It was morning. Selene gradually woke up. She remembered last night and she smiled. She thought it was funny how Indy got so tense when she tried to treat his injuries. She rolled over in bed and her smile faded.
Indy.
Gone.
Oh no. Her mind raced. Where is he? Please don't let him be in a room somewhere being beaten by the bad guys. She just couldn't take it right now.
She got up and went downstairs and when she entered the room, he smiled. Indy was sat, slumped on the couch asleep and dressed in his usual attire of pants and khaki shirt and leather jacket. The holster and whip were attached to his belt. He was wearing his glasses, which enhanced his good looks. She smiled, admiring his handsome features. At first she was so happy to see him that she only just noticed the artefact sat on the table. Her jaw dropped. Wow! she thought. But how? She sat on the sofa next to him. She wanted to wake him but she just couldn't bring herself to do so. She could never quite work out what it was that she loved about watching him sleep. He always seemed to look so boyish and innocent. Memories of the talk with her girlfriends came to mind and she smiled.
Just then, Henry came into the room. He was dressed and his eyes lit up.
His son. The stone!
"Indiana!" he boomed. "Son, you did it!"
Indy suddenly jumped awake.
Selene chuckled. Oh well, he couldn't stay sleeping forever!
"Uhh, what?"
Indy glanced around and for a moment he was disorientated.
"Indy!" Selene put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.
"You look really tired", she said, concern in her voice.
"You got the stone!" said Selene.
"Well done, boy!" said Henry.
Indy smiled.
"But, I..."
"You did it!" Selene kissed him again.
"The thing is..."
"My God. It can go in the museum now", said Henry, his eyes lighting up.
"Guys", said Indy.
"Oh, Indy. You're fantastic!" she kissed him once more.
Sallah walked into the room.
"Sallah, tell them. I didn't get the stone by myself. Tell them..."
"Indy, my friend", Sallah feigned surprise. "Would you ask your friend to lie?"
"But..."
"Just joking, my friends. We got it last night", said Sallah.
"I see", said Selene, standing up.
"What were you thinking?" asked Henry.
"Here it comes," said Indy looking at Sallah.
"Indy. You didn't wait! What if I'd woken up in the night and found you missing. I would have been very worried!" said Selene.
"Hey, a second ago you were saying how great I was", he said, jokingly.
She smiled.
"Oh Indy. Honey, I'm not being funny, but..."
Fayah entered the room.
"What is this? You got it!?"
"Oh, hi Fayah. Yeah, me and Sallah got it last night."
Fayah pursed her lips and looked at Sallah. She yelled something to him in Arabic.
Henry just looked at them. Indy, who understood Arabic though looked between Sallah and Fayah and started to laugh.
Selene touched his arm.
"Indy. What are they saying?"
"I was worried about you", he translated.
"But Fayah, Honey"
"Don't you call me honey!"
Selene and Henry roared with laughter.
Later, when she had calmed down, Fayah prepared breakfast and brought it out to the others who were sat on the veranda which looked out over the bustling city of Cairo.
Indy glanced across at Selene and smiled. She was wearing a red summer dress and her red hair tumbled down her back. Wow, she's so beautiful, he thought. She caught him smiling across at her and she smiled back. Indy's face had begun to heal and was looking much better, although he still had a black eye. He flashed a smile at her. Her heart leapt. He was such a handsome guy.
Fayah sat down at the table.
"Thank you Fayah for breakfast", said Henry.
"You are very welcome Henry."
Henry glanced at Indy and was glad to see that he was better.
"So, son. Do I take it that we can take the stone to the museum now?"
"Yeah", said Indy, between bites of delicious food. "Our flight doesn't leave until late tonight, so we can take our time today."
Henry nodded.
After breakfast, Sallah called the museum and was told to bring the stone to them later that evening when the museum was closed. They planned to take the stone over at about six O'clock. Sallah gave Henry a tour around Cairo and left Indy and Selene to spend some time together. Indy took Selene to the best places in the city.
"Indy", she began, as they walked down one of the streets. "You have a very good knowledge of the city."
He smiled.
"Well, I've spent a lot of time in Cairo. Got a lot of fond memories of the city."
"I know. Sallah told me about an artefact you went after a few years ago."
"Yeah?"
"From what he tells me, the Ark is a beautiful and mysterious object."
"Yes it is."
"You really have gone after some incredibly important artefacts, Indy. But from what I gather, you're not the most luckiest archaeologist either."
Indy sighed and nodded tiredly.
"Are you okay? Perhaps we should go back", she suggested.
He looked at her.
