FRIDAY THE 13TH

part 15

by Poet


Luka was counting the days until April 13th when he would see Roza and the children again.  When she was in St. Louis, he was starting to realize how lonely he felt.   Although, he called her nearly everyday, it was still not the same.

He'd learned from experience that Friday the 13th usually meant a busy and crazy day.  Since he had to be at the ER that day, he planned to move Katica and her litter box to Roza's house the night before.

"Here we are," Luka told the cat as released her from the pet carrier.  "Try not to tear up the house.  Please."

Katica glared at both Luka and the pet carrier.  She then proceeded, with injured dignity, to her food dish.  *Why did I have to travel in that THING?* she meowed loudly.

Luka laughed and said, "Make yourself at home."  He went over to the phone to call the ER.

"ER," Amira said when she picked up the phone.

"Amira, is Dr. Weaver busy?" Luka asked.

"I don't think so."  She looked over at Kerry.  "Dr. Kovac on line 3."

Kerry took the phone and said, "Luka, don't tell me you're calling to say you won't be in tomorrow."

"Don't worry, Kerry.  I'll be there," Luka replied.  "I'm calling to let you know that from tonight until the 22nd, I can be reached at 555-4428."

Kerry carefully wrote down the number.  "Staying at your fiancee's house?"

"Yeah.  Both me and Katica.  I wonder how she'll be after staying with the kids for a week."

"She'll probably be fine.  I'll see you in the morning," Kerry said and hung up the phone.

Luka hung up the phone and went to unpack his clothes.  The day before, he'd purchased some groceries so Roza wouldn't have to go shopping first thing.

Katica followed him to the stairs and stood looking up.  *Now, where do I go?* she meowed.

Luka came back down the stairs and laughed.  "Come on up, Katica, so I can show you where your litter box is," he said and picked her up to carry her to the bathroom off the master bedroom.Katica jumped out of his arms and paced over to the litter box.  She delicately scratched the clean litter.

"This is YOUR place.  Now, I am going to fix MY supper," Luka said and turned to leave.

Katica bounded after him, meowing.  *SUPPER?  Did you say supper?*

Down in the kitchen, Luka located a frozen veggie pizza and put it in the oven.  Noticing that Katica was standing by her food dish, he laughed and went to get her cat food.

After eating, Luka cleaned up the kitchen and headed upstairs to the bedroom.  He set the alarm for 5:45am and lay down with a medical journal for awhile.  He was still reading when Katica jumped up on the foot of the bed and lay down.  "My fault--I FORGOT to shut the door.  Okay, you can sleep here for tonight.  But NO waking me up before the alarm clock."

Katica stared at him and meowed. *We'll see about that!*

Luka shook his head in resignation and reached for the phone to call Roza.

She was sitting by the phone, having gotten the twins to bed.  Picking up the receiver, she said, "Hello?"

"Hello, Roza.  Are you all ready for tomorrow?" Luka asked.

"We're all packed up.  I finally got the twins to sleep.  Are you at the house?"

"Yeah.  Katica and I are all settled in for the week.  Told Kerry where to contact me.  If you don't mind, I put Katica's litter box in the bathroom off our bedroom."

"Whatever you think is best.  How's she settling in?"

"Okay, I guess.  I forgot to shut the bedroom door so she's asleep on the foot of the bed.  I'm just wondering how she'll take to the children," Luka admitted.

"I think everything will be okay," Roza said reassuringly.  "After all, she does have to get used to the children.  And I think the twins will adore her."

"THat's what I'm afraid of--SHE won't adore the twins."

"Don't let it worry you, Luka.  You sound tired so I'll hang up now.  I love you," Roza said softly.

"I love you.  I can't wait until we're ALL together tomorrow," Luka said.

"Goodnight, Luka.  And pleasant dreams."

"Goodnight, Roza.  He hung up the phone and switched off the lamp.  Pulling the quilt over him, he was soon fast asleep.

