Standard disclaimers applied. See Chapter 1 for further details.
Author's Note: Lyrics from "Tell Him," sang by Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand. It doesn't belong to me.
I am sorry that this is so late in coming and I apologize in advance for the shortness of this chapter, but it's the best that I came up with at the moment. I don't want you guys to think that I have abandoned the story.
CHAPTER 21: Presence
If anybody had asked her what had transpired within the last 48 to 72 hours, Ann would not be able to give a coherent answer. She felt the world around dissolve in an impenetrable blur. If it wasn't for Frederick's tight hold of her, she probably would have collapsed. Ann was vaguely aware of Frederick's familiar presence on her trip from New Jersey back to Chicago. However, none of the motions clearly registered within her senses, her body going on automatic.
-o-o-
Frederick did not try to hide his worried expression as he swept his eyes down Ann's petite frame. She was sitting in one of the most uncomfortable chairs provided by the hospital. Her hands entwined with one of Auntie's. Her head rested on top of the bed covers. She refused to budge since their arrival three days earlier.
He allowed his thoughts to drift back to that fateful day on the beach. It was one of the rare times that he saw Ann losing complete control of herself. He couldn't blame her. They made a hasty departure with the blessing of their friends. Frederick drove them back to Longbourn while Ann made frantic phone calls back to Chicago. He took it upon himself to make arrangements at work and then called his brother-in-law Stephen Croft, a military man with a pilot license and a plane at his disposal.
In the midst of phone calls, Ann paced the apartment and twirled the locks of hair around her finger. He remembered that as habit that she employed when she was nervous or worried. He couldn't coaxed her to sit down or eat ... sleep was out of the question. The flight was tiring with her borrowing herself into his left shoulder. He didn't mind the closeness and he wished with all his being that he could take away her sadness.
Su Hin was a poor shape. Her heart had been failing her for the past couple years and the heart attack rendered the once-proud woman to a fragile magnolia in a Chicago hospital. Ann broke down into tears at the sight and Frederick had to tear his eyes away from the image.
So, here they were ... Frederick brought most of their stuff to Ann's former home on Kellynch Avenue. He met Ann's father and sister, though the meeting was uncomfortable at best. Frederick had no relations to their daughter. For all Kai-Wing and Faye-Ping knew, he was just a doctor who worked with An-Mei Lee. Still, he lingered around, bringing food and flowers and was very willing to put up with the awkwardness if it meant that he could be there for Ann.
-o-o-
Ann felt a familiar caress on her right cheek. Blinking her weary eyes, she found herself looking into the concerned eyes of Auntie. "Mei Mei. You push yourself too much."
"Oh Auntie. I was so scared."
"Precious little Mei Mei."
"Not so little now, Auntie."
"Still precious to me ... and to him too."
Ann was taken aback at the surprised admission. Glancing around the room, she found that Frederick had taken resident in the other chair in the room. His long legs was placed in a peculiar fashion as if he could not find a comfortable position to stretch them out. She thought about the last few days he had been a constant by her side, ever so strong and unwavering. He had taken turns with visiting the hospital and allowing time and space for her and her family. She couldn't imagine the means that he went through to be with her.
"Auntie."
"Actions speak louder than words, Mei Mei."
"I know, Auntie."
"I am getting too old for my age to see clearly, Mei Mei. All I ever wanted was happiness for you, but this man, he knows your heart."
Love
is light that surely glow
In
the hearts of those who know
It's
a steady flame that grows
"Love will be the gift you give yourself ..."
End of Chapter 21