Chapter 35

"Tyus, the Doctor has just left." Dr Estrada greeted him as he walked into her hospital room; she noticed he looked at the unoccupied bed. "My husband will be moved in later today he's coming on well, so am I thank you."

"Good." Tyus said with a smile. "I watched the doctor leave" he paused and asked giving her the chance to refuse him. "I come as a friend in need of a chat …. if that's all right?"

Dr Estrada laughed carefully she was still very sore, nodded and said. "Just remember to talk about the weather if he comes back … I'm restricted to pleasant thoughts only." and sighed adding "It's strange talking to the shrink."

Tyus looked puzzled knowing she'd talked to many shrinks in the past.

She smiled and explained a little guiltily. "He told me off for answering his questions before he could ask them; you know it took all the fun out of the whole thing." She turned serious and eyed him as a knowing doctor to doctor and added gently. "So as friend to friend how is Ben doing?"

Tyus laughed at her explanation wondering if it would affect the way she dealt with patients now and thought for a moment trying to decide where to start. She was right in her assumption that Ben was the reason he had come two floors up on the off chance of a chat. He decided and said "Umm up until this morning coming on nicely... No …. Come to think of it … last night was the start of my real doubts, niggles I suppose you'd call them."

Dr Estrada looked thoughtful for a moment then said. "So, he's slipped into young isolated Ben flattened by Derek mode rather than Ben of earlier this year who started to talk and trust friends and family."

Tyus nodded realising that was a way of putting it.

She gave a gentle nod to herself as she pondered. - She knew what she would say was the obvious as far as Tyus was concerned. But he had asked for help so he needed another's input off the record but one he could trust. She also knew she had to avoid becoming the doctor giving judgement on Ben. There was a fine but deep line, which had been drawn, he was and never would be her patient and she would not cross it even in Ben's absence.

So she decided she would have to ponder further out loud and let Tyus pick up what he wanted and said. "It is possible his shutdown started before the shooting … because of the trial and regardless of Meg's and others help … it's … I suppose you could say second nature to him … did it as a child and as a teenager … so was starting again. Then of course there's shooting … that came right on top of it … no time to readjust to his new old self if you understand what I mean. … …

Now of course he'll feel guilty because Meg's life was threatened and other people have been killed and hurt. … Thanks to Derek's attitude towards him he's always taken on the blame for his brother's actions. … … Ben will, of course, be mourning his brother's death regardless of their past more so as he's a twin."

She paused suddenly realising a possibility then carried on slowly wanting to sort this out first. "That must feel like a double edged sword … perhaps he just needs isolation to regroup and come out … as the Ben we've come to know. … I don't mean total isolation he needs and even appreciates people around him even if he is not communicating with them completely at the moment." She looked at Tyus and said. "I understand Meg's expecting a baby."

Tyus smiled and nodded confirmation glad she was keeping this friend to friend and said. "They found out the day the trial ended as you can imagine they were over the moon about it. He lost that isolated Ben feeling completely and was back to the new confidant Ben we had before the trial. They wanted it kept quiet so they could tell family and close friends first it obviously got out as it got told.

They were celebrating when the met Derek. No warning no one could contact them I suppose it could have knocked him back into childhood Ben. I mean I expected some effect and I thought he was coping with it until I saw the shutters come down yesterday evening.

Casey was with him … machine went off so I came in there was an added withdrawal in him. Casey thought it was tiredness I did wonder if it was a reaction to the fact he knew most people are … well pleased Derek is dead."

Dr Estrada nodded her understanding and let him carry on. "As you said double-edged sword for him he's lost someone close to him as a twin, in spite of everything he wanted him kept alive and alive there might have been a chance of getting something back. Then again he might also feel a little relieved that the danger could never happen again. But Casey had not been talking about Derek … perhaps it was his avoidance of it that set Ben off."

He stopped for a moment wanting to make sure she understood the medical side. "Yes Ben is still in shock from the shooting … on antibiotics and painkillers. He is calm when alone so he's been resting, which is what he needs. As you expect the visitors are close family including Casey but I've had to stop them after five minutes sometimes shorter because the monitor has flashed and he's needed sedating."

He smiled at her look. "I've checked the machine that's okay. He's never shown distress himself like a cry of pain, no sign of flash back, which I would have expected … he knows how to handle them and I don't think he is suppressing them. He is unwilling or unable to explain what is wrong. It's happened when I've checked him or tried to talk to him. He's not reacted angrily to anything just withdrawn and accepts the sedation; possibly it's what he wanted. …

I know from the visitors they were not on any touchy subject either, just general happenings of the day I suppose that could be a touchy subject when you've just faced death again. I also wondered if the room was a fault he was in it when Derek played tricks before but I don't think so he knows he is safe now and to be honest there's not much different from the other two rooms."

