For disclaimers and notes please read first chapter.
PART 3
March 13, 2018Katie narrowed her eyes and she looked through her thin metal-framed glasses at the man sitting opposite her.
"So, Mr. Bane, I am to assume that your company will be interested in doing business with us."
Carl Bane smiled. He was a man in his late thirties. He was still a bachelor and a very eligible one with his good looks and smooth charm.
"Miss Singer, Bane Estates and Lotianne Gloss go back a long time. My grandfather was friends with Morris Schwenn. Of course, we had never had the need to do business. But now with the ever-expanding competition in the market, I think the need for strong and influential advertising cannot be ignored."
Katie crossed her legs and pretended to consider it.
"I am going to be very pleased were this project to launch. Lotianne Gloss is trying to make its mark in North American markets and what better way than to start with one of America's most progressive companies. But I must admit that my hands are tied. I am just the CEO. A lot of the decisions still have to be made by my chairman."
"I understand, Ms. Singer." Bane leaned forward. "But I don't think there is going to be much of a problem in that department. I hear Morris Schwenn prides his CEO's decisions very highly."
Katie's lips matched the sophistication in Bane's smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Bane. Mr. Schwenn is a wonderful man. He is very fair."
She took a sip from her cabernet.
Everyone knew that while the old Morris Schwenn was still officially the chairman of Lotianne Gloss, it was Kathryn Singer who actually held the reins of the company. It wouldn't be much of a surprise was she to inherit the company after he dies.
Katie truly found Carl Bane insufferable. His suave and flirtatious manner and his way of appearing quite condescending at times rubbed her the wrong way. One reason, she couldn't bear him was because he was so like her: charmingly ruthless.
Katie looked at her Rolex watch and faked a sigh.
"Oh my gosh, Mr. Bane. I am so sorry, the meeting has to end right here. I am afraid I have another appointment."
Bane stood up and smiled, "No problem. I believe we have achieved what we set out to get."
"Yes, I agree. We could discuss the details after I speak to Mr. Schwenn." Katie extended her hands and gave an enchanting smile.
"I'll look forward to it." He shook Katie's hands, appraising her pinstriped suit clad svelte body.
"Hello? Lorraine?" Katie spoke into her GSM cellphone.
"Yes, Lorraine, I will be sending some documents to you via email. I want you to print them out and show them to Schwenn."
"No... I do not want you to do that yet."
"Oh yes and I will like it if you could email me my schedule for next month and also send me the file marked LX45. Thanks, bye."
Katie swerved her convertible and slid to a stop in front of the Boston Mercy Hospital.
She did not know what she was doing there or what she hoped to achieve. A lot had already been spoken between them fifteen years ago and they had officially broken their relationship off.
There was absolutely nothing left for Katie to say to Jessie. They were now little more than strangers. Just some distant memory from the past whose presence in the present is quite an inconvenience.
Katie turned off her engines and sat there in the heavy night silence. She did not even know whether Jessie was inside. Hell! She did not even know whether she wanted to meet Jessie right then. It was the just the feeling that Jessie is close that brought some sort of strange comfort to her. She leant back against her leather seat and looked out at the dark road. A flood of memories rushed out as if a wall of a dam had just been broken.
Jessie was sitting in her office, gulping down her fifth cup of coffee in two hours. She played with her mouse absently, her mind far away from the medical reports on her computer screen. Seeing Katie had been like a stab in her heart. It managed to hurt her terribly and it also managed to crack open all the thoughts and feelings that she had kept hidden for so many years. Her talk with Grace had been reassuring but not a solution to her problems. She hadn't seen Katie since that morning. Jade had come twice for her check-ups and her signing of all the necessary forms. She hadn't seen Katie with her. Jade hadn't even mentioned Katie and Jessie surely didn't want to be the one to bring it up. However, she did find out some information from Jade's wife, Yana. Yana mentioned that Katie was some kind of executive and an apparent success in the business circuits. Jessie was secretly proud for Katie. She knew Katie was a people's person and advertising and media was the perfect place for her.
Jessie had foolishly looked forward to meeting Katie actually and could not explain the disappointment when she saw Katie not with them.
Not that I would blame her, Jessie thought. Katie was now involved with some of the most beautiful women in the world, or so Yana said. Why would she want to remember some old, high school relationship fiasco?
Jessie closed her eyes and tried to keep her mind blank from thoughts of Katie. Instead, she fell asleep and was transported into a dream where she relived the most horrible day of her life.
January 24, 2003.
Jessie held the bag carefully as her gaze scanned the corridors for any sign of the leggy beauty.
"Hey!"
Jessie was startled and she turned around quickly.
