Doctor Eva

Based on actual events. This was the beginning of what was a pretty wild rest-of-the-summer. It's also my first try at writing something like this. Please use the comments if you want to hear more.

*****

I'm really not a bad person. I've been dealt something of a bad hand at life, and I've tried to overcome that, but some things still get in the way.

Here's where I'm going with this. Men think I'm radioactive, and part of me doesn't blame them. There's something in my background I can't escape, and no matter how hard I try, it always comes out. Once it does, I'm right back to where I started - not in a relationship, not attached. Do you know how humiliating it is to have a date "excuse himself," only never to return? Or to have a guy cancel out on a date at the last minute? More than once?

That's my cross to bear. So, you're probably wondering what it is about me that makes me so repulsive. No, I don't have a wart on my nose, and if you're interested, yes, I do shower at least once a day. What's so bad, then? I'm a widow. And not just any widow. No, I'm a widow twice over, and once guys hear that, they're running for the exits trying not to be my third.

It didn't start out this way. I finished college with a nursing degree and had a job almost waiting for me at graduation. Then I met Luís. A real Latin lover. Sure, he was a little older than I was, but he was a professional, trying to cope with the loss of his own wife while trying to raise his daughter, Anita. His wife - this is awful - had a complicated delivery and didn't make it. They ended up suspending the physician for a "whopping" 30 days, and believe me that was absolutely no consolation. I actually knew the bastard, and they should have just taken his license. Eventually they did, but not before he messed up other people's lives, too.

A couple of years after I got married, I was on duty one night in the ER when the paramedics rushed in someone broadsided by a drunk driver. He wasn't going to make it, but his passenger didn't have a scratch. The "someone" was Luís. The passenger was Anita. She was 8 at the time. They had to give me a sedative and sent me home later with her, in a taxi. We both stared out our windows. She knew what had happened, but the only way she could process it was by asking if Daddy was with Mommy. All I could say was something stupid like, "For now and forever more."

I learned something about Latin families. The girls are really close. Sure, sometimes they fight - what siblings don't? But the girls are really tight-knit. They share everything. And as they get older, they keep sharing. It's new, different, but they grow up creating this kind of tapestry. I was so happy that Anita's cousins, or "primas," as she called them, stepped up and "adopted" her, first because they felt sorry for her, but as time went on, because they all wanted to.

Eventually, Bill came along. He was wonderful, and I mean wonderful to the point that I could move beyond Luís. He was haunted, at least at first, by the loss of his wife. She lost her battle with depression, and didn't leave anything behind to try to explain what she did. We were just what the other one needed, and it was truly magical - a whirlwind romance, with a fairy tale wedding. Anita was in the ceremony, and so was Bill's son, Tommy. He was a couple of years younger than Anita.

Except for getting Anita and Tommy accustomed to being sister and brother, we were pretty much on cruise control. We had a great house, with a pool and hot tub - Bill and I used them a lot together - and the kids were doing really well in school, far better than could be expected, given the circumstances. Anita and I had connected so well that she even wanted to follow in my footsteps and go into nursing as a profession.

Then Bill got sick, and four months later he was dead. Fucking cancer. His was really aggressive. It left us all devastated. One of the few good things that came out of Luís' and Bill's passing was that we were well provided for, but that wasn't much of a consolation when you're trying to raise a boy and a girl about to enter their teen years and neither has a natural parent left.

High school was awkward. Nobody writes a manual for circumstances like this. Even before high school, it wasn't easy with things like "the talk," not with the internet out there, so I tried to emphasize the natural design and what was going with them, a lot more than what they were hearing in school. I tried to make sure that we had an open environment, trusting, and that they were free to ask or discuss anything. It was more difficult with Tommy, because he was a boy and was reluctant to talk with me about his body, at first, anyway. It must have worked, because now that they knew what each other was going through, they became more patient with each other when their differences started to get in the way.

Anita loved having friends and primas over. I sort of knew what they would talk about when their voices whispered and they'd start giggling. That brought out the competitor in Tommy. The cousins spoke in Spanish, thinking Tommy couldn't understand. So, he went out and learned it as much as he could without telling her. You should have seen the look on Anita's face when he said, "I can understand everything you say" in perfect Spanish. Once the shock wore off, I think she had a new level of respect for him.

