New Beginnings by Min Melinda was asleep when Johnny entered her room. He hesitantly approached her bed and got to the foot of her bed. "Doc? Doc?" He softly inquired. Her eyes opened and as they focused, she smiled. "Johnny, how nice to see you again. How long have I been asleep?" Her voice gave away her fatigue. Johnny gave her one of his crooked grins, and said, "I'm not sure, but I really hated to disturb you. I met your mom downstairs. She looks like you and now I know where you got those eyes and that smile." "Thanks, but if she's here, be prepared. She's quite a unique individual." Melinda shifted in her bed. Johnny laughed and came nearer to here bed. "Yeah, I can imagine. What are your plans after you get out of the hospital?" Johnny pulled a chair over and sat down next to her. For the next several hours, the two sat and talked. And talked and talked. He told her about Sharon and his wedding disaster. She told him about what happened at hers, and they talked and laughed. They shared likes, dislikes and found out they both liked bowling. She had won several tournaments and was on the bowling team at the hospital where she worked. Johnny, of course loved bowling, and had won several Fire Department tournaments over the past several years. Melinda told him about her 'menagerie', her horse Miss Vickey, her Basset hound puppy Cleo, and her cats. Miss Kitty was bequeathed to her by one of her elderly patients and Frisky had been left on her doorstep. They were her pride and joy. They were left at her mother's home because Geoff was allergic to them. She was looking forward to having them back with her. Johnny told her about his ranch and his horses and his big hairy furball cats named Sheba and Shannee. He told her about his friendship with Roy and how Roy talked him into joining the paramedic program. He described his relationship with Roy's family, his love for Chris and Jenny. He shared with her stories about his stationmates at 51, Henry, and his run-ins with the Phantom. He had her laughing so hard; it was difficult for her to catch her breath. "You know, Johnny, I haven't laughed like that in a long time. It feels so good. I feel like I've known you all my life. I can't believe we have so much in common." Johnny smiled, "I know, I can't believe it either. And it does seem like we've known each other all our lives." His tone grew serious. "I don't know about you, but I know I'm not ready yet to start another relationship, but can we be at least friends?" Melinda nodded her head. Her gray-blue eyes looked into his brown ones and she saw hope and friendship there. "I know I need friends and I am looking forward to my new life here. Johnny, thank you. You have no idea what your friendship means. I hope we'll get to work together here at the hospital. And I am looking forward to learning more about the paramedic program." "Well if I know Doc Brackett, he'll have you out with one of the squads doing a ride-along. You'll really get a bird's-eye view of what we do. Maybe I'm just a little prejudiced, but I think it's the best job in the world and if you talked to my partner, he'll say the same thing." Melinda smiled. "You two must be closer than brothers. I think that's nice. Of course it does come in handy when your lives are in each other's hands. Roy must be a very special person." Johnny shook his head in agreement. "You bet, Doc. He's my best friend in the world. I trust him with my life." Johnny made a face and shifted the conversation. "But I have a question for you. Why does Doctor Morton call you Lindy? I think your own name is much prettier." Melinda sighed. "Mike does it because he thinks it gets my goat. It doesn't, but if it makes him feel better to try, then so be it. When we were kids, one of our neighbors called us Mikey and Lindy and it kind of stuck." She grinned, "one of these days, I'm really going to get him good, and then, just maybe, we'll be even." Just then, the door opened and Miranda Mulvaney waltzed in. Her eyes took in the sight of her daughter in the bed with the right side of her mostly in plaster, and the handsome young man sitting next to her. She smiled at Johnny. "We meet again, Mr. Gage. What a nice surprise!" Johnny stood up and offered Miranda his chair, but she declined. To her daughter, Miranda said, "my darling, how are you feeling? Dr. Early seems to be taking excellent care of you." Melinda reached for her mother with her left arm, "Oh Mom, I'm so glad to see you, even though I've been telling everyone how unique you are. I've missed you so much!" "Mr. Gage, just in case you're wondering, 'unique' is our catch-all word for eccentric, weird, etc., etc., etc. My darling child here thinks her mother has the potential for embarrassing her in any and all situations. The truth is, she's absolutely correct. I've never been one to hold my tongue for anything. Always says what I think and hang the consequences. Unfortunately, Melinda has borne some of them. She's my world, and I would hurt anyone who even thought of hurting her." Johnny thought of Geoff and wondered what the doctor did to him, especially after that particular hurt. He didn't have long to wait. "Melinda's erstwhile fiancée' learned that if you hurt my baby, I'll hurt you. It was a very painful lesson for him." Her daughter's face registered shock, "Mama, what did you do?" Miranda's face got red. "Well, let's just say he makes an interesting raccoon right now." "Mother...." Johnny chose this moment to make his escape, "well, Doc, I'm going to have to be running along, but I'll come back again and see you, okay?" "Bye, Johnny, please say hello to your partner and the crew for me." "Sure thing, Doc. Doctor, nice to see you again." As he departed out the door, Miranda leaned over and said to her child, "nice tush, don'tcha think? As a matter of fact, the whole package is verrrry niiiice!" Melinda ignored her mother's last statement. "Mama, what did you do to Geoff? I know he deserved it, but didja have to break his nose? I'm sure his father just loved that." "Actually, his father fired me." "WHAT? He can't do that! I don't believe this! Give me a phone, maybe I can call and talk to him." "No, you can't talk to him and I don't care right now, It's for the best. Now I'll have some time to take care of you. Besides, it gives me a chance to see my old friends from med school. And Mike, of course." A smile spread across Miranda's face. "Oh, Mom, this is just awful!" She started to cry and her mother's heart melted. "My poor baby! Don't cry darling. You'll see, things have a way of working out. And God knows it's time for some new beginnings for the both of us. Author's notes: Both of my moms were Marines(hard to believe but true) and they really knew how to appreciate men. Especially men in uniform. My dad was a Marine Corp Drill Sgt. They both loved him very much. Thanks to all who gave me such a good response to the other stories. Hopefully the saga will continue. To my darlin' Hunky Guy, love you lots. Nina, love you too. Janet, thank you for all your encouragement. |