bonniecwt

Jackie and Annie’s Apartment
The Next Morning
8.23am <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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The smell of frying bacon roused Paul from a sound sleep. It was the first real sleep that he had in ages, not considering those that he had taken with Jackie in the hospital. <o:p></o:p>

Stretching, he looked around the bedroom to find Jackie gone. Smiling, he walked out of the room in search of her, sure that he knew where she was. True enough, he found her humming and frying bacon in the kitchen. Coming up behind her, he slipped his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. <o:p></o:p>

“Good morning.” <o:p></o:p>

“Good morning yourself. Did you have a good sleep?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie asked, before turning to place a kiss on his cheek. <o:p></o:p>

“Of course, what do you think, when I had such wonderful company in bed?” <o:p></o:p>

That made her laugh. <o:p></o:p>

“Well, if you don’t want to be late for work, you’d better go and get ready. Breakfast will be ready in a minute.” <o:p></o:p>

“You don’t have to do this, you know?” <o:p></o:p>

“Do what?” <o:p></o:p>

“Make breakfast for me. I can just take something on my way to work.” <o:p></o:p>

“It’s fine with me, and I want to.” <o:p></o:p>

“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, not this morning, I don’t think so.” <o:p></o:p>

“I love you.” <o:p></o:p>

“And, I love you back. But, even that’s not going to help you if you are late for work.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yes, madam!” <o:p></o:p>

Paul grinned, snatching a kiss before stepping out of the way to avoid a swat on the behind.

bonniecwt

That Night
7.48pm <?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 home early for once.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie told Jackie as she unlocked the door to their apartment. <o:p></o:p>

“It’s good to stay home for once, you know. And, the two of us haven’t had a meal together at home for ages. This is a good chance for us to sit down and eat in peace, and really get caught up on news.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, yeah, you are forever the nosey person.” <o:p></o:p>

That earned her a poke on the shoulder blade. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, what do you mean by that?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nothing, I’m innocent.” <o:p></o:p>

The two ladies laughed as they stepped into their apartment, nearly stepping onto the piece of paper on the floor that was just inside the doorway. <o:p></o:p>

“What’s this?” Jackie asked curiously, bending over to pick it up. The words found on the paper only made her all the more curious. “Hey, big lawyer, come take a look at this, will ya?” <o:p></o:p>

“I will not give up so easily.” Frowning, Annie read out loud from the piece of paper in Jackie’s hands. “What is this?” <o:p></o:p>

“I don’t know, I came home at the same time as you did, and I just picked this up from the floor. What do you think it means?” <o:p></o:p>

“I have no idea. It’s not addressed to anybody, guess it’s probably a prank. I’ve seen a few of my colleagues getting such notes too, during their cases, and they usually turn out to be harmless.” <o:p></o:p>

“If you say so, big lawyer.” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, we’d better be on our guard, just in case, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

“Will do. So, what do you say? Pasta for dinner?” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh yes, I miss your pasta.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie licked her lips. <o:p></o:p>

Unconsciously, Jackie slipped the piece of paper onto the counter as she went to prepare dinner while Annie went to change out of her work clothes, the both of them putting the note from their minds, having decided that it was most probably just a prank, played by one of their neighbours’ kids. <o:p></o:p>

Before long, the two friends were chatting amiably over dinner, having totally dismissed the note from their minds.<o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

Annie and Jackie’s Apartment
A Week Later
10.03pm <?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>Jackie sat on the couch, staring at the slip of paper in her hands solemnly. She had just opened the letterbox, and this was the first thing that she noticed. She wanted to wait for Annie to return home before deciding what to do next. <o:p></o:p>

The door creaked open. <o:p></o:p>

“Wow, someone is home early, not out with your fiancé?” Annie teased, before noticing the unusually quiet and serious looking Jackie. “Jackie, what’s wrong? Had a fight with Paul?” She asked, sitting down beside her friend. <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, take a look at this.” Jackie held the note out to her friend. “I just received this in the letterbox.” <o:p></o:p>

Taking the note from Jackie, Annie read it out loud again, repeating her action of a week ago. <o:p></o:p>

“You have not won yet! Just wait and see!” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie leaned forward, placing a hand beneath her chin, her elbow supported on her knee. <o:p></o:p>

“What do you make of this? Do you still think this is a prank?” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m not so sure, maybe it is, maybe it’s not. It’s not addressed to anyone, so how can we be sure it’s meant for us? If it’s really a threat, I’m sure there will be a name. Why would the person sending this not indicate who it is for?” <o:p></o:p>

“You may be right. But, I don’t think it’s for me. After all, I’ve just woken up from a coma, and since I’m so adorable, why would anyone threaten me? I would guess that it’s more likely for you. Have you offended anyone at work recently?” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh, stop flattering yourself! I would say you are more nosey than adorable.” Annie grinned, for the moment able to ignore the note. Then, she turned serious again. “That’s what I’m worried about. In my line of work, whether it’s unconsciously or consciously, I will no doubt make some enemies, and this could be the work of one of them.” <o:p></o:p>

