Chapter 29

Kristin was about to tell him that she loved him back, that she never stopped loving him. "Oh, Nathan, I-"

But, her thoughts were cut short as Jasmine and Lucas came into the room. "Oh, Mom, you're awake," Jasmine said as she bent over to hug her mother.

Kristin tried not to look dejected as she hugged her daughter. Of course, she was happy for the reunion, but the timing couldn't have been any worse. She shot a glance at Nathan as if to say, "I'm sorry."

"Uh, I guess I'll see you later," Nathan said.

Kristin nodded. "Alright," she said, although she didn't want him to go.

"How are you feeling, Mom?" Jasmine asked, as Nathan left.

"I'm doing better than I was," Kristin replied. Then she asked, "Am I going to get a lecture?"

"What do you think?" Jasmine asked seriously. "It would have been nice to know what was going on. Perhaps if I had, then, it would not have been such a surprise. I thought we always said we weren't going to keep secrets from each other."

"We did," Kristin said. "I meant to tell you, but I-"

"And instead you told him?" Jasmine said, motioning towards Lucas. "And you told him not to tell me, his girlfriend. How can he and I have a relationship based on trust if you won't let that happen?"

Lucas felt very uncomfortable. "Uh, m-maybe I should leave you two alone?" He eased towards the door, but neither of the two women answered him as Kristin said,"Jasmine, I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional, and, believe me, I've learned my lesson." Lucas didn't wait for an answer; he used his judgment and left, realizing this conversation was between mother and daughter, and he didn't need to be witness to it.

"I didn't come here to yell at you, Mother. I just wish you'd be honest with me; I mean, what kind of position did you put Lucas in?"

"I suppose it wasn't fair to him. I'm sorry, Lucas," Kristin said, not realizing he'd left. "Lucas?" she said.

Jasmine laughed. "I think we scared him off."

"He probably thought it was going to be a war," Kristin said. "You'll talk to him, won't you?"

Jasmine nodded. "But, first, I want to talk with you."

"I'd like that," Kristin said with a smile. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too. What would you like to talk about?"

"Well, I just wanted you to know you have my blessing."

"What?" Kristin asked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Uncle Nathan and I had a talk last night, and I've forgiven him. I think he really is sorry, and I think he has more than made up for the mistake. I mean, he did save your life. So, I thought I'd let you know that you're free to do what you like and that I approve."

Kristin laughed a bit, then winced in pain. "Mom?" Jasmine asked in alarm.

"It's alright," Kristin said, holding up her hand to assure her daughter that she was fine. "It just hurts to laugh. You never were one to beat about the bush, were you?"

Jasmine shook her head. "I wonder who I get that from?" she said suggestively.

"I have no idea," Kristin said innocently. Then, after a slight pause, she said, "Thank you for your blessing."

"Do you still love him?" Jasmine asked.

Kristin nodded.

"So, what are you going to do?"

Kristin sighed. "I'm not exactly sure. I mean, I can't exactly tell Nathan to tell Dr. Smith to leave. She's a good doctor, you know."

Jasmine nodded. "Yes, she is. She and I talked a bit. She's very intuitive."

"I'm sure they could find you a job here," Jasmine said.

"Well, we'll just cross that bridge when we get there. First, I need to get better."

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As the day went on, Kristin had scores of visitors. Cynthia arrived later that morning; Lucas came back to see her after Jasmine told him the coast was clear and there would be no arguing; all the scientists from the Manifest came to see her. Crew members that were on the first tour with Kristin came to see her as well. In fact, Kristin saw everyone that day...except Nathan. After so many visitors, Kristin was exhausted. In fact, by the time Nathan came to see her, she was sleeping peacefully. Nathan didn't have the heart to wake her.

He leaned over, kissed her on the cheek, and whispered, "Hi, Sweetheart. I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner." As Nathan went to sit down in the chair, he saw Kristin's eyelids flutter open as she looked at him sleepily. "Hey," he said, "I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's alright," Kristin replied. "I'm glad to see you."

"Oh?" Nathan asked. "Why is that?"

"Because we need to talk," Kristin said, trying to sit up.

Nathan noticed what she was doing and said, "Let me help you."

"Thank you," Kristin said. Then she said, "I guess I need to get used to you taking care of me."

"What?" Nathan asked.

"I have an answer for you, Nathan. I love you with all my heart. I've always loved you, and I never stopped," Kristin answered, almost in tears. "I don't want to be away from you anymore."

Nathan responded by kissing her passionately on the lips. After several lingering moments, he broke the kiss. "Do you know how long I've been waiting to hear you say that?"

Kristin nodded. "About as long as I've been waiting to say it," she said. "There's just one problem."

"What's that?" Nathan asked.

"Well, you can't just fire Wendy. When I'm all better, I'll have to leave, and we'll be back where we were before," Kristin said.

"I'll pull some strings," Nathan said. "Don't worry. It will all work out." And he kissed her passionately once again.