This wee story, The Mask has 9 chapters and will be published in 3 parts. All three parts have been completed and sent to Crystal. I hope you enjoy it and I apologise in advance for medical terms, procedures and other thingies I have gotten terribly wrong.

I apologise also to all Americans as I have only visited your country once on a holiday and yet I have the unmitigated gall to set the story there. ;)

Carmenica

 

The Mask

Carmenica Diaz

2004 ã Carmenica Diaz

 

Part 7 Brenda's Visit

Brenda arrived the next day, planning on staying three days. We walked around the town and I introduced her to everyone who came up to us.

'You're really popular,' Brenda said with a smile.

'I suppose I'm the only doctor so…'

'No,' she said with a smile, 'they really like you. Eleanor dotes on you.'

'She is very nice.'

'So, when do I meet Scott?' Brenda asked with a teasing tone.

'I don't know,' I said flushing. I had told her that he had kissed me and after she had quizzed me, I admitted I had been a more than willing accomplice.

We sat on a bench in the park, watching some children dancing around the bandstand and a young boy playing catch with his father. 'This is a beautiful town,' Brenda said. 'I can see why you like it.'

I nodded dumbly. 'Yes,' I whispered.

Brenda looked closely at me. 'It's a bit of a shock, isn't it?'

'What?'

'Realizing you actually enjoy being a woman.' I was startled and she smiled. 'I knew you were pretending back at the complex, Jacquie,' she said quietly. 'Don't ask me how but I just knew. You were very good, but something wasn't just right.'

'Oh,' I said in a small voice. 'Why didn't you stop me from leaving?'

She shrugged. 'I hoped you would find yourself and I didn't like the idea of Buchanan holding you prisoner. Now,' she said smiling at me, 'I can see the difference. You and the old Jacquie are like chalk and cheese. Surely you see that?' I nodded. 'And you like it, right?'

'Yes,' I whispered, 'I like it.'

'Good,' Brenda said and hugged me. 'Come on,' she said pulling me to my feet. 'Show me where we can get a coffee, Doc.'

I managed to laugh and we walked arm and arm to the diner. 'Alice,' I said with a smile, 'this is Brenda, we've been best friends since I was born.'

Brenda smiled at me and then turned to Alice. 'Please to meet you, Alice, Jacquie tells me you have great coffee.'

We were chatting over coffee when the door opened and Scott and Ben walked in. He saw me and grinned that grin. I smiled back and Brenda looked over, saw him, and smiled at me. 'Is that him?' she whispered.

'Yes,' I said happily. 'He's coming over.' They both came over and stood by the table. 'Scott, Ben, this is my friend Brenda Peters. Brenda, Scott and Ben Carson.'

'Nice to meet you, Brenda,' Ben said with a smile. 'We heard Jacquie had a friend staying. Do you like the town?'

'I love it,' Brenda said.

'Do you want to join us?' I asked and Scott sat down quickly and Ben grinned.

'Don't mind if we do.' They ordered coffee and donuts and we chatted casually. I was conscious of Scott looking at me and I flushed when I remembered his kiss.

'When are you leaving, Brenda?' Ben asked. Thank God someone was talking!

'Unfortunately, tomorrow.'

'Are you a doctor as well?' Brenda nodded and I was glad she didn't go into details. 'Did you two meet in med school?'

'Something like that,' Brenda said, smiling into her coffee cup.

'Well, you come back and next time we'll take you out on the river.'

'It's a deal,' Brenda grinned.

Brenda and I walked slowly back to the surgery. 'He's very cute,' Brenda said at last. 'If I didn't know better, I'd say you two were head over heels with each other.'

'What! Don't be stupid!'

'I could be wrong,' Brenda said with that annoying smile she gets when she thinks she's right. 'Lucky Ben and I were there, otherwise you two would have just sat there staring into each other's eyes.'

I stopped and shakily put a hand to my forehead. My stomach was churning and I felt my eyes begin to fill. 'Brenda,' I whisper, 'what's wrong with me? What's going on?'

She was immediately concerned and hugged me. 'Nothing's wrong with you, Jacquie,' she murmured, 'it's alright, I hope it's perfect for you. I think you're falling in love. You've never been in love, have you?' Dumbly, I shook my head.' Well, you're in for the ride of your life,' Brenda smiled.