Katie had a mischievous, wolfish grin on her face.
"Katie! God! You could have given me a heart attack!" Jessie punched her playfully.
Katie wrapped her arms around Jessie's shoulders.
"Fear not, Jessie Sammler. I promise I would use your life insurance money wisely."
Jessie chuckled as she shoved Katie.
"Hi hi! What do I see? A women's WWF?" Tadd yelled from behind.
"Shut up, Tadd." Grace rolled her eyes as she walked beside him.
"Hey so... I hope you haven't forgotten what an important day it is today?" Jessie teased.
Katie wrinkled her nose, "Really? Hmm... lemme think. I just vaguely remember someone VERY important being born today... but... hummpp... can't remember the name."
"Oh yeah?" Jessie eyed her laughing, "Well... then in that case... too bad. That IMPORTANT person does not get their birthday present."
Katie pretended to look horrified, "Oh no! Then I should hurry up and remember."
She then hugged Jessie. "What have you got me?"
Jessie tiptoed and kissed Katie lingeringly on the lips. When she moved away, Katie stared at Jessie.
Gosh! How
can she turn me into a romantic idiot by just one kiss
"Katie, Happy birthday. I love you."
"Jess..." Katie whispered, "This is the best birthday present I could ever get."
"Really? Then I should keep the package for myself then." Jessie joked.
"Now... come to think of it... I am curious..." Katie smiled.
Jessie took out a wrapped box.
"What is it?" Katie asked, excitedly.
"Open it and see..." Jessie said.
Katie hurriedly tore through the wrapper. She then saw a small black cardboard box. She looked at Jessie, curious.
"Go on... open it."
Katie opened it and she swallowed a gasp when she held the contents inside it.
Inside was a thick book, the size of a small diary. The cover was decorated with stickers and pictures of Katie. Elegantly written with beads were the words, "Just for you"
Katie flipped through the pages as she gazed in wonder.
The pages were made of paper Mache. The rough texture and the multi-color gave it an authentic look.
There were pictures of Jessie and Katie, when they had gone to the picnic in the woods, when they had gone to Florida during the winter, when they had gone to the junior prom and for the first time declared their relationship in public. There were also crazy random pictures they took when they were at home or in school.
Jessie's own hand-drawn motifs decorated the pages. Katie's favourite quotes from movies, books and authors were written. Lyrics of Katie's favourite songs were also there. There were stickers and pictures of Katie's favourite movie stars and singers.
On the last page was a small message from Jessie. It read:
Dearest Katie,
Since you have come into my life I have understood it's meaning.
I cannot imagine a day without you. I don't have to because I know you would be with me
always.
I did not know what to give you. You are so special that any gift would feel so pale in front
of what I feel for you.
So, then I thought of making this scrapbook for you. These are captures of the most
wonderful moments of my life.
God forbid, but were you to go far away from me... this would be a reminder of our love.
If I haven't told you before, then I am telling you now: I love you Katie Singer.
Always... forever.
Love you,
Jessie
Katie's eyes filled with tears. She looked at Jessie who was looking at her nervously.
"Do you like it?" Jessie asked.
"Like it?" Katie's voice choked, "Jess... this is the most wonderful thing I have received in my life. To say I love it would be undermining it's beauty."
Jessie blushed, "I am glad you like it. I was so afraid that..."
Katie interrupted her with a kiss. "I cannot ever dislike anything you give me. I cannot dislike anything about you, Jess... ever."
When the bell rang, Jessie rushed out of her Science class. Even though, she loved science classes and her teacher, Ms. Walder was nice; today she was excited to spend her time with Katie.
She went to her locker and was somewhat disappointed to not find Katie there. They had lunch together everyday and Katie always waited for her by her locker. Jessie knew that was because Katie loved to get out of the class as soon as bell rang and her long legs could cover distances in twice the normal time.
"Maybe... I'm early." Jessie told herself as she looked into her watch. She opened her locker and shoved her books in.
"Whoa... easy girl." Jessie turned to see Sarah Grassa standing behind her. She murmured a groan of disgust to herself.
"Hi! Sarah! You want anything?" Jessie greeted politely.
Sarah roved her eyes up and down Jessie, making her uncomfortable.
"I keep wondering what Katie saw in you."
Jessie rolled her eyes. "If you do not have anything important to say then..."
"Did Katie invite you to her birthday party tonight?" Sarah asked.
"What? What birthday party?" Jessie questioned.
"Oh... you know the birthday party where she is inviting all the COOL people in school. She did not invite you? Well... I must say I'm not REALLY surprised. You are hardly a trophy she wants to show around." Sarah replied coolly.
