Hi again everyone! I enjoyed writing this bit and I am on a total roll right now. The tea and water is finally working with my system and I am feeling much better than before. Just a heads up: Christmas break is almost over for me so when I go back to school I may not have as much time as I would like to write. I will manage to squeeze it in though, don't worry! Warning: A LOT OF FEELS this chapter! Now responses...
Marina Ka-Fai: IKR! Romances can often be cute. I never liked Jara anyway. I can begin something new here... Jamantha. :P Lots of nutella and hugs! Thanks for the review!
jisela: Aww, thanks! I hope you feel better soon! Just drink gallons of tea and soup. You may get sick of it after a while, but it works eventually. YOU bring joy to my day when I read your lovely reviews! Thanks so much! Internet hugs! 3

Taking a deep breathe, I put my hand on the brass door handle and turned it. Slowly I leaned my weight on the door and it pushed open softly. When I tentatively entered Jerome was sitting on his bed, completely engrossed in book he was reading. I couldn't see the title, but it looked like he was enjoying himself.

I cleared my throat and Jerome looked up, flashing me his classic grin. "Hey Mara," he said, closing the book and putting it under his pillows. I walked up to him and sat on the edge of his bed, looking down at my dark blue jeans.

"Jerome," I said, "I came to tell you something," I looked up to see Jerome smiling at me.

"Go ahead," he said, "Shoot!"

"You know how Mick is back?" I said. Jerome nodded slowly, looking confused. "Well, we kissed… and I felt something about it. I think I still like Mick," Jerome inhaled deeply and stared at the ceiling. He seemed to be taking this well – the room hadn't totally erupted into the chaos I was expecting.

"That is what I thought," Jerome said, surprising me. I raised my eyebrows at him curiously. "I saw the way he was looking at you. From there it was obvious. And it's fine with me. I understand completely."

I stared at Jerome, dumbstruck. He understands? I thought to myself.

"I also have something to tell you," Jerome said. "Samantha and I… we shared a similar experience. She makes me feel so alive – and I want to be with her." I nodded my head slowly.

"I knew she liked you," I said, laughing a little. Jerome chuckled and held out his arms. I stood up and gave him a hug. "I'm glad this worked out, and that we can still be friends,"

"Me too," Jerome said. "Soon I'll be returning to the house," I once again raised my thick eyebrows as we pulled apart and Jerome quickly explained. I laughed happily for him and we continued talking.

He showed me the book he was reading. It was titled: "Ultimate Master Pranks to Pull". Soon we were in a heated argument about which genre of books was the best: Historical Fiction or Sci-fi. Eventually Jerome's eyelids began to drop shut and his mouth closed. I stopped talking and arranged his blankets around him, then silently left the room.

PAGE BREAK

Samantha rushed over to me when she noticed my struggle with my shirt. She slowly helped my arrange the sleeves and pull my arms through them. Once the red and blue striped shirt was on I buttoned it up, my fingers fumbling in excitement.

"Calm down Jerome," Samantha said, taking my hands softly. I smiled at her and she helped me do up the three buttons at the top of the shirt. Just then dad walked in, a big smile on his face.

"Ready to go back to the house?" He asked, packing up my books and school work that I had been – sort of – doing. I nodded eagerly and looked at my clothing. I had chosen my favourite shirt and a pair of plaid pajama pants that hung loosely over my casted leg, which I had pulled a sock over with Samantha's help to keep my toes warm.

Poppy walked in and grinned at me, then grabbed a few bags and suitcases that were full of gifts from various people. Thankfully there was still a single box of chocolate left –Alfie had eaten all the rest. Dad shifted the bag of books he had on his shoulder and beckoned Poppy out of the room.

Once they had left, Samantha helped me stand up and gave me my crutches, which I slid under my arms. She looked down at the floor, obviously sad that I was leaving. "What's wrong Sam?" I asked, using the nickname I had invented for her.

She shook her head and inhaled. "I'm going to miss you, is all," I nodded, understanding.

"We'll see each other again," I said. "You gave me your number and we can meet up some time when we are both free," At this Samantha looked up and grinned. We leaned into each other and I tenderly kissed her. Once we pulled away I noticed tears in Samantha's eyes. I placed one of my crutches against the bed and gently wiped her eyes with my thumb.

I pulled her in and we tightly hugged -her being careful of the bandages under my clothing. As we reluctantly broke off the affectionate embrace Doctor Max, Poppy, and my dad walked in, all wearing smiles.

"It's good to see you go," Doctor Max said, patting my good shoulder. "Just be careful. I've given Trudy instructions for changing your bandages and I'm sure your housemates would love to help you out."

"Thanks for everything Doc," I said, shaking his hand and grabbing my crutch. We then slowly made our way through the now familiar halls of the hospital. Eventually Doctor Max said his last goodbyes and turned into his office. Samantha continued to follow us in silence. We took the elevator down to the main floor, not wanting to waste all my energy too quickly.

As we reached the hospital door, I turned around and faced Samantha. Poppy and Dad nodded in understanding and left the main floor to start putting my endless amounts of gifts into the hospital cab. After a couple moments of silence we embraced again. Sadness flooded into my eyes and a tear escaped both our eyes. "Goodbye, I guess," I said slowly, chuckling a little.

"Call me tonight, okay?" Samantha asked, taking my hands in hers. I nodded and kissed her.

"Time to leave Jerome," Dad said. I nodded and smiled at Samantha then slowly exited the hospital, her eyes on my back the whole time.

PAGE BREAK

The cab ride home was uneventful. Poppy, who was sitting in the backseat with Jerome, chattered about school and a recent party she had gone to with her friends. Jerome was silent, his ocean blue eyes watching as droplets of rain hit the window. I could tell he was deep in thought, probably about Samantha.

Samantha – she was the thin, small nurse that had taken an immediate liking to Jerome. Her kindness was huge and I knew that Jerome liked her as well. I had seen them hug, and was planning to ask Jerome about their relationship later. Mara and him had cut things off calmly, they both obviously wanted something different.

Soon the cab driver announced their arrival and hopped out of the car, grabbing the luggage in the trunk. I slowly got out and went to Jerome's side, opening the door for him. He grabbed his crutches and put them on the slick pavement as I helped him up. Poppy ran over with an open umbrella and held it over our heads as we walked to the front door of the house. I knocked on the door and it opened to the smiling face of Trudy.

"Welcome home lovely!" She said excitedly, holding the door open as Jerome swung in. I thanked the cab driver and paid him, then dragged the luggage inside. When I looked up, there was a large banner over my head. In blue paint were the words: "Welcome Home Jerome!". There were balloons strewed around the main sitting room and a delicious smell was wafting from the kitchen.

"Well, I'd best leave you and your friends to your party," I said, giving Jerome a squeeze on the shoulder. Poppy gave him a quick hug and we left the house, hearing shouts of excitement from inside.

Thanks for reading this guys! Since I'm feeling so inspired, I might just get an early start on chapter 12! Have a wonderful weekend you lovelies!