kukuada

汗~~天哪~~能告诉我这写的是什么意思吗?我都看不懂~~哭死 看来KUKU得回去啃英文了

bonniecwt

The two ladies were once again left alone. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial>“Oh well, I’m just going to wash up and turn in.” <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT>

Jackie exclaimed, pushing herself off the couch. <o:p></o:p>

“It’s been a long day, huh?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie nodded understandingly. <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, but every minute is worth it.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie grinned, walking towards the bathroom. <o:p></o:p>

She was just preparing for bed when there came a knock at the door and it opened to admit Annie. <o:p></o:p>

“I just wanted to see if you need anything before I turn in.” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, I’m perfectly alright.” Jackie replied, gesturing for her friend to sit on the bed. “Annie, I feel fine now, you don’t have to keep fussing over me, not that I don’t appreciate it.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie snuggled beside Jackie on the bed, tucking the comforter around them. <o:p></o:p>

“I can’t help it, it’s just that... it’s so different here without you around, you know. I just felt so helpless when you first fell into a coma, there wasn’t anything that I could do, there was nothing that I could do to help, I...” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie reached up to gently wipe the tears off her friend’s cheeks. She had always known Annie to be a strong person, stronger than any other girls that she knew. But ever since she had woken up from a coma, she had seen tears in Annie’s eyes more times than she could ever remember seeing. And, she felt terrible for being the one to put them there. <o:p></o:p>

“Annie, I’m sorry. I... I didn’t mean to cause you so much pain. I...” <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t apologize, it’s not your fault anyway. What matters is that you are now well and healthy beside me.” Annie gathered herself. “Oh wow, do you realize that this is the first time in ages that we are actually sitting down together and talking, not that we didn’t do so in the hospital, but this is different.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie grinned. <o:p></o:p>

“I get what you mean. Home sweet home. I can’t believe that I actually miss my bed.” <o:p></o:p>

“Your bed, or someone?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie nudged her. <o:p></o:p>

“Aaanniiieee....” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie growled threateningly. <o:p></o:p>

“Oh come on, Jackie. I heard all about it, how Paul would share your bed in the hospital room each night.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie looked at her, surprised. <o:p></o:p>

“You knew? How?” <o:p></o:p>

“Henry, of course.” <o:p></o:p>

“He knew too?” <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie, I think the whole hospital knows about it.” <o:p></o:p>

“And, no one sees fit to inform me?” <o:p></o:p>

“We see no reason to, when not even the hospital heads are complaining, why should the others? Don’t worry, no one’s gossiping about you and Paul, we all know how much you deserve each other.” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m glad to hear that.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie answered wryly. <o:p></o:p>

“I think I’d better head back to my own room. I guess you’d want to savor the feeling of being in your own bed again. Call me if you need anything during the night.” <o:p></o:p>

“Annie.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie sighed. <o:p></o:p>

“Oh right, I forgot. Well, just let me fuss over you for the moment, you may never get such a chance again. I don’t just fuss over anyone, you know.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, yeah, except for Henry.” Jackie dodged the pillow that Annie threw at her. “Goodnight!’ <o:p></o:p>

<FONT face=Arial size=2>The sound of Annie’s laughter could be heard trailing behind her as she returned to her own room. </FONT>

bonniecwt

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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>She took out her keys to open the door while Paul leaned against the wall beside her, waiting. The sight that greeted her the instant she entered the apartment made her grin and turn to Paul. <o:p></o:p>

“Shh... Let’s go straight to my room, shall we?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie, who had heard the door open with all the whisperings, removed her lips from Henry’s and dropped her head onto his shoulder, while the latter simply let out a loud sigh. She called out just when Jackie pulled Paul along behind her towards her room. <o:p></o:p>

“Are we invisible or what?” <o:p></o:p>

“We just didn’t want to disturb you guys. You seem to be enjoying yourselves a lot.” <o:p></o:p>

Came the reply. <o:p></o:p>

“Cut it out, Jackie. Come here, will you?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie replied, exasperated, as she got off Henry’s lap to sit beside him on the couch.

