ROAD TRIP

Part 11

By Poet

Luka was sitting in the lounge with a cup of coffee and a chart. It was getting close to midnight and his LONG day was starting to catch up to him. He was trying to decide whether to head for the on call room and crash for
awhile when the door opened and Kerry entered.

She sat down on the couch beside him and after a moment, asked, "Luka, I was wondering if you've ever heard Haleh sing?"
"I think I've heard her singing to children and on New Year's Eve. Why?" Luka wanted to know.

"I don't know if you want me suggesting this, but Haleh has a beautiful voice. And if you asked her to sing at your wedding, I'm sure she would," Kerry told him.

"Roza and I haven't really started to make many plans yet. Except that we are trying to involve the four older children in the wedding ceremony. Thank you for the suggestion, Kerry. I'll be sure and tell Roza."

"When are you going to tell the rest of the ER staff about your engagement?" Kerry inquired.

"I don't know. Probably tomorrow," he replied.

"I'd bet that EVERYBODY will want to be invited," kerry commented.

"I don't know about EVERYBODY. But Roza and I are definitely inviting you, Kerry," LUka told her.

"Why, Luka, thank you for the invitation. I'll make sure and attend," Kerry replied.

"I'll tell Roza," Luka said and unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.

Kerry noticed the yawn and suggested, "Why don't you go nap in the on call room? We can cover for you unless it gets TOO busy."

"I was just thinking about doing that when you walked in," Luka told her and yawned again. Handing her the chart, he got to his feet.  He paused a moment. Do you think Carol would want to know that I'm getting married?"

"I think she would want to know that you've found someone," Kerry said thoughtfully. "Do you have her phone number?"

"Yeah. She sent it to me at Christmas," Luka answered and left the lounge. He headed for the on-call room where he lay down and was soon fast asleep.

As soon as Luka signed out, he drove directly home. After unloading the Blazer, he headed inside. Katica was pacing up and down and meowing loudly. *Where in the world have you been? A cat could starve to death before you'd even pay attention!*

"And a good morning to you, Katica," Luka said as he set down his baggage.

"Good morning, Dr. Kovac. I wasn't sure when you'd be home so I came over to feed her," Jessica said as she stepped out of the kitchen.

"See, I told you that Jessica would take VERY good care of you," Luka told the kitten. "Did she behave okay while I was gone?"

"Katica meowed indignantly. *Of course, I behaved!* she protested.

"She was a very good girl," Jessica assured him.

Luka bent down to pick up the kitten. With her in his arms, he said, "Let me know what I owe you for kitten sitting."

"I'll figure it up and tell you later, Dr. Kovac," the teenager said and headed for the door, stopping only to give Katica a pet and a kiss on the top of the head.

"Okay," Luka said and watched her leave. He then looked down at Katica. "Now that I see that you've been well taken care of, I"m going to fix myself some tea and make a phone call." He carried her into the kitchen and set her down by the food dish.

As soon as Luka got himself a mug of herbal tea, he headed for the living room to call Carol. Looking up her Seattle number, he sat down on the couch and dialed the phone.

After a couple of rings, a male voice said, "Ross residence."

"Could I please speak to Carol?" Luka asked after a moment's hesitation.

"Yeah. Who's calling?" Doug Ross asked.

"Luka Kovac--from Chicago. Carol knows who I am."

"I'll tell her. Hold on a moment," Doug said. He turned away from the phone. "Hey, Carol, there's a 'Luka Kovac' calling from Chicago!"

"He's the friend I told you that helped me the day Kate and Tess were born," Carol said as she took the receiver. "Hello, Luka."

"Hello, Carol," Luka said. "How are Kate and Tess?"

"Getting into EVERYTHING! They keep Doug and me on our toes! And I thought that being a nurse was hectic," Carol said with a laugh.

I can imagine. Marco and Jasna were the same way. My wife stated that they got their curiosity from MY side of the family," Luka replied. He paused a minute. "Carol, I have something to tell you."