Tyus paused for a moment. Dr Estrada gave an understanding smile she knew her husband and herself were the reasons Ben had to be that room and not the others.

He sighed as he carried on. "This morning things changed for the worst Meg called in to see him before going to the shop and he pretended to be asleep I know he was a wake because I had just left him. I could not call him a liar so I told her he had been a bit sleepy when I left him and to call just after his lunch time. … Meg is the last person I would have thought he would have played tricks on. They trust each other so much. … … I had already decided he needed a chat with Ricardo, so I kept to that plan, Ben needed to know what happened that night and they both know each other well enough to speak the truth or let rip if that's what Ben needed.

Ben even bucked up when I told him about the visit and I stayed outside and watched the monitor, which bleeped a warning a couple of times when he showed agitation but not like before and I thought he controlled it well. There was no explosion of anger from either of them and when Ricardo left he told me Ben listened and took part more like his old self asked after Gabi and Maria, etc. But he said Ben was quiet towards the end and thought it was tiredness and mourning Derek. To be honest Ricardo had benefited from that visit there was less guilt around him, by the time I got back to Ben's room he was lying on his side resting so I stayed outside kept and eye on the monitor at the desk, eventually he drifted to sleep till lunch.

He paused for a moment in case she wanted to come in and then carried on. "I decided to let the nurse take in lunch and see him straight away afterwards but before Meg came. When I went in he was really quiet, unfortunately I had to tell him Meg did not know when she would see him as she had been called away and she would explain everything when she came. He accepted it without question and I expected to stay and chat I hoped he would open up about the morning or Ricardo's visit. But no I was dismissed by his quietness. …. It's difficult to explain it I know he can be quiet but this was very different, the shutters were down in a way I've never seen before; it wasn't a hostile quietness though, so I don't think he was angry at anyone.

That was when the niggle I had been getting went into overdrive I know I've missed something, something which, may seem small to me and his family and friends but is huge for him. To be honest he's drowning and no one can give him a rope."

Dr Estrada nodded remembering the hostile quietness she had received from Ben in the cell room many months ago and said. "Umm, Okay so he's not talked about the night of the shooting before not even as he's drifted to sleep."

Tyus thought back and said. "No but that's not surprising he would not want to bring it up with Meg as she was distressed, his relationship with Hank I would have thought was good enough to talk about it, certainly with Casey but those visits have been ended quickly with sedation. I also considered he might have been trying to prove to us he was recovering, sort of get out here quick but flashes of anger were getting through as he talked to people and that was why he was calmer when he was alone. … It's this total shut down just after he should have had the benefit of talking to Ricardo that I don't understand, it has to be something other than the shooting but still part of it." He smiled "If you see what I mean."

Dr Estrada nodded and thought for a moment, she needed to guide Tyus in the right direction in case she was totally wrong; Ben after all was such a complicated man with so many shields to hide his true feelings or fears and said gently. "You know he's not likely to hit the roof over of what has happened … he is scared everyone will say he as finally shown his true colours … react as his brother would. We know Derek would explode in temper then plan his revenge where as Ben as the quiet put up on twin, tries to help everyone, sometimes to hide his own pain, but mainly because that is just how he is.

Don't get me wrong Ben has a temper and you would not want to be on the receiving end of it but he would not aim it people chuck a few things around perhaps or he would let it give him strength to defend himself but not hurt people like Derek did."

Tyus sighed because if confirmed some of his fears that Ben was bottling something up and if it was anger that was bad and said. "But we know he is not Derek nor likely to be even if he has got the same DNA."

"And faults in the genes." Dr Estrada added quietly. Tyus nodded understanding what she was saying as she carried on. "The Jury restricted access to Benjy believing Ben would become Derek because he is his identical twin and had the same up bringing. The manner of Derek's death has made a big difference."

Tyus looked at her and exclaimed. "Damn! … No!"

Dr Estrada nodded knowing Tyus understood her meaning now and added gently. "Ben will walk away from everything here rather than have his child taken away from Meg, no matter how much pain it will cause him. He believes the court will think he as the father will tip their child into being like Derek. … After all a child is influenced by his father …and Ben has to overcome his brother's influences as well. … In his mind he knows he managed to survive four months with out her in the basement … though must have been hell but he did it … he knows she will have family around her and the court will accept that … it's knowing she … no … they are safe … that will enable him carry on living away from them with possibly no contact or very little till adulthood."

