Background:
This story is written in line with the events portrayed in the last 2 episodes of Season 11 (e.g., "Carter Est Ameroux" and "The Show Must Go On").
Since the location for this story is the Congo, I tried to involve characters who appeared in the Congo-related episodes from the 9th and 10th seasons. Specifically the following people are reintroduced to the reader:
Angelique – Indian born Chief Physician and Primary Surgeon at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) funded clinic in Kisangani.
Charles – European man in his late-30s who studied in Texas and is in charge of supplies and logistics at the ICRC clinic in Kisangani
Debbie – ICRC aid worker from the U.S.A, who is an experienced pilot and a brief, former girlfriend of Dr. John Carter.
There are also a few new characters, whose backgrounds are introduced during the course of the story.
Although all of the other stories that I have written, "Once Again", "Tell Me No Lies, and "Will You Trust Me", tie directly into each other, this story is based mainly on the ideas presented in the first chapter of "Once Again".
In summary, it has been 4 months since John joined Kem in the Congo and he is at the ICRC clinic doing some paperwork while he reminisces about the past.
Chapter 1 – Much Too Young
He is still staring out the window of the clinic's small office, when he hears a voice.
"You know, you're much too young to be staring off into space", says a familiar voice in a musical accent.
He looks up to see Kem who, despite her reproachful statement, is smiling at him, and he can't help but smile back.
"How long have you been standing there?" he asks with a slightly puzzled look on his face.
"Umm…long enough," she says pleasantly. "I presume that you were thinking about something important", she says as she crosses the room and lightly sits on the edge of the desk.
"Yeah", he says mysteriously.
"Well, I also presume that if you were having second thoughts about everything, you would let me know."
"It is most definitely not about second thoughts," he says seriously as he looks into her eyes.
She regards him curiously for a minute before laughing it off and looking around.
"More 'John Does?", she asks as she sees the photos stapled to pieces of paper.
"Yeah…5 more", he says a bit sadly.
"Do you want me to take these and file them with the Ministry of Health?"
"Not just yet. I think that can wait until the end of the week, just in case we get a few more."
"Okay", she says and a bit of sadness has crept into her voice as well. Life in the Congo is oftentimes harsh and full of death, but that's what she and John are working to help change.
"Well, I'm off for the rest of the day," she says switching the conversation to a happier topic. "I was getting ready to go shopping for dinner and I wanted to know if there is anything in particular that you wanted?"
"No, not really. Whatever you get is fine with me. Unless…" he says as he slowly pulls her towards him, "you're asking what I want for dessert?"
She rolls her eyes at his cliché remark, but kisses him passionately nonetheless.
"Ah…so that's why that desk is weak," someone says archly, but in a pleasant Indian accent.
They both turn to see Angelique giving them an amused look.
"You know the walls are sturdier than the desk," she continues in her amused tone as she jokingly suggests a better location for their amorous activities.
Both John and Kem blush.
John looks down and chokes back a laugh as Kem rises from the desk with a look of mock indignation and says, "Alright, I'm leaving now."
She smoothes out her shirt and puts her purse strap firmly on her shoulder as she starts to walk to the door where Angelique is standing.
"I'll see you at dinner?" she asks giving John one last look. He nods his head in assent.
Kem turns and leaves. And as she does, she lovingly tweaks Angelique's chin for her impertinent suggestion.
Both women laugh, and Angelique turns back to John as Kem walks down the hall.
"Are you ready to get to work doctor or are you just going to sit there all day and pout about missed opportunities?" she asks with a grin.