Thursday, May 29, 2008

Granite Countertop Stove

chiefofsurgery @ 2008-05-29T20: 27:00

NOTE: This post contains Nicole, around half an interlude written by Dr Dubenko BGG. Happy reading!


> NICOLE \u0026lt;
"Lucien", screaming while sucking up the stairs my strawberry ice cream, "Lucien, would you like some ice cream? There are only two, one orange and the other al-"I'm coming lock the front door wide open chamber Lucien. "Oops! Excuse me ... "
"Oh, no, quiet, Nic. What do you say? "She asks while Lucien, shirtless, looking at the mirror that hangs on the wall of his room.
"Wondering if you like ice cream. But ... what are you doing? "
" Yuck ... "borobotta.
"What?", I entered.
"Look at that, but you see how I'm fat?"
"Fat?" He exclaimed. "Lucien, but what-"
"Look! Look! "Complains putting in profile. "They are wider than long!"
"What?"
"But you see that belly!?" Do
another lick the ice cream and shake my head. "You're totally out, Lucien! Look, you're not fat at all! "
him anything, he shakes his head and puts her hands in her hair. "How bad ... I'm getting old"
"You're not fat at all, Lucien, and even old! And that's not the belly, are your abs! "I repeat. "Then he looks," says resting her hands on her hips, "You do not even love handles! You're perfect! "
" Forget it ", says moving away from me. "I absolutely correct ..." mumbles down again wearing the shirt.
I shrugged and tried again to ask: "So, the ice cream you want it or not?"
withering gaze Lucien is worth a thousand words.
"OK. Then no ice cream ... "
*** a few days later in hospital ***
'Prepare all folders relating to Ms. Sanders, from his first intervention in 2005 until the death of yesterday , okay? "
" Okay, "I reply while I take notes in the hall.
"Then make sure the postoperative Tanaka ..." continues Fizz.
"Aha ..."
"And, please, make a thorough examination to Mr. Bober, room 22."
"And Mrs. Hausmann?"
"Ah ... No, I take care of Mrs. Hausmann I," Fizz hasty answers.
"But how, the head of the fellows that lowers to make a preoperative visit to an appendectomy?"
Fizz at me uncertainly.
"I discovered, Fizz! Would you feel that the bendidio Hausmann, eh? "
" Julian! "
"Ha ha! What a face! "
" Stop! "
" Y'know what? "I ask back seriously. "Yours is a very good idea: the Hausmann maddens me."
"Come on ..."
"No, no, it's true: if you find that a lesbian tell me, please."
"Hello Nicole! Hello Gene! ", Greets us Dubenko passed.
"Good morning Dr. Dubenko" "Good morning, Lucien," - we answer.
"Ah, Nicole, would you do me a favor?"
"Sure, tell me," I ask a few steps approaching him.
"I heard that the gym floor is almost ready and you could inform you of when it opens, please?"
"The gym? Ah ... sure, I ... I do now. "
" OK, thanks. Thank you! "He says as he goes up the stairs.
When Lucien is far enough I take a deep sigh and exclaimed: "I can not believe now it is fixed and wants to go to the gym!"
"It was set for what?" Asks Fizz scribbles absently while on a folder.
"I think I'm getting old and is convinced being fat! "
'Well, actually it is not young any more ... go to the gym will do nothing but good!"
"What?" to cry at that asshole Gin Fizz. "What nonsense you say ?!?!"
" Hey, c-calm ... ", defends himself by raising his hands.
"See that man is a thousand times better shape than you! But look! You have less hair on the head of my grandfather, Walter, and your stomach is ... ugh! You seem to have a Halloween pumpkin under his coat! "I reply cackling. "Instead Dubenko you have any chest you can not even dream of, two apples and boiled like marble! "I conclude with my blood went all over the brain.
"Halloween Pumpkin? But how do you think of? And then is this history that you must always defend Dubenko?! You're just a big-leccap "
" Do not even try! "I interrupt him pointing his index finger against his nose aquiline. "That man saved my life, you know! If it were not for him, a month ago I would have returned to Indiana and now I'd be on a farm milking sheep! I have to thank him, and he alone, if after the story with Tammy I'm definitely not the head, then, Fizz: I'm not a lick and you have a Halloween pumpkin instead of the belly! All clear? "
next week *** ***
" Asystole ", Sam cries while in the emergency room before.
"I go with the internal massage! Force, the plates! "Says Morris.
"What have you for me? Or is it too late? ", Asking anyone in particular.
"We have a heartbeat," announces a fellow I've ever seen around but I do not know the name.
"Then you made me fall for anything ..." comment getting close to the patient. "Of What is this? "I ask the fellow with long brown hair.
"rupture", he answers with a deadpan tone.
"You're bleeding!" Adds Morris agitated.
"Good. Then we begin, I say, as I put a hand in the patient's chest open.
"Throw your hands out of there!" Says Morris, "I can not do the massage!"
"Hey you", I ask the fellow next to me, completely ignoring the cries of Morris, "What's your name? "
" Jane Figler. "
" Well, Jane, give me quell'elastico you have in your hair. "
She stares at me without moving.
"Yes, your elastic!"
Without batting an eye, Jane pulls him away, undoing his ponytail, and handed it to me.
"What are you going to do?" Asks Morris. "
Enlarge elastic between the fingers and I do a bit 'of open space in the chest of the patient.
" Doctor, do not is sterile, "says Figler said almost worried.
" The infection will! "says Sam.
'Stop It' s my patient, do not you liberty! "Morris yelled.
without listening to anyone with a quick gesture pull the aorta, the bend at the point of tearing and squeeze the rubber band. After that," The important thing is to get it in Surgery , infections can be cured, "I say casually. Then I remove obstacles to the gurney and said," Morris, you continue to do the massage. Sam, calls and Surgery 'to prepare a room with the circulatory system outside! Let's go! " Finally I turn to Figler: "Good job." Then, on the threshold of the door, throwing a last glance of understanding. She stares at me with that which distinguishes indifferent and I feel particularly excited.
During the ascent in the elevator I can not help thinking about her: she has a particular way of doing so is a girl ... a little 'odd, but very interesting ... I wonder if you lesbian? We hope to be at least bisexual!
At the fourth floor, get out quickly in the corridor. There are meeting and nurse Shirley Fitz.
"I understand you correctly? A hair spray? "Are the first words of Gin Fizz.
"was the only way to stop the bleeding. At this hour would be the next world ", ignoring the look of disapproval comment Shirley. "Now it's all yours," cried mocking at the Fitz that if is leading the way to the operating room. 'm Like 'hello hello' with his hand and burst out laughing. But then I think about it: who knows, maybe I have overdone it this time ... Suddenly, the door of the stairs I check before my eyes with a feline leap the chief surgeon in person.
"Lucien!" He exclaimed.
"Oh, Nicole, good morning!"
"But ... what ... what did you do? You're all sweaty ... "
" I was so far out in the gym! What satisfaction ... I've seen how much fluid expelled? "Asks proud touching his shirt completely soaked with sweat.
"Um ... How about a refreshing shower?"
"But of course!" He exclaims happily going towards the changing rooms. "Here, how are you? Everything under control? "Asks turning on himself while walking.
"All right," motioning to say 'OK' with his hand, leaving aside any possible reference to my little invention of surgical few minutes ago.
***
I come home exhausted after a 18-hour shift, they are half past ten in the evening and the bus is half empty. I get off the bus, I do some step by North Page Avenue and entered the driveway. I cross the door by a big yawn and noisy, the ground floor is all dark, who knows, maybe they are all in bed. I go to the kitchen to find something to eat. With the light coming from outside my way to the refrigerator and open it. Let's see: eggs, milk, yogurt, chocolate syrup, maple syrup, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, asparagus, tomatoes, spinach, cinnamon bagels, cheese spreads, cheese, olives, Emmentaler, turkey salad made by yesterday, chicken breasts, filet of cod, tuna in brine, oranges, peaches ... Uff, full of stuff and I do nothing! Collapse dissatisfied with the door and I stand with my back to the fridge. "Oh God! What are you doing here in the dark!? "He exclaimed Lucien seeing sitting at the kitchen table. "I want to take a hit?!?"