Tyus's pager bleeped as she finished her words he looked at it and swore, "Damn! The blasted man!"

Dr Estrada looked at him and he realised he had said it out loud and hastily explained. "Not Ben! …The Judge from the court case has arrived with an order from the Family Court to see Ben. … Hell! … Meg must have been called to the family court that's why she said she would explain everything later. Can't be good news!"

He got up and added. "That's all Ben can see is them taking his child away. Of course he will damn well walk … now before the baby starts to show not at the birth that would be too painful for all of them. I've got to go and stop him … find another way."

Dr. Estrada called out to him as he was leaving. "Tyus! Ben must have control of what he does. If needs be let him go but keep track of him."

Tyus stopped at the doorway for a second "Yeah but we all need him here, he's no longer on his own but I don't think he understands that either!" He turned to walk away and raised his voice. "Hold that lift!"

Dr Estrada rested her head against the pillows and pressed the buzzer for the nurse, perhaps there was a way she could help.

oxoxo

Tyus came out of the lift and saw the Judge standing in the doorway to Ben's room and heard the monitor at the station was beeping more frequently. He waved the nurse to stay at the station and walked quietly nearer the room so he could hear what was going on, but not be seen. He knew he could not just charge in, the Judge could bar him and Dr Estrada was right Ben needed to take control if he could, he calmed himself and waited.

oxoxo

Ben screwed the piece of paper up and dropped it with the others; he knew what he had to do just could not put it down on paper. Ever since he had been able to think clearly he knew no court would want him near any child after Derek's angry exit and no way was he going to make Meg choose between him and keeping their baby.

But how do you say goodbye with out hurting the one you love, he could not leave it any longer that would be too cruel on both of them. She would have her family beside her that would be good for both of them. He knew his performance this morning would have worried her just as her absence this afternoon made him realise the courts were sealing his fate especially now everyone knew about their baby. She would want to be there when the news was broken to him not have a stranger break it to him.

He started again the ache from his wounds and his heart made him stop after his first words. "Dear Soulmate.

The Judge gently knocked on the doorframe Ben looked up and shivered the machine beside him gave several more warning beeps and he knew now it would not be a stranger. … at least she would be saved the pain and wondered if Tyus would come swooping in and save him as he had unknowingly every time his mind had focused on the future without his family and friends.

He knew and understood how people felt about his brother's death, he was mourning his loss and accepted their sympathy for him but it was the moving on without them, which seemed insurmountable so he silently asked for the darkness Tyus gave him with the sedation.

"Judge." He said quietly making sure he was really seeing him and it was not his imagination. As the Judge came one step further into the room Ben knew he was real and realised that he could ask the Judge to see Meg for him, it would be better than a piece of paper after all that was why he was here to save her the pain of telling him. Perhaps they had already stopped her ... he would get himself moved immediately then.

The Judge gave a nod of acknowledgment and did not miss the strained look, the screwed up paper on the bed nor the monitor's extra beeps and said gently. "Ben glad to see you are looking better. Should I get Tyus in here … we need to talk."

The beeping went high then steadied just a fraction; Ben hated the feeling of powerlessness the room gave him. It was like all the other small rooms in his life were other people had the power as well as his brother's legacy. He needed to stop it now take action not listen to the Judge tell him about the end or kid himself he could start again.

He coughed to clear the lump that had formed in his throat before he could speak and when he spoke he was surprised how clear his voice sounded. "No, he'll come flying in here and knock me out if things get bad … delay everything …I don't want that.

I know the Court will take my child away from Meg if I stay with her and stop me from seeing him or her anyway. Especially after Derek's escape and breakdown … I suppose that's what you call it … … I have his DNA and his flaws … unfortunately he or she will most probably have them too, but without me around should grow up normal. … I'm not going to let Meg have to make the choice between us so I need you to sign or witness my signature on any papers that make sure she keeps our baby."

He shivered again as he said the words 'our baby' saying him or her made it all a little unreal, kept him one step away if that was possible but not giving the Judge time to jump in he carried on he could do it now he'd started. "If it means a divorce then I need to do it now before she comes back from the Court. She could not tell me that's where she's been.

