Page 5 of Cinematic Destinies
“Always, my love.”
CHAPTER 2
“Mom, how long are you going to hug me for?” Albert said.
“Just a minute more,” Ella whispered as she held him tightly.
“Let the poor kid go,” Finn joked, standing beside Betty.
Eventually Ella let go, rubbed Albert’s arms, and smiled. “I’m just so happy you’re home, that you’re both home. Why don’t you get settled and then come hang out by the pool? We’re planning a barbecue out back when your sister arrives.”
“Georgia’s not here yet?” Betty asked.
“You know how she is. With any luck she’ll make her grand entrance early enough that we can eat before midnight,” Ella replied with a wink.
Betty laughed.
“I’m a little tired. Do you mind if I just chill in my room until dinner?” Albert asked.
“Sure, sweetheart. We’ll be out back if you change your mind,” Ella replied.
Albert picked up his suitcase and shuffled upstairs.
Ella slung her arm around Betty and asked, “Is everything okay with your brother?”
Betty shrugged. “He was quiet on the jet. Just drawing and listening to music with his headphones. You know how he is. I’m sure he’s fine.”
“Well, I wish he’d hang out with us, but this gives us a chance to catch up. We want to hear everything about your residency program and life in the Big Apple.”
“We sure do,” Finn added. “I’ll bring your bag upstairs. Then we want to hear our girl tell us all about being a brilliant doctor.”
Betty giggled. “I’m not brilliant.”
“Yes, you are,” Finn countered.
“Come on, no point in arguing,” Ella said, giving Betty’s shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s go relax outside. I made lavender lemonade and your favorite snacks. We want to hear everything before Georgia gets here and commands the floor.”
AS DUSK SET IN, ELLA AND FINN WERErapt listening to Betty tell them stories about her residency program.
“When the second twin was finally born, we all breathed a sigh of relief,” she explained.
“I bet,” Finn said, beaming.
“What?” she asked.
“We’re just so unbelievably proud of you,” he replied.
“We sure are,” Ella added.
Betty looked down, her fair cheeks turning rosy.
“Seems obstetrics was the right choice for you,” Finn remarked.
“Yeah. It’s unpredictable with crazy hours, and it’s heartbreaking when things don’t go well, so you have to really shut off your emotions. That’s what it takes to do it well. To be a good doctor. You can’t allow yourself to feel it.” Ella glanced at Finn and Betty continued, “But most of the time, it’s the best job in the world. There’s nothing likehelping deliver babies. It’s incredibly . . .” She trailed off, as if trying to find the perfect word.
“What?” Ella asked.
“Hopeful. It’s incredibly hopeful,” Betty said, picking up her water glass.