"Sorry ..." he says softly.
turn on the light and sit across the table. "Lucien ... Hey ... what's up?"
shakes his head. "Nothing ..."
"Nothing? And nothing you'd be there all alone in the dark folded on the kitchen chair? Next, tell me what it is. "
Lucien looked at me and shakes his head. I reach
supporting arms on the table. "What happens to you, Lucien? Have you been a week all excited for this story of the gym, I saw you so happy ... And now instead? You have come your stuff? "
I scan the faces of Lucien and I see that paints a half smile.
"So?"
"It 's useless, Nicole," he mutters to his feet.
"The whole thing pointless? I do not understand. "
" The fitness, fat, thin ... crap like that. "
'Well, a few days ago do not accept the bullshit!" Comment getting up too.
Lucien shrugs. "As far as exercise can be done, Nicole, how many pounds can lose in two years will carry fifty. And this, nothing and nobody can change it. "
I look up to heaven. "Is that all? Do you have a midlife crisis? Next, Lucien! You are more than these crap, come on! "
" Goodnight, Nicole ", cut short time to exit the room.
I let it go, then I stand at the threshold and follow him with his eyes while climbing the stairs sadly. "'Night ..." he whispered. Then I draw a breath and go back to the kitchen. Idea! I'm going to open the door to the left of the cupboard and there it is ...: a bar of dark chocolate with 85% pure cocoa! Uhhh ...
> Dubenko \u0026lt;
I climb the stairs and I lock myself in the bathroom. I look in the mirror, and the first thing I notice is the hair are growing back look how it curls ... then I take off my T-shirt, sweat pants, socks, boxers, and slip in the shower.
I let the copious amounts of boiling water over his back, close my eyes and try to relax. It makes me a terrible doubt: what day is today?! I touch your left wrist, but the clock is not there. What day is it?!? Turn off water and open the shutter door of the shower. Completely soaked with water, I go running down the hall toward my room, sling room and shut the door violently behind me. trying to erase from his mind the fact that they just passed in the hall bathroom and - most importantly - completely naked, I look the clock: 20! Today is 20, damn it! And it is 23:54! In Italy are the ... quarter to seven. The invisible hand is a snap: 23.55. Uff ... I do? Another tic: 23:56. If I decide, will soon be 21 and have not be worth the trouble ... more Tic! 23:57 Now or never! I slip under the covers - someone could get in, you never know - and yet is drenching the mattress and the sheets, pick up the phone and dial the number. The 23:59, just in time!
"Hmm ... Hello? "
" Katherine, I am. "
" Lucien? What the ... "
" Hello, excuse the time, I know that it's seven ... "
" Hmm ... Well? "
" So ... Happy Birthday! "
" What? "I feel it move, it be sure turn over in bed, maybe you are pulling up down. "Call me at seven o'clock in the morning ... for me ...", stops to deliver a resounding yawn that I get directly from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean," excuse ... to greet me? "
" Actually, I also arrived late! But this has just struck midnight, if I want to forgive ... "
At the other end of the phone, Katherine is a moment in silence. Then answers: "Do you want to romp *? What do you get the jokes phone in the middle of the night? "
I burst out laughing.
"I'm glad, I hear you're having fun!" She says ironically.
"Come on, Kath, stop ..."
"No, no, stop you! I was doing a beautiful dream - Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in 'Interview with the Vampire', gave him the other night on TV - and you wake me up just to remind me that I am a decrepit old! The way you think? "
" ... OK, sorry. "
" No, come on, you joke ... sorry ... Indeed, thanks. "
For a moment it was surprised by its unexpected sweetness. "Please," I reply thus met.
"Changing the subject ..."
"From your old age?"
"Exactly. How are you? "
" Me? "
" Are not you depressed, do you? "
" ... "
" TRUE? "
" No ... "I reply unconvinced.
"Ugh ..."
"What's to snort?"
"You! I asked you not to bring you down, and instead feel that voice! "
" What voice? "
" Lucien, I know you, you are the type that is thrown down. But you have to feel comfortable e-"
" How do you feel comfortable? "
"No, I do not mean ch ..."
"You want me to ignore it?"
"No!"
"So!?"
"Oh, Lucien, you're an amazing stuff : to give advice to you is like kicking the wall! "
" Ha, Look Who's Talking! "
" Ugh ... Listen, I just want you to be comfortable. Just do not know what to do! "
" One way we would, "he says resolutely. He knows too: it must come back to me, by me and Mika, to be a family again, all three together.
"Lucien, I have to listen ... say something. "
" Yes ... d-tell. "
" Michael called me. "
" What? "I ask in a faint voice.
"I mean, I had called the day ... Well, you were out together one evening and he called me the next day ... ... And me ...", I feel swallowed by phone, "... told me your conversation ... well, what you told me that night. "
- flashback -
" I do not want no woman. Nothing but her. "
" She who? "
" Katherine. "
" Lucien, you have divorced fifteen years ago, she dumped you and you do not have most wanted, how much fucking time do you want to lose again?! You can not ruin my life for her! "
" No, Michael. I love you, Kath is the only woman I want. If it is a matter of time, I'll wait. "
" But if Katherine has had fifteen years of time and was never rebuilt alive! You're an idiot, Lucien! Why do you want to repeat the same mistake over and over? "
" There is an error, the Other women have been mistakes. "
" How can you be so sure you're doing the right thing? "
" What I feel inside: this can not be wrong. It can not. "
--- end flashback ---
A shiver runs along the back.
"Lucien, I thank you for your kind words and for your affection, but I ... I do not deserve this. I do not deserve it. "
" What do you mean, is not it! "
'It is true indeed. Do not match your feelings, Lucien, I-"
" Stop! "
" I'm not capable, I can not. "
" Katherine! "he exclaimed in exasperation.
"Please, forget it."
"NO! I'm not giving up, I will-"
" Please ... "
" Katherine, you-"
" Let me loose. "
" Katherine! "
-
" Katherine! Hello? "- That has happened, he hung up?
nervously Redial the number wrong in a couple of occasions to press the buttons. In the end I can not. ... It 's off: then he hung up on purpose ... There is a recorded message: ... she is not called upon to reach: please try again later. Thanks . I try not to fly into a rage: maybe you downloaded the phone? No, I know too well, in my opinion ... Please try later. Thank you. The person you called is not currently Ragg - hang up the phone with violence. The rise and remit furiously down several times. He hung up, damn it! Why is it so?!? Why?!?
> NICOLE \u0026lt;
As I climb the stairs began to feel a slight pain in abdomen: I've eaten too much chocolate? But no, it was just a finger ... And they say that chocolate is good, no? Arrival at the top of the stairs holding my hand on my tummy hurt Ohio ... Suddenly the door opens the room to Lucien and he appears in front of half-naked with only a sheet around his waist.
"Lucien!"
has a strange look in the eyes look angry, but happy ... and why is half naked? The midlife crisis make these jokes?!
"You know, Nicole", debuted well out of the blue, "it is strange, but sometimes a refusal can give you a lot more full of hope."
"... Eh?"
"I will not give, Nic . Rest assured that I will not. "
I look at him wrong. "You do not just tell me ... and then what are you doing around the house half naked?"
Lucien's face appears a smile. Not to mention a step toward me, give me a kiss on the cheek and, as usual, quiet trots to the bathroom. I raise my arm and, as stunned and touched my cheek with the hand. E 'boiling.
