Hi all, once again this was inspired by an idea. Actually, an idea I got from one of my previous stories. I will admit this isn't completely original. It is very much inspired (including dialogue) from an episode of Medical Center that featured Willaim Windom. This is just something short. Hope you enjoy!
What a week! Cabot Cove seemed like some sort of Peyton Place! Jonathan Martin, the night deputy, was carrying on with just about ALL the ladies in town. How did they not know about each other earlier? How did he convince them to be with him when he was a married man? Did they fall for the, "my wife doesn't understand me," bit?
Seth just shook his head…his own nurse proudly boasted about being one of said conquests. Then to learn that George, the cheerful mailman with his bad jokes, had killed Audrey Martin. What was the world coming to!
Seth was sitting in Jessica's kitchen enjoying some coffee and fresh baked banana nut bread. "I can't believe George could kill someone," Seth pondered.
"Well he didn't mean to kill Audrey but it is disturbing to know that he was willing to steal the winning lottery ticket," Jessica offered.
"Just goes to show, you can't judge a book by its cover and that includes Jonathan Martin. He acted so, so bumbling and innocent when he was carrying on with half the ladies in town!" Seth said in disgust. "To think that Beverly was swindled by that blue beard!"
"Oh, Seth. It takes two to Tango. None of the woman were forced into anything they didn't do willingly." Seth just grumbled in agreement.
Jessica continued, "I'm a bit shocked that the ladies didn't mind having an affair with him, after all he was married, even if Audrey treated him badly. She must have been dealing with depression…shame she didn't reach out for professional help."
"Well women now adays have different morals. What's good for the goose is good for the gander I guess."
Jessica was a bit shocked by Seth's assessment. She knew he was a very traditional man with rather old-school ideas. However, the comment made her feel funny especially when Jonathan tried to seduce her. Was SHE like those other women?
"Oh really? Then I guess you think the same about me?" Seth almost choked on his coffee, "You? Course not Jess. Could never think that of you."
She began, "Just so you know, Jonathan paid me a visit just a few days ago." Seth's eyes almost bugged out of his head but he didn't say a word as Jessica continued. He was upset and thought I could help him figure out who killed Audrey. We were both going over scenarios and I mentioned my neck issue. It was pretty bad and he thought he could solve the issue so he…began massaging me."
"What! I can't believe it! You let that, that lecherous…" Jessica stopped him right there. "I was lost in thought but as soon as I started to feel something, I realized what was happening. Luckily, George had arrived with the mail and I was able to get both of them out quickly."
"I can't believe he would put his hands on you like that!" Jessica was staring at him, he sighed, "Jessica it wasn't your fault. You didn't egg him on. He's just a man who can't control himself."
"Seth I DON'T blame myself and no woman should be blamed for unwanted advances. I was thinking, and you know how I get when I think, then I felt relaxed like when Frank massaged me. When I realized what happened I jumped up. Even if George didn't show up, I would have kicked Jonathan right out!"
"I'm sorry Jess. I shouldn't have made that comment about women with loose morals. Truth be told, I'm the last person to lecture about morals…man or woman."
"What do you mean, Seth?" He looked at her sadly, "there was a time that I was no better than Jonathan Martin and I'm not talking about when I was a widower." Jessica didn't interrupt and just let Seth talk as much as he wanted.
~~~~~~FLASHBACK~~~~~~~
It was 1972 and Seth was a doctor at Northern Light University Hospital. Sometimes he would take extra shifts in the ER but not often enough where he didn't spend time with Ruth. The two did not have any children and both continued with their medical careers. Then a few years ago, Ruth decided to retire and she assumed Seth would retire in a few years or at least cut back on his work load.
Things seemed "off" lately. Seth didn't seem himself, he felt like he was trapped inside his body…an old body.
Terry Mayhew stopped him in the hall one day, "Seth, I've got great news. The University said they're able to create that teaching position we talked about. I have the paperwork, if you're still interested."
