Free Earth Blend by Lori Pescatore

what makes you say that?” She
asked.
    “ Because I know Austin was unreachable
too. I think you two snuck off somewhere for a little roll in
the – ”
    “ Stop right there.” Julie interrupted.
“Number one, I do not have to explain myself to you. Number two, if
you want to know where Austin was, ask him yourself. I don't want
you spreading rumors around.”
    “ Boy, someone has their panties in
a – ”
    Julie stepped forward and put a hand over
his mouth. “Say it and regret it.” She was angry with him.
    Neal's eyes grew wide.
    “ Everything okay, Miss Miller?”
Another voice asked.
    She removed her hand from Neal's mouth but
kept her angry glare. “Everything is fine, Doctor Samson,” Julie
replied before turning to look at Marcus. “We need to talk.”
    Marcus suppressed his grin. “Why of course.
I'm sure Doctor Elsworth wouldn't mind us using his office
again.
    “ Great. “ She said before walking in
the direction of it.
    Marcus raised his eyebrows at Neal and then
let his grin appear as he went to follow Julie.
     
    Doctor Elsworth's office was unoccupied.
Julie closed the door behind Marcus.
    “ Marcus, wipe the grin off your
face.”
    “ I'm sorry. The new aggressive side of
you is kind of a turn on.”
    Julie rolled her eyes. “Marcus can you be
serious for one minute. This is important. I'm worried about
Austin.”
    “ You're always worried about him.
What's new?”
    “ Something strange happened today. He
went to talk with his mom, and I don't know what, but something
happened. He was holding his head, like he was in pain. His mood
has been very up and down too. Have you noticed
anything?”
    Marcus thought for a moment. “Nothing aside
from the usual, 'I'm a Human Blend and my life has been a lie'
stuff.”
    “ What about his mood?”
    “ He's eighteen years old. He's
probably just horny.”
    “ Marcus! Oh my God! Is that all you
think about?”
    “ Yes, pretty much. I'm a guy. What did
you expect?”
    Julie's face still held an uncomprehending
look upon it when Doctor Elsworth entered his office.
    “ I'd apologize for interrupting but
this is my office.”
    “ Just talking with 'little miss
building up to a meltdown girl',”. Marcus replied. He then grinned
at Julie. “We done?”
    “ We are so done. I must have been out
of my mind to think I would get any help from you.”
    “ I won't argue that.” Marcus said and
left the office.
    Eli looked at Julie. “Should I even
ask?”
    Julie closed her eyes and took a deep
breath. “Do me a favor. If I ever say I want to talk with Marcus
about anything... stop me. Use any means possible.”
    “ That bad?”
    “ Worse.” She gave a small laugh. “I'd
better get back to work.”
    “ Is it anything I can help
with?”
    Julie thought for a moment. “Probably not,
but if you don't mind listening... If you have time on my break
later...”
    “ Of course. I'll be in Pediatrics most
of the day. Come find me.”
    “ Thanks. I'll see you later.” Julie
left the office.
     
    Julie was glad when Nurse Hacher told her to
take her break. She had done some healing on some of the patients
she visited with and was beginning to feel the tiredness of not
replenishing her energy with food. She had no money even for
vending machine fare and was not comfortable asking anyone for a
loan.
    She found Doctor Elsworth in Pediatrics as
he had said. He told her to go ahead and he would met her
momentarily in his office.
    Her body was telling her to take a nap but
she changed her mind when she opened the door. A bowl of colorful
fruit sat prominently on the desk. She ran over without a second
thought and began eating. She knew Eli had done this just for her.
He did not need to eat.
    “ Ah, good. I was hoping you would dig
right in.” Eli said as he entered.
    “ As if you doubted.” Julie quipped
back.
    “ I just know how stubborn you can
be.”
    “ Touch é . I'm working on it.”
    Eli sat behind his desk as Julie sat perched
on his desk still