*** *** the next day in hospital
around the corridors of the ward constantly looking behind. I'm terrified to see him appear in every corner of the corridor. I am in total paranoia. Since yesterday evening. That kiss on the cheek ... He only covered with a sheet ... and that look! I can not get out of my head the feeling of his lips on my cheek! Oh my god oh my god oh my god ...
"Julian!" I
a start: he is!! - I will block and sit in the middle of the corridor, as if paralyzed.
"Hey, Julian, are you deaf? "
breathed a sigh of relief. "Fitz ... as you can think of these jokes make me?" I say turning back.
"What? What tricks? "
shake my head. "Forget it ... By the way, you know where Dubenko?"
"I know it's back in the gym, you know."
"Again?! Ok,, better that way. "I will ring the pager. "It 's emergency room, Fitz, I have to evaporate. See you later! "Exclaimed jumping to the elevators.
"Where do I go for a consultation?" I ask Jerry to acceptance.
"Box Four."
nod and quickly through the corridor, threw open the curtain and find myself in front of my favorite fellow Jane.
"Good morning, Dr. Figler."
"It'll be okay, right?" Asks the patient concerned.
"Sure, lady, relax," I reply while the belly button.
"The Tac?" I ask Jane.
"White blood cells are eleven two," he says running his plates. The
examine a few seconds and then announced: "The appendix slightly inflamed, not filled with oral contrast ... sounds like a principle of appendicitis! "
" Oh, no! I have to be made? "
" Do not worry, "reassured the patient places a hand on his arm," The removal by laparoscopy and tomorrow will already be home! The nurse will bring the agreement to be signed. "Then I turn to Jane:" Got a minute? "I ask you making them a nod.
Without a word, Jane four out of the box next to me: we are just next to the main counter, I support it with his elbow and asks: "Look, Jane, you want to take a break? How about some coffee? "
you, with his usual phlegm, take the time to respond, then he opens his mouth to say something, but ...
" Hey, Nicole! "- My hair stands on end all I'm thinkin ': Oh, no! E 'Lucien!
Here he is smiling at us. I do not know what to do: that embarrassment! And if it comes and kisses me again?! Oh my god oh my god ... I can not, I will not! At that moment I jumped to mind a crazy idea. Lucien is coming ... If I do not now ... now or never! I spun around to Jane, I pass a hand through his hair on his neck and pushing his approach to my face, then snapped a sound kiss on the lips. I do not want to know what Jane is thinking of me, I just want Lucien ... I understand that I can not stay with him! Why him ... he is a man!
With the corner of my eye I see Lucien go by quickly, do not look down. Rest a few seconds attached to the mouth of Jane - which among other things, has not moved a single muscle of his body in all this time - and then I moved away from her. I bite my lower lip and try to guess from his blank look what may be tried: he is happy? She is angry? E 'confused? E 'excited? I have not the faintest idea. I do strength and support him on the shoulder. "So you see, Jane," I say before you turn around and walk as if nothing had happened to the stairs.
*** ***
that evening for dinner tonight
Mika is not: it is by his girlfriend, Joy, and I'm here at the table alone with Lucien, who has not done one word in ten minutes. And I can not do the same, embarrassed to death for my scene this morning in the ER. Lucien spend another five minutes and gets up. "I'm sorry, Nicole, but I have to go finish a thing. They are there if you need study, says she went away. I remain thoughtfully to finish my dessert, then I get up and start clearing the table. Half an hour later
are in my room to walk back and forth while I ponder what to do: How do I explain to Lucien's why I did it? I wonder now how you feel ... I can not not talk to him, I feel guilty ... But what I say? And how do I tell? He is so sweet ... tender, sensitive ... How do I reject it again? I do not dare! Of course now, after the kissing scene with Jane should have realized ... I think about two more minutes and then I surrender: enough, I tell him, what will be will be.
Esco running from my room and throws down the stairs. Arriving at the door of the study panting.
"Hey, Nic, what happened?" I asked Lucien, raising his head from his papers.
"Can I talk?"
"Sure, come inside."
I make a step inside and I am standing in front of him. "Lucien, listen to what happened this morning ..."
Lucien squeezes his eyes, does not seem to understand.
"That thing that happened to the emergency room ..."
"Oh," exclaims settling his spectacles on his nose, "Well I saw ... 'What can I say, I'm happy for you, if you found someone you like .... "
" Yes, that's ... well ... the truth is that ... you know ... phew! "
" Come on, Nicole, you can talk quietly, you know, "he said folding his hands on lap. I
a deep breath and go: "Well, I'm with Jane. I this morning I kissed her, but it was the first time, and do not even know if she likes me! I do not even know if a lesbian! "
Lucien remains open mouth. ... But then ... why did you kiss her?"
Expiro weakly. "I did it for you, Lucien."
"For me?"
"Yes, well ... I do not want to give you false hope ... I know you do not want to surrender and that we still hope, but I do not ... I can not, well ..."
"I ... I hope so, "
" You told me you last night: you do not want to surrender, that my refusal gave you ... "
Lucien puts her hand over her mouth.
"... gave you the position ..." I see
struggling to hold back a laugh.
"What ... what ... I said something funny?"
"Oh, Nic ... What have you got it! "babbles and then bursts out laughing.
"But Ugh, why are you laughing?! I thought if you saw me with a woman you would understand! You know I want you, but I did not want-"
" haha! Ahahahaha! "- Now Lucien laughs heartily.
"... I did not want you to face another rejection, that is." I start with hands on hips, fed up with this situation. "So, I want to explain what's so funny?", I end up crying.
"Oh, Nic, I'm sorry ... but you've misunderstood!"
"Ah."
"I'm sorry, really! But I never imagined that you ... And then that evening I had gone completely melted! "
" But you kissed me! "
" Sorry, I was beside myself, I do not know why I did it ... "
" I did you take a shot! I thought you were infatuated with me again! You were practically naked and you kissed me, what I think? "
" I'm sorry, Nicole, "he repeated," Excuse me ... "
Eventually I give up. "OK, come on, let it go. Now it's gone. "
Lucien sulking and puts his hand on my shoulder. "Can you forgive me?"
I can not help smiling. "This time ..." Even
Lucien smiles, then after a few seconds back and tip his serious gray eyes on me. "I was referring to Katherine."
"How?"
"That evening, I was talking to Katherine."
"Ah ... your ex-wife?"
"Yes. And 'I was talking to her. E 'with you that I will not give up. You know, I thought about it, and I came to the conclusion that even if she does not want me now, even if she insists on rejecting them, I do not care, I'm not giving up. Enough with the depression, enough self-pity! Not I care if they are old, young, fat or thin: I've decided for her commitment to becoming the best person I can. "He pauses a moment to catch my breath, holding his right hand in a tight fist. "I want to be the best person I can for her. And she will notice it. Want to be an excellent surgeon, an excellent father, an excellent husband. The ambition and the will power I do not miss, Nicole. So, "concludes with a light in his eyes that I have rarely seen before," I'm not going to back down. I do not care how long it will last or what is important is that when she wants, I'll be ready. I'll be there for her. "
Suddenly I feel two tears run slowly down his cheeks. I feel their warmth and their moisture plow my face.
"Nic ... Hey, what's wrong?" Lucien asks me worried.
sniffed. "You're a wonderful person," he mumbled through her tears.
"What?" Whispered gently lift the chin with a finger.
"I said you're a person Meraglia!" He exclaimed.
"But you say ... I'm just a poor fool, I'm not at all,"
"I do not know if you're the best person in the world, Lucien, but for sure for sure ... you're the best person I've ever known! "I reply giving me about him and squeeze in a hug. Lucien himself to be embraced, then I stroked her hair and surrounds me with his strong arms and warm. I support my head on his chest, close my eyes and listen to the beats of silence in his heart.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Koleston Colour Chart Reds

to look into the past ...

