bonniecwt

Jackie and Annie’s Apartment
Half An Hour Later <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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Annie unlocked the door to the apartment and allowed Jackie to enter before her. The moment Jackie stepped into the apartment; she wandered around in wonder, touching everything in sight. Tears gathered in her eyes as she stared at things that were so familiar to her, yet foreign in others. Annie came up behind her, putting an arm around her. <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie, are you alright? Here, drink some water.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie took the glass from her, whispering her thanks. <o:p></o:p>

“I can’t believe that I’m back again, back where I belong. It feels so good to be home, you know. I have really missed all this, I didn’t even realize how much till I stepped in here. Annie, you really kept everything exactly as they were, didn’t you?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“I didn’t want to change anything. I knew that you would wake up one day, and wouldn’t want to come home to a foreign place. Here, take a look at your room. I have kept it clean for you all these months, wanting you to come back to exactly how you have left it.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie entered her room, repeating what she had done from the moment she stepped into the apartment, caressing everything in sight, as if to reconcile herself with all her belongings, or to reassure herself that she was truly home. After making a round of her room, she turned to Annie, who was standing at the doorway and gave her a huge hug. <o:p></o:p>

“Thank you, thank you so much.” <o:p></o:p>

“There’s no need for thanks. Just the sight of you standing here in this room is enough thanks for me. Anyway, what are sisters for?” Annie smiled. “And now, it’s time to do what I’ve promised Paul, or else he will have my head tonight. Back to bed with you!” <o:p></o:p>

On so saying, she gave Jackie a push towards the bed. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, hey, I’m not an invalid, I don’t need to stay in bed the whole day. And, I’m so tired of staying in bed all the time too!” <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t forget you are still recovering.” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m fine, maybe just a little hungry.” <o:p></o:p>

“How about I whip something up in the kitchen while you rest? I will wake you when the food is ready.” <o:p></o:p>

“You can cook?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie asked incredulously. <o:p></o:p>

Annie pretended offense. <o:p></o:p>

“A person can change in more than a year, you know.” <o:p></o:p>

“Or change because of someone.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“I’m not talking to you anymore. If you don’t get into bed right this minute, I’m telling you-know-who.” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m going, I’m going. There’s no need for threats!” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie laughed as she hopped onto bed. With a laugh, Annie turned and headed out of the room. It was not long before the former gave up her pretense of resting, and stood up to wander about the room again. It was while she was browsing through her belongings that a thought that had been nagging her for days came to the foreground, prompting her to get out of the room in search of her friend. <o:p></o:p>

“Annie!” <o:p></o:p>

“What, what? Is there something wrong?” <o:p></o:p>

Startled by Jackie's cry, Annie rushed out of the kitchen. <o:p></o:p>

“No, no, everything is fine. I just need you to do me a favor.” <o:p></o:p>

“Sure, just name it.” <o:p></o:p>

“Can you please drive me to Paul’s apartment?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie’s eyes narrowed. <o:p></o:p>

“What are you up to now? You know that you are supposed to stay in bed, by your doctor’s orders.” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m fine, truly. There’s just something urgent that I should have done the moment I woke up, but I couldn’t remember what it was until now.” <o:p></o:p>

It only took a minute before Annie relented, having seen the determined look in Jackie’s eyes. <o:p></o:p>

“Alright, hold on a moment while I turned off the stove.” <o:p></o:p>

Eagerly, Jackie nodded before bounding off to get her handbag.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

clover3334

真的不知道這位Tracy大小姐在氣些什麼 自戀也要有個限度吧!!
每次只要看到她的名字我就想吐 還好我沒有朋友叫Tracy 不然我真的會昏倒
真想說一句 妳能不能不要再出現了啊! 擺明了顧人怨....

