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Saturday, December 18

10:30 PM

"Shane, baby, tell me what's wrong?" I asked him, extremely worried. He didn't say anything, but I think he was trying to put some words together. His mouth was opening and closing wordlessly. "Was it your mom? Is your dad..." I couldn't even say it. Shane managed to shake his head. I was a bit relieved.

"My mom..." he finally said. I froze. "She... she... and the doctor called... and now her..." He was shaking. Violent convulsions ripped through him. I pressed myself closer to him and wrapped my arms around his trembling torso.

"What's going on with your mom?" I said, stroking some hair out of his face.

"Collapsed... she collapsed..." he finally choked out.

"Oh, Shane," I said, embracing him. He buried his face in my neck and began to cry.

Aww!

Poor baby!

I think I might just cry right here with him!

"Shh... baby, don't cry. We'll go to the hospital, okay?" I said, stroking his head softly. "You have to be strong, for both of your parents okay?" I whispered. He nodded weakly. "Okay, give me your keys," He stuck his hand in his pocket and dug around for a few seconds before pulling them out. Before doing anything else, I watched him slowly make his way around to the other side of the car and get in. He wasn't crying anymore but his expression was dead, resigned, almost. It was scary. I sighed, getting in. The first minute or so was silent.

"Mitchie?" I heard him say weakly, quietly.

"Yeah?" I turned to look at him. He looked at me, but he didn't say anything. He looked down. I half smiled, rubbing his shoulder. "When we get there I'll call the guys, okay? They'll come home," I promised. Shane just nodded - I think. It was more like a half-nod. Maybe he wasn't even responding to what I had said.

10:50 PM

When we arrived at the hospital, Shane's attitude changed from blank and depressed to just plain angry. I tried to keep up with his rapid pace into the building and towards the elevator. He didn't say anything, but he had eyes of fire. He looked just about ready to kill someone. When we stepped out onto the floor, Shane made a mad dash to the receptionist.

"Dr. Alderman called me? About my mother, Sarah Gray? She collapsed? Where is she? Where is he? What happened? What's going to happen? I'm Shane by the way, her son. And how is my dad? Adam Gray? Did he wake up?" Shane said all in one breath. The receptionist's face was priceless. It looked like she herself was about to collapse, luckily, she didn't have to respond because the doctor intervened.

"Mr. Gray, I'm Dr. Alderman, your mother's doctor, we spoke on the phone?" he said. Shane looked up, nodding madly. "It seems as though your mother has collapsed most likely under pressure; stress. She's resting right now and she's going to be fine, but you have to make sure she is stress free for the next few weeks. Can you do that or should we call some other relatives?"

"When can she leave?" Was the first thing Shane asked.

"Probably in a few days. I'd say four or five," he nodded.

"But before Christmas, right? Christmas is her favourite holiday, she can't spend it here," Shane said.

Aww, that was cute, and I didn't want to ruin his thoughtfulness so I didn't mention the fact that she might've had to anyway because of his father.

"Most likely she can go home before then, but she can't stay here all day once she is released," he warned.

"I'll call my sister," Shane said, not really talking to anyone, just himself.

His sister?

He has a sister?

Oh yeah... now I remember.

He has a sister.

I've never met her but I remember him mentioning her or Nate or someone.

Wait a minute, how come she wasn't here for her father? How come Shane flew around the world to be here, but she, who was probably in the country, did not? I think Shane read my thoughts because he said,

"She's on her honeymoon, my mom didn't want to ruin it for her unless you know, my dad... you know," Shane trailed off, pulling out his cell phone. "But I can't do this alone, I need her to be here," he said, dialling. I nodded.

"I'm going to call Nate," I said, pulling out my own phone, he nodded. I dialled his number and waited.

"Hey Mitchie, what's going on? How's Shane? How's his dad?" Nate asked.