"Are you kidding! Of course I am. I can't wait to split my time up between classroom and hospital duty!"
Terry looked at him oddly, "Seth. I thought you wanted this teaching job to take it easy? Are you sure you can handle burning the candle at both ends? Don't you think it's too much for a man your age?"
Seth got prickly, "Oh? And I suppose you know what's right for a man my age? Maybe a bottle of Geritol and an afternoon nap."
"Seth, I didn't mean anything by it…"
"Like Hell you didn't. Drop the papers off at my office and I'll sign them when I'm ready," and he stormed off.
He tried to calm himself and by the afternoon he was somewhat back to his old self. He couldn't wait to get home and tell his wife the good news. "Ruthie? Where are you woman?"
She came out of the kitchen wiping her hands, "Seth, honey? Didn't expect you for another hour or two. Is everything alright?"
"Oh everything is perfect! I have some great news and couldn't wait to get home."
Ruthie sat down and listened intently, "A few weeks ago, Terry Mayhew asked me if I wanted to teach next semester at the University of New England. He needed to work a few things out before it was official and when he told me today that the position was open, I said Yes!" Seth was beaming but Ruthie was not.
"Seth, you're going to teach AND work at the hospital? I thought you were going to lighten your load now that I'm retired…"
"Oh Ruthie! It won't be too bad. I've always wanted to teach. To mold young minds into the next generation of doctors."
The anger was rising in her, "and you didn't think to ask me how I felt? You had this planned without asking me what I thought?" Seth felt dejected and wasn't sure what to say.
"Damn it, Seth! How long have we been talking about our golden years? I retired so I could take it easy and I assumed you would too. Do you think it's fun sitting here and playing housewife while you still work?"
"That's not fair Ruthie. I didn't make you retire! I also never said I was ready to retire in a few years…that's what you had told yourself so don't blame me."
Both were getting steamed by the minute and Ruthie didn't want to hear it anymore. "Seth! You are not 25 any more! What are you trying to do? Recapture the past? It can't be done and you're only being an old fool by trying," and she stormed out of the house and got into her car. Seth heard her drive off and didn't bother to go after her. He was so angry he couldn't see straight. Well, he wasn't going to go chasing after her. He packed a small bag and headed back to the hospital.
He entered his office and noticed the paperwork for the new teaching position. He flipped through and then stopped. He sighed and held his head in his hands. Seth and Ruthie had their spats before but this hit him hard. Everyone was suggesting he just find a rocking chair and brush up on his Canasta game. Well, he wasn't ready, and no one would force him out. He was still too worked up to head home so he figured he'd spend the night on his couch.
Seth couldn't seem to nod off…he was too upset. So he decided to head down into the ER and see how things were going. He figured if there was an emergency he could be useful. Seth approached the head nurse, "If you need any extra assistance, I'll be in my office tonight pulling an all nighter with some paper work. Call me, okay?"
As he was walking through, he heard someone call his name, "Dr. Hazlitt?" He walked towards a curtained off room and heard what sounded like chamber music. Laying on a gurney was a young woman of 25 with pixie style red hair and a tape player sitting next to her. She stopped the tape, "you probably don't remember me?" However, Seth actually did remember. Her name was Annie Lansing, and she was a graduate student doing research at the University of Portland. She had been to the ER a few months ago.
"Well, Well, Annie. You have been a bad girl. I told you to return to the hospital for some testing the last time you were here…there's been no sign of you for eight months," Seth said in a calming tone. He smiled as he stared at her. Several months back she was sent into the ER for a laceration to the head. She somehow fainted and blamed it on a new age diet where she was surviving on bean sprouts only. She had fallen face first and hit her head on a lab bench at the University. Seth was on duty and was the one to stitch her up and suggested she come back for some testing; in case the fainting had another cause.
She continued to smile weakly, "I was testing you to see if you'd remember me, doctor." Seth responded, "Well I could hardly forget a patient like you, could I?"