There was a completely different Universe resting behind the wooden double doors. And she realized it as soon as she walked in, attracting the attention of the scattered people. The room was very spacious, considering it was Emerald's office too. The finely polished and garnished furniture with the black hue, the hanging chandelier which emitted a rich blend of yellow light, illuminating the room, not harsh and blinding. The luscious couches beside the wooden shelves. And lastly, the huge desk at the end of the room, in front of the large window. The chair was empty for the absence of Emerald who was running late.

It was a different world, calmed solace of solitude with no sense of trouble. It proved its amazement every time and just like the last time she was here, envy came after the admiration.

The individuals of the room turned at once when they heard the sound of the door and recognized the familiar face of Simone Port. The situation of seeing all the heads turn rushed her mind with the sudden embarrassment, driving the premature guilt away.

" Oh. Look who it is. " The bulky woman was standing in the middle of the room, facing away from the soft light, making herself hard to recognize. Simone didn't have to take a wild guess. It was Lucinda Edels from Politon.

" Simone Port. " She stepped forward, putting the glass in her hand down on the nearest table.
" Doctor Edels. " The trial of a formal greet by Simone Port failed when Lucindra pulled her in for a brief embrace.

" It's so good to see you. " She stated as Simone shifted uneasily to end the hug. Doctor Edels fluorescent smell had been imprinted on herself.

" It's a pleasure to see you too. " Port answered quickly. She had the chance to meet Edels in here, almost 5 years ago. And the second unforeseen meeting took place in Politon, where she regretted her presence due to the boring long hours of lectures, the projectionist keeping busy with the slides and a Simone Port pulling her long coat over herself at the back seats to make herself a bit more comfortable to snooze off.

And when she almost did, the presentation of Edels began so she sat upright with an attentive face and endured through the rest of the lecture of pediatrics. After that, a formal hello turned into an invite to her home where Simone met her husband, her kids. She was the portrait of a woman everyone had always dreamed of being. Successful, happily married, beautiful children. For some divine guiding, she conquered both the society and the admiration of Port who didn't quite believe in the conventional bar of success set by the society.

" Did you just reach the house? " She asked, stepping back to grab a long look of her.
" Oh, no actually. I came in the morning. Had a surgery to take care of. " Simone answered and glanced across the room. There was a duo sitting on the couch, two men on the opposite wall having drinks. She recognized the couple on the couch straight off and racked her brain for if she knew who the other two were.

" What? Emerald called you in early for a surgery session? " Her lips pouted to express her insult for him.
" Um.....actually I decided to take the offer..er. just to help him out. " Simone stumbled midway to her sentences. It was the stone faced Lucinda who wasn't buying into her lie.

" Ah, save it, Simone. " She picked her glass up for a quick sip.
" He's been a busy bee all his life. And he's trying to turn you into one too. " The frowns were quite persistent.

" Ah...no. It's nothing like.. " Her excuses were swaying for the lack of commitment. Lucinda was one of those people whom she considered as a good friend but always forgot to call. But Edels didn't have the time nor the narrow mind to hold grudges.

" No ring. " She brushed her right hand off with the same expression. " Am I wrong about you becoming Emerald? " She smiled slyly. Simone had no comeback, nor any witty remarks. So she smiled embarrassingly and followed her to the couch.

It was Clara Devlin and Leonid Hobbs. They weren't married to each other but always enjoyed each other's company more than their licensed husband and wife. As they were adults, matured, they didn't just savior each others meeting in conferences away from their homes through chatting and conversations. After all, they were adults, unsatisfied with their love life and harbored a solid foamed relationship. Everyone knew, more or less but everyone was strictly professional.

After the greetings and the usual introduction where Clara lied through her teeth about her satisfied life with her husband and Leonid spoke of the vacation of his family with utmost artificial joy. Simone grew tired and so did Lucinda. Doctor Edels had a low tolerance for unfaithful spouses but as her job suggested her as a pediatrician, she had to muddle in the dirt of cheating parents for the sake of their dying kids.

" Are they new here? " Simone quickly changed the subject, to protect her mind from disliking them too much with the question.

" Oh, um.......he's from Pharma isn't he? " Asked Lucinda with the confusion in her tone.
" They're both from Pharma. Lab rats. " Replied Leonid with a grunt. His profession was diagnostics, Clara being a gynecologist. They all drank silently for a second and stared at the duo near the wall. They didn't dislike them right off the bat, but their existence in the labs, out of sight, hidden behind heavy gas masks and bio suits, their cages filled with test mice weren't the kind of conversation opener that they usually had with themselves.

The wall behind Leonid emitted a thin sound without anyone in sight. Simone was the only one to notice the sudden mystical noise, being immune to Lucinda, Leonid and Clara's talk about family and marriage. Her mind was indulging herself with the pleasant memories of this place. And the dumb sound broke her silence.

" Is there anyone else in here other than us? " She asked, curious about the quantity of the people.
" I...don't think so. " Clara couldn't comprehend her question at first since she was busy selling the deception of her perfect marriage.

" Oh, Stan's probably hiding in the library room. " Lucinda gestured carelessly and went back to their talk. Doctor Edels took Clara's knowledge of marriage as a joke and felt very entertained listening to her blab about the findings of her own. Leonid couldn't help but join accordingly.

Hearing Stan's name, Simone walked over to the drink's table, nodded to the suited up lab rats briefly and then grabbed the glasses. One for her and one for Stan.

The man in the room was on an incursion to find a comfortable position to sit as he stretched back into his chair and lifted his feet onto the table. His coat was occupying the chair next to him and he was slicking his hair back, as a short intermission to his reading.

" Hello, Stan. " The main intention of the greet was flooded away due to the scenery of the settings. It sounded more mystical and threatening than a friend seeing one of her friend after a long time.
The man sat up abruptly and stared at the woman in the mouth of the door. She was standing against the weak light of the chandelier and became a faceless silhouette.
" Hello? " He faced her as the voice sounded very familiar.

