Chapter eighteen

"I found it hard to find my way back." Joseph chose an extended route to the truth, instead of admitting to any emotional complications on his part. He still could not decipher her mood.

"Hard indeed. Tell me, it took all those men to bring you in?" She hobbled over and finally rested herself upon her sofa, propping her foot upon the table before her, already equipped to cushion it.

"Does your physician know you are walking on that foot?"

"Shades, although he is improving nicely, and doing well; he should have not been left in charge when clearly he needed to recuperate first. Have you seen him yet?" She didn't know if he was ignoring her, or vice-versa.

"No, no I haven't." Joseph stood still, slipping his hands in his front pockets. He felt like he was still miles away, but in reality he was just across the room. Her room.

"He has a broken rib, and he was badly bruised, but the doctor says he'll be fine. He's starting therapy soon."

"You should start therapy soon. You have to fly again."

Clarisse gulped at the thought, as it almost made her sick. She would have to fly again, he was right. Maybe in time it would not seem so frightening to her. But therapy? Her? As difficult as it might be for her to admit, he just might have a point.

"Are you going to stand over there all night?"

"I figured it would save myself time and energy." Clarisse gave him a questioning glance, but knew she was beating around the bush with him. "I mean if you're going to throw me out...or have me hung in the courtyard..."

"Don't be silly Joseph." Her voice became low and soft. "Sit beside me. Please."

Even in her state, she looked completely and utterly beautiful. Joseph slowly acknowledged her plea, and softly made his way to the seat beside her. Even as he sit, he still felt quiet uncomfortable. She had a way of holding back until the very last moments. It was those last moments that he was afraid of. He had witnessed them only on few occasions, but that was enough for him to know he did not want to be in that line of fire.

"You don't seem comfortable. Are you in any pain?"

"Just a little sore."

"You were at the springs?"

"Yes."

"I thought you might be."

"Clarisse, why don't you just get it over with?" His voice became loud and he could no longer hold the weight upon his shoulders. "Go ahead...I lied. Your head of security and so-called bodyguard lied to you...again. God knows it isn't the first. You want it to be the last. That I'm sure of. Why can't you just go ahead and yell or scream or do what you are going to do. I can't take it any longer."

She listened quietly as he rambled on, clearly uneasy and almost afraid that she had something drastic planned. After all, drastic times call for drastic measures.

"I would die for you too." It was a simple statement, and she could only look into the space in front of her. It was one of those statements that made time stand still, and could quiet the universe.

"What did you say?"

"Oh, you heard me." At last she turned to him, and took his face in her hands. "I love you too. That much. I know what you did, but most importantly, I know why you did it. Now shut up and kiss me...that is IF you still love me."

She didn't have to say anymore, and neither did he. She had totally surprised him.

"Does your doctor know you walk on that foot?" Joseph finally pulled away enough to ask once more.

"I didn't have anyone to carry me..."

Joseph stood and swooped her up in his arms, and carried his love to bed. As he walked, he spoke, "We will have to get you flying again."

"I know. I also know that as long as you're with me, I will be able to."

"I'll always be with you from now on...that much I promise." He laid her upon her bed, and she pulled him down next to her.

"Lie with me for awhile..." He snuggled up to her, careful of her injuries, but needing to hold her tightly.

"I'll never let you go again."

"I'll make sure of it...til death do us part, as they say..." She buried her whole body against his, and finally she rested in the fact that this was all over. Only he could give her inner peace. Only he could keep her safe. Only Joseph held her heart.

tis the end, folks...