Jeanie found herself speechless after listening to Mike's voice. "I-I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" she managed to say.
"Aw, no! I was just reading the paper for something to do. It's so boring around here even the tests are sometimes interesting! Hey," he added, noticing her blush, "don't be afraid of me! I'm glad you came, honest! Look, pull over a chair and relax. You make me feel like a privileged character, being 'entertained' by a beautiful girl!" His laughter was contagious, but it didn't take long for Jeanie's seriousness to return.
"L-look, I just came to apologize."
"Apologize for what? You haven't done anything wrong, I hardly know you!"
"It's all my fault....your accident, I mean."
"What in the world do you mean by that?" She had all his attention, now. He was flabbergasted by her statement and wished a full explanation, in a hurry.
"If I'd have notified Dr. Cooper you were cleaning on that platform, you wouldn't have been hurt! I didn't want to interrupt him while he was working in the safety room. I'm sorry. How can I make it up to you, for all you've been through? I never realized they would turn on the switch without checking with me first. I'm sorry, Mike...."
"Don't be." Mike was taken by her honesty and kindness. He had never met a woman like Jeanie before. It was hard to find the words to cheer her, to make her understand he didn't hold anything against her. As a matter of fact, he remembered something about a dream he'd had that made him want to become good friends with Jeanie, perhaps even make her his steady girl. He noticed one tear on her cheek, and boldly reached over with his right hand to caress it away.
"There," he said, after drying the tear with just a touch of his finger, "now please, Jeanie, don't think this way. My accident was just that....an accident and nothing more. It was nobody's fault. I'm here, aren't I? I'm o.k.. That's all that matters now. Why, if it hadn't been for the accident I wouldn't have met you!"
"Yeah, I guess you're right, after all, I guess I'm just being silly. Thank you for being so kind. Can I see you again? I might as well tell you right now, while I feel very brave, I think you're wonderful!" Jeanie giggled, as she watched Mike's expression change to a playful smile. He chuckled. He was thrilled and embarrassed at her statement. It was his turn to be speechless. His face turned fire red.
"Thank you, Jeanie!" He finally said. "No lady's ever said that to me before. I think you're pretty special, too. And SURE, you can see me again. I should be going home soon, but you can visit me as much as you want to, and we'll see what happens after that. How does that sound?"
Mike's smile just about made Jeanie's heart leap into her throat. She nodded in agreement. She didn't know why, but she felt his eyes could look clear through her!