"What is it, Luka?"

"I'm getting married," he happily announced.

"Oh, Luka I'm so glad for you. I told you that there was someone special out there. What's she like? Tell me about her."

"I know that I didn't believe you when you said I'd find someone. Her name is Rozalija Lukovic and she's a widow with five children. She was my wife's best friend and she married my best friend at the university in Zagreb. This past summer, Viktor showed up at the ER and we got to spending time together," Luka said.

"Who's Viktor?" Carol asked.

"Her husband. He was shot and killed last July. I was with him when it happened.

"I'm sorry, Luka," she told him.

"After the funeral, I started to spend time with Roza and her children. I realized that I was falling in love with her--and she was with me. On Valentines' Day I went to St. Louis and and asked her to marry me. And she said, 'Yes!'" Luka continued.

"When's the wedding?"

"We haven't set a date yet. I've only told you--and Kerry--about being engaged," he replied.

"Well, you'll have to let me know when the big day is," Carol told him.

"I will," Luka promised.

"Well, I'd better see to Kate and Tess. It was great talking to you, Luka," Carol said.

"Give them a hug and a kiss from me. Goodbye, Carol," Luka said and hung up the phone. Picking up his mug of tea, he got to his feet and headed for the bedroom.

"What was that all about?" Doug asked as soon as Carol had hung up the
phone.

"Luka was just calling to tell me that he's getting married," Carol replied.

"Are you sure this 'Luka' was just a FRIEND?" Doug asked after a moment.

"How can you ask that? I'm here in Seattle with YOU," Carol pointed out.

"That's true," Doug admitted and reached out to grab her.

Luka awakened about 4:00, feeling pretty well rested and ready to face another night shift. He quickly got ready for work and then wandered into the kitchen to fix something to eat. Seeing Katica staring down at her empty food dish, he filled it. "This will be enough until I get home in the morning," he told the cat.

Katica looked up and gave him her best 'lonely kitty' expression and meowed. *You're not leaving me alone ALL night?*

Luka gave her a pet and said, "Go play with your toys." He found a can of soup and opened it. While it was heating up, he picked up the phone to call Roza.

Roza had finished giving the children a snack when the phone rang. She quickly picked up the receiver, saying, "Hello?"

"Hello, Roza. How are you?" Luka asked.

"I'm fine, Luka. Just wishing that you were here in St. Louis with us," she replied.

"Me too. Chicago is quite lonely with you and the children gone," Luka admitted.

"Did you tell anybody about being engaged?"

"Just Kerry Weaver. She said that it was wonderful news. Kerry mentioned that one of the nurses has a beautiful singing voice. She suggested that I might ask her to sing at our wedding," Luka replied.

"Maybe she could sing OUR song. Go ahead and ask her, Luka," Roza told him.

"I will--when I get to the hospital. Right now I'm trying to fix some supper."

"You need to eat before you go to work," she pointed out.

"I know. And I'm certain that you'll make I eat once we're married," Luka commented.

"I will. You need to be taken care of you've been alone too long," she replied.

"I know."

"I'll try and see about getting to Chicago soon to discuss wedding plans. And to check on the house."

"That'll be great. I can't wait to see you again. I love you you," Luka told her.

"I love you too, Luka. I will call you tomorrow," Roza said and hung up the phone.

Luka hung up the phone and went back to fixing his supper.

When Luka got to the ER, he located Haleh in the lounge. "Could I talk to you for a moment?" he asked.

Haleh shut her locker and turned to face him. "Of course, Dr. Kovac," she said
.
"Haleh, I wanted to ask a favor of you. I've heard you sing and I was wondering if you could sing at a wedding," Luka said slowly.

"Who's wedding?" Haleh inquired
.
"Mine. I'm going to marry Rozalija Lukovic. Her husband was killed last summer," he explained.

