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Goodbye Veronica

By: Egmont0409



CHAPTER 1

Emotionally upset, her heart-strings taut, Irma Goodie said to her daughter, "Goodbye Veronica" but Veronica, at her first day at preschool, just waved and turned to find what interested her in her new environment. A year later there was a virtual replay of that scene when she began Elementary School.

Thereafter Veronica took herself off to Middle School and High School so the farewells were said at the front gate of the path leading to the front door of the Goodie's modest home in one of those nondescript suburbs. Veronica and her family lived in Deer Park, named after a facility that existed there forty years ago until housing expansion reached the deer park and the owner sold out to big dollars.

Like other mothers, Irma said goodbye to her daughter when she went off to sleepovers and for the first few hours really missed the chubby blue-eyed blonde. Veronica had two older brothers but she was the daughter Irma had wanted from about the age of nineteen. Another fourteen years later that dream came true. She made no secret of her preference and the boys accepted it because they had their sports-mad father Peter focused on them.

The family was at the train station to farewell daughter and sister the first time she went to college. Gary was home from military training while brother Phil had already returned to his college.

Gary hugged his sister, who was an inch taller and taking the shape of a noticeable woman. He whispered, "Watch those guys at college babe, some hunt in packs. Quickly pick a top-shelf guy and settle on him. That's my advice."

"At army base do you hunt in a pack?" she whispered and Gary looked away grinning, knowing there were no flies on his sister. She had a great brain and a great understanding of people.

Veronica's parents smiled at her, their faces a little tight.

Her mom began to weep when Peter said, "You know, this is the first time you've been away from us apart from summer camp."

"There's a first time for everything dad, as you know. Now you look after mom."

Tears really flowed as passengers received the last call to board and Veronica hugged Irma and kissed away some of the tears.

"Lovely mother of mine. I'm only an email away. You may email me every day if you wish."

"Goodbye Veronica," Irma sniffed, chest heaving. Stepping on the car Veronica turned and waved to her family, completed with a dazzling smile.

The train pulled out of Midway Station and Veronica's big adventure began.

Aspiring College, only ten years old and still under development, looked wonderful as Veronica entered the grounds. She was glad it looked so stylish because it would be her principal home for the next four years, With its white stucco walls and orange roof tiles set against a mountainous background, it looked more like a resort than an institute of learning.

The residence hall for freshmen to which Veronica had been assigned was three-levels and her accommodation was an apartment with two double rooms and shared bathroom. She'd applied to be roomed with student from a small southern city, liking the pleasant appearance of the short-haired brunette from her photo on the college's restricted website and their shared interests of reading, tennis, ice-hockey, skiing, movies and theater. Her name was Thelma White and their birthdays were a day apart.

When Veronica's request was posted Thelma had called her. They had a long chat and Thelma advised she'd be endorsing the request. Their preference was granted.

No one was in the apartment when Veronica arrived on opening day. She took her assigned bed and began unpacking. Two noisy young women burst into the room and announced they were the Lawson twins, Bess and Jade. Jade had green eyes while Bess's were hazel, which was useful in telling them apart although they always dressed differently.

They both hugged Veronica simultaneously in greeting and said simultaneously, "God you're beautiful."

"Oh my, what do we have here?" asked the brunette standing in the doorway.

The twins stood aside allowing Veronica to walk to the newcomer.

"Thelma?"

"Of course and I recognize you from your photo. Hi Veronica."

They hugged.

Over coffee there was a debate over Veronica's name.

"It's making a comeback but that doesn't mean it's modern."

"Jade don't be rude."

"It's okay Bess," Veronica smiled. "We ought to be able to talk frankly because we have to live together. What do you think Thelma?"

"I cringe at my own name sometimes because fortunately along came that film "Thelma and Louise' that liberated my name to some extent. We can't call you Ronnie, as Ronnie Goodie sounds a bit affected. What about Ronica?"

"Ronica. Hmmm. Well okay, but only while at college. Mom gave me the name Veronica because she loved it and I love my mom and I'm her Veronica."

"Well that's settled," said Thelma, already acting like the team captain. "What is the next item for discussion?"

"Appointment of a room leader," Veronica said. "I nominate Thelma."

"No way, I know nothing about leadership."

