Forum Discussion
emorrill
8 years agoHero
Continuing Signs
Sam couldn't believe what he was witnessing. He had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dead as well, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on the bringer of death. It was apparent that no one else around him could see this fabled Grim Reaper, but why could he? It most likely had to be due to the fact that he was somehow on a higher "plane of existence" anymore these days while leaping. He was really starting to believe that. This scene reminded him of a situation years ago when he stood face to face with the Devil, in the form of Al, who tried to stop him from doing the good that God had called him to do and he had to get rid of him. It was terrifying, suffocating...much like how he felt now. As his heart continued to pound within his chest, he tried some breathing techniques to calm his nerves, but seeing the Grim Reaper stretch forth his scythe in his direction while a cold draft pierced his backside, he flinched. Little did he know that Laila's spirit was rising from the floor just behind him.
https://s20.postimg.cc/6wgoh59al/SB_Post_8_31.jpg
(More like right in his butt! :lol: Sorry...this was the best pic I could get...)
Instinct made him turn and look over his shoulder, to see where the cold had come from and when he did, he saw those blank eyes staring right at him and he cried out while jumping back a few steps.
"Sam?" he heard Anna say. "Are you sure you're alright?"
But he couldn't answer, his eyes were glued to the soul of Laila Al Fahad and they followed her as she floated towards the Grim Reaper and fell to her knees begging.
Please! It was an accident! I wasn't in my right mind! Don't take me now. PLEASE!
Despite her pleading the Reaper said nothing, but growled and slashed her spirit with his scythe. She disappeared. Sam gaped. That's not how it happens in the end...this world was becoming more and more mysterious by the second.
Soon the guests were throwing out questions to one another while one of them called 911 stuttering in his speech, still in shock from it all.
https://s20.postimg.cc/dbfpdtg0d/SB_Post_8_32.jpg
As for Sam, he didn't hesitate to follow the Grim Reaper after witnessing him pass through the wall and go along his merry way into the dark night. He threw open the front door called out, "Wait!" as he followed the smoky trail toward the dark entity. Surprisingly, the bringer of death stopped and turned to face his addresser.
"Who are you?" Sam asked, even though he already knew. "What happened back there?"
http://s20.postimg.cc/44xeqjarv/SB_Post_8_33.jpg
The Grim Reaper simply shrugged and turned, floating away from Sam towards the back of the house. Sam however was too lost in his thoughts to notice. C'mon God, he addressed, looking up at the stars, You can't tell me that's how life really ends in this world: Where one lives and dies and a dark, hopeless entity appears and just slashes their spirit away into non-existence!? I refuse to believe that! He threw his hands up and then back down at his side. This doesn't make any sense!
https://s20.postimg.cc/5w2mkletp/doesnt_make_sense.gif
After a bit more pondering he looked up again. "The loving God I know that you are wouldn't do that," he said. "Am I to believe that You are not the God of this world then? Some other being is?" He shuddered to think. "But I've FELT you here! I refuse to believe that You aren't here with me..." It was at this moment he realized he lost the bringer of death and rushed after the fading smoke trail. "Hey!" he cried out, "I'm not finished with you!" He rounded the corner of the home to find the Reaper standing within the Gazebo. He approached him cautiously.
https://s20.postimg.cc/odksc9a31/SB_Post_8_34.jpg
"Please," Sam begin with, "I have to know what happened back there? Is Laila's spirit no more?"
"A pleasure to meet you too Samuel Beckett," came the deep, raspy reply. Sam stopped dead in his tracks with wide eyes as the hooded figure finally turned to face him again. "I never thought I would."
Sam inched closer, coming up the stairs now. "How do you know my name?"
"All of the cosmos speak of you."
"What?"
"World's without number has your God created...the part He plays in each one is different."
It seemed he could read Sam's mind. Sam shook his head. "No...I don't believe that. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!"
The Grim reaper slightly nodded. "Perhaps."
"He would not allow a person's soul to just vanish like that," Sam expressed, pointing towards the house, "what happened to her? To Laila? Tell me!"
Turning his back toward Sam again, the Reaper replied, "She did not vanish...I simply sent her to the place where she is to pay for her...sins...as you call it in your world."
Oh boy, Sam thought, but he was just relieved to know that her soul didn't disappear into nothingness. His curiosity was piqued and he wanted to question the bringer of death more about the afterlife here, but he stepped forward, standing face to face with him again and asked instead, "How did she die?"
It took a few moments for Death to respond. Maybe he is probing my thoughts again, Sam thought.
"Why do you ask?" The Reaper responded.
