Chapter Three:

At the hospital Mac waited for the doctors to update him on what was going on. Everything had happened so suddenly he really didn't have time to process the whole situation; he just jumped into action doing what was necessary. He was going over and over in his head trying to think if he had taken care of everything, because he wasn't sure how long he was going to be in the hospital- it didn't really matter how long he needed to be here, because he wasn't going anywhere until everyone that needed to be taken care of, was. Mac loved being in control- perhaps that's why he loved being the police commissioner so much- it gave him complete control. But during times like this he wished he has some sort of medical background, like his brother and niece, then he would know what was going on. "I locked up the house. I called the PCPD. I called Maxie. Is there anything I've forgotten" he thought when he heard "…Okay Mac, here's what's happening…."

After what seemed like forever, the rain got lighter and Maxie finally arrived at General Hospital. She pulled into the parking deck, found a space close to the entrance, and turned off her car. She gathered her things and began to walk towards the glass doors that she had spent so much time behind. Suddenly something came over Maxie and she stopped where she was standing, just stopped, staring ahead at the hospital. Maxie didn't know why, but she couldn't find the strength to put her hands on the doors. So many things had happened here, from her heart transplant to Jesse being shot, and everything had always turned out fine, why should this time be any different? Deep down she felt that when she walked through those doors and into the waiting room, a place that was almost her second home, her life was going to change.

As Jesse got out of his car at the hospital he saw Maxie standing at the doors. Every time his eyes fell on her it was like he was seeing her for the first time. There was something about Maxie that was different from every other girl he had been with; he didn't know what it was, only that he would do anything to keep it forever. He walked over to her, placed his hands around her waist, softly kissing her neck. Maxie closed her eyes as she felt Jesse's strong hands wrapped around her. In that moment she no longer trembled with fear of the unknown. She now had all the strength she needed to walk through those doors no matter what was waiting on the other side.

"Hi" Maxie whispered as she turned to face him and gaze into his beautiful blue eyes.

"Maxie, why are you standing outside in the rain, you could catch cold" asked Jesse.

Maxie just smiled "I'm not sure, I was on my way in but for some reason I just couldn't bring myself to open the doors, but I'm ready now that you're here."

"Are you sure, because we can wait a few more minutes, I don't want you to do anything that might endanger your health, stress isn't good for your heart" replied Jesse.

Maxie just looked at him with a grin on her face as she put her arms around his neck and placed her forehead gently on his. "You know, as hot as you looked in those scrubs last summer, the last time I checked, you're a cop, not a doctor".

"I'm just looking out for you, I'd hate not to see your beautiful face everyday" smiled Jesse. Maxie smiled back, their eyes connected and Jesse delicately placed his lips on hers. They became lost in each other's kisses as the rain began to fall silently to the ground. It wasn't until the rain began to fall faster that they remembered where they were.

"As much as I hate saying this…. We better go inside… Mac is waiting and the rain is starting to fall harder" said Jesse.

"You're right" Maxie sighed "well…. Here goes nothing". Maxie let go of Jesse's neck turned around and began to walk inside. Then Jesse grabbed her hand and turned her around "Maxie wait! I want you to know that whatever happens I promise not to leave your side."

"Thanks Jesse, I'm going to hold you to that" said Maxie.

"Maxie, one more thing…."

"What?"

"Is that my shirt you're wearing? I've been looking everywhere for that".

Maxie grinned "And what if it is? You're not going to arrest me for stealing are you officer?"

Jesse laughed "I think I'll let you off with a warning this time, besides it looks really good on you".

Maxie laughed and tightly grasping Jesse's hand she pushed opened the door that lead into General Hospital.