"Why is there so much evil in people?" Julia thought to herself. She hadn't been at work long and today's list of patients showed the dark side of life in the city. A stabbing victim, a woman who had been beaten by her pimp until her face was unrecognisable and a young man who had overdosed on heroin had required her attention either fully or in part with other doctors. And they weren't much source of encouragement either: One of the senior surgeons seemed to have a callous indifference to these patients as he kept muttering about how dealing with the dregs was preventing him from operating on better, more wealthier invalids. Other junior doctors cracked bad taste jokes about the sick. Her work colleagues weren't as nice or friendly as those she had known and worked with since she started at this hospital: Harper was now on nights, Francesca took on a senior administrative role which paid better and she needed to earn more money to look after her daughter on her own. And as for fellow doctors, she was still haunted by memories of Vincent Bledsoe...
She took a moment to calm herself down in the bathroom mirror; she was a professional and she had to put her feelings to one side in order to do her job properly. She left the bathroom and grabbed a medical chart for a Mr J.J. Gotcha.
James Jefferson Gotcha, age 46, resident of Sim City, profession: Businessman. Symptoms: Spiral warts, coated tongue, bowel moths, torpid liver...eugh, this sounds rough, thought Julia.
When she entered Mr Gotcha's cubicle he managed to stir himself slightly from his bed.
"Well helloooooooooo nurse!" he muttered.
"Not nurse. Doctor. I am Doctor Julia Epstein and I will be dealing with your case. Now I have a list of symptoms but I would like to perform some tests on you."
"You can perform any test you like, Doctor" he said, trying to sound flirtatious but with a raspy wheeze to his voice.
"Please, Mr Gotcha, try to take this seriously and less with the attempts at a witty come-on. There are strict rules about doctors and patients fraternising; rules which I adhere to 100%."
"Now you're just playing hard to get..." he replied, forcing a smile on his face.
"I think your wife might object" she said, pointing to his wedding ring.
"Dang! I keep forgetting to remove that!"
"OK, now sit up, Mr Gotcha...I'm going to do an examination which might hurt you more than it hurts me..."
After her shift Julia made her way home. All the while she kept thinking about all the sleazy men she had encountered at work since she started at the hospital. It was mostly patients who were trying to hit on her but by now she had heard every cringeworthy pick up line that was out there, endured some pinched bottoms and even some gropes. It made her seethe inside and she had even complained to her boss, Dr Murakami.
"I know it is unacceptable behaviour and we have strict rules but we must treat patients, no matter how leery they get. Goodness knows how many comments and inappropriate physical contact I have had over the years, Dr Epstein, but we can't go running for help every time a louche man tries his luck with female staff. It's just the way some men are."
"But there has to be a deterrent, Dr Murakami! Something that will make men think twice!"
"What, call security? A waste of their time. No, you have to learn to brush the minor annoyances of these patients off...it's what women have been doing for all time."
"But if these men cross the line....I mean, there's got to be a word for this kind of activity...sex discrimination...."
"If you feel truly threatened, and your safety is at risk yes, call security. But those same leery men are looking for weaknesses in women...they resent us being doctors, lawyers and scientists and they'll try to make us look weak. Don't give them that excuse!"
Julia had decided to play host for the next meeting and had made some cookies for everyone. Then she got changed into her League uniform...she knew George and Edna were sticklers for detail so she made sure she cut no corners with looking smart.
The first guest to arrive was the newest recruit: Vance Mannero.
"Hello, Vance, you're the first here...would you like a sugar cookie?" she asked, being the perfect polite hostess.
"I would, thanks. It's been a while since we all met together for League business" said Vance, gruffly, as he took a cookie.
"It has. I suppose with Geoffrey Landgraab's death and him being our benefactor we haven't had much time to get together. Do the police still think it was an accidental death?"
"As far as I know, yes. They haven't ruled out suicide either...anyway, it's not my case; Homicide are on it."
Julia looked shocked at the word 'homicide' and tried to find something else to talk about.
"So....what do you think of men who pester women at their place of work?" she asked.
After getting Vance's opinion on the subject, which involved rubber hoses and alleyways to teach people a lesson, the others began to arrive for the meeting. Julia hadn't put together an agenda or anything, this was more about getting the club together for a social gathering in preparation for something more serious in the near future.
The male members of the league gathered around the kitchen table to eat the cookies, the women sat of the sofa and George kind of went between the two groups, not sure which one to gravitate towards more.