"No I'm fine, really. Just a bit tired", he yawned. "Besides, there are still things I want to show you."
"Where is it now?"
"What?"
"The Ark?"
"Oh, that. Knowing the government, it's probably in a warehouse somewhere."
"I see. When we were in China I remember you telling me that you don't always get to display your finds. I imagine that it can be quite frustrating sometimes."
"It can be, but that's the thing about archaeology. You're never guaranteed that you'll get to take all your finds home."
It was now early evening.
"We'd better think about getting back soon", said Selene.
"I know". Indy stood up. "But first..." he took her hand and she followed him.
"C'mon."
He led her to a secluded sand dune and he sat down and gently pulled Selene down with him. She sat in front of him and he put his arms around her and kissed her on the neck. She closed her eyes and smiled.
"Not long now", he said.
She opened her eyes.
"Until what, Indy?"
"You'll see."
A few moments later the sun began to set. Selene stared at the sky in awe.
"It's so beautiful."
"So are you", said Indy, kissing her cheek.
"Oh Indy. I can't believe it. I'm here in his wonderful country with you. It's fantastic. Of course, it's been hard work, but I'm beginning to get used to it. Are things always like this in your life?"
"Oh yeah. This is tame compared to some adventures."
She chuckled.
"You sound happy."
"I am. I'm very lucky to be going out with someone like you. Everyone I've spoken to seems to think so."
"What's this?" asked Indy suspiciously.
"Oh, nothing."
"Selene! What have you been saying about me?"
"Well, some of my girlfriends were asking if I was dating anyone."
"And what did you tell them? That you're dating an archaeology professor who gets shot at by bad guys?"
"I just told them that I was dating, well, let's just say that they were very complimentary."
Indy rolled his eyes.
"Great", he said, feeling paranoid.
"Yes. Some of them think that you're really nice..."
"Nice? Ah, I don't believe it! Why do I have to be nice?"
"All right. Cute then."
"Hmm, better I suppose."
They both laughed.
It was just approaching six o'clock. Indy, Selene, Sallah and Henry headed to Cairo Museum with the Benben stone, which was wrapped in a sheet. Sallah parked the jeep and they got out and he and Indy carried the stone toward the entrance and Selene and Henry followed. Out of nowhere, two men dressed in dark clothes grabbed the stone from Indy and Sallah. Selene yelled as the stone fell on the grass. One of the men attacked Indy and the other went for Sallah, wrestling him to the ground. Indy's assassin was quick and just as the archaeologist was about to throw a punch, the man grabbed him and hit him repeatedly in the face. Henry went for the assassin, and was pushed to the ground, the wind knocked out of him. Then a familiar figure appeared before them. It was Ashraf.
"Ah, Jones. I'd wondered where you had gotten to", he said as the assassin pinned Indy's arms behind his back. Ashraf strode over to Indy and punched him in the stomach. Indy wheezed. Ashraf hit him in the face and he was knocked to the floor.
"No!" yelled Selene, lunging at Ashraf. He pushed her away and she hit her head on the stone entrance and blacked out.
"No", yelled Indy. "Son of a bitch!"
Indy rose to his feet, feeling very dizzy. Henry and Sallah lay on the floor, Sallah beaten badly. Selene was unconscious.
Ashraf called the assassins over and they went to pick up the stone. Indy tried to stop them but one of the men grabbed him and other hit him with such force that he fell back onto the ground. The men then grabbed the stone and left with Ashraf. Henry was having some trouble getting up but he managed it and helped Sallah up. He was just about to help Indy but the archaeologist had managed to stand on his own, and raced over to Selene. She was slumped on the grass and was still unconscious, blood running down her forehead.
"My God", said Henry.
Indy looked desperately at Sallah.
"Sallah, is there a hospital nearby?"
"Yes my friend", he replied. "It is a few minutes walk from here."
Indy picked up Selene in his arms, her arms and legs flailing like a limp rag doll.
"Dad, Sallah. You both okay?" he asked.
"Fine son. Don't worry about us. You take care of her."
Sallah began to walk and Indy and Henry followed. A few minutes later they arrived at a hospital. Indy strode in carrying Selene and called a doctor over.
"Please. There's been an accident. She needs immediate medical attention", he said in Arabic.
The doctor called over a couple of interims who put Selene on a stretcher and wheeled her to a room.
They followed and Henry put an arm on Indy's shoulder.
"I'm sorry son."
"It's okay dad."
"Indy. If there is anything that I can do..." began Sallah.
Indy turned to him.
"I know and thanks", he said as he entered the room and Henry and Sallah sat down outside.
