Chapter 69
SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Nicole was sitting up in her hospital bed. Eric had just come in and sat down.
NICOLE: How was it?
ERIC: It was nice. He would have liked it.
NICOLE: Wish I could have been there.
ERIC: Me too. I brought you a copy of the bulletein.
Eric handed a small pamphlet to Nicole.
NICOLE: Thanks. So, how are you?
ERIC: I'm good. Just getting back into the groove of things. How are you?
NICOLE: Getting better. Still hard to believe that all of this happened.
ERIC: It's all over now. We can move on.
Eric stood up and squeezed Nicole's hand. The two smiled at each other. Then, they kissed. When the kiss was over, Nicole backed her head away.
NICOLE: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. You're a priest, and I need to respect your boundaries.
ERIC: It's okay. Don't be sorry. It's partly my fault.
NICOLE: So...now what?
ERIC: I don't know. But, I'd like to be your friend, Nicole. Do you think we could start over?
NICOLE: I hope so.
In another part of the hospital, Tony was looking over some paperwork. There was a knock on the door of his office.
TONY: Enter.
Theresa walked in.
THERESA: You wanted to see me, Mr. DiMera?
Tony looked up.
TONY: Yes, I did. Please, sit down.
Theresa sat.
TONY: I've been keeping an eye on you the last few weeks, and I must say, I'm impressed. Signing up for AA, sticking to the program, putting out job applications, helping out at the church. You're turning your life around.
THERESA: Well, a wise man once told me that you have to work for what you want. I want to get better, so I'm working on it.
TONY: I can see that, which is why I've brought you here. I want to offer you a job.
Theresa blinked.
THERESA: You...you do?
TONY: Yes. However, I can't put you back at your old position, as it's already been filled. However, I need a personal assistant, and if you're willing, I'd like it to be you.
THERESA: What would I have to do?
TONY: Answer phones, take messages, make copies, and anything else I can think of.
THERESA: Why me?
TONY: Because, I can see that you're turning your life around. As I said when we first met, I want to help you, Theresa. Will you do it?
THERESA: Yes! When do I start?
TONY: Tomorrow morning, eight a.m., sharp.
THERESA: Would you like a coffee when you come in?
TONY: Yes, please. Black with two sugars.
THERESA: You got it, boss.
Tony and Theresa shook hands.
OUTSIDE ST. LUKE'S
Eric walked over to the confessional. Before coming in, he took a look at St. Luke's. The burnt patches of grass from the fire a few months ago were almost gone. Though he was not there at the time, he had been told of Celeste's premonition that no one would be the same after this was all over. And she was right. Though it came at a cost, they had won. Eric made the sign of the cross before entering the confessional. He sat down and made the sign of the cross once more.
ERIC: Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.
THE END