Julia told Edna her thoughts and worries about men being sex pests and Edna nodded appreciatively before letting out a little chuckle and waving her hand dismissively.
"Oh I know all about that sort of thing, my dear" she said, heartily. "I have a slap that's more powerful than my slight figure would suggest. I recommend you develop a powerful slap as well...works wonders."
"Mind you, I don't meet many of those sort of men...and my George is never anything less than a gentleman, aren't you, dear?"
"Yes Edna." said George, meekly.
"If you can't keep a man in line verbally, you need to dissuade them with force" said Edna, emphatically.
"I'm not a physical person, Edna, and I dislike confrontation of that sort" said Julia. "I just hate the way some men view me as a kind of object. I mean, they just look at you and without getting to know you or your personality or mind they just lust after you!"
"I'm going to get some cookies." said George, uncomfortably. His memory still fresh from Geoffrey Landgraab lusting after him when he was being Beulah.
"Julia, don't think I'm unsympathetic" said Edna, after they too grabbed a few cookies for themselves. "I think what's going wrong with men is this permissive society. I blame the war; everyone back then thought this would be their last time to...well...you know...have carnal knowledge so standards went woosh, straight out of the window!"
"I think one of our missions in the League is to make men gentlemen again. We need fewer men like The Rolling Stones and more like Cary Grant. I will add that to our next agenda." said Edna.
An idea was now percolating in her mind...yes, a new quest...and one that would take a swipe at Alan Cuffe and his pornography empire.
The amiable chatter went on and everyone agreed that a good plan to put into practice would be to encourage better gentlemanly behaviour from men which was in line with the League of Decency's charter. One by one the guests left but Scott Urban volunteered to stay behind to help Julia tidy up.
"That's very kind of you, Mr Urban, but I can do this..." said Julia.
"It's Scott, ma'am, and I don't mind helping. I sure did like those cookies and had more than my fair share so the least I can do is help you tidy up." he replied.
He grabbed some plates and coffee cups and took them over to one of Julia's two sinks in the kitchen area.
"Those dishes go in the right hand one, Scott" said Julia.
"Yup, got it...I was forgetting you are of the Jewish persuasion and that y'all have two kitchen sinks"
"That's alright, Scott, but I'm impressed that you know about that. Not many people do and I'm always being asked why there are two sinks."
"I like to do my research, Miss Julia. Anyways, I really dug what you had to say about men being gentlemen and I agree: I was brought up in a small town where there were good Christian values...well, I mean, Jewish values are also in line with the whole...erm...godliness thing...I mean no offence."
"None taken. Do you know, Scott, this morning I was down in the dumps about how men are just letches these days but this meeting tonight...you, George and Vance, have restored my faith a little. George is always a courteous and faithful husband, you are always polite and respectful and Vance...well...I guess he's there for when men step out of line...."
"Yup, he sure is like that, nyuk" said Scott with a smile and a chuckle.
"Are you in a rush, Scott? I can't face any more paperwork this evening and I was just going to have a glass of wine and relax in front of the TV but if you'd like to stay a bit more then you're more than welcome because I'm enjoying our conversation."
Scott gulped and nodded. "That would be mighty fine, Miss Julia." he said, his heart starting to pound faster. He had a crush on Julia but he realised he was a working class boy from a small town and an army background whereas Julia was intelligent, well educated and sophisticated. But just a few minutes in her company made him feel happy. Maybe the divide between them was too vast but...then...maybe not if the stars aligned just right?
Edna couldn't quite put her finger on it but George was acting out of character lately. He seemed more emotional and quick to change mood. One minute he was talking about his work in great detail, the next he would look furtively out of the living room window as if he had feared something that lurked outside...
"George, is there something bothering you? You seem a bit jumpy at the moment" she said, quizzically.
"Oh nothing in particular, my love...I've got a lot on my plate work wise..." he said defensively.
"My love? You don't usually talk in such a flowery manner..."
"Don't I? Well, maybe I don't heap enough praise on you for all the wonderful things you do, Sugar Pie"
"George! Mind your language! We have a League of Decency meeting later today and it sends out the wrong message if you go around calling me 'sugar pie' in public."
"Sorry dear...I will mind my manners when we're out there"
And out there was Uptown San Myshuno, the heart of the city. Edna was scoping out the scene because in a few hours the League of Decency were going to hold a rally there. Already hanging around there was a young man with a Beatnik style beard and glasses (at least Edna thought he looked the Beatnik type) who was checking a large and professional looking camera. She decided to approach him.