Luka  awakened with the alarm clock.  For a moment, he was a little startled to find himself in an unfamiliar bed.  But realization quickly dawned that he was in Roza's house.  He smiled at the thought of her sleeping beside him at night.  He yawned and stretched, looking at Katica asleep at the foot of the bed.  "Wake up, sleepy head," he said and moved his foot under the quilt.

Katica sat up quickly and glared at Luka.  *Why did you have to go and wake me?  I was having such a nice dream.* she complained.

Luka stood up and headed for the bathroom to get ready.  After showering and shaving, he pulled on dark grey slacks and a light grey short sleeved shirt.  Looking at Katica, who was still on the bed, he said, "Time for breakfast."

She quickly beat him to the kitchen and stood in front of her food dish, meowing.  He laughed and got her cat food and then began fixing scrambled eggs and veggies for himself.  "You be a good girl when Roza and the children get here, huh."

Katica looked up at him and meowed.  *I'm ALWAYS good.*  She returned her attention back to the food.

After breakfast was over, Luka went back upstairs to straighten the bedroom and make sure the door was shut.  He quickly did his dishes and got ready to leave for work.

It had been a slow night in the ER and was turning into a slow morning.  It didn't take Kerry to get the board run.  "Mark will be in at 11:00 or whenever he gets done at the dentist," she told Luka.

"We'll manage until then," he replied and went to see his first patient.

It was the middle of the afternoon when Roza and the children arrived at the house.  She parked the van and turned to them.  "Help me get everything carried in."

"Sure, Mom," Zelika said and reached for the diaper bag.

"I want you to understand that Luka and his cat are going to be staying with us," she said as she unstrapped the baby carrier.

"What kind of kitty?" Jasaminka asked.

"A very nice cat.  Now don't scare her--just let her get used to her," Roza answered.  She carried Little Luka to the porch and set him down while she unlocked the door.

Katica was dozing on the couch.  She was having a nice dream about Luka doing EVERYTHING she wanted.  When the door opened, she jerked her head up, prepared to be ever vigilant.  Looking at the intruders, she recognized Roza and meowed.  *She probably has that noisy little thing with her.  But, who are these others?*

"A meowth!" Nikola exclaimed as her headed for her, arms outstretched.  Katica took one look at him and fled for the kitchen.

"Nikki, you're scaring the cat.  She's not your 'meowth'," Roza scolded.  "Now carry your suitcase in and let her get used to you."  She set the baby carrier on the couch.

Zelika set the diaper bag down and turned to Roza.  She waited until her brother and sister were back outside before hesitantly asking, "Mom you said that Luka's here.  Where is he sleeping?"

Roza looked down at her oldest daughter and thought for a moment how to reply.  "Sweetheart, Luka is sleeping upstairs--with me.  But I want you to understand that since we're not married yet--we're not doing what married couples usually do."

"You mean, like having sex?" Zelika asked.

"You are growing up so fast and know much more than I did at your age.  Luka and I just lie together, holding and touching, but always with our clothes on.  We don't want you and the others to get the wrong idea about what we're doing.  I love your father VERY much but I can still love him and Luka."

"I think I understand.  He was visiting a lot before FATHER died.  Didn't Father first bring him home?"

"Yes.  Your father knew Luka even before he met me.  Someday we'll tell you how your father and I met.  Now, let's get everything carried in.  Okay?"

"Okay," Zelika said and headed for the door.

Roza went in search of Katica and found her under the kitchen table.  She rattled a can of kitty treats.  When the cat finally crawled out, she said, "Come on, Kitty Cat, the children won't hurt you."

Katica looked up at Roza and meowed. *I'm not so sure about that.*

She scattered a couple of the fish shaped treats on the floor.  "Besides, if you don't get along with the children, Luka's going to have to find you another home."

The cat looked at her and meowed. *ANOTHER home!?  Just when I FINALLY got him trained!*  She delicately picked up one of the treats.

"I'll leave you alone for now, Kitty Cat."  She went to call Luka.

In the ER, the phone was answered by the newest desk clerk--Frank.  In a grumpy tone of voice, he said, "ER.  Who's calling?"