Exhaling, Sam replied, "Because it happened all so suddenly and," he had to be honest, "I am curious."
He thought he could hear the Reaper chuckling for a second. "Overdose," he said, "she claims it was accidental but...we shall see."
Sam lowered his head in sympathy for Laila. "Why?"
He couldn't see but the Reaper gave him an inquisitive look. "I should think it was quite obvious even for you Samuel Beckett."
Sam pursed his lips and shrugged, honestly not knowing. The Reaper could sense that.
"Perhaps it was the result of a certain high class woman finally firing the poor girl, based on claims that she was feeding personal information about her family to the Press."
https://s20.postimg.cc/8gm0fjhot/SB_Post_8_35.jpg
Catarina Vanderburg! "Catarina fired her? From being her personal physician?"
The Reaper nodded. "What else was she to Mrs. Vanderburg?"
Sam squeezed his forehead with the tips of his thumb and two forefingers. Oh boy...he couldn't help thinking it. Catarina was such a mystery to him. She always treated him kindly and respectfully...he never had any reason to dislike her, but he still had doubts. An opportunity like this might never present itself again. It would seem the Grim Reaper was all knowing, much like a God, but not quite. Sam had to ask, "Are the Vanderburgs a threat to anyone? To me?" If that was a Wrong that needed to be made Right, Sam was on it!
The Reaper held his bony finger to his invisible chin. "Is that such a concern to the great Samuel Beckett?"
Enough with Samuel already! "Yes," he replied with a straight face. "I have a feeling about them...and I need it to be confirmed."
Grinning beneath the hood, the Reaper expressed, "Catarina is a master at intimidation, but that's all it is..."
Sam raised an eyebrow.
“She was raised to be that way,” Death continued, “but truthfully Samuel Beckett…all that woman is concerned about is the future of the Vanderburg name. Keeping the line going. Could she and her husband be a threat? Yes. But they never will be unless someone were to directly attack their family and reputation. That’s it.”
Sam nodded, satisfied.
“Besides the Vanderburgs are the least of your worries…”
Eyeballing him, Sam asked, “What do you mean?”
Death froze. “I have spoken too much,” he concluded, “and I am not one of many words. I must leave you now Samuel Beckett, but no doubt we will meet again.”
“I hope not,” Sam frankly said.
https://s20.postimg.cc/u4aypzi31/SB_Post_8_36.jpg
*******************
Knowing that a call from the Vanderburgs for his medical services was imminent Sam spent a couple of days at the library, studying up on Obstetrics and working on getting a proper medical license in this world.
https://s20.postimg.cc/8lfstldu5/SB_Post_9_11.jpg
One afternoon while blissfully jamming out on his guitar at the Town Square...
https://s20.postimg.cc/64ilvouh9/SB_Post_8_39.jpg
https://s20.postimg.cc/7ne00o11p/SB_Post_8_42.jpg
https://s20.postimg.cc/cxiyrylal/SB_Post_8_41.jpg
...he heard someone shout out, "Is anyone a doctor?" The pick fell from his fingers as he immediately turned in the direction of the cry. The man continued to shout, "Help! She's choking!!" The man's wife or girlfriend was kneeling on the picnic blanket, holding her hand to her throat and gasping for air. A few onlookers just shrugged their shoulders and shook their heads, not knowing what to do. "Please!" the man begged, "can any of you help her!?"
"I'm a Doctor," Sam declared, coming to the woman's aid. He carefully lifted her up and began giving her the Heimlich.
"Oh thank God for you sir!" the man said in relief.
Soon the obstruction in her throat flew out of her mouth and everyone clapped with joy. Sam made sure she was fully ok before going on his way and that was after the woman thanked him immensely for his help and gave him a tight hug. It was always a good feeling knowing he helped someone.
As he headed for home he couldn't help but excuse himself from his thoughts and glance up at the sky again saying, "Are you trying to tell me something here God? Because I'm seeing all the signs and I know how you work..."
******************
Two weeks passed since Dr. Al Fahad's passing and Sam honestly expected to hear from the Vanderburgs MUCH sooner than this! The call came just as he exited the Science building after his work shift.
"Yes, this is Doctor Sam Beckett," he replied.
https://s20.postimg.cc/toqi5hhe5/SB_Post_8_11.jpg
There was a pause and then, "Have you finally decided to accept my offer Dr. Beckett?" It was Catarina, who'd obviously taken the phone from her Butler.
"Do I have a choice?" Sam asked.
Catarina chuckled lightly. "Well of course you do," she responded, "although there really aren't any other doctors in town that do house calls..."
