Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
36. Where is my Romeo?
- Susanne Lydia Parker… oh that name… that woman… I met her around 6 years ago… beautiful, innocent, the most brilliant student of medicine college, with a glamorous future on her hands.
I remember that she had a lot of friends, she was the most beautiful woman in the entire school, or in the entire city, and unlucky for her… she met me…
…
— Hillwood Medical College — September 1993
- Oskar, my friend… you're lost! Why did you have to cheat on that millionaire? He'll kill you! Or worse, he'll deport us! - A very tall man, very similar to Oskar, hid in the bushes next to them.
- Relax bro, I'm the master of the costume! But we need plan B.
- Marriage? I don't know, what girl is so innocent and miserable to fall into our trap!…
The tall man staggered, finally rolling down the hill until he took a girl with him.
- What in the world! - She said, totally confused.
- Oh, I'm really sorry, I… - The brown-haired man was speechless... The girl in front of him was so beautiful that he couldn't say anything else.
- Are you ok? Oh… your knee is bleeding, I can help you.
- Really?
- Sure, I'm a medicine student, I mean, I'm not an eminence, but I can do something, let's go to Nursing.
Suzie gave him her dainty hand and helped the stranger to his feet. He was totally lost in her beautiful eyes.
Stunned and not believing his luck, Oskar followed his brother and the girl from a distance, beginning to hatch his plan.
- It seems that the nurse is not here, but don't worry, I can do it.
Suzie took the first-aid kit and began to gently clean the wound. - By the way, you haven't told me your name.
- My name is...
- Ivan! My brother! Are you ok?
- Oskar? What are you doing?
- Did you remember my name? Excellent!
- Excuse me, who are you?
- Helly my gentle lady, my name's Oskar Kokoshka, he's my brother, thanks for finding him.
- I don't understand.
- Me neither. - Said the eldest brother, totally angry with Oskar.
- Oh let me explain to you. - Oskar took her arm and led her a little away from the patient. - He is sick… he always forgets who is and where he is. He got omnesia.
- Do you mean, "amnesia"?
- Oh sure miss, sorry, I'm still learning your language…
- Are you foreign, right?
- Yes… we achieved escape from our country… and we are trying to start again here in America, the land of the dreams… but with his sickness it is so difficult…
- Oh poor man!..-. Do you want to go and eat something?
- Oh I couldn't, you've already done too much for us... would it be something expensive?
- My mother just sent me some money, I could buy you some sandwiches in the cafeteria of the campus.
- Sandwiches? I have never heard of them, it will be a pleasure.- Poor girl, you don't know what you just did. - Thought the foreigner, without imagining how right he was.
…
– Drymon Medical Clinic – May 1999- Present -
- So, is your mom still with you?
- Yes Suzie and I don't know if I'm gonna survive there, it is a disaster! She argues with everybody, except Helga, they seem to have become close.
- Well, that sounds pretty cool!
- Yes, she is so close, it'll be good for her to have someone to talk to.
- Talking about amazing things… - Doctor Burr appeared in front of them, across the desk, with a big bouquet of red roses.
- Oh Daniel, you don't need to do it!
- I have to! Someone special deserves something special.
- Oh… thank you…
- You're welcome my lady, anyway… remember our special dinner tonight.
- Don't worry doctor, I'll be there… see you..
- Oh my god Suzie! He'll do it!
- Do what? - She took her clipboard and reorganized her list of patients, just to calm her nerves.
- Susanne Parker, you know what I'm talking about, I mean, you're a divorced woman, you know when a man is almost asking to marry.
- Yes Miriam, I'm a divorced woman, but no man has asked me to marry. I asked to Oskar.
- What? Why? - The surprised blonde almost dropped her cup of coffee.
- Yes. When we married, he was having some health problems with his brother, and I was totally in love with him… I was young and stupid.
- Oh Suzie, I disagree, you aren't stupid, you were really in love with Oskar and you did what you thought was correct. Also Dr Burr is a very different man, you deserve happiness. You'll remember my words, he is gonna ask you…
Though she feigned seriousness, inside Suzie was burning with emotion. The last few weeks with the doctor Burr had been wonderful, they had laughed, recounted their lives... and they had kissed a couple of times.
He had made it clear that he was in love with her, that in fact he had never forgotten her... it seemed perfect... until a memory crossed the nurse's mind.
