Chapter 24
Boston
Thursday 18th December, 1873
He slowly approached the room, guarded by two soldiers. He stretched out his hand to open the door, but one of the soldiers moved to stand in his way, with his hands crossed on his chest.
The soldier eyed him from head to toe and demanded: "Who are you?"
The man was taken aback, but without being afraid at all of this soldier. He replied dryly: "It's none of your business!"
"Yes it is, sir. I can't let you go in unless you first ell me your name and Mr. Sully confirms he knows you."
"I'm Johan Peterson, owner of 'Furniture Specialists'. Does that ring a bell?"
"I guess he works for you, sir. I'll ask him," and he disappeared inside.
"Why does the army assign such idiots for an important mission?" Johan muttered to himself.
Soon the soldier came out and motioned Johan to enter.
"Good morning Byron," he said and seated on the chair next to the bed.
"Mornin' Mr. Peterson."
"How many times have I told you to call me Johan! So, how are you feeling? I got to know about your accident a while ago while reading the newspaper, and I came immediately."
"I'm feeling much better, thanks! There was no need for you to come over to see me!"
"Oh come on Byron! You know you're the best worker I've ever had, and besides, I also consider you as my friend! Now, the least thing I could do is come and visit you."
Sully was impressed: "Thanks, it's very kind of you."
"OK, now let's talk seriously. Are you in pain?"
"Actually, yes I am. But I try not to show it, especially to my family, and even more to my wife!"
"That's bad. Don't tire yourself. It's about this I've come to talk to you. Your work has become very famous all over the country during the past few months, and I feel it's time you get some help for all you've done for our company. So, I decided to send over a man, or two, depends on your needs, to help you do your work in Colorado Springs. This obviously only if you agree. This man would need to be a very good carpenter obviously."
Sully was deeply touched once again: "Thanks for your concern, but I already have an idea on the matter."
"I'm eager to listen."
"Well, my eldest son worked a lot using wood in the past and he likes it, even if it's not his profession. So, I was thinking of asking him to help me in summer, since he's not at University."
Johan smiled broadly: "Well, that can easily be arranged. This man I'll send over will only help you whenever your son can't, then…"
"That's a perfect idea! But I still have to ask Matthew!"
"Oh don't worry. You can let me know after the Christmas holidays! I don't want you to work anymore before mid-January... you hear me?" he ordered.
"Yes sir!" Sully laughed.
"I'll talk to Dr. Walker for more information, but I don't want to be the reason for you not healing well, or even hurting yourself more!"
"Thanks for your concern Johan."
"Now, how about coming to the annual party, tomorrow night?"
"I'm not sure I'll be able to move tomorrow night."
"Then I'll talk to Dr. Walker ask him when you can leave... and I'll move the party to that day."
Sully was taken by surprise : "I don't think ya should do that just cause of me!"
"It's my party, my money, my decision! Now let me go find good old Peter."
Sully was curious: "You know him personally?"
"Yes. We used to go to school together here in Boston. Then he chose medicine and I followed my father's footsteps."
Sully felt that this man wanted to share more with him, "Are ya married, if I may ask?"
"Sure you may ask! Yes, I've been married for two years now and we're expecting our first baby!" Johan was very proud to say the last statement.
"You've married rather old then!"
"Old? I'm only thirty-two!" Johan was taken aback.
Ashamed of having jumped to quick conclusions, Sully admitted: "Ya... uhm... well, look much older."
"Yeah, it's due to the work pressure I guess... but I'm not that old. My wife, Rachel, is only a year younger than I am, yet I look much older than her!"
"Ya shouldn't let pressure have such an effect on you."
"Yes, it's what Rachel always says, but I never seem to learn."
Sully remained silent for a few minutes before finally adding: "I don't really think you should be discussing this with me."
"I don't consider you as my employee but as a friend. I've repeated this at least a million times... but if I'm bothering you, I'll leave."
"NO! No... you're not bothering me. It's just that I find it strange. We've only met twice."
"There are people whom you meet everyday but you're not comfortable to talk to, and there are people whom you feel comfortable with as soon as you meet them. You immediately know they're gonna be great friends."