Jessie clenched her fist. "You are lying. Katie has no birthday party tonight. Otherwise she would have told me."
"I'm sure she would have, honey." Sarah smiled sweetly, a bit too sweetly.
Saying this Sarah walked away, swerving her curvaceous hips.
Jessie stood there, angry and astounded.
"So... what are you doing tonight?" Jessie asked, carefully.
Katie had been fifteen minutes late. She had been panting when she came saying that her gym teacher was a horrid jerk who insisted on asking her to arrange the chairs for next day's assembly.
"Hmm... Tonight?" Katie looked thoughtful. "Well... not really anything special."
"Oh... umm... so... well... maybe you could come over. We could watch a movie or something?" Jessie asked hopefully.
Katie suddenly jerked, "Oh yeah! Now I remember... I have this English presentation to do and Tadd and Gina will be coming over."
"Oh?" Jessie couldn't keep the disappointment from her voice.
"Hey, Jess. I could come over tomorrow, OK?" Katie patted her back.
"Yeah... sure." Jessie shrugged.
Jessie slammed the phone receiver down. She had been trying Katie's phone for the past one hour and everytime the operator gave a busy signal.
"I wonder who's she talking to so much." Jessie grunted.
She paced impatiently in her attic, thinking about what Sarah said.
Ofcourse, it can't be true, she told herself. Sarah is just a jealous freak.
But still for some reason, she couldn't completely dismiss the thought from her mind. In truth, she had always been uncomfortable with the fact that Katie was such a popular girl in school. Not that she envied her or anything. In fact, Jessie was proud of her girlfriend. But, she felt inadequate to her friends sometimes. She even used to hear rumours of how Katie is such a charmer when no one in school knew about their relationship. Katie always spent her time with Jessie nowadays and more than once, Jessie had been the receiving end of nasty looks from Katie's friends.
She sighed. There was no point for her to fret so much. She might as well do what she had to do. Katie said that Tadd and Gina would be at her place. Those were two of Katie's friends with whom Jessie got along. She grabbed her coat and went to Grace's room. Grace was reading a book. She looked up when she saw Jessie.
"Aahh... no phone... no Katie? What is it today... miracle day?" Grace teased.
"Grace could you drive me to Katie's place, please?"
Grace opened her mouth to pass another teasing comment, but when she saw Jessie's face, she swallowed it.
"Alright... go to the garage, I'm getting my jacket and keys."
Grace screeched the car to a stop in front of Katie's house.
"Geez! That's a lot of cars here. What is she... having a party or something?"
Jessie's hands were frozen and it wasn't from the January winds. She opened the doors.
"Hey! Do you want me to pick you up later or what?" Grace yelled.
Jessie turned and said quietly, "Grace... could you just wait here... wait a few minutes?"
Grace looked in confusion at Jessie's sombre face.
"Uh... sure. Just don't be too long."
Jessie knocked on the doors, all the time letting out a silent prayer that the party was thrown by Katie's parents and not her. The cars were of Katie's parent's guests and not hers.
The door opened and a wave of laughter and music hit Jessie. She stood face-to-face to Bruce, a senior in her high school. He was one of the most popular guys in school and also rated the hottest dude. Of course it did not matter that he was proud and snobbish.
"Jessie?" He cocked his head to look at her. "Who invited you?"
Jessie felt her cheeks flush. "Where's Katie?"
Bruce laughed, "Sweetheart... maybe you don't want to know."
Jessie pushed him aside. She entered the house. Everyone stopped to stare at her. She looked around and saw many of Katie's "friends". Those were people who commanded the student councils and were seen with the coolest and trendiest fashions. Those were people who never really accepted Jessie as Katie's friend.
"Hey! Isn't that the girl who's with Katie... what's her name?" Shania, a hot cheerleader said.
"I think her name's Jesse." A guy spoke up.
"No... I believe its Jessiiieeeeeeee." Someone laughed.
They all burst into laughter. "Jessieee... what a cute name. Jessie and Katie... incredible!"
Jessie was almost into tears and she was about to run out when she heard Katie's laughter coming in from the kitchen.
She dashed there and what she saw paralyzed her.
Katie was talking with a dark-haired girl who Jessie knew was the president of the music council. She was also one of the most beautiful girls in school. The girl had her arms around Katie and she said something softly, which made Katie giggle. Suddenly the girl noticed her and moved away. Katie frowned at her and then following her direction of gaze, she turned.
"Jessie?" Katie stared in horror.
Jessie bit her lips to stop the tears and before she knew she would make a fool out of herself, Jessie scampered out of the house.