Sam couldn't help rolling his eyes.
Catarina continued, "I hope you received the medical bag I sent to you?"
"Oh...yes," Sam said, feeling extremely guilty for not having thanked her yet, "Thank you very much ma'am. It was a thoughtful gift."
"You're most welcome," she said, pausing and then spoke frankly. "I want you as our own personal physician Sam. There's no one else I'd rather trust with our care. Are you willing?"
Drawing in a large breath Sam realized the time had now come for him to make a decision.
https://s20.postimg.cc/f2zhh8klp/SB_Post_8_9.jpg
He wasn't quite ready to agree to it 100%. "I am willing," he answered, then clearing his throat, "but we will need to discuss the terms and payment first before I say Yes."
"Of course!"
Relief washed over him. "Ok. When's a good time to discuss it?"
"Well...how about this evening? Say six? Besides I need to bring you up to speed on the condition of my pregnancy."
"Indeed."
"I take it you've familiarized yourself with Obstetrics on my behalf Sam?"
"Oh yes!" He exaggerated.
https://s20.postimg.cc/vf9j6yyx9/SB_Post_8_10.jpg
"Good," Catarina smiled, "I appreciate that. So six then?"
"Yes ma'am. See you then."
******************
That evening Sam arrived at the Vanderburg's right at six, just as the sun had finished going down. He was buzzed in from the gate and made the long trek, from what it seemed, to the front door.
https://s20.postimg.cc/605msbz2l/SB_Post_9_8.jpg
He expected to be greeted and invited inside by the Butler, but instead it was his Royal Highness Renauld himself. This was surprising.
"Dr. Beckett," he greeted, inviting him in with a gesture of his hand, "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
Ok? Sam thought while stepping in. "No problem, sir," he said.
Renauld closed the door behind Sam and drew in a breath as he approached him. "Dr. Beckett," he addressed again. "I don't mean to be a bother but...I am feeling quite weary as of late."
https://s20.postimg.cc/sdhysvpe5/SB_Post_9_9.jpg
"Oh?" Sam inquired, placing his bag down on the floor.
"It's not because of a medical reason doctor but," he hesitated, "a personal reason."
Sam's brow furrowed. "I see," he said, folding his arms. "What's the problem?"
"Well," Renauld began, rubbing the back of his neck, "It's Catarina. She," he paused, "she hasn't...quite been herself since getting pregnant."
Grinning slightly, Sam said, "Well sir, that's to be expected. With the change in--"
"No I mean she is really...really...B****y," he cleared his throat, "pardon my French."
It was extremely difficult for Sam to compose himself at the moment and not burst out laughing.
"I mean I haven't seen her act like this in...well...ever! I'm exhausted just trying to keep it together around her!"
Feeling it was appropriate now to chuckle, Sam said, "Like I was trying to say sir, with the sudden change in hormones, especially with a woman of her age, the mood swings are very normal." He cracked a smile thinking back during the time when he leaped into a pregnant teenager. Oh those emotions and cravings...Good times.
"You just...have to talk with her about it and try to deal with it the best you can," he concluded.
Renauld nodded. He knew Sam was right. "Yes. Thank you doctor," he said, shaking Sam's hand, "I guess I just needed a reminder and some reassurance."
"No problem."
"I'll take you to Catarina," he said, heading for the stairs.
"Upstairs?"
Renauld stopped on the step, looking back at Sam. "Yes. Didn't she not mention to you that Dr. Al Fahad put her on bed rest?"
Eyebrows raised, Sam replied, "No, she didn't." Hmm....
When Sam entered the Vanderburg's bedroom, Catarina greeted him pleasantly from the bed while Renauld closed the door behind him. It was just him and Catarina. Alone. In the Bedroom. Sam wasn't especially comfortable with that, but he was anxious to find out just how this pregnancy was going if Dr. Al Fahad placed Catarina on bed rest.
"Alright Catarina," he said, pulling up a chair near her bedside and taking a seat. "Suppose you fill me in on everything that's been going on during your pregnancy up until now."
Catarina let out a big sigh, "There's not much to explain Doctor," she said. "My blood pressure has been higher than normal, it seems like anything I do knocks the wind out of me and during my most recent exam with Dr. Al Fahad, may she rest in peace, she expressed concern over me having an incompetent cervix."
Nodding and looking thoughtful, Sam said, "Ok."
"That's the reason she put me on bed rest." She sighed again and raised her palms in the air saying, "So, here I am."
Sam reached into his bag for the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. "Did she not prescribe you any medication for the incompetency?"