"Isn't that why you have committed to dorm living at college, to assist in your personal development?" Bess asked.

Even Jade looked in surprise at Bess making such a profound remark. 

Jade then said, "I second the nomination of Thelma."

"I call for other nominations," Thelma said.

There were none.

"Oh crap," she sighed and they all laughed.

The new team leader looked at her watch. "Do we eat in here tonight or go to the café? Bookings at the café close in ten minutes."

"How do you know that?" Jade asked.

"Because unlike you she's read the handbook thoroughly," said her twin. "I'm for the café."

Veronica made the call and booked all four in for first sitting at the same table. "Do you guys drink? They serve beer and wine."

"How do you know that?" Jade asked and noticing the looks from the others, mimicked her sister perfectly and said, "Because unlike me she's read the handbook thoroughly."

By the time they went to dinner Veronica thought Thelma would emerge as a real team leader, Bess and she were the academics and what Jade lacked in awareness and possibly knife-edge intelligence of her sister she had a bright personality and appeared to be a born actress. So it came as no surprise to her to learn Jade would study at the school of visual and performing arts. She and Thelma, as she already knew, would pursue a masters in public administration and Bess said she'd seek a masters in education and then decide where to go from there.

At 7:30 next morning Veronica was down on the courts warming up for tennis, hoping someone would come along. She noticed a guy with unruly sandy hair in running gear taking a breather but ignored him.

Then along came a hairy guy with a racquet and he said, "Want a game?"

"Okay," Veronica said. "You serve."

"Usually I don't play with women. I play power tennis."

"That's fine," Veronica said, and returned to hitting against the backboard.

The guy, looking sulky, watched her play a few shots and said, "You're good. Let's play."

Well she'd been professionally coached since the age of seven so why wouldn't she be good, Veronica sniffed to herself.

Veronica served out the first game, winning 6-3, doing nothing spectacular.

"I'm just warming up," the guy said. "I'm John by the way."

"Hi John, "I've Ronica."

"What kind of name is that?"

"Probably something more unique than John."

He scowled and Veronica heard the guy up on the seats behind her laugh.

John doubled faulted and then sent a sizzler to bounce straight at Veronica's belly. She stepped away and rocketed it back at John's feet, beating him cleanly.

"You bitch," he gritted and tried harder but lost 4-6.

Veronica powered her first serve in and it sent the racquet flying from John's hand.

"Bitch," he yelled but when picking up the racquet called, "Thanks but I have to go. Um I have to meet someone."

The guy behind Veronica laughed.

She glared at him. "Go fetch a racquet and make me work."

"No thanks, I can't afford to have my reputation dented by a female," he laughed. "Bye Ronica."

"How do you know my name?" she spat, and only when he waved and jumped the fence at the end of the small grandstand did she realize she's called out her name to John.

"What a fucked-up outfit this is," she fumed.

On Saturday morning Veronica was one of eighteen freshmen at the courts signing up for tennis as a recreational option, watched by other players who were waiting. They had to serve ten times and return ten shots and then were graded junior, intermediate and senior once that brief test was assessed against their tennis experience and any record of wins.

As Veronica went to hand over her tennis credentials a voice behind her said, "Draft Ronica to seniors."

"Yes coach," said the assistant coach.

Veronica turned in surprise and the coach looked at her blankly.

"You're talking a risk coach," she said.

He didn't answer and the woman who'd processed her told her to join the group of seniors. Veronica nodded to John in the intermediate group and he smiled and said, "Hi Ronica, I'm not surprised you walked into senior grading. You'll be our top female player."

Everyone who'd heard that looked at Veronica curiously.

"Thanks John. We must play again."

A thick-set woman in the senior group, who appeared to be part Italian or Spanish, said, "Hi, I'm Maria Gott, women's team captain. I hear you are after my captaincy?"

"The ability to play tennis doesn't necessarily equip that person to be a leader. If you're good at leadership you'll keep you position Maria. I'm Ronica Goodie, a freshman and I know it doesn't matter how well I play tennis I would feel inadequate as acting as captain. What's the coach's name?"

"Ryan Sylvester."

"He saw me on the backboard the other day and then play a couple of games."

"Christ, you're the kid who blew the racquet out of John Beamish's hand."

"Well I just got lucky."

"I bet."

