19.
Marni looked so small and sad sitting in that chair, and at that precise moment; Nathan made a resolution. No matter what, I will look after you. I won't even care if you love me or not. He was resolved to never see her cry like that again. As she sat there sobbing, he reached out to touch her hand. From what he saw, she didn't seem to react to the contact; but the feel of her hand in his sent shivers down his spine. He tried to hide the fact from her, but it could be deemed impossible.
She looked up at him when she felt the small shake that came from his hand. Tears were still glistening in her eyes, but she stopped sobbing. She gave him a puzzled look, which was slightly veiled by the tears. It's now or never! Nathan thought.
Whoever this man was, he was a jerk. He was a fool to fail to see the beauty that was right in front of his face. He chose three talentless bimbos over one incredible young woman. Nathan decided to leave out the fourth woman (the one that he had found when he repossessed her husband), she had been through enough.
"You really think that I am talented?" Nathan nodded. "How?"
FUCK! Remember the speech you dick! His mind became a hopeless jumble, and his heart was running at a mile a minute; which was not helping much at all. He tried his hardest to remain clam and composed, but he knew that he was failing miserably. If you can't remember the speech (you IDIOT), just speak from the heart and tell the truth.
I actually saw Macbeth. I was completely mesmerised by your performance. I also heard you singing, just before the fire in the theatre. You have an amazing singing voice, you are a spectacular actress, and you are the most enchanting woman that I have ever met.
The tears were fading from Marni's face, and the frown that had wrenched Nathan's heart was now replaced by a small smile. "Thank you sir. That's very Swe..." She stopped speaking. Her face turned pale and she started to hyperventilate. However, Nathan's mind was in a totally different world; he didn't notice. He was in his own little dream world, where he finally had the courage to say the three words that he desperately wanted to say.
I love you.
He looked at her, wanting to catch her reaction. But there was no reaction. She hadn't heard any of the three words. She had passed out just before he said it.
20.
Rotti Largo sat at his desk, shuffling through a stack of organ payment forms. As he shuffled he concentrated on the man he was looking for: a man named Allen Paisley, who was now four days overdue for spleen repossession (ninety-four days delinquent). He had just found the man's form when he heard shouting coming from just outside his door.
"Sir, I cannot let you see him, he is too busy!" - This voice belonged to his secretary.
I don't care if he is busy! It is of the utmost importance that I see him! – This voice was a man's voice. Rotti was sure that he knew it, but he could not remember exactly who it belonged to.
"I'm sorry sir, but you must have an appointment."
You don't understand young lady. I MUST SEE HIM!
Rotti was hesitant about opening the door. The man sounded like he wanted to kill someone… him. The man also sounded like he could achieve that goal.
"I'm sorry Dr. Wallace… You can't see him now. However, I can make an appointment for you to see him in an hour."
'Dr. Wallace…' Rotti thought, and then it hit him… 'Nathan!' He quickly reached for his intercom button. It's alright Miss Gilby, I have finished a small amount of business and my next appointment is not for ten minutes. I can see whoever it is you are yelling at.Rotti took his hand away from the intercom button.
The door to the office swung open gently open gently, and the secretary entered; her face red with embarrassment. Nathan followed closely behind her. Rotti gave a smile to his secretary. Miss Gilby, I think that it would be wise not to raise you voice in the future. Otherwise you will be held responsible for any consequences that I face. Now, if you will be so kind to apologize to Dr. Wallace.
Miss Gilby gave a quiet apology to Nathan, who also gave an apology. 'He really didn't need to do that…' He thought, as Miss Gilby left the room, closing the door behind her silently.
Thank you for allowing me to see you sir...
21.
Nathan stood before his employer, feeling very uncomfortable. He had sworn to himself that he would never find himself in his employer's office again. However, Marni needed help, and Rotti was the only person who could provide the help that she needed.
What is it you need Dr. Wallace? Rotti seemed a little annoyed at first, but his look changed into one of concern when he saw the distressed look on Nathan's own face.
Sir, I know that it
not my place to ask for anything; let alone what I am about to ask.
However, my desperation is so great that you are the only person that
I could speak to. You see, sir a friend of mine needs your
help. She is extremely ill; so much so that she has been placed in
the ICU at the hospital. They say that she does not have long to
live. She needs some sort of help, and you are the only one I know
who has the power to help her.
And how do you expect me to help? Rotti asked. Nathan grew extremely nervous at this point. He was unsure about how to ask for funding to find a cure for Marni. After all, he was listed as a Night Surgeon on the payroll; not a full fledged doctor. Maybe…Marni could ask him for me. She can persuade him that I could do it. She is a great actress.
I think that she would be a better candidate to answer that question for you sir; that is, if you could possibly find the time to see her.
Rotti was hesitant about leaving the office to see a patient; but the look of distress and desperation on Nathan's face made him resolute. 'There are two choices here…' Rotti thought; 'One: My best Repo Man has found himself a girlfriend, and he genuinely wants to help her. That would be a good thing for him. Two: he is a great actor, and he really wants to kill me. That would be… not so good.'
Rotti knew which choice was that right one.
Miss Gilby, cancel my next appointment… I'm going to visit a patient.