You can find me a new hospital to go to, complete break now not later. I'll stand by her financially but leave the area, Country if needs be, I can do it done it before, she'll have Joan and Hank's help and the child will have a stable upbringing. … I was trying to write her letter … couldn't … perhaps after I've gone you could tell her I care for her but this is the only way. …" Ben stopped hardly breathing it all hurt too much, he did not look away from the Judge just waited for the confirmation.

The Judge felt stunned, he had been watching Ben with concern he could hear the heartbreak in Ben's voice and in his words he knew he had been working things out for a while – trying so hard to protect the people he loved and was willing to die for.

He sat on the chair beside him and said gently but with some force to penetrate Ben's thoughts. "Ben, there is no need to get you out of here even if I could … I've just come from the Family Court they have no intention of taking your baby away from you or Meg or making you walk away from Meg."

Ben closed his eyes as the Judge's words started to sink in, the machine was beeping quicker and off key. Tyus appeared in the door way, he had heard everything including the Judge's reply although it had all been faint and he knew he couldn't reveal that he knew so he just stated. "Sir. Ben needs to rest now."

Without taking his eyes off Ben the Judge said in an equally official tone. "Tyus … Ben needs to hear this so he can rest. You can stay if you wish. It concerns his wife and unborn baby." Only then did the Judge move so he could see both of them.

Tyus looked at both of them and asked. "Do you want me to stay Ben?"

Ben opened his eyes but could not speak so nodded.

Tyus moved just in side the room the Judge nodded and started. "I came here ahead of the others at Samantha's request; she is the head Judge at the Family Court. I and the other Judges," He hesitated and took the risk having spoken to Ricardo but didn't want that revealed and added. "If you've talked to Ricardo you know our nicknames. " He saw Ben's nodded and gave a smile and carried on. "Well we appointed ourselves as your representative. We reckoned as we knew you, had dealings with Derek and know the law we could clear this up as soon as possible and not let it hang over you. But I can see I was wrong on that point you've obviously thought about it a lot.

Samantha is interviewing Meg and her parents, she wanted to see you as well but it is impossible as there is another emergency concerning a family, which needs her immediate attention. If you want to say anything I will take it back to her and she will see you as soon as she can. We discussed everything including Derek's death and its implications."

He paused so Ben could take it in and when the monitor steadied slightly he carried on. "Yes you have the same DNA but not the same way of looking at things and that is an important difference. The order will not be lifted but will be modified you can care for your child in everyway possible but someone will have to be around. Meg and her parents and I believe John and Mary are going to act as carers and a doctor will see the child as he or she grows up. Outside care will only be used if trust is broken."

After a moment Ben said shakily his mind spinning. "What about taking him or her for walks and their friends at parties, can I be in the room alone with them, driving them to school. What if Meg or her parents die he or she will be taken away from me I can't …" He could not carry on.

The Judge realised his worries and memories and said firmly but gently. "Ben I can't give you promises for the future you of all people know that. I believe you will be a safe and loving parent and yes you can be in a room alone with a child or children for a short time. You will be able to walk your child but you will need someone with you same with lifts, no sudden day outs or holidays on a whim.

Things will be discussed and sorted out you can always go back to the court for a chat without getting in to trouble. They are concerned about the build up of pressure being a breaking point; no one is going to pounce on you; the last thing they want is family break up. I understand you have already relaxed your business stress."

Ben nodded and closed his eyes with relief and some understanding. He had put a safety blanket round Benjy they were doing the same for him and their child. The monitor still bleeped but was now at a slower nearly a normal rate.

The judge carried on gently, reassuringly. "You have friends who will help if you should lose Meg and her parents. There is always Sara and Casey possibly Ricardo and Gabi and of course you're other close friends." He smiled remembering, how this quiet man always seemed surprised that he should have so many friends and wondered if he realised just how many had stood beside him that night, … perhaps he should be the one to tell him and started gently.

"On the night Derek shot you my wife and I were in the Deep. We thought we would have a quiet night out no one would recognise us … oh we were so wrong … the banter was all good. Although it was early and we had not booked Dave asked if we would like a meal … we said yes and an available table seemed to come out of nowhere. I insisted on paying of course and everything was good service quick; there was a ripple of excitement as people came in saying something was happening on the other side of town. Then there was a warning Derek was around and you were not there and everyone was edgy for your safety but knew the police would find you.

We like many others were dancing and suddenly there was silence. It had taken one person to say you had been shot and everything stopped. No one knew if you were alive or not.