Coffee and cool drinks were available and after Coach Sylvester briefed the juniors and intermediates he came over and read out the pairings of the seniors.

Maria said, "Let's get this over today coach. I want to be paired with Ronica."

The coach said amicably, "Do you mind changing Daisy?"

"No, I welcome it," said the stringy blonde.

The coach said Ronica and Maria would play last. By then the other grades should have finished and would benefit by watching.

Everyone watching that match-up was treated to an outstanding exhibition of two evenly-matched women. Maria turned out to have the power all through her game while Veronica only had power serves but at times she pulled out great finesse, catching Maria five out of six times with brilliant drop shots.

Veronica won 6-4, 4-6, 8-6.

"More, more," chanted the crowd that had grown bigger with other students walking around hearing the cheering. But the coach said, "To the showers ladies. That's the finest exhibition ever seen at this college. Thank you."

Walking to the showers Maria, a second-year accountancy student, said, "Why didn't you drop that final game; you must have been tempted?"

"One of my coaches told me that to drop a game is to cheat and I resolved never to do that. I'm sorry Maria but I must remain true to myself, even if it has meant blowing a possible friendship with you."

"We're in this together baby; it's possible we'll end up being best of friends."

When they came out of the changing rooms a good-looking guy was waiting for them. Maria smiled and said good luck. "Goodbye Ronica."

Obviously Maria thought the guy was waiting for her, thought Veronica, so she flashed a toothy smile and said hi.

"Hi, I'm a freshman taking business studies. I'm Tim, Coach Sylvester's son.

"Oh your dad has a good eye for tennis potential. What do you have a good eye for Tim?"

He hesitated.

"Are you wanting to date me?"

He looked startled and said yes. "I'd like to take you to dinner at a motel in town and book into a room. Curfew here is midnight so we'll have plenty of time to make whoopee."

"Pardon me Tim but you've picked the wrong girl for that."

"Come on Ronica, everyone comes to college to do it and none of us can get enough."

"No Tim and that's my final word on this. Leave me alone."

"Yes Tim, off you go. Being a coach's son doesn't give you extra privileges."

Veronica turned and saw the guy who had warned off Tim.

"Butt out whoever you are," Tim snapped.

"Tim, I suggest you go," Veronica said firmly. "You should spend time modifying your behavior to gain respectability."

Tim turned and stalked off without responding.

"Thanks whoever you are," Veronica smiled. "I'm Ronica Goodie and you may have just save me from hitting a guy."

He grinned. "Hi Ronica, I'm Lloyd Fitzgibbon, doing second-year journalism. Are you first year? I've would have noticed your before this had you been here longer?"

"Yes, I've been here a week and aim to go all the way in public admin."

"Hmm, impressive. Look you being so beautiful you might need protection. May I invite you to dinner tonight in the café if you're free? It converts to a restaurant on Saturday night and diners are required to dress semi-formally."

"Well I have nothing arranged... but aren't we supposed to book by 4:00?"

"Actually by 2:00 for Saturday night. Fortunately tonight's maitre 'd is my study pal so no problem I guess."

"And if it is?"

"We go to the Lunchbox. It opens Saturday for those who don't wish to eat formerly or who wish to get drunk."

"Well I'm on Haigh Hall. Here's my card. Give me a call with a time for our booking and I'll meet you there."

"Okay. It's a pain waiting for a date in the Common Room of any residential hall because the females without dates hassle you."

"I thought guys would like that."

"The crème de crème have already being taken."

"Oooh, then I won't have to be down there to hassle guys with my three room mates tonight. Thanks."

"Um I have a roommate, Guy George. He's good-looking and something of a gentleman. Could you perhaps..."

"Please let me make a call."

"Hi Thelma, I had a great work out at tennis. Listen, a guy is dating me tonight at dinner at the café. He has a pal..."

"He's been described as good-looking and something of a gentleman."

"I don't know what that means but good-looking is sufficient isn't it? Okay I'll do the rest."

"Thelma is willing. Call your pal and then the maitre 'd and we'll know where we are."

Lloyd did that at it was all arranged.

Lloyd, who shared a two-person room with Guy, said after they walked out into the quad from the café, "What now? Do you guys want to come over to our place for a drink? We don't have the same restrictions as first year students providing you guys vacate by midnight as required by Open House hours."