"Hello there, Edna Sneedley; the League of Decency...thank you for coming along today. Now we shall be assembling over there, by the fountain, where there will be some speakers and a more informal discussion with members of the public. You can position yourself anywhere you like as long as you don't block the speaker whilst they're giving a talk and if you want any shots of myself then please don't hesitate to ask....after all, I have a great respect for our Fourth Estate...."
The man looked confused. "Excuse me, Miss Sneedley...I have no idea what you're talking about."
Now it was Edna's turn to look confused. "But aren't you here to cover the League of Decency rally?"
"No, ma'am, I'm here for a publicity shoot for rising pop star Lisa Richardson"
At that moment a lively young blonde woman popped up next to the photographer and introduced herself. "Hey there, Lisa Richardson...Lil' Lisa according to my publicist. Groovy to meet you...I don't discriminate against my older fans."
Edna shook her head and just walked off.
She went to get a drink from somewhere but there was only one coffee shack in the area and none of the bars around here were open so a coffee it would have to be. She cursed under her breath that she didn't bring along a hip flask of something stronger with her today. However, she didn't have much time to rue that decision as a very flamboyantly dressed young man who sported a very thin moustache and obviously dyed blonde hair approached her.
"This much talent..." he said, cryptically, holding his thumb and forefinger close together to indicate a tiny amount.
"I beg your pardon?" replied Edna.
"That Lisa Richardson, she's got practically no talent, no personality but she has a good agent and can pout for the camera. May I join you?" said the young man, indicating an empty seat opposite Edna.
"Erm, why, yes...I don't see why not. So you know that young, brash and overly self-confident girl, do you?"
"For my sins, alas yes." he replied, sitting down. "I have to in my line of work: Style critic."
Now Edna wouldn't normally approve of a man like this one who dressed in an outrageous manner, dyed his hair blonde and with a camp voice but something about his blunt cynicism appealed to her.
"A style critic you say? And how are you with all the latest styles and fads?" she asked, probingly.
"Fads come, fads go...style endures. I don't care if it's mini, midi or sackcloth as long as it's worn with class. I mean, look at the models...Suzy Parker, Jean Shrimpton and Colleen Corbett; all classy. Marianne Faithful and Lisa Richardson; trashy. By the way my name is Diego Lobo...and you are?"
"Edna Sneedley; Chairwoman of The League of Decency."
"Oh so YOU'RE the Edna Sneedley I've heard about. Enchante, madam"
He had heard of her...now she was liking him more.
"Yes I am, Mr Lobo. I hope what you've heard is all good."
"Honey, I've heard so many things about you: Good and bad. I neither approve nor disapprove of your organisation: If it gets rid of nasty, cheap fashion I'm all on board. Now might I say you have a strong look going there, Mrs Sneedley...may I call you Edna? Good. You look a lot like Joan Crawford but I would suggest updating the look: Jackie Kennedy's Chanel style needs an update. Do check out Pierre Cardin, I think he would suit you."
"Oh Mr Lobo, you do flatter me....but DO go on..."
Meanwhile George was about to begin the opening speech of the League's meeting. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is George Sneedley, vice-chair and membership secretary of The League of Decency...today we have many guest speakers addressing a wide variety of topics including lawlessness, the fight against Communism, jaywalking, littering, public health and sexual mores....but first up is Dr Julia Epstein of Willow Creek Community hospital to talk about the importance of child health in our local community..."
There was a small ripple of applause from the small crowd as Julia walked up to the podium. Acknowledging her audience she began her talk in a hesitant tone until she found her confidence as her topic became more technical about medicine.
Afterwards Edna was approving of Julia's speech but still took the time to lightly criticise her presentation. "On the whole, very good, young Julia but you need to hook your audience in with your opening statement... I recommend beginning with something startling and terrifying to really grip the crowd!"
George came over to chat with the two ladies. "What did you think, George? About Julia's speech?" asked Edna.
"Oh quite nice, actually. Quite nice" he said, in a faintly vague manner as if his mind was elsewhere.
Edna was too busy looking around for a member of the public in attendance to give a League leaflet to so she didn't notice George's manner, but Julia did.
"George..." Julia began "are you alright? I saw you at the Blue Velvet Bar last night and you seemed distracted..."
"No you didn't" snapped back George.
"I'm sure I did...we spoke outside the bar..."
"I wasn't in the bar and if I were I wasn't distracted" he again snapped but in a hushed tone that wouldn't alert Edna.