看到Paul可以跟Jackie同床共枕 我就會傻笑(雖然是在醫院)
能夠在一醒來的時候就見到自己最愛的人 絕對是幸福的

痛苦的復健能有心愛的人在身邊 我想不管有多痛都是可以忍受的
復健後的按摩讓我想到不知在哪看到的一段話
"他會為我在地獄(復健)中 築起一座天堂(按摩)"

喜歡這段描述
Jackie醒來後看這沉睡在身邊的Paul 憐愛的撫摸他的臉 高興的看到疲憊終於從他的臉上消失了

喜歡這段對話
"我也在感謝 我可以再次跟你在一起 還有你終於恢復到以往的你了"
"嘿! 妳這什麼意思呢? 我以前難道看起來有什麼不對嗎?"
"是的 你之前看起來很不對 從我醒來的那刻起 我看到的你一直都疲憊的 現在你終於看起來和以前一樣了 而且在這過程中 你也胖了些 你之前實在是太瘦了"
"我很高興我達到妳的標準了"aul笑著說

從這裡 我看到了Jackie的甦醒與否 對於Paul來說是巨大的
從這裡 我看到Jackie對於Paul的心疼

喜歡Paul時不時的擔心Jackie會太累
喜歡Paul因為求婚成功而雀躍的跳了起來
喜歡Jackie說"等你興奮完後 是不是可以給我一個吻呢?"
喜歡Paul因為不能送Jackie回家而不放心
喜歡Paul自語說"今天會是很長的一天"

喜歡大家那堅固的友誼
喜歡Jackie跟Annie的姊妹情深
喜歡Henry記的清清楚楚他和Annie在一起已經有多長的時間
喜歡大家為Henry製造求婚的機會

討厭Tracy的名字一再出現
討厭因Tracy而使得Paul和Jackie的幸福蒙上陰影
討厭我必需一再的打Tracy這個名字
討厭 我怒
Paul Jackie Henry Annie的名字我念上一千遍 我打上一萬遍都不厭倦
就連那狗嘴吐不出象牙的Peter(張創業)都比某T好 哼...

奖励40魔法币By jasmine

bonniecwt

Jackie’s Room In The Hospital
A Week Later
11.14am <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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“Oh wow, I can’t believe that I’m finally leaving this place! I have never been so glad to get out of the hospital before!” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie cried, as she walked about the room restlessly. <o:p></o:p>

Paul looked after her in amusement. <o:p></o:p>

“I know that you have recovered but still, you shouldn’t be doing so much walking about just on the first day that you can get out of bed by yourself.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie hurried across the room to hug him from behind. <o:p></o:p>

“I’m just so happy. It seems like I am starting a new life, which is true to some extent.” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh, sorry, did I disturb you guys?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie joked as she entered the room at that moment. <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, you are not. Don’t worry.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie answered as she released Paul and turned to face her friend. <o:p></o:p>

“So, are you packed and ready to go home?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie asked, staring at the bags on the bed. <o:p></o:p>

“Am I ever! I can’t wait to get out of here.” <o:p></o:p>

“I never thought that I would ever hear that from you.” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, if you had lived in the hospital for more than a year, you would say that too.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul smiled at them, before turning to Jackie worriedly. <o:p></o:p>

“I still think that I should take the day off and send you home. You sure you don’t want to come to my house and stay for a while? I can take care of you.” <o:p></o:p>

“Paul, don’t worry about me. You know that you couldn’t take today off. Anyway, Annie can take care of me, she’s going to bring me home. And nope, I don’t think I want to stay at your house at the moment, I miss my own.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Right! Don’t worry, Paul. I will bring her straight home and tuck her right into bed. I will make sure that she stays there. She will be fine, trust me.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie added, seeing the worried look on Paul’s face. <o:p></o:p>

However, despite all the reassurances, Paul was still concerned about not being able to send Jackie home personally. <o:p></o:p>

“Ok, we are all set, let’s go!” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie cried exuberantly, reaching out to take her bags. <o:p></o:p>

“Here, let me.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul managed a smile in spite of his uneasiness. He took a bag with one hand, and with the other, placed it around Jackie’s shoulders, while Annie carried the other one. <o:p></o:p>

Jackie placed her own arm around Paul’s waist, and squeezed it reassuringly. <o:p></o:p>

“I will be fine. I will see you in After Five tonight, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul kissed her forehead. <o:p></o:p>

“Fine, I’ll see you then.” <o:p></o:p>

On the way out of the hospital, they were greeted by many hospital personnel, all of whom were glad to see that Dr. Tang had finally woken up and appeared to be none the worse for wear. With all the interruptions, it took them a while before they finally managed to reach the entrance of the hospital. Annie put down the bag that she was carrying and told Jackie to wait for her while she went to pick up her car. <o:p></o:p>