Veronica looked at Thelma who nodded.

"Yeah, we're good for a little more time with you couth guys," Veronica laughed. "You both have been such good company. Perhaps in your room you'll be a little more relaxed."

"Huh," said Guy.

"Guy we girls have come to college to broaden our experience in life and um..." Thelma stopped.

"In all directions including getting to know guys as adults," Veronica completed for her.

"Oh yeah, both of us feel the same way," Lloyd said, placing his arm round Veronica's waist and she held her face up to be kissed, their first kiss.

They walked over to Sutton Hall. The security guy at the door just nodded to them as they entered, his face expressionless.

"He's well-trained," Thelma giggled, pulling Guy's hand round to place it over her boob.

A small bathroom divided the two beds in the room. Desks and wardrobes were opposite.

"Okay lights out," Veronica said, dragging Lloyd to his bed, leaving Guy to put out the lights.

"I trust you don't think I'm too forward," Veronica said. "I'm not a virgin and it's already 10:30."

"Yes, sure, I understand. You don't wish to be rushed so want us to get started. Will you um..."

"Give you access? Yes but use a condom."

"They're in the bathroom."

"It doesn't matter. Mom gave me some. I have them here in my handbag. Do you know how to do it?"

"Of course. I'm twenty Ronica and haven't been living in a monastery."

She thought that was so funny.

They kissed and after a while she pushed him away gently and whispered, "Let's get totally undressed."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes I want you nude except for wearing the condom."

Lloyd laughed nervously. "Usually I'm running the show."

"Oh sorry. You appeared to be a little apprehensive."

"Veronica, that's your real name isn't it?"

"Yes. And you may call me that if you wish."

"Veronica I don't know whether you realize this but you're possibly the most stunning female at this college."

"Well that's lovely of you saying that but don't get too carried away. There will be others you have missed."

"I don't think so."

"I think so. Are you up hard or should I help?"

"It's like a piece of steel. Open you mouth wide Veronica."

There was enough ambient light entering the room from outside lighting for Lloyd to see to dock his missile unerringly. 

"God Veronica," he groaned. "You mouth is like velvet."

"Wait until you get it into my pussy," she purred wiping her mouth and smiled triumphantly as Lloyd squirmed, having ejaculated prematurely.

Just before midnight Thelma and Veronica walked to their hall tiredly, arm in arm.

"How many times did Lloyd get off?"

"Should we be talking about our casual partners so intimately?"

"Hell yes, what else is there to talk about?"

They giggled.

"Four, the first one was far too early."

"God you sexy thing. Obviously you know how to fuck. Guy only came twice while I had multiples. The last one took him almost an hour to climax. The poor guy was sweating like a pig. He loves my tits."

"Oh, Lloyd didn't mention mine or anything about my body actually but to be fair it was pretty dark. We should leave the lights on next time."

"Next time, do you think it will be a next time or are they just working through we first year babes?"

"Actually I think neither of them is particularly forward. They both must have been almost wetting themselves getting it on the first date."

"Isn't that why we are at college?"

Veronica laughed and said what about a career-making education.

"Oh yeah, I temporarily forgot my priorities. Soon we'll be up to our necks in study. Do you think the guys will want a foursome?"

"I don't know but it's not for me. Perhaps I could be persuaded to go a threesome with you and Lloyd because you have a great compact body but I guess it would take heavy persuasion to get me going that far."

"I've never had a multiple," Thelma said. "It's something we ought to think about before we leave college."

"Re our workload Thelma. I think we ought to schedule every Friday and Saturday night as study-free nights... well perhaps not just before tests and exams or running behind schedule with projects."

"Will that leave us with many Friday and Saturday nights free?"

Veronica smiled, "I'll crack the whip to keep our homework on schedule."

CHAPTER 2

In May Veronica was satisfied she'd completed her first year of studying management/public administration to the best of her ability and markings indicated she was in the top stream. She ended the year as vice-captain of the college's senior tennis team, vice-captain of the intermediate women's soccer B-team and a member of the top debating team. For her second year she'd arranged with Thelma White and Maria Gott, the tennis player, to room together. The three women had become very close. The twins Bess and Jade had decided to transfer to a college closer to home.

