Here is something short to tide you over the weekend. Reviews would be highly appreaciated. Cheers!
CHAPTER 7
The first time Sheldon met Ellie, he had just accompanied her father home after a hard day at the Lab.
-How the fuck did you manage to find yourself in a bomb's way while going to a café?-, she had exclaimed reproachfully, staring long and hard at Mac. Sheldon had cleared his throat, ushering the man inside. –Simple, I was heading to that particular café. –, her father retorted, causing an angry snort from his daughter.
-Err, sorry to intrude. I'm Sheldon, I work with your father. I'm a doctor, so with your permission I'd like to instruct you on how to take care of your father during the night. -, Sheldon butted in politely, causing Ellie's gaze to snap to his person. –Why? What's wrong?-, she quickly wondered, looking intently at her father, who was shrugging off his jacket.
-He should be fine, but I don't want to risk anything. After all, he was pushed to the ground by the explosion. -, Sheldon explained, pushing Mac to the sofa in the leaving room. The older man rolled his eyes. –I'm fine. I don't have a concussion. -, he retorted. Ellie muttered something unintelligible under her breath, taking his father's clothes to wash them.
Sheldon patiently explained how to clean the smaller cuts on Mac's face, and prescribed something for the bruises. Finally, he advised Ellie to check on her father during the night. –Are you joking? I'm not gonna be able to sleep tonight. You know what this means?-, she quipped, throwing a knowing glance to her father. He sighed. –Please, not The Fellowship again. -, he groaned.
-Oh, yes, The Fellowship indeed. Sit down. I have some broth ready, you want some Doc?-, Ellie offered, going for the kitchen. The reply died on Sheldon's lips, and that was how he ended up squeezed between father and daughter, sipping hot vegetable soup and watching The Fellowship of the Ring, extended version, until its very end.
The following day, history repeated itself, only this time Mac's shirt was bloodied, as a bullet had grazed his arm during a raid against the gang El Puno. Jo had already reproached him, claiming she didn't fancy substituting him so early in their partnership, but she was secretly glad he had pushed her away from harm's way.
-Oh, for the love of God!-, Ellie had exclaimed, followed by a string of Greek curses. At Sheldon's raised eyebrows, Mac explained how Stella, his former boss, was half-Greek and half-Italian, as if that should cover why the woman had decided to instruct his daughter on such uncouth language.
After Sheldon had shown Ellie the wound, and how to change the bandages on it, the girl went to cook some Cantonese Rice. –You know, Dad, this is an awful way to set me up with Sheldon. You could have just told me. -, she quipped from the kitchen, thus missing Sheldon's startled expression. Mac chuckled, for that meant he was forgiven. –You should tell Sheldon himself, since he always unnecessarily insists on seeing to my wellbeing. -, he joked, patting the younger man lightly on the back.
-Let me guess, you don't have The Lord of the Rings, extended version. -, Ellie accused the young Afro-American man, handing him a bowl of steaming rice. –Whatever, tonight we're watching The Two Towers. -, she added as an afterthought. –We can fit in also The Return. Jo gave me the day off. -, Mac piped up, chagrined. Ellie squealed in delight. –Man, I love Jo already, even though I've never even met her. You should invite her to dinner. -, she sentenced, to which Mac snorted as Sheldon burst of laughing.