Anita was a princess at graduation, but you knew that she wished Luís could have seen her. I think he did, you know? She had her pick of nursing programs, and she chose one that made her prove herself for a couple years before formal admission. I admired that. That's what I did.

The social scene became pretty much non-existent. Once a guy heard I was a widow twice over, he wouldn't hang around to find out if he'd be the third. There were guys (as in "plural") who'd take me to a restaurant, find out, excuse themselves, and never return. Then there were guys who would have something "come up" at work right before they were supposed to pick me up. The rest of them just didn't show up at all. Sometimes, a girl just has to cry, and being a supervisor, there weren't many people I could have a cry with.

Anita worked hard her freshman and sophomore years, and each time she came home, she had blossomed a little more. I'd sometimes catch Tommy taking a longer look at her out by the pool, even more when she had her primas or girlfriends over. I was okay with that, because he never made it a leer, at least when I was around. Tommy could get distracted very easily if they started dancing.

The house was definitely emptier without Anita, and it was one of those things where Tommy and I tried to make it seem less empty without telling the other that that's what we were trying to do. We'd Skype with Anita, and Tommy would ask her advice on improving his accent. We wanted to make it like she was here even though she left.

Tommy was constantly improving as a soccer player, and when the injuries inevitably came, I was his team physician of choice. This could have created some awkward situations, but we worked through them.

Well, Tommy got a soccer scholarship, to the same college as Anita, no less, and while I was so proud of him - letter of intent day was his 18th birthday - I also knew that the clock was ticking towards the moment I'd be an empty nester. They weren't my real children, but that made the situation no less daunting.

Anita's sophomore year ended in time for her to get back to Tommy's graduation. I was so proud of the way she made it important to her. She was also making preparations of her own. First, there was the practicum at a local doctor's office over the summer. Then, she was going to Spain for a semester abroad. Sevilla. Wow. I did Munich and I was still jealous.

We must have overlooked something about getting Tommy ready for college. He needed a physical to accept the scholarship and start with his team, and I understood that part. It's just that we misunderstood the timing. We had to scramble. Our regular physician's office was booked solid, so we asked Anita if there may be someone at her office who had an opening. I was so relieved to find out that there was, right at the end of the day. So, Tommy grabbed a shower and off we went. We got there a little early and went through the standard history forms, then Anita came out to take us back. This was a real treat, seeing her acting like one of the staff when she was a student. She looked the part, too.

Once we were back in the examining room, she told Tommy that she'd have to take his vitals. He asked if he had to remove his shirt, and she said not yet, so she did the work-up and then left for a minute.

When she came back, she opened the door and we heard the receptionist call out, "Doctor Cabrera, you're the last one here."

"Thank you, I'll lock up," came the reply.

Anita was followed by a Latina woman about my age with flowing black hair, a sung white blouse with a complimentary gray skirt, black heels and a lab coat. I had to catch my breath.

"Eva?" I asked.

"Carol!"

I jumped up and hugged her. My breasts pressed against hers, just like the old days. It felt good having that kind of contact. I needed it.

"You two know each other?" Anita asked.

"Know each other? Heck, we were - wait, do you know each other?"

"She's my step-mom."

"So then he's your - "

"Step-brother."

"Step-son," I said at the same time.

"Damn. So it was true," Eva said.

"What?"

"What they said about what happened. I always wondered why you dropped off the face of the earth, and now I know why."

"I wasn't in the mood to be 'Christmas Carol' when all of this was going down."

"Christmas Carol?" Tommy asked.

"My sorority name."

"You were in a sorority?"

"Oh, yeah." Saying that brought a smile to my face.

"Your Mom and I were sisters. We pledged together, we had some classes together. We did everything together."

"Why Christmas Carol?" asked Anita.

"Because she was always full of good cheer."

"What was your name?"

"Ready."

"Ready?"

"Yeah. Like in Eva-ready. Ever-ready. Get it?"

"Ever ready for what?" ask Tommy, and Eva just flashed her eyebrows.

I felt young again. Before the tragedy. Before the hurt. Just being in the same room as Eva made time disappear.