"I remember her. Of course, I'll sing at your wedding. This is wonderful news!" Haleh exclaimed and gave him a hug. "Just tell me what song you want and if I don't know it--I'll try and learn it.
"
"Roza and I heard a song the night I proposed to her. It's by a woman named Reba...McIntire and the song is called 'I'll Be'," Luka told her.

"When did you get engaged? When you went to st. Louis?" Haleh asked.

"Roza and I got engaged on Valentines' Day," he replied.

"How romantic. When is the wedding?"

"sometime this summer. Roza and her children have to move back from St. Louis," Luka explained.

"I'll try and learn the song," she promised.

"Thank you, Haleh," Luka said and opened his locker.

When Luka got home from the ER Friday night, he found a message from Marjorie on his answering machine. "Hi, this is Marjorie. Since the weather is supposed to be clear this weekend, I thought that I'd drive to Chicago tomorrow and exchange vehicles. Call me back and let me know how to get to your place. Bye now."

Luka fixed himself a mug of herbal tea and sat down to call her back. "Hello, Marjorie," he said when she answered the phone
.
"Hello, Luka. Did you get my message?" she asked.

"Yeah. I need to let you know that I'll be working until 7:00 tomorrow night. Do you still want to come to Chicago tomorrow?" Luka asked.

"Yes. I can leave later in the day or leave earlier and do some shopping before I meet with you," Marjorie replied

"That sounds okay with me," Luka said and gave her directions.

Marjorie hastily scribbled them down. "I'll see you tomorrow," she told him.

"Drive carefully," Luka said.

"I thought I was the one who said that everytime you came to St. Louis," she asked and laughed.

"Well, I don't want you to wreck my car driving here," Luka explained. "Are you worried about the car or about me getting hurt?" Marjorie wanted to know.

"YOU. I can always find an old car that doesn't run right," Luka answered.

"I thought so!" Marjorie replied. "Well, I promise you that both me and the car get to Chicago okay."

"Good. I look forward to seeing you," Luka told her.

The next morning, Haleh said, "I managed to go buy the CD with the song you mentioned. It sounds like it would be pretty easy to learn."

"We really appreciate you singing at our wedding," Luka told her.

"Tell your fiancéeé that it's my pleasure," Haleh replied and hurried off.

About 5:50, Chuny said, "Dr. Kovac, paramedics are bringing in a carjacker and his victim. They're about five minutes out."

"Okay. Who's available?" Luka asked.

"Dr. Chen. Want her to take the victim?" the nurse answered.

"Yeah," Luka replied as he headed for the ambulance bay.

Chen had joined him by the time the paramedics arrived. She asked, "You taking the carjacker?"

Luka nodded as the paramedics unloaded the gurney. He stepped forward to take a look at the patient. "What have you got?"

"Terry Ames, age fifteen. Got it in the face with pepper spray and then fell backwards, hitting his head. Very brief LOC. Vitals are stable: BP 120 over 80, pulse 110. And he's mad as Hell," Doris said.

The teenager was fighting against the gurney's straps. "She blinded me! Wait till I get my hands on that that-" he yelled.

"Watch your language, young man!" came a sharp voice from the back of the ambulance.

Luka turned at the sound of the voice and saw Marjorie sitting on the bench, her ankle in a splint. "What happened?" he asked in surprise.

"Marjorie Ellis, age 67. Slipped and fell on a patch of ice. probable broken ankle. No LOC. Vitals are stable: BP is 110 over 70, pulse 98. She didn't want to come here--kept insisting that she had to return a car to a friend. Refused any pain medication," Doris reported.

"I know her--she can be pretty stubborn," Luka commented.

"Speak for yourself," Marjorie retorted.

"What about me?" Ames yelled.

"Take him to Exam two. I'll be there in a minute," Luka told the paramedics.

Chen turned to Malik and said, "We need a wheelchair out here."

"Got it," the nurse replied and hurried away.