They drew the curtains round the bed and changed Selene's clothes while Indy sat down in a chair. He rubbed his head, which really hurt and he was bleeding. He hated the fact that he was not able to stop Ashraf from pushing Selene. If only he could have...
The same doctor came into the room.
"Can I have the lady's name?"
"Selene Rogers."
"And yours?"
"Indiana Jones."
"Doctor Jones. I realize that now is not the time, but it is a great pleasure to have you back in our wonderful city."
"That's very kind. Thank you."
"We're just getting Ms Rogers settling in then I'm going to find out what is going on."
"That's fine.
"Doctor Jones. Do you require any medical attention?"
"I'll be fine. It's just few cuts."
The doctor nodded and left him. A few minutes later a nurse came in.
"Doctor Jones?"
"Yes?"
"Please come with me. You need some treatment."
"But..."
She took him by the arm.
"But, I didn't ask for any treat..."
He saw his father sat down with Sallah and smiled, slightly confused.
"Your father insisted on it."
Indy looked at Henry. Henry looked back and couldn't help but laugh. Sallah laughed with him.
"I see."
Indy glared at his father.
Dad!
She took him to a room and asked him to lie down. She began to treat his injuries and cleaned his face with a damp cloth.
"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed.
"What? Is there something wrong?" he asked.
"You have the most wonderful eyes that I've ever seen."
"Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment."
A few minutes later after the nurse had finished, Indy sat up.
"Thanks for your help", he said, standing up. "But right now I really need to see my girlfriend."
"Oh, you have a girlfriend. What a shame" she teased.
Indy smiled and was about to leave the room.
"Doctor Jones. She's very lucky..."
Indy left the room.
"...because you're really quite a looker!"
Her voice echoed down the corridor.
Henry and Sallah were smiling. Indy glared at Henry.
"Don't even think it", he said, going to Selene's door.
The nurses were still settling her in. They beckoned Indy to come in and he sat on a chair and rubbed his eyes. He had not had much sleep over the last few days and he was beginning to feel it. Indy pushed his tiredness aside and a nurse came over to him.
"Doctor Jones. You may see her now."
They opened the curtain and Selene was led down asleep. She was dressed in a white gown and there was a bandage around her head. The doctor came in.
"Doctor Jones. Ms Rogers has bad concussion and I'd like to keep her in for a few days."
Indy nodded.
"She has rather a lot of cuts and bruises and will no doubt be feeling it when she wakes up."
Indy thanked him.
The doctor left the room and Indy sat down in a chair next to Selene's bedside and Henry and Sallah entered the room.
"Indy. I'm very sorry about this", said Sallah. "I cannot tell you..."
"Sallah, it's okay. It's no-one's fault."
Indy looked at Henry. He looked exhausted.
"Dad, why don't you sit down and rest?"
Henry nodded.
"Yes, my boy. I think I will."
"Indy. There is nothing that you can do until she wakes. Why don't you come back to my house and get some rest. We can come back tomorrow."
"Thanks Sallah, but no. I really want to stay here. There have been so many times when I have been unwell she cared for me. I'm returning the favour."
"All right my friend. We will leave now and return in the morning. Please call me if there is anything we can do or indeed, there is anything you need."
Henry stood up and clasped Indy's shoulder.
"Son. Can I help at all?"
"It's okay dad. I think she's in the best place."
Henry went to leave.
"Indiana."
"Yes, dad?"
"She cares a great deal about you, you know."
Indy blinked.
"I know."
Henry nodded.
"See you tomorrow then, son."
Indy stayed with Selene and a few hours later she woke up and Indy scrambled to his feet.
"Selene, honey." He kissed her on the cheek. "I'm so glad that you're awake."
"Indy. What happened? Your face! Are you all right?"
"Hey", he soothed, caressing her cheek. "Don't worry about me, sweetheart."
Indy left the room and called a nurse. The nurse came followed by the doctor.
"What's going on?" asked Selene.
"Ms Rogers. You're suffering from heavy concussion. Apparently someone pushed you and you fell, hitting your head on stone."
"Hmm, I vaguely remember. It's a bit fuzzy, though."
"Don't worry. Your memory will come back in a few days. Until then, I would like to keep you in here for a while."
"I see."
The doctor and nurse left the room.
"Indy. What about the artefact that you were searching for?"
"The Benben stone."
"Yes, that's it. Well, did you get it?"
"Sallah and I got it, but it was taken."
"I'm sorry. Indy. Are you going to get it again?"
"No. Not any more. Besides I don't know where it is now."
"Indy…," she began.
