Trees Hold Up the Sky 13 William James Johnson

His decision approved by the two Americans, Estrelle was elated with the Commandante's order to spend all her time caring for Jess, giving her the chance to develop the loving relationship she so desired, while fulfilling Obispo's orders. Like a nun in a leper colony, she devoted all her energy to bringing whatever comfort she could to her helpless patient. Gently caressing his lifeless body with soft cloths drenched in tropical emollients, she protected him from bed sores. Even his personal hygiene, was given meticulous attention, without Estrelle ever complaining, or asking to be relieved, enjoying this secret intimacy. Anyone watching her give him his daily bath would know this was a labour of love.

What she cherished most were the nights, when she could be alone with him without arousing suspicions, to indulge in a bizarre ritual. In the darkness, after bolting the door, she pushed their two beds together. Slowly, by the dim light of the window, she removed all her clothing, the same as she would do if he had been able to watch her, pretending to seduce him with her sensuous dancing, while pleasuring herself with the vibrator she had been given to help Jess maintain muscle tone.

The dance over, she would kneel on her bed, facing him, and begin brushing her long black hair, spreading it over his naked body, the humming vibrator between her thighs, soothing her tensions. Her hair parted naturally on each side of her beautiful native face, as she left her bed, and went to the full length mirror on the closet door. Admiring her taut nakedness, she fondled her warm ivory coloured flesh, caressing her tender body in the most sensitive places. Her perfumed fingers, prepared herself for her phantom lover, lying death-like in the small bed next to hers. The ritual always ended with her rubbing her naked body against his silent groin, until she fell asleep.

Three more weeks passed, and Hank began to lose faith in the curative powers of sleep. Both he and Laura thought they ought to give some consideration to having their friend returned to Bethesda. They delayed their decision, when Joe Frum notified them that Peter had passed away, wasted by the virulent radiation of the cave, the same as Eric.

"So what do you think we should do about Jess?" asked Laura.

"Let's give him another week. If he's still in the coma, we better call Washington, and get a decision from them."

"But you said you wouldn't make a decision about the project until he was well again."

"I know, and that's what bothers me. In a way, I feel like I'm letting him down."

"Still, you've got to do what's best for Jess."

"If you were in my place Laura, what would you do?"

"I think I'd wait a little longer. The rainy season will soon be over. We might as well go back when the weather improves."

"That's the middle of May."

"I know. I'm willing to wait if you are"

"Okay. Mid-May. No longer. I think Jess would understand." Laura remained silent for a few minutes. Hank felt there was something else bothering her. "What's the problem Laura?"

"It's not a problem really. I'd like your opinion on something."

"Okay...Let's have it."

"Arturo wants me to go with him to Bogota this weekend. Apparently one of his children is sick, and Obispo has given him permission to fly back. Would you mind if I went with him?"

"It'd be a shame if Jess came out of his coma, and you were away again."

"I know ...That's what's been holding me back. Just when I think I'm well, I think of that poor man ,lying there, practically dead, and it starts all over again. All because of me."

"Look Laura. I had no business saying that. Please forgive me. You mustn't blame yourself. Jess would've done the same thing if Barbarosa had attacked me. He's that kind of guy. Go to Bogota. Have a good time with Verez. Jess is in good hands with Estrelle."

"So I've noticed. Is it just me, or do you get the feeling too she's fallen in love with him?"

"It's been weeks she's been taking care of him. It's only natural something would develop. It wouldn't be the first time a nurse has fallen for a patient...Why? Does that bother you?"

"It did at first. But then I got involved with Arturo. You've seen what he's like. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He says he's madly in love with me. Wants to divorce his wife and marry me. What do you think I should do?"

"It's as serious as that?"

"It's like Estrelle falling in love with Jess when he's so vulnerable. Arturo picked me up when I was down. He's been terrific Hank. He really has...And he's such an attractive man."

"Seems to me, you've answered your own question."

"In what way?"

"You couldn't have been more vulnerable Laura. A rape victim, in a foreign land, your only associates both injured, unable to help you. Arturo's no fool. He could see how much you needed him, and he's capitalized on it...Damn...I've gone and done it again. Speaking before I think. I should keep my big mouth shut."

