueness with which it had been his doll, Coltrain released it, and observed her half-closing his blue eyes. - Fry as the ice ...-mocker spluttered-. He would be you capably of freezing the intentions to any man. Is the reason this for the one that is not married, she confers a doctorate? Lou had not felt so insulted in all his life. - Think what he should want of me - it mumbled. - He would surprise to know what I think about you - it was the response of him. It lowered the sight towards the hand that had seized him, and laughed in a contemptuous way-. A real floe of ice - it returned to acusarla-. It does not strange me that any member of the personnel has asked him to go out. He would need a blowpipe to come up to this heart of stone that it has - he added looking at her fixedly. - It can, but you would need a lanzagranadas - she pierced him without parase to thinking. Coltrain arched an eyebrow and directed a look for him it mixes of scorn and antipathy. - He would like already. The vanity of his response did that to Lou the blood was boiling it, but he pressed the handles, arranged not to allow him to see his annoyance. - Does he believe that? - it pierced him in turn, arching them you move back and allowing to escape a laugh dries. Satisfied, on having seen how it was tightened, it began to walk again and went on ahead


from the Favors of Coltrain without looking at it at least. " Absorb you that one! ", it was said furious. It was not importing for him anything what he was thinking of it, anything by no means... It came along with his small utilitarian one, and got inside, exhaling heavily I sigh. Whom did it want to cheat? Surely it was mattering for him, this was the problem. To have found out that it took her as a cold woman and without feeling it had left landing stage. If he knew that in what to him was referring it was precisely everything opposite.... Cando was approaching her or was rubbing her, Lou was always separating, but not because it was displeasing her, but because his contact and his proximity were exciting it too much. The respiration was cutting off him, and the legs and the voice him were trembling, and the only way of avoiding it was to drift apart from him physically, so that this was what it was doing. There were other reasons for which he was avoiding Coltrain, the same ones as which it did not want to have any affectionate relation, but they were not his matter not of anybody. In any case it was not deserved that it was treating her as it was treating her. She was doing his work and was not looking for problems. It started the car and went out of the apartment. Approximately fifteen minutes later, it was stopping the vehicle in front of the small house that it had rented in the outskirts of the city and was entering her, being dropped in the couch. That was a calm quarter, and for the zone in which it was the rent was cheap. Little by little he had been adding some personal touches, and the house was already offering an a little cozier aspect. On the naked walls it had hung pictures that she herself was painting, abstract some, in red, black and white tones, which were swirling in a chaotic way, and others on the other hand compositions of flowers done with pastries. The contrast will have seemed quite fascinating to any person who will visit her, and Lou knew it, but up to the date it had not dyed any visit. It was much reserved. Coltrain also was reserved, in general, but Lou had heard that from time to time he was inviting friends and acquaintances to his mess. Clear that, even if in the group there should include members of the staff of the hospital, she had never been counted between them. That fact had caused rumours, but nobody had dared to ask Coltrain on this matter. At first this rejection had hurt Lou, but then it had been said that neither after all there was reason so that he was inviting her to his house when she had not invited it to his either. Nevertheless, there was something more. Lou was suspecting that, such and as they were saying them bad languages, Coltrain continued suffering for Jane Parker, the woman with whom he had been madly win the love and who had married some Todd Burke. Jane was fair-haired, it had the blue eyes, and was very nice, in addition to having been a star of the detour, having a great heart and a sweet and calm character. But if there was something of Coltrain that had Louise perplex, it was the antipathy that he was feeling towards her. Often he was wondering why he would have accepted it in the staff if from a beginning he had not liked. He had tried to interrogate Drew on this matter, but this one was not releasing pledge, and it was always changing topic. Moreover rare had seemed to the young woman the whispers to his backs for his first weeks in the hospital. It even had heard a cryptic comment of one of the nurses with more antiquity to other one, on someone who " had to feel very uncomfortable with the daughter of the doctor Blakely working there ". Lou had felt desires to ask him of whom they were pulling, but when the women realized that it was shielding them, they went away each one to his chores. Louise had not gone so far as to find out the one who was this person, why it was turning out to him uncomfortable that she was working there, but yes he was starting comprising that it had happened a little in the past in that hospital, and that his father had had something that to see in it. In an occasion he asked Drew on this matter, and he seemed violentarse. - Good, your father here was a surgeon, just as it I am - he answered him after a light hesitancy.


- But when it left of here, it was wrapped in some class of scandal: is not it true? - she insisted. - There was no scandal - Drew answered shaking the head-, no spot in his reputation. He was a great surgeon, much respected, but that you already know it. Although as father and husband there was stopping much that to want, as doctor with puede to deny to him that it was exceptional. - And then: why were the people murmuring to my backs on him when I came? - It has not anything in common with your work - him made sure Drew-. In fact really at all it concerns you directly. - But: what ...? In this moment an anesthetist had interrupted them, and Lou had not asked again him, although it had not happened to him unnoticed the fact that Drew had seemed relieved of the fact that had interrupted them, and it had not managed to be extracted of the head. Would anything have that one that to see with the doctor Coltrain and that was that one the motive for which he was detesting her so much? Not, it was impossible. To have been like that, he would have mentioned lake during almost twelve months that were going working together. Nevertheless, turning the sight behind, Lou remembered that Coltrain had not been disagreeable with her from the beginning. The first week had behaved with normality, and had been then, suddenly, when it had become hostile. I respect to the comment that had done him in the parking, on his coldness, that one was coming of far. In the holiday of Christmas of the hospital, just person to the week and a half of her to have begun to work with him, had caught her unprepared under a few sticks of mistletoe and had tried to kiss her, but she had separated. The alone idea of feeling his lips on theirs had done that him the knees were trembling, and that the beats of the heart were going off him. The attraction that he was feeling for him was so strong, so devastating, that was scaring her very much, especially after the almost monastic life that had come till then, always dedicated to the study. From the institute it had not had scarcely social life, because that was the only thing that was braking the sarcastic and cruel comments of his father about his worth and his intellect. The only thing that was mattering for him was that it was extracting good notes and that he was standing out. Yes, the academic achievements had been his table of salvation in his disfunctional family. He had studied every night up to brought in well the dawn, cattle premiso and scholarships ..., everything to support I satisfy his father, who without emba4rgo, it had never proved to be proud of her. He was a cruel man, and as his narcotic addiction was growing, year after year, this feature of his character was accentuated also. The drugs had been precisely the cause of that was smashing his light aircraft. His mother had died with him, next to you, just as all his life had remained along with him in spite of the tricks, of his brutality, and of his addiction. Everything had apologized it for the sake of the blind love that he was feeling for him. Lou embraced each other, feeling once again the chill of the fear for the memories of the past. She would never marry. Any woman who will deliver his heart to a man could be caught suddenly in such a destructive relation cone laque they had dyed his parents, it was said. It was so simple as he was winning the love, to prove to be vulnerable, and to start doing authorizations, finally giving up itself and allowing to be dominated until his will and his pride had been annulled completely. That's why Lou had never promised to prove to be firmly vulnerable, to be to favor of a man ever, since it his mother had been. Nevertheless, " Copper " Coltrain was making her feel vulnerable, and this was the real motive for the one that was avoiding any physical contact with him. It was afraid of giving in to the feeling that was waking up in her, of turning into a victim. The solitude could be very painful, but it was something to what was used. The love, on the other hand, had never known it, and he was scaring to lose the control of his emotions and his acts. CHAPTER 2


On Monday morning it brought I obtain the everlasting routine. Coltrain was enough brace, probably because still it was dragging the discussion that they had had. What had accused her of going round there with the teams of ambulances as if it was a diversion for her ...! It observed it disappearing after the door of his consultation, at the end of the corridor, and with a deep sigh it returned his, going to the filing cabinet to look for a radiography that he needed. The worst of the not corresponded love, it was said knocked down, the fact was that the desprecios were not doing but to feed it. The more Coltrain was ignoring her and the more hostile it was appearing with her, the more it was difficult to him to resign from his sleep which the things were changing. It realized well that did not want to marry, not a relation, but the attraction that he was feeling for Coltrain was too strong like to deny it. When it was examining the radiography, Brenda looked out of the half-open door. - There is a call for you: the doctor Morris for the line two. - Thank you Brenda. Lou took down the receiver absent-mindedly, studying still the radiography in his left hand, but when it touched the button of the line that the nurse had indicated him, was listening accidentalmente to a conversation that still had not ended. -. .. i already said to you that, to begin, if it had been known of the one who was a relative, it would not even have hired her - he was saying with fury a too familiar voice-. If I hired her it was for doing to you a favor; then it had not even idea of that was the daughter of Blakely. I will never excuse him for what it did to me, Drew, and tner that of seeing her day by day he reminds it to me. It is a constant anguish for me!. - Cooper, is unjust that... - Not, it is as I sit down. This woman is not any more than a load for me, and in response to your question, not: it gives to me exactly just as you ask him for an appointment! I find her unbearable; it is not any more than an automaton without the attractive minor, so you can remain with her with all my blessings. I make sure to you that I would give money to extract it of my life and of this hospital: and as soon as possible better!. It was heard a "clic", and suddenly Lou realized that the line had remained free, and that Drew was waiting to another side. - Lou Blakely to the device - announced more calmadamente that could, being evident them meekly cold and sweaty. - Lou!: How are you? I Am Drew - answered his friend-. I hope not to catch you in bad moment... - Not - she mumbled, swallowing saliva, while it was doing a superhuman effort to control his emotions-. Not, by no means. What can I do for you? - Do you know this charitable dinner that is celebrated on Thursday? He was asking me if you would feel like coming with me. After the conversation to that he had just listened, Lou knew that this appointment was not purely friendly, as that they had had till then, and in other circumstances, knowing it as it was known it, he would have said to him that not, but the words of Coltrain had put it out of if. - I would love it, thank you - he said to him. - Marvellous! - Drew exclaimed. For the tone of his voice it was obvious that there was a wide smile in his lips. I will gather you on Thursday at six o'clock. - In agreement, until Thursday. Lou rang off and breathed deeply, expelling the air slowly in an attempt for calming down. It was not even known how it was capable of continuing with the day. When it had finished the last patient of the morning, it came out the white robe, wrote in the computer a letter of resignation, printed it, introduced her in one on, put itself on the jacket, the purse was hung on bandolier, and it went to the consultation of Coltrain to deliver it to him. Nevertheless, it was a midday and he must already have gone away to eat because it was not there, so it left her on the office, and went out again to the corridor, leaving the building without looking behind.


It would have been agreeable to have a shoulder on the one that to cry in this moment, was said while you were seated alone in a snack bar near to the hospital, sitting before a black coffee and a salad of chicken that had not even touched. But: how was it going to have any shoulder on which to let off steam when it had problems to be related to the people? It was shy and quiet, and precisely because of it it was difficult to the others to approach her. He continued observing the cup of coffee with the lost look, with the cruel words of Coltrain repeating itself repeatedly inside his brain. He hated her, could not have made it clear. He was finding her unbearable, had said. Perhaps out; his father had said it to him often when still it was living. His mother and he had been born in Jacobsville, and had I reside there for years, but he had never spoken to him about his past. It was clear that he had not spoken too much with her either, except to despise her and to say to him that it would never come to him not to the sole of the shoe. In this moment the door of the snack bar was opened, and Lou observed with apprehension that it was " Copper " Coltrain who had entered. It seemed truly furious, and his clear eyes covered the place up to meeting on her, alone sitting in a corner, It advanced towards her with a determination that made think the young woman that there had to be an emergency, but when it stopped opposite to her, stamped on the table his letter of resignation together with on open sea. - What devils does it mean this? - it demanded to know without lifting the voice, but in a threatening tone. Lou lifted his chestnut-colored eyes towards him. - It means that abandonment, I leave - he answered, separating the face. - That I already know it!: but I want to know why! The young woman looked in contour. The snack bar was almost empty, but the barmaid and a cowboy sat in the bar were observing them with curiosity. - If it does not matter for him, it would prefer not discussing my matters deprived in public he said to him sharply, raising the chin. Coltrain pressed the jaw, and his eyes refulgieron, but it separated so that it was putting itself of foot, hoped while he was paying, and continued her out, up to the place where his small silver Ford was parked. Nevertheless, when it had extracted the keys of the pocket of the trousers, the doctor seized her for the arm and dragged her up to a nearby park, forcing her to sit down in an edict, under a great oak. Only then it released it. He remained of foot, and planted the boot on the seat, next to you, inclining on the knee to look at her. - We are already to alone - he said to him with brusqueness-. Now say to me why it wants to leave. - The contract that I signed was only for one year and already almost it has finished answered she with the cheeks red clouds for the annoyance-. I want to go away of here, want to return to house. - To Austin? Drew Morris said to me that he had not @ anybody left there - he said to him, surprising her. - I have friends there. - I do not believe it, it does not have any friend ... with the exception of Drew. Lou bent the head and pressed the keys of the car in his hand, fixing them to him in the palm. His features were not expressing any emotion, but Coltrain there was under the sight and observed the tension reflected in his white nudillos. Without saying word, it took his rigid hand and opened it, frowning on having seen the red marks that had left the keys in his skin. Lou separated the hand to the moment, but the uncertainty did not resign of the face of the doctor. A good moment continued looking at her, while the heart of the young woman was beating wildly against his ribs. He was detesting to prove to be vulnerable. Coltrain, warning his discomfort, lowered the perna and gave a step backwards. It saw as the young woman seemed to relax, and how it was releasing the breath that it had been


containing. - It takes time to achieve that a labor relation works - he said to him-, and you only have given ours one year. - Exact, " I " have given him one year. The emphasis in the pronoun did that the doctor was half-closing the eyes. - As he has said it, it seems that he thinks that I have not put anything of my part. Lou lifted the face. - Yes this is exactly what I think. You have never loved me working next to you. I suspected it from the beginning, but it has not been until this morning, when I heard him saying to Drew by phone that... To the doctor him desencajó the face. - It heard .... did it hear what I said to him? inquirió with hoarse voice. Louise's lips trembled ligenramente. - Yes, I heard everything. Coltrain remembered frightened what he had said to Drew Morris in what in the fund it had not belonged any more than one of his starters to bad genius. In several occasions it had happened to him that for the heat he had said things that about reality he was not thinking, but he had never felt so regretful of having given free rein to his anger as in this moment. He had never believed his cold and imperturbable assistant capable of feeling some emotion, but clearly it was ruined. It had hurt her, and only then of dio counts of that his opinion about her yes was mattering for him, although it was always trying to demonstrate the opposite. The doctor cursed for his innermost thoughts. If he had answered to Drew Morris so furious, it had been because it had just had that to diagnose leukemia to a child of only four years. He had felt impotent before the pain of the parents, and had discharged into Drew his frustration. Also: how could he have imagined that she had heard everything? He was feeling ashamed, but he was sure that although he was trying to say it to him, she would not believe it. They were saying it to them that you should soak through the expression tired of his face, the closed handles and the lips pressed in a thin line. - It hired me only for doing him a favor to Drew, surely pushing back another person who seemed to him more suitable for the position - said she with a forced smile-. Well, so perhaps now when I go away, it will have the opportunity to hire her. - A moment, I waited... Lou lifted a hand. - Not, please, I do not want that we discuss it - it cut it. It had already had enough in spite of listening what was thinking about it-. I am tired of fighting with you, of whom he does not like anything of what I do. For you I am a load, and after this the only thing that I want is to leave. I will remain until he finds the one who replaces me, not even one more alone day - said to him with steadfastness, putting itself of foot. Coltrain spent to himself a hand for the red-haired hair. It was losing that battle, and did not know how to apologize. - This morning I have had to say to him to the Dawe that his son has leukemia - he said to him, irritated for having to give him explanations-. I was feeling furious with me same, with God ... and when I am furious sometimes I say things that in reality I do not feel. - The two we know that yes there thinks what he said to Drew of me - inflexible she answered, it looking at the eyes-. He hated me almost from the first day that I came here, and most of the time is not even capable of proving to be polite with me, but what it was not known was that could not even see me for anything that my father did. When he said that, Lou observed a subtle change in the features of the doctor. - So that also he heard that - he murmured. He would never have wanted to speak again about that one, but it owed to him an explanation for the unjust and prejudicious behavior that had had with her the whole year. - The girl of the one that was won the love - it began with the dry gullet-, that I was going to marry, me was employed at the hospital of Jacobsville. In spite of being compromised, it


had a romance with his father, and he made her pregnant. He practised an abortion on him secretly, and of course she concealed everything me. I was on the verge of marrying completamente cheated, but that one was discovered, and the direction of the hospital "invited" his father to leave. Lou turned pale. Would his mother have found out about that one? - Only a few persons found out - he added, as reading the thought-. I doubt that s mother was knowing. She was looking like a good woman. I will never understand how he could marry a man like that. - And the girl? - Also they dismissed her, and it left the city. The time he ended up by marrying - he said, getting the hands into the pockets-. And if he wants to know all the truth, I will say to him that Drew felt a pity of you when his parents died, and on having found out that I was looking an assistant, he recommended her to me so much for the position, that I agreed to interview her. At first, in spite of the surname, I did not relate her to his father, skylight - he added-. Ironic: truth?, that was choosing as assistant the daughter of the man who destroyed my happiness., - But: why did not it tell it to me? - inquirió she irritated-: " why? " - How is it supposed that he could say that to him? - answered he-. Also, when I realized, the contract was already signed, so the only exit was that you were resigning. Suddenly everything had sense: his belligerency, his critical constants... It had hoped to achieve that it was throwing the towel. - I see already - it murmured-. But it did not achieve it. - It is done of a pasta harder than I was thinking - he agreed-. In all these months it has transferred not even an apex, for five-peseta coin that was with you. It was always ready to fight - it caressed absent-mindedly the keys of his car in the pocket while it was looking at her-. Till now he had not found anybody capable of face standing firm. Lou did not say anything. This was not his character, but so that his father was not destroying it it had learned not to show soon fear, nor to bend the head, because these signs of weakness were not doing but to increase his sarcasm and his brutality. - One year - continued Coltrain-, during an entire year your presence has reminded to me what your father did to me. There were moments in which it would have done any thing so that you were leaving, I cannot deny it, and at first truly he hated you. Although she had already imagined all that and there had been confirmed the conversation that had heard accidentally between Drew and he, which was admitting it face to face was moreover painful. It was turning out quite ironic to think that the man of the one that was won the love was saying to him that he hated her for something that there had done his father, the father who had done of his life and of that of his mother a hell. Undoubtedly one would surprise if it overcomes it, and even more if it was known that the prestigious doctor Blakely had not been any more than a drug addict of high class, that it had ended up by stealing drugs of Austin's hospital, where it worked on having had to leave of Jacobsville, and that it had been completely placed when it fell down in stung the light aircraft that it was piloting, killing his mother with him. All those years it had managed to control his emotions, but, suddenly, perhaps for the piled up effect of this annus horribilis, it could not contain the tears that started being accumulated in his eyes, and they rolled one after other one for his cheeks. Coltrain had not waited for this reaction. Throughout the year that they had been working together he had seen her tired, impassive, exhausted, incensed, and even frustrated, but it had never seen her crying. Amazed, it extended the hand and touched him the humid cheek, as if he needed to verify that the tears were real. To the moment, Lou began backwards, with a bitter laugh between sobs. - So that because of it so horrible age with me - he said with labored voice-. Drew never said anything to me ... and I have been so stupid that I have spent to myself the whole year dreaming that ...-again a laugh allowed to escape between torn and nervous, while one was


drying angered the tears with the back of the hand-. What nitwit I have been! - it spluttered again-. what nitwit ...! It was turned on the heels and moved away from him as quickly as possible. Coltrain had remained fixed in the place, wondering with what the whole year had passed dreaming. During the following days, Lou proved to be polite and distant, as if they were strange, Sin embargo, Coltrain warned that the way in which he was avoiding it in nothing was looking alike his attitude of the previous months, and started comprising what had not been capable of seeing. Earlier, for example, Louise's eyes had always continued it where he should want that it was, and he had noticed it, but, wrapped how is life in the pitched battle that he himself had initiated, he had interpreted them as killer looks. After his last confrontation, on the other hand, the young woman was already not looking at it although they were crossing for the corridors, and in many occasions it was turning aside to avoid it completely. Also, it was going to unsuspected extremes: if it had something that to ask him, was putting itself on it in writing and was leaving it to him in the office or Brenda's turn was doing it. And then, unexpectedly, on Thursday evening, when they were on the verge of leaving, he went to see it. - Has it already put a reporting to find someone who replaces me? - he asked him in a polite tone. Coltrain observed her a moment in silence. - Does so much hurry have for leaving? - Yes - answered she succinctly-. I would like to leave after the Christmas holidays - it was turned round and it was going to go out of his consultation when he retained it for the sleeve of the white robe. Lou gave a step backwards-. At the beginning of year - it was repeated turning, but without raising the sight. Coltrain looked at her irritated, detesting the way in which it was pushing the lightest contact back between them. - Is it sure that he does not want to reconsider it? He is a good doctor - he said to him-, his position has been gained here. Lou was realizing that that was a real flattery coming from such a suffered man, although also it was known that that was not changing the facts. - But nevertheless he hates me - it murmured-. Whenever it looks at me he remembers my father, and detests me for it: is not it like that? Coltrain released his great one confused. It was known that it was unjust, but he could not deny that it happened to him. Louise warned his discomfort. - It does not bother, doctor - he said to him-. In one month I will have left and it will not have already to worry again because of it. A bitter laugh allowed to escape and it went out of the consultation. CHAPTER 3 Lou put himself on a discreet suit of jacket trousers color Kurd for the charitable dinner to which it was going to go with Drew, but for one go the fair-haired free hair was left, and it happened a little of rouge, lipstick and shade of eyes. When Drew came to gather her he remained pleasantly surprised by the change, and during the trajectory in car up to the restaurant they supported a distended conversation that almost made forget the young woman the displeasures of the week ... almost, because when they entered the place they met that the doctor Coltrain was there, chatting with a very dressed man. Lou gathered the bridge of the nose contradicted. Since it came to Jacobsville it had always heard that he was not a man the one that was usually seen in social acts ... unless Jane Parker was present at them. The young woman looked in contour, but it did not see to the ancient love of the doctor on any part. Would it have gone accompanied of any other