"No!" Catarina replied, annoyed that Laila never mentioned it, "Now I'm thinking that having your second opinion is just what I needed." She winked.
Lightly smiling in return, Sam said, "Well, let's take a look and we will go from there."
"Of course," Catarina agreed, shifting her weight and positioning herself properly on the bed. "I'm all ready for the exam Doctor."
Sam looked to the left for a second and thought, Ohhh boy.....
https://s20.postimg.cc/wcybyt3yl/SB_Post_8_49.jpg
What have I gotten myself into?
******************
That was an interesting experience, Sam thought as he finished the exam. Obstetrics was certainly not the medical field he ever wanted to get into. He informed Catarina that he concurred with Dr. Al Fahad's diagnosis of her incompetent cervix, but even if that wasn't the case she would still have to be on bed rest due to her high blood pressure, which needed to be monitored regularly. "Joy," Catarina said sarcastically.
"You and the baby are going to be fine," Sam assured, as he rose from the chair preparing to leave. "I'll be checking in on you weekly now. So, get that prescription filled and if you experience any of those symptoms we talked about please don't hesitate to give me a call."
"Thank you...Sam," Catarina expressed gratefully.
"My pleasure," Sam said as he headed for the door. "Take it easy Catarina."
"Oh Sam," Catarina beckoned, shifting her weight so she could face him. He stopped in the doorway. "Since you'll be working for me now," she began, "how about you see to getting that hair of yours trimmed to how it used to be hmm? I'd hate for our new, personal Physician to look... unprofessional to the public."
Sam looked away from her, pursing his lips while trying to compose himself. Just as the Grim Reaper said... He knew that if this arrangement was going to work out he needed to put his foot down.
"Mrs. Vanderburg," he addressed, "Nothing is set in stone yet. (There hadn't been time for that this evening). I am simply doing this out of the kindness of my heart."
Catarina looked upon him questionably.
"I may not agree to the terms," he said, placing his hands on the end table by the door and looking her straight in the eye, "but if I do, you'd do well to remember that this arrangement will not in any way make me your servant, nor will I take any orders from you."
Catarina gaped.
"You'll be taking orders from ME and I will wear my hair however I d*** well please!"
Silence permeated the room.
"Mr. Beckett!" Catarina countered in shock, formalities gone. "No one has ever spoken to me like that! Not even my own husband!"
Sam knew he had gotten to her. He responded by simply shrugging his shoulders in an "I don't care" sort of way.
Holding her hand to her heart, Catarina had clearly been offended. But instead of reacting in the way that Sam expected her to, she simply cleared her throat and declared, not meeting his gaze, "Your boldness is admirable Sam." Then she swallowed, as if it were painful to let out these next few words. "I guess if you will be agreeing to our terms...it would only seem fair that we agree to yours." Then she slowly glanced back at him with a look of desired approval on her face.
"That's all I ask," Sam said softly, feeling proud of Catarina. Perhaps there was hope for her yet.
*******************
A week passed and the Summer heat had really begun to rear its ugly head. The temperatures were near 100 in midday and yesterday reached a record breaking temp of 103. It was "abnormal weather for Hidden Springs," the locals lamented, but Sam didn't know anything about that. All he knew was it had been quite a while since he lived in this kind of heat and he made it a point to stay indoors as much as possible.
On this particular morning, Sam sipped on his coffee as he read a magazine from the kitchen counter. His eyes looked up out the window, as he noticed Evelyn running towards his front door with the morning paper. He smiled and tapped on the window to get her attention. She dropped the paper and looked up with a glistening face, waving at him in the cute little way that she always did while saying, "Hey Sam!" Sam waved in return with a bright smile and soon Evelyn was off, running back towards her bike.
https://s20.postimg.cc/623bmlg7h/SB_Post_8_47.jpg
Watching her for a second, Sam thought, It's a shame that she has to go out and deliver papers in this weather! He took another sip and finished reading the last paragraph of the article.
As he stepped out the door to grab the newspaper, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Something was lying on the ground right beside the road. The sunlight and heat waves made it hard to see, so Sam rubbed his eyes and peered harder at it. He figured it was a deer that got hit by a car...again, but...when he saw Evelyn's bike still resting in the same spot she parked it at and...the figure not too far from it...he realized...
"EVELYN!!" he shouted and made a mad dash toward her.
https://s20.postimg.cc/pxzb24x8t/SB_Post_8_48.jpg
To be continued...
