Chapter 2: Awake

David is spending as much time as possible in the hospital at her bed side (including most nights on a camping bed organized by the woman who helped him throughout the enquiry – the one he corrected twice when she mentioned Roger worrying about his wife, David correcting her twice "ex-wife", holding her hand during the whole night) talking to her, relating the latest news about the Country, caressing her cheeks very gently, holding her hands, kissing her very softly. He also started to read books to her- the first one was "Romeo & Juliet" from Shakespeare.

David & Frances get to know each other, Frances tells him a lot of stories from Julia's childhood, anecdotes with her beloved dad, they really start to create a strong bond.

David also continues to see the occupational health doctor and he is definitely feeling mentally better & stronger each day. His relationship with Vicky is very friendly and he really appreciated everything she did to save his life and even if they do not want to be a couple anymore, there is still a lot of affection between them. They talked about finally getting divorced and it will be quick as they have been separated for more than 2 years. David has taken a special insurance for Vicky & the kids, in case anything bad happens to him. The divorce will not take more than 4 months and David thinks it will be a nice surprise for Julia when she wakes up.

As he has been affected to desk duty whilst he is seeing the occupational health doctor, he also has some time to think about what he wants to do next. He does not want to be a PPO for anyone else than Julia and with the on-going investigation regarding his relationship with Julia, staying her PPO is not really an option anymore. Julia also made it clear she did not want him to stay as her PPO anyway. He has a very positive discussion with Louise & Deepak about becoming a Detective Inspector and join the SO15 team. So he decided to apply for the training with Deepak, Louise & Anne Sampson support.

3 weeks after the accident, Julia was showing encouraging signs of waking up. David & Frances were not leaving her side at all as both wanted to be there when she would wake up. All her injuries were healing well but she has lost a lot of weight. She will need lots of physiotherapy, reeducation and patience. The next day, Julia wakes up, she moves her head, open her eyes slowly and her first words are "David', "David", "is David alright?".. David says "I am here Julia, I am fine, welcome back my love" and he squeezes his hand and kisses her very softly on her mouth. Frances smiled gently at both of them and squeezes her other hand "Julia, I am here as well, welcome back in the world".

Julia looked at both of them and is very surprised to see them both there..

"David. Mum. I am so happy to see you both. Which date is it?"

"We are the 17th November, Julia". Julia was shocked and speechless for several minutes.. just looking at them with disbelief..

"It's fine, love. I am sure the doctors will be very impressed by your recovery time. As always, you are best-in-class" said David reassuringly & smiling kindly at her. It was the first time he was using this pet name for her and she frowns.. David sees her reaction & smiles gently at her..

Frances calls the doctors in, they check Julia's vital signs & reflexes and explain her the extent of her injuries. Julia asked Frances & David to stay for the explanations.

Julia starts to cry when the doctors mention her amputated leg.. then when they have finished and leave the room, she asks her mum to give her & David some time to talk privately and Frances kisses her on the forehead & leaves them both after having gently squeezed her daughter & David's hand. A kind gesture which didn't go unnoticed by Julia..

"David, I want to you to leave and never come back" she says with an icy tone and not looking directly at him.

"No, Julia. I am not going to leave, unless you did not mean what you said just before the bombing and you do not have feelings for me"

Julia starts crying again.. "David, you are too young to waste your time with a disabled woman. I am a waste of time"

"Julia, I love you. You said you wanted me right beside you, not because it was my job but because it was our choice. I am here, right beside you, because I love you and because it's my choice" "If you still want me" he adds with a lower voice..

"You are wonderful Julia. You are the most intelligent person I know. You are truly caring, gentle, persistent and self-confident. You are beautiful, sexy & hot. I can't imagine my life without you. You were able to see through my PTSD and see who I really am".

"Together we can overcome everything. I am seeing the occupational health doctor and I am slowly getting better. With some reeducation, you will walk again, swim again, ride a horse again and whatever you want to do"

Julia cries and smiles at him at the same time: "I love you David and I will fight to get a proper life back. I want to spend the rest of my days with you, by your side".

He smiles back at her, carefully lays down beside her in her hospital bed & hugs her tight. They kiss deeply putting all their feelings in it and both drift into a peaceful sleep, David finally able to sleep properly for the first time since the bombing.

This is how Frances find them when she comes back inside the room. She kindly smiles at the happy couple and leaves the room tip-toeing to avoid to wake them up. For the first time since the attacks on Julia's life, she is happy & full of joy, feeling confident her daughter will be fine and that she will get all the support she needs from a lovely (and very sexy) man who loves her for who she really is.