"Not good... his mom collapsed so now she's a patient too. You guys should come back, he needs you here. He's a mess," I said quietly so that Shane wouldn't hear me, even though he was a good few yards away.

"We'll come. Jason's going to see if any flights tonight are still open."

"Don't forget James Bond, you've been feeding him and stuff, right?" I asked warily.

"Uh... right..."

"Nathan!"

"Just kidding, of course we have. Man, Jason LOVES that dog he won't leave it alone," he chuckled.

"Also," I said, "The concert tickets, I left them there in case you guys wouldn't have to come back, but I guess you can sell them since you are. I left them on the counter in the bedroom, okay?"

"Okay."

"Thanks, Nate. He'll appreciate this."

"Anything for him."

1:30 AM

Shane's sister was in the Caribbean and she was supposed to be back tomorrow night, or tonight I guess since it was in the AM now. The guys booked a flight that was supposed to take off in a few hours, so they'd be here probably around this time tomorrow.

Shane's dad was still in a coma. He didn't want me to leave him so we spent the night in chairs in his mom's hospital room. I made sure not to go to sleep until he did - I didn't want him to feel alone, even though I was extremely tired. I felt so bad for this poor guy, first Rose, now his parents. He didn't deserve this; he was such a good, light-hearted person. It broke my own heart to see him like this.

"Go to sleep," Shane whispered. I looked up at him, his elbows were rested on his knees, and he was hunched over, but his head was turned towards me.

"Don't worry about me," I whispered back.

"But you look so tired," he fought. I smiled.

"Baby, I'm fine, really." I assured him.

"Mitchie?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm scared. Don't tell anyone."

December 23

5:00 PM

All the guys came in and so did Shane's sister. The past few days had been hectic, but Shane's mother's condition improved and was released, so she was at home, resting. I spent one night at Nate's place and the rest in the hospital room with Shane and his sister. His sister, Katie, was at the hospital, sitting by her dad's side and Shane and I were at his mom's house, helping her decorate for Christmas. He and I were sitting on the floor in the living room for the past hour or so, rummaging through boxes of ornaments and decorations.

"Aww, Shane!" I said, lifting out a red stocking with his name printed on it. "This is adorable!" He shrugged, blushing a bit. I also pulled out a Santa hat and placed it firmly on Shane's head. "Hey, don't be sad," I said, scooting closer to him. I kissed his cheek and placed my head on his shoulder.

"Sorry it's just-"

"I know," I said. "But when you're sad, I'm sad." Shane placed his arm around my shoulder and rested his head on mine. The phone rang interrupting our moment.

"I got it mom, don't get up!" Shane called from his position on the floor. He reached over with his other arm and grabbed the phone that was lying under a pile of boxes.

"Hello? Katie, what's the news?" He paused for a few seconds and then it happened. A mammoth grin appeared on this boy's face. The first one I'd seen there in over a week! I was so happy for him. "Yeah we're coming now, bye!" Shane said and hung up. He didn't even say anything; he just reached over and tackled me with a massive hug.

"He woke up, didn't he?" I said from under Shane. Shane nodded madly and kissed my lips hard.

"It's a Christmas Eve eve miracle!" He exclaimed, finally giving me some breathing room.

Not that I minded before or anything...

"MOM!" he yelled, getting up. "MOM, DAD'S AWAKE! HE WOKE UP!" he said, dashing out of the room. I sat there, watching him go, grinning. I felt so happy and excited for him, especially now that the holidays would really feel like the holidays. I stood up and brushed my self off, heading into the kitchen where Shane and his mom were hugging. "Come on, let's go!" He grinned excitedly.

9:00 PM

Everyone was at the hospital; all five guys, me, Katie, her new husband Alex, and Shane's mom. Shane, Katie and his mom had gone in to the room while the rest of sat in the lobby, the air feeling the mix of excitement and relief.