:no_mouth:
Sam couldn't believe what he was witnessing. He had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dead as well, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on the bringer of death. It was apparent that no one else around him could see this fabled Grim Reaper, but why could he? It most likely had to be due to the fact that he was somehow on a higher "plane of existence" anymore these days while leaping. He was really starting to believe that. This scene reminded him of a situation years ago when he stood face to face with the Devil, in the form of Al, who tried to stop him from doing the good that God had called him to do and he had to get rid of him. It was terrifying, suffocating...much like how he felt now. As his heart continued to pound within his chest, he tried some breathing techniques to calm his nerves, but seeing the Grim Reaper stretch forth his scythe in his direction while a cold draft pierced his backside, he flinched. Little did he know that Laila's spirit was rising from the floor just behind him.
https://s20.postimg.cc/6wgoh59al/SB_Post_8_31.jpg
(More like right in his butt! :lol: Sorry...this was the best pic I could get...)
Instinct made him turn and look over his shoulder, to see where the cold had come from and when he did, he saw those blank eyes staring right at him and he cried out while jumping back a few steps.
"Sam?" he heard Anna say. "Are you sure you're alright?"
But he couldn't answer, his eyes were glued to the soul of Laila Al Fahad and they followed her as she floated towards the Grim Reaper and fell to her knees begging.
Please! It was an accident! I wasn't in my right mind! Don't take me now. PLEASE!
Despite her pleading the Reaper said nothing, but growled and slashed her spirit with his scythe. She disappeared. Sam gaped. That's not how it happens in the end...this world was becoming more and more mysterious by the second.
Soon the guests were throwing out questions to one another while one of them called 911 stuttering in his speech, still in shock from it all.
https://s20.postimg.cc/dbfpdtg0d/SB_Post_8_32.jpg
As for Sam, he didn't hesitate to follow the Grim Reaper after witnessing him pass through the wall and go along his merry way into the dark night. He threw open the front door called out, "Wait!" as he followed the smoky trail toward the dark entity. Surprisingly, the bringer of death stopped and turned to face his addresser.
"Who are you?" Sam asked, even though he already knew. "What happened back there?"
http://s20.postimg.cc/44xeqjarv/SB_Post_8_33.jpg
The Grim Reaper simply shrugged and turned, floating away from Sam towards the back of the house. Sam however was too lost in his thoughts to notice. C'mon God, he addressed, looking up at the stars, You can't tell me that's how life really ends in this world: Where one lives and dies and a dark, hopeless entity appears and just slashes their spirit away into non-existence!? I refuse to believe that! He threw his hands up and then back down at his side. This doesn't make any sense!
https://s20.postimg.cc/5w2mkletp/doesnt_make_sense.gif
After a bit more pondering he looked up again. "The loving God I know that you are wouldn't do that," he said. "Am I to believe that You are not the God of this world then? Some other being is?" He shuddered to think. "But I've FELT you here! I refuse to believe that You aren't here with me..." It was at this moment he realized he lost the bringer of death and rushed after the fading smoke trail. "Hey!" he cried out, "I'm not finished with you!" He rounded the corner of the home to find the Reaper standing within the Gazebo. He approached him cautiously.
https://s20.postimg.cc/odksc9a31/SB_Post_8_34.jpg
"Please," Sam begin with, "I have to know what happened back there? Is Laila's spirit no more?"
"A pleasure to meet you too Samuel Beckett," came the deep, raspy reply. Sam stopped dead in his tracks with wide eyes as the hooded figure finally turned to face him again. "I never thought I would."
Sam inched closer, coming up the stairs now. "How do you know my name?"
"All of the cosmos speak of you."
"What?"
"World's without number has your God created...the part He plays in each one is different."
It seemed he could read Sam's mind. Sam shook his head. "No...I don't believe that. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!"
The Grim reaper slightly nodded. "Perhaps."
"He would not allow a person's soul to just vanish like that," Sam expressed, pointing towards the house, "what happened to her? To Laila? Tell me!"
Turning his back toward Sam again, the Reaper replied, "She did not vanish...I simply sent her to the place where she is to pay for her...sins...as you call it in your world."
Oh boy, Sam thought, but he was just relieved to know that her soul didn't disappear into nothingness. His curiosity was piqued and he wanted to question the bringer of death more about the afterlife here, but he stepped forward, standing face to face with him again and asked instead, "How did she die?"
It took a few moments for Death to respond. Maybe he is probing my thoughts again, Sam thought.
"Why do you ask?" The Reaper responded.
Exhaling, Sam replied, "Because it happened all so suddenly and," he had to be honest, "I am curious."