She in that humid and poor apartment... her divorce certificate had arrived... A single signature put an end to an illusion and a life that was going down the drain... Without a doubt, she would not resist going through it again the same... She would not survive... She had only loved once, and unfortunately for her, it had been Oskar Kokoshka...
- No... Daniel is different... I should give myself the opportunity... -She thought to herself and went looking for her boss to ask him to leave earlier.
– Lloyd's Tower–
Oskar was lying on the couch, eating some chips and drinking some beer, just spending the time, peacefully, until Phil gave him a big slap of the pillow, knocking him off the chair.
- When will you leave the house? I need a day, month and year.
- Please grandpa, I'm still sick and I feel bad and…
- I don't care Kokoshka, that is my last word and…
- Hello family I'm home! - Stella He greeted the two men who were about to argue, tried to ignore them, and hung his scrubs on the coat rack.
- Hi daughter, news about Pookie?
- I'm sorry dad, nothing but my friend still working on it, anyway, I found this at the door.
- Hi Oskar! My old pal!
- Ivan! My brother! What are you doing here in Hillwood?
- Wait a minute. - The oldman interrupted. - Is this guy your brother?
- Yes grandpa, isn't it great?
- Why God, why! My worst nightmare! Another Kokoshka! They reproduce like cockroaches!
- The old man hit his forehead and walked away lamenting.
- So Ivan, What are you doing here?
- I finally found a job and I was granted American citizenship! I'm finally legit!
- Oh Ivan, you lost your time! You have to find a job and bla, bla, bla!
- And what did you want me to do? Fool a poor girl and marry just for my benefit?
- That worked for me.
- Oh yeah, jerk, it worked so well that Suzie divorced you! - Phil crossed the living room to go to the kitchen, not noticing the big smile that spread over the guest.
- Wait a minute… Did Suzie and you got divorced? Why did you don't tell me?
- Relax Ivan, isn't necessary. Isn't a big deal. Suzie is still in love with me. She left home, but she even came back for me. It's not like I already had someone else. Trust me. - The lazy man took a big sip of his soda, when the door was flung open.
- Hey everybody! Please everybody come here! I've excellents news! - An excited Suzie screamed with all her strength. Seconds later, Ernie, Phil, Arnold, Miles, Stella and Mr Hyunh appeared in the living room of the apartment. - Everybody is here, amazing!
- What is happening, Suzie? Is everything ok?
- Yes Arnold, don't worry… My news is…. I'll get married again!
- OMG you'll re-married Oskar? - Phill screamed, totally scared.
- Yes! I do!- Screamed the parasite.
- No, of course not! - Everybody, except Oskar, sighed with relief. - I'm engaged to Dr Burr, a friend of my years in medical school, we met again in the hospital and... we fell in love again... I'm getting married!
Oskar began to choke on his soda, while everyone came to congratulate the blonde.
- Suzie, I'm so happy for you, you deserve the best.
- Oh Arnold, darling, thank you!
- Yeah, you deserve the best, especially after a marriage with Kokoshka. - Grandpa added while hugging the new fiancee.
- Wait a minute! - Oskar screamed. - You can't marry Suzie… you can't!
- And why not Oskar? I'm a free woman and I can rebuild my life and… Ivan… is really you?
- Hi Suzie! I haven't seen you for years… How are you?
- To be honest, I was terrible, as you supposed, your brother was an awful husband, but now, I'm starting to be happy. Ok everybody, let's go out for dinner, my invitation!
Everybody except the brothers celebrated and followed Suzie.
- Well bro, nice work! She is really in love with you.
- Isn't funny, I'm in big trouble… Suzie can't marry anybody!
- Oskar please! Stop being selfish, she deserves to be happy… she is an amazing woman, sweet, intelligent, generous, cute and…
- Wait a minute… Are you in love with my wife?
-You know? Yes Oskar! I've been in love with Suzie for years, and I hate myself for allowing you to use her that way and make her miserable. She didn't deserve to be part of your plan, she deserved to be loved, and don't call her your wife anymore, she's finally free and I...
- Ivan, she IS my wife… we are still married…
- What do you mean?
- I forged my signature on the divorce certificate and annulled it... she is still married to me.
- YOU WHAT? Are you nuts? Why did you do something like that?
- Because I was terrified, she had finally left me and I hadn't a job, or money, but mostly because…
- Because you were afraid that you would be deported when you got divorced... right?