woman?. His question had an almost immediate response, when he saw that a beauty morenita him was approaching behind and one was hanging by his arm as if it was a passage to the sky. Coltrain also had seen her. When Lou turned to listen what Drew was saying to him, his clear eyes scrutinized it meticulously. The free hair had not seen him in every month that they were taking working together, and that night seemed even more accessible, more earthly, although, it was remembered, was with Drew with whom it had gone to the dinner, and probably that appointment would not be the last one, it was said, wondering for what this thought it was irritating it. In any case, to try to imagine the young woman in Drew's bed was turning out to be to him impossible. It was ridiculous. The one that had made to himself glorious golden hair free th was not meaning that suddenly it had become completely uninhibited. Nevertheless, this change had made it disconcerted, especially because he had not waited for it. - Go, Cooper has come very well accompanied - Drew was saying in this moment to Louise, with a malicious smile. - Do you know her? - inquirió she. - Since skylight - he answered-, and you also: it is Nickie Nolton, one of the nurses of the hospital. - Oh, he had not recognized her without the uniform - Lou murmured. - She is a very nice girl: do not you believe?. - And very young also - she said, agreeing with the head. Drew took it of the hand and one directed smiles for him. - But good ...!: not that you were to join an asylum ...! Two prorrumpieron in laughs. - You are a good man, Drew - said to him she, looking at it tenderly and a smile in the lips. In another end of the dining room, Coltrain was observing furiously the scene. For one year, Louise Blakely had been pushing the lightest contact back with him, and suddenly not only it was leaving that Drew was taking it of the hand, but he him was smiling. At him he him had never smiled at that way. In fact, he him had never smiled in any way. On his{your} part, Lou, it strained during the dinner for concentrating on the speeches, but it was a real torture for her to observe how the hand of Nickie was caressing that of Coltrain, and how he was flirting shamelessly with him. She could not flirt, but if he had learned anything during his infancy and adolescence, it was to putting face of poker in the adversity. This night it achieved it in spite of everything, and whenever Coltrain directed the look to the table in the one that was seated, could not read anything in his face. When the event had ended, the young woman left that Drew was taking it again of the hand, and they went out together of the restaurant, way of the parking. Behind them, not much far, Nickie was going and a furious Coltrain with the look fixes in Lou's back. When Drew and Lou came along with the car of him, they stopped, and another partner gave them scope. - Ah, hello, Cooper. So, is Nickie? - Drew greeted them when it saw them approaching-. This morning you did an excellent work in the operating theatre, Cooper. The stitches that you gave to missis Crane were so thin that I doubt that in a few weeks it has some scar that to teach. Coltrain outlined a light smile. - She me emphasized very much that was evident the least possible thing. It seems that he was afraid that his husband was stopping finding her attractive for the mark. He must be one of these men obsessed with the perfection. - Since it already will be difficult to him to find the perfection in a world as imperfect as this one - Drew pronounced-. In end, tomorrow we meet in the hospital. - yes, manaña we meet - it repeated Coltrain in a murmur-. By the way, he confers a doctorate Blakely - added in an icy tone, looking at Lou with the half-open eyes-. Today it


came ten minutes late - it reminded her-. I hope that it happens again. - Oh, is that I remained asleep - answered she in an innocent tone-. The fact is that I am tired so much to go round there with the ambulances... It directed a sarcastic smile for him and sat down in Drew's convertible, leaving a Coltrain between flabbergasted and furious. It was clear that it was not used that they were making fun of him. - It is a punctual morning - he warned him with a furious look before moving away with Nickie given as a limpet to him. - " be punctual ... " - Lou imitated it, twisting between his fingers the handle of his clutch bag-. He goes away to inform! Tomorrow I will be seated in his square of the parking at half after eight in point! Drew laughed while it was shaking the head. - Him do not pay attention - he said to him putting the vehicle in march-. What he wants is to make you jump. - And it obtains it - she mumbled, crossing of arms sulked-. God, how I hate this man! Drew threw a look out of the corner of the eye and suppressed a smirk. When they came opposite to the house of Lou and his friend he accompanied her up to the veranda, the young woman, that all the way had gone ranting of Coltrain, looked at something ashamed. - Excuse me - it requested him-. I have not been a very agreeable company this night. Drew tilted the head. - Do not say foolishnesses - he answered smiling-. Nevertheless, yes it is true that Coltrain and you take as the dog and the cat - he added-. Till now only he had heard the people speaking about it, but today I have verified it with my own eyes. Is always it like that with you? Lou agreed with the head. - Always, since I came here - he answered-. Good, not - it was corrected, remembering-, to be exact, it goes this way from the past Christmastime. - And does it have any motive? - inquirió Drew-. Did anything happen between you the past Christmastime? Lou looked at it unsteady. - Do not be dumb, I will not say anything to him - him promised his friend-. What step? - So ... it spent that in the holiday of Christmas of the hospital it tried to kiss me under the mistletoe and ... good, let's say that I stooped and separated - he confessed blushing and lowering the head-. It is be burning hot it puts very nervous. Whenever it approaches I start me trembling. It is so ... I do not know, so sudden... When he always speaks with me it me is trying to take hold of the doll. It is as if much knew that it bothers me and was doing it by the way. Meanwhile he was speaking, in an unconscious way, the right hand had surrounded his left doll in a protective attitude. Drew warned it and, gathering the bridge of the nose, separated the hand softly, closing he his fingers concerning the delga doll, but without doing pressure. The young woman gave a jump, and Drew released the doll to the moment. - Do you want that we speak about this? - inquirió in a tone I stay. Lou shook the head and swallowed saliva, as if it had the dry gullet. - Not, it is something that belongs already to the past. - I do not believe it - Drew restored-. If it was something of the past, you would not start trembling as a sheet when anybody tries to touch you... . It does not happen to me with the whole world, only with him - she murmured absent-mindedly, without raising the look. Drew arched the eyebrows. Was he realizing what he had just confessed accidentally? - God, I am done dust - Lou said rubbing the nape-. He was going to invite you to drink a coffee, but it seems to me that you are going to have to forgive me. I go away to go directly to the bed. I do not know what happens to me, but I am the most tired.


His friend extended a hand and touched him the front. - It is possible that you have a few tenths of fever - it murmured-. Are you evident slightly more apart from the weariness? She shrank of shoulders. - Good, it hurts me quite, and I sit down desganada. Probably it will be this virus that walks round there. - So if you are not better morning, do not be going to work - Drew said to him. - Do not worry, only I need to rest a little. Tomorrow I will be perfectly. Thanks for inviting the dinner, I have spent it well ... in spite of the incident with Coltrain in the parking - he added with a half smile. - I also have spent it well - answered he-. Since Eve died scarcely I go out. God, Ya five years ago and still I lack her - it murmured with heavily sigh-. I hope we had had a son. This way perhaps I would not feel only. Lou looked at it with sadness. - Another day was reading an article in a newspaper in the one that was saying that many widowers marry again to a few months of losing his partner. What nitwits are the statistics: truth? - In my case certainly they have not been right - Drew said, getting the hands into the pockets of the jacket and lowering the head-. I suppose that I am one of these persons who only love once in the life, but I prefer the memory of these twelve years along with Eve to hundred years with any other woman. Sure that I look like to you the antiquated one - it murmured lifting the sight. Lou shook the head. - Not, it seems to me slightly beautiful - he said to him quedamente-. Eve was very lucky for being so dear. Drew blushed. - And I feel very lucky for taking you as a friend - Lou added smiling. - Ditto - answered Drew, abrazándola-. You would do to me a great favor if you going out again with me occasionally - he said to him with a shameful smile when they had separated-, so that the people stop thinking that I am a lost case. - I will love going out again with you - said to him she-, and I believe that also it will come to me well. In of course Coltrain was right, for much that re-stamps on me to admit that it is right in something. Since I began the studies in the institute, and then in the Faculty of Medicine, you grieve yes I have had social life. Eight years ... eight years burning myself the eyebrows to be a daughter modélica and to support I satisfy my father - it murmured more for her that for him-. So I have not had a lot of time for the men. he added shrinking of shoulders, as if it wanted to take importance from him on having seen the serious look in Drew's eyes-. It was clear that, with the experience of the marriage of my parents, many desires were not also bringing in me of having a relation. Until I met you you and to Eve he did not believe that two persons could be so happy meetings or to love itself so much like to be the faithful to other. Drew remained quiet a good moment, thoughtfully. - Lou - he said to him suddenly-: do you remember when you asked me about what it had happened with his father in our hospital? You will see, I ... I believe that you have right to know it. He... - I know it, Drew, you do not have to continue - it mumbled. His friend gathered the eyebrows and blinked repeatedly. - What? Louise inspired deeply. - Accidentally I listened to your conversation with Coltrain another day. I have presented to him my resignation. I leave in January. Good, anyhow my contract was finishing in these dates - he remembered him on having seen the surprise in his face-. Coltrain wanted to know why I wanted to leave, and I said to him that it had heard your conversation. It told me what my father did, and it does not strange me that he detests me, and that he does not love


me here. You should not have recommended me, Drew. He felt forced to hire me, and the things have gone of evil in worse all these months. - I know it, but I am afraid that it is already too much late and I cannot solve that. The truth is that I believed that it would be for good, if it is that this excuse costs you - he said scrutinizing his face-. You needed to change ambience, and I believed that Cooper ..., good, it was obsessed by Jane Parker, so I thought that perhaps if you knew each other... Jane is a charming, and very sweet woman, but I do not believe that it could have resisted the temperament of Koper. It is the man's class that intimidates the women who are not capable of facing him. - Just as my father - murmured she, contracting the face. Drew continued observing her in silence. - Lou, I know that there are things about which you do not want to speak, but if it is not with me, believe that you should look a therapist. You cannot allow that the past should interfere with your present. - It will be better than between. It does it fried - she murmured without answering. - It is well, I have received the message, I will leave the topic - Drew said, shrinking of shoulders. - Thank you - Lou murmured, giving him a kiss in the cheek-. He drives carefully. - I will do it. Look after. Rubbing nervous the doll, Lou saw moving away Drew's car to turn dela window of the foyer. He was not going to think about it, it was said, he was not going to think about it. It would go away to the bed and would extract it of his mind. But it was not like that. It woke up in the middle of the night with the face bathed in tears, scared, until he remembered where he was. It was safe, that hell had finished, it was said to calm down. Nevertheless, it was evident annoyed, and had the dry gullet. It raised and went to the kitchen to fill a water pitcher and a glass and turned to the bed, hoping to be able to conciliate the sleep again and not to have any more nightmares. At half after nine of the following day, when the stamp of the door began to insistent asdic, Lou was half a grogui. The rest of the night had passed going to the bath to be sick constantly, and it had a few terrible retortijones in the stomach in addition to being evident tremulous and being bathed in a cold perspiration. The stamp of the door was not stopping sounding. Lou tried to get up, but it was very sick and the head was on the verge of him exploding, so it was dropped again on the mattress with a croaking and decided to hope that the one who should want that it was should get tired and should leave. Suddenly the stamp was kept silent, and everything remained in silence, but after a few seconds, Lou heard as the door of the entry was opened. Drew knew that it had a key hidden under the flowerpot holder of the entry. Would it be he, which had worried on having seen that it had not gone to work? A few steps approached the bedroom, but in the pivot hole of the open door it was his friend who appeared, but Coltrain. - So that it is here - it spluttered with an insolent look-. If he was thinking the free day took today, less that it could have done would be to have warned. Lou tried to focus the sight, but it was too sick. - I have been awake almost the whole night ... - it began. - With Drew? In his state, Lou did not manage to throw even a killer look as he would have liked to do. - vomitando - he corrected it-. Will not it have anything to cry out the morning sickness, truth? I have the made stomach slack. - I have left the briefcase in the car. I return at once. It went out, and returned after a few seconds, with the briefcase in the hand and the stethoscope hanging by the neck.


- Although it is a tremendous imprudence to have the key and a house under a flowerpot holder, I must say that it has been a luck that is the imprudent one. If not, it might not have entered. It took the temperature of him and auscultated her. It had fever, but it seemed that the lungs were well. - A virus - diagnosed. - Do not say to me? - she exclaimed in a weak but sarcastic tone. - It will live. - Does it want to give me anything at once, please? - Lou begged him, supporting itself the stomach with a hand. Coltrain opened the briefcase and extracted a syringe. - I will put an injection to stop the vomiting. A pill would not serve as anything. In spite of being a doctor, Lou was detesting the injections, but it was allowed to do. - I believe that it needed to go to the bath - it murmured when he was removing the disposable needle to the syringe-. Might I to help to come even there? Scarcely I can support oneself in foot. Coltrain her helped to get up, warning fragility of his body when I rest on him. It took her up to the cleaning and, after making her seated in a stool, went out and left her so that it had intimacy, closing the door after if. - If he needs something, call me - he said to him. Minutes later, Lou went out of the bath and Coltrain her helped to come again to the bed. When the young woman was wrapping up herself, he saw that the doctor was raising the receiver of the phone of his bedside table and was marking. - What is it doing? Coltrain did to him a gesture so that it was kept silent. - Hello, I am the doctor Coltrain. Order an ambulance to Arms Lane, number twenty-three. Yes, that is. Thank you. Lou looked at it furious. - I do not need to go to the hospital ...! - he protested. - Already I it believe that yes - it cut her-. I am not going to make her here alone, so that it is dehydrated. At the speed to the one that is losing liquids, he might die in three days. - And what matters for you if I die? - furious she pierced him. Coltrain was not listening to her. He stooped to take the pulse, and on having seized the doll, she came up with brusqueness. Coltrain looked at her confused, and saw that it had become lightly paler than was. Suddenly, nevertheless, he remembered the charitable dinner of the previous night. Drew had taken it of the right hand, but he, logically, since it doing to take the pulse, had taken the left side. Under the sight towards the comforter, on which the left hand of the young woman was lying, and he observed that it seemed that he had suffered an important break. It had been treated, of course, but nevertheless it was evident. - I do not want to go to the hospital - encabezonó Lou. - Since it will go, although it has to drag her for the hair - he set himself-. Does it have any holdall? I will put him in her what he is necessary for the time that it is incomer. The young woman threw a rabid look, but as nothing it served him. After a few minutes it was sounding the stamp. Coltrain went to open the door and allowed to go on to the stretcher-bearers. When it was following them up to the ormitorio, it was fixed in the pictures that were decorating the walls. Some of them were quite worrying, but the drawings of flowers to the cake were very nice. He wondered if... Coltrain accompanied them out, and before they were raising Louise to the ambulance, she murmured one "thank you" reluctantly. - It does not have why to give them to me - he answered with a light smile. Nevertheless, in his eyes there was a pensive expression-. The pictures that it has in the house ... did you paint them? - he asked him suddenly.


- How is it known it? - she surprised murmured. But he could not answer him, because the stretcher-bearers asked him to separate to raise it to the ambulance. CHAPTER 4 Some hours later, Louise was waking up in a room of the hospital. They had given him a quite strong tranquilizer, and it had remained asleep. On having opened the eyes, it met a nurse next to you that was descorriendo the curtains. - Oh, it has woken up, confers a doctorate - he said to him with a smile-. Is he better? - A little - Lou murmured. - Since very soon it will be completely restored, already he will see it. We are going to take care of her very well. Is it hungry? - The truth is that yes - answered Louise-. What offers me? inquirió rejealous. Although it had proved it ever, the meal that they were serving every day the incomer patients did not have a too tasty aspect. - How is consommé, a gelatine of fruits, and a manzanilla? - Might not it to be a coffee instead of manzanilla? - Lou ventured given hope. The nurse burst out laughing. - Good, perhaps a slack coffee. I will see what can do. It went out of the room, and minutes later, Drew was putting the head out for the half-open door. - I said to you that it seemed that you had fever: do you remember? - it stung it, while it was approaching the bed-. How are you? - Better, thank you - answered she-, but it was not necessary to deposit me. - Cooper does not think the same thing - he entertained murmured-. I will happen to see you then. Behave well. Lou breathed heavily and had a short rest. Sure that in the door of his consultation there would be a heap of angry patients waiting, and poor Brenda would be trying to calm them, because Coltrain as it would have always passed the whole morning in the operating theatre, operating. Lou verified it in his longest own meats that were doing the hours in a bed of hospital. At nine o'clock of the night, Coltrain was starting going on from room to room, verifying the state of the incomer patients, and about half after nine it entered that she was. It seemed so tired that Lou felt bad for leaving to him all the work for a simple virus. - i feel it - it spluttered, irritated with it misma for being so weak. - What? - inquirió he arching an eyebrow and sitting down at the edge of the bed. It took the pulse in the right spring instead of in the left side, and this time neither tried itself to separate nor gave samples of discomfort. - So that has to deal with my patients in addition to theirs - Lou murmured. The sensation of the long fingers of the doctor concerning his doll was turning out to be too many turbadora, and it noticed how him arrebolaban the cheeks. His reaction did not happen unnoticed to Coltrain, who inclined, her looking at the eyes, but did not separate the hand, and to the moment he felt how the pulse of the young woman was hastening when it brought his face over to of her. It would be possible that ...? Louise avoided his intense look. - I ... I feel already much better - it stammered-. I believe that tomorrow I will be able to return to the work. Coltrain released the doll and put itself of foot, observing with curiosity the rapid one rising and to go down the breast of his assistant. It was a strange reaction in a woman who was always straining for showing him his rejection. It checked in silence the medical report that Drew had given him. - Yes, it has improved - he concluded-. If you continue evolving this way, perhaps tomorrow in the morning give him the discharge, but to go away to house, not to work - he added with


steadfastness-. Drew had tomorrow the free day and it me has offered to help, so I will not need it. - That has been very kind on his part. - Yes, Drew is always very kind - Coltrain agreed absent-mindedly while he was adding a few notes to the report. Lou could not stop oneself. - Not since others ...-spluttered. Coltrain raised the sight of the report and laughed softly. - He does not like: truth? - he asked him, gathering the lips-. I suppose that neither him h to given reasons to do it - it admitted-. Since it came I have proved to be hostile and sarcastic. - And I who was thinking that it was his character ...-she restored with the whole intention. Coltrain outlined an entertaining smile. - since it sees already, it is not as well as I am. In reality you do not meet me by no means. - I do not even have interest to know it. Coltrain had been mistaken with regard to her during an entire year, but his offended and haughty attitude not cheat it again. At first he had believed that if it was pushing it back it was because he hated it, but he was starting comprising that it was not like that. Louise Blakely was a very vulnerable woman, but it had been late too much in realizing, and perhaps it might not already repair the damage that it had done. It would leave of Jacobsville before it could find out if what he was feeling for her was simply the attraction that was arising between opposite poles, or slightly deeper. One put the hands in the pockets and continued studying it thoughtfully. The bad night that ha'bia past was reflecting in his pale face, the dull hair and the pouches, but nevertheless it had a strange beauty. - I already know what aspect I have, thank you - she mumbled on having seen fixedly that was looking at her. It lowered the sight to his interlaced hands-. Do not be necessary that he scrubs me that I am slightly attractive, a doctor. My father never lost the opportunity to distinguish myself all that what he was lacking. His father... The expression of Coltrain hardened after the memories came to his mind of what that man had done to him. Nevertheless, in this occasion they came accompanied from rumours that it had heard about the way in which the doctor Fielding Blakely had treated his poor wife. He had never stopped to think about her, but in this moment it was said that the most probable age that missis Blakely should know about the romances of his husband. Perhaps had not it important for him that it him was unfaithful?: or perhaps had it been of him afraid as for to begin it in face? And that existed of the broken doll of his assistant, and of his reserve towards him, and of his absence of autoesteem? - Did his mother know that his father him was unfaithful? - he asked him sharply, half-closing the eyes. Louise continued looking at it as if he could not believe that it had done to him this question. - Was it known it? - Coltrain insisted. She raised the sheet up to the neck. - Yes - he said, almost spitting the word. - And why did not it leave it? Lou allowed to escape a bitter laugh. - You cannot ... he cannot even imagine what was that one... - Perhaps yes be able - he murmured, approaching wing bed-, perhaps imagine a heap of things that have not occured to me earlier. It is curious. We go working together for almost one year, and suddenly it is as if it had looked at her, but he had never seen her really. Louise was removed uncomfortable. - Perhaps what happens is that his imagination is overflowing, doctor - he said to him in an icy tone-. I have not asked him for his attention; I do not want her. - Neither mine, nor that of no other man: is not it like that?-inquirió he softly. Lou was starting feeling as an insect fixed in a plate of cork with a pin.


