CHAPTER 2
As Jeremy and Jason approach the clinic, Jeremy stops when he sees the large crowd of people standing outside. "So this is where everyone is. They're here for Candy?" Jeremy asks with a lump in his throat.
"Yes Jeremy, they are. Seattle loves Candy and they want to be here when she wakes up," replies Jason. "Come on, let's go in the back way."
Entering the clinic, they see Allyn coming out of her office. "Allyn! How's Candy? Where is she?" Jeremy shouts as he hurries over to her.
"Shh! Not so loud," Allyn says. "Jeremy, I'm so glad you're back, but I'm sorry you have to come home to this. Candy is stable, but she hasn't woken up yet. Maybe you can talk to her and she'll finally open those eyes."
"I'll try my best. Where is she?"
"Come on. She's right down the hall," Allyn states as she shows Jeremy to Candy's room. "Jeremy, you need to prepare yourself for Candy's appearance. She is badly bruised and swollen."
"I don't care how she looks, I just need to be with her."
"All right, go on in. If she should come to, please let me know."
Jason places his hand on Jeremy's shoulder as Jeremy takes a deep breath and goes in. He gasps, while tears immediately fill his eyes as he sees his beautiful girl laying in the bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed by her side, he takes her hand in his and raises it to his lips, kissing her fingertips. "Hello, Beautiful. I hear you've had quite an ordeal while I was away," he speaks softly to her. "I was wondering where you were, why you didn't meet me at the boat like we planned. You know me, I thought maybe you were out taking a walk with another man," he slightly chuckles. "I wish you had taken that walk instead. Then at least you wouldn't be laying here fighting. . .um, I'm sorry," Jeremy stops and takes time to get himself under control. "Candy, I need you to wake up. Please come back to me. I love you." He bends down and kisses her lips as a single tear rolls down his cheek.
"Jason says you're a hero or in your case I guess you'd be a heroine for saving Kerrie's life. I'm sure Janie is grateful to you, but I'm also sure she is feeling guilty for you getting hurt in the process. Candy, we're all grateful to you. You should wake up and look out the window. It looks like all of Seattle is out there praying and hoping that you wake up soon. This little town loves you, Candy. But I. . . I love you most of all," he chokes up.
Jeremy places his hand on her cheek and gently rubs it. "Do you feel that, Candy? Me touching your face. I hope you can feel the love I have for you and I do love you. I love you with everything I am. You are the reason I smile, I breathe, I love. You Candy. I know I should have told you all this before now, but if you'll just wake up, I promise to always let you know how much I love you. Please wake up and tell me that you love me, too. I need to hear you say you love me. I need you, Candy." Jeremy bows his head as his shoulders begin to tremble and he dissolves into tears.
Jeremy feels a hand on his shoulder and hears a soft voice, "Jeremy, are you all right?"
Looking up at Allyn he says, "If Candy doesn't wake up, I'll never be all right again. Allyn, isn't there something you can do to help her? I can't lose her."
"I wish I could, Jeremy. I'm doing everything that I can right now. I just don't know how extensive her injuries are. When she wakes up, there may be more that I can do. Right now, it's just wait and see."
Jeremy nods his head. After a brief pause, he adds, "Do you think she can hear us? Can Candy hear me talking to her?"
"I don't know for sure. There have been cases where when the patient wakes up, they say they heard everything that was going on. Then there have been some that say they didn't hear anything. I like to think that she can hear us, especially you."
"I just poured my heart out to her. I hope she heard me."
"I do too. Jeremy, Lottie and Biddie are in my kitchen where they just prepared a stew. Why don't you go eat something? Then go home and get some rest. I'll let you know if Candy wakes up."
Shaking his head he replies, "I'm not leaving her. It seems like every time I leave her alone, something bad happens. I'm never leaving her again," Jeremy says as he kisses Candy's fingertips.
"But. . ." Allyn begins.
"Allyn, my minds made up. I'm staying with Candy. She needs me. I-I need her."
"All right, Jeremy. I understand. I'll bring you a bowl of stew and bring in a cot for you to use."
"Thank you, Allyn."
"You're welcome." Allyn leans over and kisses the top of Jeremy's head before she leaves the room.
When alone with Candy again he says, "I'm here, Candy. I'm here. I love you so much. When you wake up, I'm going to marry you. I'm never leaving your side again and that's a promise."