Send me a sign 05

5

 

Lena parked her car in front of her house and glanced at the rear-view mirror to look at Ellie. She was dozing off all the way home and now she was in deep slumber. She complained about a headache before. This was unusual. Ellie was a vivid child.

 

Lena got out of the car and opened the back door, unfastened the belt and stroked Ellie's cheek. She had fever. Lena took her in her arms and Ellie put her head on her mom's shoulder, still sleeping.

 

„Hi Lena,“ Jeremy stepped to her. „I just arrived. What's wrong with Ellie? Is she tired that much?“ he lifted his eyebrow, worry in his voice. „I don't know her like that.“

 

„Hi Jer, I don't know but I think she has fever,“ she made her way to the house, climbed the steps to the door. She handed him her keys. „Would you open it, please?“

 

„Sure,“ Jeremy opened the door and followed her inside. Lena stepped out of her shoes and headed for the staircase.

 

„What happened?“ Mary walked out of the kitchen. „Hi Jeremy,“ she greeted him.

 

„Hi Mary, Ellie is probably sick,“ he explained while Lena carried Ellie upstairs to her room. „Lena said she had a fever.“

 

„Oh, it's bad. Ellie usually has a high temperature,“ Mary shook her head worriedly.

 

He nodded. „Can I help you with something?“

 

„No, thanks, Jeremy. You're nice,“ she smiled. „Where is Olivia today?“

 

„You're welcome. Olivia went to see her friend. She'll come later,“ he clarified. „So I'm going to go upstairs to ask if Lena needs some help,“ he smiled faintly and walked upstairs.

 

„How is she?“ he asked in a low voice, walking into the room.

 

Lena was undressing her daughter. Ellie's eyes were open but she looked exhausted. „She's hot with fever. Maybe she caught a virus at preschool.“

 

„You should take her to a doctor,“ he observed.

 

„Perhaps tomorrow. I'll give it a day and see tomorrow,“ she gave him a small smile. She put Ellie on the bed and pulled a sheet and a bath towel out of the closet. „Would you wet it?“ she handed him the sheet. „I'll give her a cold wet pack. It will bring her relief. Then I'll give her some Panadol.“

 

„Yes. I totally forgot you're a care attendant,“ he smiled and walked out of the room, the sheet in his hand. In no time he was back.

 

„Look who is here, Ellie,“ Lena put the cover aside.

 

„Hi, our little patient,“ Jeremy stroked her cheek. „You're very hot. We have to give you a wet pack, Ellie. You won't like it because it's really cold but it should help to bring down the temperature, OK?“

 

„You're cold,“ she shuddered. „I'm so tired,“ she closed her eyes.

 

„Yes. That's the uncomfortable part of it. I wetted it and now we need to wrap it around you,“ he was looking at her with a small smile but he was disconcerted deep inside.

 

Lena helped her stand on the bed and Jeremy wrapped the cold wet sheet around Ellie's tiny body. The little girl couldn't move but she started crying. Lena handed him the bath towel and he wrapped it quickly around Ellie, too. Then he took her in his arms.

 

„Shhhh, it's OK. You'll be better soon, don't worry. I know you don't like it. I'm sorry,“ he was sitting on the bedside and rocked her in his arms like a little baby.

 

„I'm going to bring Panadol,“ Lena smiled gently, stroked Ellie's hair and walked out of the room.

 

Jeremy was tucking Ellie in bed when she returned. „If you don't need my help, Lena, I should go to pick up Olivia. She went to see her friend in Villages and I promised to pick her up.“

 

„Sure, just go,“ Lena got on her tiptoes and pecked him on the cheek. „Thanks for helping me,“ she smiled.

 

„You're welcome. We'll be back in an hour,“ Jeremy gave her a smile back and left.

 

„Here's your Panadol,“ Lena sat down on the bedside. Ellie swallowed the pill Lena handed her and put her head on the pillow again. „Try to sleep, sweetheart. It should help you,“ Lena stroked her damp hair and kissed her on the forehead. „I'll come to check on you soon.“ She left the room with heavy heart.

 

*

 

After dinner Lena went to check on Ellie. She was sleeping. Touching her forehead Lena concluded that the temperature decreased. Lena walked downstairs, a bit calmer.

 

Jeremy was waiting for her at the staircase, gesturing for her to follow him. He led her over the hall to the window next to the front door.

 

„What happened, Jeremy?“ she asked, surprised.

 

„You know, I noticed a man in a car in front of the house when we arrived. He's still there as if he waited for something or... maybe someone,“ Jeremy shrugged. „I don't know him but I've seen him at Mary's birthday party. I have no idea why he's here.“

 

Lena frowned and looked out of the window without touching the curtain. „It can't be true,“ she hissed. „Jeremy, it's Eric,“ she raised her eyes to him.