folded over the toilet bowl, I wipe my mouth with toilet paper, spray the inside and pull the toilet. Disgusted, I get up, get out of the cab and go to the bathroom sinks. Standing before the mirror, look at my face, white as a sheet, and two dark bags that I frame the eyes. I really fear ... I take off my glasses and I open a faucet, cold water I repeatedly rinsing the face and mouth. After I dried my face and put his glasses, I take a deep breath and I'm going back to the ward. In
corridor crossing Nicole.
"Hey, Lucien, where was she? So, come with me, we have lunch together?"
Lunch? I just put the sandwich I ate half an hour ago .... "No thanks, I'm not hungry," I reply.
"Ah ... ok. But you feel good? You are a bit 'pale .. "
nod.
" Sure? "Insists scrutinizing.
" Sure. "
" Okay ... See you later then. "
I'll give a nod with his head and continued my walk down the hall, rummaging in the pockets of the coat looking for a mint.
*** *** the next day
"Lucien, I can talk a while?" She asks Nicole.
"Sure, tell me."
"We ... do you mean ...", pointing to the door of my room.
"Ah, if you like ... Let's go to my office."
enter before I leave Nicole and I follow. I can sit on the chair while I support the desk.
"So what did you want to talk about?"
"Of you, Lucien."
"About me ..?"
"Yes. I am seriously concerned, Lucien. "
" How come? "
'Well, you behave as if nothing had happened, but I see it as you are!"
frowned. "Why, how do I look?"
"You tell me," Nicole replies by crossing his arms over his chest.
shrugged. "Whatever that is ... The usual routine ..."
Nic shakes his head.
"What?" I ask.
"Are you a big head, Lucien. You can not pretend that nothing is forever!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Of you, Lucien! You see far a mile you're suffering like a dog, but do not want to admit! But you can not resist so long, you realize? "
stubbornly remain silent and keep his eyes away from Nicole.
" Please ignore it, Lucien, is not a solution! In this way you're only hurting! "
I stand up." If we waste time with these useless talk, Nicole, is that you better go. "
He jumps up and plant his gaze straight in my eyes. "No. I'm not leaving until you admit it. "
" Admit what? "
" Do not be dumb: tell me! "
" What? "
"Tell me, LUCIEN! Tell me in the face!"
"WHAT? WHAT CHANGES IF YOU SAY THAT I AM THE SHIT!? WHAT ?!?", cry.
Nicole does not respond and continues to look at me straight in the eye.
"What will change ...", repeat this time with the voice broken by a narrow throat.
Nicole looks down and bites her lip. Nothing else is silent and leaves the room. Just approaching the door behind him, I feel my eyes start to burn and fill with tears.
May 1976 ****************** ******************
Dubenko Lucien puts the plastic cap to the pen and stands up. He takes his papers, collects the folder from the ground, first to move towards the chair, puts a ball of paper on the desk companion who sits behind him. Professor Hobbes rolls his eyes fixed on the boy from the lenses of his glasses. Holding the left hand on the newspaper he is reading, extends the right to take over the task of chemical Dubenko.
From the bottom of the class you will hear voices: "You see?" "Have you delivered!" "What a nerd!"
"Silence!" Cries the Professor Hobbes stretching in his chair. "Shut up and do your job! "
Lucien starts toward the door, and just before leaving, he gives a quick look at his classmates, all still leaning on the counter.
***
"TADAAA! FACT! "
Lucien jolted the school library. "Are you crazy, Michael?! Behind this attack, make me a shot! "
" I finished, LUCIEN! Michael EVVA !!!", cried, waving his arms in the air.
"Yes, but you've made any mistakes this time?" Asked Lucien seriously.
"Look," Michael begins putting himself astride a chair, "I changed things in the first period and in the third. And the last I left it in half. You say, can go? "
Lucien nods. "I think so. Finally, you learned how to copy the tasks in the classroom! "
" Gne Gne Gne. Hear me now. What do you think if I tell you that we are invited to the feast of Lydia Grossman? "
" Grossman who? The cheerleader? "
" Exactly! "
" Are you kidding? How did you make up an invitation? "
" Simple! I spoke with her friend Ruth, who told me that they needed a stereo for the party. I told her I did have I so I won an invitation to the party. "
" Michael, but you do not have a stereo ... "
" Yes, but she mica knows? "
"-Mich"
"Wait, I asked if I could bring a friend and she said yes! Lucien, you realize: we are invited to a party! "
" No Michael, we are not invited, we are only using it to have a stereo! That we have not! "
Michael extends his arms and nods to Lucien to wait. "Shut up and listen: there will be Cindy."
Lucien hangs and stays with his mouth half open.
"Yes, that's right!"
"C-Cindy ...? Cindy Walters? "
Michael nods.
"Cindy ..."
"And Cindy with her friend Rebecca is also the fourth year! Do you realize?! The busty! "
" Yes, but are you sure that you understand? Said Cindy? Cindy Walters? "
" Yes! Listen, we must find a way to make us both! "
" It is said that Cindy Michaels? OR ... Deborah Walters or ..? "
" Christ, Lucien, he says Walters, Cindy Walters, the blonde! You want to toe with this paranoia? "
" But then it is true ... Let's go to the party with Cindy! "
" Ugh ... do not go to the party 'by' Cindy: we go to the party 'to try to get slinguazzare with' Cindy! Not only! Let's go to the party also, and above all, to me slinguazzare, Michael Voigt, with Rebecca McPherson, tectonics of the fourth year! "
***
" Rebecca, Cindy, this is the My friend Lucien. "
"Hello!" "Nice!"
alllunga Lucien's arm and shaking hands with two girls, focusing on the particularly soft and smooth, Cindy, the blond-haired angel.
"Lucien ... Yes ... But now let it resume its hand, ok?" Involved pulling off his friend Michael.
Lucien makes us even if, as is lost in the beautiful smile of sweet Cindy.
"Then," says Michael, "Do you want to go out in the garden? We chat under the stars? "
Four out out: you can hear the crickets sing and the air is fresh. Michael and Rebecca settle a few feet away from other, astride a tree trunk that serves as the bench, while Cindy and Lucien sit opposite each other around a table of gray plastic.
Cindy clears his throat and looks around nervously while Lucien martyrs holding hands under the table. His heart beats wildly and struggling to breathe.
"It 's nice here, do not you think?", Then asks Cindy.
Lucien nods.
"You are in the same class as Michael?"
Lucien nods again.
"But you speak, sometimes, or not?" Cindy asks jokingly.
Lucien stirs and emits a strange sound, halfway between hysterical laughter and a gasp of despair. Cindy giggles, covering her mouth with his hand, his hand soft and smooth.
"S-you know, is that ... phew ... no ... does not make you hot?" - Are the first true words that Lucien manages to get out of the mouth.
"It makes you hot?" Cindy says with amazement. "The truth is almost cold to me ..."
"You want my jacket?", Lucien cries jumping up. Unfortunately, with its rush hits the table that begins to stagger. "Oops! He he he! Sorry!, "Chuckles Lucien. "Here, put this," he says taking off his denim jacket and placing it on the shoulders of Cindy.
"Thanks."
Lucien nods, smiling, and he returns to his place. He feels it is beginning to take courage. That jacket was un'ideona, a stroke of genius!
After a few minutes the night sky begins to cloud cover, and the East begins to blow a cold mountain wind. Lucien shrugs and with all his might try beginning your conversation.
"You and ... ... and Lydia are good friends ...?" can come up with superhuman effort.
