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  Julie watched him run down the hall and out the entrance. She saw him jump into the back seat and joined Annie in the beating of Neal. Julie laughed from her doorway at the sight until Mrs. Gosley opened her apartment door with a scowl on her face. Julie closed her own door and leaned against it, holding in her giggle. “I am so going to get kicked out of here,” she said aloud.

  Julie looked at the mountain of prizes piled on the sofa and smiled. “So, this is what fun is,” she said and smiled. She picked out a special memento; a fluffy white cat with long hair and attached brush for combing. “I’m going to call you… Gero,” she named. The remaining prizes she put in a bag. She would bring them to the hospital tomorrow and give them out to the children in pediatrics.

  She took Gero into the bedroom and placed him on the bed. She didn’t feel tired enough to lay down. Julie instead turned on the television and flipped aimlessly through the channels before switching it off. She knew that if she lie down, she would just toss and turn; she was too restless. Julie decided to see if Eli was home. She knocked on his door; there was no reply. “Shoot,” she said, remembering the cheesecake in his refrigerator. She had the key to his apartment in her pocket. He did say to use it in an emergency, Julie thought. She justified her craving as an emergency and let herself in.

  Julie sat down at the kitchen counter and sliced herself a piece of the cheesecake. “Decadent,” she voiced after tasting the first bite. She had just put the fork in her mouth with the second bite when Eli’s bedroom door opened. She froze as Eli stepped out from his room, clad only in pajama bottoms.

  “Ah, I thought I heard the cheesecake calling your name,” he teased upon seeing her. Julie was speechless. She kept staring at his finely chiseled chest and well toned stomach.

  “Does it taste as good as it looks?” Eli asked her.

  It took her a minute to realize he meant the cheesecake. “Um, yeah,” she managed to stammer out, hoping she wasn’t blushing.

  “I may have to try some later. How was the carnival?” he asked, coming into the kitchen. She tried to avert her eyes from staring at his bare chest. What the heck is wrong with me? she questioned her intense reaction to the doctor. The doctor kept talking even though Julie didn’t answer. “I’m surprised Austin didn’t stay,” he commented. “Did you not have a good time?” he asked.

  Julie found her voice. “We both have to be at work early tomorrow,” Julie explained. “I had a good time, actually. I made some new friends,” she added. The only way she could talk to him was if she didn’t look at him.

  “I’m glad you had fun,” Eli replied.

  “Mind if I try a piece of yours?” Eli asked.

  “Sure,” she said. She watched as he used her fork to cut a small piece of her cake. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he chewed and swallowed.

  “Needs whipped cream,” he decided.

  Eli went to the refrigerator and took out a can of whipped cream. He sprayed it on the cake and took another bite. “Much better,” he said. He cut another piece with whipped cream on it and held it up for Julie. “Try it now,” he suggested.

  Julie accepted the piece as he fed it to her. She chewed and swallowed, still staring up to him. “Good?” he asked, a crooked smile on his face.

  “Mhm,” she mumbled an agreement, not trusting her voice.

  Eli wiped a bit of whipped cream off the corner of her mouth and put it in his own. That action caused Julie to become flushed as a heated sensation spread through her. She turned away and stared down at the cake. “I… um… should probably get some sleep.” She stumbled as she got up from the stool. Eli’s hand immediately steadied her.

  Their eyes met. “You okay?” he asked. Julie nodded and quickly turned away from his gaze.

  “Thanks… for the cake,” she said, making her way to the door.

  “Anytime. See you tomorrow,” he said. Julie left the apartment with a backward wave, closing the door behind her.

  Eli chuckled to himself. His hunch had paid off. While at the hospital, he had been unable to concentrate. He finally admitted to himself that he was interested in more than just friendship with Julie. Eli had wondered if Julie was even remotely interested in him in such a way. His test proved to him that Julie did find him attractive. “Hope you are up for some healthy competition, Mr. Dorsett,” Eli voiced.