- Might it to make me alone, please? - it wailed-. I am not well, and the last thing is burning hot it is attractive is to surrender to an examination. - Is it that what believes that I am doing? to interrogate her? - he restored-. Only it was showing a late interest for my assistant. - After the Christmastime I will not be already his assistant. I presented to him my letter of resignation. Or is it that he has forgotten it? - Oh, that. I broke it. Lou's eyes were leaving for him of the orbits. - What did do " What "? - I broke it, in pedacitos - he repeated, shrinking of shoulders-. I feel it, but I cannot do without you. His patients will not want to tread on the hospital again if I have to attend to them. - Do not say bullshit - Lou restored, blushing lightly-. Before it was coming the people were very satisfied with you, and he was fine very much. - too much good - it was the response of him-. It was taking almost two years without vacation taking. You have lightened me very much the load of work. So, already it sees, although he does not believe it, it has become indispensable. It will have to remain. - I do not think to remain! - almost she irritated by his presumption shouted him-. I hate it! For his surprise, Coltrain agreed with the head. - This way it is better - he said-. The hate is healthier than the fear. I prefer that he hates me to that he begins backwards whenever I approach, as a turtle that gets into his shell before the minor danger. Lou looked at it open-mouthed. - i not ... - he protested. - already I it believe that yes - it cut her-. And then that thing about is all these secrets that so jealously he keeps. Well, I make sure to him that I am not going to make her calm until each of them tells me, beginning for the reason for the one that does not support that nobody her takes hold of the left doll. Lou noticed that the cheeks were burning him. - I am not going to tell him anything. - Why not?-inquirió Coltrain-. It would not be told anybody. I neither am a gossip, I nor am speaking round there about the others. Louise knew it, knew that it was not this person's class. The doll rubbed thoughtful, contracting the face on having remembered the pain that he had felt, and how it had happened. Coltrain observed her in silence, patiently, asking him how it could have accused her of being cold. It had a character almost so strong as his, and it was clear that it was never getting scared. If he had avoided his contact till then it was because there was something in his past that still was tormenting it. - She is a mysterious woman - it murmured-. We take one year working together, but scarcely I know nothing about you. - The fault is not mine - he remembered him with coldness-. Since I came to the hospital it has treated me with the top of the foot. Coltrain inspired, expelled air, and agreed with the head. - It is true, it was spiteful for what his father did, and I paid it with you. Lousie looked at it surprised. He had not hoped that it should admit it so openly. - Good, I suppose that I in his place would feel equal - it granted-, but it was not known anything about the past of my father. I do not know why I thought ñeque ever there had to be a reason for the one that left of Jacobsville and it never returned, not at least to visiting his brother, while this one still lived. The truth is that it never seemed to my mother to matter for him to return. I suppose that it had to known ... - it could not finish the phrase. - And nevertheless it continued with him - Coltrain said. - It had to do it! - almost Lou shouted-. If it had tried to leave it, he it would be ... - it


swallowed saliva, but once again his voice broke. - Would it be what? - it urged her to continue, sitting down next to you-: killed? Lou was unable of it look at the eyes. The memories were returning to his mind in a violent maelstrom; the violent thing on that father was putting himself whenever he was taking drugs, the threats, the fear of his mother, the fear that she herself had spent, the crying, the screams, the pain... Suddenly the hand of Coltrain settled on his. Lou contained the breath, lifting the face, and the doctor could see distressed her in his eyes. He pressed the hand softly, like trying to offer him consolation. - Some day will tell it to me - he said to him-. It me will count everything. Lou could not understand this sudden interest. The look was supported long moment and, unexpectedly, something seemed to him to see in his eyes that it left her without breath. It did not have to do to itself illusions again. He was not feeling anything for her, he nor would feel it ever. In labor the route as to an efficient assistant, but in the personal thing she was sure that in the fund it remained caught by the prejudices, by the past, and that for him she would always be the daughter of the doctor Blakely, of the man that so much damage had done him. He seemed to feel a pity for her, but probably just as he would have felt it for anyone that, like her, was spending it badly. He withdrew his hand slowly, and outlined a weak smile. - Thank you - he said with hoarse voice-. I suppose that sometimes I think too much, and it does not have felt when the past is not any more than that, past. - He was usually thinking that itself I - he entrusted him-, but now I am already not sure so. In this moment a nurse entered and Coltrain left almost immediately. On the following day, Lou received the discharge. Drew went down to having breakfast with her to the snack bar of the hospital, before taking her to house, but when they were ending, Coltrain appeared and he said to him that he would take her. He was his assistant, and therefore his responsibility, he said to Drew. Lou obviously protested, but Drew did not intervene and, in fact, when they were not looking, he smiled. So that It was Coltrain who took her to house. When it was accommodated in the couch, the doctor asked him once again: - Is it sure that it will be well? - Of course, it was not any more than a virus - she restored taking importance from him-. I am perfectly. Thanks for his worry. - Not malacostumbre - he answered with a malicious smile-, I do not remember when it was the last time that I worried for a woman. - I am only his assistant - answered she, queriendo to make clear well that was realizing that there was nothing personal between them-, it is not the same thing. - Not, it is not the same thing - he agreed-. And I have never given him reasons to think another thing: is not it true? I have never invited her to come to my mess. It was making her very nervous with this fixed look. - And what? I have never invited it to my house not also - he answered-. It is clear that it would not have occured to me to never put it in such an awkward situation. - Awkward?. why? - So because you would have that to have looked for some reasonable excuse to refuse. Coltrain studied a moment his face with the eyes entronados. - Perhaps I would not have refused. Lou's heart gave one I overturn, and it hurried to separate the look. He wanted that it was already going away, before it was denounced accidentally. - Excuse me, but I am very tired - it murmured. Coltrain approached her, warning how there was tightened, how his respiration was hastening, how his lips were half-opened... Although it was doing a brave effort to hide itself it, it was obvious that his proximity the turbaba. If it had not treated her with the hostility with


which it had treated her... It stopped scarcely to half a meter of the couch, with the hands in the pockets not to make her more nervous. - It does not even happen to him to come tomorrow if he does not meet desire - he said to him in a soft tone-. I will manage them: in agreement? - In agreement - she murmured, without looking at it. - Louise... It was the first time that was calling her by his Christian name, and she was surprised so much, that lifted the face towards him. - He is not responsible for anything for what there did his father - Coltrain-.Siento said to him to have put such difficult things, and I would like that he was reconsidering the marchare. Lou was removed uncomfortable in the armchair. - Thank you, but I believe that I have taken the correct decision - he answered in a tone that I stay-. He will be you happier with another person as assistant. - Does he believe that? Because I do not agree - it extended the hand, and it caressed the soft cheek of the young woman, descending up to the commissure of the lips. Lous trembled before the caress, and his reaction had an immediate echo in Coltrain. The doctor remained without breath, and looked at his lips with avidity, saying to him that he would die if it was not taking them in this moment. But it could not, could not ... it was too prompt. - I have to go away already - he said to him separating the hand sharply, as if the contact with his skin was burning it. It had to move away of there before it was losing the control and everything was ruining it. Lou, who was not comprising that hurry to leave, thought that it had regretted having caressed her, and that he wanted to make sure that she should not do to herself wrong ideas. - Thanks for bringing me to house - he said to him in a formal tone. Coltrain went to the door and stopped with the hand in the knob, turning towards her. - Give thanks to the fact that I left when still I am on time. And it went out, closing the door, and leaving the young woman with an expression of puzzlement in the face. Perhaps he was regretting having tried to convince her also so that it was not going away. In end, it was said, that one her did not have already to worry. It had to do to the idea of that soon he would be out of his life. It was impossible that the things between them were changing, and it had reasons to hate her when father had hurt him. It went to the kitchen, in search of a canister of soup of tomato. It needed to restore forces before returning to the work. Nevertheless, when it opened the larder and seized with the left hand the canister that was more to the scope, one slipped him between the fingers and fell down to the soil. Lou continued looking at her with the carried away face sing of gathering her. His sleep of turning into surgeon had been destroyed overnight, years behind. And it was a real shame, had said his instructor, because it had a skill that few surgeons were managing to reach, an almost innate knowledge of the way of cutting textiles with the minor loss of possible blood. But the sinew of his hand had broken because of the break, and not even the efforts of the orthopedic surgeon who had produced it had managed to repair the damage. On the following day it had already rejoined to the work, something tired still, but cheered up. - The doctor does not like very much the children: truth? - there asked him this morning a kid from whom it was taking his a few points-. When I taught him my wound so that one was treating it, he said to me that he had seen them worse. Lou could not suppress a smile. - Good, is true it that has seen them worse - he answered-, but you have behaved as a champion, and that's why you have gained yourself an award - he said to him, doing to him


delivery of a bag of tidbits without sugar. The child smiled widely. - Boy, and now go with your mother, who is waiting for you, and be careful the next time that you go out to skating: in agreement? The small girl agreed in a vehement way with the head. It jumped of the stool in the one that was raised and went at the edge of the consultation. but when it opened it, Coltrain appeared. The doctor supported it so that it should go out, and after throwing a furious look, the child left. - Small moaning kid ... - it jabbered Coltrain bringing in and half-closing the door after yes. - You do not fall down to him well - it informed Louise-. He has despised his wound. - Wound ... - he breathed heavily-. If I did not have to give to him any more than a pair of points... - He does not like too much the children: eh? - inquirió she while he was gathering the material that she had used to take the points from the boy. Coltrain shrank of shoulders. - I do not have very much contact with them - he answered-. Also, since it started working with me, I already almost deal only with the adults. It rested on one of the jambs of the door, studying it with the hands in the pockets of the white robe, and the stethoscope hanging about the neck. Lous and he realized of that he was observing her, and turned towards him. His eyes were, and the young woman felt that it was not capable of separating the look. It seemed that the heart him was going to leave of the breast, and almost he was lacking the respiration. The eyes of Coltrain went down up to the mouth lightly half-opened of his assistant and planned the first sensual low lip and the delicate top lip later, wondering cóno it would be to kiss her. Suddenly, a few steps startled them, and Brenda opened the door, almost striking Coltrain, which was behind. - Lou, I have been wrong of ... oh!, God, excuse me doctor, it was not known that it was you there ...-stammered. - Not, not ... it does not have why to apologize. He had come to ask doctor Blakely if he had seen Henry Brady's record. It is not where I left it. Brenda delivered to him the folder that was going in the hand. - It is this one. I feel it, I took it as an error. - It does not worry - it directed a brief look to Lou and went out of consultation without saying another word. - They will not have had another discussion ...? - the nurse wailed-. I do not understand how after almost one year none of the two is ready to bury the tomahawk. Louise did not bother to correct it. His assumption was less awkward than what it had happened in reality. Coltrain had never looked at her that way. Every time it was making happy to have presented his letter of resignation; it was not sure of pode to support with stoicism his insinuations. Also, it did not want to do to itself illusions. After everything, Coltrain was a hardened bachelor, and he was not lacking women fluttering around him, like Nickie. And then there was that rumour of which it was still in love with his ancient love, Jane Parker... Not, it did not want to be the main course of anybody, and it wanted neither to have a relation, nor to marry. The things had been easier when Coltrain had treated like an enemy. Why might not it to be again like earlier, instead of looking at her this way? On having remembered the avidity with which he had been observing his lips, an itch covered it of above below. One not even more day of the necessary thing would remain there. He did not want to continue suffering with an impossible love. CHAPTER 5 The holiday of Christmas of the hospital fixed for the night of Friday, the two weeks before


the twenty-fifth, so that it was not coinciding with the familiar celebrations of the personnel. Lou at first did not have intention of going, but Coltrain cornered her the evening of this day in his consultation, when they were gathering to leave to house. - the holiday of Christmas is this night - he said to him. - I know it, and am not going to go. - I will gather her at nine o'clock - he said, as if it should not hear her. Of course, Lou started protesting, but he insisted-. I already know that yet the virus is not restored completely of that thing about, but it does not have why to remain until the end if he does not want, and I will take her to house. - And what raisin with Nickie? - Louise ran through him-. Would not it bother him that we were together? Coltrain arched an eyebrow. - Why should it him bother? - So because it has been you going out with her - remembered him Lou. - I have not been going out with her - he tinted-. I accompanied her on that charitable dinner because he said to me that the anesthetist who was going to lead her fiancée to being able to do it. I do not know what devils it will have heard, but there is nothing between us. - It does not matter to me - answered him she with tension-, I do not think to go to any holiday with you. All these months it has done to me the impossible life: and now does he believe that it can come and do blot and new account inviting me to a holiday? And it has not even been an invitation: but an order!. - Listen - he spluttered-, if one of the two is not present at this holiday, the gossips of the people will deteriorate and, sincerely: I had already enough in spite of supporting the gossips in the past, thanks to the charmer of his father! Louise took down with fury his overcoat of the hanger. - I believed that he had said that he was not blaming me for everything what it had done me padre1 - he remembered him, turning towards him. - And I do not do it! - answered he angered-, but it is irrational and infantile. - crikey, thank you ... - Lou spluttered-. Coming from you that almost they are fulfilled! Coltrain was getting angry more and more per moments. He had never met such an obstinate woman. For a moment he continued observing her fixedly as if it should to strike dead it with the look, until a light staggering when it went towards the door reminded to him that it had been sick. - This night there is going to be someone in the holiday who would like that he knew - he said to him in a softer tone, in that it was his last trick-. It is a question of Ben Maddox, an ancient companion. It has been hired by an important company of electronics and computers, and is promoting throughout the country a computer system that supposedly tunes in to the computers of a few hospitals to others in the whole world and to data bases and files. It seems to me that it is too expensive for our small hospital, but I have said to him that we would consider his offer. - And that I have to see with that?-inquirió Lou. - Good, are you the one that knows about new technologies - added he with a light deliberate sarcasm-. I would like to have his opinion. - Go, I feel very honest - answered she in identical tone-. He had never asked me for my opinion with regard to anything. - it had never mattered for me - answered Coltrain sincerely, and without the minor blush-. But, in end, I do not know, it is possible that it is mistaken and is true that the electronic revolution is necessary also in the medicine - it lifted the chin in a clear challenge-, or at least those it is what you are always defending. The proud look in Louise's chestnut-colored eyes said to him that it had stung the fishhook. - I will go, but I will do it in my car, and will see it there.


Coltrain gathered the eyebrows. - Why does not he want that I take her?. perhaps is it of me afraid? - it stung it. Lou could not say to him of what it was afraid. - If we were coming together to the holiday, the people would start murmuring: does not he believe? - it pointed. It had used his own excuse, and nothing he could say against that. - In agreement of that time. Coltrain said goodbye with a gesture of the hand and went out of the consultation, and only then Lou breathed calm. "Good", there was said, " it looks like a truce. Truly we needed it ... ". Meanwhile Lou was chatting with Ben Maddox in the holiday, Coltrain was standing up, in a surgeons' small huddle, but scarcely it was paying attention to what they were saying. It could not take the eyes of above from his assistant. Lou had put himself on a black garment of silk with a layer superposed of lace, round neck, and transparent sleeves. He had the skirt of the garment left over the knee, and was leaving to the overdraft his long legs, which seemed moreover slender for the shoes of heel. The fair-haired hair had been gathered in a very chic hairstyle, with some tufts falling down to him on the cheeks, and it was not taking any more adornments than a necklace of small pearls and a few earrings to game. On having seen her gesticulating and having laughed, the doctor experienced a series of turbadoras sensations that I had assaulted it earlier, exactly one year behind. In the holiday of Christmas of the previous year, the young woman had put herself on one more garment developer, and he assaulted by a sudden impulse that he did not want to analyze, one had fixed them to take her under the sticks of mistletoe, which were hanging by the roof, and it tried to kiss her. Nevertheless, she had escaped, and from this day he had avoided it as if it had a contagious illness. His ego had suffered a hard blow with that rejection, and that had already done that was taking certain antipathy, which increased when it was known of whom she was a daughter. He apologized with his companions, and went towards Maddox and the young woman. - Cooper, your assistant is a real jewel - Ben said to him when it joined them-. It is very well informed about the technological advances. - Yes, good, there him go these things - it jabbered Coltrain-. I am an antiguado, but if she had my position and the machines will diagnose illnesses, I am sure that he would dismiss to the whole staff Ben Maddox laughed. - You have to give up oneself before the evidence, friend, the technology is the future. - And also it is the motive for which the costs of the medical treatments have gone off - it restored Coltrain. - Pessimist ...-accused it Ben. - Pessimist not, realist - Coltrain answered. It lifted the glass that it had in the hand, simulating a toast, and purified his content. Ben followed his old man friend with the look when this one moved away in direction of the table with the meal and the drinks for between those who were dancing, and frowned on having seen that it was refilling his glass. - Rare what ... - he mentioned-, it had never seen Copper drinking any more than one glass. " not I " Lou thought gathering also the bridge of the nose. Shrinking of shoulders, Ben extracted of his briefcase a series of leaflets, and started explaining to him in a more detailed way the product that it wanted to sell to them. Meanwhile he was speaking, Lou saw that Nickie was approaching Coltrain behind. An ajustadísimo was going, cortísimo and escotadísimo blue garment that it did that all the men who were close were turning to look at her. Already of for yes it was nice, but with that garment it could take from street to anyone.


Between sniggers, Nickie dragged Coltrain under the mistletoe, attracting the attention with whom it was surrounding them, and indicated up with the hand. The doctor laughed softly, surrounded the narrow waist of Nickie with his strong arm and pressed it against yes. Then, he inclined the head and kissed her of a way that made feel Lou terribly heated. It had never pressed her hard this way between his arms, they nor had kissed her, but he had dreamed of it infinity of times. With the cheeks red clouds, it hurried to separate the look. - Cooper always attracts the most nice girls - there commented laughing Ben Maddox, who also had observed the scene-. This kiss is going to be the gossip of the hospital for one month. And it is curious, because in general he is not like that of uninhibited. The alcohol owes be raising itself to the head. Lou pressed in his hand the glass of pineapple strained that it was taking. - With regard to this system that it wants to sell to us, the truth is that yes that is a little expensive - murmured with a forced smile, changing topic. - Good, I cannot deny it to him - Ben agreed-, but also we have others similar, although not so finished and versatile, that he might be fine very much to a small hospital as it it is that of Jacobsville. In fact... Ben's voice turned into a monotonous noise, and Lou you grieve if it could concentrate what he was saying to him when with the rabillo of the eye he saw Coltrain and Nickie dancing given one to other. The alcohol and the mistletoe continued doing of theirs during the party. Ben and some that another member of the personnel of the hospital offered to extract Louise to dancing, but the young woman was not of humor, and after a pair of hours he decided that it was not painting anything there. She was feeling humiliated. Coltrain had made her go, and was going the whole night ignoring her. - I believe that I leave to house - he said goodbye of Ben, pressing the hand hard-. I have been sick and yet I do not sit down completely well, but I it have loved knowing. - The same thing I say - answered Ben-. By the way: has he seen Drew Morris? He was hoping to be able to greet it while I am in the city, and was thinking that it would come this night. - Since the truth is that not, and yes that is rare that has not come - she murmured, falling down in the account of which it was not known anything about him since they had given him the discharge. In this moment Coltrain appeared along with them, with Nickie hung by his arm. - Golly: does it continue here? - said the doctor to Lou with a mocking smile-. He was thinking that it would have already gone away. - I was leaving right now - answered she sharply-. He was dismissing me of mister Maddox, when he has asked me for Drew. Do you know why you have not come? - It is in Florida, in a seminar of paediatrics - answered Coltrain-: did not Brenda say it to him? - Not, I suppose that with so much work as we have had it would forget to be commented to me. - Good, when it should return say to him that it has given me many anger not to see it, Cooper-, Ben murmured with a smile. - Insurance that to him also - Lou intervened, making use of the moment to say goodbye. He was already not supporting any more the honeyed looks that Nickie was directing him to Coltrain-. Good, I go away... - Ah, not, still not - answered the doctor with a naughty sheen in the eyes-. It cannot go away without they have kissed her under the mistletoe, confers a doctorate. Or is it that it does not want to be lucky in the year that it brings in? Louise blushed and allowed to escape a nervous laugh. - It seems to me that I will do without this small ritual - he said. - Since it seems to me that not - he restored. The tone of his voice was a joker, but not this way the expression of his face. It separated


from Nickie, surrounded Lou's waist with his arm, and took her under the branches of mistletoe that were hanging by the roof with a bond of red velvet. - This time will not escape - he said to him with hoarse voice. And before Lou was asking to think, to react, or to protest, Coltrain had inclined the head and his lips had taken theirs with fierceness. With the arm that it had concerning his waist, it attracted her towards yes until it was completamente given to his muscular body, and raised the free hand up to his face, caressing him sensualmente the lips with the thumb while it was kissing her, until it achieved that the entreabiera. Coltrain introduced then the language in the mouth of the young woman, and she wailed against his will. In other circumstances he would have enjoyed the wonderful sensations that it was experimenting with this kiss of which so much he had dreamed, but to have to experience that one for the first time in front of the staff almost to the finished one of the hospital, between hisses and laughs, it did that it wanted to kill Coltrain. When he raised to the end the head, he continued observing the puffed up lips of the young woman, and caressed them softly with the thumb, to look later for a long time in his chestnut-colored eyes opened as plates, before to release it unwillingly. - Happy Christmas, there confers a doctorate Blakely - mocker said to him, but with the hoarse voice. - And, doctor Coltrain answered you she, after swallowing saliva, and unable look at it again at the eyes-. Good night, Ben... Nickie. It went towards the rear door of the place, where it was celebrated holiday, with the legs him trembling as if they had returned him of gelatine and the lips burning him for the passionate kiss. The eyes of Coltrain had continued her hypnotized. It had never experienced anything equal: it was burning of desire. Suddenly, Nickie him pulled the sleeve of the dinner-jacket, it returning wing reality. - You have not kissed me this way - he protested, doing stews with his nice lips color ruby-. Why do not you take me to house and ...? - Now I return - he spluttered without listening to her, coming undone and going towards the exit. Nickie saw it moving away irritated, blushing for the humiliation that had pushed it back in public. After they had gone together to that charitable dinner it had lodged hopes that it was calling her to go out, but it had not been like that, and although the kiss that had given him down the mistletoe had been very well, that had given to his assistant had made it turn pale for contrast. It gathered the suspicious frown. That one was very rare, it was said. And, without thinking two times, it went also at the edge of behind. It was going to find out what happened. Coltrain, without knowing that Nickie was following it, going behind Lou. That kiss had made it hungry of more, and was sure almost that to her also, but it had to make sure. It could not allow to leave up to knowing it. Lou was to a few meters of his vehicle when it heard his steps behind her. He knew perfectly about whom it was talking each other itself and he pressed the step, but Coltrain did other so much, and when she came along with the car, he had given him scope. Coltrain seized her for the arm, making her be turning, and before Lou could react, was of backs against the door of the car, under the weight of the strong and warm masculine body. Lou lifted the look. It could not distinguish the expression in the face of Coltrain, since his features were between shades for the darkness of the night, but his clear eyes seemed to flash. - It has not been enough - it murmured with hoarse voice. And, without saying more, he bent the head and his lips descended on those from her, kissing her with skill. It took Lou's hands, interlacing his fingers, at the time that it was pushing sensualmente his hips against those of her. Louise felt how the language of Coltrain was interfering for between his teeth, and he was


starting dancing with his and exploring every corner of his warm moisture. His fingers stuck to those of him, and a delightful chill covered it of above below. That one was so intimate, so pleasant.... Coltrain pushed again his hips against those of her, this time rhythmically, and Lou was cut the respiration on having noticed his excitement. The kisses of his chief became more insistent, and one of his hands rose up to Louise's lips, them to stimulate as it had done inside, only that the heat and the magic that was taking place between them in this moment were going very much further away. An intense groan left the gullet of Coltrain, and Lou noticed how all his body was tightened. Suddenly, on having tasted the flavor to Whiskey in the language of the doctor, the young woman recovered the reason and was thinking about comprising what happens. Coltrain had drunk too much and was not realizing what it was doing in reality, whom it was kissing. For him, in this moment, she could be Nickie, or any other one. The flavor and the smell of Whiskey brought disagreeable memories to the young woman of his father, memories of pain and of fear, and that one, together with the conviction of which Coltrain only was under the effects of the alcohol, it did that the pleasure that moment had been experienced even eses was disappearing completely. His hands pushed the doctor for the breast with all his forces, but it was too weighed for her, and it had her stingy with steadfastness for the waist. - Not ... it is enough ... - it requested him, giranfo the face. Coltrain did not seem to hear her. It started printing humid kisses for all his gullet and gruñó, as irritated by his sudden rejection. Lou was starting being scared. It writhed in his hug, panting. - Jebediah ... not! - he begged him frantic. The fear in his voice was what it did that he was recovering the control. His lips stopped on his gullet, but n or it separated. Louise could feel every centimeter of his body as if it was a white hot iron. The respiration of Coltrain had become labored, and against his breast, Lou noticed his heart beating with the force of a drum. Suddenly, he seemed to realize what he had been doing, and with whom. - God! - it mumbled breathing heavily. His fingers fixed to themselves a moment in the feminine waist before releasing it, and it trembled lightly on having detached his body of of her slowly, supporting the hands in the car not to lose the balance. It remained like that, fighting to silence the excitement that still was shaking it, and Lou felt his breath on his puffed up lips. Still it was too much close. - Earlier I had never called for my Christian name - it murmured Coltrain, separating finally from her-. It was not known that he knew it. - It was ... in the contract that we sign - she stuned remembered him. He gave a step backwards, rubbing the face. - I am afraid that I have drunk too much - he laughed, as asking for excuses-. Normally I usually not take any more than a pair of glasses. I suppose that I have allowed myself to take for the Christmas spirit. The mouth was hurting Lou for the violence of his kisses, and one was noticing the very weak legs. It had a short rest against the door of the car, warning for the first time the cold of the metal. It had not noticed it by no means while he had been kissing her. I separate from the automobile, lowering the alarmed sight. - I believe that I also will go away to house - it jabbered Coltrain, staggering a little, meanwhile the red-haired hair was combing with the fingers. - He should not drive in this state - Lou said to him. - Worried by me, does he confer a doctorate?-inquirió he with a sardonic smile. Lou became moreover red of what was, being sorry that his mouth had betrayed her. - I would worry for anyone that had drunk of more - he answered him. - Excuse, not the violentaré more - it murmured Coltrain-. And neither it has to worry for me. Nickie drives, and does not drink, so I will ask him to take. Nickie... Nickie would take it to house and probably it would remain after he "takes care",