With the ripple of shock went the thought of grouping together, everyone wanting to somehow give you support and get information so we all went out onto the beach. It was after all the place you liked best. Others joined us with candles and flowers they were from all over town; we prayed and talked about you and your love for this town and Meg and waited for news.

Dave made a point of coming up to me telling me it was not my fault that things had gone wrong. In a way him saying that made me realise he was right, but I did feel guilty still do as I knew of your fears along with my own of that morning after I seeing them … I should have been there and checked everything. I'm sorry I didn't."

Ben looked at him in shock, and tried to say "Not your fault." the words failed but the Judge understood and nodded acceptance, there was only one person who was at fault and he was dead.

As the Judge had finished speaking Tyus had quietly moved over to the side table and found the paper Meg had brought in that morning. He knew Ben had not looked at it and found the photo of Ben and Meg on the front page with the photos and articles regarding the vigil another page. He separated the pages and folded them then put the on the bed in front of Ben so he could look at them and said gently. "We could not show you them before, we should have over ridden the monitor and somehow made you understand what you mean to us all now."

Ben looked at them without a word, the monitor showing his distress/surprise.

The Judge carried on gently. "Flowers that were laid outside the Deep and outside your house have been brought into the reception area here and around the hospital with a note of thanks from Meg on your behalf. We all stayed around till we knew you were safe. You will never be alone if something happens to your family nor will they if something happens to you. Your not the lone child anymore Ben.

The monitor was going full pelt as Ben nodded, gave a shaky smile he could feel tears falling as he saw the photos and read the articles realising just how many people stayed for him, it was not just he close friends, he remembered something about cards as well. Tyus came forward towards the drip and said gently. "Ben you need to sleep … Meg will be here when you wake."

Ben said quietly to the Judge as Tyus started put the drug in IV. "Thanks … can you get me out this room."

The Judge smiled as Ben carried on starting to get sleepy "I hate small rooms."

Tyus was quick to come back, but gently "I hate this thing going off so you keep it quiet and you can have a different room.

"With a view." Came the slurred sleepy reply.

Tyus's reply was lost as Meg rushed into the room calling Ben's name, looking at daggers at the Judge and Doctor her eyes glistening with anger; all the bad memories of Ben in hospital rooms came flooding back to her as she'd seen the scene.

The Judge stepped back out of her way and got ready to leave.

Meg took hold of Ben's hand and had his sleepy concentration as he tried to say something she ignored it and said gently. "I'll be here when you wake Ben."

He nodded and was a sleep; the monitor was back to normal.

Meg could see his tears and looked at the Judge and Tyus her voice showed all her anger as she exclaimed. "Well!!"

Tyus gave a slight smile and said putting things together. "Guess Dr Estrada rang the Court."

Meg was surprised by his reply and his smile and felt some of the fear leave her. No one was rushing around with oxygen masks so things could not be so bad and said sharply not letting anyone off the hook. "Only a note to say Ben needed me immediately … the police officer gave me a fast lift. … … I expected him to be angry about the restrictions but not this Tyus! I could hear the monitor halfway down the corridor and the nurse out there is having kittens!"

Tyus nodded and silently picked up the pieces of paper Ben had screwed up as well as the newspaper and gently guided her away from the bed and explained what had been happening. The Judge followed ready to explain as well if necessary and Meg listened watching her Soulmate sleeping peacefully. When they were near the doorway Tyus put the letters in the bin and the newspaper on the side then allowed Meg on last look back before they all left the room.

As she came into the corridor she focused on Tyus words as the rest sunk in. "…I will be moving him to his new room tomorrow he will have to take the monitor etc with him though. He's going to sleep for about an hour so go and have a drink etc and see him later. … Everything sorted at the court?"

Meg stayed silent feeling a shiver go through her. - She never thought they might be split up because of Derek's actions as far as she was concerned everything would be all right. Especially as Derek was dead he could not threaten them in the future and they would bring their baby up together with a few safeguards. But Ben had seen it and wanted to spare her the pain of even thinking about it and tried to keep things normal.

She had only realised that the court could do it when the Family Judge had mentioned the earlier debate in Court and explained her conclusions. After that she and her parents had started interviews with the Family Judge and then the message came and she had rushed out of court to be with him.

She sighed and looked at Tyus and said. "Mum and Dad are finishing things up for me I think the Judge was a bit surprised by my rushed exit." She turned to the Judge who was walking silently with them and said calmly all anger gone now. "Thank you for helping I understand you were the one who stopped the complete ban on him being with us."