Before long, Paul was waving them off as he watched the car disappear into the distance. With a sigh, he reentered the hospital, knowing that the day was going to be too long for him. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

Jackie’s Room In The Hospital
2 Months Later
9.05am <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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Jackie woke up to see Paul still sleeping soundly beside her. She caressed his face lovingly. She was glad to see that the lines of exhaustion were finally starting to go away. Maybe it was not such a bad idea after all that she demanded he share her bed every night. Otherwise, he would not be able to recover all the sleep that he had lost. Right now, she only cared how her beloved was faring, and not some hospital policy. She knew some hospital staff had spotted them sleeping on the same bed, but she was confident that they would not spread the word, having worked so closely with them once before. <o:p></o:p>

Paul woke up while she was still lost in her thoughts, thus giving him some time to gaze at her, and gather his own thoughts. <o:p></o:p>

“A penny for your thoughts?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie asked upon seeing that Paul had woken up as well. <o:p></o:p>

“Nothing, I was just thanking my lucky stars that you are fine and here with me. There’s nothing more I want out of life.” <o:p></o:p>

The former smiled. <o:p></o:p>

“I’m thanking my lucky stars too, that I can be with you again. And that you are finally starting to look normal again.” <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, what do you mean by that? Don’t I look normal usually?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, you don’t. You’ve been looking exhausted from the moment I woke up. I’m just glad that you are finally looking like your old self again, and gaining some weight in the process too. You have been getting too thin lately!” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m so glad you approve.” He laughed. “We won’t have to go to therapy today, so what do you want to do?” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, I’m so tired of staying in this hospital room the whole day other than going for therapy. So, how about taking a walk in the garden?” <o:p></o:p>

“Sure, as long as you feel up to it.” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh yes, please.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul laughed at the child-like eagerness in Jackie. <o:p></o:p>

“Alright then.” He got off the bed, and helped her off as well. <o:p></o:p>

“Uhh, Paul.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep?” <o:p></o:p>

“Let me make a stop at the bathroom first, will ya?” <o:p></o:p>

That caused a laugh out of him. <o:p></o:p>

“Of course, whatever the lady wants.” <o:p></o:p>

Carefully, he helped Jackie to the bathroom, waiting outside for her patiently. When the latter was done, he made a stop himself, before putting his arms around her and finally setting off to the garden. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, Dr. Tong, you are finally on your feet. How do you feel?” <o:p></o:p>

Helen cried excitedly, walking towards the couple. <o:p></o:p>

“I feel great. Thanks.” <o:p></o:p>

“ I won’t disturb you guys then. I will see you later.”

They were stopped by several more hospital staff, who was glad to see that Jackie had woken up at last, before they eventually managed to make their way to the garden. Paul settled Jackie carefully on a bench before he joined her, once again hugging her close. Jackie, on her part, simply placed her head on his shoulder contentedly. <o:p></o:p>

“Whew, I thought we would never get here, not that I’m not appreciative of everyone’s concern.” <o:p></o:p>

“You have no idea how concerned everyone had been, I think most of the hospital staff had dropped in at least once to see you while you were in a coma.” <o:p></o:p>

“I know, and I really appreciate that. Hmm.... Don’t you just love the sun? And how it shines on everything?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie teased, trying to bring Paul out of the solemn mood that he seemed to have fallen into. <o:p></o:p>

“Huh?” <o:p></o:p>

“I thought you need some cheering up.” <o:p></o:p>

“And, I thought I am supposed to be the one doing the cheering up.” <o:p></o:p>

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

Jackie shrugged. “We will see.” Suddenly, she fell into a reminiscing mood. “I never thought how much I would miss this sight. The sight of sunlight falling onto the ground, dappling between the leaves. Life’s just so precious, don’t you think?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul hugged her tighter. <o:p></o:p>

“After what we had just gone through, I would definitely agree with you.” <o:p></o:p>

“Paul...” <o:p></o:p>

“Shh... I think we should just enjoy this moment for itself, don’t you think so?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie nodded, contented to just sit there with her fiancé. Thus, they spent the better part of an hour just sitting on the bench, enjoying each other’s company, and the world in general. <o:p></o:p>

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes that shone with jealousy was staring at them from a window.

