Part 14 : Tony and Marita

The twilight of the day was fast approaching. Mandy and Taylor were sunbathing the majority of the day but as the sun faded, they put on their clothes over their bathing suits and moved toward the jungle woods with the rest of them. The wind kicked up slightly, making John grab for the tent. But it only swayed. He never built a tent in his life and he felt so proud to accomplish this small feat.

Yolanda was taking a nap, near the fire. Marita sat with Tony, as they shared a bottle of water, plus two packets of peanuts. The Latina was muttering how sick she was of peanuts. The blind doctor laughed at her mild discomfort. But his thoughts came back to the mysterious man she told him about. Eddie didn’t seem that bothered with him but it was the fact that Ethan referred to Eddie as “tainted” which gave the doctor cause for alarm. “Is he on the beach?” he asked Marita.

“I haven’t seen him since the woods.” She mentioned.

“You let me know if he comes near Eddie again.”

“Sure thing, “she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.

Tony was slightly thrown back by the comfort that Marita was showing around him. He felt a little angered with himself, over the fact that he was certain she was a beautiful woman, yet he had no idea what she looked like. He wasn’t ready to explore her face with his hands like a typical blind man. It just didn’t feel like the right time.

A chopping sound interrupted his thoughts. “What is that?” asked Tony.

“It’s McKay, “ Marita smiled, “He’s chopping up one of the coconuts Eddie found.”

McKay held the green husk then hit it with his machete. Then he turned it and hit it again at another angle. Eddie watched intently, eager to take his prize to Tony. McKay then ripped off the green husk, revealing the coconut underneath. Then he set it to the side, and picked up a long nail he found. He placed it on the tip and slammed it down with a rock, puncturing it. He removed the nail and handed the fruit to Eddie. “Thanks, Mate!” Eddie laughed.

“No worries, lad.” McKay laughed, amused the boy was imitating him.

Eddie took the three coconuts and walked over to Tony and Marita. The Latina acted surprised at the gifts of the boy. She took one coconut and handed it to Tony. The blind doctor found the hole and took a swig of the fruit milk. Marita enjoyed the taste of hers as well. Eddie sat down on a nearby trunk next to them. “I love these things,” he said, sipping the liquid, “I’ve had three of these already.”

“And why must you drink the coconut milk, Eddie?” asked Tony.

“So I can stay hydrated!”

Tony smiled, “Good Boy.”

Eddie slurped his milk, while Tony and Marita enjoyed theirs. The Latina then slipped her hand around Tony’s arm. The blind doctor felt goose bumps from her touch. He wasn’t about to reject her kindness, it was something he missed. “Why were you in Australia, Tony?” she asked.

“Oh, I don’t think you want to hear that story.” He chuckled.

“Why? Is it an epic saga?”

“More like a tragedy.”

“Oh, “ Marita started to pull away, “It’s none of my business, I shouldn’t have asked.”

Tony pulled her back, “Its that not. It’s just . . .a sensitive subject. Ask me something else.”

“Okay, how long have you been a doctor?”

“Two years.”

“Just TWO YEARS?” Marita grasped, “The way you’ve been knowing all this stuff about medicine, concussions and dehyrdrations I would have thought you were a veteran in the field of medicine.”

“I’ve been in the medicine field for over 12 years. I’ve only been a family doctor for two. The other ten years went with my tenure in the marines, as a field medic.”

“Oh, my god, “she laughed, “I never would have thought you a Marine.”

“I get that a lot.” He said, adjusting his blindfold.

“Why did you leave the military and become a family doctor?”

“I . . .I was asked too. So I did.”

“I see,” Marita responded, slightly puzzled. The tone in his voice was telling her that they were getting closer and closer to that “thing” he didn’t wish to talk about. She didn’t want to press the matter but she did silently take a look at his hands. There was no wedding ring. That made her feel slightly better.

“So, tell me about yourself, “he said, changing the subject, “Have you been a stewardess long?”

“Just over six years,” she said, sipping her coconut milk, “Longest job I ever had.”

“I’ll bet you’ve seen a lot of stuff.”

“Oh, God, Yes, “she said, “Everything from fat guys breaking seats, to lost cats to missing children to cross dressing old men to people from foreign countries not sure if they want to leave the plane or not.”

Tony laughed. He believed every word she said. Eddie started cracking open the outer shell of the coconut to get to the fruit inside. Marita did the same thing. She started munching on hers. She never really ate coconut all that much but now due to the shortage of food, she was thrilled to even have it. She then took Tony’s coconut away and gave him hers. He immediately started to dig in and eat the fruit. Marita then looked up to see that thin man who was fighting with Poteet earlier today. “Hello, there,” he said.

“Hello, “ Tony said for them.

“Doc, I know you can see so I’ll tell ya,” the man got in close, “That moron Poteet. He’s getting a little wilder. Talking to himself.”

“Mister. .uh?”

“Oh, Calhoon. Augustus Calhoon.” He shook his hand for him.

“Mr. Calhoon, Poteet is not crazy, he’s simply an alcoholic. He’ll get through this. My advice is just to stay away from him.”

“Hell, you don’t have to tell me twice.” Calhoon stood up,” Just thought I’d warn ya.”

“It’s appreciated, yes.”

Calhoon walked away back to his part of the beach. Marita then made a comment that he looked like Sony Bono. Tony said it was rude to talk about someone behind their back.

But he laughed anyway.