“So, you think we should tell the guys?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie sighed, leaning forward as well. <o:p></o:p>

“I don’t know, although I know they should be told of this, I just don’t want to alarm anyone, after all, we are not so sure what this is all about yet. I’m thinking of waiting to see if there’s gonna be another note.” <o:p></o:p>

“Whatever, it’s your call. Let’s just be more careful from now on, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

“Ok.” Annie placed an arm around her friend. “I’m so sorry to have dragged you into this as well, Jackie. Listen, if you think it’s too dangerous, why don’t you, for the time being, stay in Paul’s apartment?” <o:p></o:p>

“If I didn’t know better, I would kill you for that. You are my buddy, and you should know that I would stick with you, be it better or worse.” <o:p></o:p>

She hugged Jackie. <o:p></o:p>

“Of course you are my buddy too. I knew I could count on you. It was just a suggestion, don’t get your hackles up. Come on, it’s getting late, time to go to bed. I still have to work tomorrow, in case you have forgotten.” <o:p></o:p>

The word ‘work’ reminded Jackie of her talk with Henry. <o:p></o:p>

“Oh yes, in the midst of all the excitement...” <o:p></o:p>

“Excitement?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie asked wryly. <o:p></o:p>

”Umm, maybe not excitement, but I can’t believe I’ve not told you this earlier, unless Henry had told you about it already.” <o:p></o:p>

“Told me what? You are stalling, Jackie.” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, he has offered me a job back at A & E.” <o:p></o:p>

“Why, that’s great! So, when do you start work?” <o:p></o:p>

“Umm.... I have not exactly agreed yet.” <o:p></o:p>

“What do you mean you have not agreed yet? I thought it’s been your dream to return to A & E?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yes, it is, but...” <o:p></o:p>

Annie put her hand on Jackie’s shoulder. <o:p></o:p>

“But, you are scared, aren’t you?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“I’ve not admitted this to anyone yet, but I’m scared, more so than worried. What if I’ve lost my touch, what if I can’t be a doctor anymore?” <o:p></o:p>

<FONT face=Arial size=2>“Jackie, I never knew anyone who loves being a doctor as much as you, the rest of the gang not included. But, I know how much your work means to you, and how cut out for it you are. I won’t pressurize you into agreeing into anything yet, but just think about all that it means to you. What does Paul say about this?” </FONT>

“He says that he will go with anything I decide. He’s leaving the decision to me.” <o:p></o:p>

“And, we all know you will make the right one.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie said, patting her shoulder, before getting off the couch to return to her room, leaving Jackie mulling over her words. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

Paul’s Apartment
Two Days Later
1.24am <?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>“I have decided.” <o:p></o:p>

“Decided what?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul looked at Jackie, lost. The couple was cuddled together on Paul’s bed. By now, their apartments were totally opened to each other, it was as if each had a second home in each other’s apartments. <o:p></o:p>

“I’m going back to work at A & E.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul looked at her. <o:p></o:p>

“Are you sure? Not that I’m pressurizing you or anything.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yes, I’m very sure. Annie is right. Being a doctor is my niche, I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed it till that day when I went to the hospital to go to your office.” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, if you’ve decided...” <o:p></o:p>

“Are you not pleased about it?” <o:p></o:p>

“Like I said earlier, I don’t want to force you to do something that you don’t want to do, but if you really want to know, I’m glad you decided to return to work at A & E. You are a terrific doctor, and I’m sure you will be just fine. I’m thrilled too that I can get to see you at the hospital all the time now.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie leaned her chin on his chest. <o:p></o:p>

“Well, I’m glad you approve, Dr. Ching. Oh, by the way, don’t you think you are getting too mushy?” <o:p></o:p>

“Am I?” Paul laughed. “Well, I don’t care, I don’t mind the whole world knowing that I love Jackie Tong.” He strained up to kiss her. “I love you, Mrs. Ching.” <o:p></o:p>

“Who’s Mrs. Ching? We are not even married yet.” <o:p></o:p>

“Then what’s that I see on your ring finger?” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh that, just a diamond, I guess.” <o:p></o:p>

“Jackieee.....” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Alright, alright. I love you too, Dr. Ching. Is that good enough for you?” <o:p></o:p>

“A bit of action to prove that point might be even better.” <o:p></o:p>

“Aren’t you ever satiated?” <o:p></o:p>

“Not when I’m with you.” <o:p></o:p>

“I can’t believe I created a monster.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie groaned before allowing herself to be seduced by Paul’s kisses. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

The next morning, she got up early and went to work with Paul. He dropped her off outside Henry’s office before heading off to his own. He squeezed her hand. <?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>“Good luck, I know you can do it.” <o:p></o:p>

“I just wish I have as much confidence in myself as you seem to have in me.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie muttered, staring at Henry’s office door apprehensively. <o:p></o:p>