bonniecwt

Back In Jackie’s Hospital Room
2.05pm <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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“Wow, I’m starting to think that my room is fast becoming a meeting place for you guys during lunch time.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie joked, as she looked at the crowd in her room. Again, the whole gang was there, with the exception of Annie, but with the addition of Tracy and Anson. They had agreed to tag along when Joe told them that they were all going to visit Jackie, and if they would like to come along as well. <o:p></o:p>

“But, one person’s missing.” <o:p></o:p>

“I thought that as long as Paul’s by your side, you don’t care for anyone else?” <o:p></o:p>

Henry teased, as he noted that Paul seemed to be permanently stuck to Jackie’s side. <o:p></o:p>

“Who says so? I always care for my friends,” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie replied indignantly, earning a round of laughter from the room. <o:p></o:p>

“In that case, the person in question should be here shortly.” <o:p></o:p>

True enough, within minutes, there came a knock at the door and Annie burst in. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey Jackie!” <o:p></o:p>

She greeted, going to sit by her friend’s side at once. <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t you ever get sick of each other?” <o:p></o:p>

Joe wondered aloud. <o:p></o:p>

“NO!” <o:p></o:p>

Both girls replied simultaneously before bursting out in laughter. <o:p></o:p>

“So, how do you feel today? When can you be discharged?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie turned her attention back to Jackie. <o:p></o:p>

“I feel great! In fact, I just went for my physical therapy session this morning with Paul. As for when I can be discharged, you will have to ask my doctor here. And, while you are at it, try to persuade him that I’m a good patient, and should be discharged as soon as possible.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie grinned. Annie looked at Paul. <o:p></o:p>

“So, what do you say, Doc?” <o:p></o:p>

“It will all have to depend on her performance.” <o:p></o:p>

He shot back. <o:p></o:p>

“He always says that whenever I asked him when I can be discharged.” Jackie muttered. “Since you are my friend, you have to help me to persuade him that I would be fine in no time at all.” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh no, I refuse to be your middle man.” Annie shrank back in mock horror. “Well, dear friend, just listen to your doc, after all, you did give him a fright for 14 long months, you know.” <o:p></o:p>

“I know, which is why I’m not rushing things. Otherwise...” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie brushed a hand through her long hair in exasperation, the action causing the ring on her finger to catch her friend’s attention. <o:p></o:p>

“Uh, Jackie, is there something you should be telling me?” <o:p></o:p>

“Tell you what?” <o:p></o:p>

“That.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie took hold of Jackie’s hand, and pointed to the ring. <o:p></o:p>

“Oh.” Surprisingly, the ever-bold Jackie blushed. “Well, Paul, would you like to do the honor?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul looked at her in exasperation, before proceeding to do what was requested of him. <o:p></o:p>

“I guess this is as good a time as any to announce to you guys that I proposed to Jackie yesterday, and she has agreed to marry me.” <o:p></o:p>

That announcement brought on a round of cheers in the room. <o:p></o:p>

Annie turned to hug her friend immediately. <o:p></o:p>

“Congratulations, Jackie. I know how happy you must be. You definitely deserve the happiness.” <o:p></o:p>

Finishing the hug, she walked over to Paul and gave him a huge hug as well. <o:p></o:p>

“Congrats, Paul. No one earned this more than the two of you. I wish you two all the best. Don’t you dare to bully Jackie though, or I will be sure to come after you.” <o:p></o:p>

She ended with a grin on her face. <o:p></o:p>

Next in line was Henry, who gave him a pat on the back. <o:p></o:p>

“I... I have nothing to say to you.” <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, what is that supposed to mean?” <o:p></o:p>

Gilbert grinned. “Ignore him, Paul, just wait till he’s leg shackled himself. Congrats to you.” He walked to Jackie and gave her a big hug. “Congrats to you too, Jackie. I guess you have been waiting for this moment for a long time already.” <o:p></o:p>

That only earned him a slap on the back by the lady in question. <o:p></o:p>

Everyone crowded round excitedly to congratulate the couple while a single doctor hung back, reluctant to go forward, though knowing that she would not have any choice. <o:p></o:p>

Unfortunately, before long, she was the only one left not having congratulated the couple, so she too, walked forward, in a pretense of sincerity. <o:p></o:p>