The Judge nodded and added. "Samantha is very wise and would have come to the same conclusion I wanted it done quickly without troubling Ben. No doubt Ben or Ricardo will explain our nickname of the three wise monkeys and we will be around for either of you officially or as friends. Samantha by the way is the Wise Owl she has one on her desk, we tend to drop the Old part as she is the youngest."

Meg smiled, and put a hand on his arm and they stopped and she said softly her eyes glistening as she felt at ease with him. "On the journey over I realised if she told me I had to leave my baby with my parents or Sara and Casey to be brought up I would do it. I don't want to be without Ben ever again, that is not because he nearly died for me either. He is part of me as I am part of him. I only wish I realised it at the very beginning when he tried to tell me I was special to him."

The Judge looked at her with a smile seeing the truth in her eyes and said quietly. "He would have found it difficult to let you make that sacrifice. I think he would have accepted eventually though. I admire the love you have for each other; your child is so lucky Meg." He put his hand on hers then nodded to Tyus and left them.

Meg smiled and turned to Tyus and said. "Thank you, I guess I could get that drink … an hour before he wakes?"

Tyus nodded and added "If you come back earlier we can have a chat, if not we don't manage to see each other then remember he will feel guilty about trying to go solo."

Meg gave a gentle laugh "I guess we all forget its his natural instinct is to try it solo. See you in a while then."

Tyus watched her walk away then steeled himself to turn back towards the nurses station where he knew there would be one very cross looking nurse and wondered who ever thought the doctors ran the hospital. He looked at her as he walked towards her 'Oops on your knees Tyus my lad' and gave a gentle smile and raised his hands in submission.

The nurse watched him come towards her, she noted the monitor was steady and her own heart was steadying down, she noted Tyus's act and started to thaw – he was the best doctor around always tried to help …

"What were you trying to do give me heart failure as well!" She said as she shook her head and tried to keep her stern expression but found a slow smile forming matching his.

"Sorry about that … a cup of coffee while I explain what happened." Tyus said as he reached the desk and pointed over to the staff coffee machine.

She nodded and watched him go over to the machine and set two cups, knowing not every doctor would do that or explain completely.

oxoxo

Meg watched her Soulmate gradually wake and called his name as he opened his eyes, he looked at her silently getting his sluggish thoughts in order the events replaying in his mind her smile calmed his fears.

Ben's voice was husky as he spoke, never taking his eyes off her. "I'm sorry."

She held his hand and gently squeezed it and said gently. "It would not have worked. I love you too much."

He kept quiet watching her as she carried on seeing her smile reaching her eyes and soul showing just how much she loved him. "The moment you left I would have had your picture and name splashed across everything I could find, ports, airports, papers, television and internet with the message to come home your wife and unborn baby needed you." She kissed his hand still watching him, and carried on. "If that did not work I would have sent Ricardo and Dad after you."

"Really?" At her giggle and nod he broke into a smile, which showed his love for her.

Meg felt his hand gently lift hers to his lips, his dark eyes watching her as he kissed her hand and brushed it against his face and then he admitted. "Guess they would have found me pretty soon because I don't think I could have gone very far."

She nodded and said softly. "Promise me you will talk to me no matter what?" She knew now that fear was out the way he would suffer flash backs and dreams.

He let her have her hand back, suddenly feeling tired and knew it was reaction from everything – they were safe he would stay and said truthfully. "Try to as long as you do as well. I love you no matter what happens."

She smiled nodding not taking her eyes off him as Tyus came into the room and knew she would have to leave and said with all her heart. "Always."

Ben looked at her it was such a simple word but the way she said it to him meant everything they would be all right. He only just caught her other words. "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon sometime Tyus needs you to rest if he is to move you out of here."

He gave a nod.

She got up and kissed him properly this time, as they parted he slowly let her hand slide out from his, his eyes on her he said very gently "Always" back to her. She felt his love for her nearly over whelm her, she smiled and touched his hand again then turned and walked towards the door, at the door she turned back to him with a smile and wave before leaving him.

Tyus sat for a while beside Ben watching him carefully after she had gone then said. "If you start having flash backs press the buzzer and the nurse will give you something to stop them other wise just let things drift till tea time. I'll put the CDs on if you would like." Ben nodded as Tyus carried on. "Your readings are still high they need to come down. If you need to talk just call and I'll be around, should have remembered you were a loner."

Ben smiled "Not your fault if it is taking me a while to realise I have a family and friends I can trust, thank you."

Tyus nodded and left him with soft music filling the room, knowing things would improve now.