“Where’s the courageous Jackie that I know? The one who’s not afraid of anything?” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, she seems to have disappeared at this moment.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul knocked at the office door, earning a glare from Jackie. When they heard the expected ‘enter’, he nudged her forward. <o:p></o:p>

“It will be fine, trust me. After all, this is what you are cut out to do. I will see you at lunch, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

He kissed her on the cheek and hurried away, not waiting for a response from his fiancée. <o:p></o:p>

Taking a deep breath and summoning up her courage, Jackie opened the door, and stepped into a world that she had reluctantly left behind nearly two years ago. <o:p></o:p>

“Hi, Henry.” <o:p></o:p>

Henry looked up from the papers on his desk, surprised. He had not expected Jackie to come to see him this soon. Hoping this was what it meant, he gestured for her to take a seat. <o:p></o:p>

“So, what brought our Dr. Tong here today?” <o:p></o:p>

“Well... I..... I decided to take you up on your offer. I want to come back to work at A & E again.” <o:p></o:p>

A look of approval and pleasure flashed across Henry’s face. <o:p></o:p>

“You are sure about this?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Being a doctor means a lot to me, and I realize that I’m not ready to give it up yet.” <o:p></o:p>

“Wow, such seriousness from Dr. Tong.” Henry teased, before becoming all serious again. He stood up. “Then, I’m glad to welcome you back. Welcome back, Dr. Tong, I’m sure you will still find this place as horrible as ever.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“You must think I’m crazy to have missed all these, huh?” <o:p></o:p>

“What do you think? You wanna loiter around for a while to get a hang of things? Can you start work tomorrow?” <o:p></o:p>

“I believe someone has missed me here as well, wanting me to start work so soon. Yes, I will be glad to stay for a while, I’m meeting Paul for lunch anyway, come and join us, I’ve asked Annie along too, and yep, I can start work tomorrow.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“I treat you and Joe as my disciples, you two have always been the best around here, of course, I miss you. With you around, at least I can loaf a little.” <o:p></o:p>

“Huh, you... For a while there, I thought we were going to have a hallmark moment.” <o:p></o:p>

“Never! You will never get that from me.” He retorted. “Come on, what are you waiting for? Let’s go.” <o:p></o:p>

He opened his door and led the way to A & E, where he announced to the staff that Jackie would be joining the crew officially the next day. <o:p></o:p>

“So, you’ve finally made up your mind. I’d wonder how long you would take, finally there’s someone to take over the load.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Can’t you guys stop saying that? Don’t you think you guys should be welcoming me back instead of making all those remarks?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Ignore them, you know how they are. Welcome back, Dr. Tang, it’s going to be great seeing you around the hospital again.” <o:p></o:p>

“Thank you, Helen.” Jackie looked at Henry and Joe triumphantly. “At least someone appreciates me here.” <o:p></o:p>

Soon, everyone had come to welcome the latest addition to the A & E crew, including Anson and Tracy. <o:p></o:p>

<FONT face=Arial size=2>But someone was not entirely happy with this arrangement. She just viewed this as more competition in future. She could not explain it, but ever since Jackie had woken up from her coma, she had been consumed with jealousy. Before Jackie had awoken, she was the centre of attention, but now, it was just the opposite. The rage was growing stealthily in her, threatening to get out of control. </FONT>

bonniecwt

Jackie and Annie’s Apartment
Two Weeks Later
7.33pm <?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>Two weeks passed without mishaps, and the two ladies had finally put the matter of the threatening notes behind them, though they still kept the notes in case they were ever needed for evidence. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, Jackie, have you ordered the pizzas yet?” Annie called from the room. <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, I had.” Jackie called back from the kitchen. She finished preparing the salad and put the dish on the table, only to be joined by Annie, who snuck a piece of cucumber into her mouth. <o:p></o:p>

Jackie slapped at her hand. <o:p></o:p>

“Hands off, at this rate, all the veggies will be gone by the time the guys get here.” <o:p></o:p>

“That will still take some time yet, and I’m hungry.” Annie complained on her way to the couch as Jackie joined her. “So, how is it like, to be back at work after such a long break?” <o:p></o:p>

“It was weird at first, but everything’s like it was. It’s great to be working with everyone again, though Tracy seemed a bit resistant.” <o:p></o:p>

“Tracy?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, somehow, I get the feeling that she doesn’t like me lot.” <o:p></o:p>

“Why would you think so? You two have only been in much contact these past two weeks.” <o:p></o:p>

“It’s just a feeling that I have. I think it’s partly because of Paul too.” <o:p></o:p>

“Paul?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, I believe that she’s interested in Paul.” <o:p></o:p>

“Really?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, so do you know if they were dating or anything like that while I was in a coma?” <o:p></o:p>

“Paul and Tracy? Oh come on, Jackie, you should know that Paul have better taste than that.” Jackie laughed. <o:p></o:p>