After everyone had calmed down again, Jackie turned to her friend, who had once again settled down beside her, their arms around each other. <o:p></o:p>

"So, Annie, when is it going to be your turn?" To the former's astonishment, that question actually made Annie blush. "Uhh... Did I just ask a very sensitive question?" <o:p></o:p>

"No, you did not." <o:p></o:p>

Annie hastened to reassure her friend. Jackie looked to Henry for an answer, but he only shrugged in response. <o:p></o:p>

"Don't look at me. Ask her." <o:p></o:p>

"So, Annie?" <o:p></o:p>

"Umm... Henry did pose that question to me, but I rejected." Before Jackie could open her mouth, Annie added simply. "I just couldn’t, not with you in a coma." <o:p></o:p>

"Oh, Annie." <o:p></o:p>

By this time, everyone in the room was intrigued by the conversation, as they all strained forward to hear the rest of it. <o:p></o:p>

"Also, do you still remember our promise?" <o:p></o:p>

Jackie nodded, understanding. "That we will be each other's maid of honor, whoever gets married first." She hugged her friend. "Oh, Annie, I’m so sorry." <o:p></o:p>

"Don't be. It was my choice." <o:p></o:p>

"And, you would have that choice again." <o:p></o:p>

Paul interrupted, with a glint in his eyes, as he looked at Gilbert and Joe, giving a slight nod in Henry's direction. Before Henry knew what had hit him, the three men swooped on him, pushing him in the direction of Annie. <o:p></o:p>

"Go on, ask the question, I'm sure the answer will be different this time." <o:p></o:p>

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

"I just hate it when you guys do that." <o:p></o:p>

"Do what?" Gilbert asked innocently. "I may not like you for a brother-in-law, but for the sake of my dear sister, I won't say anything." <o:p></o:p>

Annie looked at the guys in exasperation. <o:p></o:p>

"Oh, just forget it, will ya. It's over and done with." <o:p></o:p>

"No, it's not." Henry suddenly spoke up, deciding that he might as well play along. He took out a ring box from his pocket, and kneeled before her. "Annie, I love you, and I promised you before that I will change my old ways, and be a good husband to you. Now that Jackie has woken up, I'm going to ask you again. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?" <o:p></o:p>

Annie lowered her head, touched that Henry would actually ask her to marry him in front of everyone. After a moment, she nodded her head shyly. Before she could do anything else, she was caught up in a hug by the latter, with her lips engaged in a deep kiss. It took her a minute to reorient herself to the surroundings, and acknowledge the fact that they were not alone. She pushed back from Henry, and nudged him hard. <o:p></o:p>

"We are not alone." <o:p></o:p>

"Who cares, they started this first." <o:p></o:p>

Henry retorted, though he let her go willingly. <o:p></o:p>

Again, the scene of a while ago was repeated as everyone crowded round to congratulate the couple. <o:p></o:p>

"Hey, I have an excellent idea. Why don’t the four of you get married on the same day?" <o:p></o:p>

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

Paul and Henry looked at each other in askance, and shrugged. Paul answered for the two of them. <o:p></o:p>

"We are fine with the idea, but I think you should ask the ladies." <o:p></o:p>

Jackie and Annie shared a look. <o:p></o:p>

"Annie?" <o:p></o:p>

"As long as you guys don’t mind, Jackie and I would love to." <o:p></o:p>

"So, it's settled then." Joe rubbed his hands in glee. "This is going to be a good show." <o:p></o:p>

Jackie could not resist retorting. <o:p></o:p>

"Do you think we are acting?" <o:p></o:p>

Helen jabbed her boyfriend hard in the side. <o:p></o:p>

"eople are talking serious business here, stop kidding around." <o:p></o:p>

"What, what? What did I say?" <o:p></o:p>

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

While everyone's attention was on Joe and throwing remarks back and forth, Paul made use of the chance to stoop down and whisper in Jackie's ear. <o:p></o:p>

"Do you feel tired? Do you need a rest?" <o:p></o:p>

Jackie covered his hand with her. <o:p></o:p>

"I'm fine, don't worry." She searched his eyes. "You don't mind that we will be sharing our wedding day with Henry and Annie, do you?" <o:p></o:p>

