Jess lay in a hospital bed with Stan vigilantly watching over her. Ben had checked on them both before going two doors down to Ray's room to tell him about what had just transpired in the home of Michael Parkes. Her face was pale and Stan couldn't help but think of how vulnerable and defenceless she looked. He thought back to hearing her yelling obscenities at the man whom she had so obviously been close friends with and wondered how much did he actually do to her while he held her captive. If Ray had actually seen what he had done to her and reacted the way he did, it must have been fairly intense.
Jess shifted slightly before opening her eyes. Green eyes met blue..."Again?"
"Huh?"
"This is the second time I've woken up seeing your face."
"Actually, it's the third."
"That's not counted. It was involuntarily."
Though the subject was vague, both Stan and Jess knew what he was referring to.
"Uh...Jess, there's something I have to tell you. Michael..." Jess flinched at the mention of his name, "he's...uh...dead."
He watched as a myriad of emotions played across her face. He saw sadness, relief and anger before it all gave way to confusion. She thought for a moment before she spoke, "I...I don't know what to feel. He was my friend for so long...and it was all destroyed in a matter of days. I still can't believe it. Everything our relationship was built up on, came crashing down and I couldn't stop it. Now, I don't know whether to feel sad because I've lost one of my best friends or relieved because he can't hurt me anymore." Tears welled in her eyes before flowing down her cheeks. "You know the worst thing?"
Stan didn't dare to speak. "The worst thing is that my confusion makes me so angry." She didn't try to hide the tears which now flowed freely. She turned away from Stan who sensed that she needed some time to sort out her emotions.
"I'll...uh...go get a cup of coffee." He said nervously before leaving the room.
Stan closed the door behind him. He leaned against it with his head tilted back and his eyes closed. His heart went out to the woman who lay in the bed. It tore him up to see her like that. He turned to look at the door once more before leaving his post.
Stan found a coffee machine and retrieved his coffee. He extracted his supply of Smarties from his pocket and counted six into his coffee. He then threw in a few more, he needed it. Taking a sip, he turned and headed towards Ray's room.
When he reached it, he found Ben and Ray deep in conversation. They both turned to the doorway and looked at him when he entered. Ray looked exhausted.
"Hey."
"Hey, Kowalski. We were just discussing..."
"Yeah, I would imagine."
"So, is Jess asleep?"
"No, she...uh...she didn't take the news very well."
"Oh."
"Oh dear."
"Benny, can you give us a minute?"
"Of course, Ray. I'll wait outside." Ben left the room as Stan sat down in Ben's recently vacated chair.
"Why aren't you in there comforting her?"
"Well, I thought she could use some time to think. You know, get her thoughts sorted out. Besides, can't a guy come and say, 'hello' to his partner?"
"Sure, but not when there's a lady in need of your support."
"It's not that simple..."
"Yes, it is. You did it once, you can do it again."
"I suppose...wait a second, she told you about that?"
"Yeah. She needs you more than either of you know it and if you don't get your skinny ass back into her room, I will get out of this bed and drag you there myself. You're her lifeline, don't let her drift so far away that she can't pull herself back."
Stan thought for a moment before getting up and heading towards the door. "You know, you're full of crap...but I'll believe you." He paused. "Thanks, Ray." He added as an afterthought.