Chapter 7. 'Cause I Love You

"Cause you know, that I love you, I have loved you all along, and I miss you, been far away for far too long." Nickleback

Lester looked at the clock, it was just after five in the morning and he hadn't slept at all, just sat at Jenny's bedside, clutching her hand in his. The next twenty-four hours will be critical, Doctor Noir's words rang in his ears, well, he wasn't going anywhere until he made sure she was alright.

I should have never asked her to come back, this is entirely my fault, she leaves because she almost died and what do I do? I drag her back and she almost dies again! he mentally screamed at himself.

He was so lost in his own self loathing that he didn't even feel her hand tighten around his,

"James," she murmured.

His eyes shot down to her face, to find her eyes open and glancing around the room.

"Jenny, you're awake," he said, relief flooding his voice.

"Can you get me some water, please?"

"Of course," he hurried out to the nurses' station, returning with a cup, he put the straw to her mouth and supported her head with his free hand.

"The doctor will be in momentarily to check on you,"

"Momentarily," turned out to be about two seconds later.

"Doctor Noir," Lester said with a small nod, "I figured another doctor would be on duty by now."

"I'm working a double, I don't sleep much, so I figured why not use my time wisely," he said quietly, before walking over to Jenny.

"How are you feeling Ms. Lewis?" he asked shining a light back and forth between her eyes.

"I'd be better, if you'd get that light out of my eyes!" she snapped.

Lester laughed, "She's fine."

Dr. Noir ran some blood work and checked her bandages before disappearing out of the room.

"How long have I been here?" she asked turning to James.

"About eight hours, you had us worried sick."

"Sorry." she said quietly.

"No, I'm the one who should be sorry, I should have never asked you to come back. It was selfish of me, and almost got you killed again."

"James, it's okay, I don't want you to blame yourself, I wanted to come back, I'm glad to be back, I missed everyone."

He gave her a small smile, "Why don't you get some rest, Dr. Noir gave you some more pain medicine and I have a feeling they'll be kicking in soon."

"Yes, father," she replied sarcastically, but closed her eyes obligingly, "You want leave will you?"

"I'm not going anywhere," he promised.

"Good," she said and he could tell by her voice she was already getting groggy from the pain killers, "I love you James," she murmured.

Her words took him by complete surprise, he sat there, shocked, just blinking at her, before he responded.

"I love you too, Jenny," he replied taking her hand back in his.

*Sorry if Lester was off in OOC Land!