 

„The Eric?“ Jeremy lifted his eyebrow.

 

„Yes, it's him. A few days ago he wanted to talk to me and I turned him down. I told him we had nothing to talk about,“ she ran her hand through her hair. „I have no idea what he's waiting for.“

 

„Clearly he doesn't want to give up,“ Jeremy gave her a half smile.

 

„Clearly. I'm going to tell him to go away,“ she opened the door, walked outside and closed it behind her.

 

She stepped to the car. His eyes were closed as if he slept. She knocked on the window on the driver's side. He startled, opening his eyes. He wasn't sleeping. She stepped back as he got out.

 

„What are you doing here?“ she snapped.

 

„Hi Lena. I'm waiting till you're in a mood to talk to me,“ he announced, his face serious.

 

She slapped him in the face. „You chose a totally bad day, my friend,“ she frowned. „I have visitors and my daughter is sick,“ she shook her head. „Besides I told you to leave me alone. There was something between us but it's long gone. You should go,“ she was about to go away but he caught her wrist.

 

„Lena, please... I deserved that slap. But you reproach me for not saying 'I'm sorry' but you won't let me talk...“

 

„How dare you...,“ she pulled her hand out of his hold.

 

„I'm sorry, Lena. I didn't want to hurt you. I'd like to explain everything and offer you my apologies,“ he stepped closer.

 

She stepped back. „Don't dare to touch me.“

 

„OK. Please just give me a chance to talk to you. I know I hurt you. It's my fault,“ he shook his head. „Just tell me we can talk sometimes and I'll leave,“ he lifted his hands in a defensive gesture.

 

„Are you threatening me?!“ she spread her arms in shock.

 

„I just won't give up,“ he looked in her eyes. „I don't want to be a pain in your ass, Lena, and I don't want to threaten you. You don't leave me any other option,“ he spoke slowly and in a low voice. „I know you have a boyfriend, or a husband or who he is. I've seen him at my mom's birthday party and today as well. I don't want to bother you.“

 

Lena nodded shortly, sighing. „OK. Now I'm not sure when, but we will talk, Eric, I promise. First I need to be sure that my daughter is alright,“ she ran her hand through her hair and looked in his eyes. „I hope you understand. I'll let you know.“

 

„Completely. Your promise is enough for me. I'm really sorry that your daughter is sick. I hope she'll be better soon, Lena,“ he got in his car. „Thank you. Good night,“ he closed the car door.

 

She was standing there till his car disappeared out of her sight. Then she went inside, disconcerted by his words about her husband.

 

*

 

After her shift Lena left a staff room and braced herself for a stop in the kitchen. Of course she could send him just a text to let him know she was willing to talk. Anyway they needed to arrange when and where they would talk so she prefered to tell him face to face.

 

She peeked in the kitchen, her eyes darting around the room to find him. He was nowhere to be seen. Then Fred caught her eyes and moved to her.

 

„Hi Lena, can I help you?“

 

„Hi Fred, um... I'm looking for Eric,“ she shrugged. „I'm probably mistaken about his shifts? I can't see him here.“

 

„He washes the dishes. I'm going to call him. Wait a moment,“ Fred moved through the kitchen to the door on the right and walked in.

 

He doesn't cook, he washes the dishes?! It's really interesting. In no time Fred walked out of the room, followed by Eric. She stepped back letting him walk out of the kitchen. He closed the door behind him. „Hi Lena, did you want to talk?“

 

„Hi, yes, I just wanted to let you know that we can talk,“ she ran her hand through her hair. „Of course not here...“

 

„Sure. I'll finish here at two p.m. today. Can I take you out for dinner?“ he watched her, nervous. „How is Ellie?“

 

„It sounds good to me,“ she swallowed. „Ellie is good, thanks for asking. She had a fever on Friday and Saturday, too but yesterday she looked good. So she's at school today,“ she glanced at her watch. „Well, I should go. She's waiting for me.“

 

„Yes, go. I'll pick you up at seven if it's OK,“ he offered, feeling butterflies in his belly. She was so close and more beautiful than he remembered.

 

„That's fine with me,“ she nodded and turned around, leaving.

 

He watched her leave, his eyes slid down to her swaying hips, then up to her long chestnut hair and he felt desire to touch her. He sighed as she walked out of the building and returned back to work.

 

*

 

Sitting at the table Lena watched her daughter eating. She nibbled at her meal as if she didn't even want to taste it.

 

„Don't you like it, Ellie?“ Lena asked, worried.