Luka hurried inside to see to his patient.  Pulling on a pair of gloves, he said, "I'm Dr. Kovac.  We are going to flush your eyes with saline.  But the effects of pepper spray are usually minor and temporary."

"You can say that!  You've probably never been sprayed!" Ames yelled.

The door opened and a young policewoman stepped in.  She looked at the teenager and asked, "Trying to steal another car, Terry?"

"I don't know why I bothered--it looked like a piece of junk," he muttered.

"Must have been desperate," she said and turned to Luka.  "I'm Officer Amanda Ames--Terry's older sister--and his legal guardian>"

"Could you please wait outside, Ms. Ames?" Luka asked.

"Sure.  I'll just go grab a soda," the young woman replied.

Marjorie sat down on a bed in Curtain Area 3 while Chen began to remove the splint.  "Tell me if this hurts," the doctor instructed.

"It hurts, young lady.  It hurts," Marjorie said.

"I'm going to order a couple of X-rays to see if there's any fracture," Chen told her.  "So, you know Dr. Kovac?"

"Sure do.  His fiancée and her children live upstairs in my home in St. Louis.  When he comes to visit, he stays down in the basement," she replied.

"Fiancée?  I didn't know that Dr. Kovac was engaged," Chen remarked.

"He certainly is.  Popped the question on Valentines' Day.  I think he's been walking on air ever since," Marjorie told her.

"Come to think of it, he has seemed pretty happy since Valentines' Day," Chen replied.  She got the splint removed and began probing the ankle.  "Tell me where it hurts."

"Here," Marjorie said and winced as the doctor's fingers found a particularly sore area.

"Hmm.  I can't feel any broken bones and there doesn't seem to be much swelling.  Probably just a sprain but I'm going to get X-rays just to be sure."

"I hope it's not broken because I have to drive back to St. Louis," Marjorie sighed.

As soon as Luka finished checking Ames for any eye injury from the pepper spray, he headed for 'chairs' to talk to the boy's sister.  "Ms. Ames?" he asked as he approached her.

Amanda jumped up, nearly spilling her soda.  "Is Terry okay?" she asked.

"His eyes are fine--no permanent damage caused by the pepper spray. However, I want to talk to you for a few minutes," Luka said and gestured to her empty seat.

"What about?" Amanda asked, sitting down again.

"You said that you were Terry's legal guardian.  May I ask what happened to his parents?"  Luka asked as he sat down beside her.

"They died in a car wreck when Terry was only twelve.  We didn't have any close relatives and I'd just gotten out of college.  So I took over guardianship.  Terry isn't a bad kid, he just wants to get away all the time," Amanda explained.

"So, he steals cars?" Luka asked.

"Yes.  I hate to put him in Juvenile detention but I may have to.  Is the woman he tried to steal the car from okay?"

"She's all right.  However, it wasn't her car but mine.  She had just driven here from St. Louis to return it," Luka pointed out.

"Are you going to press charges?" Amanda asked after a moment's pause.

"If you can get your brother the help he needs, I may not.  Next time he might end up with more than just pepper spray," Luka replied.

"I'll think about it," Amanda said quietly.

"Okay.  I'll take you to see your brother now," Luka said and got to his feet.

"Thank you," she told him.

After leaving Amanda with Terry, Luka checked the board and headed for Curtain Area Three to see Marjorie.  He found her sitting on a bed, an ice pack on her ankle. "How are you doing?" he asked.

"Just wanting to get out of here so I can get something to eat," Marjorie replied.

"Okay.  Do you have some place to stay tonight?" Luka wanted to know.

"Not yet."

"Then you can spend the night at my house.  I'll sleep on the couch and you can have the bed," Luka decided.

"I don't want to put you to any trouble," Marjorie began.

"You're not," Luka assured her.

Chen entered with the X-ray.  "Good news, the ankle isn't broken.  We'll bind it up really well, give you something for the pain and release you," she said.