  Back in her apartment, Julie was a bundle of nerves. Her heart was racing. It had taken a lot of self restraint to keep from reaching out to touch Eli. When he did that thing with the whipped cream… she thought, and had to grip the table to ground herself. “What has gotten into me?” she asked aloud. “Here, he befriends me, takes me into his home, and I repay him by lusting after him!” she argued angrily. “What must he think of me?” she asked. She was angry with herself. Tomorrow, she would apologize to him. “I seem to do that a lot,” she sighed.

  Disgusted with herself and her behavior, she went to bed. Sleep came neither easily nor quickly. She tossed and turned, images of a half-dressed Eli floating in front of her, interspersed with flashes of Austin. It seemed like she had just fallen asleep when her alarm went off. Forcing herself out of bed, she showered and readied for work. At least I’ll be too busy to think about things today, she thought.

  Chapter Eight— It’s All Relative

  Dressed and ready for work, Julie crept quietly out of her apartment and down the hall. She knew she would cross paths with Eli at some point, but was trying to avoid it as long as possible. She needed to build up her courage to apologize.

  She got to work early and went to the cafeteria to get something to eat. “Hey, Screamer,” Neal teased, sneaking up behind her.

  “Hey, Neal,” Julie greeted, distractedly. She was still so tired that she didn’t notice Neal had draped an arm around her.

  The woman behind the counter looked at Neal. “Did your persistence pay off?” she asked him. Neal grinned. Julie came out of her stupor and looked at Neal’s grin.

  She felt his arm around her and promptly removed it. “Neal,” she scowled at him.

  “What?” he laughed. The woman behind the counter just shook her head.

  “What can I get for you, honey?” she asked Julie.

  “Just a bagel with cream cheese,” Julie ordered.

  “Grab some orange juice too, so you are more aware of your surroundings,” the woman suggested.

  “Thanks.” Julie smiled.

  Neal placed his order and followed Julie to a table.

  “You are really zoning,” Neal said.

  “I know,” Julie said. “I didn’t sleep well last night,” she added.

  Neal felt her forehead. “Maybe you’re coming down with something,” he surmised.

  Julie picked at her bagel. “I don’t know why I got this. I’m not that hungry,” she admitted.

  “Hey, Julie. How’s it going?” Kathy asked, joining them at the table. She had a banana and a bowl of oatmeal.

  “Hi, Kathy,” Julie addressed with a smile. “I see you are eating healthier,” she noticed.

  “Yes, I am. Finally taking my doctor’s advice,” she said proudly.

  “Good for you,” Julie acknowledged.

  “Now what’s up with you? You looked wiped. Are they working you too hard?” she asked with concern.

  Neal put his arm around Julie again. “It’s my fault. We were at the carnival yesterday. I must have worn her out,” he bragged.

  Kathy sat back a little. “Oh, are you two…” she began to say.

  Julie, again, removed his arm. “No, we are not. Neal, knock it off,” she admonished.

  Neal raised his hands. “No harm, no foul,” he said.

  “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!” Joy exasperated, joining them at the table.

  “That’s three ‘oh my Gods’, must be big,” Kathy noted.

  “Have you seen the totally hot, new resident?” she asked. “He is absolutely gorgeous and… single!” Joy squealed.

  “Like I need any more competition,” Ne
al grumbled. Julie smiled.

  “So, c’mon give the specs,” Kathy ordered.

  “Tall, dark, and handsome,” Joy sighed.

  “More details, please,” Kathy suggested.

  “Dark black hair, piercing blue eyes… and… when he looks at you… you melt like butter,” Joy told.

  “Sounds like he would raise my cholesterol,” Kathy kidded.

  “.And blood pressure,” Joy added, “ but what a way to go,” she gushed.

  Julie enjoyed watching Joy and Kathy converse. They seemed so comfortable with each other.

  “What’s his name?” Kathy asked.

  “Doctor Samson, Marcus Samson. Hair… little on the long side, down to about here,” Joy described, putting her hand close to her shoulder. “Parted in the middle and it falls in his face when he leans over. So gorgeous,” she elaborated.

  “Sounds too perfect,” Kathy said. “He’s probably a jerk,” she deduced.

  “Flirtatious as hell, definitely not a jerk,” Joy said.

  “All talk, no action, then,” Kathy surmised.

  “Why are you trying to say something bad about him?” Joy asked.