 

Ellie raised her eyes to her. „Why don't you have dinner with us?“ she asked, furrowing her forehead. „Will you eat somewhere else?“

 

Lena smiled, relief on her face. „Oh this...,“ she stroked Ellie's hair. „Yes, Ellie, tonight I will eat somewhere else but I read a fairy tale for you first, OK?“

 

„OK,“ Ellie put a bite in her mouth. After swallowing she looked at Lena again. „And where will you eat?“

 

„I will eat in a restaurant, you know?“ Lena explained patiently.

 

„And with who?“ Ellie tried to elicit more.

 

Lena averted her eyes, felt her blush. „With Eric, you know? He needs to talk to me. Finish your dinner, OK?“ she added, embarrased.

 

Ellie nodded, smirking impishly.

 

*

 

Eric watched Lena walk down the steps and to his car as he was waiting for her in front of the house. She looked stunning, wearing tight jeans underscoring her long legs and a blue top with short sleeves. He swallowed words of admiration before they left his throat. He was well aware that she was angry with him. He opened the car door for her and closed them behind her. Then he walked around the car to get in and pulled out of the curb.

 

Their way passed in silence, just the radio was playing. He stopped in front of the Lighthouse Point and Grille in Lake Sumter Landing, Villages.

 

The sun was setting. Lena had to admit that he chose the location very well. Lighthouse Point was placed half on the shore of Lake Sumter and half on the pillars above its surface. The restaurant was built in a round shape. Even the lighthouse was there, next to the restaurant. It was beautiful here.

 

She noticed his gaze full of admiration as the waitress led them to their table next to the window. Actually the walls were made of glass and that offered a beautiful sight of the lake.

 

They ordered their meal, then the waitress brought them two Cokes. Eric glanced at Lena but she was looking at the lake. She had no intention to make it easy for him.

 

„Lena, I'm sorry. I know it's not enough but I really am,“ he cleared his throat as she turned her head to him, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

 

„You're right. It's not enough,“ she sipped from her glass. „Tell me why did you actually return?“

 

He felt a sting at his heart hearing her words. „Because I realized that I'd made a big mistake,“ he clasped his hands on the table. „Let me tell you about those five years when I was gone,“ he swallowed and continued when she briefly nodded. „Everything looked amazing first few months. Then they kicked me out because I wanted to do something my way. I had a big fight with one of the cooks. So I started somewhere else. After three years I changed several jobs, I mean several kitchens where I cooked but without a big success that I expected,“ he ran his hand through his hair. She watched him, waiting for him to continue. „At that moment I understood that I had nothing to do in that city that I didn't belong there... I was totally alone, missing my home, my mom and most of all... you.“

 

„Why didn't you return back then?“ she asked almost against her will.

 

„I couldn't,“ he shook his head, glad deep in his heart she started communicating with him a little more. „I couldn't return and look in your eyes because I needed to change first,“ he took his glass, playing with it in his hands. „From the very beginning you were right. I'd burnt all bridges and left and in the end I was left alone in a fantastic flat, enough money on my bank account but unhappy. And why? Because I didn't fight my temper. Because I left my home, my mom and...,“ he lowered his eyes to the glass, „... my guardian angel because of the search for glory and money. That's when I understood that money means nothing when love is missing.“

 

„What...,“ she swallowed, running her hand through her hair, „so what did you do then?“

 

„I moved back to Florida, to Orlando and found a job in a record store. Then I found a shrink and started attending psychotherapeutic sessions,“ he looked up at her. „I've never forgotten about you, Lena. I know I made a horrible mistake when I left you. Believe me I regretted it every day for all those years,“ he broke off, averting his eyes. „I didn't want to come back before my psychotherapist told me I was alright.“

 

„It's good you found the psychotherapist. You needed help,“ she nodded her head slowly. „Just... tell me... I don't know what to say. What are you expecting from me now?“ she felt a lump in her throat. „You left me. Now you're back. But five years is too much to forget about everything. I can't say 'it's OK' because it's not! You can't come after so many years as if nothing happened,“ she shook her head. „I have my own life, I have a child...“

 

„I know, Lena. I totally understand,“ he nodded. „I'm aware that you have your own life that I don't fit in but you can't imagine how much I wish to make it up to you for every year I missed. Of course I know... you have a child... Just tell me and I...,“ he took a deep breath before continued, „...I'll disappear out of your life. I don't want to be a burden for you. It's clear your amazing daughter has a father who you love... even though I don't want to give up just like that,“ he whispered the last words.