"May I?" Luka asked and took the X-ray.

"Well, it's about time," Marjorie told the younger doctor.

Luka handed back the X-ray and suggested, "Since we're not too busy, why don't you just wait here until I get off at 7:00?"

"All right," the older woman replied.

At 7:00 Luka ran the board for Mark and Kerry.  "Ms. Ellis is a friend from St. Louis.  She'll be leaving with me," he explained.

"We'll see you on Monday," Kerry told him.

As soon as Luka got his coat from the lounge, he went to locate Marjorie. He found her sitting in a wheel chair with a cane by her side.  "Ready to go?" he asked.

"I'm ready.  I just need a little help getting to my feet," she replied.

"Wait here while I bring the Blazer to the entrance," Luka told her and headed for the parking garage.

"All right."

Luka pulled the Blazer up to the ambulance bay and went inside to help Marjorie.  "Just hold onto me," he told her.

She took a firm grip on his arm and cautiously stood up, her other hand clutching the cane.  "I'm all right," she said as he helped her to the vehicle.

Once Luka got Marjorie settled in the passenger seat, he asked, "Did you bring an overnight bag?"

"Yes.  But it's still in your car," she replied.

"Okay.  So we go locate my car," Luka said and started the engine.  "Do you know where you left it?"

"I remember the street address," Marjorie said and told it to him.

"Good.  I know where that is," Luka replied.

His car was still where Marjorie had left it.  "At least no one has broken into it," she said and handed him the keys.

"You stay here while I get your suitcase.  Then you follow me.  I have to make one stop before we get to my house," Luka instructed as he got out of the Blazer.  "You'll be able to drive okay?"

"I'm fine.  The ankle hardly hurts at all," she assured him.

"Okay."  He got the suitcase out of his car and handed it to her.  Then he got behind the wheel and drove directly to the nearest discount/grocery store.  Finding a parking spot fairly close to the entrance, he pulled into it.

Marjorie managed to find a parking spot beside his and climbed out.  "I thought we were going to get something to eat."

"We will.  I just need to pick up some cat litter and a few other things," Luka said as he helped her into the store.

"Okay.  I'll be done in about fifteen minutes," Luka said.

When Luka got home, he pulled into the driveway, making sure that there was room for Marjorie to park.  "Come on in and meet Katica."

Katica was pacing up and down when he unlocked the door.  She meowed loudly. *There you are!  Who did you bring home this time?*

Luka bent down to pick her up.  "I wasn't gone THAT long so quit complaining.  Meet my friend Marjorie.  Marjorie, this is Katica," he said.

"Oh, what a pretty kitty," Marjorie said and reached out to pet her.

"You two get acquainted," Luka said and set the cat down on the couch. "I'll go bring in the groceries."

"You never said that you had a cat," Marjorie said as she sat down next to Katica.

"She showed up one rainy morning last summer.  I never could find her owner so she stayed," Luka explained and headed for the door.

"Let me pet you," Marjorie said and held out her hand to Katica.

Twenty minutes later Luka had gotten all the groceries inside and had changed clothes.  He was in the kitchen fixing grilled chicken sandwiches and a salad.  "I'm afraid that I'm not a very fancy cook," he apologized.

"Oh, that's okay," Marjorie replied as she took a seat at the table.

As soon as supper was over, Luka went and got some spare bedding to make up the couch.  "Did you want to watch any television?" he asked.

"Not really.  There isn't anything good on TV anymore.  Too much sex," she told him.

."You're right.  Nothing good on television." Luka said.  He set the bedding on the floor and Katica immediately tried to burrow under it.

"Looks like she found a place to hide," Marjorie commented.

Luka grinned and bent down to retrieve the cat.  "You can hide under the couch," he told her.

She looked up at him and meowed.  *Not so much fun.*

Marjorie looked at Luka and said, "That couch can't be very comfortable for you.  I'm smaller--I'll fit just fine.  Honestly."

