Here you go Amri91! :-) Thanks everyone for your comments!
Sorry for the short chapter but I just wanted to get it out there.
Her muscles didn't quite seem like they wanted to cooperate.
Cal held her right arm and Michelle her left as she tried to place her weight evenly on shaking legs.
"Good Dr. Foster." The nurse smiled, pleased.
Gillian wondered why she was so excited, knowing that if either one let go, she would fall. But the nurse's reaction was genuine, so she figured that maybe it was a good first try. It wasn't like she had anything to compare it to.
Her legs seemed to solidify a little and she attempted to take a step.
"Careful luv." She could hear the concern in his voice, and if she wasn't mistaken, a touch of pride.
Sweat suddenly broke out on her forehead as she swayed drunkenly.
"Okay, I think that might be enough for now." Michelle guided her back to the bed and Cal followed suit. "Really good though. We'll try again in a bit."
Cal hovered, as the nurse got Gillian situated. It worried him that she looked a little pale. "Is that normal?"
The nurse shot him a quick smile. "Yeah, it is. She hasn't used her muscles for a few days, so they're going to be a little weak but it won't take long for her to get her strength back."
He nodded before moving closer to Gillian, reaching out absently and taking her hand.
"Okay, I'll be in a little later so we can try again. If you need anything you know the routine." Michelle smiled at both of them before ducking out.
The moment Cal opened his mouth; an orderly came in with a food tray. He shut it again.
"Sorry, nothing fancy." The young man pulled the swing out table in front of Gillian and put the tray down. He gave a big smile, showing off his dimples. "Doug" was printed on his nametag. "Enjoy."
He went to leave and Cal followed him into the hall. He could feel Gillian's puzzled eyes on him. "Hey Doug, think you could do us a favor?"
"Sure, if I can."
"Could you check about getting the lady some chocolate pudding?" Cal kept his voice low.
"Um, I don't know-" He stopped, looked back at the pretty woman in bed before looking back at the older man with a small grin. "I'll check and see if it's okay. Can't promise anything though."
"Appreciate it. It would give her a lift."
"No problem." The young man gave a little nod before heading back to his metal pushcart and continuing down the hall.
"What was that about?" Gillian raised a brow as he walked toward her.
"Nothing. Why?" He took his place back in his uncomfortable chair and nodded to the tray "You gonna eat that?"
Clear broth, lime gelatin (do hospitals ever have any other flavor?) and tea met her vaguely disinterested gaze. "I guess."
Cal was on his feet again. "Tell you what. You eat up like a good girl and maybe there'll be a surprise in it for you." He hoped he wasn't inadvertently lying to her as he gave a grin.
Suspicion laced her expression.
"What? You don't trust me?"
"Is that a trick question?"
"Ouch."
It was her turn to give a grin. Cal watched it light her features, and warm her eyes as she teased, despite the obvious fatigue. So damned close. He'd come so close to losing that warmth, losing her. The realization made him feel weak, exposed. He reached out and trailed his fingers down the cheek that had been ice cold just days ago. Reaching one slightly trembling hand up, she laid her hand over his to still it. "What are you thinking?"
Not immediately answering, he continued to stare at her. Her freckles were very obvious without her make up, giving her the appearance of someone much younger and quite vulnerable. Someone that needed protecting. Of course that wasn't the case. She was one of the strongest people he knew. But even strong people can die. He made a little inadvertent noise in the back of his throat and hoped she didn't notice.
She'd turned her face to kiss his hand, concerned, but patient. His expression showed all of his pent up emotions. All his fear, regrets, worry, love and so much more. It was entirely on display just for her.
"I'm just a little…overwhelmed."
"Tell me about it." Gillian bit back a sob but pulled him toward her to gently touch his face, the stubble prickly under her fingertips. "It's been one hell of a week."
Cal leaned closer and kissed her, the action almost desperate. He felt her clutch at him, tears wet against his face. Pulling back, he gazed into her eyes once again. "I can't even tell you how scared I was. I was trying so hard to bring you back and it didn't…it didn't seem to be working no matter what."
"But it did work."
He shook his head. "I guess when the EMTs took over…"
"No Cal, it was you."
Tilting his head, he looked at her quizzically. "How could you know that?"
"I just do." Her tone and face were adamant.
I saw you cry.
He contemplated that for a moment. "Gill? Is this a second chance?"
"You mean after the stunt you pulled at the hotel?"
Cringing, he had the good sense to appear sheepish. "You remember that now, do you?"
"Bits of it."
"Oh. Well, I guess that, but more in the…bigger sense of things?" Pausing, his eyes dropped and then returned. "I never told you about the nightmare."
Nightmare? Wait. She was reading in the room and he had dozed off after…after they'd participated in some winter activities. Yeah, that's right. He'd never explained why he'd been so upset and she'd let it slide.
"Why don't you tell me now?"