"No...Go on. I want your advice."

"My situation has been different than it's been for you and Jess. Maybe it's because I haven't gotten involved with someone down here. I just keep thinking that we'll be going back to the states soon, and all of this will be just a memory. I really don't want to interfere."

"You're not interfering. I want your opinion because you can be objective. I know I can't."

"Let me put it this way then. Obviously whatever you've got going with Arturo, is working. After Barbarosa's attack, I was sure you were scarred for life. Those first few weeks were terrible. I thought I'd lost both you and Jess. But now, the colour is back in your lovely face, and I'm happy for you. Go to Bogota. Do what you feel you want to do. But be very careful."

Laura was delighted with his approval and gave Hank a kiss on the cheek and a friendly hug. "That's what I had to hear...Thank you Hank. I'll be careful. Don't worry. I haven't told Arturo I would marry him." They flew to Caracas by helicopter and caught a Pan American Airline flight to Bogota. That afternoon, Jess regained consciousness.

"Estrelle!"

His voice was firm.

"Oh Jess...At last you're awake."

"What's wrong? Did I oversleep?"

"Yes my darling...Another three weeks of lost memories."

"Three weeks? My God. It feels like we were together just a few hours ago."

"And so much has happened."

"Like what? Tell me everything."

Estrelle sat on the edge of the bed and held his hands. She looked magnificent in her white uniform in the early afternoon light seeping through the shuttered window. A gentle rain falling on the metal awning, added to the intimacy.

"Doctor Laura has gone to Bogota with the Commandante."

"She what?"

"Everyone thinks he's in love with the beautiful lady, but I don't know if she loves him. It's hard to tell with someone like her."

Jess was disappointed. He thought Laura would probably return to him after having a fling with Verez. Now that it was rumoured the Commandante was in love with her, he was certain she would never come back to him. He considered himself very fortunate to have a young woman like Estrelle interested in him. He was unaware of her obsession.

"What about Hank?"

"He's here. His injury is completely better. He talks a lot about moving you back to Washington."

"Why would he say that? We've still got a job to do."

"I think he said that because he and Laura were worried about you being unconscious for so long. They wanted only the best for you."

"You're probably right. Hank and I have a deal. We aren't going to make any decision about the project until I'm well enough to take part in that decision."

"If he gave you his word, I'm sure he'll keep it. He was very upset about the news from the Bethesda Hospital."

"Why? What's happened?"

"The man they sent home, died. He had the same thing as the photographer. It's been terrible for Doctor Henry."

"I'm really sorry to hear that. Hank must be devastated."

"He's been blaming himself for what happened to you and Laura as well. It's not a very happy situation."

"I'll have a good talk with him. There's no reason he should take the blame. Laura and I both knew the risks we would be taking. It's just too bad no one saw how threatening Barbarosa actually was. By the way, what ever happened to the fat man."

"You don't know?"

"Know what?"

"He was killed by Doctor Marsh."

"What!...Laura killed him!...How? Tell me about it."

"Apparently when you came to her rescue, Barbarosa turned on you, and it gave her a chance to run to Doctor Hank for help. He came with his pistol, and found the beast pounding your head on the floor. That's how you got the fractured skull. He threatened to shoot Jose' if he didn't stop hurting you. Jose' pulled the rug from under him, and poor Doctor Hank smashed his head. Laura grabbed his gun, and emptied it into the rapist."

"My God...What a woman?"

"Apparently she was in a state of shock for several days after that. Arturo...I mean Commandante Verez did whatever he could to help her return to normal."

"I'm glad...for Laura's sake."

"Don't you want to know the rest of the fat man's story?"

"Of course...tell me everything."

"Commandante turned his body over to Arumba, the chief of the zambos of San Fernando. The whole village came out to the celebration. They all hated that beast. He terrorized everyone. He was the man who made Arumba scare off the zambos when they worked for Doctor Hank...Anyway, the end of the celebration came when several men lowered the body of the rapist with ropes, into a large tank of piranhas. It took the fish only a few minutes to clean the bones of all its blubber. It was a fitting end for such an evil man."

"God...what a story."

"It's the truth, every word."

"And that's it. Nothing else happened while I was out."

"The students have all been flown back to Bogota except me."