"That's true."
"Now I'll go and ask Peter when he'll dismiss you."
"Thanks Jo…," Sully hardly had time to finish before Johan left the room, leaving him staring at the now closed door.
Johan went to look for Peter, whom he soon found coming down a nearby staircase.
"Hello Peter!" Johan walked towards him.
Peter was amazed to see his friend: "Johan? Why, this is a surprise! I haven't seen you for ages! How is your life going?"
"Fine thanks, and yours? I must say that this hospital suggests you have quite a good life, and also a lot of income!"
"The same can be said about you and your 'Furniture Specialists'. I haven't ever had the opportunity to congratulate you on your successful firm."
"Neither did I ever compliment you for this great hospital!" as they shook hands like in old times.
"Well, we both praised each other now so… what brings you here? You're not sick I hope?"
"Oh no, I'm not… came here to visit Byron Sully."
"I see. He's a worker of yours... well not just a common worker... his room is down there," as he pointed towards the room Johan had just left.
"I know where his room is. I was there a few minutes ago. But now I was looking for you actually."
Peter was confused now: "Really? Why is that? You said you were here for Mr. Sully!"
"I'd like to know when you intend to dismiss Byron."
"Honestly, I don't think I should reveal such information, especially if not to a relative of the patient."
"Peter, I need to know so I can organise a Christmas party so as Byron may attend it. So you have to tell me!"
Peter looked at him, deep in thought: "I think I can trust you... when I examined him this morning he seemed quite strong, especially after what he went through. I believe that on Saturday morning he'll be able to leave."
"Good! I can go arrange my party now. Thanks for taking good care of him Peter."
"That's my duty! Merry Christmas Johan. It was wonderful to see you after all these years, but now I really need to go. There's still a lot of patients I need to visit."
"Merry Christmas to you as well Peter, and also to your family!"
Peter nodded and started going up towards the second floor, while Johan returned to Sully's room.
"Byron, I've just talked to Peter. He said that on Saturday morning you'll be dismissed!" he blurted out before even sitting down, "The party will be on Saturday evening, and you're coming... OK?"
Sully sighed but was very happy and honored: "If you insist!"
"Yes, I do. And please bring your family with you."
"But the other workers won't attend with their families!"
"Here he goes again! You're not "just one of my workers". So bring your wife and children with you!" he ordered.
"Well, my eldest daughter left for Philadelphia so she surely won't come. but Michaela, Katie an' Brian will be delighted. However, my eldest son might not want to come cause he'd want to stay with his fiancée!"
"No problem! Tell your son to bring his fiancée as well!"
"OK. I'll tell him."
Johan was very pleased: "Good! I'll let you know at what the time is the party is... I need to go now. Good day Bryon. Heal well and fast!"
"I will Johan. Thanks," and his friend left the room.
Johan walked only a few paces before he bumped into Michaela as she was rounding the corner.
"Oops sorry miss... Oh! Dr. Quinn! What a pleasure!"
Michaela wasn't sure: "Mr. Peterson?"
"That's right! I've just spent some time with your husband."
"That's very kind of you."
"It's the least I could do! But I have to go now... see you on Saturday," and he started to walk away.
Michaela was confused: "What's on Saturday?"
"You're invited to my party... but Byron will explain better. See you!" and he left.
Michaela shook her head and entered her husband's room.
"It seems I can't stay alone for a single minute today!" Sully muttered.
"OK, then I'll leave if I'm bothering you!"
"It was just a joke! So, how are ya?"
"Oh I'm fine... just a little tired," she tenderly brushed her lips against his before sitting down on the bed.
He scolded: "You should rest Michaela!"
"I'll rest when we're at home. So, how are you?"
"Fine thanks. Just getting bored in here."
"You'll soon be back home. What did Mr. Peterson want? What party is he talking about?"
"Ya know I came here for the company's annual party. Well, he talked to Dr. Walker an' he told him he'd dismiss me on Saturday mornin'. So, he moved the party to Saturday so I can attend."
"But where do I come in?"
