FOUR

After I got back home from racing out with Julia, I retired to my bed still wearing my engagement ring. I was really happy. My mum came in to my room sometime later and undressed me. She also helped helped me pull off my shoes and covered me with my favourite blue woollen blankets. I really loved that woman.

I woke up the next morning and heard voices in the living room. I stood up and wore a long flannel robe over my night gown. Jerry was there with my mum. They were having a discussion. I just hoped it wasn't about any wedding.

"Good morning mum. " I kissed my mum on the cheeks. She was brewing coffee for Jerry, I guess.

Then I threw my hands round his neck and kissed him on the lips. "Morning babe"

He kissed me back, much to my mum's delight. "Did you have a good night sleep? "

Before I could reply ,my mum interrupted "She came back late last night reeking of booze . She didn't even have the decency to change her clothes or even pull off her shoes. I did that for her. I think you should keep whips and canes with you when you both get married. Rosie needs spanking all the time. "My mum then winked at me. "She needs spanking with a whip and then the other type of rod that guys know about. "

Jerry and I burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter.

Mortification turned my cheeks deep red because I was embarrassed . Jerry smiled.

"Babe, I want to show you something. We are going out now. "he turned to my mother "Lisa. I'll return your daughter soon"

"Try not to sleep with her "My mum said and laughed.

"Mum?!!!! "I yelled and went back to my room to change my clothes. I wore a red blouse and Blue Jeans with brown boots and came out.

"You look stunning " Jerry said and led me to his car. As soon as I got settled and buckled up the seatbelt, I faced him.

"Okay, what did you want to show me? "

"Well, I made calls and I also have connections. There is vacancy at All Saints hospital and I thought you might like the position. I don't really know if... "

"Oh my God!!! This is unbelievable. I'd love it . "

The hospital was close to his apartment -he lives alone I'm the suburbs of New York - but far from mine. I frowned at this realization .

He sighed and held my hands, rubbing them "Well, all this could be settled if you would just agree to move in with me. "

I touched his face, "I'd love to ,but I can't leave my mum and besides what's the rush for when we we'll soon be together forever "

"Then let's plan a wedding date. I can't wait for you to officially become Mrs Winters "

"Me too " I said and kissed him.

****

Three weeks later, I'd began working at All Saints hospital and the place was pleasant. In fact, I really loved my job. Occasionally, my thoughts would just wander toward my siblings and then a work case would come up and my attention would be needed.

Seriously, I ain't complaining. I knew what I was walking into when I chose surgery as my major; in actual fact, I loved my job.

The intercom buzzed and when I picked it, it was my PA

"Doctor Harrison. Your fiancee is here to see you. "

"Thanks Sandra. Let him in" I hung up and cleared my table.

It was my closing hour so I guess Jerry was here to pick me up as usual. "Hey sunshine " he kissed me on my forehead.

I forced a smile because I was really tired "Hi babe How was work today ?" I asked even though I knew he won't tell me. His only word would be 'It's classified ' ; same way I don't tell him about patients personal history or record.

He sat down, "Work was... you know, work as usual. I'm taking you out for dinner tonight... "

I started to protest when he interrupted with a finger raised up "And you're not going to object. I spoke with your boss. You're working too hard and besides isn't this supposed to be your closing hour? "

I sighed

"Yes... It is. But we just got a call. Some accident victims are coming in soon. I have to be here. "

"You are not the only doctor here, are you?" he asked.

I smiled and stood up taking my already packed bag up with me, "Fine. You give up. Let's go " he laughed triumphantly.

As we got on the road, he slowed down. Jerry wasn't one for driving slowly and obeying traffic rules. In fact, I don't know who was worse between his sister, Julia and he .

"Okay spill it out babe. What's the problem? It's obvious you have something to tell me, so what's it? "

He relaxed his hands on the steering but kept on driving steadily.

"When was the last time you heard anything from your siblings? "He asked.

"No" I replied "And I don't want to. Why do you ask? "

"Because a certain Mrs Ana Harrison is now Julia's house keeper "

I sat upright "What?!! " I relaxed back in my seat. "No, that's impossible. Richard can never let his wife work and most of all, as a house keeper and worst of all, with my best friend. "

"Well, if you'd like, we can change course and go to Julia's place. I think she's off work today. Let's go and confirm it " he said and I nodded in agreement.

I couldn't believe something like this, until I saw it with my own eyes. I wondered when Richard and his family returned to New York -if they actually had lived in New York. I also wondered if he and his wife were now divorced because it was probable . I also wondered if he had an accident or he was dead. Oh no!!!

After about 30-minutes drive, we arrived at Julia's condominium. She was sitting on her car with her laptop on her laps as usual

"Hey sis" Jerry came out of the car and went to hug his sister. She hugged him back and came down to hug me too.

"Rosie!!! How are you doing? I can't remember the last time I saw you. Sweetie you look so great "She exclaimed. I blushed, my cheeks turning pink.

"Thanks Jules. You don't look too bad yourself "

We both laughed and then my suspicions were confirmed as Ana came out in an apron, holding a napkin. As soon as she saw me, the napkin in her hand fell down.

"Roseline " She called out in a whisper.

"Ana." I hugged her "What happened? The hell are you doing here? "

"It's a long story. Richard was scammed by his friend. He borrowed a loan and used the company as collateral and then there was a court case as he mistakenly hit a little boy with his car on the road . We had to sell the house and use part of the money to settle the case and the other part to rent an apartment and pay bills and the kids school fees and then settle some other things. He is out on the road now looking for a job. I saw a vacancy and I had to take it. I didn't even know that you knew my boss"

I sighed. "Julia is my best friend, right from childhood. She's been with me through thick and thin. Well, let's not even go there? How are the kids. "

"They're very well. Look Rosie, Richard is sorry. He's just too proud to... "

"This is my business card" I gave it to her. I looked back and Jerry was already waiting in his car. "Give me a call tomorrow morning or you can come visiting at the hospital "

"Hospital? " She raised her eyebrows.

"I'm a doctor " I replied with a little pride in my voice.

"Thank you so much Roseline. I'm so grateful "

"Don't mention.I should be leaving now.It's getting late "

"Alright bye" She called over my shoulders. I had already rushed out to meet Jerry ignoring Julia's frantic calls. We'd chat later on facebook or I'd call her and explain to her.