"Now here comes our next speaker, Scott..." interjected Edna, who hadn't paid any attention to Julia and George. "Now have you still got that schedule George? We must keep to the schedule"
"Yes dear...it's your turn to announce the speaker, Edna" he said, glancing at his clipboard.
"Right, best get to it!" she replied. She then made a clicking noise with her lips, as if to indicate thirst. "I wish there was a place to get a drink around here..."
She approached the podium and smiled at the crowd. "I am very pleased to introduce our next speaker. A brave young man who gave 4 years of his life to our fine military in defence of our nation against the Communist aggressor...Technical Sergeant Scott Urban, now Mr Scott Urban..."
Scott stood behind the podium and began his speech. "It was during basic training back at Fort Hood, Texas, where I had a personal epiphany...It was on viewing a training film about syphilis..."
Whilst the speech went on and Edna watched on, enthralled, Julia took the time to approach George privately.
"George, I did see you in the bar last night...if there's anything you want to talk about, remember I am a doctor and what you tell me is in the strictest confidence."
George bit his bottom lip before responding but eventually he spoke. "Yes...I was in the Blue Velvet last night but please don't tell Edna! It's not her kind of establishment. She went in there once but ended up having a furious row with that Suzy Kent woman. I don't know what possessed me to go in there last night but...lately...things have been a little...erm...how can I describe this? Well...it's like I have two lives at the moment...and it's juggling them with the knowledge that I have...I...I...well, it began as a simple thing, really, and it got out of control...and now I know things I shouldn't and I don't understand them either..."
Julia couldn't make head nor tail of what he was saying but it sounded like he was trying to confess to having an affair. She tried to respond, tactfully.
"Is there...another woman, George?" she asked.
Again, he didn't immediately respond but looked down at the ground at his feet and then he did another thing she found strange: He looked at hers and with a tilt of his head his gaze went slowly upwards, looking at Julia all the way.
"No...well, yes...well, kind of, but not in an infidelity way. You know in the Bible there's the part about thinking about another woman is the same as knowing them? I mean, you must have that in your version..."
"The Talmud? Yes, I know the reference. So is this about desiring another woman?"
"No...well, possibly, only...well, this other woman's more of an ideal than an actual person. It's something within me...except it's not that simple as it's about what I...and she...witnessed..."
"But this person doesn't exist?" asked an increasingly confused Julia.
George shook his head and said "No, forget it...just don't tell Edna that you saw me in that bar!" before he walked away.
Everything after that was an anti-climax for both George and Julia but Edna was buoyed up by a crowd of nearly 30 people showing up and listening to the speeches; not all at the same time, however. George went home to get changed for work but Edna wanted to continue her canvassing by going to see an old acquaintance: Nancy Landgraab.
Nancy was there to answer the door and she greeted Edna with a warm-ish smile. "Edna, what a pleasant surprise, do come in."
"Thank you, Nancy...once again, my condolences on dear Geoffrey's untimely passing. How are you coping?"
"Well enough; fortunately I'm kept busy with the business, the Landgraab Foundation and all our subsidiaries. My father has returned to help run the company and Malcolm has been such a blessing in this troubling time. Come through to the sitting room...would you like a drink?"
"Oh would I ever!" said Edna, smiling enthusiastically.
They walked through to the spacious lounge where Nancy poured Edna a whisky and soda. "So..." began Nancy as she handed Edna the drink "...how have you and George been keeping?"
"We're fine...in fact doing quite well. We had a League of Decency rally today and it was a qualified success if I do say so myself."
"Do have a seat, Edna. I know my Geoffrey was always supportive of your cause."
"He was, Nancy, our biggest supporter. I've also spoken with your father; a great man and he too was enthusiastic about what we do."
"Was he really?" replied Nancy, raising an eyebrow. "Well, we've got some shared values, Edna. You and your organisation are broadly aligned. We do still have the same enemies..."
"Oh yes...pests. As it happens I'm running for office; for city councillor."
"Yes, but there's still people that need bringing down, Edna. I think that needs to be a priority." Nancy said, emphatically.
"Well, I can be more effective if I'm on the council"
"Yes, indeed. And, frankly, the Fengs need pulling down a peg or two."
"So can I count on your support?" said Edna, pushing her point.
"Hmmm....yes, I think you can. Anyway, I must be getting on Edna. I'll see you to the door and hope to see you again." said Nancy.