"Could I speak to Dr. Luka Kovac?" Roza asked.

"Sure.  Can I tell him who?"

"Rozalija Lukovic," she answered.

Frank put the phone on hold and yelled over at Luka.  "Kovac, some foreign lady named Rose on line 3!"

"I'll get it," Luka said and headed quickly for the admit desk.  He had a good idea who was calling him.  He picked up the receiver.  "Hello, Roza."

"Luka, I was just calling to let you know the we all arrived at the house okay.  The children are getting the van unloaded."

"How did Katica react?"

"She hid under the kitchen table but I managed to coax her out.  Nikola keeps referring to her as his 'meowth'."

"Meowth?" Luka asked.

"His favorite pokemon--looks sort of like a cat.  I think she'll get used to the children," Roza explained.

"I hope so.  I'll try and get off as soon as I can."

"We'll be waiting."

"Goodbye."  Luka hung up the phone and turned to Frank.  HIs tone was angry as he stared down at the desk clerk.  "That 'foreign lady' as you put it--just happens to be MY fiancee!  If I catch you referring to her that way again..."  He left the threat unspoken and stalked off.

Frank waited until Luka was out of hearing range before grumbling under his breath.  "Crazy, excitable foreigners!"

"That's enough, Frank!" Mark said sharply.  He wasn't in the mood to break up any fights between Luka and the desk clerk.  Besides, Frank would probably get the worst of it.

Since he didn't have any patients at the moment, Luka headed for the lounge to gather his thoughts.  He'd be so glad when he could finally head home.

A few minutes later Abby opened the door and said, "Dr. Kovac, MVA coming in.  ETA--six minutes."

"Thank you, Abby," Luka said and got to his feet.

At 6:00, Mark found Luka finishing up on his latest patient.  Since there was nobody waiting in 'chairs', he suggested, "Luka, I think we can handle things until Kerry gets here.  So, why don't you take off now?"

"You don't have to ask me twice.  Roza and the children are back here for Spring Break."

"I talked Jen into letting Rachel spend the break with Elizabeth and myself.  She'll be flying in from St. Louis tomorrow," Mark said.

"Thank you, Mark.  I'll see you in the morning," Luka said happily and headed for the lounge.

"Better not be late," Mark warned him.

After hanging up his lab coat and stethoscope, Luka headed out to his car.  He was starting to get excited about seeing Little Luka and the rest of the children again.

Jasiminka had been staring out the window when she saw him pull into the driveway.  "Mama!  Dr. Luka's home!"

"I hear you," Roza said and smiled.  She quickly made sure she looked presentable as she hurried to open the door.

"I've thought about you ALL day," Luka said as he quickly kissed her.

"Are you sure you weren't thinking aboutthe children?" Roza teased and followed him inside.

"And the children," Luka admitted, a big smile on his face.

"Dr. Luka!" Jasiminka yelled and tried to throw her arms around him.

"You're getting tall, Little One," Luka said as he bent to pick her up.

"I'll be six-years-old on Thursday," she said proudly.

"Yes, I know.  I'll be able to help you celebrate your birthday."

"Nikki and I want to go see the new Pokemon movie," she said.

"Come see my new Pokemon," Nikola said shyly.

"In a minute," Luka said.  He set Jasiminka down and turned to Roza.  "Have you fixed supper yet?"

"Not yet.  I was waiting for you to get home," she replied.

"Good.  Then let's go out for pizza or hamburgers or whatever.  I'm paying," he announced.

Katica rushed up to Luka and tried to jump on him, meowing.  *You're finally home!  Don't leave me alone with these people--AGAIN!*

"Yes, Katica.  I'll go feed you," Luka said and petted the cat.

"She's already been fed.  Maybe she's lonely for you," Roza suggested.

"Could be.  She has all these new faces to deal with," he commented and headed for the kitchen to get the kitty treats.

Roza glanced at the children and said, "We're going out to eat.  What do you want?"