" Simone? Doctor Port? " He asked the questions when Simone decided to leave her post as a mystical figure and walked up to the middle of the room, in sight of the light.

" Hey. " She smiled nervously and stood next to the chair, closer to the startled diagnostician.
" It is you. " He stood up, his face conquered with an embarrassed smile for recognizing her finally.
" When did you get back? " He engaged in a brief embrace, a gesture that happened to be awkward to both of the receptors.

" This morning. " She smiled when she answered and stepped back from the clumsy greet.
" So early? " He returned the edge of the desk, holding the gaze.
" Oh, yeah. It's......just had a surgery to do. " She brushed her wrist as she examined the contents of the desk. There were a small pile of books, scattered around the table. All with the signature of Emerald and the sign of the reserved copy.

" Ah. " He grunted and grinned. " Doctor Edels was right. You are Emerald's favorite. "
" I really don't understand why she might think of that. " She looked away for a second to observe the room. The large and heavy shelves had detached this corner from the large quarter, transforming it to a small room itself. And all the books with fat spines, cursive handwriting weren't fictional but medical findings, research papers, journals, facility reports.

Emerald wasn't a hard man at heart. He just knew how to differ life from fiction to reality. A trait that made him what he was now.
" Please, sit down. " Stan leaned forward and grabbed his suit from the chair beside. Simone put down the bag beside and sat down. It was a long time since she had seen Stan and his silent presence was the thing she remembered the most about him.

" I see, you're still carrying you're pride around. " He pointed towards the leather bag and smiled slyly.
" Hmph. " She gave a glance at the bag beside with a grunt.
" I love it too much to leave it anywhere. Perks of having priced possessions. " She joined Stan who laughed out from the witty remark.

" So, how's Devo doing nowadays? " Stan requested the current state of the precision equipment maker who only wrote to a few people other than his business inquiries.
" Great, actually. Signed a big contract with BB. " She answered as the companion took his glasses off for the intermission in his reading.

" Doesn't he write to you? " She asked grabbing the glasses from the table.
" Doesn't even send Christmas cards. " Stan stated laughing even though it wasn't a proper subject to joke about. The loss of connection to old friends, the lack of love are the tragedies that no one usually says out loud.

The silence was there and it was nothing new for Simone and Stan. Simone had a lot to say and a lot to catch up on but she didn't mind the soundless conversation. She sipped her drink and he shuffled through the first pages of an old report, smiling routinely to sweep the awkwardness. The wooden window was open and apart from the hum of the doctors in the other room, the band of cricket broke out their nightly performance.

" So, Herr Frau Port, how's life coping with you on these days? " Stan finally broke the silence since her glass was almost empty and he couldn't stand the unreadable handwriting of Emerald on the old reports.

" Can't complain, Herr Burnell. " She beamed for his effort into the chat. " And fact to be stated, it is still Fraulin Port. " She showcased her hand in front of the dying table lamp for a better view to her absence of having a spouse.

Stan Burnell smiled confusingly and took her hand into his. Mainly as a show of affection.
" It's hard to believe. " He brushed her hand with care. It was soft and smelled of soap with a thin scent of alcohol.

" Why's that? "Simone tilted her head with a wicked grin.

" Because, we always thought, Devo and I, that out of us, you'll be the first to be taken. " He smiled and took a long sip from his glass that made his face squint. " We even used to muse what he would do. A doctor or a professor. Or a prince. " The laughter in the room was a vague reenactment of the wonderful time the small group had spent together; so many years ago. And most of them let what time did to everyone. Forgetful, self centered, unaware. It was a rare photograph if there was one to be taken of the Doctor and the man, holding hands and laughing.

" And he's the one to get married the first. " Simone revived the memory of the marriage of Devoniac Altmann. A man with his hair finely combed to the sides, in a clean suit, shaved, scented and dressed to be the groom. The image of Altmann was unbelievable to the people in the seats since he was mostly remembered for the messy details of his clothing and his deprivation of following the fashionable ways.

And a woman in white, walking down the aisle of Rosary Church. Excited, timid, probably younger than Altmann. The ceremony was a wedding disaster, the uneasy family dinner that took place at night. The old version of one Simone Port was dressed awkwardly and stood around the house, attending to the formalities. And she was hopeful, young, dreamy, optimistic. The woman that day stood near a desk like this and thought about a marriage ceremony of her own.

And on this night, it was more than safe to say, the younger version of Simone Port changed, molded and evolved to someone else completely. And the ideas that harbored into her mind had been depleted in the duration of the transformation.
" I'm glad to see that you got out of Frankfurt. But still hiding behind bookshelves, huh? " Port's question induced a flustered smile on his face. He straightened himself out and answered with profound confidence for his actions.

" Emerald got all the best reads in here. It's the only chance I get to steal all the lessons. " His smile spread across his face.
" It's either this or join the discussions about the life with the housewives on the other end. " He nodded to the wall beside for the obvious indication to the trio.

" You made the right choice. " She clinked her glass to Burnell's as an approval of his insult.
" So, where are you practicing these days? Other than keeping favors for Em? " He asked to keep the talk alive.
" Oh, got transferred to Boltbers about two month ago now. " She answered with the expression of annoyance printed on her face.

Stan received the word " transferred " as an euphemism of something that went wrong, a troubling event. His face extracted the expression of his worry.
" Did something happen? " His eyebrows arched for the concerning thought.
" Oh, not the kind that you are implying. " She laid back and rested herself on the chair.

" They just made an offer with a higher pay. And besides, it wasn't all about the money. Needed a change of scenery too. " She put the empty glass down with a hurt smile.
" After what happened. " The sentence almost slipped out of his mouth when his subconscious stopped the himself from discharging a comment on a sensitive matter.
" And how Boltbers treating you lately? " He faked an enthusiastic smile, trying to repel the past from his thoughts.

