Denise didn't wake up for four days. Her body ached like she'd been run over by an eighteen- wheeler. Her eyes stung as she opened them, but she immediately saw Claudia Joy by her side. She smiled softly, realizing her friend was fast asleep.
"She hasn't left your side for four days," Roland said, standing in the doorway.
"I've been knocked out for four days?" Denise asked in shock.
"You were beat up pretty bad, Denise. We were all worried you weren't coming back to us," he said.
She nodded and looked down at Claudia Joy once more. "You said she's been here the whole time? That's surprising to me."
"She hasn't left your side from the moment they brought you out of recovery."
"Can I have a moment alone with her Roland?" Denise asked, not wanting Roland to see her tears.
"Oh sure, but just so you know Roxy and Pamela are out here too. I'll check on you in a bit."
"Thanks Roland," she said and waited for him to shut the door, then walk away before shaking Claudia Joy gently. "Claudia Joy, wake up."
After a minute, she lifted her head and wiped the sleep from her eyes. For a split second, Denise thought Claudia Joy would kiss her, but she realized it was just more dreaming on her part.
"Denise!" Claudia Joy cried, then stood up and threw her arms around her. "I thought I'd lost you! I was so worried!"
Denise closed her eyes, burying her face in her friend's hair, and enjoying this brief moment of tenderness. "No, never. I'm okay. I'm surprised you're here though."
"Why wouldn't I be here Denise?" Claudia Joy asked, taking a step back.
There was a long moment where Denise couldn't bring herself to utter the words again, it had hurt so much the first time when Claudia Joy rejected her, and she couldn't do it again. "Because," she said softly. "Because of my confession a few days ago."
Claudia Joy sighed and sat back down beside her, taking her hand. "That's not fair Denise. You're my best friend and I love you. Regardless of what happened or things said, there's nowhere else in the world I would be right now. You know that."
Tears fill Denise's eyes and she looks up to meet Claudia Joy's gaze. "I don't want to lose you."
"You are never going to lose me," Claudia Joy told her. "There's nothing that will ever come between us Denise…never."
Denise squeezed her hand. "I really hope that's true. I feel like we just found a way to get beyond all the drama with Jackie."
She could see Claudia Joy sigh deeply. "We did honestly, but that even when we're having problems it doesn't change how much I love you, how much I've always loved you."
Something made Denise look up at Claudia Joy. The tone in her voice was different, almost scared. When she met her friend's gaze, Claudia Joy was staring at her. "It sounds like you're trying to tell me something Claudia Joy. Please just say it."
She watched Claudia Joy move to sit on the bed and take both of her hands once more. "You didn't hear me when you were still unconscious, did you?" Claudia Joy asked, rubbing the back of Denise's hand.
"If I did, I don't remember what you said. Why?" Denise asked. She could see something was really eating at Claudia Joy. "Whatever it is, just tell me."
Claudia Joy smiled at her. "Denise…I…" She trailed off. Denise to see Claudia Joy was struggling with whatever it was and that only made her more nervous. The woman took a few deep breaths before reaching up and stroking Denise's cheek.
"Claudia Joy-"
"Shh…" Claudia Joy whispered as she leaned forward and pressed her lips against Denise's, kissing her deeply.
Denise gasped, but returned the kiss without hesitation, only pulling back when she needed air.
Claudia Joy smiled at her. "I love you too Denise, I love you too."