  “Just playing devil’s advocate. The guy you described sounds like he exists more in your head than in real life,” Kathy explained.

  “I can’t wait to prove you wrong,” Joy grumbled.

  Kathy looked at her watch. “Time for work, people,” she said. Julie had drifted off. Kathy put a finger under Julie’s chin, lifting her head. “Stop working so hard,” she ordered.

  Neal put his arm around Julie. “I’ll look after her,” he said.

  Julie yawned and rested her head on his shoulder, which bought a smile to his face. “I’ll be okay, just tired,” she said sleepily.

  “Stop that. You are making Neal smile. It’s creepy,” Joy shuddered. Julie smiled but didn’t move. She didn’t see the worried look that passed between Kathy and Joy.

  Joy stood up and grabbed Julie’s arm. “C’mon, sleeping beauty, you need to wake up,” she said, pulling Julie out of Neal’s embrace.

  “Hey,” Neal exclaimed. Julie laughed and stood up, but had to sit back down because she felt dizzy.

  “Now you’re scaring me, Julie,” Joy said, sitting down next to her. Julie shook her head.

  “I’m sorry,” she said and reached for her orange juice. “I probably should have eaten,” she said after finishing it. “I’m really okay. C’mon, let’s get moving,” Julie stood up. She followed Joy up to the fifth floor. Neal was not far behind.

  “Anytime you need a rest, come find me. My shoulder’s always ready,” he told her before he left for his duties.

  “If it gets to be too much, go home. You hear me?” Joy ordered, then exclaimed, “Oh my God, here he comes.”

  Julie looked to where Joy was looking. The man walking down the hallway, flanked by two beaming nurses and Doctor Elsworth, was exactly as Joy had described him. Julie and the new doctor locked eyes long before he reached the station she was at. He smiled at her as he came to stand in front of her. Julie heard Joy speaking and tried to listen to what she was saying.

  He stuck out his hand to Julie. “Nice to meet one of our valuable volunteers,” the doctor said. Julie took his hand, her eyes never leaving his. The electric shock she felt as their skin made contact was enough to make the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Julie felt afraid, yet curious. There was something about him; something familiar. The feeling then changed to a heated, flushed desire.

  She pulled her hand from his. “Nice to meet you,” she mumbled. “I have to get changed,” she said, trying to make a quick exit.

  Eli stopped her. “Miss Miller, are you okay?” he asked her.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll… um… I’ll talk to you later,” Julie stammered as she headed for the locker room.

  She was glad the locker room was empty. What the hell is wrong with me, she thought as she stomped around, getting changed. I’m such a nut job. I want to jump the bones of every nice looking guy I meet. I’m a freak of nature, and what the hell is with that guy? I felt like I was trapped in his web. Was it him or was it me? she ranted to herself. There was something about him, I know it. I can’t put my finger on it… she sighed heavily. “I’m falling apart,” she voiced aloud. She sat down and put her head in her hands. She stayed that way until Nurse Hacher found her.

  “Julie, my dear, are you alright?” she asked. Julie raised her head, her face wet with tears.

  “Yes, I’m sorry,” she said, wiping her face.

  “What seems to be the trouble? Is it female problems? I remember back when I was your age, I would cry at the drop of a hat,” Nurse Hacher recalled.

  “Something like that,” Julie replied with a forced smile.

  “Well, come along now. Work is good therapy for what ails you,” the nurse said. Julie nodded in agreement. “Good girl,” Nurse Hacher praised. “Now go down to room 510 and bring an extra blanket. Mr. Kendal is complaining that he is too cold,” she ordered.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Julie said, and went to get the blanket.

  She did a few more mundane tasks. Julie was feeling better, having something else to focus her mind on. “Julie,” Nurse Hacher called to her. “Be a dear and fetch the metal tray and latex free gloves from examining room two. I left them in there,” she stated.

  “Sure, no problem,” Julie said.

  Inside room two, Julie found the tray and box of gloves. She jumped and dropped the items when a voice spoke behind her. “Well, I can tell that you do not have the awareness ability, otherwise you would have known I was following you,” Doctor Samson spoke. Julie spun around and stared questioningly at him. “It’s nice to run into one of my own kind,” he said, approaching her.

