by Rita Hestand
"How old is she?"
"That's the problem, she's only nineteen. Mom thinks if she moves out, she's liable to marry Charlie. Which she'll probably do anyway."
"Do you like this Charlie?" Melanie asked.
"He's a good guy. But, he doesn't make that much money. You know how mothers are, they want you to marry a doctor or lawyer." Dex chuckled.
"And do you run interference for her?" Melanie asked with a slight snicker.
"Absolutely. Someone has to. She's known Charlie half her life, and she's crazy about him. I'd rather see her get married than get pregnant or something without the benefit of marriage. Besides, they are good for each other. Darlene has a bad temper and Charlie knows how to diffuse her. Charlie spends too much money on things he wants, not needs. Darlene curbs that urge. They complement each other." Dex went into detail telling her about his overbearing mother and his stoic father. Melanie relaxed and enjoyed his company. She seldom met a man that would share so much details about his family and life.
"How come you don't live at home?"
"Not me, I moved out as soon as I got out of high school, I got a job and never looked back." He smiled.
"You know," she crooked her head and smiled at him, "I wouldn't have taken you for a romantic." She blurted then blushed. "I'm sorry, I haven't known you long enough to judge that, have I?"
"That's interesting. I feel like I've known you all my life. You're so easy to talk to. And yeah, I am a bit of a romantic. Say, I didn't ask, but am I keeping you from anything?"
"Nope," She stretched and leaned back a little to get comfortable. "It's Friday and I'm relaxing as much as I can until I go to work on Monday." She told him. "It's like taking a mini vacation from all the headaches."
"Good, say, while I'm thinking about it. Want to go with me to a Chinese Restaurant tonight?"
Melanie smiled at him, he was obviously a fast worker. "Sounds great, I won't have to cook or dirty up my kitchen."
"And my company is to be treasured." He chuckled.
"Then how can I refuse." She laughed, but their eyes met as she said it.
"I like you Melanie, you don't seem to be a game player. Your direct and honest. Kind of refreshing these days." He rocked a bit on his heels.
"You like my chair?"
"Very much. I love rockers myself. So, you plan on buying any more furniture?"
"Not right away. Gotta save up for that. I'm sure it will be a while until I get a check and I don't want to overspend."
Again, his expression changed as though he was rolling that statement around in his head.
"You stretched for money?" He queried.
"No," she answered quickly. "But I've been taught to manage my money wisely and I try to at all times. After all, I'm singled and I have to take care of myself. I'm sure my folks would help me out, if I needed it, but I don't want to need it."
"Ouch, you are on a tight budget. Independent."
"Very much so." She smiled.
"Oh, while I'm thinking about it, I should tell you, that if you want extra time, at work, I'm sure you can get it. Like all big hospitals, they are under staffed, so overtime is a given. But unfortunately, they might stick you in ER, so be prepared."
"Really, that would be great for a while at least. Get me on my feet and able to do something nice here. And I suppose ER is where to learn most everything. At least that's what I was told in nursing school. They said it gives you an education, fast."
"That's true." He finished his coke and looked at her, "Well, I'll let you get back to your rat killing. See you about sixish?" He asked.
"Sounds great. Not a dress up place, is it?"
"No, come as you are." He smiled. But he did pause at the door and look at her as she got up and followed him. "I guess if we move up to actually dating, I could spring for a more expensive and exotic place to eat though." He winked at her and left.
She tossed him a flirty smile. She liked him. As much as he found her open and honest she felt the same about him. He didn't put on airs, or pretend to not be interested. She liked that. Maybe he wouldn't play cat and mouse with her like Brad had. Still, she wasn't one to latch on to a guy quickly. She liked to get to know them first.
Since her breakup with Brad, she had done some serious thinking. But there was more to her breaking up with Brad than she wanted to admit. She flopped back on the bean bag and ran her fingers through her hair. She hadn't wanted to think about Brad anymore, but it was time to re-evaluate her feelings and what had happened between them. She hadn't told anyone about her and Brad yet. Brad had become overbearing with her before they broke up and quite demanding. She didn't like pushy men. Funny it took her nearly four years to get to know Brad at all, and then when she did, she realized she didn't care for his attitude.
That's one of the things she liked most about Dex, he was laid back and relaxed, and interested if she was reading him right. That might be okay too. But she wanted to get to know him better. One thing about him, he worked at the hospital too, so they'd have a lot in common. She liked that.
Unlike most the men she had any dealings with, Dex didn't give off any strange vibes. He wasn't moody or quick tempered it seemed. Although he seemed curious about her money situation. His expression changed every time she told him she was on a budget. Perhaps he was freer with his own money than her. That made sense.
Funny, but the only man she ever trusted aside from her father was Jesse. But Jesse acted strange with her the last time he was up. He'd matured nicely and filled out even better. But he'd been very quiet. She didn't realize how much she missed Jesse until she saw him again, and then to be treated almost coldly stunned her.
Maybe there was something wrong with her. After all, Brad had no trouble calling it quits with her. Her next relationship would be different, she vowed. She'd get to know him well, before she decided if she was serious about him. No jumping right in there. No parading around.