"No, of course not, as long as you like it." <o:p></o:p>

"You are the best, do you know that? I love you." <o:p></o:p>

"And, I love you too." <o:p></o:p>

Subtly, he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on Jackie's lips. <o:p></o:p>

On the other side of the room, however, that intimate gesture did not escape someone's eyes as she looked at the scene before her with growing resentment. <o:p></o:p>

For the next two months, Paul went with Jackie to every physical therapy session without fail, and as promised, gave her a massage after every single one of them. Jackie, for her part, kept her side of the promise, as despite all the pains and agonies, she did not even utter a single sound of protest. Before long, Jackie had made tremendous improvement, and was able to stand on her own. <o:p></o:p>

***** <o:p></o:p>

flyingjelly

In fact,you do a lot for us who are keen for their story.
Thank you for your hard work~~

bonniecwt

[QUOTE=celineda]完了吗？
我还以为最后会是一个盛大烂漫的4人婚礼。。。:em06:
不过~~~按照这样的发展~结果应该和我想得一样吧~~~~:em34:
作者很多地方借鉴了《HH》2~~:em20: 还有henry追回annie 的那段和《HH》1也是一样的~~~[/QUOTE]



This is not the ending, it's a long story.
i was busy last week so i didn't update, i am very sorry. i will post more tomorrow, sorry for keep you guys waiting

jasmine

I read the last paragraph just now and felt very good, hehe. I will translate it if I have enough time......but I cannot make a promise, haha.
Thank you for bringing it to us, bonniecwt.
Thank you, everybody who love them four.

celineda

完了吗？
我还以为最后会是一个盛大烂漫的4人婚礼。。。:em06:
不过~~~按照这样的发展~结果应该和我想得一样吧~~~~:em34:
作者很多地方借鉴了《HH》2~~:em20: 还有henry追回annie 的那段和《HH》1也是一样的~~~

bonniecwt

Jackie’s Hospital Room
The Next Day
8.35am <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


<o:p></o:p></font></font></b>







<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p>

“Morning.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Good morning yourself. How long have you been awake anyway?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie asked, when she opened her eyes to find him gazing at her. <o:p></o:p>

“Just a few minutes before you.” <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t you have to go to work already?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, it’s my off day today, so I can spend the whole day with you.” Paul grinned. “Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to start your physical therapy.” <o:p></o:p>

She blanched, the day she had been dreading since she woke up was finally here. Even though a doctor herself, and knowing that sooner or later, she would have to start her physical therapy, she was still dreading it all the same. She did not have the courage to attempt to get off the bed from the moment she got up, and she was worried about how she would fare, after not having moved at all these months. <o:p></o:p>

The paleness of Jackie’s face did not escape Paul. He placed his hand on hers. <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie, I know you are scared, I am too, but I will be there for you the whole way, alright? No matter what, you can count on me.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie blinked back her tears, and gazed at him, determined now to do her best. She could not let this man beside her down again, she had to try her best, not only for her sake, but for his sake too. For their future together, she would have to make sure that she made a full recovery. <o:p></o:p>

“I know, Paul. I will try my best, just don’t expect too much of me at first, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

“You are brave, and you will be fine. I just know it.” He made an attempt at a joke. “And now, stop trying to distract me. We still have to get you to the physical therapy room, remember?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“How did you know what I was doing?” <o:p></o:p>

The words were barely out of her mouth when a nurse pushed a wheelchair into the room. Paul nodded his thanks before taking over from the former. He pushed the wheelchair to Jackie’s bedside, and bowed gallantly. <o:p></o:p>

“Your carriage awaits, milady.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie smiled, trying to push back the growing fear in her. <o:p></o:p>

“And, how do you expect me to get into that without your help?” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh, right.” <o:p></o:p>

Grinning devilishly, Paul swooped a startled Jackie into his arms, and onto the wheelchair. <o:p></o:p>

“Oh wow, that was quite some help.” <o:p></o:p>

“Anything for milady. Come on, let’s go, the day will be gone if we delay any longer.” <o:p></o:p>

Trying to brighten the mood, he chatted amiably throughout the trip to the therapy room. The moment they entered the room, Jackie’s face lost her color again upon the sight of all the equipment. The feeling of fear returned, this time, threatening to overwhelm her. She was starting to regret it. <o:p></o:p>