"Yes, we know from elementary school. Our parents attend the same club, tennis and golf. "
" b-Ah ... well ... I get it. "
" But I've never seen at the Valley Club: we never come? "
" No I do not do much ... ... sport. "
" How come? "
Lucien shrugs. "N-no-p ... I do not like it, not for me. Well, ... "
" How strange! "Says Cindy," To all the boys like sport! "
Lucien does not know what to say. But if you can not find a suitable answer, Cindy thinks he's weird, or believe that he's gay ... This thought terrifies him: if it is convinced that he is gay, his hopes are equal to zero with Cindy ... Short of ideas , Lucien leans to the right to seek the help of Michael. Do not believe his eyes locked together on the tree trunk, Michael and Rebecca are making out big time. Lucien struggles and hidden object: the hand of Michael is wandering in the middle of the breasts of Rebecca. Here's why the 'busty' ...
"Everything okay?" Asked Cindy.
Lucien suddenly felt his heart beat a thousand resumes: Michael if you are slinguazzando Rebecca, because he should not slinguazzarsi Cindy? The very thought sends him into fibrillation. His body begins to send signals telling and Lucien does not know what to do.
"It makes you hot?" Asked Cindy. "Your face is all red ..."
Oh no, thought Lucien, that figure! But can not do it, and would love to see what Michael does. What ... What is that thing that is pulling out of the neckline of her shirt? Lucien does not want to believe Michael is pulling the bra!
now on the verge of a state of shock, Lucien tries to concentrate on something, anything that is not sex.
"T-you ... you like detective novels?"
"What, sorry?"
A chill wind shivers the small Lucien.
"A-I-I love Agatha Christie."
absent expression of Cindy is worth a thousand words. But his lips pink, upturned nose, and those hazel eyes clouded the meaning of the little Lucien, who does not notice and continues stubbornly to his speech.
"His latest book, S- curtain, is the latest with Her-Hercule Poirot! P-I prefer novels with Miss Marple, Poirot is also well ... nice and ... "Lucien stop for breath, and then returns the Curtain ... Captain Hastings, who is ... my absolute favorite character! "
Cindy, not knowing what to say, it begins to look around. Finally
Lucien realizes that the doll in front of you is getting bored to death. It is urgent to find another topic of conversation ...
"... You've seen pictures of Mars?"
"What?"
"Pictures taken by the Viking spacecraft that landed on Mars! Or, as one would say rightly ammartata. You have not seen? "
Cindy shakes her head.
"You see the soil of Mars, you see the big rocks ... And the last one passed on to those? Fantastic, but we think we are talking about Mars! Is not it incredible? "
" Hey, Lisa! "Says Cindy at a group of girls who are passing by the two.
"Cindy!" "What are you doing here?" Caw her friends approaching.
"You're going inside?"
"Yes, it's cold out here." "Come with us?"
Another icy wind behind the poor Lucien.
"Yes, coming!" Answers Cindy standing up without hesitation.
instinct, and education, it also raises Lucien.
"Oh, you're right, sorry, your jacket ..." Cindy is taking off his jacket and placing it on the table.
"N-no, I did not want to ... ..."
"Thanks for everything, hello."
Cindy greets him summarily as the friends they take and carry away.
Lucien defers sitting alone and can not find the courage to get back wearing the vest, which has been in contact with the skin smooth and scented with Cindy. Holding it in his arms, clasps him tightly.
"Hey, Lucien! Where is your babe? "
" Michael ... "
" E 'with Becca went to the bathroom? "
Lucien shook his head.
"It 's gone to get a drink? Did you let her go alone? "
Lucien shook his head. "She's gone."
"What, gone?"
"There 's been in with her friends."
"What! And what are you doing here? Go! "
Lucien shook his head.
"What thou hast in mind? Sawdust? Go ' from her, now! "
Lucien fixing the gray plastic of the table.
"Now you come with me," says Michael Lucien, taking his arm. "I'll drag us by force, damn it!"
Lucien does not resist and was accompanied by Michael at home. Here the music is deafening - and then someone finally brought the car stereo.
"Do you see?" Asked Michael.
Lucien shook his head.
"Let's try the other room!"
looked everywhere, but Cindy is not even there.
"What do you say, let's try it on?" asked Lucien Directing the index upward.
"OK," replies Michael.
The two did not have time to get on that first step, the top of the ramp, see Cindy hugging Doug Ross, the shortstop of the baseball team of the school. They're kissing. Him with his hands on his chest, she shakes her muscular forearms.
Michael remains open mouth, then turns to Lucien. Her look is revealing. Michael swallows, then try putting a hand on the shoulder of his friend, who, however, goes off with one click.
"I'm going, Michael."
"Come on, Lucien, wait."
"We See you tomorrow at school.
"No, come on, stay! You're a bit 'with me and Rebecca. "
Lucien shook his head. "See you tomorrow," repeated before wedged through the crowd toward the door.
Michael resists for a while ', but ultimately can not do it. Runs Rebecca, greets her with a kiss, and runs out of the house of Lydia, which was launched in pursuit of his best friend.
little later *** ***
"Hmm ... I never tire of these chips!" Michael says with his mouth smeared with ketchup. "You is not it?"
Lucien
shrugs and continues to turn his potato dish soaked in ketchup.
"I the Bartels Giant Burger him nominated for the Nobel Prize! Are you in? "
Lucien nods.
"Come on, Lu! Shoot out! Cindy that if you do not deserve you prefer a lousy baseball player! "
Lucien bites his chips.
"That Ross has assembled a total head of a turnip! You know it's so stupid that has been rejected for the license exam? Tze! "
Lucien began to chew nervously.
"And it's not even that cute ... Have you seen who has one leg longer than the other? "
" What? "
" Yes! The left seems to me ... No, no, indeed, is the longest right! "
" Come on ... "
" I say yes! "
Lucien smiles.
"oohh! Finally a smile! Jesus, thank you! The older boy down the story is able to smile! "
" Ahaha ... haha ... "
" I can not believe! "Shouts Michael standing. "Ladies and gentlemen-
" Stop, idiot! ", it will resume Lucien pulling his arm.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here is the event of the year! Right here at Bartels Giant Burger of Redding, California! "
" Hahaha ... Stop ... Hahaha ... "
" A round of applause, ladies and gentlemen! A round of applause for the smile of the most depressed guy in history! "
******************* ********* May 2008 *********
"Dad ..."
I shake myself hearing the voice of Mika. With goggle fixed my son who is sitting in the doorway of my room.
"Pa, are you okay?" Do not you want to dine? "
shake my head. No, I do not like. These are days that I can not make a complete meal. I do not like, I do not go down at all.
"Listen ...", Mika starts coming toward me.
I shot a bit 'on the back, while remaining seated on the bed. "Yes, what is? Is something wrong?" I ask.
Mika reached out and sits on the bed to my right. "Yes, Dad, you."
"I-I?"
"I do not dine there three nights and you're up here all alone ..."
"..."
"Look, I understand it is for your friend ... but why do not you come a bit 'down with us?"
shake my head.
"Come on!"
I again shook his head.
"Then I can stay here with you?"
I opened my eyes: the demand for Mika surprise me.
"Would you rather I go away?"
"No ... No, Mika, stay. Stay here, please, "whispered placing a hand behind his neck.
Mika approaches again and, stretching his arms, he shakes in a big hug. After an initial moment of surprise I hold strong, long.
"Come here beside me," I finally get by Mika on the bed.
remains for some minutes in silence, sitting side by side with your legs straight on the mattress, his back against the headboard.
"You miss a lot?"
nod.
"You were friends for so long?"
"From middle school ..."
"Wow!"
shake my head. "I still can not believe ... it does not seem possible ..."
"How old were you?"
"My age ... And '... it's like I lost a brother ... "
" Hmm. "
Oh, Mika, I'm so sorry! You do not have any brothers or sisters ... Your mother and I we were not able, we could not get this gift.