Veronica was met at the train station by her mom Irma, who was overjoyed to have her home, her father Peter who was showing more gray hair but had retained his lovely smile, and her academic brother Phil and his college girlfriend Shona. Gary had transferred far away to an army-training establishment specializing in maintenance of tanks and other heavy field weaponry and support vehicles.


Goodbye Veronica



The appearance of Shona with Phil made Veronica realize she and Lloyd could have done this... spent sometime together with each other's family. The next day she called him.

"Hi, what are you doing Lloyd?"

"My mom has me working in the garden. The contractors she had in have left a bit of a mess and things unfinished."

"You didn't criticized her for bad supervision?"

"No, I'm only just home. The high we are on will last some days. She's very interested to know about you and wondered why I haven't brought you home before this. I said it was because you were fat and ugly."

"Gee thanks. You know Lloyd you ought not deceive your mother."

"Her reaction was as if she knew I was joking. Either that or she's thinking I'm not telling the truth about having a steady girlfriend."

"Well my mom is sure I have a steady guy because I sent her photos and you are usually in them. When she clicked she asked me were you my boyfriend. I said yes. She asked was I sleeping with you and I said sometimes."

"Gee thanks."

"Well when you visit that means she may put us in the guest room."

"Do you want me to visit? Other students hanging out together do this but I thought you weren't interested."

"Did you ask?"

"Um no."

"Is that good management practice Lloyd?"

"No but where was your management initiative?"

"Oh touché. Look come next week. My brother has his girlfriend here at present and they will be gone next Wednesday."

"Okay but why don't you come here tomorrow?"

There was a pause. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Right I'll hit mom up for the money. Oh this is a great idea. I'll call back with details."

"Oh it's so sad seeing you go so soon," Irma Goodie wept at the airport.

"Mom we will be back next Wednesday. You know you can't wait to meet him."

"Goodbye Veronica," Irma sniffed, clutching her daughter as the last call to board was announced.

* * *

Janis Fitzgibbon greeted the girlfriend with open arms.

"Ohmigod Veronica, you're beautiful," she gasped and turned to glare at her grinning son.

Lloyd's sister Alicia thought so too and fifteen minutes later had whisked away the visitor to have coffee at the mall with some of her friends also entering their second-year at college. Alicia and Veronica seem to take to one another as the sister they'd never had and from that first encounter the pace would be full on.

When Veronica returned Janis said nervously, "I have put you and Lloyd in the guest room. I have to warn you Richard doesn't like it."

"Mom dad is just old-fashion and anyway," Alicia said. "Veronica will charm the pants off him before dinner is over. My friends think Veronica is awesome."

"Darling you might think I'm modern but that expression you just used is a little off."

"Oh sorry mother but you did insist I have a liberal education."

Janis sighed but her smile returned when Veronica said, "It's okay Mrs Fitzgibbon. My mother says first year college students think they know it all but the second year begins to sort them out."

Richard took everyone to the lake for the weekend to get the rather dilapidated lake house prepared for summer use. He couldn't keep his eyes off Veronica but only she appeared to notice his staring and she was relieved Lloyd's father made no attempt to move in on her. Apart from that she'd found him to be a very pleasant man. He co-owned a business manufacturing garden and patio furniture.

At the airport the following Wednesday Alicia cried and didn't want Veronica to leave while her mom, looking a little distraught also, simply kissed the departing visitor and said, "Goodbye Veronica, please come again."

Veronica had never seen her mom so much in awe of a male. One would have thought Lloyd was royalty. When they reached home Irma led them to the guestroom and before closing the door said, "I'll be shopping for the next hour and a half and then we'll go out to lunch."

"What will we do in the meantime?" asked Lloyd.

"I'm sure I'll think of something," Veronica said slyly, locking the door. "Do I have to help get it stiff?"

"Um I think so. What about pulling your tits around it?"

"Oh am I enjoying this college break," Veronica said, almost gloating.

From everything angle this seemed like the consolidation of a perfect romance that would lead to eventual marriage or at least setting up a joint household as they launched into their careers. But it ended unexpectedly and to Veronica it meant the loss of Alicia as a friend as well.

Veronica hadn't seen Lloyd for two days and then suddenly he was at her side.

"Hi."