"So, Tommy needs a physical, right?"

"Yes, he does. He's on a soccer scholarship."

"Soccer?" asked Eva. "My kind of guy. Wait, I'll be right back."

About a minute later, Eva returned, holding a tray with three glass goblets, a very large bottle of chilled white wine, cheeses and crackers.

"I save this for special occasions and the end of Fridays. Today's both, and we're the last ones here. Okay, Tommy?" confirming his name, "I have to ask you a couple questions before we start. Don't feel like you have to answer a certain way. Be honest with me, okay?"

"Okay."

"Anita, pour your Mom and me a glass, and pour yourself one, too. Tommy, I have to give you a complete exam, okay? And Anita has to be present for this so she'll be able to do it on her own. I'll tell you why. People are projecting that there's going to be fewer doctors and more patients. Nurses are going to be primary care providers, not right away, but maybe in a year, two years - who knows? Some states are already changing their laws to make it easier."

"Um, sure, I'm okay with that."

"Great! Now, can your Mom stay, too? I'd really like to catch up with her."

Tommy shot me one of those "what do I do?" looks, and I tried to respond that his decision would be all right whatever it was.

"Yeah, that's okay, too," he answered.

"Now, you know," explained Eva, "that you'll be undressed for some of this. So, there's no problem with you being undressed, right?"

"Uh... um... "

"I've seen Tommy naked before," Anita interrupted. "Couple of times. My friends have, too."

"No, you haven't! When?"

"Anita, I don't think a pair of swimming trunks counts as 'naked'," I said.

After the briefest of pauses, Anita said, very matter-of-factly, "Not even trunks. Tommy likes to swim naked when he thinks nobody's home. I mean, he really likes it," she said with something of a mischievous smile.

"Tommy, is this true?" I asked.

What a stupid thing to say. Of course I knew it was true. Well, sort of, anyway. Once Tommy turned 18, he started acting more like his Dad. Bill loved swimming in the buff, especially when we did it together. There's nothing like swimming nude. That's why I liked Germany. It's practically a national pastime. I thought Tommy liked swimming naked when he thought everyone was asleep. That's how I found out, because that's when I'd swim naked, too. I came down one night for a midnight dip and froze at the window. There he was. I wasn't sure at first. Then, when he flipped over to do backstrokes, he was sticking straight up like a periscope. It was cute and erotic at the same time. The cool night air on his wet penis must have felt great. I was torn. I turned away, then I wanted another look, felt bad, turned away, looked again. I couldn't believe I was having these feelings. Then he just meandered to the side of the pool and put his hands on the edge. I ducked aside when he looked back towards the house. He was there for a minute when his head rolled back. That's when I figured it out.

Tommy was getting off. He was letting the water jet do all the work. Clever boy. I couldn't blame him. Bill and I used to do the same thing, only in the Jacuzzi. We'd even help each other. Hot tub orgasms. You won't see that as a Jeopardy! category anyone soon, not on TV, anyway. We made up our own special version, Sex Jeopardy. We never actually played the game because we were having too much fun doing the research. The other categories were "The Great Outdoors," "Fantasies," and "Fuck Foods," but the real fun was the "Daily Double." Thank goodness for all the kids' sleep-overs. Bill never thought about going solo in the pool. He didn't have to. Men really do think with their penis. Downright creative about it, too.