He thought he could hear the Reaper chuckling for a second. "Overdose," he said, "she claims it was accidental but...we shall see."
Sam lowered his head in sympathy for Laila. "Why?"
He couldn't see but the Reaper gave him an inquisitive look. "I should think it was quite obvious even for you Samuel Beckett."
Sam pursed his lips and shrugged, honestly not knowing. The Reaper could sense that.
"Perhaps it was the result of a certain high class woman finally firing the poor girl, based on claims that she was feeding personal information about her family to the Press."
https://s20.postimg.cc/8gm0fjhot/SB_Post_8_35.jpg
Catarina Vanderburg! "Catarina fired her? From being her personal physician?"
The Reaper nodded. "What else was she to Mrs. Vanderburg?"
Sam squeezed his forehead with the tips of his thumb and two forefingers. Oh boy...he couldn't help thinking it. Catarina was such a mystery to him. She always treated him kindly and respectfully...he never had any reason to dislike her, but he still had doubts. An opportunity like this might never present itself again. It would seem the Grim Reaper was all knowing, much like a God, but not quite. Sam had to ask, "Are the Vanderburgs a threat to anyone? To me?" If that was a Wrong that needed to be made Right, Sam was on it!
The Reaper held his bony finger to his invisible chin. "Is that such a concern to the great Samuel Beckett?"
Enough with Samuel already! "Yes," he replied with a straight face. "I have a feeling about them...and I need it to be confirmed."
Grinning beneath the hood, the Reaper expressed, "Catarina is a master at intimidation, but that's all it is..."
Sam raised an eyebrow.
“She was raised to be that way,” Death continued, “but truthfully Samuel Beckett…all that woman is concerned about is the future of the Vanderburg name. Keeping the line going. Could she and her husband be a threat? Yes. But they never will be unless someone were to directly attack their family and reputation. That’s it.”
Sam nodded, satisfied.
“Besides the Vanderburgs are the least of your worries…”
Eyeballing him, Sam asked, “What do you mean?”
Death froze. “I have spoken too much,” he concluded, “and I am not one of many words. I must leave you now Samuel Beckett, but no doubt we will meet again.”
“I hope not,” Sam frankly said.
https://s20.postimg.cc/u4aypzi31/SB_Post_8_36.jpg
*******************
Knowing that a call from the Vanderburgs for his medical services was imminent Sam spent a couple of days at the library, studying up on Obstetrics and working on getting a proper medical license in this world.
https://s20.postimg.cc/8lfstldu5/SB_Post_9_11.jpg
One afternoon while blissfully jamming out on his guitar at the Town Square...
https://s20.postimg.cc/64ilvouh9/SB_Post_8_39.jpg
https://s20.postimg.cc/7ne00o11p/SB_Post_8_42.jpg
https://s20.postimg.cc/cxiyrylal/SB_Post_8_41.jpg
...he heard someone shout out, "Is anyone a doctor?" The pick fell from his fingers as he immediately turned in the direction of the cry. The man continued to shout, "Help! She's choking!!" The man's wife or girlfriend was kneeling on the picnic blanket, holding her hand to her throat and gasping for air. A few onlookers just shrugged their shoulders and shook their heads, not knowing what to do. "Please!" the man begged, "can any of you help her!?"
"I'm a Doctor," Sam declared, coming to the woman's aid. He carefully lifted her up and began giving her the Heimlich.
"Oh thank God for you sir!" the man said in relief.
Soon the obstruction in her throat flew out of her mouth and everyone clapped with joy. Sam made sure she was fully ok before going on his way and that was after the woman thanked him immensely for his help and gave him a tight hug. It was always a good feeling knowing he helped someone.
As he headed for home he couldn't help but excuse himself from his thoughts and glance up at the sky again saying, "Are you trying to tell me something here God? Because I'm seeing all the signs and I know how you work..."
******************
Two weeks passed since Dr. Al Fahad's passing and Sam honestly expected to hear from the Vanderburgs MUCH sooner than this! The call came just as he exited the Science building after his work shift.
"Yes, this is Doctor Sam Beckett," he replied.
https://s20.postimg.cc/toqi5hhe5/SB_Post_8_11.jpg
There was a pause and then, "Have you finally decided to accept my offer Dr. Beckett?" It was Catarina, who'd obviously taken the phone from her Butler.
"Do I have a choice?" Sam asked.
Catarina chuckled lightly. "Well of course you do," she responded, "although there really aren't any other doctors in town that do house calls..."
Sam couldn't help rolling his eyes.
Catarina continued, "I hope you received the medical bag I sent to you?"
