Sorry, this is short. Next one will be better.

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Chapter 12

"Is there anything else you may want to know?" asked the doctor.

"Yes, please. How long until she wakes up?" asked Jane.

"She should wake up in a few hours…she's been through a lot tonight. Her body needs to rest and relax. You don't need to stay here tonight. You can go home if you want. We will call you as soon as she's awake." Offered the doctor kindly.

"No, thanks. I appreciate it but I won't leave her side until she comes home with me. I plan to stay here."

"Very well. You can stay for as long as you want. I'm afraid you won't sleep to much tonight. Nurses will come and go to check on her."

"I doubt I will be able to sleep. I'm too tense to sleep. I just need to stay here and watch her breath."

"I understand. Listen, there is a shower in the bathroom. It's a private bathroom. You can use it if you want. You could go home, take some clothes for you and for her and return. It won't take too long and you'll be more comfortable. She will need clothes too. Expecially underwear." Suggested the woman now standing next to Maura on the other side of the bed and looking at Jane with a sympathetic gaze.

"I guess you're right. I should go and get something. I'll be back in an hour at most." Concluded Jane.

"Like I said before, there's no hurry. You give your name to the nurses so they'll open the main door for you when you return here."

"Ok, thanks doctor." Said Jane standing up.

"My pleasure. Oh…I was looking at her. We do all we can in surgery but there's often no time to wash the patient. I can see some dried blood. I just want to let you know I'll tell the nurse to come here and give her a quick sponge bath to get rid of these stains…" said the doctor looking at Jane. She could detect something similar to panic in her dark eyes. The idea was somewhat disturbing for the woman in front of her. Why? She saw Jane looking at Maura's face and chest and then lift her gaze.

"I was thinking that maybe…I mean…I'm….I could…." Stammered Jane, trying to find the right words.

The doctor understood the hesitation in Jane's words. The detective was embarrassed but she wanted to preserve her friend modesty and, wanting to make the things easier for Jane, suggested: "I was thinking too. Maybe you could give her the sponge bath when you get back. So the nurse will be free to attend the other patients without having to rush with Maura. Is it ok for you?"

"Well I guess I could do it for her. I mean…I'm her best friend. Best friends do help each other, right?"

"Right! So, when you get back I'll have the nurse give you the sponge and everything so we can get Maura all nice and clean before she wakes up. I doubt she would appreciate dried blood on her. I know I wouldn't."

"No, I'm sure she wouldn't."

"Just be careful with the wires and tubes, ok?"

"Ok. I'll do my best. Now I'll go…I'll back as soon as I can." Said Jane.

"Good, but don't worry. I'll go with you so I can explain the situation to the nurses. I'll wait for you outside."

Jane nodded and looked at Maura again. She was sleeping peacefully. She seemed in no pain. That was good. Jane didn't want to leave Maura's side but the doctor was right. She had to be practical. They both needed clothes and a few thing from home. The sooner she'd go the soon she'd be back.

She bent down and kissed Maura's forehead. Then said to Maura in a calm, sweet voice: "Honey, I'm going home to get a few things for us. You will need clothes , underwear and….you know this better than me. And I need them too. So…I'm going to go and be back really fast. When I get back I'm going to give you a sponge bath I know you prefer to take showers but this is the best I can do for now. Rest and relax." Jane kissed Maura's cheek and whispered in her ear: "See you soon. I love you." She kissed Maura's hand squeezing it and, for just a second, she thought she felt Maura's hand returning her squeeze.

She exited the room and, with a last glance at the sleeping M.E., she closed the door and followed the doctor to the nurse station.