The two women stood up and Nancy escorted Edna to the door. Edna felt pleased to secure Landgraab support and she felt emboldened as she headed back down the valley to Bedrock Strait. George wasn't home yet but Edna felt she deserved a victory drink.
With Julia's latest promotion she could afford to purchase a stereo record player. Now she could enjoy fine recordings of her favourite classical composers plus her growing interest in progressive jazz. As she listened to one of latter her thoughts turned to how she was going to enjoy her day off from work. She was wearing her newest, most fashionable outfit: One that she was nervous purchasing at first because it was the height of Mod fashion and attracted attention from onlookers and that made her uncomfortable but now, wearing it for the third time, she felt something she often didn't feel...feminine and alluring. The latter emotion being almost unknown to her, she definitely wasn't used to feeling that and didn't know if she liked the feeling either...but as she smoothed her miniskirt and stroked her long, loose hair she was aware that, like it or not, she felt a desire to succumb to these sensations.
This afternoon she was due to play a set at The Blue Velvet nightclub...her talent for playing the piano had now secured her a semi-professional residency there and she was making some decent additional money as well. This was one of the reasons she was dressed in her latest threads but there was something else going on in the recesses of her mind as well: Maybe impress a guy or two with more than just her brains? Not any guy, lounge lizard or barfly she might encounter but a smart, well educated man like Dr Vincent Bledsoe or her recent acquaintance, Blair Herrick. As Vincent was still in the Congo he was a non-starter but after her set she thought about doing some medical research up at Britechester University so maybe Blair had some free time to meet up? Maybe...
But she didn't want to be couped up indoors this morning either. She decided to get out and about and see what adventures she would have along the way...if there were such adventures. Maybe not grand ones but little ones, mini ones, easily handled ones...that was more to Julia's liking. She stepped out of her house and as soon as she turned the corner she met little Stefanie Griffiths...daughter of her good friend, Francesca. Stefanie took a shine to Julia after she had cured the little girl of a particularly nasty illness and ever since then she talked about how, when she grew up, she wanted to be a great doctor like her "Auntie" Julia.
"Good morning, Stefanie, are you off to school?" asked Julia.
"Yes...today we've got art; that's my favourite lesson" the little girl replied.
"No wonder you look happy. How are mum and dad? Are they doing anything special today as I know your mummy has a day off as well as me?"
"No, they're at home...we got a new puppy and Dad's trying to train him and later he's going to cook us all his favourite meal. He doesn't cook often and knows two recipes but he treats us once in a while."
Julia laughed. "Your dad's so much fun...I might call around and see them for a bit. You have fun at school, learn lots of things and be good."
"See you later, Auntie Julia!" said Stefanie, waving enthusiastically at Julia before walking off. Julia smiled and wondered what it would be like to raise a good girl like Stefanie...before checking that thought as it involved husbands, settling down and...ugh...'woohoo' to coin the popular term.
Julia made her way over to Francesca's house and saw her husband, Rodney, out front playing with a little dog. She remembered that Francesca had mentioned getting a new dog about a couple of months ago but it didn't really register at the time as Julia was very indifferent to dogs and pets in general.
"Hello, Rodney...so is that your dog?" she said on greeting him. The dog was a squat little thing; possibly a pug or a bulldog, Julia didn't know much about breeds, who was sitting there and watching with fascination as a slug slithered by on the front driveway.
"Yep...this is Boris and I'm trying to teach him to sit, come here and bring back this rubber ball when I throw it. I've achieved about a 50% success rate with that so far." said Rodney.
"I...see..." said Julia, attempting to make some small talk about dogs. "He seems...nice"
"Oh he is; overall he's a good puppy if you don't mind the odd hurt hand when he play-bites or his muddy paw prints all over the carpet or on your clothes...oh, look, he's noticed you talking to me and wants to meet you. Look at his little tail wagging!"
"Is that what it's doing?" said Julia, noticing that the tail was so short it wasn't so much wagging and more like Boris' entire bottom wobbling.
Boris sniffed Julia's feet, which made her wince, before attempting to leap up on his back legs with his front paws flailing at her legs.
"No! Stop that, doggy! I don't like the claws! These are brand new tights!" she exclaimed, backing away.
"He wants to hold hands with you, Julia" said Rodney, calmly.
"I...don't think I can do that!" she replied, nervously.
"OK, just be firm...but kind...with him. Just say 'sit' in a firm voice and point upwards."
"Oh...uhm...SIT! Oh, he's done it..." she said, surprised that her stern tone of voice had worked first time.