“Oh, Annie, you are so bad! But, thanks for trying to cheer me up. Well, you’ve yet to answer my question...” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, I don’t think so, if they were, I’m sure Henry would have told me, but nobody told me anything, so I guess not. You should have more confidence in Paul than that, Jackie.” <o:p></o:p>

“I know, it was just a thought.” She noticed Annie rubbing her nape. “It’s been a long two weeks, huh?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, the absolute worst. I had such a hard time keeping everything from Henry.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, I know, me too. I keep finding myself about to blurt out the truth to Paul. Do you think they discovered anything?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nope, I don’t think so. Anyway, we have not received any more notes from that last one, I guess it’s all finally behind us now. If I ever know who the note sending culprit is, I will make sure he rue the day he decided to cross Annie Jiang.” <o:p></o:p>

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

<FONT face=Arial size=2>“I really pity the guy then. So...” Before Jackie could finish her sentence, the doorbell rang. “Let me get that!” She scrambled up from her seat and hurried to the door. After paying the deliveryman, she carried the pizza over to the dining table. “Pizza’s here.” </FONT>

“I will get the plates.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie said, and got off the couch. <o:p></o:p>

The both of them were just walking towards the dining table with plates and glasses in their hands when there was a sudden loud explosion, the force of which caused them to be thrown backwards. Annie landed with a loud thud, banging her head against the counter, while Jackie fell just beside her, bits of glasses covering her, wounds that were already starting to bleed appearing on her hands. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

In The Hospital
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<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>Paul looked around his room one final time, before exiting it and locking the door. He walked to the A & E department where he had agreed to meet Henry so that they could go to the girls’ apartment together. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, Henry, are you done? Any later, and we will be cooked ourselves!” <o:p></o:p>

Henry looked up surprised, unaware that it was rather late already. <o:p></o:p>

“Give me a couple more minutes, and I’ll be done.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul nodded. He was just walking away to get a drink when a hand stopped him. <o:p></o:p>

“Paul!” He looked up to see Tracy smiling sweetly at him. “It’s been so long since we’ve had a talk alone. What have you been up to?” <o:p></o:p>

“Well, I’ve been spending most of my time with Jackie. We gotta start our wedding preparations already, ya know.” <o:p></o:p>

The smile on Tracy’s face dimmed. <o:p></o:p>

“Tracy?” <o:p></o:p>

She jerked back to reality. <o:p></o:p>

"Huh?” <o:p></o:p>

“Nothing, you just look kinda lost for a while there.” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh, I was just thinking of something. So, how about we get a drink one of these days?” <o:p></o:p>

“Sure, I will ask Jackie along and you can get to know each other better.” <o:p></o:p>

Before Tracy could offer any protest to that, Henry came up to them. <o:p></o:p>

“Ok, I’m ready, let’s go. We don’t wanna be later than we already are, do we?” <o:p></o:p>

“Hmm... I seem to recall that I’m not the one causing us to be late.” <o:p></o:p>

“Whatever, let’s go!” <o:p></o:p>

Sighing with exasperation, Paul followed Henry out of the hospital. However, before they had even gone past the front desk, they were halted. <o:p></o:p>

“Dr. Lai, there are a couple of patients coming in. Seems like they were involved in a bomb accident or something.” <o:p></o:p>

Henry looked at Paul apologetic. <o:p></o:p>

“It’s ok, go ahead, I will just wait, and see if I can help in any way.” <o:p></o:p>

Nodding, Henry returned to the curtain area to start preparations for the new arrivals. <o:p></o:p>

Before long, two gurneys were pushed into the hospital, and into the area where Henry and his crew were waiting. <o:p></o:p>

“On my count, 1, 2 .....” <o:p></o:p>

Henry’s voice trailed off as he looked down on the patient’s face and recognized it as Jackie’s. <o:p></o:p>

Hurriedly, he went to the other gurney, and was shocked to find that Annie occupied it. <o:p></o:p>

“Annie!” He turned to the nurse by his side, and demanded that she ask Paul to come in at once. Then, he returned his attention to his beloved, gently slapping the face. “Annie, Annie, wake up, can you hear me? It’s Henry, wake up! What happened?” <o:p></o:p>

Just then, Paul entered the area, and heard him calling for Annie. Fearing for the worst, he approached the other gurney, and true to his fears, he saw Jackie lying there unconscious. Gently, he repeated Henry’s actions, but this time, it was on his own beloved. <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie! Oh God, what happened? Why is this happening again? Jackie, wake up, can you hear me? It’s Paul, Jackie!” <o:p></o:p>

It was with relief when he saw Jackie’s eyelashes flutter, before her eyes opened slowly. <o:p></o:p>

“Annie!” <o:p></o:p>

Suddenly, panic entered those huge dark eyes, as Jackie tried to sit up. Paul hastened to press her back onto the gurney. <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie, this is Paul, can you hear me?” <o:p></o:p>

“Paul?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, this is Paul. You and Annie have both been sent to A & E. Lie still for a moment and let me give you a check up, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

He nodded at the nurse beside him, who in turn rambled off a string of vitals. <o:p></o:p>