 

„I'm not in love with anyone, Eric. I live for my daughter. Her father had left me before she was born,“ she looked away for a moment. „Frankly I'm not sure if I'm able to trust you again,“ she sighed. „You could have called or just sent a text,“ she shrugged. „We had a fight before you left but... you've never let me hear from you for all those years. I had no idea that you had an intention to come back,“ she looked in his eyes firmly. „After all you've done to me you're here, talking to me, begging me to start over,“ she frowned. „I'm not sure if I want to start over,“ she shook her head. „I have to warn you. It won't be easy to convince me you mean it,“ she squeezed her lips.

 

The waitress interrupted them as she brought their meal. Lena started eating. Eric took his fork and knife, put the first bite in his mouth and after swallowing it he put the silverware down.

 

„You know what's strange? That the thought to call you... crossed my mind many times. But I was ashamed because of the fiasco... I had no idea what I should tell you.“

 

„You didn't?“ she looked up at him. „Come on, Eric. You could have told me everything. You could have changed everything,“ she brushed her hand against her forehead. „Why did you wait for five long years? You admitted you’d made a mistake anyway.“

 

„It's true. I kept hoping in during the first three years that I could still make it,“ he shrugged. „And then... Should I have told you 'I'd like to come back but I don't know how long will it take because I need to be alright?'“

 

„No,“ she shook her head. „But yet you could call. Even though you didn’t plan on coming back immediately. But it's too late to talk about it. It happened,“ she continued eating when her phone started ringing. She pulled it out of her purse and her heart clenched as she saw it was Mary.

 

„Mary, what's wrong?“ she asked hearing just Mary's sobs. „Talk to me, please!“

 

„It's... Ellie,“ Mary tried to steady her voice. „She couldn't fall asleep so I read a fairy tale for her. In an hour I went to check on her and she looked like choking, she couldn't breathe,“ Mary sobbed. „I had to call an ambulance, Lena, I didn't know what to do at all.“

 

„It's OK, Mary. Where is she now?“

 

„They're taking her to the hospital right now. I'm scared, Lena.“

 

„I'm on my way. I'll call you as soon as possible, OK?“ Lena felt her heart in her throat as she hung up.

 

While she was talking to Mary, Eric payed their bill and asked the waitress to pack their food to go.

 

„I'm going to take you wherever you need, Lena,“ he took her hand. „Let's go.“

 

*

 

She told him what she knew from Mary before he stopped in front of the hospital. She was grateful that he took her here because she wasn't sure she could drive. Her heart was fluttering in her chest in fear for her daughter's life and she wasn't able to focus on anything else.

 

„Thanks God, you're here,“ Lena jumped up from the chair when she saw Joel moving to them. „How is she? Can I see her?“

 

„Lena, she's stable right now. We had to intubate her because her air passages were constricted so she couldn't breathe,“ he stroked her upper arms, seeing tears in her eyes. „Look, her vital signs are normal. It's allergy to something and I need to know what the something is so she could avoid it next time.“

 

Lena thought for a second then she desperately shook her head. „I've never noticed any allergic reaction. I don't have any, either.“

 

Joel's eyes turned to Eric. „Do you have any allergies to something, Eric?“

 

„I have allergy to fur of rabbits and other gnawers,“ Eric answered without hesitation, even though he was surprised by the question.

 

Joel nodded. „Thanks. It could help.“ He turned his eyes to Lena. „You can see her but I keep her in an induced coma to keep her calm so she's sleeping.“

 

„You have my full trust, Joel, you know it,“ she covered her mouth with her hand, closing her eyes, trying to get her composure back. „But I need to see her.“

 

„I understand, Lena. Thanks for your trust. Follow me,“ he led them through the long hall. He opened the door at the end of the hall.

 

Lena walked in and everything inside her squeezed when she saw her little girl, lying on the bed, sleeping. There was a tube in her mouth, an IV in her vein. She slowly walked to the bed and took Ellie's hand in hers.

 

„I don't know if you can hear me. But don't worry everything will be alright. Uncle Joel is here taking care of you,“ she swallowed tears, pricking in her eyes. „I'm here, too, Ellie,“ she stroke her inert hand and put it back on the cover.

 

„Lena, please, I need you to leave,“ Joel said softly as a nurse walked in the room. „We're going to set a medication and we'll have to wait if it works. Go home and get some rest,“ he looked at Eric. Eric nodded and took Lena's hand.

 

„No, I can't go home,“ she said firmly. „I can't leave her alone. Where can I wait till we know what's next?“

 

„OK. You can wait in a waiting room on the opposite side of the hall. I'll come once I know something new,“ Joel nodded.

 

*

 

„Would you like some coffee, Lena?“ he looked in her eyes, trying to distract her.

 

„Good idea. Meanwhile I'm going to call Mary,“ she nodded and pulled her phone out of her purse.