"There you go, you're a natural at this. And little Boris likes you as well..." said Rodney.
"I'm not sure he likes me" replied Julia.
"He definitely respects you. Who's a good dog? You are! Come here, Boris, I have a treat for you for being a good, obedient doggie!" said Rodney, reaching into a pocket in his suit jacket and pulling out a little dog biscuit. Then he crouched down, patted the ground before him and Boris came trotting over to get the treat.
"I tell you, Julia. He's been a little blessing in our lives and it's only been a couple of months." said Rodney, patting little Boris. "I never knew he'd be so much fun when we got him. Stefanie loves him, of course, and he treats Fran like a mother. Speaking of Fran, she's inside and would love to have a gossip with you."
Julia smiled and said thank you but before she went inside the house she turned to Boris and said to him "good dog".
Inside the small, but immaculate, house they lived in she found Francesca; who had just turned off the TV so she could greet her friend.
"Julia, so nice to see you. Is this a social call?"
"Yes. I have a free morning before I play a set down at the Blue Velvet club this afternoon so I thought I'd come and visit you. I've just chatted with Rodney and met your dog."
"Ha, Boris. I hope he was a good dog to you"
"I don't know much about them but he seemed to be reasonably well behaved." said Julia. Francesca motioned towards the couch for Julia to sit down.
"Lately at work it's been so busy we can only talk shop...now we can catch up on what's happening. So the piano playing is going well, is it?"
Julia nodded. "Yes...I have two sets a week now. On my wages I don't really need the extra money but it's nice for my nest egg and I really enjoy playing."
Francesca looked Julia up and down. "It looks like some of that extra money is going on your wardrobe. You look fabulous and I love the long hair look; it suits you" she said.
"I should say so!" said Rodney, who had entered the room with little Boris trotting beside him. "Dare I say it; are you seeing a special someone later on?"
Francesca shot him a cross look. "Rodney! Looking nice and fashionable isn't just about attracting a date...Julia's a lot more sophisticated than that!"
"Oops, I'm sorry!" he grimaced.
"That's alright..." interjected Julia. "Both of you are basically correct. I want to look nice for my set this afternoon and...well...I've met a man who is...interesting."
"Oh do tell!" exclaimed Francesca. "Is he nicer than that louche city guy you went on a date with?"
"He's a PhD student, his name is Blair and he seems intelligent, polite, generous..."
"Yes, but is he a dish?" said Francesca, rolling her eyes at Julia's primness.
"By all reasonable metrics he is attractive for a man" said Julia, maintaining that primness in her conversation. "I think he's good looking, not that I base my judgement on men by attractiveness..."
"No, of course not" said Francesca, only half believing her. After all, Julia had a massive crush on Vincent Bledsoe who was an absolute hunk of a man.
"Well, I hope you have fun this evening, Julia. I must confess my knowledge of the dating scene is out of date: Rod and I were high school sweethearts and we've been together ever since."
"And now you've got a wonderful daughter and...that dog" said Julia, still wary that Boris will leap up on her at any moment.
The two of them talked for a couple of hours about work, Dr Murakami in particular, music and how Stefanie was getting on at school. Rodney made some lunch for them whilst they nattered...one of the two recipes he knew was sandwiches. After some time spent at the Griffiths' house Julia had to move on to the Blue Velvet for her piano set.
The place was busy for a weekday afternoon, which was a good sign in that it usually led to more tips for Julia. The set went without a hitch; Julia's confidence was growing with each gig she did and even though she didn't work a crowd, like her friend Joelene did when they did one of their duets, she made up for it with her smooth playing style. Her choice of outfit to wear put her more in line with the other female patrons there and she didn't feel so out of place. She was blending in so well, in fact, that even her neighbour and friend, John Action, didn't spot her among those lining up at the bar to get a drink.
"Hello, Action. Did you catch my set?" she asked, tapping him on the shoulder.
"Wait? What? Who's that?" he said, spinning around and seeing Julia. "Never approach me from my gun side, woman!" he exclaimed. He looked around the room for a moment, tilted his head slightly to the left to loosen the pinched nerve in his neck and looked her up and down. "Dang it, I almost didn't recognise you, Julia. Looking more with it than you normally do...was that you playing back there?" he said, jerking his thumb towards the piano.
"It was...did you like my playing?"