In the corner of her mind, she heard Katie crying desperately for her to stop. But she couldn't. She couldn't stop for Katie now, especially not now.
She opened the main door and the cold air blasted on her face. It did not match the chill she felt in her own heart.
"Jessie! Wait! It's not what you..."
"Grace please drive home!" Jessie pleaded as she got into the car. Grace hesitated as she saw Katie run towards them and then she looked into her sister's teary face.
Turning on the engine, she steered the wheel away from the Singer Mansion.
March 14, 2018
"Dr. Jessica Sammler?"
Jessie looked up and smiled at the stocky, balding man in front of her.
"Dr. Paul Forrest?" She got up and gave the man a huge hug.
"Jessie..." He smiled, "I See you still are the patientholic that you always were." He said glancing at the stacks of files and charts she had on her table.
"Is there even a word like that?" Jessie snorted.
"In my dictionary, yes." Paul nodded confidently.
"So is this a social visit?" Jessie asked.
"Mmm... not really." Paul smiled, "But it soon could be."
Jessie raised her eyebrows and smiled, "Ookkkaaayy..."
Paul bent forward, "I have just been called by Jude Sawyer, you know the president of the American Medical Association. Well... he said that his association would be honouring the Physician of the Year to guess who?"
Jessie absently tapped her fingers on the keyboard, "Who?"
Paul dramatically straightened himself and smiled, "Well... congratulations Dr. Jessica Sammler."
Jessie stopped and gaped at Paul.
"Tell me that you are kidding."
Paul made a grand gesture of a gallant bow, "No, Madam. I am very very serious."
Jessie could not even think and her laughter came out in chokes and giggles.
"Oh my God! I can't believe this... I mean... me? Oh my God!"
Paul beamed proudly, "I would say the award wasn't better deserved. What with your groundbreaking contribution in finding the synapse connection with Alzheimer and your work on third-world country children with neural disorders and your 100 success rate with brain surgeries and... want me to continue? Jessie, I am so happy for you."
Jessie blushed, "Thanks Paul. But I couldn't have done it all without you and your colleagues."
"That's not all..." Paul smiled.
"Huh?"
Paul came beside Jessie and playfully ruffled her hair, "You have been granted an international medical license and now you can practise anywhere in this world. I believe, I already have your first assignment in this department. It is the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur who needs your help regarding some epilepsy seizure of his daughter."
Jessie blinked, "Whoa whoa! Slow down... lemme absorb all information one by one."
Paul laughed, "What did I tell you girl? You would become a very successful doctor one day. You have it what it takes."
Jessie shook her head modestly, "No, Paul. This is just the beginning. I do my work. I love it."
Paul nodded. "Yeah... and that's what makes you a damn good doc."
Jessie was still smiling when she entered the room of her last patient for the day. Her previous patient, an elderly lady, Suzanne was a cheerful and witty lady. She always made remarks that made Jessie throw up in a fit of giggles.
"Hello... Mindy. Hmm... what are you eating today?" Jessie smiled as she looked at the ten-year old Asian girl.
"Mama brought me chocolates." Mindy grinned as she unwrapped a KitKat.
Jessie raised her eyebrows and looked around to see no one was watching. She wasn't a big stickler for patient food plans. She believed that if a patient felt better by eating some chocolates, then what the hell? Let them.
Jessie sat beside Mindy. Technically, she was just a surgeon and not really required to interact with patients on a daily basis. But she loved the interaction and the attachment she could make with them. She did not believe that doctors should be cold and unfeeling when treating their patients. A connection with patients has always proved helpful in her line of work.
She did some quick check of all of Mindy's physicals and smiled at the young girl. She had been brought in for encephalitis and had almost been on the threshold of death. Jessie and her intern neurosurgeon, Chris Mallard helped the girl come back from what was almost certain death. though the girl was almost recovered from the disease, she was very weak and was advised to stay in the hospital for few more days.
Patricia was breathing hard when she saw Dr. Sammler in Mindy's room.
"Dr. Sammler, sorry to disturb you." Patricia whispered.
Jessie looked down at the sleeping girl.
"No... no problem. I was just talking to her and poor girl got so exhausted, she fell asleep."
Jessie followed Patricia out.
"So, what's wrong Pat? You look as if you've just arrived from participating in the Olympics..."
Patricia reddened. "No... I... I mean you have a visitor."
"At this hour? I thought I told you that I don't want to see anyone now. It is time for me to leave anyways." Jessie frowned.
Patricia mumbled, "No... she... well... I couldn't say no. I mean... she sounded... like... you know... it was important."
Jessie's frown deepened. "She? She who?"
Patricia fidgeted, "That woman... the one who came with your patient."
