Unexpected Turn
Right, at fortyfour Ill have to reshuffle my entire life, Sophie thought as she shoved her belongings into a suitcase. Ill tell my son when Ive secured a new job. Its a relief my mum is still around, though its a pity my father isnthe passed away young. He was a dentist, and I followed in his footsteps.
Sophies marriage to Arthur had dissolved without drama; hed been ready to part ways ever since Sophies repeated warnings:
Give up your gambling, or Ill leave you. Im fed up paying for your habits.
Arthur promised to quit, but the habit stuck. After twentytwo years togetherten of those spent in the same ruthis debts piled up, and Sophie had initially covered them.
Sweetheart, please dont divorce Arthur, begged Sophie’s mother-in-law, maybe someday hell give up the betting. Im exhausted handing him cash. I cant even save for a rainy day.
Im tired too, and Ive no strength left, Sophie replied one afternoon. Ive filed for divorce and told you, so this isnt a surprise later.
Darling, where will you go? Will you rent a flat? Arthurs flat is his, and he wont leave it.
Whats the point of renting? Im moving to another townwont say which, because Arthur might still track me down. Ive quit my job; dentists are needed everywhere, so I wont disappear. Ive always dreamed of opening my own practice, but where will the money come from when my husband loses it all?
Sophie retreated to her mothers house in the bustling city of Manchester. She had wanted to return there straight after university, but marriage to Arthur kept her rooted; he already owned a twobedroom leasehold flat inherited from his grandmother, who moved in with his parents.
Hi, Mum, Sophie hugged her mother, beaming. Im here for good, just like I promised.
Good on you, love, her mother, a retired nurse named Margaret, replied. Youre still young; the world is yours. Nathan will understandhes grown, studying at university already.
The next morning Sophie asked, Mum, is Dr. Ilya still working or retired?
Hes still running his private dental practice, though hes more manager than handson dentist now. Ive spoken to him; hell take you on. I mentioned you were moving here for good.
Sophie, youre a star. My dads friend always backed us. I met him once on holiday; he told me I could always count on him. Ill pay him a visit today.
Two years into her new role as a dentist, Sophie had settled into the Manchester clinic, built a patient list, and even welcomed her son Nathan for a holiday visit. Hed grown up, stayed away from his father, and was now a university student.
After dismissing a patient, Sophie turned to the dental nurse, Kayleigh:
Next, please.
Come in, love, Kayleigh called from the reception.
Sophie glanced at a middleaged man entering for the first time. She wondered whether hed booked by accident or on someones recommendation, and gestured him to the chair.
He settled, his face calm.
Open your mouth, Sophie said, peering inside. Upper right, third molarcavity. Well have to pull the eight.
Treat it, pull it, the man replied tersely.
Kayleigh, fetch the local anaesthetic, Sophie ordered, then faced him. Ill give you a shotyou wont feel a thing.
No need for a shot, he snapped.
What do you mean, no need? Sophie asked, bewildered.
Just treat it, without the injection
Sophie thought, Either hes a robot or a masochist who enjoys pain. She shrugged and turned on the drill.
He seemed oddly unfazed as she worked. After the drill, she asked gently, Does it hurt?
No, he replied evenly, though Sophie knew it was probably excruciating.
Ill see you in two days for the filling, he said, rising. Kayleigh watched him leave, eyes alight.
Quite the bloke, Kayleigh mused as the door shut. So braveno injection!
Sophie smirked, Or hes just pretending its not painful. If youre scared, be honestdont try to look tough.
Kayleigh leaned in, grin widening. You know, Sophie, I think hes smitten with you. Hes looking at you like youre more than a dentist.
Sophie laughed, Kayleigh, your imagination is running wild.
Kayleigh replied, Nothing wrong with a little daydream. He might even ask you out soon.
Alright, whats his name again?
Percy. Hes got no chance, honestly.
Whys that? Kayleigh asked, slightly deflated.
Because Im into men who are in touch with their feelings, honest and open. Hes more like a Terminator.
On the scheduled day Percy arrived promptly at the end of Sophies shift. Kayleigh greeted him as if meeting an old friend.
Come in, Mr. Percy Anton.
Sophie gave a curt welcome. Good afternoon. Take a seatwell fit a filling.
The procedure took longer than usual, but Percy endured it stoically.
Was it painful? Sophie asked once she was done.
No, he replied shortly.
Skeptical, I see, Sophie muttered, mixing the composite.
When the filling was ready, Percy rose, met Sophies eyes, and said, Thanks I think Im your last patient for today. I can drive you home if you like.
No, thank youIll manage. Shall I book you for the next removal?
Yes, please.
Do we have any slots on Saturday?
Kayleigh flipped through the diary. Theres a ninea.m. opening; everything else is booked.
Nine works for me, Percy confirmed.
Sophie loved Saturdays. The bus routes were empty, no rushhour snarls, and she could stroll to the clinic, change into her white coat, sip a coffee, and settle by the window.
She was sipping her brew when she spotted Percy pacing outside, looking nervouswalking, sitting on a bench, then rising again. His expression was far different from the impassive man in the chair.
Something must have changed; he looks uncertain now, Sophie mused.
She placed her cup away, opened the window, and called, Percy, you can come in!
He paused. Its not even nine yet.
Does it matter? Were both here, Sophie smiled, closing the window.
Percy entered, blushing. Im not quite ready yet, he admitted.
Not ready for what? Sophie asked, intrigued.
Im afraid I actually dread dentists, which is why I always psych myself up before appointments, he confessed.
Why decline the injection then? she pressed.
Honestly, Im terrified of needles even more, he admitted, eyes pleading not to be laughed at.
Sophies tone softened. Thats understandable. Most people fear needles. Ill be gentle, and itll be almost painless.
She gave him a quick, careful injection, and they both smiled. The appointment ended swiftly and smoothly.
The following Monday, Percy walked past the clinic with a bouquet of roses, glancing at his watch. Colleagues stared, wondering what the earlymorning gift was about.
Sophie approached, saw the flowers, and he handed them to her.
Good morning, Sophie. Turns out the injection wasnt that bad. Im fine. Thank you, and if youre up for it, perhaps dinner this evening?
Sounds serious! Im in, Percy replied, flashing his bright smile.
Great, I have your number, so Ill call you later. Ill be looking forward to tonight.
The date went splendidly, and Sophie thought back to Kayleighs predictionPercy truly was a charming, emotionally open man, and certainly not a robotic Terminator.