"I'll be all right."  Picking up the bedding, he started to make up the
couch.

"Rozalija has told me a little about how you used to know each other," Marjorie said and sat down in a nearby chair.

"Her husband and I were roommates together at the university in Zagreb.  I was premed and Viktor was an education major.  My wife--Mirjana--knew Roza and we introduced her to Viktor," Luka explained.  He finished with the couch and sat down.

"I've only known you a short time but I can tell that you love Rozalija and her children VERY much.  You loved your family the same way, didn't you?" she said softly.

"I did," he spoke very quietly.  "But I couldn't save them."

"I know you tried.  I told you that my daughter was murdered when she was only seventeen.  What I didn't tell you was that her body wasn't found for nearly six months.  We were living in California then and I made my husband move because I couldn't stand to live there anymore," Marjorie said.  She wiped her eyes.  "My Miranda was so beautiful and special."

Luka reached over to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.  "I'm sure she was to have had a mother like you," he told her.

She smiled and reached up to pat his hand.  "I'll have to show you her pictures one day.  Well, I'm ready for bed."

"Be sure and shut the door or you'll probably have Katica for a bed companion," Luka said after a moment.

"I don't mind.  I'M sleeping on the couch.  You sleep in the bed.  You look like you could do with a good night's rest," Marjorie said firmly.  "Just tell me where the bathroom is so I can change into my nightgown."

"All right." Luka reluctantly gave in and showed her the bathroom.  "I keep the door open because of  the litter box."

Marjorie nodded and turned to him.  "So what time do you get up in the morning?"

"About 8:00 since I don't have to work tomorrow.  Why?"

"I just want to know what time to fix breakfast," she replied and rummaged
in her overnight bag.  "Good night, Luka.  And pleasant dreams>"

"Good night, Marjorie," Luka replied.  He headed for the bedroom and shut the door so he could change into his sweat pants and shirt.  He then sat down on the bed and picked up the phone to call Roza.

"Hello?" she asked when she picked up the receiver.

"Hello, Roza," Luka said.

"Luka, so good to hear from you.  Did Marjorie get your car to you okay?" she asked.

"MOre or less.  A fifteen-year-old kid tried to steal it and she sprained her ankle getting away.  She got him with pepper spray and they both ended up in my ER," Luka explained.

"Is she okay?  She's not driving back tonight?"

"She's fine.  I'm having her stay here tonight.  No use trying to find a motel.  She's sleeping on the couch--her idea, not mine," Luka replied.

"Well, Marjorie is quite a bit smaller than you," Roza commented.  "I'm planning to come to Chicago in the next couple of weeks so we can talk about wedding plans.  We have to work on our guest list."

"I can't wait for you to get here.  Chicago is VERY lonely with you in St. Louis," Luka said and yawned.

"I feel the same way.  You sound tired so I"ll let you get to sleep.  I love you, Luka," she said softly.

"I love you, Roza," Luka said and hung up the phone.  Deciding that Katica didn't need to be bothering Marjorie, he reopened the bedroom door.  Picking up a medical journal, he stretched out in bed and read until he fell asleep.

Marjorie awakened about midnight and decided to check on Luka.  She found him sound asleep with the medical journal on the floor and the blankets halfway there.  With motherly tenderness, she picked up the blankets to cover him up, being very quiet.  She picked up the journal and set it on the bedside table.  "Sleep peacefully," she whispered.

Even though he hadn't set the alarm, Luka still woke up around 8:00. Noticing the magazine on the table, he smiled, thinking about Marjorie.  In a way, she reminded him of his own mother.  She always came into his room and picked up whatever books he'd fallen asleep reading.  Even when he was a university student, she still did that when he came home to visit.

Luka pulled on a pair of jeans and a long loose fitting shirt.  Wandering into the kitchen, he found Katica munching her breakfast.  Marjorie was stirring something in a skillet on the stove.  She looked up to ask, "Did you sleep well?"

