Alec didn't even try to hold his laughter. Even Tory's shoulders shook silently.
"I think you're trying to say flu bug," Alec explained, and Sophie frowned.
"English is so different."
"Don't you have odd phrases in Czechoslovakia?"
"Yes, but here is worse. Here bag and sack are same thing, but not always. I tell Craig that I see football and watch quarterback bag. He laughs at me and says is not bag, but sack, quarterback sack. So, you see, is worse here." She gave an elaborate shrug, and Alec's eyes glinted with merriment.
You're not one in a million, Sophie Velikonja, you're one in ten trillion,Alec thought tenderly.She's been right here under my nose since last fall, butInever saw her. You don't mess around, do you, Alec?he now asked himself.When you fall, you go hard and all the way.Alec shook his head slightly when he realized that he wanted to marry this woman. He didn't know how he could be thinking this when he still missed Vanessa, but it was there.
A moment later the end of the show came back on. Both Sophie and Tory turned back to the TV without a care, since none of Alec's thoughts had shown on his face. He looked at the TV as well, but in actuality was asking the Lord how long he was going to have to wait before he could safely declare his feelings.
For the most part he was a patient man, but surreptitiously watching Sophie as he was doing now, seeing her so lovely and natural in his home, made Alec believe that his patience was about to be tested to the limit. All he could do was pray for strength, which was exactly what he did as he grabbed a bite of lunch and went back to work.
***
Three days later, Sophie, gasping with pain, collapsed onto the sofa again. She had just been sick in the downstairs bathroom. It
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was the fifth time since noon, and her compassion for Tory, who had gone back to school that morning, tripled.
The only difference was that Tory had not complained of a side ache. Sophie had a horrible pain in her side-one that had made it impossible even to climb the stairs to her own apartment. She trembled from head to foot as she pulled a quilt over her and prayed that she would know what to do. The thought of the children coming home and finding her like this was so upsetting. Maybe if she slept for a time, she could try the stairs again. If only they weren't so icy.
"Sophie?" The quiet calling of her name woke her, and she stared with blurry eyes up into Rita's face.
"Oh, Rita. I am not feel well."
"You must have Tory's flu," the girl said. "Has it been awful?"
"Yes. My side hurts, too."
"Oh, Sophie."
"Did you want anything, Sophie?" Craig asked when he came to Rita's side.
"No, Craig. Thank-" The word was cut off because she was going to be sick again. The kids moved from her path when she rose. While she was still in the bathroom, the doorbell rang. Rita answered it and found Gladys on the stoop.
"Hello, Mrs. Nickelberry." The kids all knew she was their eye doctor's mother and Sophie's friend.
"Hello. You must be Rita."
"Yes."
"I'm sorry to barge in Rita, but is Sophie around?"
"Well, she's here, but she's not feeling well."
"Oh. Is she up at her apartment? I can go around there."
"No, she's here, but my sister had the flu, and now she has it."
Gladys looked at her face. "I think I'll come in and see how she's doing. Would that be all right?"
"Sure," Rita said and held the door wide open.
By the time Rita and Gladys got to the family room, Sophie was back on the sofa. She shivered as Gladys bent over to speak to her.
"Pretty bad, Sophie?"
"Yes. My side hurts so much."
Gladys tensed, but Sophie didn't notice. "Which side, Sophie?"
"What?"
"Which side hurts you?"
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"The right."
"A sharp pain?"
"Yes, is awful."
"Here, Sophie," Gladys became businesslike. "Let me look."
She allowed Gladys to take the quilt away and literally cried out in pain when the older woman began to probe. The quilt was replaced then, and Sophie was unaware of Gladys even leaving and taking Rita with her. Craig, who had been watching, followed.
"Where's your phone, Rita?"
"Right here." Rita pointed.
Gladys picked it up and dialed. "Write your street name and house number on this paper-quickly. Yes, hello. I need an ambulance at 615 Holly Court. I am a registered nurse, and I have a woman here who I believe is suffering from acute appendicitis."