Lou was said, feeling that the jealousy was devouring her again.: " not! ", it re-caught fire irritated, " this is not my matter ". - Then I leave - he said to him sharply. - Drive carefully. Lou opened with awkwardness his purse, extracted the keys, and to point it was of dropping them to the soil. It got into the car, lit the engine and moved away, seeing for the rear-view mirror as Nickie was approaching up to where Coltrain was. CHAPTER 6 The head was turning Coltrain. He would never have dreamed that to kiss the lips of a woman could become anything so explosive, not so addictive. He had met many women, but Louise Blakely had something that it was doing that the knees were weakening him. He was not managing to imagine what could have woken up in him a similar passion that was making him even go after her. Only God knew what could have happened if she had not separated it. Nickie remained hung of his arm when they entered again the room of holidays his overcoats and the purse of her. - You have the whole mouth spotted with his carmine - Nickie accused it, extracting it of his thoughts. He observed a moment in silence. Nickie was a nice girl and without complications, and, moreover important, he knew that he did not want anything serious. That thought, in contrast with the turbulent relation with his assistant, relaxed it. - Clean it to me - he said to him with a mocking smile, extracting a handkerchief of the pocket. Nickie took it and, while it was doing it, asked him with flirtation: - Do not you want to prove different mine time? - This night not - Coltrain answered him, giving him a few toquecitos in the nose with the index-. Would you take me to house? The latter days I have had a lot of work and am done dust. - Skylight - Nickie agreed, trying not to prove to be itself very disappointed. At least it was she the one that was taking it to house, and Blakely does not confer a doctorate on her, it was said, trying to console itself. He was not going to resign him without fighting, not when to know it was the best thing that had happened to him in a lot of time. One was not finding a single and good-looking surgeon every day. Already in house, and knocked down in his couch, Lou remained stuned by what had happened. He could not understand that a man who hated her since him seemed to have hated her from the beginning, suddenly it will kiss her with similar passion in front of the whole personnel of the hospital, and it was following her out, kissing her again with an ardor still mauro. If it should not be for it confused that he was feeling, he might say that that had been the most sweet night of his life. In any case, it was said that it had to try to support the feet in the soil, and to remind to him that that one had not been any more than an outlying incident, propitiated only by the festive ambience and the alcohol. If Coltrain had not drunk of any more, it would never have happened. Lou allowed to escape a groan of frustration. God!, it was more and more in love with him, and probably that one only would distance them moreover, because when Coltrain was sober again and remembered what it had spent, he would feel furious with it itself for having lost the head, and would try to forget completely the episode and would do as if she did not exist. To try not to think about it, the following day, Saturday, it was doing cleanliness of all the booths and cupboards of the house, but about six o'clock in the afternoon it received a call of the hospital that extracted it of his pigeonholes. On Sunday she was going to have the


free day, but the doctor Coltrain had called to the hospital to say that his assistant would have to replace it because it was going to be out of the city until Monday morning. Kind what on his part to have consulted him earlier!, thought Lou, done a fury. At least it could have been said to her directly, instead of doing it across others. And this way, on Sunday, Lou was of guard the entire day, and warned that many nurses and other members of the hospital were looking at her when they were crossing with her, containing sonrisillas and whispering when they were moving away. Probably the kiss that Coltrain had given him down the mistletoe still was giving about what speaking. Perhaps they even believed that there was something between them. - Eh, Lou!: how does it you go? - Drew greeted her when they were in the foyer of the pavilion of urgencies-. They have said to me that I got lost a kiss of movie under the mistletoe in the holiday of Christmas - he added maliciously. She blushed up to the root of the hair. - Many people kissed under the mistletoe - it spluttered. - Yes, but it seems that no kiss was so spectacular as that certain red-haired doctor gave to you ... - insisted Drew-. I believe that this doctor even followed you up to the parking and almost love made you on the hood of your car - he added laughing between teeth. Lou frowned and looked at it open-mouthed. - Who are you ...? - Nickie - he answered, confirming what his friend was afraid-. Good, although Brenda has told it to me. As it seems, Nickie saw you in the parking, and she is crazy for Cooper, so I suppose that he should have believed that he would forget you if he was making to cover rumours on you, because he knows or much that Cooper detests the gossip. And, knowing how the people like the gossip, you can already imagine that a rumour like that on two doctors who throw to themselves the trastor to the head has spread as the gunpowder. - Oh, God, this will come to ears of Coltrain as soon as it returns tomorrow - Lou wailed distressed-. What can I do? - Not at all, I am afraid - Drew murmured. Pero Lou half-closed the eyes. - We already will see it. It was turned on the heels and went to look for Nickie. He found her in one of the rooms of the second plant, and rested on the frame of the door, with face of few friends and the crossed arms, waiting patiently for that will end with the patient to whom he was attending. When it had finished and saw her there, Nickie looked at her with apprehension. Lou did to him a gesture with the head and both went out to the corridor. Lou was too tight against yes the folder that was going in the hand. - I have understood that you have been spreading rumours round there on the doctor Coltrain and on me - he said to him-. I will give you an advice: detén this while you could. Nickie habíua position red as a tomato. - I was not claiming ... - it stammered-. Please, doctor like that Blakely does not put herself, I do not believe that anybody has taken it seriously... Lou observed her without allow to upset by his aturullamiento. - I do not know how the people will have taken it, but, since you will see, I am not laughing precisely, and when the doctor Coltrain finds out, neither I believe that he laughs. And you can be sure that I will entrust that he finds out wherefrom the rumours went out. - Do not be able to do that to me!: it would be despicable! - Nickie whined with tears in the eyes-. I am crazy for him!. - I doubt it very much - Lou answered him incisively. If really it was importing something for you, you would not make it happen for something like that. Nickie interlaced the hands nervous. - I feel it - he said to him-, I feel it very much, but please do not say anything to him - it requested him-. It was only jealous because to I did not even give myself a kiss of good night when I left it opposite to his house, lies that it kissed you .... of "this" way, when it is


supposed that he hates her - he confessed to the bent down head. - It had drunk of more - answered Lou quedamente-. And only an idiot would believe that there could be something after a kiss under a posy of mistletoe. - I suppose that it is right - it murmured Nickie. In the fund, she herself was longing that it was like that, but it was very convinced-. Indeed that I feel, he confers a doctorate. He will not say it to him: truth? - he insisted worried-. If he finds out he will hate me: and I love it so much ...! Lou looked at a moment and finally, allowing to escape a sigh, said to him: - It is well, I will not say anything to him: but not more rumours! Nickie gave saltitos of happiness in the place. - Oh, thank you, thank you, confer a doctorate! Not more rumours - he promised with a wide smile and raising the right hand. On the following morning, Monday, on having entered his consultation, Lou met a furious seated Coltrain in the rim of his office. - What supposes that I have done now?-inquirió, releasing his purse along with him. - Is not it known it? - he stung it. Lou put himself opposite to him, breathed heavily, and crossed of arms. - If feriere to certain rumour that runs for the hospital... The look of Coltrain smoothed not even an apex. - Did you begin it? - Oh, yes, of course - said she, between annoyed and incredulous-. I was dying to tell him to the whole personnel that it threw itself on me in the parking and almost it forced me! In this precise moment the door was opened, and Brenda appeared. Continued looking at them open-mouthed, but after both threw a furious look, was turned bluntly and left. - Would it be important for him to lower very much the voice? - it mumbled Coltrain, turning the head towards Louise. - I will make it pleased when stop accusing me of things that I have not done! They continued looking fixedly at a good moment, until almost they jumped sparks. - Who began the rumour? he asked him about Coltrain once again. - That is better - answered she-, nobody can be accused without having tests. Well, for his information, I did not begin it ..., principally because I do not have the most minimal interest to turn into the gossip of the hospital. - Not even for me me to bind to to do something on this matter ...? - he asked him arching an eyebrow-.: ... how to announce our commitment? Lou contracted the face and gathered the bridge of the nose. - Please!: I have just had breakfast! The jaw of Coltrain was tightened. - Pardon? - This is what it should do, apologize to me! - she pierced him-. To marry you, does he say? Earlier it me would fade in to a tree along with a pond full of crocodiles!. He continued looking at her infuriated, and it was on the verge of answering him, when the intercom sounded. - Yes? - Lou answered with brusqueness, pressing a button. - He confers a doctorate ... the patients ... - Brenda stammered. - Already do that there happens the first one - answered Lou-, the doctor Coltrain it was leaving. - We have not finished - he said to him when she had released the button-. We will speak after the work. - After the work? she repeated. - Yes, but do not do to him illusions, that thing about will not repeat itself on Friday night said to him he with a mocking smile-: today I am not drunk. Lou threw a killer look and pressed the lips, but before he could say nothing, he had already gone out of the consultation.


Lou would never know how he could get ready them to continue working the rest of the day. It was furious with Coltrain for his accusations, and also irritated because Brenda had heard them discussing. The whole hospital would end up by believing that really there was something between them. And there was nothing! At eight o'clock, when the schedule of consultation had ended, Lou started gathering his things. Brenda had left was doing moment, and also almost the whole personnel that was employed at the building of the hospital that they were using as center of health. Just it was finishing of coming out the white robe when it brought in Coltrain, closing the door after yes. It seemed that it was not ready to allow to try to leave on the sly. - There him feels good the color of this jersey that goes - he said to him. - It is not necessary that it flatters me. Finish of saying to me what he wanted to say to me and leave that I go away to house. - It was trying to be only polite - answered he-. But in end, since he wants, I will get down to business: who extended these rumours on us? Lou lowered the unsteady sight. - I promised that he would not say it - it murmured. - It was Nickie: truth?-adivinó Coltrain, agreeing before the expression of astonishment in Lou's face-. It was known it. - It is young and it is taken a fancy by you ...-Lou began. - It is not so young - he answered. Lou shrank of shoulders. - Nevertheless it is very immature - it restored-. I have spoken with her, and it has given me his word of which it would stop the rumours. Now it is only a question of that are vanishing. In a few days the people will find another thing about which to speak. - It has not happened like that at all of "juicy" in Jacobsville since Ted Regan was going away to Victory after Coreen Tarleton and she was returning with him, showing an engagement ring in the finger - it restored Coltrain. - Small comparison! - Lou exclaimed, allowing to escape an ironic laugh. Since it was coming to Jacobsville, it had heard to speak often about famous that one and well equal avenue-. As if it was not known the whole world what we are one for other! - And what are we one for other, Lou?-inquirió he with certain spitefulness. She reddened lightly, it bothers into how it had changed the sense of his words for turbarla, and surprised of hearing his name of his lips. Coltrain outlined a half smile. - I believe that it is absurd that we continue speaking to ourselves about you after everything what it has spent - he said to him, crossing of arms-. Say to me: what are we one for other, Lou? - it repeated. - Enemies - she answered. - Is it that what you believe? - he asked him about Coltrain, and it supported the look long moment, in a silence that was becoming more and more oppressive. It dropped the arms to the sides-. They see here, Lou. Lou felt that the beats of his heart were going off. The eyes of the doctor were sparkling in his brown face, promising him pleasures that were beyond his imagination. The commissures of the lips of Coltrain bowed up in a wolfish smile. - We go, cobardica - it stung it softly, stretching a hand-, I am not going to hurt you. Lou could not believe that that one was happening. - Has it been drinking, doctor? - he asked him personifying the eyebrows and blinking. - Do you want to stop being called me a " doctor "? - the increpó he contracting the face-. You might be called me Cooper, or Jeb. And not, I have drunk not even a drop of alcohol. In fact, he was asking me if they would jump between us you spoil sparks that another night, if it was kissing you now when I am sober. Meanwhile he was speaking, had started advancing towards her slowly, with the elegance of a panther that goes with decision but without hurry towards his strawberry. Lou's heart


seemed to stop a moment, and again it began to beat with such force to which it seemed that it him was going to leave of the breast. - Please, not ... we should not .... - it stammered, raising both hands. Coltrain took them in theirs, and attracted her towards yes, imprisoning her between his arms. - I have to do it - he corrected it, lowering the sight up to his lips-. I need to know... And, without finishing the phrase, it placed his mouth on that of her. In the moment in which Lou felt that warm contact, it was invaded by a wave of desire that annulled his will. It wailed softly and half-opened the lips him to lead to the interior of his mouth, in an act of capitulation without reservations. Even more, it narrowed against him, longing to feel the warmth of his body, and noticed that Coltrain was getting excited. He I introduced the language in his mouth with an almost animal croaking and waist raised it porla, so that it was fitting perfectly to him, as if they were two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Louise, of brads, was removed, confused for the ínitmo that was turning out to be that one, for the sensanciones that were taking place in his virginal body. This silent protest recoerdó to Coltrain the way in which it had treated of separating of yes in the paracamiento the night dela holiday. It detached his lips of those of her, and looked for his eyes. - You will not be virgin ...? - it ventured. The tone of his voice did that it was looking like more an accusation than an affirmation. Lou's cheeks were dyed of flush, but it looked at it challenging. - So yes: and what? - it pierced him. Coltrain remained of stone. - God ... - it mumbled Coltrain, leaving her again in the soil and separating-. I cannot believe it... How is it possible that still you are virgin? How old are you?: thirty? Lou was feeling more annoying and humiliated all the time. - Twenty-eight - he corrected it-. What raisin, is chance a crime to be a virgin to my age? Coltrain pressed the lips and one put the hands in the pockets, trying to control the palpitating erection that the ardent kiss had produced to him, and that he seemed to refuse to send. And to think that it was taking the whole weekend dreaming of taking Lou with him to his house after the work, and of making love ...! It had ended for becoming convinced of that the only possible way of it being extracted of the head would be to satisfy the desire that he was feeling for her from hacía months. It had seemed to him so simple... It was known that she also was wishing it, and there were already rumours about them, so: what would matter to give more motives for the gossip? After everything, she was going to leave in The New Year. Nevertheless, for which he had never waited was this complication. When he had asked him if it was virgin, it had done it to sting it, but she had not realized, and had told him the truth. How was it going to seduce her knowing that it had never lain with a man? And, worse still: how was it going to manage to get rid of this desire that was consuming it? Lou was furious with it misma for having answered to his kiss, for having made so clear that was feeling attracted by him. - Do not think that you excite me - he warned him, in a desperate attempt of denying the undeniable thing-. Any man with experience might have made to react this way: anyone! Coltrain lifted the face and read between lines in the furious expression of her and in his azoramiento. - It is well, Lou, nothing happens - he said to him softly-. The two we are human, so you do not torment yourself about a kiss. She blushed moreover and pressed the handles. - And do not think for a moment that I am going to change opinion: on the first of January I leave, and you are not going to make me change opinion - it mumbled. - I know it.


- And I am not going to allow me to seduce for you! - I do not even think to try it - very solemn he restored-: I do not have for cosumbre to seduce virgins. Lou bit the low lip. - How is it that still you are virgin to your age? - he asked him about Coltrain cautiously-. Why? She looked at it as if she wanted to strike dead it, but then it lowered the sight. - Because I do not want to finish as my mother - he confessed to hoarse voice. He gathered the upset frown. - Your mother? I do not understand. Lou allowed to escape heavily sigh and wiggled the head. - I do not even think to explain it to you; it is slightly personal. When this month ends I will have stopped being your assistant, and then already not at all of it I was burning hot it concerns it will be your matter. Coltrain observed her worried. it seemed hurt, vulnerable... - Perhaps it you would not go badly to receive psychological assistance - he suggested in tone that I stay. - I do not need psychological assistance - she restored obstinately. - Indeed? - Coltrain ran through him-. Then: why do not you tell me how you broke the left doll? She was tightened visibly. - Oh, a layman would not realize - said to him the doctor-, but I am a surgeon - he remembered him-, and although the break is curda and the scars are minimal, something like that has not happened to me unnoticed. How did it happen?. Lou felt as a scared girl, whose secret had been an overdraft. He had not spoken to anybody about that one, and he would be the last person to whom he would entrust himself. - I am not your patient. Coltrain observed her thoughtfully. In spite of the heated diatribes that they had had till then, they had never gone so far as to discuss personal questions. In the occasions in which throughout the year they had been in the streets of Jacobsville, it was leaving hospital, they had behaved with courteousness. Nevertheless, in this moment he was starting realizing what was in reality behind the cuirasse of Louise Blakely's ice, and what had stayed to the overdraft was quite disheartening: a woman who had suffered in the past, which it had suffered so much that had sheltered in yes same, shutting up itself in a species of antiseptic prison. He asked himself if in any moment he would not have felt the desire to escape. - Then perhaps you might speak with Drew of it - he suggested him. Lou wiggled the head and closed his right hand on his left doll in a protective attitude. - Already leave it. I have said to you that it is not your matter. Coltrain extracted the hands of the pockets, and with many gentleness, separated Lou's right hand and took the left side, taking her to his breast. - There is nothing that you could not tell me - he said to him with solemnity-. I am not the person's class that he enjoys spreading gossip and rumours. Any thing that you say to me, will stay between us. So, if you want to speak ..., tomorrow, spent, or when you want, I am ready to listen to you. Ela bit the low lip. The kind words of Coltrain had made to outcrop tears to his eyes, had opened a crack in his cuirasse of ice. - My mother had a serious emotional trauma - it began slowly-. It was ciegamente in love with my father ..., up to such a point, that nothing of what he was doing could be bad, not by no means at all... That night my father had started drinking, and I tried to take the bottle from him, because whenever I was getting drunk I was beating my mother, but I could not. Then, it struck me in the doll with her, and the bone broke - it murmured, contracting the face to the recordarlo-. I spread they took me to urgencies, he said that it had stumbled and that it had crossed with the hand the crystal of a door. He was a surgeon of prestige, so everybody


believed it ..., even my mother. When we returned to house I said to him that he was he who had done it, but he accused me of being lying. CHAPTER 7 Coltrain did not interrupt it. Although he might never have imagined anything of that one, he did not also surprise, because he had verified first hand what person's class had been the father of Lou. - It was the alcoholic one - continued she separating the face-, and in the end it ended up by becoming also addicted to the drugs. In fact, it had to leave the surgery because in an occasion almost it killed a patient. He trod on an operating theatre again, but it remained as adviser of the hospital, because there were partners who had a pity and because he was a great surgeon. And really it it was - it pointed, queriendo to be a joust-: he was a bad father, but since surgeon was incredible. Of small I would like to have continued his steps, to be like like he - it murmured, estremeciéndose-. I was in my first year in the Faculty of Medicine cuado it happened. I lost an entire semester, and although the doctors who attended to me did everything possible to arrange the break of the sinew, they said to me that I might not devote oneself to the surgery. That's why finally I inclined for the general medicine. - It is a shame - Coltrain said. He was comprising very well what was the passion for the surgery, because also it was running for his veins. He was loving his work. Lou smiled with sadness and shrank of shoulders. - At least I can practise the Medicine, so it is not so bad - he answered-. With the general medicine also it is possible to help many people. Wanting to be useful for the community, the power to help the people ..., this was what helped me not to succumb as my mother, in spite of everything for what we happen. If it had not been for the Medicine, it would not have gone out forward. - I - he confessed him neither. It outlined a smile before the expression of astonishment that appeared in the face of his assistant-. Surprised? It was sure that you were thinking that my life had been a raft of oil: to what yes? - it wiggled the head-. The reality is very different: in fact, if hospital had not been for a medical old man already withdrawn from this one h, that it took me for the good way, now probably it would be in prison. I had a difficult infancy and an adolescence, and he was detesting any form of authority. Law was always got tangled up conla. - You?-inquirió Lou without being able to give credit to what it heard. Coltrain agreed. - The people not always are what seems - he answered-. I was an anxious and uncontrollable kid, but that good doctor inculcated me the love for the medicine, and I discovered that it had aptitudes for it, and that there were persons ready to help. I am the first one of my family in managing to escape of the poverty: did you know it? Lou shook the head. - The truth is that I do not know anything about your family - he answered-, and I had never dared to ask the others about personal things on you. - I have realized - said he-. And also you avoid you open to the others. You are capable of defending yourself if it is necessary, but you do not leave that the others approach you. - When you open your heart to someone, it can end up by doing to you damage - Lou murmured. - A lesson that your father taught you, undoubtedly. Lou embraced each other, uncomfortable. - I am tired, Jedediah, and at ten o'clock we have to return for the shift of visits. I want to go away to house. Coltrain her looked at the eyes. - Vente to mine. Lou hesitated rejealous, and the doctor did a grimace. - This is not what you are thinking - he said to him-. I have already said to you that I do not


