Revival (Johanna's story with Luke Hemmings)

Chapter 18

18.
Coming back to reality at work is an understatement. I arrive on Monday to find a number of nurses are off with a gastro bug, and this has required a full restructuring of the roster for the week. I have been put onto afternoon shifts from tomorrow right through to Friday. I won't get to Steve's party until late - that's if I still have the energy to go - but more disappointing I don't know where Luke can fit into this week. The feeling of serenity induced by the time on the lake, and even the drive back, is abruptly replaced by urgency and pressure with the beeping of drips and monitors and endless ringing of the phones.

On top of it all, when I finally escape the unit briefly to grab some lunch at the cafe, I just have to end up in the queue right in front of Judy (the nurse from the movie theatre). I had been successfully managing to avoid her until now, but it's come down to a choice between food with interrogation or going hungry, and my mouth is already watering looking at the panini options.

"Johanna, you have been flitting about so busy lately" Judy starts.

"It's a bit crazy at the moment isn't it?" I give her.

And then it comes, "Hey, who was that guy you were with at the movies the other night?"

Maybe I'm a bit paranoid, overly sensitive or just self-absorbed, but it feels like everyone within earshot has suddenly lifted or turned their head to look at me. I feel my face suddenly heat up under the unwanted attention. "Ah, he was kind of a date, I guess."

"Oh really" she seems to revel in it. "Was it like a blind date or did you meet him on the internet or something?" She continues on to her real question, "Had he lied about his age?" I think she's trying to look sympathetic now.

I move along in the queue and am nearly up to being served. "No. I'm fully aware he's a lot younger than me - he's just great company." Shit, 'company' makes me sound like some pathetic lonely old biddy, or even like I pay for him or something. I know my tone has been a bit harsh too.

"Oh, okay. Well he did look like fun I suppose." She finishes with a suggestive smile playing at her lips, and I turn away feeling wound up and glad to be next to be served.

I eat my lunch quickly, standing out on the balcony overlooking the park. The wind has a nasty chill to it and no one else has ventured out here, except for an elderly man who is much better prepared, sitting against the wall in a thick jacket.

My feet are sore by the time I buy some more groceries after work and do a few errands, before finally sitting on the couch at home. I send Luke a text.

Hi - how's it going? I've been put on afternoon shifts for the rest of the week. Don't know if I'll c u much...

He responds within a minute with a sad face icon and then, Maybe u could drop by for lunch on Wed or Thurs before you start? (Greg won't be here)

Okay. My friend Kat has invited us to a party for her brother's 30th on Friday if you're interested. I wouldn't be able to get there until about 11 pm

Yeah sure. Miss you already

Same XXX

I really hate afternoon shifts. I can never sleep in when I know I am working that day, and I just seem to get up and muck around for the morning until I have to head in. There's always that watching of the clock and working out what you've got time to do.

I'm glad on Wednesday to busy myself with making a pizza and then some banana chocolate chip muffins for lunch at the garage. I know Luke doesn't have time to get changed or cleaned up to go out anywhere, ...and it's actually nice to cook for someone again - I get the feeling he would happily eat just about anything.

He is leaning over under the bonnet of a red MX5, his head down, when I arrive, and I can't miss the opportunity to walk up quietly (- he's got music blaring anyway) and clutch his butt. He jumps and gives his head a donk against the underside of the bonnet.

"Shit, I'm sorry" I blurt as he turns, but he is grinning almost immediately. He pulls me in for a long, tight hug, wrapping his arms around my waist. I reach my arms up over his shoulders and rub the top of his head, (not even knowing where it connected). I press my face into his neck, before he eventually pulls away.

"Uh, I hope I haven't gotten you dirty" he looks me over.

"It doesn't matter." I only have jeans and a sweatshirt on. "Doesn't look like you'd get very dirty working on this" I nod to the car.

"Mmm - nice isn't it? It's only in for a service." He eyes my containers, "What've you got there?"

"I bought you some lunch."

"Oh cool - I was just going to take you to the bakery down the road." He walks over to the chairs by the back door and starts clearing some space. "Yum I love pizza" he says as soon as I lift the lid.

"Come on, let's face it you love food."

"Alright" he concedes grinning, sliding the other chair closer with his foot before I sit on it.

"So is work pretty frantic?" he asks after a few mouthfuls.

"Yeah it's busy. I don't mind being busy, I just hate afternoons - it feels like the whole day revolves around work. I'd rather do a weekend really. How've you been?" I change the subject and look up to him.

"Yeah alright. I was gonna come and see you before I started work yesterday ...but I didn't wake up in time" he looks sheepish.

"You're not much of a morning person are you?" I smile to him.

He's taking another bite and just lifts his eyebrows to me. He finishes the slice of pizza and licks his fingers, "That was really good. Do you wanna do something this weekend? - have you heard what the weather's meant to be like?" he asks casually.

"I think it's supposed to be wet on Saturday, but yeah, we could do whatever." I wonder if we are at the point where we could just hang out without having to go on a 'date' or have any particular plans, and without it being awkward. "I don't really have anything on. I have to tidy up my garden at some stage, but I keep putting that off."

"You don't seem to have to do many weekends - for work," he grabs a muffin.

"No, I've done heaps in the past and now I've taken on other responsibilities and get out of most."

He nods. "Are you sure you want to go to the party on Friday?" I check.

"Yeah - is it just at your friend's place?"

"Mmm" I respond, swallowing muffin. "I'm not sure how many people she's invited, but her brother's cool."

"Just swing by and pick me up when you're ready if you want." He looks up at the clock and frowns before pulling my chair and me across even closer to him. "I'm gonna have to get back to work."

"I know. I need to give Jess a quick walk before I head in." I take a deep breath and his unique smell fills my nose when we're this close. It's like my butt's stuck to the seat. "I've missed you" I say quietly.

He holds my gaze and smiles, before very slowly leaning in to me. He stops a few inches from my mouth and let's me close the gap to kiss him. It is slow and restrained, but with a real tenderness. We both eventually stand and separate to go back to our 'real' lives.