- Maybe… yes…
- Oskar… you are the worst person in the entire world, I can't participate in this.
The man took his jacket and hurried out of the apartment.
- Damn... now I'll have to take care of the thief by myself... Time to start the plan: Get Suzie back!
– Chez Paris –
The Shortman and their boarders were sharing a fancy dinner, talking and enjoying the moment, waiting for the benefactor and the new Suzie's boyfriend, while Oskar appeared looking from outside.
- I need to enter, but in a low profile… But how? - A couple of waiters were talking in the corner and Oskar smiled. - Suzie, I'm coming for you!
At the table the family made the brindis.
- For Suzie, may you have all the happiness and fortune you deserve. - Stella raised her glass and they all said at the same time: Cheers!
- And where is the lucky one? He's already half an hour late. - Said Miles before drinking from his glass.
- I'm surprised, he is usually very punctual.
- Late men are lousy, they are pure pain and tears. - Oskar whispered, now impersonated as a waiter, with his back turned, as he pretended to serve the diners behind them.
- Su, dear, here I am!
- Finally! - The woman in love ran into the arms of her fiancé and planted a kiss on his lips, a fact that caused Oskar to throw everything from his tray.
- Family, this is Daniel Burr, my fiancé.
- It's a pleasure to meet you all, my beautiful Susanne always tells me how special you are. Sorry for the delay, but I was in the middle of appendix surgery.
- What a smug! - Oskar whispered now from the other side of them.
- Well, I'm here, let's start having dinner! Waiter, bring the dishes! - Daniel smiled at everyone and took a seat.
- His cymbals, huh? - Oskar ran to the kitchen and carelessly put the saucers on his tray and returned to serve them. He felt his blood boil, the guy was young, handsome and wealthy and Suzie, HIS Suzie didn't stop looking at him, with that look that was only for him before.
- Here are your plates. - He began to almost drop them, one by one, until he reached Daniel, who did manage to get dirty. - I'm very sorry, gentleman, what a mistake! - When she sees the tantrum he throws as a spoiled child, Suzie won't want him anymore. - Said to himself.
- Oh calm, I'm fine, I just have to clean myself, I'll be back in a second, honey.
- We will be waiting for you. - Suzie followed him with her eyes and those present laughed emotionally.
- I'm very happy for you Suzie! I have never seen you so happy. - The Asian added.
- Correction, we had never seen her happy, with the wretch she had for a husband, how to be happy! - The smallest of all added before devouring his steak.
- Please guys, you are forgetting that Oskar did have something good. - Grandpa attracted the attention of everyone present. - When he leaves the house and leaves us alone! That bloody!
Seeing everyone laugh, something inside Oskar broke... he had to be honest... Everyone was right, everyone was better off without him, Suzie was better off without him. He sighed sadly and went to the corridor between the bathroom and the tables. Arnold looked at him carefully and finally managed to recognize him, without realizing it, the teenager followed him.
- Grandpa and everyone is right! I have been selfish! I don't deserve Suzie, I have to let her go...
- Mr. Kokoshka, I think you are finally right.
-Arnold? How did you recognize me? I...
- Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, just because it looks like you're going to do the right thing.
- Yes, yes, I know, I have to let her go... I promise not to interfere between her and that jerk and give her a real divorce and...
- The real WHAT? - The boy's eyes almost pop out of surprise.
- I said I was sorry!
Arnold was about to answer when a laugh and a familiar voice distracted them.
- I'm telling you Helen, that stupid nurse doesn't suspect anything! - It was heard from the men's restroom.
- It can't be... - The blond was able to hear him, unable to believe what he was listening to. - Is that Dr. Burr?
- That stupid!
- Don't worry Mr. Kokoshka, let's not get ahead of ourselves, maybe it's a misunderstanding.
Oskar and Arnold paid more attention to the phone conversation.
- I'm telling you, my love, that stupid woman is eating out of the palm of my hand. As soon as Dad meets her and sees that I'm ready to settle down, I'll inherit the clinic, and then I'll get rid of that fool. Trust me.
- Enough for me!
Oskar yelled and rushed into the restroom, falling on top of the doctor, he began to hit him hard.
- What's the matter? Idiot waiter!
- The only idiot here is you, daddy's son!
- Mr. Kokoschka, stop!