“Umm, Paul, maybe this is still too soon. I think...” <o:p></o:p>

Paul squatted down next to her, taking one of her hands in his. <o:p></o:p>

"Jackie, I know this is hard for you, but you know that the sooner you get started, the faster you can recover, right? I promise you that I will be here all the way for you, and I won’t break that promise. No matter how hard this is going to be, we will be going through it together. Believe me, we will be able to do it together.” <o:p></o:p>

Slowly, upon hearing those words, the fear in Jackie started to recede. She would not go so far as to say that she had gained confidence, but at least, she was determined to do it, and to succeed in the meantime. <o:p></o:p>

“I promise you too, Paul, that I will do my best. I won’t let you down.” <o:p></o:p>

“You won’t be letting me down, I know you can do it, but I want you to do it for yourself too, alright? Not only for me, but for yourself too. And, don’t push yourself too hard, let’s just take it one step at a time, shall we?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie nodded, earning a smile from Paul. <o:p></o:p>

“Come on, let’s get started.” <o:p></o:p>

He pushed the wheelchair to a low bed. <o:p></o:p>

“We shall start with some simple movements first, alright? And, from here, we shall see where we will go next.” <o:p></o:p>

He lifted Jackie onto the bed, and lay her front down on it, <o:p></o:p>

“You ready?” <o:p></o:p>

Again, she nodded. She was just starting to think that this was not as bad as she had thought after Paul had massaged her back and did some simple exercises with her legs for a while, when sudden excruciating pain shot up her back. She let out a groan, her face contorting in agony. <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul stopped what he was doing, hastening to bend down and look at her face. <o:p></o:p>

“It hurts, it hurts a lot.” <o:p></o:p>

“Honey, I know it does, but pain is good. It means that the blood is starting to circulate smoothly in your body again.” <o:p></o:p>

“I know, just continue what you are doing, I’m alright.” <o:p></o:p>

Knowing that he had to continue, for the good of his loved one, Paul nodded. His heart ached for Jackie, but he knew what he had to do. <o:p></o:p>

“I promise you a good rubdown when we are done here, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

“I will hold you up to that promise.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie said through gritted teeth, the pain seemingly endless. <o:p></o:p>

Finally, after a couple of hours, it was all over. Paul pushed Jackie back to her room, and kept good his promise. He took out a jar of fragrant cream, before returning to Jackie’s bedside. <o:p></o:p>

“Now, I’m going to put you front down again, and massage you gently with this cream, alright? I promise it won’t hurt this time.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie grinned, regaining her cheerful self. <o:p></o:p>

“I have been waiting for this moment for the whole morning. Now, get down to work!” <o:p></o:p>

Gently, Paul helped Jackie lie with her front down, earning a startled yelp from her, when he proceeded to untie the back of her hospital gown. <o:p></o:p>

“Paul, what are you doing?” <o:p></o:p>

“How do you expect me to rub the cream on you with you still in your gown? Don’t worry, I’ve locked the door.” <o:p></o:p>

“But... but...” <o:p></o:p>

He smiled, saying as he continued to untie the laces. <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie, have you forgotten who took care of you when you were in a coma all those months? Who, other than Annie, rubbed cream on you so that you won’t get bedsores? Who massaged cream onto your body? I now know your body as intimately as mine.” <o:p></o:p>

“Alright, alright, I get your point. Get on with the message.” <o:p></o:p>

Almost as soon as Paul laid his hands on her, Jackie let out a groan again, but this time, it was one of pleasure, rather than of pain. <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t stop, this feels so good.” <o:p></o:p>

That earned a laugh out of Paul. <o:p></o:p>

“I knew you would like this part of the deal. How about I make a deal with you? Everyday, we will go to therapy together, you without any complaints, and after that, I will give you a massage. How’s that? <o:p></o:p>

“If I can get this kind of treatment everyday, then I don’t mind being tortured. You are on! By the way, that cream smells wonderful.” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m glad you like it cos I have been using it on you for the last fourteen months. This is already the seventh jar.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie reached behind her to grip Paul’s hand. <o:p></o:p>

“Thank you, Paul. Thank you for everything.” <o:p></o:p>

“There’s no need to say thanks. I want to do it.” <o:p></o:p>

“I love you, you know.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yes, I know, and I love you too.”