Grinning, Jackie pulled Paul with her back to the living room, where she took a seat on one of the single couches, leaving Paul to lounge on one of its arm. <o:p></o:p>

“So...” <o:p></o:p>

“So, what? So, how are you feeling?” <o:p></o:p>

“I wish everyone would stop asking me how I’m feeling.” Jackie complained good-naturedly. “And, don’t you change the subject, my dear.” <o:p></o:p>

“Are we on any subjects that I’m not aware of?” Annie retorted. “Anyway, what took you so long to get back here?” She asked slyly. <o:p></o:p>

Paul rolled his eyes and looked at Henry. <o:p></o:p>

“Shall we leave them to it? There’s no telling when they will stop, we’d better get out before it turns destructive.” <o:p></o:p>

“I totally agree with you. There’s simply no telling what these girls will do.” <o:p></o:p>

Those comments made the two ladies turn to their respective halves simultaneously. <o:p></o:p>

“What do you mean we are destructive?” <o:p></o:p>

“Uh oh, we’d better go. They are turning deadly.” <o:p></o:p>

Henry laughed, stumbling out of the couch. <o:p></o:p>

Paul turned to a laughing Jackie. <o:p></o:p>

“Well, I guess I will get going as well. See you tomorrow.” <o:p></o:p>

“I thought you said you were going to tuck me in?” <o:p></o:p>

“If you want me to...” <o:p></o:p>

“Nah, just kidding. Good night. Drive carefully, will you?’ <o:p></o:p>

“Sure.” Paul answered before dropping a kiss onto Jackie’s forehead. “Goodnight.” <o:p></o:p>

Quickly, he turned around and dragged Henry out of the apartment, before the latter could make any more snide remarks. The two ladies were once again left alone.

bonniecwt

Meanwhile
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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>“She’s interested in you.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie stated simply. <o:p></o:p>

“What?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul looked at her incredulously, almost running them off the lane. <o:p></o:p>

“Tracy. She likes you.” <o:p></o:p>

“What? Are you crazy?” <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, hey, I was just stating a fact. Stop reacting so strongly. Don’t worry, Paul, I have the most trust in you.” <o:p></o:p>

“You’d better. And, I don’t know what makes you say that either.” <o:p></o:p>

“It’s a woman’s intuition, and you should know that it’s very reliable.” <o:p></o:p>

“Are you sure?” Paul grinned. “So, you sure you don’t want to stay over at my apartment tonight?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, I don’t think so. I want to sleep in my own bed for once, it’s been so long.” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, I won’t force you. You know that you are welcome over at my place any time.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, I know that.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul reached over to pat Jackie’s hand as he pulled into an empty slot in the garage. <o:p></o:p>

“You don’t have to come up if you are too tired.” <o:p></o:p>

“What do you take me for?” Paul grumbled as he locked his car and wrapped an arm around Jackie’s shoulders. “Of course, I’m going up. I have to make sure that you reach home safely, and I’m gonna tuck you into bed too.”

“You are too good to be true, you know.” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m glad you realize that.” <o:p></o:p>

“I love you.” <o:p></o:p>

“And, I love you back.” <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>“Are you happy tonight?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul asked, bringing their joined hands up to her lips. <o:p></o:p>

“Yes, I am. Thank you very much for everything.” <o:p></o:p>

She leaned up to drop a kiss on his lips. Then, remembering they had an audience, quickly resumed her position. She turned around and called. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, Tracy, are you drunk? You are walking so slowly, or are we boring you?” <o:p></o:p>

Tracy, already angry at the turn of things, and not used to the way of bantering of the gang, took offense at her words. <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, I’m not drunk!” <o:p></o:p>

She hastened her steps to match the couple, coming up beside them. <o:p></o:p>

Jackie looked questioningly at Paul, who gave her a shrug. She tried again. <o:p></o:p>

“So, how are you? I have not seen you for a while.” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m not the one who's sick, so why should anyone visit me?” <o:p></o:p>