"Hey", he soothed. "Don't worry about it. In a few days we'll be back in the States."
"A few days? Why not tomorrow?"
"Ms Rogers. I really don't think that you're in any condition to..."
A wave of pain went through her and Selene winced. Moments later, she fell back to sleep.
Indy kissed her on the forehead and quietly left the room and he then left the hospital and began to walk into the town. It was dark now and the streets were bustling with activity. He saw some beautiful flowers, which he knew Selene would love and he paid the vendor. He was about to return to the hospital when a familiar young lady ran over to him. It was Qena. She seemed very happy to see him.
"Indy. What happened? Oh, Professor. You look exhausted!"
He told her about the past few days' events.
"Selene is in hospital? Oh no! So you were getting her flowers?"
"Yeah."
"That's really sweet."
She looked upset.
"Are you okay Qena?"
"Well, yeah. Okay, here's the thing. I have to admit I'm really envious of Selene."
"I see."
She looked into his eyes.
"I should have told you sooner Indy, but I have a crush on you."
He didn't flinch.
"Qena. I already know."
"You do?"
"Yeah. Something about the way you threw your arms around me at Sallah's house."
"I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to embarrass you."
"It's okay. You didn't."
"I think you're really nice.
Indy rolled his eyes. Great!
"You're smart and funny and you have a wonderful sense of humour. I think you're great."
Indy's mouth opened but no words came out.
"Qena, I'm… flattered, really I am. But, well, I..."
"I know. You're going out with Selene. I understand."
She stepped back slightly.
"I've got to go now. She's lucky you know."
Before Indy could say anything Qena kissed him on the cheek and ran off smiling. She disappeared into the crowd. Indy stood still for a moment, glanced at the sights around him, smiled and then returned to the hospital. He walked into the building holding the flowers. As he approached Selene's room, he saw a nurse. She smiled.
"Hi."
"For me? You're too kind?" she joked. "I'll put these in water for you."
"Thanks."
She took the flowers and Indy went into the room. Selene was still sleeping and the nurse set the vase of flowers on the windowsill.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Just tired", he told her.
"Yes, you look very fatigued."
She left the room and Indy eased himself into the chair. He was exhausted. He and really wanted to get a good night's sleep in a big, soft bed, but he wanted to stay with Selene more. He closed his eyes and fought from going to sleep. A while later when he could no longer stay awake he instantly fell asleep.
A nurse came in to check on Selene and smiled when she saw Indy asleep. She saw another nurse and motioned for her to come over.
"You've got to see this."
The nurse went over to her and glanced in the room.
"Ah, I love watching men sleep."
"Yes, especially ones as good looking as him."
They both sighed.
The next evening, Selene woke up. Her head was hurting and she wondered where Indy was. She glanced over and saw him sat on a chair, asleep and smiled. Then she noticed something. Flowers. He bought me flowers! Ah, sweet man.
"Indy", she gently called.
Nothing.
"Indy", she called slightly louder now.
No response.
"Inddddyy!"
He jumped awake.
"Huh."
He glanced around, smiled and jumped from the chair when he saw that Selene was awake. He gently hugged her.
"Selene. Sweetheart, how do you feel?"
"Better", she told him.
"Thank you", she said.
"For what?"
"Those beautiful flowers, of course."
"Well, I had to get you something. It's tradition."
"Indy, you look terrible."
"Gee, thanks."
"You haven't had any sleep, have you?" she asked.
"Well. I caught a bit..."
"Indy. I really appreciate you staying with me, but I'll be all right, really. Go to Sallah's and come back tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Who's the nurse here?"
"Um, Selene we're already 'in' tomorrow."
"I've been here for a day?"
"Yeah. The doctor said you can leave now, but you need to take it easy."
After Selene had gotten dressed, Indy had gone out and came back a few minutes later. Despite that fact that she had slept, she still looked and felt exhausted.
"C'mon", said Indy, helping her to walk. "Let's get you back to Sallah's."
She stumbled slightly.
"Selene..."
She held up a hand.
"I'll be fine Indy."
Before she could protest, Indy picked her up in his arms and walked out of the hospital.
"Indy, what are you doing? Practicing for our wedding day?" she laughed.
Indy was so stunned, he nearly dropped her.
"Just kidding!"
"Selene! You're as bad as Marcus. That reminds me. I haven't had a chance to call him yet."
Indy carried her to the entrance and Selene was surprised by what she saw. Before her stood a horse and carriage.
"Well, what do you think?"
"Indy, I... it's great!"