"Pizza," Viktor declared.

"Hamburgers!" Zelika said.

"PIzza!" Both twins said together.

Viktor turned to Zelika and said, "Looks like you're outvoted."

"Well, I tried.  But I get hamburger on the pizza," she said and headed upstairs to get her purse.

IN the kitchen, Luka was petting Katica and saying, "You'll like the children."  He tossed her a couple of kitty treats.

SHe ignored the treats, looked at him and meowed, *NEVER!*

"Quiet down, okay," Luka said and and went back to the others.  "What did you decide on?"

"Pizza," Roza told him.  "We could have it delivered."

"No.  Let's all go out together--as a family," he said and kissed her.

"Everybody in the van.  And NO fighting over seats," ROza said firmly.  She handed the keys to Luka and went to get the baby carrier.

Luka smiled as he watched the children scrambling for the door.  Taking the baby carrier from ROza, he asked, "Where do you want to go for pizza?"

"THat fun house type place not far from here," she answered.

"When' Marjorie coming here?" Luka asked.

"Monday.  She wanted to attend Easter services in her own church.  Are you working Sunday?"

"Unfortunately I am.  But I did manage to work half a shift for the twins' birthday."

"Which half?"

"I go in at 7:00am and get off at 1:00.  We can go out to eat, see that new Pokemon movie, or anything else they want to do.  THat reminds me, after we talk with the minister on Tuesday, I need to go buy birthday presents." Luka explained.

"I'll make a note of that," she said.

Outside in the van, Luka belted the baby carrier in place and then got behind the wheel.  He looked over at Roza and then back at the children.  "Everybody got their seat belts on?"

A chorus of 'yeses' came from the back seat.  "Okay," he said and started the van.

"We're going to the fun house place and NO arguing," Roza told them.

"Okay," Zelika said.  But remember that I get hamburger on my pizza."

"we know," Viktor said and poked his sister in the arm.

"Ow!  Quit it!" she protested.

"NO fighting!  Or we go home and eat canned soup for supper," their mother warned.

Both siblings immediately shut up and sat down on each side of the seat.  Luka laughed and spoke in a low voice, "I think you need to talk to me about how to discipline."

"WE can do that."

Luka parked the van in the pizza place lot and the children scrambled out.  He go out and unstrapped the baby carrier.  "Don't run."

They came to a stop outside the door and stood impatiently waiting for the adults to catch up.  "We're getting one big table and you can eat before playing," Roza said firmly.

A young woman met them inside the door.  SHe smiled and asked, "smoking or Nonsmoking?"

"Nonsmoking," Luka told her.

She nodded, picked up two adult and four children's' menus.  "Follow me."

They followed her to a couple of tables pushed close together.  Luka set the baby carrier and diaper bag in one chair and pulled out a chair for Roza.  "This will be fine," he told the hostess.

"Good  Somebody will be by in a minute to get your drink orders."

"I want the pizza fun pack," Jasiminka said when she opened her menu.

"Me too," Nikola decided.

"What about you?" Roza asked the older children.

"No pepperoni and half hamburger," Zelika stated.

"I want pepperoni," Viktor argued.

"Okay.  We'll order a medium for the two of you.  Pepperoni on one half and hamburger on the other.  And whatever else you both decide on," Roza told them.

A teenager with 'BJ' on her nametag approached and said.  Hi, I'm your server this evening.  What can I get you to drink?"

"Iced tea with lemon and sweetener," Luka replied.

"I'll have the same," Roza added.

"Coke," Zelika spoke up.

"Dr. Pepper," the twins said together.

"Dr. Pepper," Viktor decided.

BJ quickly wrote down the drinks and said, "Okay.  I'll be back in a couple of minutes."

"What kind of pizza do you want?" Roza asked the twins.

"A supreme--with LOTS of cheese," Jasiminka answered.

"me too," Nikola added.

"What do you want, Luka?"

"It doesn't really matter," he replied.

"How about we get a large supreme to share?  That way, if the twins want more, they can have some of ours,"she suggested.