Giving up, Jackie decided to leave the doctor alone for the moment, unsure of what was bothering her. <o:p></o:p>

In silence, the trio walked to Paul’s car. He opened the back door for Tracy before hurrying to open the passenger door for Jackie. While on the way to Tracy’s house, Paul kept sneaking glances at Jackie, wanting to make sure that she was truly fine, and not just saying that to reassure him. It was in one of those glances that he noticed her give a slight shiver. <o:p></o:p>

“Are you cold?” <o:p></o:p>

“Just a little.” <o:p></o:p>

“Why didn’t you say something earlier?” He chided gently. He lowered the air-conditioner of the car and turned to Tracy, who was sitting silently in the back seat. “Tracy, can you please pass me my jacket?” <o:p></o:p>

“Sure.” <o:p></o:p>

Tracy replied, before handing his jacket to him. <o:p></o:p>

He stopped at a red light, and took the chance to place his jacket over Jackie. The latter smiled her thanks at him. <o:p></o:p>

“Do you feel warmer now?” <o:p></o:p>

“Uh hmm....” <o:p></o:p>

<FONT face=Arial size=2>“Sleepy, huh?” </FONT>

“Just a little.” Jackie smiled, and placed her head on his shoulder. “But, I’m very comfortable the way I am.” <o:p></o:p>

Taking his eyes off the road for an instant, Paul pressed a kiss onto Jackie’s forehead, giving a squeeze to her hands. <o:p></o:p>

“Take a nap if you like, I will wake you up when we are home.” <o:p></o:p>

That sweet action, of course, did not escape the eyes of Tracy, who fumed silently. When she heard Paul’s words, that made her even more furious. <o:p></o:p>

Paul drove to a stop in front of Tracy’s apartment building. The sudden change in momentum woke Jackie up from her sleep. Disoriented, she sat up and looked around, taking a moment to get her bearings. <o:p></o:p>

“We’ve reached Tracy’s apartment, honey.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul told her, in response to her confused look. <o:p></o:p>

<FONT face=Arial size=2>“Oh right, sorry, I knocked out there for a moment.” </FONT>

“That’s alright, you have reason to be tired.” Paul replied before turning to look at Tracy. “Here we are! See you in the hospital tomorrow.” <o:p></o:p>

“Thanks a lot, Paul, really appreciate it.” <o:p></o:p>

Tracy managed to hide the anger in her eyes just in time, as Paul turned to look at her. <o:p></o:p>

“Goodnight, Tracy.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie called out. <o:p></o:p>

“Goodnight, you guys. I will see you tomorrow.” <o:p></o:p>

Tracy alighted and walked towards her building. She turned around in time to see the car drive off. A determined look entered her eyes as she saw the car’s taillights disappear into the distance. She had never failed to get anything that she wanted, not even when she was young, and this time would not be any exception. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

A pair of eyes followed their actions mutinously, furious that her plan was foiled. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>“Why don’t we call it a day? You guys still have to work tomorrow.” <o:p></o:p>

“Are you tired already? Sorry, I forgot that this is your first night out, you shouldn’t have stayed out so long.” <o:p></o:p>

“Paul, I’m fine, stop worrying. I just did not want to be the cause of you all late for work tomorrow.” Jackie grinned, trying to soften her tone. “Send me home?” <o:p></o:p>

“Of course.” <o:p></o:p>

“Paul, what about me? My car is still in the garage, remember?” <o:p></o:p>

Tracy asked, having overheard their conversation. She came up beside Paul, linking her arm through his. Uncomfortable, Paul pulled away from her, and walked quickly to Jackie’s side, placing his arm around her. <o:p></o:p>

“Uhh...” <o:p></o:p>

The latter, confident of Paul’s love and loyalty for her, was amused at the scene. <o:p></o:p>

“Well, we can give you a lift if you like?” <o:p></o:p>

Left with no other choice, Tracy agreed. <o:p></o:p>

“Annie, I will see you later. Paul is sending me home.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie nodded. <o:p></o:p>