"I did.  I see that you decided to check on me," Luka replied.  He opened the refrigerator door and took out a bottle of grape juice.

"Oh, you noticed that I picked up your magazine.  It's a mother habit I never outgrew.  I'm fixing a special omelet," she said.

"My own mother would always do that.  I have this habit of falling asleep reading something.  If it didn't end up on my face, it ended up on the floor," Luka explained as he got two glasses out of the cabinet.  "I see that you fed Katica."

"she was begging and looking SO hungry."

"Don't let that act fool you.  She'll be wanting whatever we're eating. Won't you, Beggar?" Luka said and gave the cat an affectionate pat.

Katica looked up and meowed.  *I don't BEG--I ASK nicely.*

Luka filled the glasses with juice.  "So, what time are you planning to drive back to St. Louis?" he asked.

"I don't know.  Probably after lunch," Marjorie answered.  She finished with the omelet and divided it onto two plates.

"I called Roza last night and told her that you made it here safely."  He placed silverware and napkins on the table.

Marjorie set the plates on the table and sat down.  She bowed her head and prayed.  "Lord, thank You for this beautiful day and for the meal we are about to partake.  Keep me safe as I return home and watch over Luka.  In Your name, I pray.  Amen."

Luka bowed his head and listened to the prayer like he had the night before.  When she finished, he reached for his plate and took a bite of omelet.  "This is very good," he told her.

She smiled, accepting his compliment and began eating.  After a minute, she paused and asked, "What's going to happen to the boy who tried to steal your car?"

Luka shrugged and said, "I talked to his sister.  I said that I wouldn't press charges if she got him some counseling or whatever help he needed.  The boy lost his parents and is having a rough time dealing with that."

"Well, getting your car almost stolen made for an interesting day," Marjorie said after a moment.

"Though I doubt that was how you wanted to see where I work," Luka commented.  He finished his breakfast and carried the plate and silverware over to the sink.  "I'll do the dishes."

"All right.  I'll see if I can find a good Southern Baptist church service on TV or the radio."

When Luka finished with the dishes, he wandered into the living room.  There he found Marjorie watching a church service on TV.  A choir was singing 'Amazing Grace' and he paused to listen.  He hadn't minded very much when Marjorie had him attend church in St. Louis.  He'd been with Roza and her children and it had seemed very much a family activity.

Marjorie looked over at him and invited, "Come.  Sit down."

Luka shook his head.  "I really don't want to watch the service," he admitted.

"You know, I was so mad at God when each of my children died.  Yet, it has been my faith that's gotten me through all these years.  My daughter had been at play practice at her high school.  Her senior English class was presenting scenes from 'Hamlet' and she was Ophelia.  Such a beautiful Ophelia in the costume I made her.  Her boyfriend--Michael--was Hamlet.  
Usually she rode with him to play practice.  But he was sick so she had our car.  She stopped to get the gas tank filled so her father could drive to work the next day.  But she NEVER came home.  Her body was discovered in the desert by some teenagers.  I was already angry at God because her oldest brother had died in Vietnam.  Now He had to go and take my baby!"  Marjorie said quietly.  "If only I'd had her father drive her to and from the play practice."

Luka sat down on the couch beside Marjorie.  "We all have decisions we've regretted or should have made.  I've wondered if only I'd taken my family with me to the market.  Or if I'd been in the apartment when the mortar shell hit.  Would I have died with them?"

"Only God knows why He allows things to happen.  Sometimes we don't like what He does or why He does it," she said after a few moments.

"Like why did Viktor die.  If he was still alive, then Roza and I would be just friends," Luka said.

"Then I never would have met you," Marjorie reminded him.

"That's true," Luka admitted.

After lunch was over, Marjorie put her suitcase in the Blazer.  She gave Luka a hug and said, "Remember, you're always welcome in St. Louis."


 

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