"Oh hi," she said lovingly and was surprised he made no move to hug and kiss her.

"Um, I have some news. I've found someone else, someone of my own age. You and I are finished."

"Oh are we?"

"Yeah, goodbye Veronica."

Stunned momentarily, Veronica told herself to manage her emotions just as if she were dealing with sudden cancellation of a business deal.

"Fuck him, what a jerk," she said, attempting to smile. But she certainly wasn't smiling beneath that forced exterior.

In succession followed Robert, Paul, Hal, Edmund, Ricardo, Alex, Tom, Regan plus numerous one-nighters. But somehow it never was the same. None were as lovely as Lloyd who now had his beloved Patricia who wasn't even pretty and not even a top student. What did she do that she didn't, Veronica thought bitterly... take it up the butt?

And then roommate Maria Gott introduced Veronica to Benni Schroeder and she and Benni stayed together for the next eighteen months until graduating with their bachelor degrees. They then split, going to different institutions. They never met again. But Veronica and Maria, now separated as well, kept in touch. It was the last they would see of Thelma because her father was transferred to the London office of his consultancy company and Thelma planned to continue her studies in England. 

* * *

After graduating with a Master's in Management (Public Administration) and going to Maria's graduation, Veronica made her parents very happy by winning the post of chief assistant to the director of finance at Midway City Council. Her parents lived only a mile and a half from City Hall so Veronica lived with them for three months, cycling to work, and then she found a suitable rental studio apartment. The assistant city accountant, Freddie Watts, dropped his girlfriend to pitch for Veronica and with no one else around showing any romantic interest in her Veronica agreed to move in with him. His mom worked for a Realtor so it wasn't long before a suitable apartment was located and they signed up to purchase it jointly.

Eighteen months later Freddie replaced the retiring city accountant and a month after that Veronica was promoted to assistant city manager (internal services), only two steps away from her target of becoming city manager. Then, alas, very bad news: her mom was diagnosed with liver cancer and lasted only eight months.

Veronica and Peter were with her at the hospital when she died and her last words were, "Goodbye Peter darling. Goodbye Veronica."

"It was such a waste, mother being taken like this," Veronica sobbed, looking across at her father who appeared to have aged during the past eight months and was now a little stooped. Oh god, she thought, wasn't life so cruel. A fortnight later she discovered she was pregnant and cried and cried, burbling, "Isn't life so cruel, isn't life so cruel. Mom was waiting for a granddaughter."

Shortly before the baby was born Peter and Veronica was driving to City Hall, the start of her last week before taking maternity leave, when a large truck went through a red light and hit their car, killing Peter instantly and severely injuring Veronica.

Veronica regained consciousness in hospital to find her father and Maria and a man she didn't recognize at her bedside. Just by chance Maria had called Veronica hours after the accident and the hospital had just handed Peter his daughter's cell phone and other possessions. He'd given Maria the bad news and details of Veronica's injuries.

"Hi darling," Maria said kissing Veronica lightly. This is my father, Lester Gott, a brilliant orthopedic surgeon. When you are well enough to be moved to his hospital he'll operate on your back. You have a broken back darling. Daddy will fix it and you'll lead a near normal life but will never be able to play contact sport again or lift very heavy objects."

"A broken back? Oh dear, but the bright side is I have Peter to lift things for me."

Maria stepped back and Veronica's father pushed his daughter's hair off her face and told her the grim news.

She began sobbing and then her face cleared. "I'm pregnant aren't I?"

Maria said, "Yes, very much so. There is debate about whether in your condition you can manage a live birth."

Veronica looked alarmed. "Mr Gott please call me Veronica. What are my options?"

"I'm sorry Veronica but I'm not your medical adviser."

"Well you are now. I'm appointing you. Tell him daddy."

"Veronica has appointed you as one of her medical advisers Lester."

"Very well. My knowledge of obstetrics is limited but the only way possible for you to have a live birth is by cesarean and that ought to be performed now because your condition is deteriorating. You have internal bleeding. Even so, delivery could have dire consequences for you."

"What can be done?" Veronica said weakly.

Mr Gott said, "First we must attend to the legalities. I know an attorney not far from here who is an expert in this field. Tell me your wishes and I will work with your father to get this resolved. The concern of the hospital is to escape any liability for wrong decision making."