"Get LOTS of cheese," Jasiminka ordered.

"Okay, Little One.  We'll get LOTS of cheese," Luka promised.

"Mom, I've been thinking about joining the soccer team," Zelika said.

"Soccer, huh?" Luka asked.  "I used to be a pretty good soccer player when I was a teenager.  Maybe I could help you practice."

"I know you'll be a terrific player, Sweetheart," Roza told her.

"Well, I just have to wait and see."  She turned to Luka.  "You'll help me to practice?"

"When I can.  I'll try and make it to as many of your games that I can," he promised.

BJ brought their drinks and asked, "Are you ready to order yet?"

"Yes, we are.  We'll have two pizza fun packs with supreme and extra cheese on each.  And one large 4 cheese supreme," Luka said.

"One medium with half pepperoni and half hamburger.  Also, mushrooms, Canadian bacon, peppers and black olives," Viktor spoke up.

"That's all," Luka added.

She quickly wrote down the order and said, "I'll be back with the fun packs in a few minutes."

"I hope we get a nice prize," Jasiminka said.

"Pokemon," Nikola added.

"I'm sure you'll have nice prizes," ROza told them.

Luka placed his hands on the table and said, "Your mother and I are going to need your help in deciding what colors and flowers to use in the wedding."

"We do want you to have a part in helping us choose what to use," Roza added.

"Like the invitations?" Zelika asked.

"Yes.  We used your idea for what to put on our invitations.  Marjorie and I will get them addressed and you can help us stamp and seal them."

"Tomorrow night, we can decide on the flowers and colors," Luka stated.  He added the lemon and sweetener to his tea and stirred it.

"Do we get to pick out what we want to wear?" Zelika asked.

"I'll see if we can find you and Jasiminka dresses to go with the one I select," Roza replied.

"When are we going to shop?" Jasiminka asked.

"Probably on Tuesday.  We'll know the colors and flowers by now.  Besides, Marjorie can help us and watch Little Luka."

BJ returned with the fun packs and the twins eagerly opened them, looking for their prizes.

Little Luka began fussing and Luka picked him up.  "What's wrong, Moja Mala?"  A moment later he could smell the reason for the baby's discomfort.  "Need your diaper changed, huh?"

"Want me to do it?" Roza asked.

"No.  I will," Luka said and picked up the diaper bag.  "You stay here and enjoy yourself."  The baby in his arms, he headed for the men's' room.

Zelika watched him leave and said, "He'll make a good father for Little Luka."

"Yes, he will," Roza agreed.  "And he LOVES each of you the same."

The men's' room had a fold out baby changing table.  Luka set the baby on the table and grabbed a disposable pad.  "You'll be all nice and clean in no time," he said.  Little Luka laughed and waved his hands while Luka set to work removing the soiled diaper and cleaning him up.

THe door opened and an older man entered with a two-year-old girl clinging to his hand.  He glanced at Luka and said, "They sure make it convenient for men to take care of babies nowadays."

"Yes, they do," Luka agreed.

The little girl tugged on the man's hand and announced, "Grandpa!  I gotta go poop!  NOW!"

He shrugged and quickly hustled her into an empty stall, undoing her coveralls.  "Lily, I"m just gonna wait outside and you tell me when you're done.  OKay?"

"Okay," she replied.

"Grandkids.  My wife's got the other four at the table," he commented and stepped outside the stall.  He shrugged again.  "Seems we've spent all evening taking one or the other to the restroom."

Luka finished with the diaper changing.  He kept a close eye on Little Luka while he went to was his hands off.  "My fiancee and the other children are waiting for me," he said.  "Picking up the baby and diaper bag, he headed for the door.

"Everything all right?" ROza asked when he returned to the table.

"Yeah.  JUst one VERY messy diaper," Luka replied.

"You're making me lose my appetite," Zelika groaned.  "Talk about something else.  Please."

"Like Pokemon," Nikola suggested.

Luka laughed and said, "I'm afraid I don't know very much about Pokemon."