 

Eric stepped to a vending machine, threw in a few coins and waited for filling of the cups. He looked at Lena over his shoulder. She was pacing back and forth in the waiting room, talking to Mary. He hoped deep inside that Ellie would get better soon. He could imagine how scared Lena had to be. He took the cups and went back to the waiting room.

 

He handed her one and took a seat next to her. „If I remember correctly, you make better coffee than this,“ he said after sipping from his cup.

 

„Thanks, Eric,“ she looked in his eyes. „I'm grateful you took me here and stayed with me.“

 

„No problem. I'm really sorry what happened to Ellie and I believe she's going to be alright soon. She's an amazing little girl even though I saw her just twice in my life,“ he averted his eyes.

 

„I hope so. She has to be alright, I can't imagine that something could happen to her. She means the world to me. She's my everything,“ Lena wiped her eyes, trying to stay calm.

 

„I understand,“ he took another sip from his cup. „I'd gone through something like that when I was a little boy,“ he stroked her hand gently and pulled back. „I'm worried about her, too but on the other hand I believe that Joel will come soon with good news.“

 

She slowly turned her head to him. He's worried about her or does he just want to reassure me? „Our conversation was interrupted. You know, I'd wish I could put my trust in you again... one day. If you remember I was the one who always believed you, supported you and helped you,“ she sighed. He's the father of your daughter. „You can't imagine how much I'm afraid of another disappointment. Every time I'd fallen in love with someone, he betrayed me sooner or later. And today I have to be more careful because of Ellie.“

 

„Sure. She deserves the best daddy in the world,“ he got up to throw the empty cup into the trash can. „Believe me I want to be the first in line. I will wait five more years, Lena, I don't care. I want to prove you that I'm better than before, that I'm worthy.“

 

„But I'm not sure if you're the one I'll choose in the end,“ she ran her hand through her hair. „What if I decided to stay single,“ she glanced at the door expecting Joel's arrival. „It's already been an hour. How long will it take?“

 

„I have no idea. It will work out, you'll see,“ after a short hesitation he took her hand, squeezing it. She turned to him and let her hand in his, looking in his eyes. He has no idea what he makes my heart do. But I'm not able to focus on him. Not now when OUR daughter’s life is in danger.

 

At that moment the door opened and Joel walked in. Eric let her hand go as she jumped up from the chair.

 

Joel gave her a half smile and she knew Eric was right. Joel would never smile bringing bad news.

 

„It looks good,“ he announced. „The swelling became smaller even though it's still there. But the medication works. I don't want to burden you with more...,“ he lifted his finger in the air seeing she wanted to say something, „... you're going to go home now, Lena. I insist. I'm the doctor here, OK? Ellie will sleep till the morning. And I will want you to be here when she wakes up. So you should get some sleep to be fresh for her.“

 

„How am I supposed to sleep knowing she's here alone...,“ she shook her head, furrowing her forehead, her voice urgent.

 

„Ellie's out of danger of her life now and that's all you need to know tonight. I won't allow her to wake up without your presence by her bed, I promise,“ he said softly, but decisively. „I'm aware that you're worried but she's gonna be alright. I'll be here in the morning waiting for you. I will watch her carefully all night long. If anything changes I’ll call you. Trust me.“

 

„You know I do, Joel,“ she sighed. „OK. I'll try to get some sleep. What time am I supposed to be here tomorrow morning?“

 

„At half past eight. It's just,“ he winked.

 

„Deal,“ she hugged him shortly. „Thank you so much,“ her eyes glistened.

 

„You're welcome, my friend,“ he smiled. „Go home.“

 

Eric watched them from a distance. He had to admit that he liked Joel. He had a chance to get to know him and his wife Eva before he left but he didn't know him as a doctor.

 

He nodded his head slowly at Joel and led Lena out of the waiting room.

 

*

 

Lena opened her eyes and glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. It was six a.m. She was up every hour. She turned on her left side, moaning. She closed her eyes trying to fall asleep. No success. In a half an hour she got up.

 

After using the bathroom she went downstairs. She poured coffee into a mug for herself and walked outside. Hearing her phone beeped she crossed the hall and pulled the phone out of her purse. She read a text from Eric:

 

„I can't sleep. Would you mind if I took you to the hospital? I have an afternoon's shift.“

 

She sat down on the bench on the back porch, pulling her knees to her chest.

 

„Good morning, Lena. You're up very soon. You can't sleep?“ Mary took a seat on the chair.

 

„Good morning. No, I can't,“ she glanced at Mary. „Eric texted me. He offered to take me to the hospital.“

 

„What did you answer?“ Mary said softly, curious.