"Why? I thought Gonzalo wanted them to help us."

"The zambos are ready to work again on the project, if it ever resumes. The students were no longer needed, and they were impatient, waiting here in this small village, never knowing when or if the project would go on."

"But you stayed."

"I wanted to stay because I wanted to help you. Doctor Laura was not of much use for the first few weeks after the attack, and besides, as I told you the last time we spoke, I love you Jess, and I want to be with you."

"Hearing you say that, and seeing your beautiful face makes me feel terrific."

Patting his chest, he continued. "You know something, I'm really hungry. Intravenous feeding is not my idea of a balanced diet."

"That's wonderful news. But you're going to have to start with clear soup. We've got to give your body a chance to get used to regular food. I don't want you to pass out on me again like you did the last time."

"I still find it difficult to believe that last time actually happened. From what I can remember sweetie, you're a fantastic lover. That's all that's been on my mind since I passed out. You sure it wasn't all a dream?"

She kissed him, her tongue gently touching his.

"It was wonderful my love, except for one thing."

"Oh! What was that?"

"You gave me such a terrible shock."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought I'd killed you with my passion. I could barely hear your heart after we climaxed. I have heard about men having cardiac arrests after vigorous lovemaking. I was sure you had expired."

"I'm sorry I frightened you. The next time I'll be more careful."

"There's not going to be a next time, until you're completely well."

"Then don't keep me waiting. Send for that soup, and have them include some of that fresh corn bread."

Hank was delighted to see his friend return to normal. He had to agree with Laura's appraisal of Jess and Estrelle. There was a radiance about the pair that would have been obvious even to a blind man. He was happy for Jess, but down deep he envied this second chance at romance which had so gratuitously come his way.

Laura remained an extra week in the capital. Arturo had taken ill in Bogota, and she stayed with him, until he and Obispo convinced her she should return to San Fernando.

"What's his problem?" asked Jess.

"The doctor thinks it's hepatitis. Lord knows where he would have gotten it. He's quite worried. I met his wife and children. They were wonderful. That's all it took to convince me I should back off and let her care for him. I think Arturo was relieved I didn't make a scene."

"What do you think? Is it hepatitis?"

"I'm not sure Jess. Apparently he has swelling in his lymph nodes as well. I really don't know. Obispo has promised to let us know when the doctors have finished their tests."

"I'm glad you're back Laura. I missed you," said Jess, squeezing her hand.

Laura bent over and kissed him softly on the cheek. "I'm glad you're back too Jess."

"Okay you two...now that everyone is so glad, what are we going to do about Project Atabapo?" asked Hank.

"I'd like to go on with it Hank."

"Oh come on Jess...be real. How can we start out for the cave in your condition?"

"We're not going by boat or jungle trail that's for sure."

"We can't go by boat now that Barbarosa's gone. There's not another skilled captain who can handle those rapids like he could. It looks as though it would all have to be by land, and believe me, that's asking too much of either of you."

"But I've got a better idea Hank."

"Let's hear it."

"Helicopter...we'll fly in some zambos and lower them by winch, and they can clear a landing pad for us. With the camera equipment, we can be in and out of there in a few days."

"But Verez isn't here to fly us."

"We don't need Verez. What the hell do you think I did for eighteen months in Viet Nam. I flew choppers almost every day. I've got over three thousand hours on the beasts."

"It's a great idea Hank," said Laura. "We can get the pictures and do our work back here. We don't even have to set up camp by the cave."

"I hope you'll let me come with you too Jess," asked Estrelle, hurt that no one had suggested she be included.

"Of course you'll come. After all, Gonzalo and Obispo need a representative on board. Any objections Hank?"

"None that I can think of. How soon do you think you'll be ready to fly?"

"Take this cast off my head, and we can go today."

"Now wait a minute...The rainy season is almost over. I suggest we give it one more week, then if you're feeling fit, we'll give it a try."

"Terrific...Now I've got another request," said Jess.

"Let's hear it."

"Me and Estrelle will go to the heliport north of town, and check out the machines. I want to get the pilot's manuals and start doing my homework."

"That seems fair...Why do you need Estrelle?"

"You never know when I might slip into a coma again." For the first time in almost two months, they were all smiling again.