" Not too shabby. Except for the couples next door. They invited me for dinner tonight but I came here instead. " She added with an ashamed simper.
" Ah. " Stan grunted. " You never did like kids. " His face were holding a comedic disposition.
" You don't have to make me sound so heartless. " Stan started another row of laugh that Simone joined instantly. It was an interaction that she didn't have for a while and always hoped for. Without expressing it to anyone, fearful to be rejected or to be exposed to the cruelty of adulthood and life.
The moment was good. Better even. Undoubtedly an enjoyment that she craved for.

The resonance of the laughter flew in the air when the guilt made an unannounced return to Simone's mind. Her mind didn't think of the face or the words of Curt Brassels, former Curt Brassels to be accurate. A new born Raymond Palvin. A blank slate. New memories, names. Curt Brassels never died. He just didn't exist anymore. And the deceptive act she pulled which didn't occupy the guilt largely. In fact, she enjoyed the expression of falsified information. Married for 11 years. A child named Rossi, age of Six. It was too good to be true and too difficult for him to detect her falsehood. She enjoyed it as cluttered her pleasure may sound but the next part wasn't so pretty.
Business as usual.

" So, if you're not too busy, we can talk........ "
" I almost forgot to mention I.............. "
They both spoke out at the same time, muddling each other's words which ended in smiles.
" Go ahead. " Simone beamed once again.
" Um....I almost forgot to mention. I got married last spring. " He put his left hand onto the table, under the burning lamp to highlight the ring around his finger.

The news of a marriage was not something that a person usually forgot to mention, especially to old and close friends. The information of reaching the personal checkpoint of a man's life were hardly forgotten by anyone in the first place. He didn't forget. It was the guilt of not informing keeping his conscious clouded. And perhaps a taste of attraction to the other that was keeping him occupied.

" Oh. " Simone's face directed her happiness as she presented a glowing smile, leaning forward for a close inspection to the beautified metal. It was nothing extraordinary but pretty in its timid ways.
" Congratulation. " The sense of excitement was slipping away by the second.

" Simone, I uh............tried to get in touch with you. I even sent you a few letters and faxes for the invitation. I guess you didn't find them. " He stuttered, shaking his head as he rubbed his chin. Stan Burnell was a terrible liar and they both knew it.

" Yeah, last spring was chaos. " She scratched her neck for no apparent reason other than trying to hide the hurt expression that was banging to come out. It was a surprise for him to be married and her lack of knowledge about it since it would be an understatement to call them close friends.
There was the awkward silence again but this time it was proving itself to be very uneasy.

" So, what's her name? " The beams appearing on Port's face were artificial and forced but Stan Burnell was none the wiser.
" Adeline Evonna. " Stan answered then took the black and white picture out of his wallet.
The woman in the colorless photograph looked kind and distracted by something off the frame. Her facial features weren't noticed with importance by Simone but she could easily be considered pretty with her hair swept up on one shoulder.

" She's beautiful, isn't she? " Asked Burnell as he gave the picture a long look himself.
" She's swell, Stan. " Simone kept her masquerade going.

" The wedding er............wasn't anything big. It was just us and a few colleagues. " The apologetic voice was easily recognizable by her.

" Hey, now you got someone to take care of you. We both know that you can't yourself. " Simone broke the obvious joke for thinning the air as Burnell was still feeling uncomfortable.
" Simone. " He said in a caring tone. " Thanks for taking it nicely. I felt like an absolute monster not having any of you there. "
" Is that why Devo is mad at you? " She grinned again and Stan nodded. " One of many. " He answered.

" Well, Stan Burnell, I congratulate you. Hitched forever. " They toasted the empty glasses with a sharp sound to mark the occasion.

Stan Burnell could be easily described and read by a third person. His features all very explicit and lacked any sort of trickery. A handsome face, his gentle tone of talking, shyness from the social communication, anxious to work, caring about the people around him. A timid characteristic tied up in man's vessel. Those qualities stood him out in any party, intellectual gathering and occasions. Even though, he didn't have an outgoing charismatic hue to his behavior, he always founded the right company.

Simone Port wasn't attracted to him, not in any manner that proved themselves to be more than friends. But there was a certain tone to him that was exception and occupied both of them in an interesting course of conversation, filled with humor, facts, exchange of believes.
The heavy double door swung open, again attracting the attention of the pupils in the room. The older looking man with a creased suit and a hassled tie stepped in, waving to the pupil in sight to greet.

" Ladies and gentlemen, I am so sorry for the massive delay that I caused you. " He stepped into the middle of the room as everyone dropped their conversations and devoted their heed to him.
" Oh, drop the act Emerald. " Exclaimed Leonid as he departed from his affined woman and stepped into the middle of the room to meet with him. His voice was jolly and so was Leonid's.

" Ah, Leo. It's so good to see you. How have you been? " He asked, observing the other guests in the room.
" Same old. You look young. Relatively. " He insulted as they hugged.
" I'm fine, by the way, Emerald. " Doctor Edels stepped forward with a sarcastic beam for his lack of attention to her.

" Oh, Lucinda. How have you been, darling? " Emerald slowly turned to her and engaged in an awkward embrace.

" Jetlagged. " She answered as she kissed Emerald softly on the skin.
" You certainly took your time. " She pulled away and frowned.
" Well, darling. It takes much time when you're stuck in a room with a bunch of suits. "
Lucinda displayed her frown and stepped back, letting Clara in for the greeting.
Emerald looked around and spotted the two men at the wall.

" How do you do? " He asked politely and looked around.
" Let me introduce you to these two gentleman from Pharma, Dr. Heller and Dr. Bruno. Proud scientists of Pharma. " He shook their hands and drew them into the middle as a ritual of being taken into the small group of Emerald.
" Ah, Simone. " Emerald noticed the woman with the brown eyes, standing on the mouth of the library room, stuffed in her thoughts.

" Emerald. " The train of thought collided momentarily seeing the peaceful and familiar face of the old man.
The troubling face of Simone Port straightened and glowed happily when she hugged the old man tightly. The usual smell of his aftershave was persistent in his face. Emerald had a happy face when he recovered from the warm embrace.