We walked slowly towards the surgery and I took a deep breath to steady myself and smiled weakly. 'I hope I don't fall off,' I murmured and Brenda giggled.

Susan Munroe's little boy cut his leg in a bicycle accident and she brought him. 'Is it serious, Jacquie?' Susan asked anxiously. She was eight months pregnant and was moving awkwardly.

'I'm sure it looks worse than it is. How did you do this, Tommy?' I asked as I began to clean the wound.

'I wasn't looking where I was going, I guess,' he mumbled.

'Watching pretty girls, more like it,' I said with a wink at Susan.

Tommy blushed. 'Girls? No way!'

'Sure,' I said, smiling at Susan. 'This is fine, should be right as rain in no time at all.'

She sighed with relief. 'Thank heaven. Thanks, Jacquie.'

'How are you feeling?'

Susan rolled her eyes. 'Oh, you know, I just wish she'd get here.'

'My first baby in Indian Mask,' I smiled

Brenda and Eleanor were seated at the kitchen table when I walked in and I could tell they had been talking about me. 'I feel my ears burning,' I said as I poured some coffee.

'Eleanor was just telling me about Scott,' Brenda said, smiling.

Eleanor got up and bustled over to the sink. 'Don't look at me like that, Jacquie,' she said. 'Brenda mentioned she met Ben and Scott, so I gave her some details, that's all.'

'Is that right?' I looked suspiciously at Brenda, who smiled innocently.

The next morning we loaded Brenda's bags into her car. 'Brenda,' I began after Eleanor had said goodbye and walked back inside, 'I was pretending back at the complex, but I was fooling myself most of all.'

'I know, Jacquie, but it doesn't matter.'

'I wasn't pretending about being your friend,' I said and hugged her. 'You know that, don't you?'

'Of course and, Jacquie,' she said seriously, 'you're not a patient to me, you're my friend, okay?'

I nodded and we embraced for the final time. 'Come back, please,' I said, 'when you get a chance.'

'I'll come back for the wedding,' she said cheekily, and I couldn't help but grin and waved goodbye.

   

Part 8 Decisions

Scott did call, and he asked if I'd like to go for a drive in the country on Saturday.

'I'd love to, I'll make a picnic.'

'Okay,' he said. 'Lou and I swim in a fresh stream we know, so bring your swimsuit.'

The only swimsuit I had was a dark blue one-piece I had used to swim laps in the complex pool. I was self conscious in it then, and I wondered how I would get the nerve to wear it in front of Scott.

I borrowed a cane picnic basket from Eleanor and worked Friday night to make a picnic of cold chicken, salads, breads and fruit. I even baked a pie. Eleanor supplied a few bottles of her homemade lemonade and I put them into the refrigerator until Saturday morning.

After trying on several different outfits, I decided on a white cotton sleeveless shirt and a denim skirt over my swimsuit with comfortable sandals. I tossed a straw hat in the car and loaded the basket. My calls were redirected to the county hospital, so I was free for the day.

As I drove out to Scott's house, I tried to reconcile the feelings I had with my life and what I had thought was my goal. It was unspoken, even to myself, but I didn't want to leave Indian Mask and I certainly did not wish to be a man again. Again! That word reverberated within me, as I had extreme difficulty remembering what it was like to be a man.

'Hi, Jacquie,' Ben said as he walked over to my car.

'How are you, Ben?'

'Fit and dangerous,' he winked and I laughed. 'I'm heading off to talk to some potential customers, try to sell some boats, enjoy the day.'

'You're not coming with us?'

He stopped, smiled slowly, and I saw where Scott's smile came from. 'No, but thanks for asking, Jacquie.' He winked. 'If I'm not there, Scott might just have to talk, hey?'

I grinned. 'You think?'

'I hope so,' he said seriously and I watched him drive away, wondering, until Lou ran out.

'Hi, Jacquie, Dad's coming.'

'Good,' I smiled. Scott walked out, that slow sensual walk that I found fascinating and of which, I knew, he had no idea of the impact. Dressed in an open necked shirt, tight faded jeans and sneakers, he looked so rugged I wanted to squeeze him tight, just feel him.

'Hi,' I said and he stopped, his eyes traveling up and down me and I felt good, smiled a little more and moved a little bit.