“I’m fine, Paul, stop worrying. It’s only my hands that hurt, the rest of me feels fine.” <o:p></o:p>

It was upon those words that Paul noticed that Jackie’s hands were covered with blood. Worriedly, he took them gently, and proceeded to clean them, only to be relieved when, after all the gore was gone, only a few small wounds were seen. <o:p></o:p>

“I will get a nurse to dress the wounds for you, ok?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Where’s Annie? How is she? I think she’s hurt worse than me, I think she knocked her head or something, I’m not very sure.” <o:p></o:p>

“She’s just beside you, I will go and check on her right now, alright? You just rest here and let the nurse dress your wounds.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul patted Jackie reassuringly before walking to Annie. <o:p></o:p>

“Henry, how is she?” <o:p></o:p>

“She’s just coming round.” <o:p></o:p>

Both of them looked down to see Annie slowly opening her eyes. The vitals announced by a nurse indicated that she was not in any danger. <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie!” <o:p></o:p>

Concern for her friend had her trying to sit up. <o:p></o:p>

“Annie, Jackie is fine, I want you to lie down, and let me do a checkup for you, ok?” <o:p></o:p>

“Henry?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, it’s me, surprised to see me so soon?” <o:p></o:p>

Henry teased, trying to lighten the mood. <o:p></o:p>

“My head hurts.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie moaned, in a rare show of weakness, totally comfortable to put her life in this man’s hands. <o:p></o:p>

Gently, Henry probed Annie’s head, only to find a small lump behind an ear. <o:p></o:p>

“I think she’d better go for a CT scan,” Henry told Paul, “What do you think?” <o:p></o:p>

He moved aside to allow Paul to check Annie’s head. <o:p></o:p>

“I agree, it’s hard to tell with head injuries.” <o:p></o:p>

“And, I’m gonna keep them both here overnight for observations.” Henry added grimly, “And, while they are here, we can ask them what exactly happened.” <o:p></o:p>

“That’s for sure.” <o:p></o:p>

Relieved that both ladies apparently appeared alright, Paul turned back to Jackie. <o:p></o:p>

“Both of you appear to be fine, but we are still going to keep you overnight for observations, ok?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie smiled that mischievous smile of hers. <o:p></o:p>

“When did you transfer to A & E without my being aware of it?” <o:p></o:p>

“I can’t believe you can still joke at a time like this.” <o:p></o:p>

She reached out to take hold of his hand, much to the distaste of an observer, who had been burning with jealousy ever since Jackie was sent in, and the concern that Paul poured over her. <o:p></o:p>

“Paul, I’m fine, don’t worry, my hands are feeling much better now.” <o:p></o:p>

As if to prove her point, she flashed both hands before Paul’s eyes. <o:p></o:p>

“They are both heavily bandaged, do you call that fine?” <o:p></o:p>

The worry of a moment before had turned into anger, anger towards himself that he had not been there to protect her when the accident happened. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

Determined to calm him down, Jackie reached out to grab one of Paul’s hands once again, grimacing slightly when the action aggravated her wounds. No matter how slight it was, that grimace still did not escape Paul’s eyes. Contrite, Paul stoked her face. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><o:p></o:p></font></font></b>


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</P>

<b><font color=" /><o:p></o:p></P>“Take a rest, I’ll be in your room in a minute.” <o:p></o:p>

“Are you still upset then?” <o:p></o:p>

“No, I’m not. Don’t worry, I will see you in a minute, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

Nodding, Jackie closed her eyes and allowed her gurney to be pushed away. When he saw that she was safely brought away, Paul turned his attention back to Henry and Annie. <o:p></o:p>

“How is she?” <o:p></o:p>

“Doing well too. I’m sending her to a room now.” <o:p></o:p>

“How about letting her share a room with Jackie? I’m sure they would love to.” <o:p></o:p>

“That’s a good idea.” Henry agreed before turning to the nurse by his side and indicating where he wanted Annie to be sent. <o:p></o:p>

Soon, both ladies were settled comfortably in their room, but before they could even think of talking, both Dr. Lai and Dr. Ching entered their room. <o:p></o:p>

“So, how are our patients doing today?” <o:p></o:p>

“Fine.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie answered, trying to get off her bed. <o:p></o:p>

Paul hurried to her side. <o:p></o:p>

“What are you doing?” <o:p></o:p>

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m trying to get off my bed, of course, without hurting my hands.” <o:p></o:p>

“What do you want? I will get it for you, just get back on your bed, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

“I want to see Annie.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie announced, with a stubborn tilt to her head, as if daring Paul to defy her. <o:p></o:p>

Paul sighed in exasperation, knowing that once she had her mind set, nothing could change it again. Instead of letting Jackie continue struggling to get off her bed, he simply put his arms around her, and lifted her right off. <o:p></o:p>

“What are you doing?” <o:p></o:p>

“What do you think?” Paul threw back at her. “Just trying to make things easier for you.” <o:p></o:p>