Rita and Craig listened in shock to Gladys, barely aware of the way Sophie weaved past them, hunched over and headed to the bathroom once again. Gladys gave more information and hung up a few minutes later.
"I'm sorry I couldn't warn you, but there is no time. Rita, you might want to ride in the ambulance since Sophie will be upset. Craig, you can come with me. Where's Tory?"
"She's at a friend's."
"Call and make sure she stays there."
Rita did as she was told-so thankful that someone else had taken charge. Rita made the call and tried her best to explain. When she hung up, she admitted that she didn't think she could go in the ambulance.
"I'll go," Craig offered and walked back into the living room behind Sophie who was just returning. He waited until she was laying down and then helped her with the quilt.
"You've got to go to the hospital, Sophie," he told her.
"Oh, no, Craig," she said weakly.
"It's serious, Sophie. Mrs. Nickelberry has already called an ambulance."
"Oh, no, Craig. What about you?"
"I'm going with you, and Rita will come with Mrs. Nickelberry."
"Tory. I have not seen Tory." Panic filled her voice.
"She's with a friend and she's going to stay there."
"Is just flu," Sophie tried again, but Craig didn't answer.
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Rita was in the kitchen trying to reach her father but with little success. She ended up leaving a message for him with his answering service and was writing a note to leave on the table when the ambulance arrived.
The next minutes were a blur for everyone. Sophie was whisked away, Craig at her side. Rita and Gladys followed in the car. Rita was praying that her father would be at the hospital waiting for them, but he was not. In fact, Sophie had been to surgery and was in recovery before he arrived. Rita and Craig were still sitting with Gladys in the waiting room. The moment she saw her father, Rita burst into tears.
Alec, who could well understand her emotions, took her in his arms.
"I was so stupid, Dad. I mean, she was in so much pain, and all I could do was stand there. Craig and Mrs. Nickelberry had to take charge."
"It's all right, Rita. Where's Sophie now?"
"In recovery," Craig told him. "The doctor said they got the appendix out in time, but it was close. He also said she did well under anesthetic and that we can see her in about 20 more minutes."
Alec took a seat, his arm still around his daughter.
"Where's Tory?"
"At Crystal's. Rita called but didn't tell what had happened, and Mrs. Calkins said she would keep her."
"Good. Hello, Mrs. Nickelberry," Alec finally greeted her.
"Hello, Alec. How have you been?"
"Fine. I appreciate your being here."
"Certainly. Your children, as well as Sophie, naturally thought she had the flu."
Alec nodded. "Tory was just sick."
"They told me. Rita has been too hard on herself. She did very well, and Craig actually rode in the ambulance with Sophie. You have much to be proud of here, Alec."
He smiled at her in appreciation and then at Craig, who was looking shy over the attention.
The next half hour seemed to drag for Alec. As soon as they were invited, they all sprang up and walked to Sophie's room. She looked very pale and was sound asleep, but Alec felt as if his heart could beat again. It had s
topped when he had called his service and been told that they had taken her to Meriter Hospital.
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"Sophie," Gladys called softly to her, and her eyelids fluttered, but did not open.
Rita touched her hand where it lay on the covers and found it cold. Like a mother with her baby, she gently tucked Sophie's hand back inside.
"It was cold," she said to Craig who was watching her, and he nodded.
"It doesn't look like she's going to wake up and talk to us," Alec commented softly, but his deep voice got through. Sophie's eyes opened, and she turned her head toward him.
"I do not have Tory," she croaked as she frantically moved her hand out from under the covers.
"It's all right, Sophie," Alec came close to look down into her face. "She's at Crystal's, and Crystal's mom is taking good care of her. I'll go in a little while and tell her what's happened. Then tomorrow after school I'll bring her to see you."
"I must stay?" Her voice was still rusty.
"Yes, for a while."
"I don't want to stay."