"Yeah, pretty damn fine. Hey, let me get you a drink while you're here: On a day like this you need a bit of bar presence to get served and they know me well enough to know not to keep me waiting too long." He said, producing a $5 bill from his pocket and brandishing it towards the barman.
His tactic worked and he ordered drinks for them both. Handing Julia a gin and tonic he raised his glass and said "here's to a great set...so, what's the lowdown in your life?"
Julia took a sip of her drink before answering. "Here...the hospital...and not much else to be frank"
"Well that's a shame; you shouldn't be all work and no play"
"What about you, Action? You seem very dedicated to your job"
"I am...but I play as hard as I work. I need to switch off from all the stuff I have to see and deal with or else I'll jump off the deep end. I have my fitness drills, enjoying the company of some cool cats and the love of a fine woman to keep me on the even keel..." he said, holding his hand out flat and motionless in front of Julia.
"I have my music and a few good friends...I was seeing some of them this morning as a matter of fact and I love to research the latest medical breakthroughs as well. I take it that when you say 'cool cats' you don't actually mean cats?"
Action laughed "No...it's just street slang for the kind of people you want to hang out with."
Julia did her laughing snort at that in self-deprecation. "Well, Action, I think I'm done here for this afternoon; I want to get to the University library for some research...I will see you later."
"Hang loose, Jules. That means be relaxed and not..."
"I think I know what hang loose means" she replied with a smile.
From Willow Creek she headed to Britechester and their extensive medical library. Fortunately for her, it wasn't crowded at all there; just one student at a far away desk scribbling into a notebook and a very bored looking serving woman at the refectory counter were the only others present.
Julia made some notes from a book she was particularly interested in when she noticed someone enter the library: Someone who she hoped would make an appearance eventually...her new friend, Blair Herrick. He was smartly dressed in a lounge suit and turtleneck sweater and walked over to a desk, produced a journal and a pen, and started to write frantically.
"Oh hello, Blair...it's me, Julia. We met last week..."
"I remember. Hello. What brings you here?" he said, putting down his pen.
"Research. This library has many very good medical books." she replied, nodding and trying to peek at his journal to see what he was writing. "And you? Is that coursework?"
"Yes. I have a presentation to give at 4pm as part of my doctrinal studies. I'm just amending the final section...I'm a perfectionist that way." he said, with a thin smile.
Julia liked to hear that he was someone who took his coursework seriously, as she had done when she was studying to become a doctor.
"I never asked you: What's your doctorate about?" she queried.
"Oh, it's in chemistry...I'm researching the effect of different compounds on the human taste sensors and how that can be applied in the creation of food and sustenance. Everything from TV dinners to food astronauts can consume in space." he said with a hint of pride in his voice.
"So there's commercial possibilities with your study then?" she asked.
"Yes...plenty of scope for when I leave this place" he replied. "Now what are you researching at the moment?"
That was a tricky one for Julia to easily respond to as it involved rare tropical fungal infections that affected men's genitals. "Oh, disease related stuff..." she awkwardly replied.
She was also struggling with the small talk and it was somewhat of a relief that members of the debating society had now turned up to discuss some proposition about immediate withdrawal from Vietnam.
"They're always here around this time" said Blair.
"I see...I never got involved in the debating society whilst I was in medical school."
"No...I'm not either; it's more for the political types." He looked at his journal and tapped his pen on side of the desk as he was checking something he had written.
"Oh, I'm sorry Blair, I hope I haven't disturbed you!" said Julia with concern that she was doing the wrong thing in her voice.
"No...it's a pleasant distraction seeing you here. But I have one last correction I have to make so I hope I'm not being rude if I ask you..."
"To leave you to that for a bit? Not a problem, I understand" she said, feeling guilty for not leaving him in peace earlier.
She stood up and went to watch the debate. The young woman was proposing that the US should immediately withdraw from Vietnam and the man was arguing the counter point. Julia was only half listening as she was going through in her mind when would be the right time to sit near Blair and talk to him again?
Eventually she heard the sound of a book being shut firmly and she turned around to see Blair leaning back in his chair with the journal that he was writing in was closed. He turned to face Julia.
"And that's all done and dusted" he said with satisfaction in his voice. "Just the presentation now. How's the debate going?"
"Con's second rebuttal; citing the Domino Effect" replied Julia. She stopped paying attention to the debate and sat back down at the long oak table.
Blair shrugged and leant into the table, resting his elbows on it. "I've got to go and give this presentation soon but I'm free from six onwards...say you and me get a drink over at Pepper's Pub then?"