"Dad, tell me how to have a brother?"
Sigh. "You know, Mika, having a brother is like ... like ... have another yourself. Not the same person, because it's not like you. Indeed, two brothers are almost always different in many things, sometimes just the opposite ... But it's like seeing in a mirror: two complementary sides of the same individual. When you a brother, you're sure he will understand you, always. Even if he has a different opinion, even if he makes different choices for you ... you're sure he'll be there, always. It 's a bit like ... "
" How? "
I take another deep sigh. "As the relationship I have ... I had with your mother."
Mika looks at me eyes wide.
"Yes, Mika. Your mother and I are completely different, two totally opposite characters, and yet I know I can count on you, always. And so, you can count on me. "
" Even after all that has happened, even after you get divorced? "
" Yes ", answer instinctively. Then I'll take a few seconds to think about it, but ultimately the answer is. "Yes, Mika, even today. And I do not think this will change. Although we are far, if we separate our feelings can not change, Mika. They will never change ... "
Mika does not react, is thought to head down. I guess for him it is difficult to understand a thing, I guess you're wondering why we were Katherine and I left, even if we feel such strong feelings for each other.
"Look, Dad," says Mika jumping up to side of the bed. "Now come down to dinner with us, though."
"I can not, really ..."
"Come on, pa! Make an effort! "
" It's not that I want, Mika, is that I'm not hungry right: I closed my stomach, I can not eat! "
" Ugh ... Listen to me: I make you a little something . Eh?
"You? Since when do you cook? "
" Now ... cooking is not quite the right word, PA. But you prepare for something that I always did my mother when I had a bad day or wanted to do something to forgive! "
"How?" I ask smiling.
"Yes, yes, she always worked with! I ate and felt better immediately! So, come on? "
How can I say no?
"Okay, Mika, I come down. Just give me a couple of minutes, okay?
"Yay Mika !!!", exclaims, clapping her hands. "I will run down and prepare everything! But hurry, eh! "
Waiting for Mika leave the room and jot down your legs out of bed. Now I get up, I think, and instead rest motionless, with hands tightly pressed against the mattress. No, I can not believe. Michael is gone. I close my eyes. We had not seen rarely, it is true, but we always stayed in touch, we felt it often enough ... I put my hands in my hair and shake my head. How will I overcome this? I accepted the death of my father, I accepted my mother's ... but this is too hard, I can not.
open my eyes and I look at my hands, look at the back of my left hand, look at your ring finger, the phalanx of bare where once I kept the faith. Katherine. God, how I wish he were here now. So I need you right now ... You knew Michael, you understand how hard it is for me ... I have it next, I would hug her, I want ... What a fool I am! She came here a week ago, had left Italy to be with me and see how I was, and I treated badly, I sent it away. What a fool! Idiot!
Finally I stand up. I try to force me and I decided to go down. Just before that exceeds the threshold, however, I hear the phone ringing. It 's a message. I go back, take it from above the table and I open it. Gape: I can not believe!
E 'Katherine, "Hello Lu! I wanted to hear how you were. How are you? Take care, eh, do not bring you down! "
I shake my head no, it is Right now you can ... I was thinking about her! Incredible ... I hit the reply button, then three times for the 6 'O' and twice for 5 "K".
wait for the return message occurred and close the phone. Back on my bike to go down to Mika when I get another SMS. Go back and re-open the phone. It 's still her, "OK?? You must promise me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!»
I can not suppress a smile.
"promise." I say.

Streaming Tiffany Towers

(no title)

"We check the values every two hours? "Shirley asks me, coming back down the corridor.
"Yes, perfect," I reply fast brisk walk to the elevators.
"If there's something I call her o..? "
" Yeah, yeah, call me, call me, I have a pager with me, only now ... "I interrupt you a moment to throw me into the elevator," ... is that now I have to ... "Just then the doors close and in front of me, saving me the embarrassment of answering.
gently knock on the door and I hold my breath. From inside the room I hear his muffled voice that says, "Next".
turn the handle and push the door forward. I enter the room but I do not see anyone.
"Abby?" Name a voice not too high.
At that moment I hear the cry of a baby coming from the bathroom door: I turn and I check Abby, in sweatshirt and pants, in her arms the little Leeroy.
" Hey, I whisper approaching.
"Lucien, what a surprise ... Hey, my love", he then turning the baby "looks a bit ' who came to see you? Did you see who's here? There's Uncle Lucien! "
smile to his words and I walk a few inches from the baby. "Hello Leeroy! Hello ... It 's beautiful, "exclaimed finally turning to Abby.
Abby smiled a beautiful smile, a smile from mom, and rest for a moment as if hypnotized and I lose myself in his eyes, that look so sweet ... "You're beautiful," she whispered almost involuntarily as my right hand close to his cheek. Abby instinctively shrinks. At the same moment the door opens and Luka appears in the doorway. "Abby, come on, let us go - Oh! Lucien, are you here? "
Withdrawal hand away, embarrassed. I look down on the ground and I put both hands in his pockets.
"Everything okay?" Luka asks in a tone a bit 'hostile approaching us.
"... I m-I was leaving," I say moving away to the side.
"Half a turn?", Abby asks me, referring to the fact that not wearing the shirts.
"Yeah ... now I have to attend a parent-teacher meeting at the school of Mika. "
" Ah, you're lucky! "Exclaims Luka.
not grasping the meaning of his comment, look at him with a puzzled expression.
"parent-teacher meeting, Lucien! "He says, spreading his arms. "Single moms to go-go! "
" Luka! ", It still takes Abby Leeroy cradled in his arms.
" What? "Lucien is single, is a wonderful opportunity for him!" He says of the jet. Then he looks at me, frowning, "Why you're single, right? "
blush instantly, even though in reality I would not have any reason. "Yes," I say cut it short. "Now I must go, though. Abby, Luka, was a pleasure, "I add as I go to the door. "Be well, see you soon! "Exclaimed the first to sneak out in a hurry.
***
"Oh, a surgeon!?"
"Yes ..."
"Congratulations! She has a fantastic job! "
" Thank you hundreds of lives are saved every day, you realize? "
'Well, maybe not hundreds, but ... "
" You work at night? "
" must always wear a coat? "
" Are you married? "
"How much does a surgeon like her a year?"
Help! I do not know what to say, I do not know what to do ... I'm surrounded by a trio of cackling and mothers overwhelmed me with questions. How do I get rid?
"But those are not anti-long hair toilets?"
At these words, we all turned back to a young lady in a suit a few steps away from us.
"Excuse me?" I ask.
"I was wondering whether to take such long hair like his was harmful to the environment aseptic hospital, as well as obviously uncomfortable."
"Uncomfortable? N-not ... not at all uncomfortable, "I reply looking at the cropped hair, which leads straight on the head. "And then, madam," he adds, "wear long hair is not anti-hygienic: just keep it clean!"
"But when you visit patients? And in the operating room? "
" In the operating room, madam, "I say a little 'irritated," bring all the shirts, gloves, mask and bonnet! "
' Well, if you say so ... "said the lady in the suit in a resentful tone before turning away and leave.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your participation. I remember at the end of our meeting, that the education of your children has the greatest importance for us: do not hesitate to call us to ask questions and, because no, to give us suggestions to improve the quality of teaching and social life in this school. Thank you again and wish you a happy evening. "
After the final speech, we all stand up and applaud the deputy headmaster. Finally, we salute you quickly and everyone goes their own way.
'a quarter past seven,' I think to myself. 'Maybe I do it in time ... "
***
I turn the key in the lock and entered.
"I at home, "cried while I support the sull'appendiabiti jacket. At that moment I hear rapid footsteps coming down the stairs. I look up. "Hey, hello Nico-"
"AAAAHHHH !!!!"