"Don't get him started," Viktor warned.  "He'll NEVER shut up."

"What time do you have to be at the hospital in the morning?" ROza asked.

"7:00."

"7:00.  That's way TOO early," Zelika stated.

"We'll have to work out whether everybody gets up when I do.  At least for now, you won't have to do so.  Sometimes 7:00am is when I'm just getting off work and will be needing to go home and sleep," Luka explained.

"So, you'll just have to be quiet or visit a friend," Roza told the children.

BJ arrived with the pizza and conversation ceased as they began to eat.  Luka was hungry since he'd been too busy at lunch time and hadn't gotten around to eating later.  He'd been TOO excited to get home to Roza and the children.

After the twins had finished their pizza, Roza gave each of them a dollar for tokens.  Luka watched them hurrying off to play.  He finished his third slice of pizza and asked, "What do you want to do when we get home?"

"HOw about Scrabble?" Zelika suggested.

"I know the game.  But I'm not sure how good I would be.  Sometimes my English," Luka paused and shrugged, "is a little rusty."

"May be we can play some other time," Roza suggested.

"Okay," Zelika agreed.

"I brought back a couple of the older photo albums.  I think there are some pictures that you might like to see again," Roza continued.

"Pictures of Viktor and I when we still lived in Croatia?"

"Yes.  And I believe there are some pictures of you with Luka and his family.  It's been so long since I looked at the albums."

"I'll tell you now that I looked a lot YOUNGER in those photos," LUKa said and laughed.

"Here come the twins.  Let's just pack up the pizza and head home.  It's been a long day,"

"I'll go pay," Luka told them.  He picked up the check and headed for the cash register.

"More money, Mama?" Jasiminka asked.  SHe was clutching a stuffed cat.

"We're going home now," Roza said and picked up the baby carrier.  "Viktor, please grab the diaper bag."

Luka finished paying and returned to the table.  "Everybody ready?"

"Yes," she replied and handed him the baby carrier while she picked up the pizza boxes.

Once they were out to the van, Luka got the baby carrier belted in place and climbed behind the wheel.  After making sure that everybody had their seatbelts on, he quickly headed for the house.

After carrying in Little Luka, Luka sank down on the couch and put his feet up.  "I think I could stay here ALL night."

"You just stay right where you are and I'll get the photo albums," Roza said.  She wentto get them out of the closet.

"What are you doing?" Jasiminka asked curiously.

"Gonna look at old photos," Zelika replied.

"Am I in them?"

"No.  You weren't born yet," Roza pointed out.  She sat down by Luka and opened one of the albums.  "Viktor, here's a picture of you while you were still a toddler."

Luka looked at the photo of Little Viktor and Marko pulling on a blanket.  He was standing just off to one side in case the scuffle got out of hand.  "Viktor, do you remember Marko?" he asked.

THe boy looked thoughtful for a moment.  "I...remember playing with.. him while...his mother, father and sister all wanted to hold Zelika...I rember mother crying when we heard...that Mako, his mother and sister were all dead...All I knew was that he wouldn't be able to play with me again," he said slowly.  He looked from the photograph to Luka.  "You were Marko's father?"

Luka nodded.  "I remember the day that picture was taken.  You and Marko both wanted that blanket and didn't want you to start fighting.  Your father took the picture.  He'd just gotten a new camera and was trying it out."

"I remember that he was always taking pictures," Viktor said.

"Whose pictures?" Jasiminka asked.

"Everybody's."

She looked at the photograph and asked Luka, "Is that you?  You looked different then."

"Yes.  I was a lot YOUNGER," he said and laughed.

"Who's the boy with Viktor?"

"That was my son," Luka said softly.

"The one who died?"

"Yes.  A long time ago," he answered.

"Anybody want some lemonade?" Roza asked.

"Sure," Luka told her.

"What about anybody else?"

"Yes," the twins said together and the older children nodded.

"Don't forget that bedtime is 8:30," Roza told the twins as she headed for the kitchen.