Don't rush things, Tommy. Just try to enjoy the whole experience and don't "jump to conclusions." My. You are, aren't you? Just keep doing what you're doing. Let the water pulsate your penis. I bet your fantasizing about some babe. Anita, maybe? I've noticed you checking her out, especially when she and her friends or primas are in their bikinis right where you are now. Target-rich environment, right, Baby? Let me tell you something, Tommy. She's not rushing things. Neither should you. That's it. Rotate your hips. Let that warm water pound against your penis. You're liking that, aren't you, Boy? Why, Tommy, you're tossing your head back. Over and over. I know what that means. Do me a favor. You keep using your muscles to keep from shooting in the pool, while your penis wants nothing more than to erupt, over and over. Nurses know these things. Your muscles are saying, "no, no, no" and your penis is saying, "yes, yes, yes." We know who's going to win that battle, don't we, Baby? I give you credit. You're really trying. It looks like you can't breathe, you're trying so hard. You're close. Real close. Try to hold it a little... while... longer. You're feeling the burn. The burn that feels so good. Oh, my. That's not a penis between your legs. That's a fire hose. I bet those ropes of semen you'll leave in the pool could be tied to life preservers. Well, it would be fun to try, anyway. I'm about to climax watching you climax. I'll take care of myself later. You're doing good, Boy. Now let's see if you're real good. Don't rush out of the water. Pretend she's still there. Bask in the afterglow with her. That's it. Who's been schooling you? Uh-oh. You're on the edge if the pool, and what's this? Oh. You're getting a noodle. Now let's see if you really know how to use it. Nice ass, by the way. I know some girls on the night shift who wouldn't mind some exploratory with you. So, you do know how to use it? Oh, my, you do. Not under the neck, but under the small of your back. That makes your hips float, and... there he is! My, Tommy, it looks like you're having one of those four-hour erections you hear about in Viagra ads. I know just the ER you should visit. This isn't the first time you've done this, is it, Boy? I'm learning all sorts of things about you. Uh-oh. You're looking around. Checking if anyone's watching? You must not think so. That must be why your hand is moving to... ready for Round 2, eh? Go get 'em, Tiger. I don't blame you. If you thought the first one was intense, wait and see how the second one feels. Damn. He sees something upstairs. Terrific. Anita's in the bathroom. Steady yourself, Carol, and don't let out a sound. No, Tommy, don't get out. Not yet. Let me see you finish what you started. Please? I know he couldn't hear me. Rats. He's getting out to dry himself. Oh-my-gosh. Baby, you certainly have come a, um, "long way" since those days in the tub. I knew you liked play baths, but this is really taking it to the next level. I need to get back in the studio. I could build a whole course around the way lights and shadows play across your body. We'd skip the Art Department bullshit about male models and erections. That's why we'd all be there. We'll keep the enrollment closed - ladies only, of course - and for the tuition they'd pay, I don't think they'd mind if they were asked to, you know, "prepare" you. Not that you'd need any help. But it would be there - before, during, and after class, if you needed it, Baby. Would you like the lights on the students, too? I mean, you could watch them watch you. If I turned the lights low on the students, you could only guess how they're looking at you, and that just might make that cock of yours even harder. Wouldn't that be fun, Tommy? Bet you didn't know Step-Mommy had thoughts like this, did you, Baby? Well, I do, and you're the one giving them to me.

I snapped back to the here and now.

"Tommy, that's nothing to be ashamed of. I like to swim naked, too. So did Carol."

"You?" asked Tommy.

"Well," I blushed, "maybe when I was younger." Not exactly the whole truth.

"See? There you go," encouraged Eva. "Maybe sometime we could swim naked together."

She was just trying to keep him comfortable in his own skin. Eva hadn't changed much. I envied that about her. Part of her was still a party girl, what, not quite 20 years after graduation? That meant that if she was naked in the pool with Tommy, mouth-to-mouth was only the beginning. So, here we were, the four of us, and the only one who hadn't seen my Baby in the raw was the doctor about to examine him, and that was going to change. At that point, Tommy must have thought that he'd at least be able to keep his underwear on, because he was pretty much compliant, at least at first.

"So, Tommy, go ahead and take off everything while I catch up with Carol."

Eva pulled up a chair directly across from and took my hands. "How've you been getting along?"

I couldn't help but think that Tommy was just a tad bit apprehensive. I guess he thought we were going to step out. Showtime, kiddo. The wine gave an almost immediate rush, not just to me, so we started a little feast to get something in our stomachs.

After he kicked aside his sandals, Tommy removed his polo shirt. Go ahead, Eva, check out that definition, as if you needed any encouragement from me.

"Wow, Tommy, I have to compliment you," Eva gushed. "You don't know how many people I see your age with obesity problems. Type 2 diabetes is almost an epidemic - it's never been in so many young people before. I'm glad you don't have to worry about that!"

"Thank you."

Eva started the routine. Tongue depressor. "Aaaah." Eyes. "Look straight ahead." Ears.

"You have a little wax build-up. Any hearing problems?"

"What?"