" Nicole, but what-"
" AHH! Oh my god, Lucien! "
gets me scared. "What happened?"
"NO!! Lucien!! No !!!!"
"Nic?" I do not understand what is taken.
"What FACT ??!?! Are you nuts ?!?!?"
"Me?" I ask surprised.
"What have you done to your hair ?!?!"
" You see? "I ask all proud touching my neck.
"... You're crazy! How did you come to mind to cut them?!? "
" Dunno ... it was so long that I kept them ... "
" But no, Lucien ... Your beautiful curly brown hair! "
" Be ', but you know, wear long hair is a bit 'uncomfortable ... "
" Uncomfortable? "
" Yes, for a doctor is not comfortable to wear long hair is not hygienic, "
" What!? "
"But yes, while we visit patients ... A too thick hair is not professional, come on."
"Lucien, you realize what you're saying? Along with the hair you have lost even the light of reason?! Most women wear their hair shorter or longer: so you think we women are not medical professionals?!? "
"M-but no ... I did not mean that ..."
"Oh no? So what did you mean?? "
I bite my lips, unable to respond, and I walk in silence to the hall mirror. "But why do you think I'm not well?"
Nicole makes a big sigh and comes towards me, ready to read my new 'head' in the mirror. "Do not you think that short hair make me look more al-"
"Old?"
"Old?"
"Oh ... n-no ... not old ... I mean ..."
"I thought I did appear higher ..."
"Alto!?" Nicole Eslami eyes wide.
"Yes, high, why?"
"s-Ah ... yes ... maybe ... a few inches ..."
I can not suppress a smile. 'Tell the truth: I do not look at all higher, right? "
" No! "Answers sincere and Nicole burst out laughing together.
***
After a brief consultation in the emergency room back up in surgery. I go out of the elevator and as I head to the office I take the stethoscope from his neck and put it in the right pocket of the coat. I push the door and into my room. Even if it's dark, I headed for the desk sure to find the switch on a lamp table.
"Well, Doctor, can you make this recipe or not!?"
For a moment I will freeze the blood in his veins. I'm just another second, However, to realize who it belongs to that deep voice that resonates behind me.
"I can not believe ..." I say turning on the light and turning back.
Michael approached me with his arms forward in style zombies.
"do not scare me!", I burst out laughing.
"I want the ricettaaaa", grumbles.
"Ahah ahahaha!"
A slap on the back and then a big hug. "Well?! How are you, amigo? "
replacement embrace, then we go way back.
"Fuck you doing here?" He exclaimed.
"Are not you glad to see me?"
placed his hands on his hips. "So?"
Michael shrugs. "I was from my few days in Detroit, since then I had to give me a check-up, I decided to do it here from you."
"Check-up?" I ask.
"Seh on in Cardiology."
"But ..."
"Quiet, not I have nothing, just a check-up! After I spend another tot cardiology exams ... All that stuff he prescribed my doctor. "
frowned, a bit 'confused.
"Dude, look, there's nothing strange: we are getting close to fifty! Do not know about you, but I do not control that day! "
Fifty? I pretend not to hear and change the subject.
"And the wife d0ve you left?"
"Wife?"
"Do not marry you had with that Brazilian?"
"Eh? Ah, no ... if they have not done anything then ... "
I look a bit 'worried that the story ended badly?
"What?" He asks.
"Eh? No, nothing - "
" Look I'm fine! You, rather, what is the situation chicks? "
" Michael ... "
" Come on! How did it go then with that girl? "
" Q-What girl? "
"Do you remember who brought you dine at Charlie Trotter's one night? When it was? A year and a half ago? "
I take a deep breath. "Almost two ..."
"Hmm ... so if they have not done anything for you either, eh?"
shake my head. At that time my pager starts to vibrate. "An emergency arrival in the emergency room ..."
"You have to go?"
"Oh, yes," I nod. "Listen, why do not we go out for a drink tonight?"
***
"In short, the Brazilian gave us bad inside?", I sip the second pint.
"A sex goddess, the perfection made woman, Lucien, you can not even imagine!" Replies Michael. "We spent entire days and nights, sex at full power! Pity then that he found a twenty-five Croatian and you forget about me! "
" Croatian? "Ask the face with disgust.
"Yes, Croatian, why? "
I shake my head and throw down a nice sip of beer.
"So, are you? No more Charlie Trotter's? No more romantic dinner? "
" It 's a long story ... "
" You always say so, Lucien, your stories seem to be the longest and most complicated of the earth! "
escapes me laugh.
"I think the stories are rather simple and clear in this world, only that you are of clay and not understand anything!"
"Maybe ..." I can tell between a laugh and another, "... you're right!"
Third pint. Michael stands up well, as usual I have sweaty rotten and my head is spinning.
"And that Kirsten was so beautiful?"
nod. "You should see it ... you should see it ..."
"tall, slim?"
"Funny, looks like models ... very intelligent ..."
"Shit, Lucien, and you're made to run away!? You tell me how you did, you've done? Why do I assume that was your fault ... I do well? "
to Launch Michael a look that is worth a thousand words.
"Oh yeah, I was not wrong!" She exclaims. "Well? Fuck you done? "
" not even worth it ... "I whisper softly.
"No, no, now you tell me! I've told the Brazilian thee! Next! "Insists giving me a little blow on the shoulder.
"Then," beginning. Then I stop now to give the last drop the pinta. "I ... No, I can not."
"Come on! Speak! "
shake my head. "No, I can not, really, is it too ..."
"Too embarrassing?"
"Too embarrassing and too stupid!"
"HAHA! Too stupid! Now I'm really curious: from, shoot! "
" OK. I ... well, I have ... "
Michael comes up to me and with eyes wide.
"I called Katherine."
"Nooo! NO! "
" When we were in bed together, "he adds.
"No. No, no, no! I can not believe! You're crazy, man, 'You fool! How do I? But how do you ?!!?"
shrugged.
"You're incredible, you know?"
"That 's what you said."
my words Michael rista bursts into a frenzied, and I, now clouded by the fumes of alcohol, I follow suit.
After a few minutes of insane laughter, Michael returns seriously. "Now listen, Lucien. You and me we must develop a plan who lose out on the right path, we can not be alone, people like me and you no longer have anything in between. "
" What ... what chance? "
" We have almost fifty years, Lucien! Who will take us two, five, ten years? The women are to be averted as lepers: Do not have much time! You and I must find a way to settle down, and soon. "
"You're kidding, right?"
"No, I'm not kidding. Do you want to spend the rest of your life, your old age, alone? Not me! I want to have someone next: I want a woman, a beautiful woman who is near me and she loves me. You do not want this? "
not answer and I look at my empty glass.
"What, are you afraid of? Think you can not find anyone? "
shake my head.
"So that's your problem?"
I spun around and almost lose my balance falling off the stool. Michael grabs me just in time. "Hey, look out!"
The head starts to turn around now, really strong.
"Lucien, listen: you must find a woman and I will help you. We understand each other? "
shake my head.
"Ah, no?"
"No."
"No?"
"No."
Michael chuckles. "You're drunk ..."
"I ... I do not want anybody."
"Come on, Lucien! Stop making fun! "
" I'm not kidding, Michael ... I'm done. Enough. "
" Enough? "
" Enough with the women, these stories come and go, I ... "
" OK, I understand. Come on, take you home, you're cooked. "
" No, "he exclaimed, pointing. "I'm speaking seriously."
Michael stops and looks me straight in the eye.
