Note: Takes place in book 31
Gaia walked determinly fast in the direction of the hospital.
I wonder what I'm gonna say to Ed, Gaia thought.
Just thinking about Ed made Gaia stop abruptly in the middle of Broadway that a cab had to slam on its brakes, the driver cursing is Spanish. What is Ed going to look like? Best not think about that.
Gaia seriously considered turning back, stuffing her face with doughnuts. But her feet started to move in the direction of the hospital. Slowly. Very slowly. But moving.
"Gaia!"
What the hell?
"Gaia!"
Jake jogged up to Gaia. Gaia really didn't want to talk to Jake right now, not in the emotional state she was in, whatever that was. But she was stalling for time. She wasn't in any hurry to see Ed's sad, bruised face.
"What do want, Jake?" Gaia asked with a sigh.
"Nice to see you too."
"I'm going to go see Ed."
"You want me to come?"
Gaia shrugged and started walking towards the hospital with Jake following her.
"Gaia?"
"What?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Depends."
"What's going on? I mean. Your acting… different, I don't know. I mean, you ran from a fight, you screamed when you saw a cockroach. It's… you've… Something's happened that you aren't telling me."
Gaia didn't say anything.
"Gaia?"
"What?"
"Are you at least going to give me a clue about what's going on?"
"No."
Jake was about to ask further when he realized they reached the hospital. Gaia realized it too. She froze. Her eyes watered and she started to sway.
Jake touched her elbow to steady her and she fliched.
Gaia avoided Jake's eyes and walked up the stairs so he didn't ask questions. Gaia asked the woman at the front desk where Ed Fargo was staying.
Jake followed Gaia to the elevator.
Gaia stood motionless, staring at the door of the room Ed was in for 20 seconds.
Gaia slowly opened the door and walked over to the chair by the hospital bed and sank down into it, taking Ed's hand in her own.
Ed stirred in his bed and he opened his eyes, and smiled when he saw Gaia.