DESTINED FOR ETERNITY

CHAPTER 23

JUNE 1983

Early that morning, Luke Spencer arrives to try and talk to Holly one more time. He is unprepared for the shock os seeing Robert and Holly asleep in the ame bed. First, he is angry. But that is followed by the relief of knowing that Robert must be doing better or Holly wouldn't be sleeping beside him. Next comes the thought that, now with Robert out of danger, Holly will be much more rational to deal with. Luke leaves the room and heads toward the nurses station to find his sister.

Bobbi smiles when she sees Luke. She offers to buy him coffee and they head for the cafeteria.

"So, I hear Robert is doing much better?" Luke asks.

"Yes," Bobbi answers. "They haven't ran all of the tests yet, but all the signs are good."

"That's great," Luke says quietly. "Really great."

"I know this hasn't been easy for you," Bobbi sympathizes.

"I was the one responsible for Robert getting shot," Luke reminds her.

"You were trying to get us all out of there," Bobbi says.

"I did what I felt was right at the time," Luke says. "I hope Robert will see it like that. And Holly," He adds.

"I'm sure they will," Bobbi assures him.

Luke looks at Bobbi, sadness and regret in his eyes. "Bobbi, for the first time, I really believe that Holly does love Robert."

"I know," Bobbi says. "I saw that coming a long time ago."

Luke's interest is obvious. "When?" He asks. "When did you notice?"

Bobbi doesn't look at him. "Come on, Barbara Jean, help me make sense of all this."

"I guess I first noticed shortly after Holly had the miscarriage. We were all really worried about her. She was practically losing her mind. I tried to help her get through the ordeal, but it was Robert who made her see that she more to live for. Then as time went on, I could see that Holly was beginning to experience deeper feelings for Robert than she even knew herself. At first I thought Robert was just interested in Holly just as he had been with all his other women, but I soon realized it wasn't like that for him. It was different."

Luke sighs. "You know, the entire time I was recuperating, I never once had a doubt that Holly would be waiting for me. She had loved me. How could she just toss me aside and love someone else? Let alone, that the man was my best friend."

Bobbi does her best to explain. "Luke, sometimes love doesn't make sense. That is why Holly has been so torn. None of us have made it easy on her. We keep pushing her to make a decision. Very few people in life get to experience a great love. You had Laura, so you know what it is to feel love for two very different women. Holly is totally confused. She had no doubts that she loved you, and now here she was experiencing another love. There are different types of love, Luke. You of all people must know that."

"Yes," Luke says sadly. "I do know. But Holly is confusing love and gratitude. Robert helped her out through a horrible time and she was indebted to him for that. Then he is shot and she is afraid he will die. She does love him, but it is not the forever kind of love," Luke announces.

Bobbi doesn't want to tell Luke that what Robert and Holly feel for one another is alot more than Luke is willing to admit. Before she can respond, Bobbi is paged and has to leave the cafeteria. Luke remains where he is as he tries to think of a way to convince Holly that gratitude for Robert is not a good reason to stay with the man.

Robert slowly opens his eyes to several relevations. One, that his chest hurt like hell, and , two, his wife was nestled against him. Her arms were around him, holding him as if she were hanging on for dear life. He closes his eyes once more just so he can take in the smell and feel of her. He never felt more complete than when Holly was in his arms. Unfortunately, the pain in his chest required that he move into a more comfortable position.

"Holly," He whispers.

"Mmm," She answers without even trying to open her eyes.

"Holly, wake up," He says again.

Holly slowly opens her eyes and for a brief moment she forgets where she is and why she is there. Then it all comes rushing back to her and she quickly sits up in the bed. "Robert, how do you feel?"

Trying to sit up without causing himself to much agony, Robert says, "Like I could leap tall buildings in a single jump," He teases even as he curses under his breath.

Holly carefully gets out of the bed. "You must be feeling better if you managed even a small joke."

"I do," Robert assures her. "What do you say that we go home?"

Holly's eyes widen in alarm. "Robert Scorpio, you are NOT going anywhere unless the doctor says you can."

Robert knew as much. He definitely knew that he didn't feel even half as well as he let Holly think he did. But he so loved to watch her spirt rise. She had looked so sad and lost the last few days, he just wanted to see her in a different light. But he was about to see that he was going to get far more 'spirit' than he bargained for.

"I can not believe you!" Holly continues. "You have been near death for three days and then think you can just waltz out of the hospital! I have worried myself sick over you. I have prayed and cried and was ready to bargain with the devil himself if it would save you, and now, when you are just beginning to get better, YOU are ready to leave here and probably have a relapse!" She has tears falling down her face as she paces the floor.

Robert is astounded to see Holly so upset. "Holly! Calm down, luv." He takes her hand and pulls her to him. "Come here." She sits beside him on the bed. "I am sorry," Robert apologizes. I shouldn't have done that. I didn't mean to upset you. I was just teasing you. I know that I am not strong enough to leave."

"Really?" Holly asks in doubt. "Because you really shouldn't leave the hospital, Robert. It is too soon."

"I know." He leans into her and kisses her cheek. "Forgive me. Now, come on and lie back down beside me."

They both lie back down and Robert puts his arm around her as she curls up next to his side. "I was so scared, Robert," She admits. "I really thought I was going to lose you. I don't know what I would do if . . "

"Shh," Robert consoles her quietly. "I am going to be just fine, I promise." He kisses her temple. "So you can officially stop your worrying now."

Holly closes her eyes and holds him as tight as his injury allows. "Don't ever leave me, Robert. Promise you won't ever leave me."

Robert tries not to let her words hurt him. If only she said them from a love deep in her heart instead of loyalty and gratitude for their past. Feeling her even breathing, Robert knows that Holly has fallen back asleep. She is so exhausted. He is sure that is why her emotions are so fragile right now. Robert whispers, "I do love you so, my dear lady. My life will be so empty without you in it. How will I go on?"