"I do not want no woman. No but her. "
" She who? "
" Katherine. "
" What? "
" I want her. "
" Lucien, you two- - "
" No, stop. "
" Stop you, Lucien, because I do not stop! You have divorced fifteen years ago, she dumped you and you do not have most wanted, how much fucking time do you want to lose again?! You can not ruin my life for her, I want to understand or not!? "
" No, Michael. I I love you, Kath is the only woman I want. If it is a matter of time, I'll wait. "
" A matter of time?! But if Katherine has had fifteen years of time and was never rebuilt alive! You're an idiot, Lucien, a big dickhead! Why do you want to repeat the same mistake over and over? "
" There is an error, Michael, the other women were mistakes. "
" You're wrong! "
" E But no. "
" Oh no? And how can you be so sure you're doing it right? Eh? "
I'll jump off the stool, and a little unstable, I am standing. Poggio his right hand on his chest and shake his shirt in his hand at heart level. "What I feel inside: this can not be wrong, Michael. It can not. "
*** *** the next day in hospital
" Are you sure you feel good? You can also work with a hangover? "
" What? I have no posthumous, dear Michael! "
"But if last night did not you stand up!"
"It is clear that some pills do not know Japanese ..."
"Pills Japanese?"
nod. "A colleague of Osaka has brought me a box, and I must say it works great!"
"Always at the forefront of medicine, our Dottorone"
I shrug. "What can you do ... But now I must leave you, I have a duodenal resection and laparoscopic cholecystectomy: stuff is long ..."
"Quiet, so I'm not moving! Should I wait to visit the cardiologist, so ... "
" OK, then after "
" Hasta Lueg! "Michael greeted me by raising the upper hand.
I leave the second operation and are already three in the afternoon. I do a quick refreshing dip in the bathroom before going upstairs to Michael. Arrival in the hallway and go directly to her room: the door is wide open. I leaned in the doorway and see a waitress who is remaking the bed.
"Oh, Excuse me ... "- I must have the wrong room. Recheck the numbers: 66. And 'this ... I leaned back and I cleared my throat. "Excuse me, where they brought the patient who was here?"
"I am referring the beds, she answers without even looking with.
A bit 'annoyed, I go to the bar of acceptance of Cardiology. The nurse confirms what I already knew: Michael Voigt, room 66. Thank you and come back by the friendly waitress.
"Sorry to bother you while you work, but I'm looking for Mr. V-"
"I've already mentioned, "he replies," I do only the beds!
I try to stay calm and get back in the hall. How do I find it now? That have already moved to another department? I'll be back by the nurse in acceptance.
"Excuse me again, it could be kind enough to look in other departments if their is a patient named Michael Voigt?"
"Lucien ..."
I turn and I see coming towards Dr. Kaysone me. "Jack, hello."
"Lucien, you have a moment?"
"Sorry, Jack, we can do later?"
"Er ... It would be better now."
"Please excuse me, but I absolutely understand where they have moved a ... By the way, maybe you you know who that is: you have kept a certain Michael Voigt? "
Kaysone unresponsive and looks at me weird.
"Did you see me?"
After a second's hesitation I answered yes.
"Ah, then you also know where they have brought?"
"Lucien listen ... "
Oh, no. "He has something happened?"
Kaysone nods. "We could not do anything ... I'm sorry."
"What?" I ask in a faint voice.
"aortic dissection, Lucien."
"But now where is it?"
Kaysone not responding.
"E '... ... is still room in the operating room ... ..." - I can not finish the sentence, I feel a knot grips the throat and my eyes are filled tears.
"Sorry, Lucien."
reach out my hand and I lean on the counter. I put a hand over her mouth. Through tears I see before me Kaysone that crosses his hands on his chest and looking at me in silence.
"He wants to sit down a moment?", The nurse approached me accepting his chair.
I turn to her and I shook, I do not need that, but at that moment begins to turn around his head drop and I have no strength in his chair.
"Are you okay?" "You want something to drink? Tara, bring him a glass of water. "
bring me a glass of water and I drink it, with difficulty, but I throw it down.
"I have to go there ... do you think?" "Of course, Dr. Kaysone. I keep an eye on me. "
" No need, I'm fine, "he says, getting up shooting up. With all the strength that my body is trying to send back the tears and return to a professional demeanor. "Thank you, Jack. Now I must go. "
" Whatever you need, Lucien, I am here. "
nod and I'll go away. Street where I know. I just know I'm coming down the stairs, holding strong against the railing to avoid falling to the ground. Falling to the ground exhausted. On the ground.
*** *** a week after
E 'evenings and are alone in the house. I took another day off, I'm not going back to the damn hospital. I sit a couple of hours at the kitchen table, in the dark, and I drink a bottle of beer after another. They are there in all files, empty, on the table. I'm pissed off, angry with the world. Why did that happen? Why him? Disgusted, I throw down another mouthful.
Suddenly the doorbell rings. I do not get up. After a few seconds to play again. Puff and I stand up. I turn on the light and go to open the door.
I can not believe. E 'Katehrine, dressed all in black and grim expression on his face.
We exchange a few words of greeting and I enter. What the fuck you came here to do now?
The port in the kitchen and I can sit with me at the table. I can not, I can not speak ... This rage that burns inside of me makes it hard and cold.
"How are you?" She asks finally.
"How think that is? "
Across the table, Katherine does not answer.
We remain silent for long, I did not want to talk. Kath is always at the end to make the first attempt.
"Can I have a bit too 'beer?"
I nod my head to the fridge. "Help yourself, there's as much as you want,"
Katherine gets up. "I thought I had finished all of you!"
The glares at him but no answer.
"Hey, tuna in brine? Who is for you? "
" No, it's Mika. "
" What! But if you do not eat tuna in brine for years now! He ate so much when he was a child ... "
" Really eats with me forever, "she replied coldly.
Kath does not reply, closes the door and sits down again starting to sip his beer.
"What are you doing? What the fuck do you think? "
" Excuse me? "
" Tell me why do not you want to know anything about me and then I think you're always there at his feet! I explain it? "
" Please do not do this to me ... "
" What?! TU! Are you that you're doing this! Every time I say you do not want me, you do not want to be with me, and every time I turn around I am here to turn myself around! "
" Stop, Lucien ... "
" No, Katherine: Stop it! "
That said, swallowing what remains of the fifth bottle of the evening.
pass more minutes of silence. Katherine is strangely quiet, strangely combative. He could easily dismiss them, he could tear you live, but he did not.
"Do you remember the joke that he told Michael during the reception of our wedding?"
"Hmm?"
"Yes, come on, that of the child ..."
shake my head . "I do not remember ..."
"During a marriage, a girl asked her mother: Mother, mother, because the brides are always dressed in white? Because it means you are happy!, The mother responds. Later in the ceremony, the little girl back again by her mother and says, Mom, Mom, but if the bride wear white because it is happy, because the groom is dressed in black? "
I laugh. "I swear, this I do not remember ..."
"Oh no, eh? I yes, I remember like it was yesterday that the whole room burst out laughing ... and me at that point we were completely drunk and we sbellicavamo on the chair! "
I bite my lips, unable now to test the slightest resentment against Kath.
"Lucien, I'm going ..."
"I'll call you un taxi?”, chiedo alzandomi anch’io.
“No, ho preso un’auto a noleggio, sai… Sto… sto andando a Detroit dai genitori di Michael.”
“D- dai suoi genitori? E perché?”
“Mio fratello li sta aiutando con delle pratiche legali, e… be’, volevo passare da loro.”
“Allora c’è già Bradley con loro?”
Kath annuisce.
“Sai Katherine, il funerale è stato… è stato orribile. Non c’era nessuno, nessuno… Only his parents, close relatives and a few friends of the family ... There was no one else. Yet he had many friends ... "
Kath approached me and put his arm behind his back.
"I wanted to come but I did not."
shake my head as I feel the tears begin to fall on top on his face. "You should not have, no matter ..."
Kath hands me a hand on her back. "I'm sorry, Lucien."
nod.
We remain so, embraced in the middle for a while 'till Kath not greet me and goes with his rental car to Detroit, leaving me alone, again.