 

„Nothing yet,“ she shrugged. „I'm not sure if I want to let him inconspicuously back into my life.“

 

„But that's what he wants, doesn't he?“ Mary asked.

 

„Exactly,“ she ran her hand through her hair.

 

„And what do you want, Lena?“ Mary sipped from her coffee. „You should give it a thought. Either you should tell him to leave you alone, or give him a second chance. Nothing between. But you should feel deep inside your heart that you made the right decision. You should consider you have a child with him,“ Mary got up. „But I don't want to lecture you. It's your life,“ she watched Lena for a moment. „I'm going to make breakfast.“ She stepped inside.

 

Lena sighed. Even though she was nowhere near forgiving him, she texted him to pick her up at eight a.m. She glanced at the display, hearing another beep.

 

„Thanks!“

 

She furrowed her forehead and put the phone aside, stil not sure if she shouldn't have told him no.

 

*

 

Joel was waiting for them in the waiting room. Lena felt relief seeing a smile on his lips as he saw her.

 

„Hi Joel, how is she?“ she looked in his eyes. „You look tired.“

 

„Hi. She's alright. We started waking her up a few minutes ago. We need to wait,“ he shrugged. „I'm OK. A night shift. Well, before I take you to see her... I consulted an allergist and we made a few tests. She really has allergies to fur of gnawers. I'll give you an inhaler for her if her allergic reaction repeated. It will help to avoid the swelling. Of course it would be better for her not to be close to the animals.“

 

„Sure. Thank you very much, Joel. I don't know how to repay you...,“ she smiled faintly.

 

„Lena, it's my job,“ he put his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it. „Happy mother is my reward. Let's go to the room before she wakes up.“

 

„I'm going to wait here,“ Eric said, glancing at Lena. She nodded, looked at him over her shoulder before she left the room, following Joel.

 

Joel opened the door and walked in before Lena did. Ellie was lying on the bed, still sleeping. Lena stepped to her and took her hand in hers.

 

„Once the swelling completely disappeared I removed the tube. She could normally breathe almost all night,“ Joel pulled the chair for her to sit down next to the bed.

 

„Thanks,“ Lena took a seat on the chair, Ellie's hand still in hers. „She looks... you know... normal. As if she was just sleeping.“

 

„She's not sick, Lena. She can live a normal life. Look at Eric. He probably lives with it his entire life,“ Joel remarked.

 

„It's true,“ Lena nodded and turned her head to Ellie as she felt her hand move in hers. Ellie's eyes fluttered. She blinked a few times before she opened her eyes.

 

„Mom?“ she whispered, looking at Lena. „What...,“ she swallowed, „... what happened? Where am I?“

 

„Hi Ellie, you scared me so much. You were sick and we're at the hospital. But everything is alright now,“ Lena stroked her cheek, smiling.

 

Ellie glanced at Joel. „Hi, you're here, too?“ She looked confused.

 

„Yes, I am, Ellie. I work here. I'm a doctor, you know?“ he smiled. „As your mom said, everything's alright. You have nothing to fear anymore. You can go home,“ he skirted the bed and took Ellie's wrist. „You should get some rest today. You were in deep slumber.“

 

„Later I'll explain everything,“ Lena kept looking at her daughter. She felt happy.

 

*

 

Eric was sitting in the waiting room, sipping coffee from the cup. He was glad that Ellie was alright. He recalled Joel's question from yesterday. Why did he ask me about my allergies? Could he possibly think I might be her... He did a double-take at the thought then he shook his head. No, it's nonsense.

 

He raised his eyes as he saw Lena walk in, pushing the wheelchair with Ellie sitting there.

 

„Hi Ellie,“ he got up, throwing the empty cup into the trash can. „Are you ready to go home?“

 

„Hi Eric! Yes, I am,“ she smiled widely. She was a little pale but in a good mood.

 

„Then I take you both home,“ he winked at her.

 

Eric glanced at the rearview mirror now and then as he was driving through town. He watched them both as Lena was sitting on the back seat next to Ellie. She explained her daughter everything that happened last night and why. He was growing fond of the little girl. And Lena... he loved her more than ever before. He wanted to belong with them, he felt a huge wave of love surging from inside him. If he didn’t have to hold the wheel he would hug them both and never let go.

 

*

 

„Can I see you again?“ Eric turned to Lena as he stopped in front of the house. „Just asking...,“ he shrugged and got out to open the door for her. „I'm going to take her,“ he reached for Ellie and pulled her out of the car. He followed Lena with the little girl in his arms to the front door. It was nice when she wrapped her arms around his neck, a little tired. He stroked her back and she put her head on his shoulder. He smiled to himself, feeling good.