have intention of seducing you: you are virgin, you are in the list of protected species. Lou gathered the lips, but finally he could not avoid to burst out laughing. - Vente with me, Lou. I will prepare chili, and cakes of corn, and loaded well coffee, and after the shift of conference we can return, and see together the special one of opera that they put in television at dawn. Do you like the opera? Lou's eyes were illuminated. -, yes, I love Oh! Coltrain smiled widely. - Seriously? Do you like Pavarotti? She agreed. - Very much. And Plácido Domingo - he added. Suddenly, nevertheless, a worried expression showed in his face-. But if they see that we go away together, the people will think that... - That think what they should want - he restored-. Also, we are adult and both we are single and without commitment, so what we make together is not a matter of anybody. Lou seemed to reconsider it. The offer could not be more tantalizing. - In agreement, but I will go in my car - he said to him. - Oh, we go, Lou, mine is more comfortable, and since the two we have shift of conference in the hospital this night, we will come together back. - but the fact is that... - Lou, please, let's not discuss. I also am tired, and still we have a pair of hours of work this night ahead. We "have" ..., Lou repeated himself while they were going out of the hospital and were going to the parking. If it was known what was hurting him that the things between them seemed to be starting changing, I joust when only two weeks were absent so that it was going away! Coltrain had said to him that it had broken his letter of resignation, but still it had not lost the reason up to the point of risking having left him there. If what he had said to him about that it was not seducing virgins was true, and she was not going away, it was exhibited that he continued treating simply like to a companion, and perhaps like to a friend, but nothing more, and she was not sure of being able to resist it when it loved her as it loved it. - There stops worrying you, woman - Coltrain said to him, laughing softly, on having seen with the rabillo of the eye the expression of his face while they were walking-. I have already said to you that I am not going to seduce you ... unless you want, skylight - he added inclining towards her, in a rustle accomplice-. I am medical, and I know how to protect you from the possible consequences. Lou continued looking at it of milestone in milestone, but it burst out laughing on having realized that it was teasing him. - Veto to the horn! - he said to him, giving him a friendly punch in the arm. - It is well, is well, I have passed ... - admitted he, laughing also-, but the fact is that I cannot avoid it: I love making to be furious. They had come along with the car of Coltrain, a luxurious silver Jaguar, and he supported the door gallantly so that he should sit down. A few minutes later, the doctor was starting the car, and they were going out to the highway. For the first time in every month that they were taking working together, they chatted without the utensils throwing themselves to the head. Nevertheless, in a given moment, she turned the face towards the window, and remained in silence, observing the silhouettes of the houses standing out in the horizon with the light of the evening. - You have gone much kept silent in the last part of the way - Coltrain quedamente said to him, a few minutes later, when it was stopping the car opposite to the house of his mess. - The fact is that I feel happy - she answered without thinking. Then it was him who remained quiet and thoughtful. It her helped to go down the car and they raised the stairs of the veranda.


- It must be wonderful to sit down here in spring - Lou said and it took seat in the swing. Coltrain looked at her with curiosity. - He did not believe that you belonged to these persons to that they like the swings. - Nor the walks along the field, not motar on horseback, not the baseball: truth? - added she-. Because also I like these things. Coltrain smiled. Truly it was only. It opened the door and invited her to happen. Lou observed that the interior seemed decorated by a professional, and probably like that it had been. - I grew sat in boxes of packing and eating in cut plates - him confessed the doctor-, so I suppose that it might be said that I have prospered. Lou laughed. - i suppose that yes, although I believe that if there is had nearby someone with whom you are to taste, it is possible to be happy with boxes of packing and cut plates .murmuró-. I hate the extravagant, or too formal decorations. Coltrain was starting suspecting. It was impossible that they had so much in common! - You are full of surprises - it spluttered, arching an eyebrow-. Not habrás him been worm out to Drew to say to me what I want to hear, truth? - inquirió in a suspicious tone and something rough. The astonishment in Lou's face was authentic, and as such it was recognized by him, but the damage was already done, and Lou looked at it hurt. - It should not have come - it stammered stuned-. It has been an error... Coltrain retained it for the arm on having seen that it was doing gesture of leaving. - Waiting, Lou! Excuse me, please - it requested him-. From what happened to me years ago, I am always to the defensive one with the women - he apologized atropelladamente-. The fact is that I never know if really... - I understand it, it does not matter, you do not have to give me explanations - she cut it. Nevertheless, the agitation in his voice, he was saying to him that yes it was mattering for him. Coltrain scrutinized his long face moment before speaking again. - I do not believe in that thing about " happy forever ever " - he said to him-. There was a time in which yes, but that was before your father was appearing and destroying all my illusions. She was not leaving to me that she was touching it, but he went to bed with him ... and she remained a pregnant woman of him. And above he was going to marry me, without saying anything to me - sigh allowed to escape heavily-. I lost the faith in the love, started distrusting all the women, and became mad of such a way with your father, who if they had not dismissed it, would have given him a drubbing. And later, when you came and I discovered who you were ... - it shook the head shamed-. It was on the verge of killing Drew for not having said it to me. - I did not also know what had made to you my father - Lou pointed. - And I did not have right to treat you as I have treated you till now - Coltrain said to him. It outlined a smile-. I even tried to make you resign, loading you with more and more things, but you were never complaining for having to do overhours, not because the work was hard. The more you were demanding it, the more you were giving of you. In fact, it was admiring you against my will, and was saying to me that it had been a wise move to hire you, although you were not falling down to me in grace. - That you made already very it clear to me from the beginning. - But you planted me face - said he-. The majority of the people does not do it. They get frightened, go away to house, and start turning him to what has happened to them, thinking " he had to say this or that one ". You not; when someone pushes you you get up of a jump and return to the fight. Since adversary you are tremendous. - It is not a merit - she said shrinking of shoulders-. All my life I have had to fight to obtain what he wanted ..., and not to allow me to subjugate for my father, just as it happens to me with you...


- I do not have through habit to get drunk!: and I have never hurt a woman! - he offended pierced him. - He was not saying it in this sense - hurried to say she-. Really only that ... you demand, push ... you transfer not even an apex ever, you nor give up ... just as he. When he was thinking that it was in possession of the truth, it was capable of facing the entire world to demonstrate it, but also when it was wrong. It never admitted that it had problems with the drink and the drugs, and my mother neither. She was his slave - he added with bitterness-. He went so far as even to forgive it when it was sticking, and when it was scolding me without reason. - Did not he love you? - Yes he loved me, although it was small, loved him more ..., up to the point of lying for him ..., and of dying for him - he added with a shaded expression in the face-. It was raised to a light aircraft with, knowing that it was not in conditions to pilot it, and they smashed. Perhaps it had a premonition of which he was going to die, and wanted to go with him. I am sure almost that, although it had been known what was going to happen, it would have risen to the light aircraft. Even this point loved it. - You say it as if you should not imagine that nobody could love that way - he observed. - Because I cannot imagine it - she answered sincerely, lifting the look towards him-. I would not like this class of obsessive love: neither to give it, to receive it. - What is what you want then?: a life of solitude? - the increpó he. - This is precisely what you will obtain if you continue with this misogynous attitude - she counter-attacked. Coltrain shrank of shoulders. - Perhaps - it granted to the end. It took Lou's right hand-. Boy, let's leave this chat for another moment. Inside a pair of hours we will have to return to the hospital. I do not know you, but I die of famine. Minutes later, the meal, smoky and delightful was served on the table of the kitchen. Lou had not proved a Mexican meal so rich in a lot of time. - You have had the chili left the best - it admitted. Coltrain smiled. - I have gained two times the contest of chili of Jacobsville. - I do not surprise - she laughed-. And the cakes of corn also are delightful. - I celebrate that you like - Coltrain said and raised his cup of coffee in a feigned toast. It leaned back in the seat and continued studying in silence Lou's face while she was cleaning herself the lips with the napkin-. It has not been only on my part - he said to him suddenly. Lous lifted the eyes towards him. - What? - The whole opposition that has existed between us - answered he-. You also have proved to be quite touchy all these months. Lou shrank of shoulders. - It is something instinctive to put itself on the defensive one when we perceive that someone does not like one - it restored. - I suppose that yes - it murmured Coltrain. He threw a glance to his clock of bracelet and purified his coffee-. It has done late. Go for the overcoat and the purse. Meanwhile, I will put the things in the dishwasher and we will return to the hospital. With luck, perhaps we will be able to return on time after the shift of conference to see this concert at dawn in the television. When they came, the pavilion of urgencies was boiling of activity as of custom, and many members of the personnel exchanged significant looks and whispered to count yes on having seen them coming together. Lou tried to ignore them while it was expiring with his obligations, but it did not turn out to be to him easy, and when there was ending the hours of visits, he was not managing to find Coltrain on any part. It appeared to one of the large


windows that were giving to the parking, and verified that the car of the doctor remained parked there. Then it had to continue in the hospital, it was said. With a sigh he decided to go to look for it again to the ground floor, when, on having turned in a corner, he saw it to the fund of the corridor. He was speaking with a blonde despampanante that was taking a suit of design that she had already liked to be able to afford. On having seen Lou, the expression of Coltrain became very serious. It turned towards her with the hands in the pockets of his white robe, while the blonde had one of his arms seized with both hands of a possessive way. - This is my assistant - it presented her to the stranger-. This one is There damages Lester, an old woman ... acquaintance - he said to Lou. - Oh, please, Copper! - the blonde re-lit it with a grimace-. I am more than that. Years ago we were on the verge of marrying - he said to Louise in a honeyed tone-. Been delighted of meeting. They finish of accepting me as director of infirmary in this hospital. I begin on the same night. - Ah, yes? - Lou stammered, stuned. It damages Lester agreed. - I was employed at a hospital deprived of Houston, but when I saw that the reporting of this position in a local newspaper decided to answer the offer ... and here I am! It is wonderful to be back ..., because I was born in this city: does he know? - Indeed? - Lou murmured, still in state of shock, - Fondness, you have not said to me how he is called your assistant - he said to him That It Damages Coltrain. The doctor directed a brief look to Lou, and answered very serenely: - His name is Blakely, Louise Blakely. - Blakely? - it repeated It damages, looking up thoughtful-. This surname turns out to be to me very familiar ... - suddenly it put itself lída-. Not, it cannot be ...-it spluttered allowing to escape a laugh of circumstances-. Coincidence would be too much. - My father was the doctor Fielding Blakely - Lou intervened in an icy tone-. I have understood that you ... he knew it: is not it true? The face of Dana was looking like a plate of role of rice. - I have ... I have to go to change ... - it spluttered atropelladamente, releasing the arm of Coltrain and walking backwards-. It would have already to be working! - it murmured laughing nervous again-. Good, see you later. And it moved away for the corridor. Lou continued her with the look, trying to control his annoyance. - Why did not you want to say to him my name?-increpó to Coltrain. The face of the doctor stayed impassive. - It is better not to remove the past if it is not necessary. Lou did not like that response. - Did you know that it was going to work here? Coltrain pressed the jaw. - It was known that the position was vacant - he answered-, but not that they had hired her. I am feje of personnel, but I cannot decide on the charges of administration of the center. In any case, if Selby Wills, of the executive committee, was not finishing of retiring, they would not have accepted it. It was here in the epoch of the scandal, and it is known what happened. Lou crossed of arms. - I certainly do not think to treat her with warm cloths - he warned him-. I am sure that my mother suffered for his cause. - Of that already long ago - it murmured Coltrain-. If I can spend for high with you what your father did, you can do the same thing with her. - Do you believe that? - Lou, which happened between them has not anything in common with you - he insisted. - So that my father cheated my mother, this woman went to bed with him, knowing that he


was married ...: and has not that anything in common with me? - she, unbeliever ran through him. Coltrain did not answer that. - Have you finished your visits? - he asked him, giving for the topic finished. - Yes, I have ended - answered she irritated-, and I am going to go away to house. We will have to leave this concert for another occasion. Coltrain hesitated, but it was only a moment. The expression of Lou's face was saying to him to the egg whites that it would not serve as anything that was trying to convince her. CHAPTER 8 The arrival of Dana Lester to the city turned out to be wrapped in a swarm of dimes and diretes, because there were the people in Jacobsville who still remembered very well what had happened years behind in the hospital. Lou they tried not to pay attention while it was getting over the storm. Enough it had with that the new director of infirmary was disappearing whenever he had to speak with her, and with that Coltrain scarcely was speaking to him. In this sense a pair of weeks was glad that already only they were absent for his march. The situation was becoming untenable, and for many returns that it was giving him, was not happening to decide if It Damages was jealous of her or if it was of him afraid. The rumours on Coltrain and her had stayed to the second term before the return of the " ex-fiancée of the doctor Coltrain ", which in certain way was a mitigation. Nevertheless, it heard to saying the whole world that It Damages was not doing any more that to chase Coltrain for the whole hospital, and, although it was treating of ignoring it, that one was destroying her inside. The night that had had dinner with Coltrain in his house had looked like the beginning of something, but the arrival of that fair-haired harridan had nipped in the bud his incipient relation. Since then, the doctor only was going to her when it was strictly necessary, and always for motives of work. This attitude had done that she also was extracting the fingernails, and poor Brenda was feeling again as if it was in the middle of an attack of crossed fire. - I have heard that It Damages and Nickie almost comes to the hands another day for which of the two it would take a report to the doctor Coltrain - Brenda said to Lou one morning. - A pity that there was no a secret camera - Lou spluttered while it was checking a few reports. Brenda gathered the bridge of the nose. - Does he know?, I was thinking that ... good, lately it seemed that the doctor Coltrain and you were taking better. - It was only a temporary truce, nothing more - answered Lou-. I support my resignation, and leave on the first of January. Nothing has changed, Brenda, unless there has returned to scene the ex-fiancée of the doctor Coltrain. - For what there have told me the partners who take more time working here, it must be a good collapse - said the nurse-. Was it known that some of them threatened to the direction to go away if they were hiring her? One of the nurses who was employed at the hospital of Houston where it has been in the last years has a brother here in Jacobsville, George Grey, and has said to me that as it seems they were on the verge of throwing it when it obtained this position. His sister also makes sure that his preparation is impressive, but that she is not a good administratrix, and that with her all sound favors. He will be necessary to have time for the time, but if it is true, it seems to me that the managers of the hospital will finish regretting having hired her. Lou shrank of shoulders. - In any case, it is not our problem - it pronounced. - I suppose that not - admitted Brenda-, but it is not the only thing that is said round there about her: does he know? The last rumour is that his real intention, on having presented to this position, was to try to recover the doctor Coltrain. It is in the hunting and captures of a


husband, and he represents the first one in his list. - Lucky what ... - Lou jabbered with watched sarcasm-. It is very attractive. - What says! - frightened Brenda exclaimed-. But if it is a lizard! The poor doctor Coltrain... - The "poor person" doctor Coltrain is already mayorcito - Lou restored-, and I am sure that it can look after only. - No man is immune to the adoration of a woman with a face and a few curves how is life the nurse restored-. There remembers what I say to him, he confers a doctorate, the doctor Coltrain will finish in his networks if it is not walked carefully. - Be as it is I will not be here to see it - Louise remembered him. And it was glad about it. That Nickie and It Damages were fighting for him and that the best was gaining, he thought irritated. At least, she would not have to attend it. At the bottom of his heart it had always known that Coltrain was not for her. The best thing was to accept the defeat with elegance and to move away of there while still was on time. They returned to the work, and to the midday, Drew passed for Lou's consultation to invite her to have lunch. She felt deeply been grateful for the distraction, but the capricious destination wanted that in the restaurant chosen by Drew Coltrain and his ancient fiancée were. - I feel it, it was not known that they were going to come here - Drew apologized when they saw them, a few tables further away. - Do not worry - said to him she-, anyhow, I have to see them every day in the Hospital. - Now when you speak of " of seeing them "... I have heard that the two avoid you. - It must be that I provoke them some class of allergy - she restored, trying to take importance from him-. I never manage to find Dana when I have to ask him about something, and Coltrain only speaks to me when he has to speak with me about some patient. You do not know how many desires I have from that the first of January comes, Drew ..., because, with all my respects towards you, every day I regret having accepted more this work. Drew outlined a sad smile. - I am sorry to have put you in this berenjenal. The things have not gone out exactly as I was waiting. - To what do you refer?-inquirió Lou. Drew took a water gulp and was hoarse to clarify to him the gullet. - Since the truth is that he was hoping that Copper should see in you what he has not managed to find in any other woman. You are a very special person, Lou, and he in some aspects also it is. In end, it seemed to me that you might be related spirits. Lou breathed heavily with irony. - Related spirits? We are like the night and the day, and we do not bear any more than five minutes without starting discussing for any thing. - That, certainly, has remained clear - Drew spluttered, twisting the gesture-. Oh ... oh ... more complications... Lou continued the direction of his look. A determined Nickie decked with a garment that he could not have left more exact, and whose neckline almost was coming to him to the bellybutton, was dragging an alarmed intern to the table contiguous to that of Coltrain and It damages. - Nickie is going to bother her ...-Lou murmured, observing the dangerous sheen that glared in the eyes of Coltrain to the verla-. If he believes that Coltrain is going to leave to him that I mounted an escenita to his coast it is very wrong. Any minute now he will get up and leave. And, I joust as he had predicted it, it happened: Coltrain, with face of few friends, got up and left the restaurant after paying, leaving open-mouthed Nickie, and with Dana following with difficulty his strides. Drew allowed to escape a hiss for the low thing and looked at his friend admired. - Go, you know it very well - he said to him. - I take one year suffering it. He should not feel a pity of him, but I cannot avoid it. Imagine to be chased by two women.


Drew did not add that in reality there was a third sitting next to you that undoubtedly also was lodging feelings for him, not that Coltrain had been observing her furtively since they were coming. Nevertheless, of the three, Lou was the only one who was not harassing it shamelessly. - Poor person Nickie - it murmured-. It will be late in be restoring of this. - I already warned him that it was too aggressive - mentioned Lou --. It is a sorrow: such a young girl... I suppose that yet he has not realized that the way easiest to lose a man is to chase it without rest. - Or not to chase it by no means - Drew pointed with the whole intention. Lou lifted the face towards his friend with the pursed lips, but on having seen the mocking smile in his face could not get angry with him. - You are impossible, Drew - he said to him laughing. - My wife was saying the same thing - he answered between laughs also. Good: and what are you going to do?. - With regard to what? - With regard to Copper. - Absolutely not at all - answered she with steadfastness-. When they finish the Christmastime I will return to Austin and Nickie and It damages they will be able to fight to taste. Drew arched an eyebrow and outlined a mysterious smile while it was taking the water glass up to his mouth. - Do you know?, I do not know why, but it gives me the impression of which you will never leave this city. On Saturday morning, the insistent noise of the stamp of the door woke up Lou. Way slept and with the in a mess hair, color bone put itself on his robe of sateen and it went to open. On having verified about whom it was talking each other itself and the form in which it was dressed, one rubbed the eyes for if still it was not awake. There of foot Coltrain was, with a jacket lined with lamb, shirt of pictures, jeans, and a sombrero tejano in the hand. - Are they rolling a new series that is called " The doctor Cowboy ", or something like that? he asked him. - very graceful - he answered him without smiling at least-. I have to speak with you. Lou opened the door completely. - Oh, skylight, raisin. Do you want to have breakfast also? - he said to him with irony. - Thank you, with a cup of coffee and a few toasts it will be enough - he answered. It entered and went to the kitchen. Lou closed the eyes strongly, pressed the teeth to drown a groan of frustration and, closing the door, was after him. Coltrain had left the sombrero on the table of the kitchen, the jacket in a chair and was putting water in the coffee pot as if the house was his. Giving up having a discussion with so early him, Lou extracted of the larder the sliced bread and the margarine of the icebox, and put a pair of toasts. Meanwhile the coffee was doing, Coltrain observed her moving for the small kitchen while it was putting the tablecloth, the cups, the teaspoons. Neither Lou could avoid to throw some furtive looks. Coltrain had sat down in the chair where it had hung the jacket, in balance on the rear paws, with the support against the wall, and had the top of the boot rested on the crossbar of the table. It seemed bad-tempered, but simultaneously it was devilishly nice. In the position in the one that was, the cloth of the jeans was stretched, marking every line of his muscular legs, and with the hair a little disheveled by the sombrero and the first buttons of the shirt unfastened, almost he was looking like another man different from the efficient but touchy doctor. - Here you have - Lou said, putting ahead a plate with the toasts. One fited Coltrain and started smearing them with margarine parsimoniosamente.