Finally understanding his meaning, Jackie smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. <o:p></o:p>

“Thank you.” <o:p></o:p>

“Make way, make way for the lady.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul called as he carried Jackie over to Annie’s bed. Scooting over, Annie created a space on her bed so that Paul could place Jackie down. <o:p></o:p>

“Annie, are you alright?” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie looked at her best friend anxiously. <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, I’m fine, you?” <o:p></o:p>

“I’m fine too. You knocked against the counter pretty heavily, didn’t you? I saw you go down just before I fell.” <o:p></o:p>

“Your hands?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie indicated with her head. <o:p></o:p>

“I was holding the glasses, remember? I guess when I fell, they broke and cut my hands.” <o:p></o:p>

“It looks like we are abundant here, I don’t think they need us here at all.” <o:p></o:p>

Henry noted dryly to Paul. <o:p></o:p>

Grinning, Annie reached out to hold his hand. <o:p></o:p>

“I’m glad that you are here. After all, you save my life, so, you are my knight in shining armor.” <o:p></o:p>

“I wouldn’t go so far as to say I save your life, but if you want me to be your knight in shining armor, who am I to gainsay you?” <o:p></o:p>

“Did anyone ever say that you are very thick skinned?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“I think we’d better get back to the matter at hand. What exactly happened? We were told that your neighbour heard a loud explosion and went to your apartment to check it out, only to find you both unconscious. It was him who called for the ambulance.” <o:p></o:p>

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

Jackie and Annie looked at each other, uncomfortable, sure that they would be in for a scolding this time. <o:p></o:p>

“Well....” <o:p></o:p>

The former began, only to be cut off by Annie. <o:p></o:p>

“We have been receiving threatening notes.” <o:p></o:p>

That brought both guys out of their nonchalant positions, and burst out simultaneously. <o:p></o:p>

“And, you only saw fit to tell us now?” <o:p></o:p>

“We didn’t want to worry you.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Don’t want to worry us? What the hell were you thinking of?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul yelled, for once, losing his cool. Everyone, except Annie who had seen him lose his temper once before when Jackie had just gone into a coma, stared at him shocked. <o:p></o:p>

“Paul, don’t blame Jackie. It was my idea. We didn’t know who the notes were for since they were unaddressed, but we assume they were for me as Jackie had just woken up from her coma and couldn’t have offended anyone while, I, being the lawyer, am sure to have offended some people during my course of work.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie squeezed Annie’s hand reassuringly. <o:p></o:p>

“We are sorry, we didn’t mean to keep it from you guys, but we’ve received no more notes after two weeks, and so we thought it was just a false alarm. Who would have guessed that the pizza would explode like that.” <o:p></o:p>

Henry, who had been keeping silent all this while, finally voiced out his thoughts. He walked to Annie’s side of the bed, looking at her hard, yet his hand belied his concerns as he caressed her hair. <o:p></o:p>

“I really ought to smack you for this, you know. Do you still treat me as your boyfriend? To think that you gals have been threatened all this while, and I am totally unaware of it.” <o:p></o:p>

“Me too!” <o:p></o:p>

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

Jackie reached out to grip Paul’s hands tightly. <o:p></o:p>

“Ok, I admit this time, it’s our fault, we shouldn’t have kept something so important from you guys, but we just didn’t want you to worry incessantly. We’ve been very careful ever since we received the first note. I’m sorry, don’t be angry anymore?” <o:p></o:p>

Paul sighed, stroking her cheek gently. <o:p></o:p>

“You know I can't stay angry at you for long.” <o:p></o:p>

“So, what now?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“I believe Zhang Sir is over at your apartment right now checking things out. We informed him just before we came here. I think he’s going to come over later to ask you gals some questions.” <o:p></o:p>

Before anyone could say anything more, there came a knock at the door. At the ‘enter’, it opened to admit the rest of their friends. <o:p></o:p>

“Hey, Annie, Jackie, are you gals alright? What happened? I got such a shock when I was informed that you were sent to A & E unconscious.” <o:p></o:p>

Gilbert burst out, as he hurried into the room, to his sister’s side. <o:p></o:p>

“I’m fine, and so is Jackie.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie reassured him. <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t ever scare us like that again.” Joe commented. “We were almost at a loss on what to do, luckily Henry saved the day.” <o:p></o:p>

“Ahh.. My knight in shining armor.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“If you really think that, then I think that blow must have really injured your head.” <o:p></o:p>

Joe joked, his comment making everyone in the room laugh. <o:p></o:p>

bonniecwt

Time passed quickly for everyone in the room as they bantered in their usual manner, when there came a knock at the door again, this time admitting Peter and a colleague. <?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></P>“Wow, you are all here! So, how do you ladies feel?” <o:p></o:p>

Peter asked, concern written all over his face. <o:p></o:p>

“We are fine, thank you.” Jackie replied for the both of them. “So, did you just come from our apartment?” <o:p></o:p>