"Daddy I want this baby to live and to teach him or her about mommy. Just do it please."

"Baby I can't..."

"You heard Veronica Mr Goodie," Maria said firmly. "Off you two go."

"Oh everything is going black," Veronica sighed..

"Go," Maria said, pushing her father to the door.

"You will be okay darling," Maria said. "You have internal injuries as well. Here comes your doctor now. You are on transfusion to offset blood loss."

"Goodbye Veronica," Veronica said aloud to herself, her eyes closing.

* * *

Fourteen hours later Veronica regained consciousness. Her doctor examined her, talking to her softly and saying everything was all right.

Maria stepped forward. "They have succeeded in stopping the bleeding and you have lost your spleen. X-rays taken after the baby was removed appear encouraging, according to my father. He says there is a broken disc to fuse and some vertebral bone misalignment to deal with but fortunately no apparent spinal or nerve damage has been indicated. A bone graft, some rods and screws and bingo, you should be back walking normally after rehabilitation."

Tears rolled down Veronica's face. Maria said she'd be back in a minute. She arrived back with a nurse carrying a small bundle.

"Meet your daughter darling."

Veronica gasped and Maria wiped away the tears. Veronica's face was something Maria would never forget; it shone in absolute joy.

"Baby is absolutely fine, but is sleeping right now," Maria said. "Mother is not doing so well but will continue to improve. Do you have a name for baby?"

"Yes," said Veronica without hesitation. "Irma."

Irma was taken away and Maria stayed holding Veronica's hand while she slept.

* * *

Three weeks later Veronica was back in Midway walking and under post-operative care of a young orthopedic surgeon, Denis Garland.

"You are doing very well," Denis smiled. "You are so determined. I understand your father and his lady are acting as an enthusiastic nursemaids?"

"Yes, her name is Mrs Orange. She has just moved in with my father. She is a widow with plenty of money and has persuaded daddy to retire."

"In that case I authorize you to return to work as soon as you wish, working no more than four hours a day for the first fortnight, and then if you are feeling fine and coping well, to increase that by one hour a week until you are working normal hours again."

Two months on Veronica, now driving and in a lighter back brace, drove the eighty miles for a meeting with the attorney who'd represented her over the legalities associated with the birthing of Irma.

After exchanging pleasantries he said, "Now for the business part. Here is my bill."

Veronica looked at the bottom line and said that appeared reasonable.

"Most people would say my fees are outrageous."

"I'm a professional Mr Langley and am aware professionals charge out at professional level. Your intervention led to me delivering a baby that might not otherwise have been born alive by the time those hospital administrators and their legal advisors broke through the red tape."

He smiled and said very true.

"Well let's describe that bill as the bad news. Here is the good news. This is the bottom-line figure that the insurance companies have agreed on payouts over your husband's death and you sustaining substantial injuries and trauma. The driver of that other vehicle is now serving time in jail as a drunk driver causing death."

"God this much."

"Yes it's a large amount. Already removed in this draft report is the percentage I receive for negotiating settlement as you had instructed."

"What is your advice?"

"I have taken them to their limit; I am confident of that. I say accept rather than wait perhaps years for a contested court hearing and the court ruling a lesser amount is justified. But on the other hand the judge could double the amount because you have gone through a horrendous experience."

"Please accept. Four-point-four million-dollars is more than I'll ever spend, leaving plenty left over for my daughter."

CHAPTER 3

A week after her final health clearance Veronica called her orthopedic surgeon, Denis Garland.

"Hi it's Veronica."

"Oh hi, how are you and little Irma?"

"You remembered her name?"

"Well there are a number of non-professional things I remember about you."

"I'm calling on a personal matter. If you don't mind me asking but are you being divorced?"

"Yes, it's true. Casey ran off with one of my friends and the process will be completed within another six months."

"I'm sorry."

"So was I initially, but not now. Apparently she'd strayed quite a bit before Pete's passion captured her."

"God that a very adult way of putting it. Well, in that case is it okay to invite you around for a meal Friday? My father and his friend will be away."

"I'd find that very acceptable. I have a light day Fridays, seeing patients in the morning and paperwork in the afternoon. Can you cook?"

Veronica giggled and said it was up to him to find out. She gave him the time and address.