'Hi there,' he murmured, roaming over me still, taking me in.

'Lou,' I said brightly, 'help me with the picnic.'

We brought the picnic basket over to Scott's pick-up. 'How much food is in that?'

'You'll have to wait,' I said with a wink and we clambered into the pick-up, Lou between us as we drove.

Lou put the radio on and soon Lou and I were singing along with an old Dolly Parton song, Scott watching us with a half-smile.

'What?' I said to him when the song ended.

He smiled and shook his head, one arm resting on the doorframe. 'Nothing. I guess I'm just enjoying it, that's all.'

The stream was high up and ice cold but crystal clear, river rocks piled high and lazy birds circling high above us.

'I'm going in,' shouted Lou, tearing her shorts and tee shirt off, running into the clear water in her swimsuit. 'Come on, Jacquie!'

I glanced at Scott and shrugged, pulling my top off and stepping out of my skirt. I waved at Lou, splashing in the water but I could feel his eyes on me. God help me, I posed a little while I pretended to watch Lou, let him look a little, and then smiled shyly at him before running into the stream.

Scott was pulling his clothes off in a hurry as Lou and I splashed each other, giggling like mad, and he arrived panting and smiling in swim shorts. I looked him up and down, smiling, and he smiled back.

Lou and I dived in, the water cold and sharp and I came up shaking my hair as Scott's arms encircled me. His skin was so hot against mine and I moved against him. Suddenly, I felt his hardness and instead of being appalled, I smiled, pleased with myself.

We swam and played games for an hour or so and then walked out of the water. I held Lou's hand in one hand and Scott's in the other.

'Let's eat,' I announced and Lou clapped her hands. Soon we had the blanket spread, the plates and the food arranged, and were settled back comfortably.

'This is great,' Scott murmured, chewing on a chicken leg, and I smiled.

'Apple pie?' I asked Lou and she nodded, eyes wide.

Later, we were leaning back, comfortable and full, and a little tired. Maybe relaxed was a better description. Lou had finally given up swimming and was lying on the blanket, her head in my lap and her feet across her father's legs.

I didn't know it was possible to experience happiness like this.

'Is she asleep?' Scott asked softly and I looked down, my fingers in Lou's hair.

'I think so.'

'She just wears herself out.'

'All that energy has to go sooner or later. She's a great kid, Scott, but I guess you know that.'

'She likes you a lot.' I opened my mouth but he surprised me and kept talking. 'I like you a lot,' he said simply and he took my hand, just swallowed mine in his big fist and squeezed gently.

'That's good,' I murmured, falling into those blue eyes, 'because I like you.' He leaned over and kissed me, and it was just like the kiss goodnight, it sent shivers of hot vibrations through me. I sighed and rested my head on his shoulder. Life couldn't be better than this.

 

The three months were almost up and I wondered what I was going to do. I hadn't spoken to Ron and I had no idea if the council had found another doctor or not. Did I want to leave, I asked myself, did I want to go work at a hospital? I no longer was interested in the research; I had lost all interest in becoming male. In fact, the idea of being male was now incredibly alien to me.

I found Ron in the diner drinking coffee with Sheriff Hopkins and sat down at their table. They both greeted me and I cut straight to the chase. 'Have you found a doctor, Ron?'

He glanced at John and suddenly seemed nervous. 'We've been looking, Jacquie, honestly.'

'We have,' John chimed in. 'We even interviewed a guy last month but he didn't measure up.'

'Measure up to what?' I asked, puzzled.

'To you,' John said sheepishly. 'We've been comparing them to you.'

'Oh,' I said, blushing. 'I see.'

'Could you see your way clear to stay another month?' Ron asked anxiously and I shook my head.

'No,' I said slowly, 'I don't think a month's possible.'

'Oh,' John said regretfully, 'we understand. It's been great having you here and we're going to miss you…'

'More like twelve months,' I said and they gaped at me in surprise and I laughed. 'You win, Ron, you got me to love this town.'

'Just the town?' John shrewdly asked but I ignored him.

'Let's make a proper contract if you'll have me.'

'Have you?' Ron said grinning widely, 'you're kidding, right?'

I told Eleanor and she danced me around the reception area, hugging and kissing me. 'Ron wants to keep it a secret until the council approves it,' I warned.

'A secret,' she said scornfully, 'in this town?'