“Um hmm.. You are lucky you are fine, sadly, your apartment isn’t that lucky. You should have seen the mess your living room is in, if you were any nearer to the pizza box, I might be looking at you in the morgue instead of here.” <o:p></o:p>

All eyes turned to glare at him, before Joe nudged him hard. <o:p></o:p>

“Why do you keep putting your foot in your mouth?” <o:p></o:p>

“What, what did I say?” Peter asked innocently, looking round the room. It was then he noticed the murderous expressions on both Paul’s and Henry’s faces. “Oops.” <o:p></o:p>

“And, we’ve just spent so much time pacifying them.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie sighed in exasperation. <o:p></o:p>

“I was only kidding. Couldn’t you tell?” Peter grinned sheepishly. “It’s not as bad as you guys think, it was only a homemade bomb, so the effect isn’t that powerful. Still, for a homemade bomb, it was pretty good, and it was a time detonated bomb too.” <o:p></o:p>

From his expression and tone, everyone could tell that the police detective was impressed by the work of whoever it was that planted the bomb in the pizza box. <o:p></o:p>

Aren’t you supposed to be on our side? Why are you praising the crazy fellow who made the bomb? Sometimes, I really wonder if we are really your friends.” <o:p></o:p>

Joe looked at him in mock puzzlement. <o:p></o:p>

“I just can’t be bothered to talk to you.” Peter told him. He then looked at the two ladies. “If you two ladies feel up to it, I would like to take a statement.” <o:p></o:p>

“Sure, ask away.” <o:p></o:p>

Annie replied calmly. Henry looked at her in admiration, sometimes, Annie’s strength really surprised him. <o:p></o:p>

“I guess we’d better get going then.” Joe said. “Paul, Henry, you guys coming?” <o:p></o:p>

The two doctors looked at their respective halves questioningly. <o:p></o:p>

“Go, go, we’ll be fine. Moreover, we have two detectives here to protect us, no harm can come to us here. Right, Annie?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“Right. Go do whatever it is that you have to do. We’ll be alright.” <o:p></o:p>

Nodding, Henry and Paul leaned down to kiss their foreheads before following the others out of the room. <o:p></o:p>

“Aww... isn’t that sweet?” <o:p></o:p>

“Is that supposed to be part of the statement?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“What, what? Oh, no, no.” <o:p></o:p>

“Don’t be so worried. She’s just teasing you. So, what do you want to know?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie asked as she settled herself more comfortably beside Jackie. <o:p></o:p>

The atmosphere in the room grew serious as the two detectives proceeded with their questioning. It was exhausting for the two ladies, but fortunately, it was over before long. <o:p></o:p>

“We’ll go back to your apartment to get the notes and look into the matter right away. By the way, we've questioned the pizza company before we came here, and we were told that they did not deliver any pizza over to your apartment, your pizza was not even ready yet." <o:p></o:p>

"Which means that whoever is after you knows your every move." <o:p></o:p>

His colleague added. <o:p></o:p>

"So, in the mean time, be very careful, will you?” <o:p></o:p>

“Thanks, we’ll do that.” <o:p></o:p>

“Will you be alright alone in here?” <o:p></o:p>

“We are not exactly alone, are we?” Annie retorted. “I have Jackie for company and she has me for hers. But, thanks for your concern.” <o:p></o:p>

“Alright then, we will get going. We will let you know once we found out anything.” <o:p></o:p>

The two ladies nodded, as they watched them leave. Soon, it was just the two of them left alone in the room. <o:p></o:p>

“So, Jackie, do you ever plan on returning to your own bed?” <o:p></o:p>

“So fast chasing me away already?” <o:p></o:p>

“No, of course not, you should know that.” <o:p></o:p>

“Oh well, I know when I’ve outstayed my welcome.” <o:p></o:p>

“Jaackieee.....” <o:p></o:p>

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

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

“I get it, I get it, I’m going. Really!” <o:p></o:p>

“Say it one more time, don’t forget you’re still in my territory.” <o:p></o:p>

Hurriedly, Jackie hopped off the bed before Annie could hit her, bumping her hands in the process. <o:p></o:p>

“Ouch!” <o:p></o:p>

“Jackie, are you alright?” <o:p></o:p>

Annie asked anxiously. <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, I’m fine, I just knocked my hands on the bed rail for a while there.” <o:p></o:p>

“You sure?” <o:p></o:p>

“Yep, I’m sure. Since when have you become so naggy?” <o:p></o:p>

“If you don’t appreciate my concern.....” <o:p></o:p>

“I do, I really do. I was just kidding.” <o:p></o:p>

Jackie protested, before leaning over to give Annie a kiss on the forehead. <o:p></o:p>

“Thank you. Take a rest, alright?” <o:p></o:p>

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

“You too.” <o:p></o:p>

And so, when both Paul and Henry entered the room again, it was to return to a scene where both ladies were sleeping soundly. <o:p></o:p>

“I guess they needed the rest.” <o:p></o:p>

Paul exclaimed, with his arms crossed, and looking down at Jackie who was sleeping peacefully. <o:p></o:p>

“They are wonders, aren’t they? Sleeping so soundly after the scare they got this afternoon.” <o:p></o:p>

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

“I’m not so sure I would be able to sleep as well as them, not knowing who is after them.” <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, I know. Me too.” <o:p></o:p>

“How about getting Gilbert to check on them while we go and clear up their apartment. I don’t think they want to go back to a ruined home.” <o:p></o:p>

“I agree. They should be pretty safe here.” <o:p></o:p>

With one last look at the ladies, the two men stepped out of the room in search of Gilbert. <o:p></o:p>

“I’m thinking of having them stay at our apartment for the time being.”