"I know, but it won't be long."
They all heard her sigh. "I am sleepy."
"Then go back to sleep." Alec's voice was gentle.
Sophie nodded, her eyes on his face for a moment. "Tell children I will be home soon."
"All right."
Sophie's eyes slid shut then, and her hand fluttered on the covers. Alec reached without thought and took it in his own. She grasped it lightly for less than a minute. When he felt it go slack, he knew she was back to sleep. By unspoken agreement they all quietly exited.
"She didn't even know we were there," Craig said in the hall.
"You feel very odd after you've been under anesthetic," Gladys explained.
"I want to go get Tory," Rita said. "Sophie seems so worried about her, and I just want to go get her."
"All right," Alec agreed, fighting the impulse to go back into Sophie's room, pick up her hand again, and sit with her for hours.
"I'm going to stay awhile," Gladys told them. "If she wakes up and asks for anyone, I can always call you."
"Thank you," Alec said and nearly bid her good-bye, but Gladys asked to speak to him. Rita and Craig wandered down the hall, but Gladys and Alec put their heads together for
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several minutes. There was a great deal of nodding on Alec's part, and then Gladys said something that made him smile. He left a moment later, and Gladys watched him depart.
Iwondered if he might not fall in love with her somewhere along the line,she told the Lord.Now I wonder how long it will be before Sophie knows.
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When Alec arrived at the hospital just after lunch the next day, Sophie had a visitor. Alec recognized him as a man from church, but didn't know his name until Sophie introduced him.
"This is Brad Marshall, Mr. Riley."
"Hello," Alec smiled and shook his hand.
Brad stood, shook his hand, and greeted Alec kindly, but did not sit back down. "I have to get going, Sophie."
"All right."
"I have a lesson in about 20 minutes."
"Thank you for stopped, Brad, and for flowers."
Alec noticed them for the first time, and barely kept his expression stoic.You can't accept flowers from this man, Sophie. You're going to marry me!
"Good-bye. It was good to meet you."
Alec heard the words, but it took a moment for them to register.
"Yes, good meetingyou, too," Alec replied and tried to mean it. He watched Brad leave, and then looked back to find Sophie's eyes on him. Instantly forgetting Brad Marshall, Alec smiled at her disheveled appearance, and she smiled in return.
"How are you?" He kept his voice somewhat businesslike in an effort to hide his true emotions. "Did you have a good night?"
"They come in all the time," Sophie complained with a sigh, and then frowned. "I am sorry. I must be crab."
Alec smiled again. "You're not crabby very often, are you?"
"No, I guess not. Maybe children would say different. How is Tory?"
"She's all right. She wanted to come right away this morning, so I'll be picking her up right after school and bringing her. Rita and Craig are going to wait until this evening."
Sophie thought it was very kind that he would come now when he had to come after school, too, but she was beginning to expect such things from him. For a time Mr. Riley had barely
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noticed her. Now he treated her as a cherished family member, and Sophie's heart was often blessed by his acts of kindness.
"Did you say they will come tonight?"
"Yes."
"Well, if is snowy, they do not have to come out. Tell them to be safe."
"I will."
"I think I can leave tomorrow, so also tell children I will be back to make supper tomorrow night."
Alec didn't answer right away. Gladys had told him Sophie would feel this way. "I'm not sure the doctor will want you to do too much too quickly," Alec said with just the right note of disinterest.
"But I have job," Sophie said, as if this explained everything.
"Your job will still be there when you get back on your feet."
Sophie did not look pleased, but Alec wasn't going to argue with her. Instead he said, "Rita sent this to you." From his pocket he drew forth a gold locket.
"Oh, my locket." She sounded so pleased. Alec put it into her outstretched hand and she tried to open it and couldn't.
"Here," he offered. "Let me."
He opened it carefully and held it for her, but Sophie had run out of steam and didn't even reach for it. She looked at the picture as he held it up, her eyes softening with love.
"Your parents?"