  The closer he got, the more anxious Julie became. “Own kind?” she asked.

  He smiled and took her hands. The electricity she felt when he grabbed her hands traveled through her entire body. “You’re a healer, like me,” he commented. He raised one hand and brushed his fingertips across her forehead. “A numera, too,” he said. Julie was captivated by his voice. “Your lure is almost as strong as mine,” he said, his face only inches from hers. She wanted to ask him so many questions, but when his cheek brushed hers, words failed her. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been with one of my own,” he whispered, his lips brushing hers. “Too long,” he added, his kisses increasing.

  “Wait,” Julie’s voice was barely a whisper. His thumb brushed her lips as he locked his eyes on her.

  “Talk later. I’ll help you focus,” he said, resting his hand on the side of her face. His eyes bore into her as her breathing became labored. This is what she had felt in the conference room with Eli. She slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. “This is my favorite part of being a human blend,” he said, although Julie didn’t hear him. She began kissing him aggressively as his hands pulled their bodies together. Both lost in an ever increasing urgency, neither of them heard someone enter the room.

  Eli grabbed the doctor by the collar and pulled him away from Julie. He pushed him against a metal cabinet and held him there. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, doc. What the hell?” Marcus asked, surprised at the interference.

  “I could ask you the same question, Doctor Samson,” Eli seethed.

  “I’m just getting to know her a little better,” Marcus said. His response caused Eli to pull him forward and slam him back against the cabinet.

  Julie was regaining her awareness. She saw Eli holding Marcus against the cabinet. “Eli,” she called out to him.

  Eli released the doctor and went to help steady Julie. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you?” Eli asked.

  “He knows me… he knows what I can do,” Julie managed to choke out. “He said he is like me,” Julie said. Both Eli and Julie looked at Marcus, who remained silent. “Please, talk to me. I need to know. How… why… are we…” Julie tried to form a question.

  “Fine. We can talk, but not in front of your elven guard dog,
” Marcus said. Julie looked at Eli. “What did he just call you?” she asked.

  Marcus headed for the door. “Come find me when you can talk without him,” Marcus said.

  “No. Wait, please,” she pleaded. She moved toward Marcus, but didn’t get very far. The room began to spin. She lapsed into unconsciousness.

  Marcus was able to catch her as she fell. He placed her on the gurney in the room. “How long has she been like this?” Marcus asked. Eli didn’t reply. He wasn’t sure how much information he should give to him. “Do you want to help her or not?” Marcus asked.

  “Of course,” Eli replied.

  “How long has she been this weak?” Marcus asked him.

  “A few days, “ Eli answered.

  “I need to go in and see what’s wrong,” Marcus said. He rolled Julie to the side to unzip her uniform.

  “What are you doing?” Eli asked.

  “I told you, I need to go inside. Do you even know her?” Marcus questioned.

  “She goes in through an arm or leg,” Eli said through clenched teeth.

  “Well that’s not how I do it. I go in through the abdomen. It is closer to the vital organs,” Marcus explained, and finished unfastening her uniform.

  Marcus lifted her blouse and exposed her stomach. He placed his hands gently on her and dove in. “How long ago did she take the cancer?” he asked Eli.

  “A few days ago,” Eli responded.

  “Why didn’t she release it?” Marcus asked.

  “What do you mean?” Eli questioned.

  “What do you mean, ‘what do I mean’? She can’t take this enormous amount of cancer and not release it. Why would she keep this inside of herself? It is spreading to the human parts of her body,” Marcus said.

  “I don’t think she knew. Julie doesn’t know much about herself,” Eli admitted.

  “I have to get some of this out of her. Do you have a patient near death?” Marcus asked.

  “Why?” Eli questioned. Marcus removed his hands and sighed. “Look, I am not supposed to discuss our ways with outsiders, even if they are non-human,” Marcus said. Eli and Marcus stared at each other. “I need to take the cancer from her and put it in someone else, and it will most likely kill that patient. Now do you, or do you not have a patient near death?” Marcus asked. “If I do not do this, it will kill every part of her that is human, and she will die,” Marcus added.