Chapter Text
A doctor would once in a while visit Bedelia for her heart check-up. Being born with a weak heart certainly was her own defect to live with. But she doesn’t let this weakness of her to take over her life. She is strong enough to live by herself and is independent from anyone else. Her overly independent self has built an ice castle with strong walls, difficult enough to pass through and she, an ice queen. Not that she wanted it to be like this, alone in her house, alone in her life. Being an only child has trained her not to depend on others and she learned that being alone doesn’t always mean being lonely.
She has her friends. And once in a while they go out for drinks. But at the end of the day, everyone else has a family to go home to. It should feel like being left out. Sometimes she does feel a bit left out. She’s in her forties, but thinks that marriage is just a cuff on her wrists. Sex. Once in a while. One night stand or two but none of those men or women was worthy of being a lifelong partner. She has her ways of satisfying her bodily needs but there will always be a part of her being that needs more.
There was a call from her long time doctor that he can no longer commit in his work as a doctor. Old age has taken away his strength to travel and see patients from a far.
“…you don’t have to worry Bedelia dear. I’ve already taken responsibility of finding a new doctor for you. You’d be surprised how good he is. I believe even better that me!” he said.
“I understand Ralf. And you didn’t have to do it, you know. I’m sure I could find a doctor as good as you by myself.”
“But I already did dear. I’ve talked to him and he already knows what to deal with when he comes over. And I have given him your home address.”
“You did?” Bedelia surprised.
“Oh yes dear. I’m sorry I did this without asking you. It’s just that I wanted to make sure you’d get the best care you need. You know how close I was with your parents and I have taken responsibility of taking care of you when we lost them.”
“I know uncle Ralf. I know.” Memories of 20 years ago still makes her sad.
“And besides, I know this man very well. He was my student in medical school and I tell you, He is one of the bests I’ve handled. You’d be surprise how good-looking he is-
“Oh uncle please don’t tell me you’re playing cupid again..”
“I know you’d get along well. He’s just perfect for you! I mean he’s the best doctor for you”. There was a playful laugh from the other end of the line.
“Plus, you don’t need to worry about his availability. He lives there in Baltimore so that you can call him whenever you need him.”
“ ..oh uncle. I’m going to miss you. Thank you for everything you’ve done. For taking care of me for so long. I’d go there and visit you soon. Send my regards to Auntie Sally. Tell her I miss her. Okay?”
“I will dear. And I’ll miss you too. You take care of yourself okay?
“I will. Goodbye.”
She can’t help her sadness when she remembered how broken she was when she lost her parents 18 years ago to a tragic car accident. Her heart problem was triggered and left her heartbroken and alone. She was left with no relatives to comfort her. But there was her uncle Ralf and Aunt Sally. They were not her real relatives but they were so close to her parents. They treated her like their own daughter. She was left with both her parents’ rich estate, more than enough to survive. She was a year away from finishing her studies when it all happened. They could have been a family of doctors but they were gone too soon. Seeing that she’d need to get out of there for once, to lessen her melancholy, she decided to go home in Paris, where her family originally came from and practice her profession there instead.
It’s only been 10 years since she got back in Baltimore. Since she lost her partner..The only one who lived up to her ideals, what she looked for to spend the rest of her life with..If it wasn’t for that tragedy in his work, he’d still be here beside her. She knew the risks, and how heavy his responsibilities were as an officer. But she didn’t expect that he’d be gone in a heartbeat. Alone in her life again, a trip back home was the only thing left to do. To pick up all the shattered pieces of her being once again. This is her curse. A life to live alone.
And there she goes again with her 7th glass of wine. She tries to control her habits but her emotions just gets the best of her sometimes. Uncle Ralf warned her already that it’s probably the alcohol that causes her irregular heartbeat for the past 3 weeks now. That’s why he’s in a hurry of getting her a new doctor as soon as possible, to check on her as often as necessary.
“You’re unfair, James..” she whispers in the dark.
It’s been a long day and sleep is finally taking over..She sips her last glass for the night and retires to her room.
She stares at the ceiling for a moment, remembering her schedule for tomorrow.
“Brunch with Katie’s parents, and 2 pm session with Lester” she remembers.
Shit.
The doctor is scheduled to come tomorrow at five. She almost forgot that thing.
Damn. Her uncle forgot to tell her his name.