The next evening I was finishing up when I heard the telephone ring. Eleanor came in. 'Get your bag, there's a problem at the school gymnasium.'

I hurried out to the car and was surprised to see Eleanor right behind me. 'You might need help,' she said defensively and I shrugged. I should have suspected something right there and then but I was too focused on getting to the gym, wondering how many were hurt, and if Lou one of them?

I pulled up, flung open the car door and ran up the steps to the big double doors of the gymnasium, Eleanor panting behind me.

Pushing the doors open, the gym exploded into light and I saw it was filled with grinning people who chanted 'Surprise! Surprise!'

I looked around and saw the big banner, draped over the stage. 'Welcome, Doctor Jacquie'. Ron stepped forward, smiling. 'Sorry to fool you, Jacquie,' he said as everyone grew quiet, 'but we wanted to celebrate your decision to stay with us, and to officially welcome you.'

'Oh,' I said, looking around and recognizing mostly everyone. Even the children were there, hanging from the seats at the far end of the gym. 'I don't know what to say,' I murmured just as I saw Scott and Lou standing by one of the side doors.

I knew tears were trickling down my face, and Eleanor smiled and hugged me, followed by Rhoda, Alice and a host of others.

A cake was cut, drinks passed around and Ron ceremoniously presented me with the contract.

Scott and Lou came up to me. 'Congratulations,' he said with his slow smile.

'I'm afraid you have to put up with me for another year,' I said brightly, wiping my eyes with a tissue.

'I'm glad,' Lou said happily.

'So am I,' Scott said and I looked up at him and smiled. Then, in front of everyone, he put his arms around me and kissed me.

There were murmurs in the crowd and I heard Lou say delightedly, 'Yahoo!'

But I didn't care. I was too busy kissing him back.

 

Part 9 Ten Years On

'Scott, I don't really want to go to the country club.' Even though I was dressed, I was still trying to get out of another function. We seemed to be going to so many lately now that Scott was Mayor. Of course, I supported him but I was seven months pregnant and this pregnancy was not as easy as the others. All I wanted to do was collapse on the sofa and read.

Scott smiled and gently kissed me. 'We have to, honey, you know we do. Lou's gone on ahead and Dad's taking the boys. We'll just make an appearance and then go, okay?'

'Promise?'

'We'll go home when you want to, okay?'

I waddled out to the car, slid in, and Scott backed the car down the drive. We lived in town in a large rambling house that I loved. The boat business had suddenly exploded and the old house by the river was now the office for the boatyard, which now employed thirty-five people.

Ben had retired and we insisted he live with us. It was great having him around, and good for Sam and Matt as he was always there when they came home from school.

'There's a lot of cars here,' I said as we drove into the country club parking lot. 'What's this function again, honey?'

'Council business,' Scott said, 'I told you.' He opened the door for me and took my arm. 'Before we go inside,' he said with a smile, 'I want you to know I love you.'

'I love you, sweetie,' I said, and we kissed.

The country club was quiet and I wondered where the people from all those cars were. Scott steered me into the restaurant and suddenly the room was alive with people, jumping and calling out, 'Surprise! Surprise!'

'Oh, no,' I groaned, burying my face in Scott's shoulder, 'not again!'

He gently turned me around and I saw the banner. 'Congratulations Doctor Jacquie, Ten Years in Indian Mask'

I waggled my finger at him. 'You horrible man,' I said and he grinned. 'You could have told me.'

'I'm the Mayor, honey, I had to keep it a secret.'

Scott led me to a long table and I was surprised to see Brenda and her husband Bob seated at it, along with Ben, Lou and my two sons, Sam and Matt with Eleanor and Carl. 'Congratulations,' Brenda said, kissing my cheek as she embraced me. 'Who'd have thought, huh?'

'Yeah,' I said wryly, 'who would have?'

Scott helped me into my chair and then he walked over to the microphone. Ben leaned over with a wink. 'Remember the good old days, Jacquie, when Scott wouldn't say anything? Now we can't shut him up.' Sam and Matt giggled at that and I had to smile.

Lou leaned over and held my hand. 'You okay, Mom?' I nodded and rummaged in my bag for tissues. I had a feeling I was going to need them.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' Scott began, 'I'm not going to talk for long…'

'That'd be a change!' John Hopkins called out and everyone laughed.

