Chapter 11 – Nice evening or isn't it?
Jane sits with the three men and laughs a lot. Martha and Tracy can hear her in the kitchen. "It's always easy for her. She is not shy and she is pretty. Do you think she will marry soon? I hope so"
"Yes, I hope it too. And I want to babysit her sweet girl. Jane is sometimes horrible but she has a good heart and I forgive her" Martha really loves her friends. They are friends since college and never had a bad conversation. They are honest but nice with each other and all problems are solved quickly.
Tracy is most shy and sometimes only listening while Jane and Martha talk about something. Martha thinks her friend would feel better tonight with less men. Alec is scaring them both but both have different reasons.
When Tracy and Martha bring dinner to dining room John stands up to help them. Martha sees Tracy smiling but she can't smile herself. What if Alec is watching? Martha doesn't want to risk it and sits next to John and Jane. They all stop talking to enjoy their meal and Jane nods a lot. She often does this when she likes something and today she likes Martha cooked for them.
Some years ago Jane asked Martha why she doesn't want to be a cook but she is happy with her job.
Martha tries not to look at Alec. She looks at her meal and eats slowly. She doesn't want to talk or be happy while he is near. It is not fair. She wants to be happy. She wants to be happy for herself. Alec has nothing to do with it and with more time this wouldn't be a problem. But now it is.
"Alec, what doctor are you? Dentist? Vet?" Jane finishs her meal second after Alec finished his and she immidiately starts talking again. "Do you think doctors are gods?"
"No, we are no gods. We help people. My team and I are a special emergency team" Alec doesn't look at Jane. Martha feels like he is watching her but she doesn't look. She is scared to watch him and goes to the kitchen when all dishes are empty. She knows this means they all enjoyed her cooking. She is proud when Alec changes this again. "Can I help you?"
"No, please go. I don't want to see you" Martha doesn't look at him. She knows it's Alec and doesn't feel good to be alone with him. "Tracy, can you help me?"
"I'm here. I can help you. - Tracy, it's okay" Alec grabs the dishes and puts them in the dishwasher without asking Martha. He helps her clean up the kitchen and takes her hand afterwards. "I don't know why you hate me? I did nothing wrong"
"I don't want to talk about it" Martha prepares her cake and tries to walk away from Alec. He is not happy about it and takes her hand again. "I want to know why you hate me and don't even look at me anymore. When you were in hospital it was nice talking to you and now you..."
"Let me go" Martha frees her hand and brings her cake to the table. Tracy and Jane clap their hands and praise Martha's cake. John wants first slice and Alec doesn't want any of it. He doesn't speak for the rest of the evening.
At midnight the three cousins leave and wish all women a good night.