We had been there for nearly four hours, but it didn't matter - this whole ugly thing was behind us and just in time for Christmas too. Although Shane's dad would have to spend Christmas in the hospital to recoup, at least now Shane wouldn't be depressed, and everyone would know he was okay. It truly was a Christmas Eve eve miracle. Mrs. G had to go home to rest, so Katie and Alex opted to take her so Shane could spend more time with his dad. Jason and Andy also went home to spend some time with their families now that they knew everything would be okay. Nate, Shaun and I stayed.

"Are you spending the night at Shaun's?" Nate asked me, as we waited in the lobby.

"Hey, I could get into that..." Shaun said, wiggling his eyebrows. Nate glared at him, he knew what he meant. "Kidding..."

"I dunno," I shrugged. "I want to wait for Shane, whatever he wants." Nate nodded and leaned back, yawning.

"My mom invited you to Christmas at our house," Nate said.

"I know, tell her thanks," I said. "Shane's mom also invited me for dinner tomorrow night,"

"Oh."

"Hey, that doesn't mean I'll go," I said.

"But you want to."

"It's Christmas, Nate, I want to spend it with my family."

"If you say so..."

"Don't be like that,"

"Like what?"

"You know what."

"Do you not want me to come?"

"Don't put this on me."

"You know what? If you're going to be like this then I won't go."

"Fine."

"Fine."

"Fine!"

"You already said fine," Shaun piped in.

"Shaun!"

"Sorry."

11:00 PM

Shaun eventually went home, but Nate stayed. We didn't talk. Finally, Shane came out, still smiling with colour in his cheeks.

"Everyone else left?" Shane said, looking around. We nodded.

"Aright, well, I'm going to jet, you taking her home?" Nate said, doing that guy hug thing with Shane. Shane nodded. "Later."

"Thanks, Nate." Shane called as he walked away. Nate waved, without turning around. Shane turned to me. "Hungry?"

"A little," I admitted.

"I'm starving. Let's get some food," he suggested, grabbing my hand. We left the hospital and drove to a McDonalds a few miles away. "You know I use to work here?" He said, pulling up to the drive-thru window. I smiled, shaking my head.

"What are you in the mood for?" Shane asked.

"Um… fries..." I mumbled, looking out the other window.

What did Nate mean when he said, 'If you say so'?

Didn't he believe me?

He didn't believe me!

I don't believe this.

Then what did he think I wanted to do?

This was impossible. Nate and his stupid head.

I think I shall call him later. In fact, I absolutely shall call him later.

"Hello?" I suddenly heard. I looked back at Shane.

"Huh? What?"

"I asked you four times if you wanted a drink."

"Oh, uh, no, thanks," I smiled, shaking my head. A minute later, after we drove off with the food.

Shane looked over at me. "Are you okay baby?" I shrugged.

"Honestly?"

"Honestly."

"I dunno. Nate and I had a fight and… I don't know," I said, looking back out the window. Shane brushed his thumb along my hand and then held it softly. I looked up at him and saw him smile. That made me smile. "Hey-" I said. "Now that Shaun is back, do you want to spend the night at my house?"

December 23

11:25 PM

When we arrived at my house, I gave Shane a tour, but he didn't seem too excited until we got upstairs, more specifically, to my room. I turned the knob and pushed open my door. If you haven't figured it out already, I'll tell you.

I'm girly.

So don't you think my room should reflect my personality?

Well, it does. In fact, my room is the epitome of stereotypical girlyness. I have pink walls, lots of pillows, a huge assortment of makeup products on my dresser, a furry pink rug, stuffed animals EVERYWHERE, and posters of hotties taped everywhere. This all started when I was about fourteen, and since then I kind of just added onto my room to make it at the level of girlyosity it is now. Normally there would be clothes everywhere, but since everything was packed and at Shaun's, my carpet was visible.

"Hey your shirt matches my room," I said, pulling him in. He looked down at his pink t-shirt.

"Oh yeah it does..." he smiled, tugging at it lightly.