Chapter Six
When Dex picked her up, he was wearing the same clothes, only he'd thrown a nice jacket on. She wore a plain navy sheath that accented her figure and low heels, as Dex wasn't a lot taller than her. They walked to the Chinese place and talked all the while. He pointed out places to her and told her about some more.
They ordered as they found a quiet corner to sit and talk.
"So, what do you do in your off time?" Dex asked her as he sipped a glass of white wine.
"I read, play on the computer, cook, shop like most women and—I probably shouldn't tell you this, it might scare you off, but I like to go to musicals."
"Really," He grinned, twisting his head and staring at her now. "I'll have to remember that. I enjoy them to." He snickered, and ran his hand over the top of his glass of wine. "In fact, I was in a play in high school, a very dramatic one. I was the hero, if you can believe it. Enjoyed it too. They have a live theater just a few blocks away. We'll have to go there sometime. See how you like it."
"Sounds like fun, I'd like that. I've never been in a play, but I enjoy them." She said, eyeing him with a curious kind of intent. She'd never met a man like musicals before.
"Good." The waitress brought their order and while they enjoyed their meal they got to know each other a little better.
"Are you from Houston?" she suddenly asked.
"No, I'm from Ennis, a little town north of here, actually. When I went to college I moved here. Been here ever since." He explained. "I like the big city, not quite as up close and personal if you know what I mean. Back home everyone knew your business, whether you wanted them to or not. By the time I graduated high school, I was tired of the small-town atmosphere. Couldn't get a decent job there anyway."
"I know where Ennis is."
"Really, most don't. Just a small dot on the Texas map."
"Do you like living here?" She asked, curious about him. "I mean since you came from a small town?"
"Actually, I like it better. I mean until I get my own practice of course. I doubt I'll be moving
out of the area though. I’m familiar with it, it's a big city and plenty of business here. I've even considered trying to work at Mercy General when I finish my residency."
"Really, you like it that well, do you?"
"Yeah, but who knows what the future will hold. I could change my mind I suppose." He smiled. "Unless I move up fast, there's more money in private practice."
"Did you leave any broken hearts back home?" She asked with a hint of a smile.
"Dozens." He smiled back.
She chuckled softly.
"So, Cal's a college buddy, Jesse's an old friend, and this Brad you mentioned briefly was your boyfriend whom you broke up with when you finished college. Now what?"
Melanie studied that question seriously but there was no answer. "I have no plans one way or another just yet. I've got to concentrate on working and furnishing my apartment. If something develops along the way, that's okay too."
"Your independent and don't want a man around?" He asked.
"Not exactly. I don't need a man to make me happy, is all." She didn't want to give off the impression she wasn't interested, because the more she was around Dex, the more she liked him. "I don't need a man, but it's not that I don't like them. I like dating and all, it's just well, I just broke up with Brad. Not that I regret it for a moment, but I don't want anything heavy for a while. Know what I mean?"
He nodded slowly, "Yes, I do."
"So, tell me, a good-looking guy like you, why aren't you taken?" She asked with a snicker.
"You think I’m good-looking?" He smiled pleasantly.
"You already know that." She chuckled.
He grinned. "I was in a relationship a while back, she got sick and died." He said dully.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Dex." She instinctively reached for his hand. "What happened, if you don't mind my asking?" Melanie stared at his somber expression.
"Cancer happened." His expression turned serious. "You know it's funny, here I am studying to be a doctor, but sometimes I wonder."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, they diagnosed her with breast cancer, told her she'd only live about nine months. She lived nine months almost to the day and died. Just like the doctors said she would. She refused surgery and chemo. All that time I kept telling her that doctors weren't Gods." He cast her a glance now.
Melanie nodded, "You're right of course."
"Anyway, she wanted to live out her life as best she could without the strain of surgery, chemo, radiation. I stayed with her to the end. She died happy though, I can say that. She was a Christian and had made peace with dying. I hadn't at the time made any peace with it. I was mad at God and myself. But I found solace in church, later It was the only place I could turn that gave me hope." He said his voice sounding rough as though it were a strain to talk about.
"How long had you known her?"
"Most of my life. We grew up together, went to college together." He stopped wiped his mouth, took a sip of his light wine and looked at her. "Since then I've kind of remained out of the dating scene. Oh, I've gone out some, but it was never serious. I want a girl that knows what she wants and isn't afraid to take it. One that makes me melt just looking at her. You know, sexy."
Melanie blushed. That was one word she'd never thought of herself as.
"I'm so very sorry. It must have been painful for you." Melanie sipped her wine and watched his expressive face.
He nodded silently, "But I don't like to look back. I like to look forward to the future. She wanted me to have a good future. She wanted me to go on with my life and find someone special. Just haven't been able to take the first steps."
"I'm sure it is hard. You must have loved her very much."
"I don't know," he turned his head in question.
Melanie stared. "You don't know?"