Lou put another two slices of bread in the toaster, extinguished the coffee pot, and put it also in the table, taking seat opposite to his unexpected visitor. - Good, you will say - it urged it, so that he was saying to him about what he wanted to speak. Coltrain served himself the coffee, added a pinch of milk, and lifted the face towards her. - I have not had anything in common with the incorporation of Dana ... - he said to him - in case you should think it. - This is not my matter. - I know it - he agreed. It drank a gulp of coffee and gave a bite to one of the toasts-. Nickie and It Damages they are starting turning into a nuisance - he confessed him unexpectedly. - Only it might irritate you that two attractive women compete for your attentions - she pointed sharply. Coltrain half-closed the eyes. - "Irritating" is not the word - he answered-. I sit down as if it was the stud of the month. Lou broke in guffaws, but on having seen the furious expression in the face of Coltrain, stopped laughing immediately. - Oh!, he excuses ... - it stammered for aplacarlo-. It has been for the way in which you have said it. - Since he was not trying to do a pleasantry - he spluttered. - Not, skylight that not - she hurried to answer, getting up and taking his toasts to the table-. I suppose that it must be difficult, especially if, as they say, it is true that chase you for the hospital while you are working. - Good, I believe that you also are having some problems - he pointed. - In certain way - Lou agreed-: I never find Dana when I need it. Probably because, one of two: or it is very busy you chasing or believes that I have slightly contagious and he flees of me. - And I suppose that you will agree in that this cannot be still like that - Coltrain said to him. - Of course - she assured him, while she was smearing his toasts-. but as soon as I have gone away, sure that the things will calm down. The doctor frowned. - He believed that we had agreed that in the end you were remaining - he said. Lou laughed with incredulity. - What? - it pierced him-. We have never agreed anything of that. I gave you my letter of resignation. If really you broke it, it is your problem. Coltrain under the sight to his coffee, thoughtful. - He was thinking that you were not saying it seriously ... - it murmured-, that thing about to leave. In fact, I had forgotten that letter completely. - Incredible - she spluttered-. You have a memory so ... opportune. I do not manage to forget what you said to Drew by phone that day: and do not you remember anything that I gave you in writing? The features of Coltrain were tightened. - He could not imagine that you were listening. - Oh, and arranges that everything: not? - she pierced with marked irony. Coltrain spent to himself a hand for the hair, uncomfortably. - Drew's call caught me in a bad moment - he answered-. It was finishing of diagnosing leukemia to a child. You are medical and you believe that every day it does you more it will be, but things since that one destroy you. It is not just. This child would have to have a heap of happy and unconcerned years ahead, and on the other hand ... - the voice broke him-. And in addition on the same morning it had received a letter of my father asking me for money. Lou gathered the bridge of the nose. - It was not known that your parents still were living. - My mother not, died ten years ago - answered he-, but my father lives still, in Tucson. He


devotes himself to the taming of horses, but his love to the game loses it, and whenever it is with the water to the neck it resorts to me so that it extracts it of the predicament - he said in a tone of absolute scorn. - This is quite what you mean for him: a way of obtaining money when it gets into debt?-inquirió she with a pity. - It is the only thing that I have meant for him in all my life - Coltrain answered, lifting his blue eyes towards her-. Can you imagine who I got in the world of the theft and the looting when I was not any more than an adolescent? On having been under-age, you do not go to the jail, and that's why it was doing that I was carrying the material theft out, the hands got dirty - he added-. It was clear that we were not doing it here in Jacobsville ..., oh, not, it was necessary to keep the appearances. We were going to Houston, and to other places. And was it important for him perhaps that they were sending me to correctional? Not, surely not. It was always anxious for that it was going out to recapture the "business". Lou was listening to his stampede. - They should have arrested it! - Oh, finally did it - answered Coltrain-. The cake was discovered and they ordered it to the jail. It was there one year, but then it went out for good conductaza. When they caught it, I was fifteen years old, and they sent me to a center of reception for boys without family, I went to the institute, and to a little time I started studying Medicine. During these years it did not have news lagoon of him, and practically I forgot the past, but it seems that my father also, because since I graduated and began to working, it seems that he does not see any motive for the one that could not ask me for money whenever it avenges him in desire. - a pity that we could not choose our parents ...-murmured Lou. - Amen - answered he-. This was another reason for the one that was angered the day that Drew called me to ask me if it was not important for me that it was asking you to go out. And then, when I saw you with him in the charitable dinner, I was irritated by very much that you were leaving that it was taking you of the hand, and that you him were smiling, when whenever I was approaching you were separating you as if it had the pest. Lou had never imagined that he had realized that one his reactions. It was ironic that had interpreted them as a sign of rejection towards him, when in reality they owed to an attraction so strong that you grieve it could control her. - The fault partly was yours - said to him she-. From the beginning you made very clear me that our relation would be exclusively of work. - Yes, but that was not meaning that you had to treat me as to a leper - he answered, but it already not seemed angry. In fact, on having finished the phrase, it outlined a smile and his eyes were shining-. I hope he had never said these so terrible things to Drew and you had not listened to me, Lou - he said to him-. I felt so ashamed about me same when you said to me that you wanted to leave. - I believed that I would make you happy - she restored, lowering the alarmed sight. " to make him happy " ·... The one that had used this expression did not leave doubts to Coltrain of what he was feeling for him, and gave him renewed hopes. During all those months it had had certain suspicions that his assistant did not hate it as was saying, but he had not been sure until the day in which it kissed her in the holiday. But: how to convince her so that it was not leaving? Meanwhile his blue eyes were studying the delicate feminine features, a crazy idea crossed for his mind. - Do you know? - it murmured-. he was thinking that perhaps, if you and I should commit ourselves, It Damages and Nickie would give up. Lou was not sure of having heard well. - It does not have grace - he said to him, reddening. It put itself of foot and gave him the back. Nevertheless, Coltrain got up also, and before she could react, surrounded the waist from behind and attracted her towards yes. Lou put his hands on those of him, in a gesture of separating them, but they stayed firm concerning his narrow waist, and it could notice the


rough respiration of the doctor against his neck, and since his breast was rising and was going down, pressed against his back. - Do not you believe that it is already time of that we stop denying the clear thing? - he asked him with hoarse voice-. I know that you are won the love of me. All this time I have pretended not to realize, but the two we know that this is the motive for which you want to leave. Stuned how is life for being between his arms, Lou was unable to think a restored biting, or at least one with which to save the appearances. - To avoid the topic will not solve anything. - I not ... I did not think that you could go so far as to realize ... - Lou stammered, swallowing sage, with small pride that he had left made bits. The strong arms of Coltrain pressed it more against yes. - you do not have to worry - it whispered-, we are going to put remedy to this. - You do not have to put remedy to anything, Jebediah - she began with the worn heart-, in January me... It could not finish the phrase because Coltrain made her be turned towards him, and imposed silence on him placing his mouth on that of her. At first Lou resisted, such and since he had waited, but it kissed her slowly and softly, and little by little, she was melting against his body, since the ice is melted by the heat. With an intense groan, Coltrain attracted her towards if, and Lou's fingers got entangled in his red-haired hair, sticking to him in the middle of the ardor that was consuming it. It was kissing her just as it had kissed her the day of the holiday, without leaving a centimeter between them, and this time, when the masculine language invaded his mouth, it did not separate. He accepted that intimate contact without protesting, trembling lightly on having felt that it was waking up new sensations in his interior. A soft groan escaped of his gullet, and noticed that from the hands of Coltrain it was never descending up to the hollow of his back, pushing it towards him, making her rub against his body, and thought that it should for that one, but it was unable to do another thing more that to answer to his kisses and to his warmth. It did not even resist when, without detaching his lips of those of her, another hand of Coltrain slid below the robe, and closed on the curve of one of his bosoms. He warned how there were hastening the beats of the heart of the young woman and, with a croaking, introduced the hand below the neck in uve of the nightgown, taking delight in the velvety gentleness of his skin, and later it began to stimulate the nipple with the thumb. Lou trembled again, and he pulled softly the small node, provoking captivated groans in the young woman. Probably it would not have come that far with any man, thought Coltrain. And still it could give him something more, another pleasure that still he was not known. His lips left those of her, and were descending for the gullet up to coming to the soft circumference that it had been caressing. It opened the mouth, engullendo the areola, and his language replaced to his fingers. Lou panted and was removed between his arms, but Coltrain started sucking, and soon it her noticed to relax, to give in completely, up to such a point, which if it had not been because it was supporting it, would have collapsed on the soil. Meanwhile he was exploring it, Lou was caressing the nape with tremulous hands, tangling the fingers in his short hair. It gave a light jump when it started sucking with more intensity, but it did not separate it. Coltrain noticed that it was on the verge of losing the control and, without doubting a moment, forced to raise the head and erguirse. Louise saw that his cheeks were red clouds, since it theirs had to be, since he was feeling them burning, and the blue eyes seemed to blaze for the intensity of what they had just shared. Coltrain scrutinized his face while it was trying to recover the breath and lowered the look to the neckline of the nightgown. It separated it a little, and admired the perfection of the small


but firm bosom that he had been savouring. It planned delicately the outline of the red nipple, and lifted the look to Lou's eyes to read between them the pleasure that was producing to him the caress. - It might have taken you right now if he wanted and you would not have been opposed, right here, on the table of the kitchen - it murmured-. And really do you think that you are going to leave in two weeks? Lou blinked, still sick. All that was so unreal. As he had said, it had been to a step of taking it. His hand was on his naked breast ... and it was looking at it! Terrified for having allowed that the things should come that far, it separated from him and awkwardly it turned to put well the nightgown, being covered again with the robe. Coltrain supported the bottom in the top sheet and crossed the legs. That movement attracted the attention of Lou towards something that he had felt earlier against his belly, and became red as cochineal before managing to separate the sight. What had it done? What had it allowed him to do? - You are beautiful when you blush - it murmured Coltrain. - Leave, please - she driven to despair requested him-. Make me alone. - I am afraid that I am not going to be able to like you - said to him he much calmed-, because he had come to invite you to mount on horseback for my mess. Boy, I know good girl and be going to put on a few jeans and a few boots. - I do not think to go with you nowhere! - Not even to the bed? - inquirió he with a malicious smile-. Because the way in which you have answered earlier to my kisses and to my caresses he was saying to me everything opposite. The truth is that I would love, but I have left the horses ensillados before coming. Lou gave a step backwards. - Leave, I have many things that to do ... - it stammered. Coltrain separated from the top sheet and started advancing towards her slowly with a wolfish smile in the lips. - You prefer going to mount, or perhaps ...? Lou gave himself turned average and ran to the bedroom to changing. CHAPTER 9 The field was beautiful although the branches of the trees were naked, and the calm step of the horses was turning out to be very relaxing, even if the company was putting Lou somewhat nervous. All the time was going very consciously of the presence of Coltrain next to you, so highly and so elegantly, even to loins of a horse. It was so nice that in spite of only looking at it out of the corner of the eye he was feeling an itch in the stomach. - How do you go? - he asked him. - Well - answered she-, although she was doing centuries that it was not mounting - he confessed-. He had never imagined a doctor - rancher - he commented. Coltrain outlined a half smile. - In reality, compared with others of the zone it is quite small, but I have a hut of cattle of almost fifty heads. - But: how can you them manage to take it? Our profession you grieve it leaves to us free time... - Good, the truth is that I limit myself almost exclusively to the administration. Of the tasks of the mess in strict sense there take charge a foreman and some farmhands whom I have employed. - And how did occur to you the idea of mounting a mess and of raising cattle? He shrank of shoulders. - i do not know it, I suppose that it had always been one of my sleep, since he was a kid - he told to him-. My grandfather had an old dairy cow, and I was loving leading her to grazing, to milk it... Lou smiled on having imagined it.


- And your grandmother?: how was it? - Oh, was a woman with a great heart, and a fabulous cook - answered him Coltrain-. It was doing the best cakes of the county. When my father went away for the bad way it gave them a great grief - he added wiggling the head-, and it is sad because when that happens, the whole world usually blames the persons who raised the child, but my grandparents were the very good people. Coltrain did that his horse was going towards a way that was passing for between the pastizales, and Lou continued it. Meanwhile they were advancing, the doctor was going explaining to him the class of machinery that he had bought in the last years, and the technical innovations that it had applied. - I am not so modernized as other ranchers - he said to him-, but I have spent a lot of time and strengthen to this, and am quite proud of what I have obtained. I have even a bull stud pure blood that has obtained several awards in the fairs that it has been mentioned in several magazines of cattle. - it goes, of course that is impressive. Are you going to teach it to me? - Really do you want to see it? - You seem astonished - she laughed-. So, for your information, I like very much the animals. In fact, when I went out of the institute I was doubting between studying veterinarian or medicine. And what was what made praise you for the human beings? - I do not know it, but, but I have not repented of the election that I did - she answered sincerely. When they came along with the stables, Coltrain did that his horse was stopping, dismantled and helped Lou to dismounting also. They tied the horses to the fence, and he led the young woman to the interior of the enormous building. Lou observed that it was surprisingly clean, that the mangers were spacious and that the cows had a very healthy aspect. When they came to the manger that it was lodging to the bull about which he had spoken to him Coltrain, he verified that it had not exaggerated by no means. It was a magnificent copy, of reddish, and seemingly very docile hair, since it approached the fence and left that Coltrain was caressing the knob. - She is of the Holy race Gertrudis: truth?-inquirió Lou fascinated. The hand of Coltrain stopped on the knob of the animal. - Golly, Lou, I am impressed. - Good, for everything there has to be the first time. Coltrain burst out laughing, but it looked at her in a special way, supporting the heel dela it jumps in the lowest crossbar of the fence. - it is not the first time - he answered with gentleness-. You impressed me from the day in which you took to the hospital. It took a tuft of fair-haired hair and twisted it between his fingers-. You are wonderful - he said to him them looking at the eyes-, and every day that it spends I become convinced more of it. He had never imagined that we could have so many things in common. It is curious, we have spent together almost one year, but I have learned more of you in the latter weeks than in all these months. - It has happened to me equally - she confessed him, lowering the sight to his thorax. He was loving his way of walking, of speaking, the way in which the sombrero was getting soaked on an eye... He remembered the warmth of his arms surrounding it, and suddenly he felt cold. Coltrain was studying it in silence, fascinated by the changes of expression in his sweet features, and he was thinking about reading in them the same emotions that were waving him in this moment. Lou allowed to escape a sigh and outlined a shy smile. Coltrain extended an arm and Lou accepted without doubting this mute invitation, being embraced to him and narrowing against his body. It closed the eyes and supported the cheek in his breast, listening to the beats of his heart.


Coltrain was feeling strange, although on the other hand having Lou in his arms was looking like the most natural of the world. It attracted her more towards yes and caressed absent-mindedly his hair. - The next week it is already a Christmas - it murmured. - I know it - answered Lou-. What do you usually make twenty-five, are you going to visit any friend or invite them to your house? - i have spent the last ones with Jane - he remembered Coltrain. Lou was tightened lightly, but he did not warn it-, but since he was marrying last year, limited to preparing something for me of dinner and to taking it opposite to the TV set, seeing ancient movies. Lou did not say anything. Although he had heard the people speaking about the relation of Coltrain with Jane throughout the year, he had never thought that they were intimate up to this point. That thought depressed her. Coltrain, nevertheless, was not thinking about the past Christmastime, but about those of the same year. - Good, and of that time: where are we going to celebrate twenty-five, in your house, or in lamía? - he asked him, as if it was giving for fact that had to be like that. That one cheered Lou up a little. - we might celebrate it in mine - he proposed. - in agreement - said he-. And I you promise to help to prepare the dinner. Lou smiled. - It will be agreeable to have someone in spite of whom sharing it - it murmured. His Christmastime had never been too happy. - I will make sure that should touch us the custody in Christmas night. This way we will have free twenty-five - he promised him. Coltrain felt a very agreeable sensation that had never experimented, a sensation of mutual understanding with Lou who had not felt not even with Jane. It supported the cheek in the head of the young woman, and a sigh of contentment allowed to escape. It was like to come to house. All his life had been looking for something that he had not managed to find, and for the first time it had the sensation of being closer to it that never. Lou's arms became closer concerning his waist, it approached a little more him and his legs rubbed theirs. Cotrain raised the foot to the top crossbar so that Lou could become more comfortable, but the movement and the rubbing of his bodies excited and inspired it with brusqueness. - He excuses - she murmured. It did gesture of separating, but Coltrain retained it, supporting it for the hips. - It is not your fault - he said to him-. It is something that I cannot avoid - he confessed him. It was fascinating that reaction so immediate that his body had when it was next to her-. Also, it was happening for a long drought. Lou, unbeliever, lifted the face towards him. - A long drought? - it repeated with a malicious smile-. With Nickie fluttering around you almost naked to obtain your attention? Coltrain did not laugh as he was waiting, but it looked at her very seriously and planned with the index the bridge of his turned-up naricilla. - It is these types of which they have adventures - he said to him-. And I am the flesh-colored tact as for my private life: do you know? - he added-. A time ago I met a widow in certain city. We made ours friends, and during a time we gave one to other a little that we needed the two, but that we did not want that it was penetrating the borders of the intimacy. Two years ago he married again, and since then I have concentrated on my work and my mess. There has been nobody any more. Lou looked at it curious. - And you were feeling comfortable doing it ... good, without being in love? - He was feeling affection for her - told to him Coltrain-, and she was feeling it for me. We were not necessary to be in love.


, nevertheless, that explanation her did not convince Lou, and discomfort was removed. He understood to the moment. - For you the love if it is something essential: is not it true, Lou?-inquirió quedamente-. Neither for you nor the most sweeping of the desires it would be enough without love - he added caressing the outline of his lips-. But you and I are an explosive combination ..., and you yes are won the love of me. She supported the front in the hollow of his shoulder. - yes - it admitted-, I love you, but not up to the point of being ready to be your lover. - I know it. - Then ours does not have any future. Coltrain allowed to escape a laugh that nothing had of happy. - Do you believe that? I finish of asking you to commit yourself with me. - Coltrain, do not make fun of me - it requested him-, or there is just what... He silenced her putting a finger on his lips. - Allow me to finish - he said to him solemnly-. We might commit oneself and to marry in The New Year. Lou looked at it of milestone in milestone, with the eyes as paltos. - You are asking me that ... let's marry? - it stammered amazed. Coltrain took it of the chin and investigated his worried chestnut-colored eyes. - The idea of making love troubles you not even the half that the idea of the marriage: is not it like that? - adivinó-. Because the marriage implies a commitment, and you do not want to feel caught. Lou contracted the face. - The marriage of my parents was horrible - it mumbled-, and I would not like to finish as my mother. - Lou, you are not your mother - he said to him and the cheek caressed him-, and I am not your father. Lou remained quiet. - You do not have why to worry too much - said to him Coltrain-. We will leave that these two weeks are happening, will happen together the Christmas Day, and we will speak already again about this. - In agreement. Coltrain inclined the head and kissed her with tenderness. On having done it, she narrowed against his body, but he to the apartó with a smile entertained in the lips. - Nothing of that - it murmured-. From now on we are going to know each other better before leaving that our glands intervene. - Our glands! - Does not he remember what they are the glands, confers a doctorate? - he said to him in a seductive tone, taking it as the waist and bringing it over to his body-. Leave to me that they are described ... - it murmured raising the hands towards his bosoms and drawing arabesques in them. - I believe that already me agreement - answered she between laughs-: for, you tickle me! Coltrain finished that playful torture and interlaced his hand with that of her, taking her towards the place where they had made the horses tied. On the following morning they had again shift of visits in the hospital, and It damages it tried to return again to the load, but when they found her in one of the corridors, Coltrain took Lou's hand in his. - Good morning, It Damages - he greeted her educadamente. As he was waiting, his ex-fiancée had remained bewildered. - Good morning, doctors - he answered unsteady, without being able to detach the look of his interlaced hands. - Lou and I committed ourselves yesterday - Coltrain announced.