" Oh, Simone. It's so good to see you. " He answered with a glance at her face. Then he noticed the man who was walking silently with the books piled on his arms, on his way to the shelves to put them back in order.

" Doctor Emerald. " Burnell greeted nervously as he stopped in his tracks. Caught empty handed.
" Doctor Burnell. I see you have invited yourself in my collection. " His voice lost the happy tune.
" Um....I was just...er. " Stan mumbled when the old man grinned and assured him with a loud smile.
Emerald's attention quickly came back to Simone who was watching them talk with a beam on her face.

" Did you have any trouble coming here? " He held her hand and walked over his desk, opening a window.
" No. Not at all. " Simone answered at once.
" I wanted to receive you but I was stuck at Ghwer Meds from the dawn. They just ended the meeting at 7. " He stated, taking his coat off.
" It was no trouble, Doctor. " She replied.
" I heard the operation was flawless. As usual. " He stated. Simone stayed quite for him to finish.
" Gail called me from the house. She's going crazy with the file in the front porch. " He smiled, pulling at his tie to lose the knot.

Simone Port was silent and compensating her morality to put it in an equation. To see if she was still pure in her ways.
" What's the matter, dear? " Emerald inquired as he stopped the struggle with the shirt.
" Nothing. It's just........." She was still unsure about breaking her suspicion out loud.
Emerald patted her elbow gently as a sign of understanding. " Simone, what is it? "

Simone Port sighed.
" Is that what happen at Ghwer? Restrains, belts? Buzz? " The battered question and the moral turmoil of Simone was easily detectable.
" Yes, Doctor Port. " Emerald waited for a reply but then continued for her silence.
" Simone. I don't want to degrade your ethics because I respect them. But there is no hard in what we do. " He reached out and clasped her hands. Simone held the gaze with anticipated eyes.
" These people had done something beyond regrettable in their lives and they are beating themselves up. " Simone Port swallowed the facts.
" We are taking their nightmares away. Making them a better man. " He carried on.
" Listen, Simone. I'm not going to lie to you, darling. It seems like at the moment we are doing the wrong thing. But trust me, our decorated sins turned out pretty well. "

Simone Port smiled weakly and looked at Emerald. His hair was already fighting for the color since the sides had turned white, along with his beard. The wrinkles on his face not only representated his old age, but the grace that it provided. He was a surrogate father, an unannounced guide of Simone.
" I had a lot of surgeon waiting for the operation for today. " He paused. " Dr. Hertz did the last 16 perfectly. " She didn't understand the destination of his talk.
" But there was a big difference from his work to yours. " He smiled wittily.
" You didn't have to tie anyone up. Hear him screaming, jolting in his bed, running to the violent dreams."

" They have something to learn from you, Simone Port. And I'm glad that I had met you. " Emerald always looked kind. And he seemed the most beautiful person to Simone as he was smiling.
" Now, come on. Let's go join the others. And Stan. Before he runs off with my books. "
Simone wedged her arms in and walked alongside with Emerald. Her fears conquered with his old scent and constant smiles. At least for now.

Ayora Van walked in through the doors, halting the conversations suddenly and drawing everyone's attention. She was extravagantly dressed for the occasion even though the weather couldn't be considered warm enough for open shoulders. Her decorated and teased up red hair had the obvious goal of being stared at, a feminine want of being desired of.

Simone Port briefly glanced at the woman, already engaging in the introductory socialization with the others. The envy of being as introverted and harboring an outgoing personality as her was short lived when Simone Port unwillingly and for causality's sake locked in an embrace with her, breathing in the head aching amount of strong perfume.

She again admired her time spent in her apartment and in the clean room rather than shopping for dresses with little practical usage.
" Ladies and Gentlemen, " Emerald announced loudly with coughs, catching everyone's debate.
" I know an introduction is merely a formality but as a host and a rather late one, apologies once more; I feel the obligation to be properly introduced with each other. Even though, we signed our names in a lot of pages and boxes before coming here. " He smiled in the pause. No one failed to join.

" Of course, Doctor Lucinda Edels. Well renowned head of Politonn's pediatrics. Unknown artist. Well, it was all for the kids. "
Lucinda Edels's frown disappeared when she heard the introduction of herself. Bruno and Heller nodded in sync for the acknowledgement.

" Then, fresh out of Frankfurt, Doctor Stan Burnell, outstanding Diagnostician. And very hard to get a hold of. "
" You forgot apparent book thief, Doctor. " Stan replied instantly, producing a bit of laugh from the audience.

" And, Clara Devline and Leonid Hobbs. Dean of medicine and the acclaimed oncologist of Plansber. Very delighted to have the close colleagues. "
" And more. " Simone remarked quietly, only letting Stan hear who smirked for the well known joke of their marriage.

" Ayora Van, pleased to see that you made it. " Emerald nodded at her who was caught in the moment pulling at her hair. " Always in the front of every operation. Head nurse at Sclarce. "

She emitted a glowing smile, meeting the eyes of everyone in the room, especially the new comers.
" And last but definitely not least, Doctor Simone Port. " Emerald gestured at her with a witty smile in his face, as he was showcasing his most valued trophy in his case.

Proud. Since he was more than grateful for being a company and a close associate.

" Experienced neurologist and master of brain surgery. Been here for a few operations, but she mostly reigns over at Roughborogh and currently at Boltbers. "

She was the last one to be identified and everyone's eyes were stuck to her for the illuminated introduction. She gazed around the eyes in the room and found all of them fixed on hers. It wasn't just Emerald's benevolent words that kept their views, they must know her already from her work, even the new ones.

She didn't smile nor nod to them in reply. But kept her straight face, routine by professionalism and the flaring insidious emotion of self achievement and satisfaction.

She finished her dazzling gaze at Ayora who already lost all the bets of attraction in the game of achievement and fame. And Simone Port didn't even have to dress her hair with fancy and popular swirls. Or to display her open shoulders.