Jessie sighed exasperatedly, "A lot of people come with my patients. Whom are you talking about?"
"You know... that... that... lady... that..."
"She's talking about me." A firm, throaty voice said.
Jessie's heart halted to a stop as she saw Katie standing against the wall. She was dressed in black boot-cut jeans and a white turtleneck. Her almond-brown hair was tied in the back and her face was devoid of any make-up. In short, she looked simply and casually stunning.
Of course, Katie was observing Jessie. The floppy lab-coat hung from her slim shoulders. Her trousers were wrinkled from having been overworked. Strands of golden hair escaped from the pins that so failed to severe Jessie's flowing mane. Even in her work clothes and a worn out state, to Katie, Jessie was the most beautiful woman on the planet.
"Katie?" Jessie managed to let out.
Katie smiled that Jessie had used her loved name and not the hideously formal, KATHRYN.
"Hi Jessie. I just stopped by to see how a hospital looks like from a doctor's point-of-view." Katie's smile melted Jessie to her bones.
"Uhh... umm... Katie... I... was just leaving. My shift's done."
"Oh?" Katie didn't seem bothered. "Then... care for a cup of coffee? I haven't had Second Cup for fifteen years."
Jessie didn't know what to do at that moment. Her mind went into an absolute state of shutdown and all she could do was control the wild reaction of hormones that were raging in her body.
"Sure..." she said the words even before she could stop them.
"Perfect." Katie smiled at a gawking Patricia. "Thanks Patricia. Bye."
She took Jessie's hands. "You planning to wear your coat with you? I admit it looks super-cool on you... but umm... it might turn off some of the late night coffee-goers." Katie teased.
"I'll take it out." Jessie shrugged off her coat and tucking it under her arm, she followed Katie.
"Mmm..." Katie murmured. "Coffee tastes so good."
Jessie sipped her milkshake. "You would change your mind were you to drink it like water in a day."
Katie laughed, " I was never a coffee person. Makes me hyper. In Switz, I would drink tea and some brandy. But basically, Swiss chocolates keep me alive on a particularly annoying day."
"So... you live in Geneva now?" Jessie asked.
Katie nodded, "Yeah... me and my mom. Dad died three years ago and it didn't make sense for her to continue living here alone. I asked her to come with me. Initially, I was staying with Aunt Beata, but I moved out as soon as I got my first paycheque."
"She wasn't nice?"
Katie snorted, "She reminded me of those old matronly kindergarten teachers."
Jessie laughed, "I get the picture."
"So... Jessie, you are a doctor... that's great. I always knew you would make a good one."
Jessie smiled, "You used to ask me to become like a lawyer like my mom."
Katie grinned, "Yes, that too."
Katie gulped down the last drop of coffee from her mug. "So tell me about your family."
Jessie shrugged, "Not much to tell. Everyone's married and with a family. I hardly get to see them because of my work. But every week I meet my mom. She is starting to feel the age but she is lithe as ever."
"I can imagine Karen all graceful at this age." Katie smiled. "So why didn't you?"
"Why didn't I what?" Jessie asked, baffled.
"You know... marry, have a family."
Jessie dug her nails in the palm of her hands as she looked away. She didn't want to talk about love, marriage and family with Katie.
"I am sorry... that was totally out of line." Katie apologized.
"No... I mean... yeah... I guess... it was. I just don't think I believe in that anymore." Jessie muttered.
There was a heavy silence. Jessie kept looking out of the window and Katie felt her heart break.
"Why did you come back, Katie?" Jessie asked softly.
Katie suppressed what was very close to a sob.
"I have been running away for fifteen years. I figured I should come back home now." Katie answered honestly.
"It didn't occur to you that a lot has changed since you left?"
"A lot changed even before I left Jessie."
Jessie gave a bitter smile, "Yes, Katie. A lot changed before you left. Maybe that is why you left?"
Katie shrugged, "That is part of the reason, yes."
Katie breathed deeply, "You know we could still be friends."
"Yes... friends. We are friends aren't we? We are having a nice, friendly cup of coffee right now."
Katie watched as Jessie got up.
"You never listened to me, Jess. You never allowed me to explain myself or what you saw that night."
Jessie tilted her head, "I am not blind Katie. I knew what I saw that night and I knew it was enough. I do not blame you. We were both young that time. Maybe we were not ready for any kind of relationship. That's cool. We can both put this behind us and carry on with our lives."
Katie looked at her intently, "Could you put it behind you and carry on with your life?"
Jessie closed her eyes, "Yes."
Jessie did not see Katie's eyes cloud with hurt as she said, "Me too."