“I’m thinking of the same thing too. Do you think they will agree? Especially Annie? You are her boyfriend, I’m sure you know how stubborn she can be sometimes.” <o:p></o:p>

“Not to mention Jackie too.” <o:p></o:p>

“We will just take things one day at a time, huh? Just have to be more on our guard.” <o:p></o:p>

Finally, they managed to locate Gilbert and tell him about their plans before heading off to the ladies’ apartment. <o:p></o:p>

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

bonniecwt

On The Way To Paul’s Apartment
The Next Day
8.05pm
“I don’t understand why we have to wait for you guys to fetch us home when we could do so perfectly fine ourselves.” Jackie grumbled. “Now, we gotta pay for one more day of hospitalization.”
Paul looked at her in exasperation.
“Just to ease our minds, alright?”
“Paul’s right.” Henry called from behind them, in the back seat. He squeezed Annie’s hand, smiling at her. “We just want to play safe.”
“Hey, this is not the route to our apartment.”
Annie suddenly sat up straight.
“We are having you ladies over at our apartment for these few days, alright?”
“To play safe again?”
Jackie asked.
Paul nodded.
“Ok, but can we stop over at our apartment first, we want to get some stuff.”
“Sure, your wish is my command.”
Paul grinned, before changing route to the ladies’ apartment.
“Wow, did you guys clean this place up? It’s sparkling clean!”
Jackie burst out, upon entering the apartment.
“Yep, we did that when you were asleep.”
Paul acknowledged.
Annie looked at Henry surprised.
“You came too?”
He nodded sheepishly.
She gave him a hug.
“That’s so sweet of you. I never figure you for that kind of guy.”
Henry returned the hug before speaking.
“What kind of guy?”
“A very sweet guy.”
“Annie, leave that for later, will ya?” Jackie teased. “Don’t forget what we are here for.”
“Alright, alright, I’m coming.”
Annie called back.
Turning, she walked quickly to her room, while Jackie went to hers. It did not take them long to pack whatever they needed, and leave the apartment.
Paul’s Apartment
45 Minutes Later
Paul opened the door and led the way into his apartment.
“Make yourselves at home.”
“We will, it’s not as if it’s our first time here.”
Jackie rolled her eyes.
“Hey, you gals are here!”
Gilbert exclaimed as he came out of his room. He went to the kitchen to pour a couple of drinks for them, before heading to the living room.
“Thanks.”
Both ladies replied, taking the drinks and settling themselves on either side of him on the couch. He looked from one to the other, before asking.
“So, how do you feel? Fully recovered already?”
“We are fine, it’s just that these two guys here are over anxious.”
Annie told him.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry,”
Henry retorted.
Jackie stretched her arms, looking around the room and grinning. “Do you know how long it has been since the five of us actually sat down to talk?” She placed an arm around Gilbert. “And, you, Ah Gil, what have you been so busy with lately? If we didn’t have an accident, we might not have the chance to see you at all.”
“Why would you need to see me when you have Paul?” The latter asked, gingerly taking her hand, and peeling it off his shoulder. “Umm.... Don’t you think you should keep your hands to yourself? Someone might get jealous.”
“Who? Oh, you mean Paul?” Jackie laughed teasingly. “Don’t worry, he knows we are like sisters.”
“What about me?”
Annie asked, pointing to herself.
“Oh, you are my favorite sister.”
Jackie hurriedly answered.
That reply had everyone bursting out in laughter. Thus, for the first time in a long while, the five close friends chatted till the wee hours of the night.
“I can’t take it anymore, my eyes are closing on me. I’m going to wash up and go straight to bed. Goodnight”
Jackie finally announced and bounded off, leaving Paul looking after her helplessly.
“So, where am I sleeping tonight?”
Annie asked.
“Where else? With me, of course.”
“I thought I was going to share a room with Jackie?”
Annie teased.
“When did I say that?” Henry retorted, before turning to return to his room, carrying Annie’s bag along with him. “If you want your things, you’d better come with me.”
“Threatening me?” Annie followed him. “Threats don’t work on me, you know.”
Paul grinned, watching as the two continued to argue on the way to Henry’s room. He, in turn, picked up Jackie’s bag and entered his own room, leaving Gilbert to return to his.





long time no see. hope you all have a happy valentine