" Oh, you're too kind, Emerald. " She touched his arm gently and let him continue with his identifications.

Emerald smiled and carried on, gesturing to the weakly identified men in the corner.
" I'm incredibly happy to announce that, Dr. Billy Bruno and Dr. Griff Heller, are joining our little circle, which has turned into a small organization. Firstly, they are our brave new friends and in an irrelevant note, our partners at Pharma. "

" Hello. " Bruno answered in an abrupt voice.
" Glad to be here. " Heller greeted quickly, putting his glass down.
" Welcome aboard. " Leonid kicked into his formal shoes, stretching his hand forward to meet the men.
" So, gents and our beautiful ladies here, since I was clumsy enough to reach the house later, I apologize. So if you kindly wait.........er.......half an hour more, we can sit down for a proper reunion dinner. " Emerald announced, rubbing his chin slightly.

" It's alright, Doctor Emerald. Gives us more time to be accounted to this brilliant group here. " Griff beamed heavily. Even though, in the brief period of time he spent in the same room as Simone Port, he seemed stiff and introverted. But he was starting to prove her observation wrong, chipping away his awkward shell.

Emerald grinned and stepped to his unlit desk, taking his coat off. He stopped halfway to his motion, halting into the mid space of light and dark and coughed loudly.

" Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to mention. "
The bellowed group was starting to disperse from the middle of the room and towards the comfortable sitting arrangements. But they stood in to hear his sudden claim.

" In an understated tune................we got the partnership with Ghwer Med. "
Simone Port wasted a second to dissect his words about the tough offers of partnership Emerald was struggling with. She didn't know much of it existence but came to light from Gail, who tried her best to liven up the moody car ride back from the operation.

" That's wonderful. " She supported straight away, along with Lucinda and Burnell who were properly informed with the details of the heavy battle.

" Next time, start with that piece of information. " Lucinda snarled with a fake frown, the apparent happiness being bubbled up inside.
" What's the fun in that? " Emerald laughed loudly for her adverse but understandable reaction and disappeared into the darkness of his desk.

Simone Port smiled to herself and found Stan doing the same thing. She brushed the hair back and emitted a large sigh, not filled with the certain unwanted despair but with the joy that he was still on top of his dream. Mostly, happy with the peculiar mysticism of the old man she came to find so dear and trust worthy.

Unattended jackets, loosened up ties, glasses in hands, laughs in the scent and wet lips from the drinks. The sophisticated and mannered uptight small society of brilliant minds dropped their usual display of deportment and carried on with their stories. The small sitting arrangements of Jevoux Emerald's office which contained enough space for a few people were occupied cozily by the group of 9, unaware of the strong sense of professionalism and living in the moment. A practice that proved to be scarce in their remote and busy lives.

Simone Port was clamped between on the short couch, Stan Burnell on her left and the healthy built of Lucinda Edels. And for the first time, in a long time, she didn't curse her existence or feel awkward. Though it wasn't comfortable in her usual taste of things, she was feeling pretty good. Having an opposite day of her contemplating Sunday's which she despised always.

It was the presence of Emerald who's sturdy old body was resting on the arm chair and his quirky mind shooting short stories of his past experience in a witty manner. Creating the wonderful bliss of banter. And Stan Burnell was having a memorable night himself as he sat beside his old friend, indulging himself with her occasional stiff laughs and smirks.

" So, there was this young and charming reporter at Ghwer today. " Emerald started when Leonid finished his boring tale of his flourishing family life.
" Who I have no idea how she got into the private meeting. " He stopped and curled the side of his lips as a manner of thinking.

" So, I'm just sitting there all day, showing the endless numbers and success rates and results and she's just sitting there, firing questions after questions. Which I evaded pretty frantically. " He laughed out, letting a small row rise.
" And when the meeting ended at 6 and I'm there grabbing all the files and making a straight bee line for the car park. And Berrs, my chauffer, who's as old as me, turning the car around at a snail's speed. "
" And I thought I got away from her, then the brown patch of coat appeared out of nowhere and again started with her questions. "

" The perks of fame. " Lucinda generated the fake sigh to match with his banter.
" No, Doctor Edels. Hear me out. " Emerald paused once again, letting his mind draw up a perfect recollection of the mild fully hilarious event.

" And, I sat and sighed. Then she asked, Doctor Emerald, one last question, ' Do you personally harbor enough arrogance just to have all your documents and operations in a tight fitted Non Disclosure Agreement? "
" So, I sighed one last time and said, ' Listen Miss......, it's clear we don't consider ourselves as movie stars since we don't have that much time to drive fancy cars or have trophy wives or... "
" Or wives at all. " Remarked Lucinda about the obvious lack of spouse of Emerald, creating a ripple of small laughs which died instantly.

" I know, darling. " Emerald presented a comical frown and pursued with his previous interview.
" As I was saying, trophy wives or tour around the globe, signing autographs and creating scandals. But yes. Yes, we do consider ourselves as renowned personalities. And lastly, answer to your original question, again, yes. We do have the enough arrogance and necessities for the NDAs. Good day. "
" Bravo. " Clara Devline finally spoke, sparking the mouth of Leonid who followed suit.
" You said it, Emerald. " He replied, nodding.

" Couldn't have put it better myself. " Stan raised his glass, clumsily spilling the splotch of Bourbon on his pants.
Emerald smiled and sat straight, not finished with his words.
" But, as dramatic as it all sounds, the ending was completely the opposite. Berrs with his poor eye sight and weak elbows slowly turning the car around. And there I was, trying to keep a straight face whilst her red edges of her nose flares aggressively. "

The people busted out with laughter. There was a joyous beam on Billy Bruno's mouth too who was standing along side Griff Heller, fighting hard to fit in.
The laughter took its time to die. Through the mumbles of the people and clanks of glasses.

It was the unofficial turn for Clara Devline to take a shot at Emerald, as she shuffled the air with her hand. A weak gesture to attract the attention of the talking men.
" But, Emerald. " She said, establishing a strong eye contact with him to harden the blow.
" As we know how much you enjoy long boring meetings and insulting unsuspecting young reporters. I know I am right, when I say that, it must be high time you settled down. " She discharged her announcement and looked around for the wanted support.