Denis arrived with flowers and a bottle of red wine.

Without any preamble they kissed.

He smiled, "You smell lovely."

"It's sweat rubbed in almond."

"Then it's French, um, Chanel No. 5?"

"Is that the only French perfume you know?

"Right off the top of my head, yes."

"Actually you were close in that it's from the same House. I'm wearing Coco Mademoiselle."

"Oh very nice. And where did you apply it?

"Here to this wrist."

Denis kissed that wrist pulse.

And following where she pointed he kissed the other wrist pulse, and behind her left ear and on her throat.

"Anywhere else?"

She blushed.

So he gently held the top of her satin silk shirt apart and kissed above her breasts.

She whispered that was lovely and he smiled and said so it was meant to be.

"Are you here to be seduced?"

He blushed and said quite firmly, "Yes."

They took their drinks in to look at baby Irma.

"She's almost five months old I believe?"

"Yes," she said proudly, "and doing very well."

"Are you permitted to have sex at this stage?"

"Yes."

"Have you had had sex since the accident?"

"No."

"Thank you for answering. We'll need to go carefully. No swinging from the rafters just yet."

"Yes doctor. Thank you doctor."

Outside the nursery they kissed deeply and walking to the kitchen Veronica told Denis her back felt fine and as each week went by she noticed she was enjoying freer and more extensive movement. 

"But as you warned me against pushing it too hard and too fast, I'm not doing that and am very careful about rotation. That's why Irma's cot it up on blocks and I bath her in the bathroom sink that fortunately is very wide. That alleviates me bending and risking turning too quickly."

"That's excellent self-care Veronica. I'm proud of you."

During a great dinner Denis asked how was her work at City Hall going.

"I have won a promotion and take over as deputy city manager at the end of next month."

"Ah, only a step from the top job in city administration?"

"Yes, and if I get there that's it; I don't intend chasing bigger appointments."

Sex was great... slow and fruitful in that they both gained pleasure. At Denis' suggestion Veronica rode him Cowgirl.

"I'm glad I had your medical expertise to advise on that."

"Well actually you should be fine with most usual positions. Cowgirl happens to be my favorite way of getting off."

* * *

Eleven months later they married. 

Denis wanted just a small civic wedding and that suited Veronica. She was pregnant again. The mayor performed the ceremony. 

Chief bridesmaid was Maria, who was also pregnant. Her wedding would be in three week's time. Veronica, Denis and Irma had been invited to that wedding, Veronica being matron of honor.

"Goodbye Veronica," called Maria, standing alongside her parents as Veronica and Denis left on their honeymoon.

After waving, Veronica turned to Denis and said, ""All my growing up to this point has been such a whirlwind at times, filled with drama. I wonder if it will flatten out now?"

"I would think so apart from chicken pox, mumps, measles and those sort of things that terrify some mothers but after what you've been through you'll take everything in your stride. Oh while I remember. Now this is very confidential." 

"The mayor told me that the city manager is under investigation for possible misappropriation of city funds. At this stage the amount is not thought to be huge, but any amount means he would be fired and face jail. Joe told me to let you know. He has your cell phone number. He'll handle the press if anything breaks but says this investigation could take weeks, if not several months and then might turn up nothing. He wants you ready to step up and pacify those institutions who fund city projects with loans and to do the same with organizations that donate money and individuals known to be poised to make bequests to the city."

"Oooh, it that happens I'll be off to a running start, with the commercial spotlight on me. If I handle any crisis well it will take the pressure off seeking maternity leave a little farther along the track and that being not long after being promoted. But this is what I've been about: I have prepared myself for this role and am grateful to people who have backed me along the way, especially my late mother who always urged me to attain a really decent job."

"You could have become a surgeon."

"Oh to me running a city is more important than that darling."

"But Mayor Joe Browning thinks he and his council run the city?"

"Well yes, mayors and councilors who work on policy and handle expertly prepared budgets and request action on complains after being button-holed by citizens suffer that delusion darling. The role of bureaucrats in all levels of government is grossly misunderstood and unappreciated."

"Ohmigod, could we enjoy a honeymoon without talking work?"

"Yes my darling," Veronica cooed. "That would give my the chance to find out something: I've yet to find if you have alternative recreational interests beyond sex."

THE END