He helped her into the carriage and they both sat down. Indy glanced upwards and noticed that hundreds of stars filled the night sky. Indy spoke to the driver in Arabic and the horse pulled them forward. Selene smiled.
"I think it's fantastic how well you speak Arabic, well, any language really."
He smiled.
"It's just practice, really."
The driver commented on how beautiful the night sky was.
Indy replied to him in Arabic.
"What did he say?" asked Selene.
Indy told her.
"And what did you reply?"
"I said that you were far more beautiful than any star I'd ever seen."
Selene couldn't help herself. She put her arms around Indy and kissed him passionately. As she drew away, Indy gasped.
A while later they arrived at Sallah's house. Indy helped Selene out of the carriage and paid the driver.
"Shukran", said the driver. Thank you.
Sallah and Fayah were outside, waiting.
"Selene! Indy! How are you both?" asked Fayah.
"My friends, I am so pleased you're here!" exclaimed Sallah.
Henry came out and walked over to them.
"Indiana. Selene. My God, you both look exhausted."
Indy asked his father how he was.
"Don't worry about me boy, I'm fine."
"Let's get you inside", said Sallah.
They entered the house and once inside, Indy and Selene crashed down on the couch. Fayah poured them some drinks and they gratefully accepted. Fayah then excused herself and went upstairs.
"You both need sleep", said Sallah.
"Indy especially needs sleep. He rarely left my side when I was at the hospital and I don't think he's slept for about three days."
Indy stood up.
"Selene, I'll be right back."
Indy went upstairs and walked into the bathroom. Fayah was already there, running a bath for Selene.
"Ah, Indy. Great minds think alike. For Selene, yes?"
Indy nodded.
A few minutes later Indy and Fayah went downstairs.
"C'mon", said Indy, taking Selene's hand and gently pulling her up from the couch.
"Bed."
She yawned.
"Maybe I'll just take a shower."
She got up and wished everyone goodnight. She followed Indy up the stairs and was about to go into the bedroom, when Indy turned to face her.
"Honey, you look exhausted", said Indy. "Why don't you..." he pushed the bathroom door open. "...take a nice long bath."
She smiled and stepped into the room. A bath had been run and the room was scented with jasmine and rose. Several candles were lit and they surrounded the bath.
"Indy..."
"Well, are you just gonna stand there, or..."
She turned to him and put her arms around him, hugging him gently.
"Thank you."
"It was Fayah's idea as well. Besides, you've looked after me so many times, I've forgotten."
"I know."
He kissed her on the forehead.
"I'll leave you it."
He closed the door and went to the bedroom. Selene took off her clothes and put these in the hallway. Indy took off his fedora and put it on the dresser; took of his jacket, holster belt and whip, also placing these on the dresser. He sat down on the bed and glanced in the mirror. His exhausted reflection stared back at him. "Just great", he muttered feeling fit to collapse.
There was a knock at the door. It was Fayah.
"Indy, let me take your clothes and I will do some laundry for you both."
"That's very kind Fayah, but I don't have anything to..."
She opened the airing cupboard and handed him a white garment. He unfolded it. It was a white nightshirt, similar to a galabeya.
"Thanks."
"Oh, something also for Selene", she handed a white nightdress to Indy.
"Now be sure not to mix them up or you may get some unusual looks in the morning."
Indy laughed.
"I'll remember that."
He could hear Selene's laughter. Fayah went downstairs. Indy knocked on the bathroom door and entered.
"And what's so funny?"
"Just trying to imagine you..."
He looked at her.
"I get the idea!"
"Shame. You'd probably look real cute, Jones!"
He went over and gently splashed her.
"Just watch it!"
"And what if I don't?"
"I'll think of something."
He then left the room, leaving her to soak in her bath.
Selene leaned her head back, letting the hot water drift over her. She sighed. Spending time with Indy could be, at times quite exhilarating, but also had its share of dangers.
Some time later, Selene got out of the bath and dried herself off with a big fluffy towel. She then changed into the nightdress, laughing as she did. She went into the bedroom and Indy was sat on the bed, dressed not in his usual attire but wearing a galabeya.
"Oh Indy. You look very Egyptian. Still very handsome."
He smiled.
"Thanks."
They both got into bed and switched off the light.
"How are you feeling?" asked the archaeologist.
"Better. My head still hurts, though. Indy, are you sure about this?"
"About what?"
"The stone. Do you really want to let it go?"
"No-one knows where it is", he said. "Why don't you get some sleep. I guess things didn't go to plan."
"Indy, I've really enjoyed this adventure. It's been so much fun, despite what happened."
"I'm glad you think so."
They both lapsed into a deep, restful sleep.