Julia looked taken aback by this offer. This was what she had hoped would happen but it was nice to hear it being said to her.
"That sounds great. I've got some more research to do first but I will see you at six" she said, perkily.
"Look forward to it" replied Blair, standing up and giving her a little wink.
Julia arrived at Pepper's Pub at 5:45pm but was too nervous to enter on her own. She didn't like going to bars on her own anyway, felt it was not a place for single women on their own, so she waited outside the pub, in the street, waiting for Blair to show up.
Blair showed up not long afterwards but he had changed his outfit since she had last seen him in the library. He was now wearing a casual shirt and dark, moleskin pants and walked in an easy going swagger about him.
"Hey, you made it" he said with a smile.
"Yes, well, my research was fairly straightforward and as I don't know this part of town very well I thought I'd leave a bit of extra time to find this place...turned out I left too much time, SNORT" she said with a laugh.
"Shall we go inside?" he said, motioning her towards the entrance of the pub.
They sat at the bar and Blair asked Julia what she wanted to drink and then motioned to the barman that they wanted two. Julia was still a bit nervous about meeting Blair here and going for drinks so she started with some small talk.
"How did your presentation go?" she asked.
"Fine...I think. The panel are pretty tough with their questions but I think I got my main points across. You know, you fit in well around here; this is a student bar and you look the part."
Julia raised an eyebrow "Do you think I look immature?" she said.
"No, no, please don't take offence. I mean, here I am in the company of an actual medical doctor who's working in the real world but observers would think I'm talking with a fellow student. I'm observing the dichotomy."
"Ah, I see." she said, nodding. "That can be a problem at work; some patients, and other doctors, don't take me seriously because they think I'm younger than I actually am. I'm 22."
"22? Wow, I'm actually 25!" said Blair with a chuckle. "I started college later because I did two years in the army, then did my undergraduate degree and now I'm working on a PhD. You left school before I have!"
The two talked some more about their backgrounds but, unbeknownst to Julia, an acquaintance of hers had entered the bar. Scott Urban had just finished a postal round in Britechester and needed a drink so he came to Pepper's Pub to unwind after a long, day, made unpleasant by all the assholes he had to deal with at the mail depot and on the street. He brooded over the kind of idiot he usually had to deal with. Why did they all have to blame him when they didn't get their mail on time? He just gets given a bag with post in it and trudges around the neighbourhood...he isn't personally responsible for lateness or when letters go missing.
He looked across the bar and saw Julia talking with some guy. He sighed; she looked so pretty in that outfit...although he did like her hair in pigtails but she was so smart, learned and good looking he was happy to see her however she dressed. But she was way out of his league...he could tell by the way she was focussed on College Boy there and she hadn't noticed he was in the bar as well.
Julia was having a nice time with a civilised young man who, apparently, didn't have any baggage. He clearly had an eye on the future the way he talked about using his PhD research in business after he completed his doctorate. But now she felt happy and comfortable in Blair's presence, what next? She wasn't a flirt, she couldn't flirt even if she tried so she had now hit a brick wall in trying to develop this friendship with the guy. What to do next? What to say? It would be easier if he made the next move, she thought...
Blair finished a second drink and put the glass down firmly on the counter. "I've had a really good time tonight, Julia, but I've got to go. I've got another presentation to give tomorrow morning..."
"And you've got to finish your notes, I get it?" she replied.
"Actually I have to start them...but, seriously, we must do this again sometime. All the best with your medical research."
"Oh...that....I nearly forgot. Thanks. I had a nice time too and we should definitely meet up again."
He took out his wallet and pulled out a business card. "My phone number, if you want to call it."
Julia took it and reached for her shoulder bag. "I should give you mine too..." she said, producing her own card. Blair read it.
"Dr Julia Epstein, M.D. F.A.C.S....very impressive." said Blair.
Julia blushed and let out a little nervous snort. "Anyway" he continued "I will see you soon" he said, putting her card in his wallet before walking out. She watched him casually stroll out into the evening and sighed.
Then she felt her pager go off so she took it out and looked at who was calling. It was Francesca. Maybe it was a question she had about tomorrow's shift so she asked the barman where the payphone was and went to call her friend.
Almost immediately after phoning the number, Francesca answered it and it was clear she was crying.
"Francesca? What's the matter?" asked Julia. Francesca was trying to speak whilst holding back the sobs.
"Oh Julia, thank God you called! It's...it's Rodney...Rodney....he's...DEAD!"
