Free I Will Always Love You by Annette Evans Page B

her friend. “I’m all right. I guess I’m just in a blue mood.”
    “Well, I may have something to cheer you up.”
    “What’s that?”
    “There’s an international conference on domestic abuse being held in three weeks. I was planning on going, but I can’t leave my practice. I have a few patients I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving right now. Do you think you could go? There should be some really interesting talks.”
    “How long is the conference for?”
    “One week.”
    Looking at her calendar, Melissa saw that she was free. “Yes, I can make it. It sounds like it will be interesting. Where is it being held?”
    “Germany,” Irene stated.
    Melissa looked up from her calendar and at Irene. “Germany,” she whispered.
    “Yes. I thought that you would be an ideal candidate since you can speak some German. And best of all, the conference is being held in Frankfurt. Isn’t that just a short drive from your aunt’s house?”
    “You know it’s only thirty minutes from her house, Irene. What are you trying to do?”
    “I’m trying to help a colleague get some valuable educational material. That’s all.”
    “Sure,” Melissa said skeptically. Melissa leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms.
    “You have no ulterior motives, huh?”
    “Well, actually, I thought that you could take two weeks in Germany. One week for the conference and one week for vacation. You know, visit with your family. Do some shopping and sightseeing.”
    “And what would I do with Stefanie?”
    “I’m sure your parents would love to keep her. You were telling me just last week that your mother was complaining that she doesn’t see you and Stefanie enough.”
    “True. She did say that,” Melissa said thoughtfully. “But if I go to Knauppshausen, there’s always a chance that I might see Stefan.”
    “Maybe you could use this time to put some closure on that part of your life. Then you’ll be able to move on and find someone new.”
    “Irene, please don’t start on that again.”
    “Melissa, you are a young woman and you haven’t had sex in over four years. That isn’t normal.”
    “Now I’m not normal?” she asked with raised eye brows.
    I didn’t say that. I simply said that you need to go out in the world and get yourself a life.”
    “Okay, okay.” Melissa sighed, picked up a pencil and began twirling it through her fingers.
    “Good. Then it’s all settled. I already have your plane ticket. Do you want my secretary to make a hotel reservation for you or are you going to stay with your family?”
    “No, I’ll stay with Brigitte and Rolf.” Melissa put the pencil down and smiled at her friend. “What would you have done if I said no?”
    Irene stood up and walked to the door. Over her shoulder she said, “No was not an option.” She gave Melissa a smile and left the office.
    Melissa looked back out the window and thought; I may see Stefan for the
    first time in seven years. I’m not sure if I’m ready for this.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 18
     
     
    Knauppshausen, August 1995
     
    “Melissa, are you almost ready?” Brigitte called up the stairs to her cousin.
    “Yes, I’ll be right down.” Melissa moved the phone to her other ear.
    “How was the conference?” Irene asked on the long distance phone call.
    “Wonderful. I enjoyed all of the talks and workshops. I’ve made many contacts with domestic abuse workers from several countries.”
    “I’m glad that you agreed to go.”
    “Me, too. I really have learned many different methods for working with spousal abuse victims.”
    “Have you had a chance to visit with any of your family?”
    “No. I’ve only seen my aunt and uncle once. I’ve been so busy with the conference that I haven’t even had a chance to take a walk to the town park.”
    Irene hesitated with her next question. “Have you seen Stefan?”
    “No, but I didn’t really expect to. I don’t