The hospital was busy, with patients coming and going, some on trolleys, other in wheelchairs or walking. Sydney was in ward ten, a small line of cubicles and rooms. Sydney's room seemed to have the best view from the window that overlooked hedges and flower beds whereas other rooms looked over the rubbish bins or car park. Sydney had been in hospital now for a nearly over a week and spent most minutes of every day trying to get her memory back. It seemed to be returning slowly and Sydney felt proud of her efforts.
It was a bright sunny morning and Sydney decided to venture outside for the first time since her accident. The accident had made her feel like a recluse because she didn't have the strength to venture out of her room, except for using the bathroom. The Doctor had made sure she was well enough to leave her bed and Vaughn and Jack helped her into the garden outside. The garden was quiet, not a sole to be seen and Sydney's feelings were different outside. She felt more relaxed and had more freedom. She also felt quite weary whether she should be outside when still recovering from a major accident. She knew the fresh air and different surrounding would make her feel a little better. Sydney sat on a garden bench whilst Jack and Vaughn sat on chairs facing her.
"Beautiful day isn't it?" stated Sydney smiling.
"Its lovely. Perfect weather for you to come outside" replied Jack.
Sydney looked down at her arm. She felt almost sick inside. She didn't want to feel weak, she wanted to feel strong but this time she had to give in.
"Sydney, before we get down to business. If you start feeling unwell just say and we'll take you back inside. OK" said Jack looking at Sydney.
"OK, I will"
The expressions of Sydney's face begin to change as Jack told Sydney about who she worked for. Even though he wasn't allowed to talk about it in public, Jack knew she wasn't at an SD-6 hospital and no-one was around to hear.
"So, I am a double agent?" asked Sydney.
"Yes, that's right" replied Jack.
"That's so cool!" Sydney smiled again showing her dimples.
"I seem to remember parts of my job. I wore different clothes and wigs and used gadgets that Marshall gave me. It's all coming back to me now and seeing you here has made me remember even more. Thanks guys."
"We're both so glad that you are feeling better and proud of you. I doubt it will be long before you can leave this place" said Vaughn.
"Yer, this place is so busy at the moment, the people are giving me a headache."
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A couple of days later Sydney was transferred to ward four as her room was needed for another patient who's injuries were more serious than hers. Sydney didn't mind, she was quite glad. The room had a great view, she had to admit but also had no sound proof walls so any noise came booming in. All the noise had been giving Sydney headaches. Sydney decided to sleep for a while. Maybe, she thought she dream about the accident and find out who had the painting, but when she woke up, two hours later, she had no luck.
"Had anymore nightmares about the accident?" asked Vaughn leaning against her bed.
"Nope. Not at all. I glad though, the last one was very vivid." Sydney tried not to think about it.
Just as Vaughn was about to speak again, Doctor Raybird entered with Jack behind her. They had been talking outside.
"Hello, Sydney. How are you felling at the moment?"
"I feeling much better thank you very much. My memory has almost returned now."
"I'm glad to hear it. The fresh air must have done you some good. I'm sorry I had to have you moved but a man with serious injuries needed a room. You know how busy this hospital is at the moment."
"Tell me about it. All this noise was giving me a headache."
"I have been speaking with your Father and I think in a couple of days you should be able to go home. I'll need to give you some medication to take with you and you'll need to come back in about four weeks to have the plaster cast removed. As for your head, I'll change the bandage before you go and you'll need to change the bandage every three days to prevent infection. Don't worry I'll go through it all again before your discharge date. Do you have any questions?"
Sydney didn't know what to say. For the first time in ages she felt happy. She just wanted to jump with joy and hug someone. It was great she could go home.
"No questions, Doctor. I am really happy. Thank you for the good news."
"That's Ok, Sydney. I am happy you are making a full recovery"
++++++++
Sydney spent most of her last remaining days at the hospital completing her school work and trying to see if she could remember anything about the painting. She had no luck, and she knew how important it was for Jack and Vaughn to know. She couldn't wait to escape the hospital, it was a busy, smelly and a compact place where you could hardly get any peace and quiet. On her last day, her Father had decided to go home and Vaughn stayed with Sydney while she had her last check up before she could leave.
"I think that's all" announced Doctor Raybird handing Sydney her bag of medication.
"If you start feeling ill, don't hesitate to call me. I hope I won't be seeing you for another four weeks, when we remove your plaster cast"
"I hope so too. Its great to be able to go home" she said giving a big grin.
"Thanks again for everything" said Vaughn putting his arm around Sydney and then escorting her off to his car.
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Outside Vaughn and Sydney walked across the car park to his car. Even though Sydney felt happy to be out, her stomach seemed to ache with worry. She felt as if something was going to happen. She hoped it wasn't another car accident. God forbid. She wasn't sure if it was part of her memory loss, but she gathered it was just nerves about leaving the hospital and having to get back to her job. She ignored it and got into the passenger seat, fastening the seatbelt.
"Ready to go?" asked Vaughn before he started the engine.
"I guess so" replied Sydney placing her bag of things on the floor beside her feet.
Vaughn switched on the radio as he began to drive down the main road. Sydney hummed along to the tune, whist looking out of the window. She sat quietly as the car turned a corner into a busy main street. Sydney peered out of the window when suddenly something caught her attention. A man dressed in green was standing by a wall talking on his mobile phone. The car stopped behind some traffic and Sydney looked at the man frowning. Where had she seen him before? She thought to herself. Just then her mind flashed back to the accident and there stood the man in green holding the painting. She jolted forward in her seat as she snapped herself out of her trance, gasping.
"Vaughn, stop the car! pull over!"
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. What did you think of the cliff-hanger? I have another chapter in store. I look forward to reading your reviews and a big thank you to all how as already reviewed my fanfic. The feedback was greatly appreciated.