'That'll be enough out of you, John Hopkins, or I'm going to have to get the new sheriff to lock you up.' Everyone laughed and John grinned. He had been retired for three years and the replacement, as everyone knew, was his son-in-law. 'Seriously, folks, we're here to celebrate Jacquie's ten years of unswerving dedication to our community.' I flinched at 'unswerving' but everyone applauded. 'And we're going to get everyone to reminisce, so I'll hand over to our MC for tonight, Louise Carson.'

Lou winked and took a radio microphone from one of the staff and stood in the center of the room. 'I remember when I first met Mom. I was lying in a smashed car with a broken arm and bleeding all over the place. I was eight and very scared when suddenly this calm face appeared and began to put things right. For a minute, I thought I had died and she was an angel.' I groaned at that and buried my head in my hands while people laughed.

'Let's get some more memories. Eleanor,' Lou said, holding the portable microphone to Eleanor, 'do you remember when you first met Doctor Carson?'

'I sure do. This feisty young woman came in with you and your dad after the accident and told me she was a doctor.'

'You didn't believe her, did you?'

'No, she didn't look old enough but she soon proved she was a doctor and a good one. She's also a dear friend to me and I think she's wonderful.'

I tried to smile back at Eleanor but the tears began to roll down my cheeks as Lou moved around the audience, getting comments. Scott sat beside me and hugged me. 'I'll get you for this,' I muttered.

'Promise?' He smiled and I poked him in the ribs.

'Ron,' Lou said, 'you convinced Mom to stay?'

'Me? No, I think she fell in love…' he paused and there were a few giggles, 'with the town!' Everyone laughed. 'And she's done everything she can to increase the population of Indian Mask.' Everyone roared at that and I smiled to myself. Little do they know, I thought, patting my stomach.

'Do you remember an incident, Susan?' Lou asked, moving on.

'Tommy had an asthma attack late at night. I was on my own and I called Jacquie. She arrived in less than ten minutes, still in her nightdress and slippers, just an old overcoat and slippers on, and she was pregnant with Sam at the time. Jacquie was so calm and she stayed with us for hours until everything was under control. I'll never forget the relief I felt when her car pulled up. Thanks, Jacquie.'

It went on. Rhoda, Jim, Carl, even Ben had a little something to say. 'I couldn't imagine Indian Mask without her,' he said simply and sat down to wild applause.

Lou took the microphone back and I was surprised to see her eyes were filling. 'I'm lucky because I've lived with her for so long and learned so much. I tried to think of her qualities that I could list but I decided on just one. She loves. That's it,' she smiled through her tears. 'She loves her family, she loves you people and she never asks for anything in return, she just gives and gives. Thanks, Mom, from all of us. Now it's your turn.'

I managed to stand and Lou grinned. 'Be careful of my little sister, Mom.'

I took the microphone and she kissed my cheek. 'I love you, Mom.' She meant to say it quietly but the microphone picked it up.

'I love you, honey,' I said and everyone was smiling. 'Well,' I said looking around at my friends and family, 'I really don't know what to say. You have given me so much, I feel I'm the luckiest woman in the world.' Brenda grinned at me and I smiled at her.

'I have news for you, Louise,' I said and Lou groaned and rolled her eyes.

'I know I'm in trouble when she calls me Louise!' Everyone laughed.

'It's not your little sister in here,' I said, smiling as I patted my belly, 'it's your little sisters!'

Lou exclaimed excitedly, 'Twins? I don't believe it!'

'Neither do I,' groaned Scott.

'See what I mean? She's a one woman population explosion.' Ron called out and the laughter continued.

I looked around the room. Everyone was getting older, myself included, but life was wonderful.

'Thank you,' I said quietly, 'thank you for everything.' I handed the microphone back and everyone stood to applaud.

I leaned down to softly kiss Scott. 'I'm ready to go home now,' I murmured.

He smiled. 'You have to wait for the cake.'

'Okay,' I said softly, 'I love you.'

That grin of his that I loved so much crept up and ambushed his face. 'I love you,' he said simply. 'Everyone loves you.'

 

End of The Mask Part 3 (Final) by Carmenica Diaz

 

Hope you enjoyed this wee story. Thank you for reading.

Carmen

  

  

  

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