"You an' the kids are invited as well!"
"As for me, Brian and Katie it's OK, but what about Matthew? He'd want to spend some time with Alex."
"I told Johan the same thing an' he told me to tell Matthew to bring Alex to the party as well!"
"We'll talk to Matthew later then..." she sighed, "... but I long to be home."
"I thought you'd like to come back here in Boston."
"Yes... but my home is in Colorado Springs now, with you, the children and my new friends. Besides, I'm getting worried for Andrew."
"Why?"
"Well, he was quite depressed when Colleen left, but at least he had us to come home to every night for dinner. Now, he's completely alone!"
Sully tried to comfort her: "He has the rest of the town!"
"But they're not family!"
"Don't worry..."
Michaela nodded: "Sully, we haven't discussed any Christmas presents. I found something for each of them today while going round the shops."
"Good. I hope you bought the presents then!"
"Actually... I didn't. I wanted you to be with me."
"An' ya think I'm fit enough ta go round shops?"
"No, but I wanted to discuss all that with you before buying."
"OK. But when will you buy them?"
"I'll go now while all the others are busy, and will send all presents to Colorado Springs immediately. Horace will store the parcels for me, till we arrive home."
"If ya say so! But ya shouldn't be going round the shops alone! What if somethin' happens?"
"I won't be alone! I asked Beverley to accompany me!"
Sully gave up: "Let's discuss presents..."
Rebecca entered the kitchen, immediately finding what she was looking for. On the table was a covered picnic basket, filled with delicious food. She picked it up and walked through the door, bumping into Beverley.
"Oh Bevy! Thanks a lot for this. It's just what I wanted. It looks wonderful," Rebecca thanked her friend.
"It tastes delicious Miss."
"Beverley, how many times have I told you to call me Rebecca?"
"Sorry... Rebecca. I'm sure Mr. Tyner is a very lucky man."
"And I'm a lucky woman."
"Will you be home for lunch?"
"Uhm... actually I think I took lunch with me," she laughed pointing at the basket in her hands, "you all just eat. I'll be here for tea."
"What should I say if anyone asks for you?"
"Tell them I have some last Christmas shopping to do, OK?"
"Fine."
"You're a dear Bevy!"
"Good luck!"
"Oh thanks. I need it! Speaking of luck, when is your dear Mark going to propose?"
Beverley blushed: "Oh, I don't know! He didn't make any 'move'."
"Oh I'm sure he will... and soon. It might be a Christmas present, who knows… "
"If you say so... now go!"
"Bye. See you later," and Rebecca left the house.
She slowly walked towards the prison. She passed through the gate and entered the building itself, where she saw many soldiers standing lined against the wall. In the center, another soldier was seated at a table, with two more beside him. The sitting one seemed to be in charge.
"I'd like to visit a prisoner," she told the soldier in charge.
"Who is he?" he inquired, as he picked up a large pile of papers to look through.
"Jason Tyner."
The soldier browsed for a while amongst his documents, then looked at her closely and whispered: "He can receive visits only if he recognises the person. Come with me."
Rebecca followed him past a large number of nasty cells where people yelled and banged their fists against the doors. She couldn't imagine Jason in a place like that... amongst those people. However, they soon left the section and entered a quieter and more welcoming place. The soldier knocked on a door and Jason appeared.
"Rebecca!" he exclaimed.
"You know her?" the soldier asked.
"Yes, sure! Thanks Lt. Girby," Jason assured him.
"Anytime," Lt. Girby replied and turned to Rebecca, "I'll send a soldier over to guard the door. When you want to leave, he'll accompany you back to the main gate."
"Thanks a lot," she replied as he left the couple.
"I was expecting you!" Jason declared as they sat down at the table.
She was confused: "Really?"
"Yes. I somehow knew you'd come to visit me, but when I saw you behind the door I couldn't believe it at first."
She blushed: "Well, I had to visit you... are you comfortable? Do they give you enough food? Is..."
He placed his hand over hers to silence her: "I'm well taken care of in here. Don't worry."
Rebecca smiled and blushed even more but didn't remove her hand from under his. It felt good there.
