Chapter 3: As promised

I awake with a shiver. It's the middle of the night, and I am not able to sleep. My skin is hot, but from inside, everything else is cold and hostile. I feel vulnerable. Carefully, I step out of my bed and approach the window. I pull the heavy curtains, revealing a clear night sky, with the full moon in its throne, glowing. I sigh. I hope Anthony sees it too... it's too beautiful, like him. I walk shyly back to my bed, cover myself with blankets, and watch the night.

...

In the morning, I meet Annie.

- Frau Elizabeth, wie are you? - she asks as she brings me my specially prepared breakfast.

I smile at her. Hopefully, I have good news for her, and she has for me.

- A bit Better. I am cold now. And my throat doesn´t hurt like yesterday.

- Gut!

She checks my temperature anyway, and approves with a smile.

- Eat all.- she orders, pointing at the food.

I nod, and take a spoonfull, so she can start.

- I in den Kirche was. I have all you told me say. - my eyes lightens.- I see er hilfs. - she adds, smiling at me.

She did it! She did it! Now it's up to him...

- Thank you, Annie. A huge thank you.

She smiles in response. I feel the sudden urge to hug her, but she is already leaving the room.

...

My mind buzz with emotions the whole morning. Did he hear? Will he come?

I don´t feel bored anymore, stop fearing the doctor, and nervousness submerges me with every single noise.

- You have Farbe!- says Annie with delight when she comes with my lunch.

I don´t know what Farbe is, and show my confusion.

- You are not white more.- Annie explains. - I Only hoff that böse doctor don´t come.

I am actually better, and it is shown in my face, blushed with the thought of him. Very aware that the doctor's intervention can make me sicker again, I start wishing the same as Annie.

But we have no luck: at two o' clock, he is at the door.

- Good afternoon, madam.- he adresses Annie. - It's time for Mrs. Masen's treatment.

I shiver: I was hoping he was Anthony!

I breathe deeply, and prepare myself for the torture. But before he could reach my room, we hear three knocks at the door.

My heart rushes. Annie opens.

- Good afternoon.- Anthony's strong voice raises. I feel so incredibly relieved and happy I want to sing!

- Good afternoon- the doctor sounds really disturbed by his presence.

- I'm sorry, but your services will not be needed today- I hear Anthony say.

- You're interrupting a very serious medical treatment, sir, whoever you are.- the doctor replies.

- Well...- Anthony pauses dramatically.- I am Mr Cullen, Mrs. Elizabeth's brother, and it's evident you should show some respect.

His strong, intimidating tone works as it should, and the man other starts breaking.

- I apologize, I wasn´t aware...

- I say she doesn´t need your services. Not today, nor any day. So please, here is the door. Help yourself.

Netx thing I hear, the door closes.

Then they stay silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. I suppose Annie is as surprised as I am by the situation. Finally, she breaks the silence:

- Wo are you, Jung? Sie have meinen Respeckt.- she tells the new comer.

- Danke schön. Ich bin hier weil Elizabeth wollte mich zu komm. Mein name ist Anthony. Darf ich sie jetzt sehen?- He anwers in german.

- Ja, Natürlich.- her voice sounds impressed and quite charmed.

A few seconds later, Annie enters the room, radiant, followed by my miracle in person.

- Frau Elizabeth, here is your brother.- she announces him before leaving.

Once the door is closed, I scream:

- Anthony!

His lips curve in a big smile, his eyes shine, and his astonishing beauty even more incredible than last time strikes me. Wow.

- Hello, Elizabeth. I came to your rescue.

- Thank you.

- I can´t believe you didn´t call me before! What had that miserable man done to you?- indignation and anger poison his voice as he sees me.

- Bleed me to death, or so he was planning, until you came. That entrance was royal!

- Did you like it?

- Of course! And the idea of being my brother! That is just fantastic!

- It allows me to see you as much as you want.

- Oh, Anthony!

I call him,and he comes to my arms, where I hold him softly.

- Thank you.- he simply murmurs.

I let him go.

- Is Cullen your last name?- I ask, curious.

- Oh, no! That was just a part of the plan. Dr Cullen is a famous actual surgeon that some fake doctors like him admire.

- Oh. Well, it worked. And you speak german too!

- Yes.- he answers with a grin.- I lived in Germany for a while. Your maid seems very nice.

- She is my only ally in this house, and I love her.

- That's good.

I stay silent, contemplating his face.

- What would really please you?- he asks me.

- Hmmm...- I think.- Maybe a book. I haven´t enjoyed myself for so long!

- That's good, because I have some good ones. Have you ever read french authors?

- No.

- Next time, tell me what you think.

He takes a book out of his pocket. Its a small, black edition. It contained three plays from Moliere: The flying doctor, The learned women, and Dom Juan.

I wonder what they would be like.

- These are classic comedies I hope you'll like to read. To make you laugh.

- Thank you. And thank you for all.

- You're welcome. You know, you should learn to think you deserve the good things.

-I know. It's only ... I feel grateful.

- I understand. There is a lot to be grateful for. And to enjoy. So here I am, as promised, to open your eyes.


That was it. Did you like it?

German words:

Farbe= colors

Jung= young man

Ich hoff= I hope

" Danke schön. Ich bin hier weil Elizabeth wollte mich zu komm. Mein name ist Anthony. Darf ich sie jetzt sehen?"= Thank you so much. I am here because Elizabeth wanted me to come. My name is Anthony. Can I see her now?

"Ja, Natürlich." = Yes, naturally.

I hope you'll like it and review!

Have the best week!

L.T.