It damages it turned pale, but one fixed them to force a smile. - Oh: seriously? Good, I suppose that in this case he has me to congratulate you - he said riéndose-. And to think that I had hopes that you and I could recapture what existed between us in the past ...! - The past is dead for me - he answered with steadfastness and it looked at her fixedly-, and I do not have the minor desire to return it to the life. It damages it allowed to escape new uncomfortable sniggers. - I see already - it spluttered. It lowered the sight towards Lou's left hand, interlaced with the right hand of Coltrain-. It has been a truly sudden commitment: not? - it pointed with spitefulness-, I see that yet you have no ring, Louise... Coltrain pressed softly the hand of the young woman. - When Lou has decided what class of ring he wants, I will buy it to him - he answered very calmly to Dana-. In end, he would love continuing chatting me here, but I have a lot of work for to do, and I suppose that you also, so... Wait for me in the foyer when you should have finished your visits, fondness - he said to Lou, kissing her in the cheek. And it moved away towards the fund of the corridor. Lou smiled candorosamente at Dana. - Good, I also am going to continue with my work - he said to him. It began to walk in the opposite direction in which Coltrain had gone away, but It Damages it continued her. - I wish you better luck than the one that had I, Louise - it mumbled-. Years ago, when he asked me to marry him it did it because he was wishing me and I him was refusing to give what I wanted ... because beech that to be a list: do you know?, if you give to a man what he loves, as soon as it obtains it lose the interest in you. In end, anyway it did not serve me as much, because he could not compete with his darling Jane - he added with bitterness-. And then your father appeared. It took a fancy of me, and I consented in being a pleasure for him, thinking on that Coltrain like that would put himself jealously... - Something of that had heard - Lou cut her sharply, disgusted of that he could speak about that one with similar shamelessness. - Yes, good, he was imagining it. This class of things they run of mouth in mouth - it spluttered It damages-. The case is that Coltrain hated me for it. If there is a man unable to excuse, this is Copper. Your poor mother also should have hated me - it murmured suddenly, surprising Lou-. Your father certainly became furious with me for having been so careless, because I ruined his career here and it had to leave, although I believe that it him was not so bad in Austin... It was not known it mistaken that was, Lou was said. The certain thing was that, although It Damages he was not liking and had had a reprehensible behavior in the past, he could not throw to her the whole fault of the happened. It stopped in front of the room of the first patient whom he had to visit. - What have you wanted to say earlier when you have said that you could not compete with Jane Parker? - he asked Dana without being able to avoid it. - Good, Copper was crazy for Jane, but she ended up by marrying Todd Burke. I believed that he would forget her, now when she is not a free woman, but it seems that still they are seen very often - it pointed with a malicious sheen in the look-, and it is rumored that he continues feeling real adoration for her. In end, I should feel jealous of your good surte, but you to be sincere you give to me a little of a pity; you will always be his second election, although he marries you. It is possible that he wishes you, but it will never stop loving Jane. And it moved away, leaving Lou depressed and worried. Would it be right It damages? She was sure that Coltrain was wishing it, but up to the moment it had not showed any sign that it loved her. Would it be still really in love with Jane Parker? If it was like that: why should she be asked that should marry him? Would not it be that it had done it only so that it was supporting it, and this way to achieve that It Damages And was Nickie making it calm?. Although it did not have intentions of seeing it, when it had finished his visits, Lou went to the foyer to wait for it there, since they had matched, and being standing up along with the area


of reception, Nickie appeared. - Congratulations - he said to him with a given up smile-. I suppose that I must have given up when I saw it kissing her in the parking. In end, good luck, Doctor Blakely. For what I have heard, he will need it - he added and moved away for the corridor. Lou took the morality as the soils, and his expression did not happen unnoticed to Coltrain when it met her. - To what so long does this face come? he asked him-. You will not Nickie probably be bothering and does It damage? - Not - she murmured-, I am only a little tired. Coltrain did not seem very convinced, but he decided that it was better not to insist. - Do we go away? - Yes. Meanwhile they were going to the parking, he said to Lou: - i have thought to lead you to eating to a place that is going to love you, and then to the center, to buying to you this engagement ring. Lou did not look at it. - You do not have why him to pay attention to Dana; I do not need an aniño. - Surely yes - answered he contradicted-. I am not going to leave that the people think that I am so wretched that I do not want he shares an engagement ring. - But: why are you going to wear out the money if ...? - Lou, it is my money - he insisted, cutting her, in a tone that was not admitting discussion-. I want to buy to you this aniño and am going to do it. She did not say anything any more. If it was not important for him to spend the money in a ring only for a pantomime: why should she worry? The destination wanted that when they entered one of the jewelery shops of the center of the city, Jane Parker was there, or rather Jane Burke. She was the most beautiful, thought Lou with the timid heart: blonde, gray eyes, elegant figure... - Cooper! - Jane exclaimed with a wide smile on having seen Coltrain-. What a surprise! and I embrace it efusivamente. He kissed her in the cheek and looked at her with tenderness. - You are incredible - he said to him. - You also have a marvellous aspect - she answered. Only then he seemed to remember Coltrain that was not alone. - Oh, excuses, Lou... Jane, I present you to Louise Blakely. - Ah, your assistant: truth? - said Jane with a small smile-. How are you, Louise? Been delighted of meeting. - Well, thank you, the same thing I say - Lou answered in a very formal tone. Coltrain, nevertheless, did not notice and continued speaking it with Jane: - How is it that you are somewhere here? - I am buying to him a Christmas present my stepdaughter. I thought that he would like a necklace of pearls. Truth that this is beautiful? - he asked him indicating to him one that the saleswoman had placed on the counter so that he saw it-. I take it to myself. Receive it from me, please - he said to him, delivering to him his visa. - good: and how is Todd? He seemed to Lou to warn a note of discomfort in his voice, and it was said distressed that it seemed that It Damages it had told him the truth. He was still a lover with her. - So impossible and large-headed person as always - answered Jane, riéndose-, but between my horses and my line of clothes, and the business that he takes of computers, we cannot complain, us enough good goes. The bad only thing is that lately for the work it has to spend a lot of time it was, of trip, and I feel a little alone - he added. Suddenly, as if an idea had occured to him, it lifted his brilliant eyes towards those of him and smiled-. Do you feel like coming to have this one for dinner to house with me in the night?


- I would love - he answered without thinking-. Oh, not, waits, I cannot, finish of agreeing me that that we have a meeting of the administrative meeting in the hospital. - Go, what sorrow - Jane murmured-. Good, again it will be - it threw a look to Lou out of the corner of the eye-. Em ... you have gone out to doing the buys of Christmas ... together? inquirió, as if he was doubting that it was like that. Coltrain got the hands into the pockets. - Not, we are looking for an engagement ring - he answered. Jane looked at it with the eyes as plates. - For whom? Lou had become red as the cochineal; he wanted that the ground was swallowing it. - so ... for Lou - answered Coltrain-. We have committed ourselves. The hesitancy in his response only did that Lou was feeling even worse, but the stupefaction in Jane's face untied his language. - It is only to dissuade Nickie and Dana - he said-, they were driving crazy it, chasing it all over. Coltrain looked at her of milestone in milestone, and it was going to open the mouth, but Jane went forward him. - Oh, already I understand! - it murmured. It seemed relieved, but at once it gathered the bridge of the nose-. But ...: is not it anything dishonest on your part? - There was no another way - answered Lou before Coltrain could intervene-, and it will be only until my contract finishes on the first of January. When this date comes I will return Austin. Coltrain could not give credit to what it heard. Why was he saying that? He had not asked him to marry him to support to streak Dana and Nickie, although in a beginning there had arisen the idea of the average commitment joking. Even had this point misinterpreted it? Jane was so perplex as he. From the infamous behavior of Dana, years behind, Coltrain had not trusted again in the women, and when it had started hearing comments about his stormy relation with his assistant, and they had told him that thing about the kiss in the holiday of Christmas, Jane had lodged hopes that to the end he had found the love but ... what him was to compara a ring and to feigning that they were compromised to come out of above two women ...! He had never imagined that it was this man's class... Would not it have been an idea of her and not of him? Yes, that one seemed more commendable. It threw a look angered to Lou and put a hand in the arm of Coltrain. - Listening, Copper, this is a stupid idea. As soon as she leaves, you will turn into the laughing stock of the whole Jacobsville: do not you realize? It even might damage your reputation ... - he said to him very serious. Coltrain pressed the jaw. - I am grateful for your worry - he said to him softly, although he was not comprising that accusing look that had directed him to Lou-, but... - It is right - Lou interrupted it, deeply aggrieved-, this is stupid. I cannot do it - it stammered with tortured eyes-. Excuse me, I have to go away! And it went out running of the jewelery shop before Coltrain could see the tears in his eyes. It crossed the street, entered a few department stores and got into the ladies' service crying to alive tear, before the stupor of the dependent one that was going out in this moment. In the jewelery shop, Coltrain, which had remained of stone after Lou saw leaving, was increpando furiously to Jane. - For the God's love! Why have you done that? It has taken me days to convince her so that he was accepting to marry me! Damage that thing about and Nickie was only a pretext! Jane contracted the face, stuned. - I ... I do not understand - it murmured. The dejó to escape heavily I sigh. - Lou is won the love of me, but the marriage of his parents was a disaster and it has dread to marrying - he explained to him.


Jane did not know what to say. It had accused veladamente the young woman, and in addition, probably it had given him a wrong impression of his relation with Coltrain. They were very good friends, but nothing more than that, for much that rumours were covering about the opposite. He asked himself if that gossip had come to Lou's ears, and if he would have believed them. And to think that it had invited Coltrain to have dinner, ignoring her completely ...! - I have put the paw up to the telephone number: truth?-inquirió, feeling lacking-. I could not know ... he believed that simply you had gone out to doing a few buys making use of the mealtime... - It will be better that it goes after her - Coltrain said. - Perhaps you should wait a little - Jane murmured-. It must be aggrieved, and perhaps want to be alone. But he, ignoring the council of his friend, went out of the jewelery shop and entered the department stores where it had seen her getting. - A young woman more or less like that has seen entering of high, fair-haired and of chestnut-colored eyes ...? - he asked the first saleswoman who thought, that precisely it was the one that had crossed with Lou-. It takes a suit of jacket and trousers beige. - Oh, yes ... pobrecilla, it entered the services crying as a Fairy cake, and it already takes there almost ten minutes. It was on the verge of beginning to ask him if he is well. Coltrain felt as a vile worm. It had made her cry. To imagine someone so strong as Lou crying was dividing the heart. If Jane had supported his beautiful closed boquita! For him she was like a sister, and often it was usually acting as as such, thinking about his life and advising it. In general it was not mattering for him, it even was doing to him grace, but in that occasion it had passed. - Might it to enter and to ask him to go out? The woman agreed and entered the Serbians, to return to a few minutes with Lou. The young woman had the red eyes, but it was taking the very high chin, as giving to understand that he did not need the compassion of anybody. - Vámonos, we will come late to the hospital - it murmured. Coltrain decided that it was neither the moment nor the place to discuss. They went out of the department stores and it went in silence towards the place where it had made the car parked. Neither they spoke during the short trajectory up to the hospital and when they came, Lou went away directly to his consultation and closed the door after yes. It was dropped in the revolving chair after his office, without any desire of working. His illusions had stayed made bits. Perhaps he could say to the others that all that had not been any more than a prank and to leave that Coltrain quietara of above to Nickie and to Dana telling them the truth: that was not interested in having a relation with them. This was what it should have done from the beginning. Knowing it, Lou knew for proper experience that it was not a name to which it was difficult to say what he was thinking, without mattering for him the one who could be listening to it. CHAPTER 10 Jane was feeling so bad for the happened, which he could not stop punishing in it in the whole week, and to ends dela same it called Coltrain to ask him what it could do to arrange it. - I am afraid that not at all - he murmured with pessimism-. It has not directed the word for me in the whole week, and the day before yesterday he wrote a letter of resignation again and left her to me on the table. - And if to organize a holiday of farewell for her? - suggested Jane-. This way perhaps, in a more distended ambience, you might speak with her and to make her change idea. - I do not know, Jane, do not believe that... - And if I call her? - Oh, doubted that he wants to speak with you - he answered, allowing to escape a laugh is


bitter-. It has put us to the two in his list to deny. Jane sighed. - Is there nobody to whom he could listen? - Good, you might ask Drew Morris to speak with her - he proposed Coltrain-. They are much friends. - Then I will try it. - In any case, I who you would not send any invitation before she says to you that yes - him warned Coltrain-. It is very aggrieved. - I imagine it - she murmured-. Really that I feel, Copper, I only worried about you. - I know it, Jane - answered Coltrain-. The only problem is that she not. - I suppose that also he will have listened to the rumours on us, and that... - What rumours?-inquirió Coltrain, frowning. - So ... good, that there is something more than friendship between us. The people continue believing it, even after I have married Todd. If it has come to Lou's ears, it is possible that she also thinks that it is true. Perhaps - it granted Coltrain-, but she better that it has to be known nobody that I ... suddenly an idea crossed for his mind and remained quiet. Would it be possible that It Damages had been poisoned Lou's ears? his ancient fiancée had always believed that Jane and not his romance with Fielding Blakely what had done that he was breaking with her. If he had said to him that it was still in love with Jane, it was very probable that the way of acting of his friend in the jewelery shop had given him an impression mistaken to Lou. - I am in the true thing: is not it like that?-inquirió Jane, interpreting correctly his his silence-. It is possible that Lou believes that you are still a lover with me. - It is possible - he agreed. - And what are you going to do? - I do not know it. I suppose that my only opportunity is that you achieve that Drew interyields and convinces her that goes to this holiday. Perhaps, as you say, achieve that he listens to me. - Then it will call immediately Drew .le his friend said. - Thank you Jane. - You do not have to give to me thank you - she restored quedamente-. I am idiotic babbler for whose fault now you are in this situation. Less that I can do is to try to arrange it. I will call you and will tell you what Drew says to me: in agreement? - In agreement, look after. Drew invited Lou to eat the following day. It was a Friday, and the following week the building of the hospital that they were using as center of health would close for the Christmas holidays. - It was doing very much that you were not inviting me to have lunch - Lou said to his friend, while there was getting into the boa a piece of the quiche for that he had asked-. It will not be that you want to ask me for any favor: truth? - inquirió and it outlined a malicious smile. - So now when you mention it ... - he said, following the prank. The two burst out laughing. - The truth is that I am here to interyield for someone - Drew admitted, becoming serious. Lou became tense. - For whom? - Jane Burke. Lou released the holder on the plate. The memories of that day in the jewelery shop returned to his mind, and his features hardened. - I do not have anything to speak with her. - It is known that you do not want anything with her - Drew restored-, and because of it he


has asked me to interyield for her. He wants to ask you for excuses. He says that it misinterpreted the situation and that he feels it very much. And also it wants to do something to compensate you - he added-: it wants to celebrate a holiday of farewell in your honor the day of New Year's Eve. Lou looked at it irritated. - How can he believe qu are going to have left after how it treated me me desire to go to a holiday organized by her? Drew arched the eyebrows. - Go: so offensive was what he said to you? - This was not what he said to me! Lou ran through him furious-. It accused me of wanting to ruin indirectly the reputation of Coltrain...! How could he dare to say anything similar? Especially when they cover rumours of which it has a romance with Coltrain being married ...! - lou ..., Lou ..., calm down, it is going to give you something - Drew tried to pacify it. - I do not want to calm down! - she mumbled-. That one ... woman! How could it dare? - Listening, Lou. I meet Jane and Copper years ago, and he could say to you that there is absolutely nothing between them. It is ridiculous. Jane is very in love with his husband, and Copper is not of this man's class. - Can you make sure me also that he has never loved her?: and that lover with her does not continue? To Drew had liked doing, but, although they were old friends, it could not see inside the heart of Coltrain. It was known that it had found it hard to him to accept Jane's marriage, but also it had the impression of which he was feeling something for Lou. - Do you see it? - Lou spluttered-, you cannot deny it. The one that was asking me to marry him does not imply that... - has he asked you to marry him?! - Did not you know it? - Lou took the cup of coffee to the lips and took a gulp-. At first he wanted that it was feigning that you had promised us to come out of above Dana and Nickie, and then he decided that already put we could marry really. It caught me in a moment of weakness and I could not say to him that not, so on the following day, at the time of the lunch, we went to a jewelery shop of the center to buy the engagement ring, but Jane was there. It became very rude with me, but Coltrain did not do anything for stopping it. In fact, it did as if it was not there by no means. - And was this what more hurt you, is not it true? - inquirió he softly. - I suppose that yes - she murmured-. But I do not want either that you feel a pity of me, Drew. I have not done to myself any dumb illusion with regard to him: do you know? - he added with a sad smile-. I know be burning hot he wishes, but it is not won the love of me. - And does he know that you are won the love of him? Lou agreed with the head. - My mother was usually saying that I am like an open book. It was difficult that he was not realizing. Drew took one of the hands of the young woman between theirs. - lou: and do not you believe that it costs the sorrow that you give him the second opportunity? - he asked him-. Why do not you leave that Jane gives this holiday in your honor? It wants to amend the damage that did you, and there you might speak with Copper and to ask him why he wants to marry you. Perhaps you surprise it. - I doubt it - Lou restored with pessimism-. I know why he wants to marry me, but I do not want to marry. It is true that I am crazy for him, but I know what a marriage him can do to two persons, and do not want it. - Lou, you cannot think that all the marriages should be exposed to the defeat only because it happened with that of your parents - said to him Drew-. I was happy in my marriage, I was twelve years old of ethereal happiness. a marriage is what " you " do of him. If two persons love each other...


- My mother amaa to my father, and always it was excusing the brutality of my father, and his shortcomings - she insisted. - This was not a love - he restored-. it was a form of subjection. Is it that you are not capable of seeing the difference? If your mother really had loved your father, it would have faced him and would have tried to help to leave the alcohol and the drugs. Lou felt as if them as if Drew's words had opened to him the eyes. He had never seen it under this perspective. - You grew in a disfunctional family - continued his friend-, not in a normal family, because of it it is difficult you to accept so much the possibility of which the marriage can be different from that of your parents - he said caressing the hand-. Lou, it is possible to have a solid and happy marriage, it is not the impossible one. It is enough that they want and are two persons ready to commit themselves. Lou lowered the sight to Drew's left hand. In the finger to annul still was taking his ring of married. - Coltrain does not love me - it murmured. - So bundle of that one wins the love of you. Lou laughed with bitterness. - How? I am sure that it continues loving Jane, and one could not fight against a bogey. You should know it better than anybody, Drew, because since Eve died no other woman has managed to intervene between you and your memories. Say to me: how would you feel if suddenly you were finding out that there is a woman who is madly in love with you? Drew remained stuned by the question. - Good, I do not know it - it murmured-. I suppose that I would feel bad for her - it admitted. - And probably this way it is how Coltrain sits down with regard to me - said to him Lou-, and perhaps explain that why he wants to marry me: do not you believe? It would have sense. Drew wiggled the head. - not, it does not have it. Lou, you do not propose to him marriage to anybody for whom you sit a pity. - Perhaps you not, but: can you speak for Coltrain? - she pierced Him-. Perhaps it is not even a question of a pity, but of revenge. Perhaps want to marry me to take revenge for Jane for having married another man, or perhaps to take revenge for Dana. - Lou, Copper is not like that of creeping. - The persons can act in an unpredictable way when they are won the love - answered him she-. I hope I kneaded myself, Drew. If he was feeling something for me I would marry him the closed eyes, in spite of my fears and my doubts, but I know that it is not like that. Drew lowered the sight. - I feel it - he said to him releasing the hand and leaning back in the seat with a sigh-. I hope I had one potion to do that he was falling in love with you. You you deserve to be happy. Lou smiled weakly. - Thank you Drew. The two remained in silence a moment, and after a little bit, Lou said: - They have called me of a hospital deprived of Houston. I sent to them my résumé and it seems that they are interested. It was good news, but Drew warned that it did not seem very satisfied. - I have heard that Coltrain is already interviewing the possible candidates for replacing me added she-, so I suppose that finally he has accepted my resignation. - It ... do you suppose? - it repeated Dew missed before the word that it had used. - It does daís that we do not speak to ourselves - she answered, shrinking of shoulders. - I see already - his friend murmured. So that this way of evil the things were, he thought for yes. Coltrain and Lou had drifted apart, fearful of giving this final step towards the commitment. She had his reasons, but: which were he?, he wondered. Be true would it that was feeling a Lou's pity and that's why he had proposed to him marriage?: or would it be still in love with Jane?


- jane is a good girl - he said to Lou-. If you knew her you would realize that it is not the person's class that he enjoys hurting the others. In fact, since I have said to you, she feels lacking for what another day happened. We go, Lou: why do not you give him an opportunity? Only he wants to arrange the things. Lou seemed to consider it. - And are you sure that he will go? - she murmured. - More it costs him - answered Drew-, or the people will start murmuring again, saying that is glad to undo of you. Lou allowed to escape a deep sigh. - it is well - it gave in. - Marvellous! I will call Jane as soon as I came to house and will say it to him. You will not repent, Lou, you already will see it. Oh, and, please, do not say to him that yes still to these people of Houston. But she wiggled the head. - I have already taken the decision, Drew. I want to begin again. I need it. I will go to this holiday, but I do not believe that it works. Anyhow, thank you, and thanks for the lunch. - there is not even of what - answered he saddened by his response-. Oh, by the way, I go away to spend the Christmastime to Maryland, with the family of Eve, as of custom, so, if we do not meet, that you spend a few good Christmastime. - You also, Drew - she said with sincere affection. On the following Thursday, the day that they were closing for Christmas holidays, Coltrain entered Lou's consultation. They had not been seen in the whole week because he had been very busy with several operations. It seemed exhausted, he thought. There were new wrinkles in his face and had the eyes turned red by the absence of sleep. - Could not you have said it to me in person? - it pierced him, brandishing a letter in his hand. It was a note that Lou had left to him the previous day, saying to him that they wanted to do to him a last interview, but that it was almost sure that they were hiring her in that hospital deprived of Houston. - you were never in your consultation - he said to him-. Jebediah, I ... I want that you know that I feel much been grateful for the experience that I have acquired working with you. Pero Coltrain was not going to leave that was turning aside of the topic. - He listens, I know this hospital. They have his employees working as slaves, and his concept of the medicine is not precisely very human, only it is interesting to them to gain money. Do you realize that you will only be able to dedicate him five minutes to every patient, with a stamp that will warn you every time when one exhausts the time?: and that, on having been a piece of news, will entrust you all the hard and heavy works?: and that you will have to do custodies the weekends and the vacation at least during the first year? - Yes, I know it. They said it to me when we speak about the conditions of the contract - he said to him, but he did not add what had depressed her only to think it. Coltrain crossed of arms and rested on the wall. - We have not gone so far as to speak what happened another day - murmured. - Not h moan not at all that to speak - she answered. - Surely yes. I asked you to marry me, we went to buy to you a ring, and suddenly you started saying to Jane that it was quite a farce. The memories of that evening were still too painful for her. It lowered the sight to the folder that it had pressed against the breast. - You himself said to me that it would be a good way of getting rid of Dana and of Nickie - he remembered him. - It was only a stupid idea, and this is not the motive for which I asked you to marry me. - It does not matter, anyhow I want to marry, neither with you nor with anybody.


