Chapter 34

Jack opened the door to the Clinic and entered.

Elli looked up from the medical book she was reading, "Hello, Jack. How are you doing?"

Jack smiled, "Hello, Elli. I'm fine, how are you?"

Elli used a book mark and closed the book, "Fine, but concerned about two friends."

"I going to guess that the names are Karen and my name."

Elli nodded, stood up and walked to a nearby door, "Yes. I'm going to go get some coffee. Please follow me." Then with out waiting for a reply, Elli stepped through the door.

When Jack entered the room, Elli glanced over to Jack, "How do you take your coffee?"

"With milk and sugar."

A small grin crept on Elli's face, "That's how I take it."

Jack scratched his head, "Did Karen come and tell you about the stupid thing I did yesterday?"

Elli smiled, "Yes, but I wouldn't call your reaction stupid. You were nervous. If I made the same offer, you most likely would have dome the same thing."

After Elli poured and fixed the coffee, she handed Jack one of the mugs. After taking a sip, Elli asked, "So how did you know that Karen came and talked with me?"

"Ann came by my farm earlier to go to the hot spring. I was watering the crops. She told me that Karen visited her at the Inn and talked."

"So what would you do if Karen were to make the same offer again? Would you turn it down?"

Jack shook his head, "No."

Elli nodded, "Good. Karen also said rather briefly that you had another dream of the little girl. I hope you are going to tell me about it, I hope you also told Ann."

"I did tell Ann, but before I tell you, you might want to set that coffee mug down."

"Why?, Oh, wait, Karen was giggling when she told me. I take it that the dream is funny?"

"Yes."

Elli set the mug on the counter, "Ok, tell me."

"The dream was of the first meeting. The meeting took place at the hot spring. I was bathing with my mom. Then the little girl came in with her mom."

Elli burst out laughing, "I see why Karen was giggling. Were you embarrassed being naked in front of that girl?"

"No, since my mom told me. The girl freaked out."

"Most likely because she didn't know you."

"A little, it was more 'I don't want to bathe with a boy watching me'. Her mom told her 'You've bathed with your father and he is a boy'."

Elli giggled and picked up her mug, "The girl must have said "Daddy isn't a boy, he is a daddy'."

Jack nodded and explained more of the dream.

After taking another sip, Elli said, "So this girl has a birthmark on her chest?"

"Yes."

"What does it look like?"

Jack frowned, "I can't remember, all I remember is the location."

Elli saw that Jack was upset, "So are you wanting to know if I have a birthmark on my chest and well as if Ann and Karen have one as well?"

Jack nodded.

"Are you worried that I might slap you on the face for asking that?"

Jack nodded.

"Jack, I wouldn't do that. I do have a birthmark on my chest and it is on my left breast. I think it would be safe to tell you that Karen also has a birthmark on her left breast. Ann doesn't have a birthmark anywhere on her chest. So I guess that it was either Karen or me that you made the promise to."

A rueful smile crossed Jack's face, "Thanks for telling me. I felt it would be awkward to ask, since some of you girls do get angry if a boy asks you about your chest."

Elli grinned, "True, but some boys we will not be angry with. I think that you would be one of them."

Jack smiled, "Thank you, for that compliment."

A mischievous grin crossed Elli's face, "You know you and I could do that old game of, 'I'll show you mine if you show me yours'."

Jack panicked and nearly dropped his mug, "N, n, no, we don't need to do that."

Elli giggled, "Relax, Jack. So would you like to know what my birthmark looks like?"

"No, because it could make a false memory."

"Well, if you do remember what the birthmark looks like, you can tell me, I will not be offended."

"Ok, I will."

Elli raised an eyebrow, "Promise?"

Jack nodded, "I promise."