 

Lena opened the door and turned to him. He looks... good with my... daughter in his arms. Should I give him a second chance? What if he left me and her... I have to decide soon.

 

„You can call me. I'll stay at home a few days,“ she said without a smile but he saw the look in her eyes was much warmer than before. Their hands touched as she took Ellie in her arms. Their eyes met and she felt as if he stroked her with his.

 

*

 

Eric's afternoon shift ended at six p.m. He jumped in his car and drove home. He thought about Lena. Every day he sent her a text, asking about Ellie. Lena answered him but they didn't see each other. On half way he stopped the car and stared straight ahead for a second. Then he made up his mind, turned around and with his heart beating in his chest he drove back and to Wildwood. He didn't stop till he reached her house.

 

He waited for a few minutes before the door opened. The tall guy with long black hair was standing there staring at him.

 

Eric ran his hand through his hair, swallowing, trying to suppress his disappointment. He totally forgot about him.

 

„Hi Eric, I'm Jeremy,“ he offered him his hand to shake. „Lena went to see her friend Eva.“

 

„Nice to meet you,“ he shook his hand. „I should probably go. Tell her hi. And Ellie, too,“ he was about to go.

 

„Don't you want to wait for her?“ Jeremy asked.

 

„I'm not sure. She doesn't know I'm here,“ he waved his hand in the air. „I just wanted to offer to take her and Ellie somewhere... I don't know... Tomorrow is Saturday,“ he shrugged. „But I don't want to interfere in your things. I'm sorry,“ he slowly made his way to the car.

 

Jeremy was standing there, watching him leave, trying to understand what he was talking about. He doesn't want to interfere in my things? What the hell did he mean?

 

„Hey, wait! What do you mean?“ Jeremy stepped on the porch. „Who do you think I am?“

 

Eric stopped and turned around, furrowing his forehead. „Lena's boyfriend, of course. Who should you be?“

 

Jeremy chuckled. „Lena's boyfriend, huh? Nope. I'm her brother, man.“

 

Eric's jaw dropped in shock. He pointed at Jeremy, lifting his eyebrow. „You're her brother?! She has a brother? She's never told me about you.“

 

„Interesting,“ Jeremy shrugged. „But she told me about you. Would you like a beer or coffee?“ he gestured for him to follow and walked inside.

 

After a short hesitation Eric followed him, closing the door behind him.

 

*

 

Unlocking the door Lena walked in her house. She was in a good mood, just returning from Eva. She let her purse in the hall and went upstairs to check on Ellie. She was sleeping. Lena gave her a whispy kiss on the cheek and left the room. As she walked back downstairs suddenly she realized she was hearing two male's voices. Maybe a friend came to see Jeremy but why did he come here instead of his own house? She stopped in the hall. In a second she recognized the other voice. How dare he...?

 

She stormed on the back porch, her hands akimbo. „What are you doing here?!“

 

Eric shot his eyes to Jeremy with a 'What did I tell you?' look and got up. „Hi Lena, I'm sorry. I should go.“

 

„Easy, Lena, he was looking for you and I invited him inside,“ Jeremy offered.

 

„We will talk later, Jer,“ she growled and turned to Eric.

 

„Don't be angry with him, he was just polite to me,“ Eric objected. „I'm leaving, OK? You don't need to get mad at him,“ he walked to the front door.

 

Lena was about to close the door behind him when he turned to her, standing on the front porch.

„I just wanted to see you, Lena,“ he looked in her eyes. „You've never told me you had a brother.“

 

„You didn’t ask,“ she lowered her head. „Why should I have told you?“

 

„Do you really hate me so much, Lena? I can't believe it,“ he stepped back, looking in her eyes for a few moments. „I thought... I wanted... It doesn't matter,“ he waved off. „Good night.“ He turned around and left.

 

She closed the door, leaning her forehead against it, closing her eyes. What's the matter with her? The more she felt something for him the more she hated him because of it. She felt pain in her chest and didn't know what to do.

 

*

 

Eric finished his work for today and went to a dressing room to change. He was about to leave when Fred walked in.

 

„See you tomorrow,“ Eric waved at him and moved to the door.

 

„Eric?“

 

„Yes?“ Eric stepped back, turning to him.

 

„George is about to retire,“ Fred announced. „So... I can offer you his job if you're interested in it.“

 

„Of course, I am,“ Eric ran his hand through his hair. „Fred, I'm honored by your offer.“

 

„OK. You can start on Monday,“ Fred pointed at him. „I hope you won't disappoint me. I'm giving you a second chance.“

 

„Don't worry, Fred,“ Eric tried not to show how delighted he felt but his eyes were shining. „Thank you very much. I appreciate it.“

 

„Good,“ Fred smiled faintly. „I can see you've changed, man. I hope it will work. You've always had good ideas for new recipes.“

 

„I'll do my best, boss,“ Eric smiled and saluted him.