But it was useless, the fight continued to the table area. The diners ran in terror and the Shortmans and Suzie couldn't believe what they saw.
- Oskar! What are you doing here? Leave Burr alone!
- Don't listen to him, Suzie! He's a liar!
- Oh, I'm the liar? Why don't you tell MY fiancée the truth?
- TRUE? What is he talking about, Oskar?
- I don't know what you're talking about...
- Suzie, he cheated on you, you are still married.
- WHAT YOU WHAT?- The girl's jaw dropped to the ground.
- Damn, this is even better than Rosita's story, hit him too Suzie!
- Dad, enough! - Stella intervened and the fight continued in front of them.
- Why did you do something like that to me, Oskar? Why do you hate me so much? I... I just wanted to make you happy...
Oskar broke free of the doctor's grip and knelt in front of Suzie.
- I know... and I... I'm sorry with all my heart for having treated you as I did, for having used you and... for having made you miserable... I don't deserve anything, and I will free you... from me... and of that idiot, I know I just lost all your trust, but ask Arnold if you don't believe me,h e just wants to inherit his father's clinic by introducing him to a good woman.
- I'm afraid it's true Suzie, I heard it myself... I'm so sorry Suzie. - Arnold added. The girl looked into the brown eyes that she had once loved so much... she sighed and looked up bravely.
- That's all I needed to hear, Daniel Burr... everything between us is over, use another idiot, I don't want to see you again.
- Are you going to believe this foreign, bastard and parasite? Go ahead, be miserable next to him! At the end of the day, stupid like you, there are in every corner and...
The punch that the Czechosvaco gave him nearly knocked him unconscious.
- Leave Suzie alone! She is sweet, warm, loving, intelligent and deserves a real man, not trash like us.
Tears fell from the girl's green eyes, in all their years together, Oskar had never expressed himself like that about her... everything would have been nice if not...
– Hillwood's Police station —
- So, is it funny to be at jail? - Suzie laughed to the man in front of her, who was behind bars.
- Yeah… is different I suppose… Suzie, I'm really sorry, I…
- Oskar, let it go… It's ok… I understand, your country doesn't exist anymore and you don't have any family there, you really need to live in this country.
- How can you understand me like that, after everything I did to you?
- Because I loved you so much, as I never love anyone in my life… you were my husband, and it seems that you still are. - Shame colored the foreigner's cheeks red.- What I'm trying to say is, at some point I was happy by your side and, in the name of that happiness, I'm here, I forgive you and... I spoke with Burr, he dropped the lawsuit, you'll be out in a few minutes...
- I'm glad to hear that.
- Sure! Who wants to be in prison!
- No, I mean, I'm glad to hear that at some point I made you happy.
They both gave each other the most sincere smile they ever gave each other, his hand came out of the cell and took the blonde's.
- I have to go now... I guess I'll see you in the tower.
- Thanks Suzie.
She waved her hand in farewell, took her bag and left the police station. She looked up at the starry sky and a bitter tear fell down her face.
She remembered her little dates with Oskar, even though they were very humble, they were always special. She remembered how they ran away from her mother to be able to see each other. Their wedding in that clandestine chapel, every moment next to the boarders who became her family... Her birthday... that day when Oskar completely forgot and lost her in that gambling game... She looked at the ring in his hand sadly...
- Will I never find my Romeo?
She slipped the ring off her finger and tossed it into the void, not realizing she hit a man running in front of her.
- I'm really sorry. - She said, totally embarrassed.
- Don't worry, I... Miss Parker!
- Dr. Geller! What a shame with you, I'm so sorry, I...
- Don't worry, I didn't pay attention because I was listening to music, but I'm fine... are you okay?
- I? Yeah, don't worry, just a rough day. - She looked down trying to hide her tears.
- I see. - He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small handkerchief and offered it to her. - Why don't you tell me? It will be a pleasure to listen to you.
Suzie looked at him stunned, but something inside her led her to take a seat next to him and start talking to him, even though he was her boss, there was something that made her feel good, and he thought exactly the same.
THE END
And here is the close of Suzie and Oskar's marriage. Suzie was a very special character and I always wanted a special close for her, and not only that she disappear, and this is my idea for her new start.
The story about Suzie and Dr Geller was a little inspired by Lois and Dr Dave's love story from the cartoon As told by Ginger, but in my own way, what do you think?