"Oh...yes," Sam said, feeling extremely guilty for not having thanked her yet, "Thank you very much ma'am. It was a thoughtful gift."
"You're most welcome," she said, pausing and then spoke frankly. "I want you as our own personal physician Sam. There's no one else I'd rather trust with our care. Are you willing?"
Drawing in a large breath Sam realized the time had now come for him to make a decision.
https://s20.postimg.cc/f2zhh8klp/SB_Post_8_9.jpg
He wasn't quite ready to agree to it 100%. "I am willing," he answered, then clearing his throat, "but we will need to discuss the terms and payment first before I say Yes."
"Of course!"
Relief washed over him. "Ok. When's a good time to discuss it?"
"Well...how about this evening? Say six? Besides I need to bring you up to speed on the condition of my pregnancy."
"Indeed."
"I take it you've familiarized yourself with Obstetrics on my behalf Sam?"
"Oh yes!" He exaggerated.
https://s20.postimg.cc/vf9j6yyx9/SB_Post_8_10.jpg
"Good," Catarina smiled, "I appreciate that. So six then?"
"Yes ma'am. See you then."
******************
That evening Sam arrived at the Vanderburg's right at six, just as the sun had finished going down. He was buzzed in from the gate and made the long trek, from what it seemed, to the front door.
https://s20.postimg.cc/605msbz2l/SB_Post_9_8.jpg
He expected to be greeted and invited inside by the Butler, but instead it was his Royal Highness Renauld himself. This was surprising.
"Dr. Beckett," he greeted, inviting him in with a gesture of his hand, "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
Ok? Sam thought while stepping in. "No problem, sir," he said.
Renauld closed the door behind Sam and drew in a breath as he approached him. "Dr. Beckett," he addressed again. "I don't mean to be a bother but...I am feeling quite weary as of late."
https://s20.postimg.cc/sdhysvpe5/SB_Post_9_9.jpg
"Oh?" Sam inquired, placing his bag down on the floor.
"It's not because of a medical reason doctor but," he hesitated, "a personal reason."
Sam's brow furrowed. "I see," he said, folding his arms. "What's the problem?"
"Well," Renauld began, rubbing the back of his neck, "It's Catarina. She," he paused, "she hasn't...quite been herself since getting pregnant."
Grinning slightly, Sam said, "Well sir, that's to be expected. With the change in--"
"No I mean she is really...really...B****y," he cleared his throat, "pardon my French."
It was extremely difficult for Sam to compose himself at the moment and not burst out laughing.
"I mean I haven't seen her act like this in...well...ever! I'm exhausted just trying to keep it together around her!"
Feeling it was appropriate now to chuckle, Sam said, "Like I was trying to say sir, with the sudden change in hormones, especially with a woman of her age, the mood swings are very normal." He cracked a smile thinking back during the time when he leaped into a pregnant teenager. Oh those emotions and cravings...Good times.
"You just...have to talk with her about it and try to deal with it the best you can," he concluded.
Renauld nodded. He knew Sam was right. "Yes. Thank you doctor," he said, shaking Sam's hand, "I guess I just needed a reminder and some reassurance."
"No problem."
"I'll take you to Catarina," he said, heading for the stairs.
"Upstairs?"
Renauld stopped on the step, looking back at Sam. "Yes. Didn't she not mention to you that Dr. Al Fahad put her on bed rest?"
Eyebrows raised, Sam replied, "No, she didn't." Hmm....
When Sam entered the Vanderburg's bedroom, Catarina greeted him pleasantly from the bed while Renauld closed the door behind him. It was just him and Catarina. Alone. In the Bedroom. Sam wasn't especially comfortable with that, but he was anxious to find out just how this pregnancy was going if Dr. Al Fahad placed Catarina on bed rest.
"Alright Catarina," he said, pulling up a chair near her bedside and taking a seat. "Suppose you fill me in on everything that's been going on during your pregnancy up until now."
Catarina let out a big sigh, "There's not much to explain Doctor," she said. "My blood pressure has been higher than normal, it seems like anything I do knocks the wind out of me and during my most recent exam with Dr. Al Fahad, may she rest in peace, she expressed concern over me having an incompetent cervix."
Nodding and looking thoughtful, Sam said, "Ok."
"That's the reason she put me on bed rest." She sighed again and raised her palms in the air saying, "So, here I am."
Sam reached into his bag for the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. "Did she not prescribe you any medication for the incompetency?"
"No!" Catarina replied, annoyed that Laila never mentioned it, "Now I'm thinking that having your second opinion is just what I needed." She winked.