"I mean, it wasn't an intense relationship. She was my best friend forever, but it never got heavy or intimate. We were saving ourselves for marriage. I loved her as a friend and it had a profound effect on me. It taught me that life can be snatched away before you know it and that life matters a great deal. It taught me not to take for granted what God's given us. I'm very grateful for that. When she died, well, I felt lost. I never told her I loved her. I was going to and then she was diagnosed, and I began to think it might be easier if I didn't. And I was right, it was."
Melanie stared at him. "You weren't in love with her?"
He made a grimace, "Now that I look back on it, I can honestly say I'm not sure. We were thinking along the lines of a relationship when she found out she had cancer. From then on, she insisted we just remain good friends. So, I left it like that. She knew she didn't have a future, she didn't want me to pine for her, I don't think. But I did, for different reasons. It made me see things differently. Life is precious and should be lived to the utmost. Trouble is, I've not gone on as I should have. I guess in a way, I'm afraid to feel again. Afraid to love if you will. Afraid it could happen to someone I did fall in love with."
Melanie nodded slowly. "I can understand that after such an intense relationship. You weren't intimate but your friendship was very intimate. But you know not every relationship ends that way, Dex. It was unfortunate for both of you, but don't let it sour you on life…"
He nodded, "I'm not morbid, please don't assume that. It's just I know that life is valuable and I know exactly how valuable. That's why I like you. You want to be friends, and a lot of girls want more right off the bat. They want a relationship defined. I think if it's meant to be, it will define itself. Does that make sense?"
Melanie stared at him once more, "A lot of sense." She smiled.
He took her hand and stared into her eyes. "It would be easy to fall for you Melanie, you have such a depth for understanding, you'll be a great nurse, of that I'm sure. You listen, and that's something few do. Now, I've shared something, why don't you."
She wiped her mouth, and sighed a bit. "Okay, let's see. Well, I guess you are wondering if I'm flippant because I broke up with my boyfriend when college was over. But there's a lot more to it than that."
"Oh, how so?" He asked intrigued.
He leaned back in his chair and watched her. Could she tell Dex about Brad. She'd never told anyone, not even her mother.
She sighed heavily. She hadn't told anyone what really happened before. But Dex was easy to talk to, and for some reason she felt a need to get it out in the open now. So, she too could go on. "Toward the end of our relationship, Brad became—demanding. I couldn't make a move without telling him. So much so, I couldn't breathe. He didn't seem to trust me. And I'd given him no reason to suddenly be that way. I never cheated on him or even wanted to. We weren't intimate either, mainly because I feel before that happens there must be a certain amount of commitment. But I was getting too comfortable with him. He wanted sex, and I told him I'd rather wait on that. He became insistent. He thought I was seeing someone else was the reason. I wasn't. But, I made up my mind that sex wasn't something you casually slipped into. I guess, to be honest, I was comfortable with him, but I didn't love him. One night I made him mad, over something that was totally not important. He slapped me. That was the last straw, I told him he could take his job in Chicago and I was staying here."
"He hit you?" Dex frowned.
"First and last time. He was profoundly sorry, but it was too late. I realized that if I had gotten into a sexual relationship with him, it could have been much worse. He had a bad temper. Something I just couldn't deal with. I called a halt to it. Never saw or heard from him again. It might have been that he was just too keyed up over his grade average, or the tests, but abuse is abuse and I've always heard you should run from it. I did." She smiled sweetly.
"How did he react when you split up?" Dex's brow raised in anticipation.
She shrugged, "Strangely he agreed we weren't suited. I think he was ashamed of what he'd done, but he was too proud to ever admit it. Our relationship hadn't been on solid ground to begin with. We partied together, you know wh
ent to all the school functions, games and stuff. Always in a crowd of people. Anyway, I don't regret breaking up with him. I feel like I did use him a bit, as I enjoyed going to the college parties and all."
"Well, I wouldn't say that was using him. If you enjoyed those times with him."
"I did, in a crowd he was a lot of fun, but toward the end, when we were testing for finals, his intensity to do good grew and so did the tension between us. I was enrolled at the University, and in night nursing school. So, our time together grew less and less at the end. We didn't see each other except on the weekends. Generally, we attended college things, ball games, dances, clubs and stuff, but I tried to keep from getting too intimate and he didn't like that. Especially toward the end. And since I dated him fro four years, I guess he had a right to expect something. I think he wanted sex to relieve that tension and since I wouldn't, it angered him. But, I didn't want to have sex with him just for that reason, to relieve his sexual tensions. I needed more, he didn't give it."
"I'm glad to hear you left him, situations like that just lead to more. He obviously had quite a temper." Dex frowned thinking about it.
"More than I realized. At first I thought it was the pressure of the tests and graduating and finding a job, but it was more than that. He angered easy, got impatient with me more times than not. Mother always told me if someone will hit you once, they will hit you again. After I broke it off, I realized that you don't grow comfortable with a relationship, it either grows into something, like a great friendship like you experienced, or a real relationship, which ours didn't. Funny, I didn't feel anything about the breakup. Well…maybe a tad relieved." She sighed.
"I can understand that too. So, he hasn't contacted you since?"
"No, and I'm grateful for that."