Hospital.

Theyre hugging for the last time. And God, how it sucks! Feeling somebody close like her skin is oxygen to yours, yet, in seconds time, you'll have to let go of it-let go of her...because it's just how it should be. She knows way too little about this person to leave everything behind and simply drive off with her into the sunset like in silly films. No, reality doesnt work like that. And no, she cant leave her family.

She has done enough damage. Now she will have to make things right. Even if it felt so wrong.

Jade breathes in Althea's scent as she musters the courage to break this beautiful woman's heart. Three more breaths she had to take before her mouth gets its cue. Althea's softness can be very distracting. And the heiress blushes a bit at the wandering thought.

"Next time we see each other, I wanna see you with a girlfriend. Someone who doesnt have family issues...okay?"

Jade tries to make light of it yet funny how she had to choke through her brief statement. Seeing Althea's eyes breaks her heart. Albeit playing strong like the woman she is, she's no doubt broken right now. And so is Jade.

"Jade-" some rapping on the door interrupts Althea. The women turn their attention to the nurse's poking head.

"Excuse me. Ma'am, Im going to remove the IV now."

The two nod in unison. Althea steps back making Jade miss her quickly. And she curses silently for being such a lovesick fool. Fighting the urge to tackle Althea the very moment is sure a feat.

The door making some sound as it closes brought both their attention to each other. They stare like how they love to do. Their eyes saying what their mouths cannot.

But Althea decides to break the silence.

"Come on..." her hand stretched out, offering it to "her" princess. "Let me help you change, get you out of that ugly gown." They both snort. "Where are your clothes anyway?"

Jade tells her and they head to the washroom, grinning like fools.

"I am not weak...and I am not a baby!" Jade playfully whines but not doing one bit of a move to remove Althea's arms around her.

Althea merely chuckles in response.

Inside the tiny bathroom, a sudden tension got them both quiet. Two pairs of eyes staring at two pairs of feet and at the white tiled floor.

Jade takes a deep breath.

"Althea I think I can do it alone really." Naively trying to reach the knots behind her. "Ouch!"

"'Jade!"

Althea was quick to jump from behind, grabbing her injured arm.

Through the mirror, Jade can see Althea's concern-angry look while checking on her wrist with all gentleness, she smirks. Althea raises her head up and sees Jade's face on the mirror, raises a brow as if to ask what's funny. The patient raises a brow herself, proposing a silent challenge to the older woman. Althea's eyes narrow as she ponders about her next move.

Hands lift to unfasten the knots of the hospital gown-one by one. Jade sighs at the feel of the fabric brushing against her back.

The wedding coordinator is feasting at the exposed skin. Jade is indeed beautiful! Her fingertips-like they have a mind of their own are as awed and cant help but touch every inch of the creamy revelation in front of her.

Jade gasps aloud when she felt Althea's soft lips near her right shoulder blade. She closes her eyes and leans against Althea.

Althea has to smile at the gasping. Encouraged, her lips finds Jade's. Her hold tightening around the girl who stole her heart. The latter cranes her neck, offering Althea full access to her unreluctant mouth, welcomes the sweet assault and pours out all the yearning she had been containing in the kiss.

After what seemed like an eternity, they break the liplocking to get some oxygen.

Out of breath, Jade says to Althea, panting, "Stay...please?"

Round and around and around and around we go

Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.

The End.