Lightly smiling in return, Sam said, "Well, let's take a look and we will go from there."
"Of course," Catarina agreed, shifting her weight and positioning herself properly on the bed. "I'm all ready for the exam Doctor."
Sam looked to the left for a second and thought, Ohhh boy.....
https://s20.postimg.cc/wcybyt3yl/SB_Post_8_49.jpg
What have I gotten myself into?
******************
That was an interesting experience, Sam thought as he finished the exam. Obstetrics was certainly not the medical field he ever wanted to get into. He informed Catarina that he concurred with Dr. Al Fahad's diagnosis of her incompetent cervix, but even if that wasn't the case she would still have to be on bed rest due to her high blood pressure, which needed to be monitored regularly. "Joy," Catarina said sarcastically.
"You and the baby are going to be fine," Sam assured, as he rose from the chair preparing to leave. "I'll be checking in on you weekly now. So, get that prescription filled and if you experience any of those symptoms we talked about please don't hesitate to give me a call."
"Thank you...Sam," Catarina expressed gratefully.
"My pleasure," Sam said as he headed for the door. "Take it easy Catarina."
"Oh Sam," Catarina beckoned, shifting her weight so she could face him. He stopped in the doorway. "Since you'll be working for me now," she began, "how about you see to getting that hair of yours trimmed to how it used to be hmm? I'd hate for our new, personal Physician to look... unprofessional to the public."
Sam looked away from her, pursing his lips while trying to compose himself. Just as the Grim Reaper said... He knew that if this arrangement was going to work out he needed to put his foot down.
"Mrs. Vanderburg," he addressed, "Nothing is set in stone yet. (There hadn't been time for that this evening). I am simply doing this out of the kindness of my heart."
Catarina looked upon him questionably.
"I may not agree to the terms," he said, placing his hands on the end table by the door and looking her straight in the eye, "but if I do, you'd do well to remember that this arrangement will not in any way make me your servant, nor will I take any orders from you."
Catarina gaped.
"You'll be taking orders from ME and I will wear my hair however I d*** well please!"
Silence permeated the room.
"Mr. Beckett!" Catarina countered in shock, formalities gone. "No one has ever spoken to me like that! Not even my own husband!"
Sam knew he had gotten to her. He responded by simply shrugging his shoulders in an "I don't care" sort of way.
Holding her hand to her heart, Catarina had clearly been offended. But instead of reacting in the way that Sam expected her to, she simply cleared her throat and declared, not meeting his gaze, "Your boldness is admirable Sam." Then she swallowed, as if it were painful to let out these next few words. "I guess if you will be agreeing to our terms...it would only seem fair that we agree to yours." Then she slowly glanced back at him with a look of desired approval on her face.
"That's all I ask," Sam said softly, feeling proud of Catarina. Perhaps there was hope for her yet.
*******************
A week passed and the Summer heat had really begun to rear its ugly head. The temperatures were near 100 in midday and yesterday reached a record breaking temp of 103. It was "abnormal weather for Hidden Springs," the locals lamented, but Sam didn't know anything about that. All he knew was it had been quite a while since he lived in this kind of heat and he made it a point to stay indoors as much as possible.
On this particular morning, Sam sipped on his coffee as he read a magazine from the kitchen counter. His eyes looked up out the window, as he noticed Evelyn running towards his front door with the morning paper. He smiled and tapped on the window to get her attention. She dropped the paper and looked up with a glistening face, waving at him in the cute little way that she always did while saying, "Hey Sam!" Sam waved in return with a bright smile and soon Evelyn was off, running back towards her bike.
https://s20.postimg.cc/623bmlg7h/SB_Post_8_47.jpg
Watching her for a second, Sam thought, It's a shame that she has to go out and deliver papers in this weather! He took another sip and finished reading the last paragraph of the article.
As he stepped out the door to grab the newspaper, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Something was lying on the ground right beside the road. The sunlight and heat waves made it hard to see, so Sam rubbed his eyes and peered harder at it. He figured it was a deer that got hit by a car...again, but...when he saw Evelyn's bike still resting in the same spot she parked it at and...the figure not too far from it...he realized...
"EVELYN!!" he shouted and made a mad dash toward her.
https://s20.postimg.cc/pxzb24x8t/SB_Post_8_48.jpg
To be continued...
:no_mouth:
About The Sims 3 Creative Corner
Chat with the Sims 3 community about your stories and legacies and share your creations.
238 PostsLatest Activity: 24 minutes agoRelated Posts
Recent Discussions
- 24 minutes ago
- 5 days ago
- 5 days ago