"Do you want to go to bed?" I asked. "We don't have to go to sleep or anything, unless you want to, I mean we could and all, or we could talk, or we could-" I said all at once.

"Bed sounds good," he said, smiling as he cut me off. I looked over at my bed. It was a pathetic twin size.

"We won't fit," I stated.

"That's okay, I can sleep on the floor," he offered.

"How about we sleep on the floor together?" I said, coming up to him.

"Are you sure? Cause-"

"Yes!" I said, smiling. "Besides, sleeping on the floor is good for your back." I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought my face just inches away from his. "I'm going to go change," I whispered. I then pressed my lips onto his in a longing, deep kiss, most definitely leaving him breathless as I headed over to my dresser drawers. I pulled out a fresh underwear sleepwear set and went into my closet to change. I came out with a robe on; I could tell by his expression that Shane was disappointed.

"Do you want me to get some more like blankets and stuff?" He asked me.

"I'll get them," I said. "You can change I guess -- or just take off your clothes, same difference," I found myself rambling. He smirked. I rolled my eyes and left my room to go down the hallway. I opened the linen closet and pulled out some extra sheets. I came back in and found a shirtless and pantsless Shane.

:DROOL:

He had his striped boxers on again.

Curious.

VERY curious.

He grabbed the corners of the sheets and comforters and helped me lay them down on the carpet. He slid under them, sitting up. I turned around and took my robe off, I don't know why - he's seen me naked. We took a shower together for christsake. I turned back around and slipped underneath. We were lying facing each other, our faces inches apart. I felt Shane's hands move underneath the covers, searching for mine. He found them and squeezed them tight.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked, after a few minutes of us just smiling at each other.

"I'm thinking about how I can't wait 'till we move in together." I smiled -- I mean, I was already smiling, but now wider, and my cheeks got red. "What are you thinking about?"

"A month ago, when Nate called me, - I was just a silly girl with a stupid crush - now I'm back here - but you're here too."

"You had a crush on me?"

"I said I had a crush, don't be so egotistical, it doesn't mean it was on you," I poked my tongue out. He playfully glared at me. "Just kidding, of course it was on you. Remember, it's you we're talking about?" He grinned.

"Exactly," he agreed.

"How's your lip?" I asked, referring back to when A-hole punched him. It looked better - it wasn't as swollen and the regular colour started to come back.

"Mmmm... it's kissable..." He decided, scooting closer with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Kissable, huh?"

"Mmhmm. Kissable, lickable, biteab- well actually, not so much biteable, that might hurt," he thought out loud. I grinned, also scooting closer. We were now impossibly close to each other. Or noses were touching.

"Eskimo kisses," I commented. He scrunched his nose up a bit and I giggled.

His hands slowly travelled their way down to my hips and he pressed them against him, forcing his lips on mine. I slowly locked my legs around him and rolled us over so that I was lying on top of him, as his tongue slipped in my mouth. His hands ran up and down my back and then slowly crept down to my thighs. He then carefully flipped us over so that he was on top of me, our lips never parting. He massaged the sides of my stomach with his fingertips, tracing a pattern to the hem of my panties. He slipped his thumbs in the sides and I knew where we were going next. I wanted to - honestly, but I couldn't take another chance, we didn't have a condom. "Shane..." I moaned sliding my hands down his arms to his hands. "We can't."

"What's the matter?" he said, in between two deep kisses.

"We don't have a..." I whispered. "a... protection." He lifted his head and looked deep into my eyes for a moment, and then kissed me passionately once more, before finally resting his head in the crook of my neck.

"Okay," he whispered. I wrapped both arms around him and squeezed him tight.

"My teddy bear," I said. "Mine. All mine. I'm not sharing." After a few minutes of lying silently like that, he slipped out from under my grasp and pulled me towards him so we would be spooning. His arm around my waist was secure and firm.

"My evil glue stick," he chuckled, kissing my forehead. With that, we fell asleep. Ah, how romantic.