"Are you hungry?" she inquired.
"You know I always am!"
"Good, because I've got something for you," she replied, placing the basket on the table and removing the cloth.
"Hmmm... smells good. Did you do all this?"
"No, our maid did it. It's only in the last month or so that I started entering the kitchen to watch her cooking, but I still haven't learnt much."
"You could have tried! I would have eaten it all, till the last bite!"
"It's not that. I didn't want to do something wrong and make you sick with my cooking!" she admitted.
"There's a first time for everything."
"I didn't want to experiment on you!"
"I could teach you how to cook if you wish."
"Oh no... I wouldn't want to be a burden."
"I wouldn't have suggested if it was a burden. I... I'd like you to come over to my home some day and... well, have dinner with me. I'd cook something especially for you. So, what is your answer?"
She blushed one again: "I... I'd love that."
"Good! I look forward to it. Now, let's eat!"
The hours flew by and soon it was time for Rebecca to go back home.
"I have to leave now... but I'll come again tomorrow, if you want," she said rising up.
"Oh sure I want! I love to have you here."
"Good, then I'll come back tomorrow. Bye, and thanks."
"For what?"
"For being such a nice company," she replied, slowly waking towards the door.
As she was about to touch the door-knob, she felt she was turned round, and Jason placed a soft kiss on her lips. She remained shocked, staring into his eyes.
"What was that for?" she smiled.
"For being such a nice company," he whispered.
"Oh... in that case..." she kissed him back. This time, the kiss was longer and more passionate.
"What was that for?" he teased.
"For being such a... wonderful... company! Now we're even."
"Yes, we are."
"Good night Jason. See you tomorrow," and she left the room.
Jason closed the door and sank down on his bed, "Oh God... how beautiful she is," he sighed, staring at the ceiling.
On her way home Rebecca couldn't help thinking of Jason and his tender kiss.
"Michaela was right," her conscience told her, "Love is a wonderful thing, when you meet the right person."
Rebecca protested: "Who said anything about love? It was only a kiss."
"Every true love begins with a kiss."
Philadelphia
Thursday 18th December, 1873
"I'm back!" Angela yelled upon entering Colleen's room.
"Hey! I'm still packin'! So, any mail?" Colleen replied.
"Yes, you've got this newspaper."
"Oh, it's 'The Gazette'. It's my town's newspaper remember? Could you read me the headlines while I pack?"
"Oh yes, sure. So... 'Applications for Colleges arrive today'... 'Townsfolk going to College are now two'..."
Colleen interrupted her: "Oh, is that 'bout Matthew?"
Angela quickly read through the article, "Yes, so it seems. You want me to read it to you?"
"No thanks, I'll read it on the train. Read the rest of the headlines."
"Ok, so... 'The town has a newly established carpenter'... it's about your pa!... 'Pregnant women in town amount to three'..."
Colleen interrupted again: "Really? Who's the third one?"
"Let me read... 'After Dr. Mike and Grace, Teresa Morales Slicker announced yesterday to be expecting a child due in September. Jake Slicker commented that..."
"Hehe! Now that's some great news! I'll congratulate her as soon as we arrive home."
Angela kept on reading the headlines to Colleen until she had read practically all.
"OK, I think I've packed all!" Colleen finally sighed.
"About time!"
"Well, I take longer to pack than you do, so what?"
"Hey OK! I said nothing!" replied Angela, "Are you anxious about seeing Andrew again?"
"Oh sure I am! I've been waiting so long for this moment!"
"And I know what's the first thing you'll do when you're home!" she teased, making Colleen blush. Then she sighed morosely: "Well, at least you'll have him with you. Mine will be miles away on a damn battle field, risking his life…"
"He'll be fine Angie, don't worry. Remember it's his profession, just like your profession is doctoring."
"I'll miss him..."
"... I know. But I'll be there whenever you need to talk... now and always, OK?"
Angela smiled and nodded.
Colleen added: "Don't ever forget that my dear. That's what friends are for!"
"Yes, now let's study for tomorrow's last exam!"
End of Chapter 24
