From sclark@best.com Mon Mar 16 08:55:11 1998 Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 15:11:03 -0700 From: clark To: fkfanfic@merlin.darkmage.net Subject: First Call for Doctor Dora This is a prequel of sorts to "Calling Doctor Dora." Many thanks to those who wrote in asking if it would ever exist; I hope you enjoy it. The story should stand on its own, though, if you haven't read the other. As always, any feedback is welcome. Permission given to archive at fkfanfic website and the FTP site. No other permission is granted to repost/reprint/reuse. If you're interested, drop me a line. Finally, this is based on characters and situations that aren't mine. Thanks to TPTB for the use. They've been hermetically sealed and placed carefully back in the original wrapper. First Call for Doctor Dora by S. Clark Doctor Dora adjusted her microphone and headphones. She tensed up, waiting for the producer's cue. "We have our first caller. And you are?" "Ricola." "Ricola? Ricola? Like the cough drops?" Great. A weird one. "What?" "Cough drops. There's a brand named Ricola. Don't you ever get sick?" "No." "Ok, Superman. Can I call you Rick?" She bit her tongue before adding or maybe 'Brick' would be more appropriate. Respect, she silently chided herself. The caller deserves respect. "If you'd like." "Are you always this accommodating?" "No." "Let's get started, then, while this altruism lasts. Why are you calling, Rick?" "I'm in love." "For most people this is a good thing. Why is it a problem? Have you told this to the object of your affections?" "No." "Does this person love you?" "I believe she does." "You believe she does. But you haven't said anything? You haven't asked?" "No." "Why the hesitation, Rick. What's holding you back? Are you married?" "No." "Is she married?" "No." "So, we have two adults. She is an adult, isn't she, Rick?" "Yes." "Good. Two adults. Neither married. Possibly in love. You know, this seems like an easy one. What's keeping you apart." "I'm afraid she may love me." "And let me guess. You don't deserve her." "I don't." "Describe her to me." "She's wonderful. She's beautiful. She's intelligent. She makes my heart beat when she walks into the room. What I am, what I do, doesn't frighten her. She accepts me and supports me. She's helping me to become what I've always hoped to be." "Does this woman have any life of her own, Rick?" "She has a life. But I do believe she's putting more and more of it aside to devote herself to me. In a way that frightens me, to consider what she's missing. But it also thrills me to know she's here for me." "You say this woman doesn't deserve you but you don't try to stop her from sublimating her entire existence into supporting you." "I'm not sure that explains it. It's not that simple." "Are you conflicted about you feelings for this woman?" "I'm not conflicted. My feelings are very strong. The conflict regards what action should I take?" "Well, Rick, usually if you love a woman you find out if she loves you, also. Then, if the feelings are mutual, you make plans to solidify and sanctify those bonds. It seems rather straightforward. Unless, of course, you aren't planning any real commitment to her." "It's more complicated than that." "Somehow I knew you'd say that. Ok, once more from the top. Do you love her?" "Yes. With all of my heart and my damned soul." "Rick, you're falling into some oddly medieval notions. Were you brought up in a religious household?" "Yes, I was raised to be a strict Catholic. But, I've lapsed." "Religion is very good for us, Rick, it keeps us grounded. Please, though, let's try to stick with this century. Back to the important question, do you love her?" "Yes. She is more than I can ever aspire to have." "Ok, it's a start. And, have you aspired to have her? Have you made any moves on her? Has she responded?" "I'm probably more affectionate with her than any other person, except for maybe my ex-wife." "You didn't tell me there was an ex-wife in the picture, Rick." "There's not. I mean, she's not in the picture." "Any children?" "No." "No children but still the ex-wife is around." "Yes." "And you go to see her sometimes?" "Yes." "And you fall back into your old ways?" The response was barely audible. "Yes." "And this other woman, the one you profess to love, knows this?" "I'm not sure that she does. She may suspect." "Why are you spending time with the ex if you have a love so deep for this other woman." "It's not safe for me to be with the woman I love." "Not safe, Rick?" "My feelings are very strong. They frighten me." "I see. You keep the ex around for sex so that you can keep the pure and chaste woman up on a pedestal." "I... I... That may be how it sounds." "Again, you've fallen into medieval thinking. The virgin/whore mentality. Why can't you let each woman exist by her own merits? Why have you placed them into these arcane archetypes? Now all you need is the Greek chorus to mock your actions and you'll be all set to continue this tragedy you've sketched out for your life." "Well..." "Wait. Don't tell me. You have someone who..." "...Acts as Greek chorus, yes." "Right. Rick, it's time for a break. Can you stay with us?" "I'll be here." "Good. You're listening to Doctor Dora and we'll be right back." Doctor Dora rolled her eyes thinking this call could take all day. Then again, with this guys voice, with his expressed passion, all coupled with her mostly female audience. Just think of the ratings.