“Sure.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie turned to the others and thanked them all for attending the ‘party’. Soon, everyone bade their farewells, as each went their own way. Jackie and Paul walked out of the pub, hand in hand, with Tracy following them, sullenly. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

Just then, there was a shout from behind them, and all eyes swiveled to the source. Both Paul and Henry got to their feet instantly, having discovered where the source of trouble was, while their other friends too, followed. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>Paul, Henry, Gilbert, Joe and Peter hurried up to the bar, just in time to see Jackie calmly putting an empty glass down, while Annie was just splashing hers at the face of their offender. <o:p></o:p>

“What happened?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul asked. <o:p></o:p>

“Nothing serious.” Jackie replied. “Hey, Andy, give me another drink, will ya? I just wasted mine.” <o:p></o:p>

“Sure, no prob. Anything for you.” <o:p></o:p>

Andy grinned. <o:p></o:p>

Henry glared at Annie. <o:p></o:p>

“Will you at least tell us what had happened here?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nothing serious, as Jackie had just said.” <o:p></o:p>

“But, we all just saw you throwing your drink at the guy.” <o:p></o:p>

Peter looked around for the man, who, unfortunately, was gone by now. Fortunately for him, he knew when to retreat in the face of five other men. <o:p></o:p>

“These gals are really good.” Andy grinned, placing two new drinks in front of them. “These drinks are on the house.” <o:p></o:p>

“Now, what did they do?” <o:p></o:p>

Gilbert asked in exasperation, impatient with all the avoidance of the real issue. <o:p></o:p>

“Thanks, Andy. We really appreciate it.” <o:p></o:p>

On so speaking, the two ladies grabbed their drinks, and escaped the scene, sure of what was to follow, and wanting to avoid it. <o:p></o:p>

“Andy?” <o:p></o:p>

Joe asked. <o:p></o:p>

“Well, that guy was drunk. He came forward suddenly, and put his arms around Dr. Tong and Lawyer Jiang without any warning, trying to cozy up to them. In defense, they simply dumped their drinks on him, much too light of a punishment, if you ask me. Then you guys came along.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie and Jackie hurried to their seats, pretending that nothing unusual had happened, as they prepared for the outburst that was sure to come soon. <o:p></o:p>

True enough, their respective partners, and close friends were quick to jump to their defense. <o:p></o:p>

Henry let out a growl. <o:p></o:p>

“He’s lucky he got away quick. If I ever get my hands on that guy....” <o:p></o:p>

“If you want, we can still go out and look for him.” <o:p></o:p>

Peter suggested. <o:p></o:p>

That suggestion earned an alarm look from both ladies as they jumped to their feet again, hurrying to their side. <o:p></o:p>

“Paul...” <o:p></o:p>

“Henry...” <o:p></o:p>

“There’s no harm done. So, stop making such a big fuss out of it.” Jackie said, glaring at Peter. “And, stop making such suggestions. We are fine, so will you guys stop making such a big fuss?” <o:p></o:p>

“That’s why we want to settle things by ourselves. You guys are creating a scene. Look at how everyone is staring at us already!” <o:p></o:p>

Annie dragged Henry back to their table, with Jackie doing the same to Paul. Left with no other options, the other guys too followed them back to their seats. <o:p></o:p>

“What happened?” <o:p></o:p>

Helen asked Joe anxiously. <o:p></o:p>

“Ask the two of them. They were the one who got into trouble, but refused to let us do anything.” <o:p></o:p>

“It’s not a big deal. We came out unharmed.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie retorted, before repeating what had happened to the others who had been waiting anxiously. At the end of the recitation, Annie cut in. <o:p></o:p>

“And, we are grateful of you guys being so defensive of us, we really appreciate it. Don’t we, Jackie?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, we are. Thank you!” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie grinned, leaning in to kiss Paul, hoping to kiss the scowl off his face. Just as she expected, it worked. Paul simply squeezed her in return, but at least, the scowl had disappeared. She got up to give each of her friends a hug, with Annie doing the same. That proved to be the right thing to do, as the mood brightened considerably. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