But in the sudden moment, everyone's eyes were fixed on Emerald who had smulped down in his chair briefly after hearing her out and emitted a dumped expression with thoughtful eyes.
Clara Devline was feeling uncomfortable for the unforeseen effect her friendly advice.
Jevux Emerald looked up to her and held a gaze. Then his face bursted out with laughter, catching everyone off guard.

" I think that's my cue to go check on the dinner. " He replied as he slowly got up, still coughing up more laughs. The rest of the dazed doctors sprouted some relieved laughs, including Clara Devline who was joined by Leonid.

Simone Port apparant hatred toward Clara was extinguished but was still in existence for all the obvious reasons.

" What about him? "
" About who? "
Stan Burnell and Simone Port were procuring the corner of the room, standing in the midst of the lamp and the window. Both of them found the discussions heavy and the mutual understanding of observing from afar was in place.

" Him. By the window. " He bubbled out the words before gulping into his drink. Stan didn't have a drinking problem but his lack of knowledge about drinks was portraying itself to be a complication as he was walking down the alley of becoming intoxicated.

" Dr. Griff Heller? " Simone asked, slightly raising her brows. She looked back at Stan who was creating a comical expression, unwillingly.
" Yes, him. " Simone knew where it was going. She smirked and titled her head with a question in reply.
" What about him? "
" He seems like a gentleman. " Stan replied, producing a childish giggle along with his pair of dazzling eyes.

Everyone in the room was considered to be a person of a higher formality and professionalism. And Simone knew exactly the implications of her dear friend. She scrutinized Griff Heller who was leaning against the book shelf with a glass in hand and a busy mouth. Explaining a humerus situation to the rest of the attenders.
Griff Heller was a man of a stout posture, even for a doctor who supposedly hunched over a desk and fiddled with test tubes and chemicals. His hair cut was nothing extraordinary nor eye catching but simple. And the mellow glow from the over head chandelier was falling down on his skin, glazing his brown skin in an attractive glow.

" No, Dr. Van, I hadn't yet have the good fortune to become a husband. " Griff's deep voice was easily conquering the distance and reaching the duo on the side.
" And not married. " Stan leaned in and clumsily bumped into the side of Simone, chuckling in a low voice.

Simone Port looked back and frowned. The gesture of his attention in finding a spouse for her was sweet and also the sign of his possible upcoming intoxication.
She couldn't keep up her masquerade of being disturbed too long and instantly bursted into laughter. " Just because you went ahead and got married Stan, doesn't mean I have to. "
Stan Burnell didn't hold himself back from joining in on the laughs.

The huddled discussion and the private bantering conversation of Stan and Simone in the corner hindered them from noticing the open door and the entrance of Emerald with another man. The known stranger seemed pretty tired and unaware of the people in the quarter as he walked straight to the back, near the desk. Stan Burnell was seemingly occupied with a few droplets of tears in his eyes when they walked past. In the hazy vision, he just managed to detect the company of Emerald.
His laughter with Simone slowly decreased and she hadn't have a clue of the identity of the newly arrived.

Eberns Docks was excited to stay at a house of such posture and outlook. After fueling his bad habit for a few minutes, he threw the cigarette away and walked around the area lazily. It wasn't winter and the flowers in the garden had no excuse not to be in full blossom. The air smelt like a beautiful night breeze and he wandered around happily until the maid in the high steps alerted him about not walking on the grass and especially not plucking the flowers. And as usual, Eberns nodded whilst he felt the white petals in his back pocket.

The room at the end of the hall looked extremely important to Eberns when the maid had suggested him to stay put as she informed Emerald about the food. He stood and became easily bored. And he couldn't resist the juvenile urge to peak in through the half opened door when Chalistra left it open on her entrance.

His employer, Dr. Port looked marginally troubled when he drove her to the house. But as he saw her, standing near a man, both of them laughing loudly, she looked happy and content. Like an woman of her age and occupation always failed to.

Eberns Docks high morality of invading the privacy of his employer kicked in as he stepped away from the door and started to pace around the hallway frustratingly. The maid, Chalistra opened the door and walked past, completely ignoring him. He started to follow her to the end of the stairs but soon lost interest.

" Emerald. " Simone Port's call got tangled up in the sounds of the room. Stan's eye brow jerked up when the thought of her meet with the man surfaced.
" Simo....... " Stan started but could not finish when Emerald in his wide suit appeared from behind the corner.
" Ah, Simone. " Emerald exclaimed instantly, catching a look with Stan.

" It's getting late. And it was good seeing you but.... " Simone started off. It was late and her scheduel was structed so that she could be back by morning, leaving a full day for the recovery from the journey's tire.
" Darling, why are you thinking of leaving? We are just going to dinner. " Emerald smiled weakly as he looked around the room. No one else was noticing them nor the man near the desk, except for Leonid.
" I have to leave now if I want to get the late ferry. " Simone checked her watch and looked back to detect the bag which was still on the corner, beside Stan. She caught the scent of distress on Stan's face but ignored it momentarily.

" Oh, come on, Simone. " Emerald grunted with annoyance as he frowned. Then with a beam, he said, " How about this? I just dusted my entire schedule for you. Stay the night. " He wasn't finished and gestured away the weak retaliation from Port who was liking the idea internally.

" We'll do some sightseeing tomorrow, catch up on old times. And if you catch the evening ride, you'll be back in Boltbers before midnight. " Emerald was smirking slyly.
" Er....um...... I don't know, Emerald. " Simone Port was comfortably in discomfort.
" Stan's staying too. It would be like old times. "

Emerald offered everything that she could not throw away. The chance of staying with the small group of people she came to feel so dearly about, the opportunity of not spending a lonely weekend and the idea of being happy were overwhelming.
" Er.... "
" I'll call the tasteless Dean of Boltbers Main. " Emerald laughed out.
" Sure. " Simone Port was ecstatic but only displayed a short smile. And both Emerald and Stan knew exactly how she felt. 

