A Conquest or a Friendship?
A Conquest or a Friendship?
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It was day
two of “Don Juan’s” ten-day treatment when he looked out of his window and saw
her. The sunlight played off of the
reddish highlights of her hair, making her look almost enchanted.
her hands.
“I may have
been a bit hasty before,” he said to himself.
“One more conquest.” A knock on
his door pulled his gaze from the young woman – Dr. Mickler walked into the
room.
“Morning,”
he said politely.
Juan
smiled. “Good morning, Don
Octavio. The view is beautiful this
morning, is it not?”
“The view?”
Dr. Mickler asked, approaching Juan’s window.
“Did they do something different to the lawn?” He spotted the woman.
“Oh, I see,” he chuckled.
“Are your
guests allowed to mingle with each other, Don Octavio?”
Dr. Mickler
smiled. “Planning a romance?”
Juan
frowned. “I love but one – you know
this.”
“You’re
right. I apologize.
“Conversation
then?”
“Conversation
is fine.” Dr. Mickler studied the young
woman for a moment. her before.”
Juan put on
his hat, sorely missing his mask. “I
shall see you this afternoon, Don Octavio.
Is someone to keep watch over me while I’m outside?”
“There are
staff members on the grounds, yes.”
Juan nodded,
then left the room. He made his way
outside, the females of the staff swooning as he passed them.
way over to the young woman. He was a
few steps away when he noticed her tears.
He could have said any number of things to get her attention – however,
he was very aware of where he truly was, and chose his words carefully.
situation.
“Are you
all right?” he asked, his voice soft.
The young
woman looked up, expecting to see one of the male orderlies – though she knew
of none with an accent. Of course, she
was pleasantly surprised by Juan.
“Yes,” she said, sniffling.
“I’ll be fine, thank you.”
Seeing the
redness surrounding her green eyes, he frowned. “May I join you?”
“Me?
at the moment.”
Juan was
insistent. “You look very lonely.
Wiping at
her eyes, she replied. “Knock yourself
out.” His attire didn’t shock her in
the least – she too was very aware of where she was.
Before
sitting, he bowed. “I am Don Juan
DeMarco.” He took her hand and let his
lips gently brush her skin. He then sat
down next to her.
“Don Juan,
huh?” she asked. “World’s
greatest…” She smiled, unable to
complete her sentence.
“You have
heard of me?” He seemed pleased.
“Oh, sure,”
she said, playing along. Nobody had
been very cordial to her and she was valuing the human contact.
“Some do
not believe that I am who I say I am.
They wish me to be someone else.”
He paused a moment. “You have
not told me your name.”
“Oh,
sorry,” she said, feeling somewhat rude.
“I’m Serina McAllister.”
Juan
smiled. “Serina.
moment. “Dr. Mickler’s ‘hospital.’”
Serina
looked down. “Nothing.
“I
understand that problem – however, I assure you that I shall believe whatever
you say.”
“Really, I
don’t want to bother…”
“What has
caused such breathtaking eyes to look so sad?”
He’s
good. Well, if he was willing to
listen, she’d tell him. “Last week, I
was away on a business trip. I wound up
coming home early, unbeknownst to my fiancé.
I found him in bed with his secretary and publicist.”
came. “Sounds like a really predictable
movie of the week, huh? I didn’t
believe it myself, actually.”
“Did you
wish to die?”
“What?
Trevor wasn’t worth anything like that.”
Juan looked
concerned. “Then why are you here?”
Serina
looked ashamed. “This is the part that
nobody believes. Trevor…he had me put
in here.”
“I do not
understand.”
“Yeah,
well,” she said, tears coming to her eyes again, “that makes two of us.”
“Do not
burden your eyes with tears, Serina. A
woman’s eyes should never have to be so tormented.”
“No?” she
asked, almost wanting to laugh.
“No.”
love – I can think of nothing worse. A
beautiful woman, such as you, should not be treated in such a way.
“No wonder
they have you in here,” Serina said, her heart rate rising.
of thinking from spreading.”
Juan
smiled. “Women are capable of making
the strongest man weak with love and passion – yet most men treat them as
though they are nothing more than an object.”
Serina’s tone
became slightly sarcastic. “But, Don
Juan, you are a notorious lover, surely you realize how this sounds coming from
you.”
“I have
made love to many women, yes, but I never used a single one of them.
and beautiful, which each of them was.
Every woman is beautiful.”
“So, you’re
eternally horny and…”
“Please, do
not get the wrong idea. I make love,
Serina. I do not simply…fornicate.”
“Yes, well,
it’s all the same. Love ‘em, leave
‘em.” She shook her head.
cliché today.”
“I have
offended you. I apologize.”
“I don’t
know you well enough to judge you. I’m
bitter and I’m sorry.”
“I
understand.” Wanting to change the
subject, Juan asked, “Do you see Don – Dr. Mickler?”
“I don’t
see anyone.”
“What?”
“I was put
here so I wouldn’t interfere. No
therapy, no meds. I’m just…out of the
way.”
Juan looked
very concerned. “Have you told no one?”
“Oh, I’ve
told,” she said, “but money speaks louder than I do. Trevor pays well.”
“I will
talk to Don Octavio, he will…”
“Use your
time for your treatment.” Serina got
up. “It’s not your mess.”
“I want to
help you.”
Serina
looked at Juan, tears falling.
“Why?” She turned and walked
away, returning to her room.
**p>
Author’s
Note: I have more – shall I
continue?