“Hey, what are you talking about? Since I’m in a good mood today, I will let you off. Joke all you want, I don’t mind.” <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>Paul grinned, thwarting their plans to make fun of him. <o:p></o:p>

Just then, Annie arrived with their drinks. <o:p></o:p>

Gilbert grabbed his and stood up. <o:p></o:p>

<FONT face=Arial size=2>“Let me propose a toast. A toast to the luckiest lady in the world. A lady who managed to join us again against all odds.” </FONT>

“And a toast to my best friend, who managed to come back to us again.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie added, by Henry’s side. By now, everyone had stand up and was joining in the toasting. <o:p></o:p>

“Not to forget a toast to congratulate our couples on their impending marriages.” <o:p></o:p>

Helen smiled. <o:p></o:p>

“Hear, hear!” <o:p></o:p>

Everyone echoed, before clicking their glasses together and each taking a sip from their respective glasses. As for the couples in question, they shared an intimate smile with their respective halves and gently clicked their glasses against each other’s before taking a sip too. <o:p></o:p>

It took a moment for all the excitement to die down and everyone to settle back down in their seats. Before long though, the bantering that was so much a part of the group started. Comments were thrown at one another with amazing speed, leaving those who did not know the group well, fascinated. <o:p></o:p>

Suddenly, Joe threw a question at Paul. <o:p></o:p>

“So, when is this wedding of yours going to be? Have you decided on the best man and maid of honor yet?” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh right.” Jackie, having caught the second question, turned to look at Annie in askance. “Since we are both going to be married on the same day, we can’t be each other’s maid-of-honor, of course. So, who’s going to be ours?” <o:p></o:p>

The latter laughed. <o:p></o:p>

“We never thought of that when we decided to get married on the same day, did we?” <o:p></o:p>

The two ladies pondered for a moment, before both heads popped up. <o:p></o:p>

“I can tell that you have the same idea as I do.” Jackie grinned. “Now, what are you thinking?” <o:p></o:p>

“The same as you. Let’s go against tradition and just totally go without maids-of-honor, shall we?” <o:p></o:p>

“That’s what I thought so too. Fine, since you are alright with it, that’s just what we will do.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul turned back to Joe, after witnessing this scene. <o:p></o:p>

“So, does that answer your question?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yes, it does, but what about the other questions? When’s the wedding, and who’s the best man?” <o:p></o:p>

“If there are no maid-of-honor, it will look weird if there’s a best man, won’t it, Joe?” <o:p></o:p>

Henry drawled, cutting into the conversation. <o:p></o:p>

“Damn, and I was so looking forward to being the best man too.” <o:p></o:p>

Gilbert slapped his knee in mock disappointment. <o:p></o:p>

That proved to be the wrong thing to say, as both Annie and Jackie got up from their comfortable positions and approached him, each placing an arm around his shoulder. <o:p></o:p>

“Uh oh, I don’t think I want to see this.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul muttered, though he was grinning all the while. <o:p></o:p>

“That will teach you to open your mouth at the wrong time. Haven’t you learn something yet about the two forces combined after all this time?” <o:p></o:p>

Henry could not resist jibing at Gilbert. <o:p></o:p>

“So, brother, you wanna be the best man?” <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, Ah Gil, you want to be the best man?” <o:p></o:p>

“I... I don’t think so now, I can feel a sense of threat in the air.” <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, what threats? We never threaten anyone, do we, Annie?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, never. So, bro, what do you say? Do you or do you not want to be the best man?” <o:p></o:p>

“And, what if I do, and what if I do not?” <o:p></o:p>

“If you do, we will just have to look for the maid-of-honor for you, don’t we, Jackie? Imagine the best man without a partner.” <o:p></o:p>

“I should never have opened my mouth.” Gilbert muttered. “Forget it, I don’t want to be a best man anymore, I don’t trust your tastes.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie nudged him. <o:p></o:p>