"Yes. On wedding day."
Alec studied the photo as well. "What are their names?'
"Vladamir and Ekaterina Velikonja."
Again Alec gazed at the picture, going over the strange- sounding names in his head. Ekaterina was smiling at the camera, but Vladamir was looking down at his bride. Even in the tiny photo, the love he felt for her was evident.
"They look very much in love."
"They were," Sophie said around a huge yawn.
"Would you like me to put it on you?"
She shook her dark head against the white pillow slip. "I am afraid it will go lost. Would you take it back home with you?"
"Of course."
Again she yawned.
"I think I'm boring you."
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She knew that teasing tone and smiled, but it didn't keep her eyes open.
"They give you shots that make you feel so tired," she murmured. Her lids were completely down now. "They said I must walk this afternoon, but right now-" She let the sentence trail off, and Alec watched as her features relaxed in sleep. He sat with her for over an hour. She didn't waken, but in some ways he was glad. This wasn't the time to say anything. It wasn't time to make his feelings known, and if she woke and found him there, she might wonder why. Right now, Alec was not prepared to answer her questions.
***
"Where are we go?"
It was the following day. Sophie had enjoyed many visitors the day before, but now it was just after lunch and Sophie, having spent two nights in the hospital, had been discharged. Alec picked her up in his truck, after cleaning the cab for the occasion. But when he didn't take the right turn for Holly Court, Sophie became suspicious. It was the moment Alec had dreaded.
"I'm taking you to Mrs. Nickelberry's," he said easily.
"Why?"
"Because the doctor said you were not to climb stairs or work, so you can't get to your apartment, and there's no one home all day to check on you."
"I do not need checks."
Alec didn't answer.
"I want to go back to my apartment. I can climb stairs once. I can even go to work after I rest. Maybe not today, but tomorrow."
They were in Gladys' driveway now, and Alec finally turned to look at her.
&
nbsp; "You're staying here." His voice was calm.
Sophie's face flushed with anger. "This is fool."
"Foolish," Alec corrected automatically, and Sophie exploded at him.
"Do not correct Sophie's English when she is anger, Alec Riley!"
Alec had all he could do not to laugh, but he managed to nod seriously.
"I will go in," Sophie now spoke to the windshield, sounding very confident, "and tell Gladys to take me home." She flung the door open at that point, but only managed two steps before she felt like she'd come against a brick wall. Alec didn't bother with any of her things, but walked slowly behind her as she labored up the path and steps. His hands reached for her several times, but she managed on her own.
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Gladys must have been aware of their arrival because the front door opened to Sophie as if by magic. The older woman greeted them warmly, but did not gush. One look at Sophie's face and then Alec's, and she knew how it had gone.
Sophie couldn't believe how awful she felt. She had been ready to take on the world in the truck. Now she stepped inside Gladys' house and just stood there until she felt her coat being removed and then someone's hand propelling her from behind. When she was ordered to lie down on the sofa, she did as she was told. Her eyes closed in momentary rapture over how soft and comfortable it felt, and when she opened them Alec was standing over her. He looked about nine feet above her, but even then she could see the merriment in his eyes.
"When you've had a few hours' rest here on this sofa and finally get to the house, will you scrub the kitchen floor on your knees or clean the bathrooms first?"
Sophie couldn't stop her smile. "I am crab, and I do not want to be bossed."
Knowing that better than anyone, Alec only smiled and told Gladys he was going for Sophie's things. After bringing them in he didn't linger, but warned both Gladys and her patient that they were sure to have visitors in the form of his children. And he was correct. The Riley children had known Sophie was headed to Gladys' and didn't even bother to go home after school. Sophie, who had just awakened from a nap, was ready to visit.
"How are you?" Rita asked first.
"I am fine. I want to come back to work, but your father said no."
"I thought the doctor said no," Craig commented.
"I am fine," Sophie said, but the kids only exchanged a look. This was not lost on Sophie.