 

Fred chuckled and patted his shoulder. „We have a deal. Go home. See you tomorrow.“

 

„Yes. See you..,“ Eric turned around and left.

 

Driving home he whistled a melody playing on the radio and suddenly he found himself parking in front of Lena's house.

 

Standing on the front porch he braced himself to push the door bell. Knowing he wasn't a welcome guest he lifted his hand to push it when the door opened. Seeing Lena in the doorway he raised his hands in defending gesture.

 

„Hi... I just need to talk to someone. I don't know why but I ended up here. Please, don't turn me away,“ he blurted.

 

Lena could see sparks in his eyes. Obviously he was in a good mood and she had a feeling that she should talk to him. So she stepped aside, extending her arm to gesture for him to come in.

 

Lena joined him on the back porch, handing him a mug of coffee. She leaned her back against the banister, her cup in her hands.

 

„Thanks,“ he sipped from the mug. „The best coffee in the world as I said.“

 

Lena smiled faintly. „Thanks,“ she swallowed. „Eric, I'm sorry for the scene on Friday. It was unnecessary...“

 

„No need to be sorry. I shouldn't have been here. Let it go,“ he interrupted her.

 

She nodded, lowering her eyes. „You wanted to talk,“ she reminded, looking up at him.

 

„Yes,“ he smiled widely. „You know when we finished at work today, Fred talked to me and offered me a new job. You're looking at a deputy chief cook to-be,“ he spread his arms.

 

„Oh, it's good news,“ she lifted her eyebrow, pulling up a corner of her mouth in a half smile. „I understand now you needed to share. Congratulations.“

 

„Thanks. I'll start on Monday when George retires. Cooking makes me really happy so I'm looking forward to it,“ he sipped from his mug. „I didn't expect to get a second chance. I appreciate it. Fred's an amazing guy. I'll never disappoint him anymore,“ he looked in her eyes and sensed she realized he was not talking only about Fred.

 

„Eric!“ Mary walked on the back porch. „You're here?“

 

He jumped out of the bench and hugged her. „Yes, I am,“ he started telling her about his new job.

 

Lena watched him and it reminded her of how it was like when they were together. She heard him talking about Fred.

 

Perhaps I should also give him another chance. Even if it's a leap of faith.

 

She recalled taking him to her place for the first time back then when he had nowhere to go. It couldn't be true that it's been six years ago! At that time she believed that there's something good in him even though she didn't know him at all.

 

Why shouldn't I trust him now when I'd got to know him?

 

Immediately she heard the answer in her mind.

 

Because he betrayed me, he left me alone. I raised his daughter on my own. And now he's here as if nothing happened.

 

She shook her head to quiet the voice in her head.

 

It's not true. He regretted his leaving and came back after he made sure he was a better man than before. I can see he still cares about me. He likes Ellie.

 

She ran her hand through her hair. Her soul was torn and she couldn't decide which of her inner voices she should listen to.

 

Why didn't he call? He said he'd heard my words in his head for all those years.

 

She finished her coffee and went to the kitchen not wanting to listen to those voices in her mind anymore. She would have to decide what she wanted.

 

„Are you OK, Lena?“ she heard his voice behind her.

 

„Yes, I am,“ she turned to him and held her breath because he was standing right in front of her.

 

„OK,“ he nodded. Looking in her eyes he felt like holding their future in his hands, realizing how fragile the future was. „I should go. Thank you for listening to me, Lena. I'll fight to get your trust back. I want to deserve it,“ he stepped back to keep a respectful distance, his face serious.

 

„Stubborn as always,“ she shook her head.

 

„That's me,“ he spread his arms and let them fall again. „Have a nice evening,“ he turned around and left the kitchen.

 

She followed to walk him to the door. „You had something on your mind when you stopped here... on Friday?“ she reminded him.

 

„I thought I could take you and Ellie out on Saturday... you know, the ZOO in Sanford, or we could just go for a walk,“ he shrugged.

 

„Or... both?“ she gave him a small smile.

 

„Yes,“ he nodded, a warm feeling envelopes him. „I'll call you on Friday if it's OK.“

 

She could see his eyes shining, a smile forming on his lips. „That's OK with me,“ she tilted her head on a side.

 

„Great. Good night, Lena,“ he resisted desire to step closer and kissed her. „Tell hi to Ellie.“

 

„I will. Good night,“ she watched him leave, realizing she probably made a decision. Only time would show if it was the right one.