- Are you going to deny that you love me? - inquirió he, her looking at the eyes. Lou might not have done it although it had been proposed. - All these months I have been locamente in love with you - it admitted, perhaps because you were out of my scope. - And you wish me - added he-. What excuse do you have for that? - I am human - she answered, blushing lightly. - Jane has said to me that it is going to give a holiday in your honor - it murmured Coltrain-, and I have understood that you are going to go. - it was Drew who convinced me - she said. A moment remained kept silent, unsteady, but finally he spoke again-. Jebediah, I... I understand that Jane and you could not avoid to feel what you were feeling. - Tongue is! You are just as his husband! L furious reaction of Coltrain had left her of stone. - Quite ... it is known the whole world that you were won the love of her - it stammered- Exact, I it was - he corrected-, but now she is married. - This is what I wanted to say - she intervened with gentleness-. It must be terrible for you... Coltrain wrapped the face up himself with the hands and spent them to him for the hair, expressing a croaking of frustration. - God! - it mumbled. - I understand it, it is natural that you could not avoid it ... - Lou continued. He shook the head. - I cannot make it understand you: truth? - he said sharply-. You are not even listening to me. - What more do you want that he listens? - she pierced him-. I have already taken a decision and am not going to change it: on the first of January I will go away, and do not believe that I am going to weep for you, I think to forget you. I hope that you should have found someone to replace me. - yes, I have found someone - answered he irritated-, to a graduate of the university John Hopkins. Second of January begins. Lou had not waited those for response, and it had to swallow saliva and to do a great effort to contain the tears. - This is the date in which I would begin in the hospital of Houston - it murmured. - Well - he mumbled. - Well - she answered in the same annoyed tone. There was a long silence, and Coltrain allowed to escape heavily sigh. - Since we are in the epoch that we are, we might bury for a few days the tomahawk - he suggested. Why do not we happen together the Christmas Day? Lou shook the head, unable to declare a word. It was known that, of doing it, he would notice in his voice that he was on the verge of beginning to cry. - Since you want - it murmured Coltrain-. Happy Christmas, then. The door was turned round and opened, but suddenly it stopped with the hand in the knob and was turned towards Lou. - If Jane had not been in the jewelery shop and it would not have happened what it spent: would you have gone forward?: would you have married me? - he asked him abruptamente. Lou's hands pressed the folder. - this is something that I will never be able already to know - it stammered. Coltrain rested on the frame of the door and squinted the door. - I know that you do not want to hear this, but anyhow I am going to say it to you. Jane and I were more than friends years ago, but it was during a very short time period, and more on my part than for his. He loves his husband and it would not be capable of him being an unbeliever. With regard to me, which he was feeling for her belongs to the past. - I am glad for you - she answered. - And what do you say to me about you?: does not it mean anything for you? Lou was feeling as a cornered animalillo. The look of Coltrain descended up to his lips and


remained there so much moment that the heart him started beating as a madman. His eyes were. Lou noticed that it was not capable of separating the sight, it was as if his blue irises were magnets, and had to fight against all his forces to contain the desire to go next to you, narrowing against his body and asking him to kiss her up to leaving her without breath. - And do you say that you are going to forget me? - it murmured Coltrain with irony-. Not in a million years, confer a doctorate! And it went out of the consultation, whistling while it was moving away for the corridor. Lou cursed between teeth. It had been denounced again. CHAPTER 11 This evening, when it finished the visits that it had to do, Lou passed for the control of infirmary before going away, for peguntar if they could have contacted with the husband of a woman who had entered the same day, since when it came to urgencies it was out of the city. After they were confirming it to him, it was backtracking his steps along the long corridor, when Coltrain saw appearing. It seemed furious and his eyes refulgían. Without saying to him a word, it her took hold of the arm and dragged her after him, before the entertaining looks of the personnel that was going and coming. - What demons are you doing? - Lou asked him almost without breath. - I want that you say to one ... - it bit the language not to say the word that in reality he wanted to say - ... " gentleman " that we have in the pavilion of urgencies, that I have been the whole mañan working. Lou frowned without understanding, but Coltrain did not detain until they came to a cubicle in that there was a tall, man fair-haired, and stout, as bad-tempered as he, to which they were bandaging him the hand. Coltrain released and indicated it with the head to the hombretón. - We go, say it to him - it indicated him to Lou. She directed a perplex look for him, but it turned towards the stranger and said to him: - The doctor Coltrain has been in the hospital the whole morning. Although he had wanted it might not have gone out - he added-, because today hays had the patients' double. It always happens equally before the vacation. The man seemed to calm down a little, but it continued looking at Coltrain as if it wanted to strike dead it there same. A small stir was listened in the corridor, and suddenly she looked like Jane, visibly rough and scared. - Todd! Todd!: are you well? - it exclaimed, running next to the stranger-. Cherry said to me that you had had an accident with the car, and that it had called to an ambulance ... - it stammered tremulous, taking the hand it recovers of the man between theirs and with tears beginning to show to his gray eyes-. I thought that you had killed yourself in the highway ...! - So skylight that not - the man answered softly, attracting Jane's head towards his breast and pressing it against yes-. Do not be dumb ... - the increpó softly-, I am well. Only I have caught the hand from myself with the door of the car. What did Cherry say to you? - Good - alarmed Jane murmured-, the truth is that I did not leave that it was finishing of explaining myself. As soon as he said to me that they had brought you to the hospital I had moving... - Since you do not have to worry, I am well, it is not even broken, only a little bruised. Jane turned towards Coltrain. - Is it sure that it does not have anything? Coltrain agreed with the head, but the expression irritated in his face did not happen to unnoticed Jane, and on having been turned again towards his husband, he saw that also he seemed angry. - What is what it spends here?-inquirió Jane, they smelling a little. Todd Burke looked at her with the frown, but he did not say anything, so it was Coltrain who spoke:


- So that you and I have met secretly this morning in your house, while Cherry and he were out ..., or at least this is what the postman says, that he saw a gray Jaguar parked in your door - he explained irritated. Jane put the eyes in target and threw the arms to the air. - Surely he saw a gray Jaguar ... - he said to his husband-, that it belongs to the manager of the company who is making the clothes of my collection. It has a silver exact Jaguar to that of Copper. Todd Burke reddened lightly. - That's why you caught the hand from yourself with the door of the car: truth?-adivinó Jane-. Because the metomentodo of the postman would walk over there and he could not wait to tell you what your wife was doing to your backs - it mumbled-. When he sees it he goes away to inform! Todd reddened moreover. - How did you want that I knew that this manager had a Jaguar silver? - it pierced him, trying to justify itself in vain. Coltrain released of a golpetazo his folder on the stretcher in which seated Todd was. - Not, if in the end it will turn out that the fault is going to belong to Jane, for not saying to you that this woman has the same car as I! - it shouted him angered. Todd put himself of foot, looking at it challenging. - Copper... Todd ... please ... - the increpó Jane-. It is already sufficient! His husband was not agreeing. It turned towards Lou, who seemed so desolated as he was feeling inside. - I have understood that also they have broken his commitment: is not it true? - he said to the young woman-. They had been to marry years ago and this way they would not be making us suffer! Lou it looked at the eyes, and shook very slowly the head. Suddenly he had understood what was happening. - The doctor Coltrain is the most straight and honest person that I have met - he answered-. It is this men's class of which they act slyly, and he never avoids his responsibilities. If he was trusting in his wife, mister Burke, attention of the rumours would not pay, not of the inventions of the people. In the small cities there is always gossip, but only an idiot believes everything what it hears. Coltrain arched the eyebrows, surprised at that had gone out in his defense so unexpectedly. - thank you, Lou - said Jane quedamente-. It is more than I deserve myself after how I behaved with you, but thank you - it turned towards his husband-. I hope that you should have listened well, because it is right - he said to him. It was angered, and one was noticing him-. I married you because he loved you, and still I love you: although only God knows why! You never listen to me when I try to explain oneself; you always prefer fighting on the rumours on Copper and on me. Lou became red as a poppy. The same thing of her might be said. It was not daring to lift the sight towards Coltrain. - And so that you should realize the ridiculous thing that you can become on having believed the lies that it spreads the people - continued Jane increpando his husband-, I will say something to you that I do not know if you deserve that he says to you: I am embarrassed, and so that you find out, not, it is not of Copper! Todd Burke remained open-mouthed and took a good moment in rationing. - Jane!. Oh, Jane! - he said getting up, and embracing her strongly-. Is it true that? - yes, piece of cork oak ... he wanted to say it to you, but you... It could not finish the phrase, because his husband was kissing her as if there was not going to be one tomorrow. Lou, a little alarmed, slid out of the cubicle and went out to the corridor. I joust in this moment, Coltrain appeared next to you. - i hope that that it h governess convinced - it mumbled-. Thanks for defending myself - he


added-. A pity that you do not create a word of what you were saying. Lou got the hands into the pockets of the trousers. - i believe that it is true that Jane loves his husband - he said quedamente-, and also that there is nothing between you, but that does not matter already, because in January I will go away. Your life deprived already does not concern me by no means. - Because you like that have wanted it - he remembered him é. The sarcastic tone in his voice hurt her. - He forgives, but it has been one very long day and I want to go away to house. - I also was going away - answered he-. He waits a second. I go for the jacket and accompany you up to the parking. Minutes later they were stopping opposite to Lou's car. - drew loved very much his wife - said she-, so much, that twelve years later still has not recovered from his death. It even continues going to spend the Christmastime with the family of her. I asked him how one would feel if he was finding out that a woman was won the love of it: and do you know what answered me? That would feel a pity for her, because it her might never correspond. - Why do you tell me that?-inquirió he without comprising where it wanted to go to stop., - Because you are still in love with Jane - answered him Lou-. Until you have not overcome this disappointment, you will not be able to surrender in body and soul to anybody any more. That's why I do not want to marry you. Coltrain had gathered the bridge of the nose, and was looking at her flabbergasted, unable to declare a word. - Jane is a part of your life - continued Lou-, a very important part, and although she has managed to leave behind the past, you still have not obtained it. I ... I understand it, and fodder that perhaps some day you could do it, but till then it is not just that you try to commit oneself with another person. Coltrain wiggled the head. - Jane was beginning in the world of the detour when I began as intern in this hospital - he told to him-. One day fell down of a horse and they brought it to urgencies. It was me who dealt with her, and from the moment in which we met we get on. When we gave it of discharge we stay a pair of times, and then with more frequency. She is a very special woman. - I know it - Lou murmured-. Drew said to me that she is a very good person. - It it is - he agreed. They remained the quiet two, and Lou, uncomfortable for this silence, it extracted the keys of the car of the pocket of his overcoat. - Be taken - he said-, it me went already. Pero Coltrain took it of the shoulder, preventing from giving him the back. - Lou, never him h and spoken to Jane of me p adre. She gathered the bridge of the nose. He had never imagined that it had secret with Jane. It lifted the eyes towards him and long moment looked at it, as if it was trying to unravel a mystery. - onlooker: truth? - said to him Coltrain-. And there is another curious thing that happens to me with you, but it is something that still I do not feel prepared to say to you. It approached her, and Lou felt that it should separate, to stop it ... but it did not want to do it. He inclined the head and kissed her sensualmente in the lips. Lou did not protest by no means, but it surrounded the neck with the arms, opening the mouth to allow him a contact moreover intimately. Meanwhile it was kissing her, Coltrain inclined more on her, pushing the young woman against the door of the car, as that day, after the holiday of Christmas. Lou tried to say something, but the insistence of the kisses of Coltrain did not allow it to him. - What happens? - it murmured detaching a moment his mouth of that of her. - This place is ... too much .... public - Lou stammered, luchadno for recovering the breath.


Coltrain raised the head and looked in contour, warning lapresencia of some onlookers in the parking and also in the entry of the pavilion of urgencies. - Demons - it mumbled irritated, separating from her-. They see to my house - he suggested with the respiration cut off as that of her. Lou shook the head before his willpower was fading away. - i cannot. - Hen. Lou blushed. - it is well, yes that I want to go - he admitted it-, but I am not going to do it. You are horrible, Jebediah Coltrain, taking advantage of the weaknesses of the others! It is not just! - Yes that it is - he entertained corrected it, outlining a wolfish smile-. We go: dare, Lou! Risk everything to the only one letter. You always behave as a scientist: analyzing every possible movement, his possible consequences... For once in your life I know adventurer! - not - denied to herself she, this one time again with an unusual steadfastness-. Have you kissed me so that she saw us?-inquirió furious. Coltrain gathered the upset frown, and continued the direction of his look. Todd and Jane were in the staircase of entry of the pavilion of urgencies, observing them. - Not - he answered stuned-. It was not even known that they were there - he said to him sincerely. Pero Lou did not believe it. - You're pulling my leg - it murmured. It got into the car, introduced the key in the contact, started it and moved away. The legs were weakening him, but it was said that after a little bit they would stop trembling. And perhaps also the rest of his body. Coltrain was driving crazy her. Thanks to God who would leave soon. Minutes after Lou was coming to house, the phone started sounding insistently. - Say? - Lou answered finally, that was going a little bit trying to ignore it with the hope of the one who was calling was desisting. - Still you are trembling with desire: to what yes? - he asked him between mocker and seducer about the voice of Coltrain. To Lou almost one slipped the receiver between the fingers. - What devils do you want? - it stammered. - An invitation to have dinner the Christmas Day, of course - said he-. I do not want to sit down one more year in front of the TV set and eat me a sad sadwich or a piece of pizza. Lou still was angry with him for having made her spend shame before so many foreign look for the second time. The personnel of the hospital would spend to itself at least two weeks speaking about it. Less evil that she would not be already to have to support it. - A sad sadwich or a piece of pizza is precisely what you deserve yourself - he said to him. - Oh, we go, do not be cruel, Lou. We are in Christmas. Listening, I will take the salad and the dessert if you prepare the turkey: what do you say to me? Lou could not avoid to doubt. The certain thing was that moríapor to happen this day with him, but she was sure that that only his march would be difficult. - Come, Lou, I gave that yes ... - he tried to cajole her with velvety voice-. We go, you know that you are wishing it. If you go away on the first of January there will not be many any more occasions to be together. Also: what can you lose? " the respect for me misma, my honor, my virginity, my pride ... ", she enumerated for yes. Nevertheless, his response was very different: - Good, I suppose that to happen together one day will not kill me. Coltrain laughed. - Surely not. I will be in your house twenty-five at eleven o'clock in the morning: in agreement?


And it hung before she could change opinion. - Oh, God: what have I done? - Lou wailed, looking at the receiver in his hand. " This is an error, a terrible error, and I am going to repent the rest of my life ". Coltrain would end up by driving crazy her really. The day of Christmas night went to the early supermarket and bought a small turkey. The cashier who attended to her was one of his patients, and he dedicated a significant smile when he saw the turkey and the bottle of champagne that it put on the tape transportadora. Fortunately, nevertheless, it did not make any comment on this matter, and Lou ran to house before stumbling over someone more that it had heard the rumours on Coltrain and her. Already in house, it was cleaning a little, had lunch, and in the evening it refilled the turkey and put it in the oven. It had decided to prepare it the previous day not to have to make it the same twenty-five. This way only it would have to warm it up. When it was done, it extinguished the oven so that it was cooling down, gathered and cleaned the kitchen, and already it was almost eight o'clock when it went away to the lounge, lit the TV set and curled up in his couch with a few worn-out jeans, a wide sweatshirt and a few socks of wool. Nevertheless, scarcely it had to take ten minutes sat, when it heard the noise of a car stopping in the door of his house. Missed, it went to the window of the foyer to look, and frowned on having seen a silver Jaguar, and how certain red-haired doctor was bending him, with a great box in the arms. - Open to me, Lou - it was called it he from the outside, meanwhile it was raising the steps of the entry. - What is that?-inquirió curious, indicating the box while it was supporting the door so that it should happen. - Meal and presents, my lady. Lou could not be more astonished. He had not waited for it that night. When she had closed the door, it followed Coltrain, which had gone to the kitchen and was unloading there the content of the box. - The salad - it began to enumerate aloud-, the dressing, olives, caviar and a cake of chocolate with nuts. Not, I have not done her - he added on having seen that had continued looking at it open-mouthed-. I have bought it. One gives me fatally the confectioner's. Do you believe that you will have place in the icebox? - That you might have asked me about it before presenting yourself here - she said to him. Coltrain smiled. - If it had called you, you would have listened to my voice in the answering mashine, and would have feigned that you were not in house. Lou blushed. It was right. - I believe aue there is place - it murmured opening the icebox, and rearranging a little the things so that it was fitting what he had taken. When they had ended, Coltrain introduced the hand again in the enormous box, and extracted two paquetitos. - A gift that you will give me and other that I will give to you - he said to him. Lou looked at it irritated. - It was not necessary that you were buying a gift for you himself - it spluttered-. I have bought to you something. Coltrain arched the eyebrows. - Seriously? Lou gathered the lips. - The one that will not think to happen the Christmas Day with you does not mean that it is so creeping as not to buy to you anything. - And why did not you give it to me the day of the holiday of Christmas of the hospital?-inquirió he.


Lou blushed again. - You did not also give to me at all this day - it pointed. - Because he was keeping it for today - Coltrain said with a smile. - Since I also - she answered. It was not going to be less. - Can I put them under your Christmas tree? Lou shrank of shoulders. - Skylight. It continued it up to the lounge, and Coltrain left the paquetitos on the carpet, along with the enormous fir that Lou had adorned with balls of colors, lights, brilliant garlands and a star in the top, and sat down to admiring it. Lou stooped and sat down next to you. - From child I have always loved the Christmas - he murmured. - Yet I cannot believe that we have no custodies this weekend - said to him Lou-. How have you obtained it? - You know already: blackmails and bribes - he joked-. The past Christmastime yes that had us to work: do you remember? - Yes, I remember it - she murmured-. In fact me agreement that these days we discuss more than of custom. The Christmas spirit shone for his absence. - Oh, but it was necessary that we were discussing - Coltrain said to him, lying down sideways how length it was, and resting on the elbow-. If it had not been stinging you constantly, love would have ended up by making you day yes, day not, in the stretchers in which we examine the patients. - Q. .. what? - she stammered. Coltrain extended the hand and separated a tuft of his face. - Whenever I was trying to approach you were separating you - he said to him-. This was the only thing that saved you, because I have wished you long ago, a lot of time, Lou, and have fought desperately against it - he added, caressing sensualmente the feminine lips with the fingers. - Po ... might you to stop doing that, please? - nervous she watered him. - Why? I know that you like, and to me also. It attracted her towards if and he placed himself on her. - I can feel the beats of your heart - it whispered against his lips-, and notice your labored respiration - his hand slid towards one of the bosoms, stopping on him to stimulate the nipple until it hardened-. Do you see it?, to your body also he likes. Lou tried to say something, but Coltrain kept silent about it with a kiss, and she took several minutes in managing to assemble again the sufficient willpower to detach his lips of those of him. - jebediah ... not.... But he started kissing her again. - i wish you, Lou... I wish You tantísimo.... - Pero Jane ... - she insisted. Coltrain raised the head and, for Lou's surprise, laughed softly and was rolled towards the side, resting again on the elbow her to look at the eyes. - Lou, you are worse than Todd Burke. What do I have to do to convince you? I am not in love with Jane. Some time ago that I do not feel for her any more than friendship. In fact, before Todd was appearing, it had already broken with her. Lou looked at it amazed. - You .... you broke with her ...? I believed that you were still a lover with her when he married... He denied with the head. - Do you want to know why I broke our relation? - he said to him. Lou looked at it unsteady, swallowed saliva and finally it agreed with the head, very slowly.


- because he was not feeling anything when we were kissing - he said Coltrain. Lou frowned. - I was not getting excited physically - he added. She, simply, could not believe it. - But ... that is ... impossible - it stammered-. A woman can excite a man if ... good, if it puts determination in it. Coltrain shrank of shoulders. - Perhaps - it granted him-, but the truth is that in my case I was not feeling a real interest for her. I confused fondness with love, and ended up by realizing that when I was kissing her it was as if it was kissing a sister. - And you say that with me on the other hand ... - Lou murmured, without believing it still. Coltrain smiled and agreed. - Whenever I touch you it is as if fire was going off for my veins - he said to him-, you intoxicate me. - There happens to me the same thing - him confessed Lou-, but there is a difference between us, because you only wish me, whereas I... - Do you believe that? - he interrupted it-. Do you believe that the only thing that I feel for you is a desire? Do you believe that only with the desire it might be explained what happens to us when we are close one of other? - I ... I only know that I love you - Lou murmured. Coltrain her looked at the eyes with an infinite sweetness. - And I to you - he answered quedamente. The heart gave him one I overturn Lou and it began to beat with such force that seemed that it him was going to leave of the breast. Were not his ears cheating her? Might the sleep to turn truly into reality? Perhaps yes, it was said. They were in Christmas, an epoch of the year in which the sleep was fulfilling and occuring miracles. Coltrain did not say anything, but it continued looking at her in the same way, reaffirming him with the look what it had expressed to him with words. Suddenly, it joined, two took paquetitos that he had placed under the tree and it delivered them to him. - But up to tomorrow it is not a Christmas. - For us yes - he restored-. Boy, open them. Lou hesitated, but finally the curiosity could more, and tore the bundle of the first one. It was a box, and on having opened it, he found a golden cadenita and a pendant in the shape of half a heart. Lou contained the respiration. - Now, it opens other - Coltrain said to him, taking the chain with the pendant, while she was breaking awkwardly the bundle of another bundle. It was an identical box, and in his interior there was another piece of the pendant, another half of the heart. - And now, make them together - he indicated him, delivering to him another part. Lou it h hoisted, with the tremulous hands for the emotion and his fixed eyes in the inscription in Frenchman who had written in every half: Bonus that hier, moins that demain. - Do you know what he says? he asked him softly. Lou had to swallow saliva to be able to speak. - " More that yesterday ..., but less that tomorrow " - it murmured. - That is exactly much that I love you - Coltrain said to him. He was going to wait to tomorrow about giving it to you, but, since it is usually said, there is no better moment than the present. Marry me, Lou. I know that you scare the marriage, but you love me and I you love and we have sufficient things in common like to stay close when the passion becomes exhausted ... if the fact is that some day is a drop. Lou had the pendant still in his hands and the sight fixes in him. It was the nicest and romantic gift that he could have imagined. - Do you believe in the miracles, Lou? - he asked him about Coltrain quedamente-. I yes,


they happen every day, when we manage to save lives, when children are born... Yesterday same one happened, when I saw this pendant in the jewelery shop in which we meet Jane ... - he added-, and right now I am hoping that other should happen: that you say to me that yes. She lifted towards him his chestnut-colored eyes full of tears. It was unable to declare word, but it agreed with the head, was embraced to him and it it kissed, queriendo to express to him with his lips everything what he was feeling for him. It was enough to Coltrain. The one that was going to be the holiday of Lou's farewell finally turned into a holiday of congratulation for his marriage with Coltrain the previous day, and the equal young woman almost got lost it, after happening the night doing passionately the love. To her there came almost the whole personnel of the hospital, even Nickie and It damages, that finally seemed to accept his defeat with sportsmanship. Two months later, for the day of San Valentín, Coltrain was giving to Lou another pendant, this time a ruby heart. The gift of her was more unexpected: the positive result of a test of pregnancy. Coltrain was not fitting in yes of pleasure, and nine months later there was born in the hospital of Jacobsville his first son, whom they put for name Drew Jebediah Coltrain.

Coltrain's Proposal

Proposal

Christmas Proposal

Wicked Proposal

Open Proposal

Dishonourable Proposal

The Proposal

The Proposal

Plain Proposal

Jacob's Proposal

Hometown Proposal