Author's Note: You guys didn't really think I would kill her off did you? I'm not that mean. Sorry it's taking so long to update, but homework is making it hard. And just for the record, the fact that her name is Amanda has absolutely nothing to do with the Adam/Amanda character, it's pure coincidence. Just though I should point that out, because I may have Spencer start calling her Amanda.

This chapter is dedicated to AdelaidsLament, because you're awesome. Also, shoutout to silvermoony77 for continuing to review, it means a lot.

Chapter Six – Reunion

My first thought was that I was dead. 'But surely there wouldn't be this much pain,' I thought to myself. My wrists felt like they were on fire and my arms throbbed with a dull, empty ache. As I pulled myself out of the darkness, I was able to control my body again. I moved my fingers, registering a soft pressure on my hand. I managed to force my eyes open. I exhaled, "Spencer," As I looked into his deep hazel eyes he smiled. "Hey," I managed to croak. He noticed my discomfort and reached for the glass of water on the nightstand.

"Hi," he said, helping me drink.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Sixteen hours," he answered, "It's nine thirty."

"What happened?" I asked him, my voice slowly returning to normal. He winced.

"We were almost too late. If we'd gotten there a minute later, I would've lost you," he whispered. I squeezed his hand.

"Thank you," I whispered. He smiled down at me. "What happened to Michael?"

"He won't hurt you again, I promise." I wondered exactly what that meant. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. "The rest of the team wants to meet you. Apparently my reaction when you went missing was a dead give away that something was going on. Now they won't shut up about it," he laughed softly, "Do you want to see them now or should I tell them to wait until after you're released tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow," I answered, "I don't want to be fussed over, and I don't really want to meet your coworkers from a hospital bed." He smiled.

"I'll go tell them," he said as he got up from his chair and walked outside. Now that he wasn't here to distract me, all the details came flooding back to me. The silent terror of the cellar, the roses, and the fact that the person I thought was my best friend was behind all this; it was overwhelming. I looked up as Spencer walked back in. He went to reclaim his chair, but I caught his arm before he sat down.

"Sit with me," I pleaded, scooting over to make room for him. He melted instantly. I smiled as he crawled into the narrow bed and put his arm around me. I nestled into his chest as he combed his fingers through my hair. "I've only been on one date with you," I told him, "how can I already be so completely attached to you?" He looked down at me, his eyes warm and comforting.

"Trust me, I'm just as confused by this as you are," he said smiling, "but I don't care if it's been one date or one year. I just know I can't be without you," he admitted softly. Our eyes stayed locked, and we laid there in comfortable silence, just happy to be together. Eventually, though, it grew hard to keep my eyes open and I snuggled closer to him, resting my head on his chest. He took one of my hands in his and rubbed soothing circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. I closed my eyes; listening to the beating of his heart and the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

"I love you," I whispered, too soft for him to hear, before falling asleep beside him.

BDBDBDBDBD

I woke up the next morning, smiling at Spencer, who still had his arms wrapped tightly around me. I looked at the clock: 9:45. When I looked back to Spencer, he was awake.

"Good morning," I whispered. He just smiled before pressing his lips to mine.

"Good morning, Mandaleigh," he whispered in return. I smiled at the nickname. My friends never gave me nicknames when I was younger, and I'd always wanted one. It was perfect. We looked up when the door opened, broken out of our trance. The nurse walked in and I blushed when her eyes widened a little as she looked at Spencer. Her expression softened though, as she walked over to the bed.

"How are you feeling, honey?" she asked me in a motherly tone.

"Good, considering the circumstances," I answered.

"Well everything checks out," she said, "You just need to fill out some paperwork and you're good to go." She walked out of the room, leaving me to change back into some real clothes. I looked at one of the chairs against the wall, which held an unfamiliar pile of clothes. I looked at Spencer.

"Those are JJ's, she works with me. She's about your size and she thought you may want some clean clothes."

"That was thoughtful of her," I commented before taking them into the bathroom to change into. When I walked out, Spencer was sitting on the edge of the bed. He stood up when he saw me.

"Ready to go?" he asked, pulling me into a gentle embrace.

"Yep; let's get outta this place," I responded.

Author's Note: Ok, I need a nickname for Spencer to give Leigh, and Mandaleigh is my first attempt. I sorta like the whole combining her first and middle names, but tell me what you think and give me any suggestions you have. You know the drill, review and I'll post an update!