“What do you mean by not trusting our tastes?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie jabbed him in the side. <o:p></o:p>

“Do we have such poor tastes?” <o:p></o:p>

“Alright, I give up, I surrender. I don’t want to be your best man anymore, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

On so saying, Gilbert threw up his hands, and escaped, leaving the two ladies laughing after him. <o:p></o:p>

“What did we do?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie looked at Jackie, her eyes twinkling. <o:p></o:p>

“Nothing that I know of.” The latter replied, grinning. “Hey, I’m going for another drink, you want one too?” <o:p></o:p>

“Sure, hold on, let me go with you.” <o:p></o:p>

As they got up to go to the bar, they asked if anyone else wanted a refill. <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, not me, I have enough for tonight. Jackie, remember, no alcoholic drinks for you.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie let out an exasperated sigh. <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Come on, Annie, let’s go.” <o:p></o:p>

She linked her arm through her best friend, and the two of them sauntered off to the bar together, unaware of the many pairs of eyes that followed them. Some with love shining out of them, some envious of the obvious closeness between the two of them, and some simply admiring the sight that the two of them presented. <o:p></o:p>

“So, how did the two of them become such close friends?” <o:p></o:p>

Anson inquired, taking a sip out of her drink. <o:p></o:p>

“Before Jackie went into a coma, they had been living as apartment mates for a long time, and they had known each other for a while. If you want to know the details, you will just have to ask either one of them.” <o:p></o:p>

Gilbert replied with a shrug.

bonniecwt

After Five
That Night
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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>Even though Tracy was talking to Paul, his eyes kept straying to the door and he could not seem to concentrate on the conversation. Just an hour earlier, he had arrived at the pub with Tracy, who had announced that her car had broken down and was sent to the garage for repairs. She had thus requested for a ride from Paul to After Five, where most of Jackie’s friends had gathered to celebrate her recovery. <o:p></o:p>

<FONT face=Arial size=2>At the moment, everyone had arrived except for the main star and her buddy. Finally, Tracy gave up on her one–sided attempt at a conversation and sat there in a huff. Anson, who had witnessed everything, simply shook her head, wondering when the lady would give up her attempt at trying to get together with Paul. It was so obvious to everyone who bothered to look that he only had eyes for one lady, and that was definitely not the one who was sitting beside him at the moment. </FONT>

“Paul! Paul!” <o:p></o:p>

Henry waved his hand in front of Paul’s eyes, trying to get his attention. <o:p></o:p>

“Huh? What?” <o:p></o:p>

“Stop looking at the door and your watch! They are late, but they will be here. Stop worrying about Jackie, I just talked to Annie, she’s fine, they are just held up.” <o:p></o:p>

“I know, I talked to Jackie a while ago too. It’s just that...” <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t bother him, Henry. He won’t be of much use till Jackie turns up.” <o:p></o:p>

Peter teased, having overheard their conversation. <o:p></o:p>

Expecting a retort, all he received in return was an exasperated look by the man in question before the latter resumed alternating between looking at his watch and the door. <o:p></o:p>

Suddenly, Paul’s eyes lit up and he stood up, startling all those around him. In unison, knowing smiles spread across their faces as they turned to look at the door, expecting to see the star of the day entering the pub. True enough, there were Annie and Jackie sauntering into the pub, arm in arm. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey! Wow, everyone’s here already!" Jackie greeted before bestowing a smile on the man of her life. <o:p></o:p>

“You are so late! We were going to kick Paul out of here till you come.” Henry chided gently as he placed an arm around Annie’s shoulders. <o:p></o:p>

“We had something to do.” She replied. <o:p></o:p>

Everyone shuffled around to make space for the couples as Tracy was urged to sit elsewhere in order to make way for the couples. <o:p></o:p>

“No, no, it’s ok, I can just sit here.” Jackie protested. <o:p></o:p>

“We wouldn’t dream of it. Who knows what Paul will do next. It’s better if you stick to him for the rest of the night.” Joe grinned. <o:p></o:p>