"Can't we stay up later?" Jasiminka asked.

"8:30," she said firmly.

Zelika had found an old photograph of herself as a tiny baby.  "Look," she old her sister.  "I look funny."

Roza returned with the lemonade and set the tray on the table.  She sat down beside Luka to look at pohotos with him.  "Theese bring back a lot of memories," she commented.

"I know what you mean.  Sometimes it seems that Croatia was a long time ago.  But looking at theese photos brings it all back."

At 8:30 Roza reminded the twins.  "Bedtime.  Get your baths and I'll be up
to see you before you fall asleep."

"Will you read me a story?" Jasiminka asked Luka.

"Of course.  You find what you want me to read.  Or I can make up a story."

"OKay," she said and scurried up the stairs ahead of Nikola.

"How late do we get to stay up?" Zelika asked.

"10:00.  But only because you'e on break," Roza told her.

A little while later, Luka got to his feet and said, "I'll see if Jasiminka is ready for her story."

"She probably is.  She beat Nikki to the bathroom."

"After I finish with the twins, I think I'll get ready for bed," Luka continued as he headed for the stairs.

Jasiminka was already in bed with her teddy bear.  She smiled at Luka and said, "I'm ready for my story."

"Okay, Little One," Luka said and sat down on the edge of the bed.  "Would you like to hear about a sad little princess?"

"Yes!"

"Long, long ago in a land far beyond the sea, there lived a little princess in a magnificent kingdom.  She was the most beautiful princess in all the world.  But she was never happy.  Would you like to know her name?"

"What was her name, Dr. Luka?"

"Little One, her name was Jasiminka.  She was as beautiful as you are."

"Go on," Jasiminka prompted.

"Princess Jasiminka was never happy.  Even though her father, the king, hired the funniest and most talented clowns from miles around.  They'd perform their best tricks but she wouldn't EVEN smile.  She had brothers and sisters who laughed at the clowns but they couldn't make her happy."

"Why not?"

"Ah, Little One, that is a long story.  Better to tell it tomorrow night," Luka said.

"Promise?" she asked.

"I promise.  Now, goodnight, Little One," Luka said quietly.

She reached up to give him a kiss.  "I love you, Dr. Luka."

"I love you too, Little One," Luka replied.  He kissed her forehead and got up to leave.  He'd decided to go back donstairs and carry up Little Luka.

Zelika and Viktor had turned on the TV and were watching a movie.  Roza had put away the photo albums and was straightening up the living room.  She looked up at Luka.  "Twins in bed?"

"Jasiminka is.  I'll see to Nikola when I go back upstairs.  Did you get the nursery ready?"

"I forgot.  He can sleep in the bedroom.  I'll be up in a few miniutes."

"Come on, Moja Mala.  Time for bed," Luka said.  He picked up the baby carrier and headed for the stairs.

When Roza entered the bedroom a little while later, she found Luka already undressed and in bed.  "Check on Nikki?" she asked.

"Yeah.  I read him a Pokemon book.  Now, I'm waiting for you to come to bed."

"Just give me a moment to put on my nightgown," she said and headed for the bathroom.

"Okay.  I'll be waiting."

Once she had her nightgown on, she climbed into bed beside Luka and rested her head on his shoulder.  Suddenly she began crying."

"Roza, what's wrong?  Are you all right?" he asked anxiously.

"Looking at those pictures...I realize how much I miss Viktor.  And I wonder--am I making the right decision?  Are we moving forward TOO fast?  It has been less than a year," she said softly.

"We could always put off the wedding if you're unsure," Luka began.

"No.  I'm certain that we shouldn't.  It's just that today has been a long day...Coming back here and everything...I think I'm just overly tired," she said and wiped her eyes.

"Perhaps what you need is a good night's sleep," Luka said.  "Goodnight, Roza.  I love you so much."  He gave her a kiss.

"Goodnight, Luka.  Pleasant dreams.  I love you," she replied, returning the kiss.  She wrapped her arms around him.  "I can't imagine life without you now."


to part 16

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