12

A Chapter by Bob

They’d settled into a routine and although routine sound monotonous and boring this one was not like that, not even a little. John would teach, read, help in the field and explore the Whole Island, mountain or whatever you called endless miles of unexplored land. John lay on a little hill that had the greenest grass in the entire village. Like most of the hills, edges or any place in the village, it overlooked the ocean. It was a tranquil place for him to read, collect his thoughts or write in his little book (something he’d hidden in the past). One of his young students interrupted his quiet time. “Senor ha estranhos na aldeia. Voce tem que vir rapida,” She yelled as she ran toward him. He jumped up quickly to go and see who these strangers were and why she was telling him to hurry but quickly realised that it could only be one person. “It has to be our ol bud Jameson.” John lifted the little girl onto his shoulder and leisurely made his way to the village where he knew he’d have to bite his tongue. It was a completely unexpected sight in the village centre when he finally got there. Jameson was nowhere in sight but instead there were long tables set in front of the rec centre and two unknown people in white T-shirts standing behind it. Jim was next to the girl making her laugh (harder than she should have) and the other male was filling out some papers. Mathius approached John before he got to the crowded tables, “That man has come to pay his part of the deal. He brought boxes full of everything we need and also some volunteer doctors to give us medicine.” Jim came toward John and the female was giving one child a shot while the others stood quivering in fear with parents nudging them on behind him. “I don’t mean to sound cynical but can you trust him with this medicine,” Asked John “Yes we have seen these people do the same thing in his town so I will take my chances today.” He was convinced but didn’t look completely happy. It was understandable; all this change must have been tortures to him. “Our crafty buddy chose three boys to come up next week for trials,” Jim filled him in on all the happenings he missed. “You go away for two minutes and all of this happens huh. You seem to be having fun Jim?” “Oh Johnny I’m in love man.” Both of them were the type to easily like or fall in love with the fairer sex and it wouldn’t be a big deal but it happened far too often with Jim, “You don’t say?” “Yep that beautiful thief has stolen my heart Johnny, she a doctor on top of that.” “Say no more man.” They laughed and walked over to the table where Jim introduced his new love to his oldest friend and the men helped the volunteers. It took almost the whole day and all classes were cancelled. The doctors had their arms twisted and stayed a while longer. They received the usual special welcome although not as grand a one as John had received. The man thoroughly indulged in the local drink and after dancing with the young folks, they were thrown into the sea. More precisely a little tidal pool formed from large rocks around a small part that was near the sand at the entrance to the sea. Liz was a nice girl and John could see his friend obsession with her, even if he’d only known her for one day it wouldn’t make any difference to Jim. The sun was going down over the rocks and both the people from the village and the doctors were exhausted from the day’s festivities. The usually busy village was deserted except for the old men playing cards outside. John stood next to the minivan that the doctors drove, “So you really are leaving me for her, for her Jim.” Jim laughed, “Don’t feel bad man but believe me when I say it’s not you it’s me John. “ Both of them burst out laughing, “So what’s the plan here.” “Beyond all the farms are towns that need a dose of Dr.Liz so I’m just gonna help her out you know. Besides Johnny I’ve found my soul mate I have to follow her.” “Forever and ever and ever and always.” “Johnny you scaring me,” he giggled and threw his bag into the minivan, “it’s gonna be a while so you going to have to try and manage without me.” “I’ll try Jimmy.” with that, they drove off. He played a couple card games with the old men; they were funny if you liked that old people kind of humour. He stayed outside looking at the stars, which was one of his favourite things to do. Here in the village it was a hundred times better, the sky was clear. No skyscraper or anything to block your view and the best part was the weather. It was warm at night, something that absolutely delighted John. It was warm but never hot with the occasional cool breeze and it put you to bed perfectly especially after quite a fulfilling day. It was beautiful.

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