“What did I do?” Paul retorted. <o:p></o:p>

“That’s precisely it. You did nothing! Ahh, so now, you’ve regained your ability to talk again?” <o:p></o:p>

“Did I miss anything?” Jackie asked from her place beside Paul. Tracy, having no choice, had unwillingly given her seat to Jackie, leaving the two couples snuggled comfortably on the couch. <o:p></o:p>

“Nothing at all.” Gilbert chirped in. “He was so dead before you arrive.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie turned to her fiancé. <o:p></o:p>

“Were you?” <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t listen to the boys. They just like to utter nonsense.” <o:p></o:p>

“You can deny it all you want, but we have so many witnesses here!” <o:p></o:p>

Peter added, unable to resist the temptation of jibing at Paul. <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Paul replied before turning to Jackie. “So, how do you feel?” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m fine, really. Stop worrying about me.” Jackie smiled at him in assurance, giving his hand a squeeze. She turned to look at the others. “So, what have you guys planned for me?” <o:p></o:p>

“How about a drink first?” Helen suggested. “We’ve already had a couple, you should order something too.” <o:p></o:p>

“I will go get it.” Annie said, standing up. “What do you want, Jackie?” <o:p></o:p>

“A vodka, thanks.” <o:p></o:p>

“Change that to a lime tonic, will you, Annie? Thanks. Just put it on my tab.” <o:p></o:p>

“Will do.” <o:p></o:p>

She replied before walking off. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, what did you do that for?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie jabbed a finger at Paul’s chest. <o:p></o:p>

“In case you have forgotten, my dear girl, you are still on medication, and not supposed to be taking any alcoholic drinks.” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh yeah, I forgot.” She grinned sheepishly. She turned to the others curiously. “So, what were you talking about before I got here?” <o:p></o:p>

“Like we said, nothing.” Joe insisted. “You should have seen Dr. Ching’s face. I’m glad he’s not like that in the hospital.” <o:p></o:p>

Everyone laughed.

bonniecwt

Annie’s car  

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<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>

</P>

</P>

</P>

</P>

</P>

</P>

</P>

</P>

They were finally in the car and on the way before Jackie made a request. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“Can you please stop by a supermarket?” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“Whatever. I’m already on the road anyway, what does one more stop make?” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

Annie muttered. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“Thanks, Annie. I owe you one.” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

Jackie grinned as she settled back on her seat. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

They made the stop with Annie lifting her brows at the things that Jackie bought from the supermarket, though she refrained from making a comment, having learnt about the boxes from her brother. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

As expected, there was no one in Paul’s apartment except for Gilbert. He was surprised to see the both of them upon opening the door, but when he saw what Jackie was carrying, he understood at once the reason they were there. Before the latter could ask anything, he started talking, the words reminiscent of those that they had exchanged more than a year ago.</P>

</P>

“Yep, you can enter his room, there’s no one there right now. And nope, I won’t tell this to a soul, it will be our little secret.” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

Smiling happily, Jackie continued to Paul’s room, leaving the siblings staring after her in amusement. The both of them were just settling down on the couch when Jackie appeared again, this time, with a purple box in her hands. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“Look at all these stuff! They have all expired! Why didn’t Paul finish them?” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

It was Gilbert who answered her query. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“Because he was hardly home the entire time you were in a coma. He didn’t want to be too far away from you, so, he spent every minute that he had in the hospital, not taking any leave, medical or otherwise.” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

Jackie slumped down onto the couch. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“I didn’t know.” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

Annie wrapped her arms around her friend. <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“But all that is over and done with now. Paul really did a lot for you and he loves you dearly. What you should do now is treasure your relationship with him, and let him know how much you appreciate him.” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

“I didn’t know. But don’t worry, I will definitely let him know that I truly appreciate everything that he has done.” And again, true to her mischievous nature, she could not resist adding. “Since when you have become an expert on love, huh, Annie?” <o:p></o:p></P>

</P>

Upon completing that statement, she managed to jump up and run off before Annie’s playful swat could land on her behind.</P>