                                                                        Vieilles   Flammes                     

Eberns was bored once more and once again, against his better judgement he leaned his body into the gap of the door and was observing the people and the interactions in the room. There was no risk of being detected since everyone wasn't partially batting an eye on anything else rather than themselves. The old man in the wide suit who was called as Emerald by Chalistra was standing near Simone and the handsome man who seemed a bit intoxicated. She looked as happy as she was a few minutes ago and maybe more than the last time of Eberns intrusion.

The pupils sitting in the couch were busy in a hard stitched conversation with the active participation of everyone, except for the bald man in the middle who was sitting in the midst of it all but ignoring every drop of word for he was interested in the silhouette, hidden from the view of Eberns. He leaned in a bit more, pushing the door forward. Resulting in a loud screech of the metal screws.

The sight of the chauffeur on the door ignited the hurry of Emerald to usher everyone to the dining space. He nodded to Stan Burnell who was still sticking to the alone company of Simone Port.
" Ladies and gentlemen, if you please follow me, dinner is served. " He gestured to the door, waiting for the tired bodies to be guided.

Eberns Docks quickly shifted from his position and stepped a couple of feet away from the door, waiting for the group to rush out. But the sudden identification of a specific individual halted anyone from leaving.

" Is it........" Leonid Hobbs mumered to himself at first, confused about the identity of the silhouette who sat unmoved in the chair, with his back to the door.
" Meinz? " He called out weakly. With the tone of unsurity, stopping everyone in their tracks. Especially Simone Port who stopped and stood under the flaring light of the chandelier.
" Hobbs? " The shadow spoke out finally, turning its entire body to face the cone of the crowd.
" It is you, old boy. " Exclaimed Leonid as he stepped forward, passing Emerald and Stan who stood there with a flustered face. Petrified.

" What are doing, hiding back here? When did you even come? " Leonid Hobbs was incredibly satisfied that his suspicion became true and it was indeed his good friend and former doctor of Roughborough.
" A few minutes ago. " The smile on Meinz's face was beaming. His medium cut hair, along with the unshaved beard felt wet when Leonid engaged into an embrace. The well known friends followed suit, greeting the late doctor in with handshakes and hugs.

Except for Simone Port, who could be considered a close acquaintance, but an individual far from being a friend.

Meinz, on the array of firm handshakes and kisses on the cheeks by the fellow well know ladies in the group spotted the dazed face of Simone Port who had spent a brief second of eye contact then went back to flailing her gaze else where. The foaming sense of happiness that started to built in the upcoming seconds, hindered in its place. Startled. Like a deer in the headlights.

" Ah, Stan. Good to see you, pal. " Willford Meinz finally committed in a hug with the cautious mutual friend. Stan Burnell's feet stuttered to move at the first command but maintained the execution of the formal gesture of friendship as he felt the wet sensation of Willford's facial hair on his cheek.

" How have you been doing, Will? " Stan Burnell's straight face with the artificial imprint of a smile fooled Will since he smiled and answered briefly, smoothing out the cuffs of his coat.

The rest of the group, harboring little to none idea about the tension of the four, roused along with themselves with a few exciting words. Displaying the easy tone of their new found friendship as Ayora Van wedged her arm in Griff Heller's elbow. The team of eight, formed a bottleneck around the heavy doors, waiting impatiently for the guidance of the gracious host. Like a herd of sheep.

" Gentleman, shall we? " Emerald started with a cough, then a nervous loud smile as he waved to the door. Towards the easy going foliage of the crowd.

" Sure. " Stan Burnell presented a futile beam too, walking alongside Willford as an escort.

But the in sync trio, aware of what to do and what to say, were forced to stop at the stature of Simone Port who restrained herself from uttering a word. But examined all the crisp details nevertheless.

Maybe it was the ritual of keeping the conventionality. Or maybe it was the noiseless urge of humanity to strike up a small talk with a lost love and a beautiful one to be true. Or maybe it was neither of those things. But Willford Meinz stopped a few feet away from the chandelier and opened the hardened crease of his lips.

" Hello, Simone. " Willford spoke in the warmest of his voice when she finally broken the facade of not noticing his existence.

" Doctor Port. " Simone answer at once, with a small nod. Her keen vision noticed the facial feature of the man. Tired, worn and mellow.

" How have you been? " He asked again. His tone easily gave away his place of care.

Stan Burnell was on edge of his shoes as he reached the duo under the light, creating a tight triangle of close friends as Emerald walked back, throwing him one final look of understanding.

" Brilliant. " The sharpness of the word that sprouted on the edge of her lips didn't try to hide the distaste to the old flame.

Will smiled quietly, catching a look of Stan who wore his face blank and tightened the grip on the Bourbon.

" I heard you were transferred to Boltbers. " The actual aim of the distressed small talk were to ensure the casual tint of the separated. To soften the blow. To test if the fire was still there. A fire which didn't keep them warm. But raged to burn the skins.

" Correct. " She answered in one word and gave Stan a frustrated stare. It was her strong social values and practice of strong professionalism that stopped her from being outwardly rude. And then, there was the stretch of pretense. The imitation of the false face that, she didn't miss him and continued on with the happiness of her life, the over ambition at her side, conquering monuments after monuments.

" How's life there? " Will inquired again, running on his last tank of politeness.

" Bleak. " She answered before there was a pause in the silence.

" Oh. " Will grunted emptily. Inducing the necessary haste in Stan.

" I think we should.............."

" I'm soon to be wanted at Politon. Got an offer as a teacher. " The simper on his face produced a personal spark of repulsion inside the head of Port.

Stan Burnell again received another impatient nod from Emerald who's obvious objective was to prevent any escalation.

" Teacher? " The insulting tune of smirk in Port voice ringed out in the somewhat empty space under the hanging light. The unaware crowd was stuck on the latches of the open door and couldn't stop to bat an eye.

" Since when the clean room is not good enough? " The mental satisfaction of Simone Port on her vague ache to be rude was achieved and reading the miffed exposition on her friend's face, she turned around with the derogatory grin.

" Since we had been in there together. " Willford Meinz only realized his mistake when the chilly wind sneaked into the private sniping session and made his beard felt as cold as it was wet. And by that time, he had said what needed to be said. And something he knew he shouldn't have.

" I never went in after you almost turned that kid into a vegetable. "

He felt the betrayal of his lips and his mind began the plays of regret.

Simone Port etched her plans to carry on with the dinner and stay for the night, ignoring Will entirely. But she heard the words. And so did the others who fell silent, coincidentally for that uncertain moment.

" Excuse me? " She saw the switch in Emerald's reaction but didn't consider the consequences.

Will knew what he said and there's no way on God's land, in the ever moving sea of time, he could take it back. Even his shadow cased on the floor looked grieved with its head bowed down.

The armor of the woman's pride was chinked and left an inflicting wound with a few years of scratches around it. This was not meant to be slid away.

" I did not almost turn anyone into a vegetable. " Simone Port's pose aggravated aggressively as she stepped forward. Stan who saw the tension slip into a debate woke up from his sudden loss of sense and grabbed Simone's shoulder gently. For ushering her away. She did not notice the silence of the crowd but the 16 pairs of eyes were set on them. Excluding Eberns's, who managed a direct view from the open doors.

" It was clearly your job. " She presented a contentious snarl at Stan who's gentle push and usher to hold her back was not much appreciated. Simone Port was lost of time and place and she could care less about anything else at this point in time.

The shadow of Will stood motionless, still with his head bowed down. He roughed the wet hair of his face and sighed heavily, careful not to generate anything provocative.

" It was your job and you messed it up. " She rustled away the strong hands of Stan Burnell from her shoulder. His weak grip were set not to hurt her, physically nor mentally.

Aggression required the active effort of both parties for a strong and an explosive outcome. The lack of proper response from one would defuse the situation from further development, creating a one sided war which easily loses its charm. Willford Meinz had carefully taken the high and silent road for he was the culprit to light the fire.

But the arsenal of Simone Port was just readying her stingiest, sharpest stick.

" Speaking of messed up things. " She breathed in heavily, a stout inhale before she fired the shot. The bundle of words came shooting out of her mouth without a hue of mercy.

" How is your wife doing? " Her timed smirk even interrupted the frail effort of Stan and made him a silent viewer.

" The last time I saw her. She could barely count to ten. "

In the general settings of things, in a social scenery such as this, it could easily be portrayed as rude and unexpected from a third person's eye for such a comment towards a man's spouse. Billy Bruno and Griff Heller, the announced new comers would not be in any indifference to a pedestrian on such a remark. But for Stan Burnell, Jevoux Emerald, Leonid Hobbs, Clara Devline, Lucinda Edels; the flamed remark halted a beat of their hearts and temporarily disarmed their minds.

Willford Meinz always wondered about love and marriage, contemplating if it was a broken constitute which deserved to be experienced. And that question hanged over his head in every morning he woke up in his bed, right beside Simone Port.

But his endless contemplation about marriage became a thing in the past when the little quirky groans of his wife, Julie Ashen gave on her waking up, a few years later. She wasn't perfect. Short blonde hair, average built, intelligent eyes, rosy cheeks, lastly but not the least, a chronic Attention Deficit Disorder which came and went like a burglar.

She wasn't perfect. But she was since Meinz in the last 2 years, never had to ask himself that question nor thought about it.

The sand grained stopped falling, the clock jammed down and the breeze was too afraid to return to the heated room. In the short duration of being employed by Doctor Simone Port, Eberns Docks saw her in a rude state. But they were nothing compared to the firing of this. That he experienced along with the rest. All petrified by the same horror.

Eberns Docks quickly skipped two steps on his way down the master stairs to over take Simone Port. He carried the clothing bag without uttering any word other than the occasional grunts of his breath. He didn't look anything else other than the step in front when Simone Port gruffly ordered him to bring the car around.

With shaky fingers, he unlocked the driver door of the Silver Crown when the voice and the body came in sight on the outside.

" Simone. "

" Wait. "

It was no one else than the handsome and nonchalantly intoxicated man. Who didn't look a bit tipsy anymore.

Simone itched her neck roughly once more when the second set of call appeared from Stan Burnell. His body gave a quick shiver as he followed her to the fair of chilly weather from the outside.

She didn't stop. Nor articulated a word.

" Simone. " The leather bag went in with care. Then entered her body into the car.

" Simone. Where are you going? " His weak smile was more than pathetic. But he cared. Like a good friend. And it was his mistake.

" Where do you think? " She wasn't letting any of her sharpened talks drop.

" He's not going to stay. " Stan added quickly with a rewarding simper. As if he had just played his trump card.

" At least, let me in. " He inquired for her long silence and exhibited his obvious want of making it alright.

" Look, he's leaving. Now. " She was still mute and he was still persistent. Eberns didn't fail to feel awkward and despaired for some unknown reason at the same time.

" Just stay with us. Please. I haven't seen you in such a long time. " His lips curved his desperation on his face. The cold in the wind could have been artificial. But his words weren't.

Too little, too late.

" Why should you stay? Why should I stay? " Simone yelled through the open window to the man's head that peered in. She didn't lower her voice for Docks since she knew he saw what he saw.

" Can't you please............." His query stopped for her pressured voice.

" Docks, why aren't you moving? " She asked which was more of a persuasion than a question.

" Yes, ma'am. " Eberns Docks lit the headlights and worked the gear shift to Drive.

" Run home, Burnell. You have a wife to go to now. "

The car's escalating speed didn't let Stan Burnell pronounce one more word. The powder of the rocks underneath dusted on his clothes.

She knew she shouldn't. She told herself she wouldn't. But she went ahead and said it anyway.