Chapter 2

The doctors wanted to keep Lucien for one more night. Matthew left Jean at the hospital and went to a nearby hotel to get checked in and make some calls. Jean refused to leave Lucien's room until he himself was ready to leave. She sat by his side, holding his hand, and watched him sleep. He was looking rather thin. This made her cringe, wondering what he had been through the last nine months. His brow furrowed, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was dreaming about. She shook the fear from her and kissed his hand, letting her lips linger there.

"Jean." She closed her eyes. It was indescribable how good it felt to hear his voice again. He squeezed her hand and she met his eyes. "I can't tell you how confusing this is. It's awkward…because I…" He took a deep breath and his eyes started to water. "Well, I don't remember you. You're virtually a stranger to me. But…there is this heavy connection between us. When you first walked into this room, I lost my breath. I thought it was just the anticipation and fear, but…" She silently urged him on. "Just now when I awoke and saw you, I lost my breath again. I can't remember us, but we must have been something special." His voice trailed off and a tear escaped his eye falling onto the pillow.

She gave him a watery smile and reached for his cheek. He leaned into her hand and closed his eyes a moment until she spoke. "We are special. You'll get your memories back, Lucien." Although neither one of them were totally convinced. "And if you don't, I'm here to tell you all about our past. But...either way, we will get through this. We've had obstacles to get over in the past and this…this is just another hurdle. The important thing is that you are alive and with us again."

Lucien sat up and moved over on the bed. "Jean, may I hold you?" He asked her so softly, she wasn't sure she had heard him correctly. His vulnerability crushed her, and she couldn't help the tears as she nodded and moved to sit on the bed next to him. He put his arms around her and leaned his head against hers lifting his lips to her hairline. It seemed so natural to him like he should remember doing so before. She knew exactly what it reminded her of. That pivotal day when Lucien appeared on the bus as she was leaving for Adelaide.

Matthew phoned Alice first, thinking she must be worried sick by now. He was right. She answered on the first ring, sounding rather irate. "Matthew Lawson, do they not have phones in Sydney?!"

"That's actually where I'm calling you from, so…" He stopped himself a moment too late. Being a smart arse was not the best idea right now. He heard Alice sniffle on the other end of the phone and immediately felt a twinge. He spoke softly, "He's okay, Alice. We're bringing him home tomorrow." He filled her in on the particulars and they both felt better after.

"I have a colleague in Melbourne that specializes in amnesiacs. I'll give him a call and see when he might be able to meet with Lucien."

"That would be great, Alice. I'll let Jean know." After a silent pause, he asked, "Alice? You okay?"

Even though he couldn't see her he knew she was smiling. "I am now. Thank you, Matthew. I'll see you when you get home. Safe travels."

His next call was to Amy Parks. He needed her to get the house ready for when they got back to town. She was rather receptive and compassionate and asked to give Jean her best. Maybe there was hope for her yet.

Charlie stopped by to check on them before he had to head back to Melbourne. A warm smile appeared on his face as he took in the sight before him. Lucien and Jean were cuddled in a half sitting position and both were fast asleep. He felt like he was intruding but he couldn't look away. These two people meant the world to him, like another set of parents to him. They both taught him so much. He was grateful to have spent those years as their boarder. He gave them one last look and left the room. Lost in his thoughts as he walked down the hallway, he wasn't sure how long Matthew was trying to get his attention.

"Matthew." They shook hands and smiled.

"Charlie, I can't thank you enough."

"No, Matthew. No thanks are needed. I'm just glad I was here, and Jean and the doc are back together. Oh, by the way, if you're heading that way, you might want to come back later." He smiled and patted Matthew on the back. "I'll be in touch."

Matthew gave a curious look toward Lucien's room and bid Charlie farewell with a smile. He gave it some thought and decided to see what Charlie was talking about. When he stepped into the room, it was as if all was right with the world. His eyes started to water again, which was really beginning to irritate him. He honestly didn't think he would ever see the two of them together again. And here they were. He heard his name when he turned to step out. He looked back and Jean was untangling herself from the still sleeping Lucien, putting her finger to her lips to convey to Matthew to be quiet, and walking out with him.

"I think we are really going to be alright, Matthew."

"Of course, you are, Jean. He needs to hurry up and get his memory back so I can kick him in the tail for being so stupid."

Jean gave him a warning, "Matthew, you'll do no such thing!"

"Anyway, I spoke with Alice and she has a colleague in Melbourne that specializes in amnesia cases. She'll set up an appointment if you'd like."

"Yes, please do! That's great news."

"Also, I asked Amy to get the studio and Lucien's surgery back in order. She sends her best, by the way."

Jean smiled, "Thank you so much, Matthew."

"You sure you don't want me to get you a room for tonight?"

Jean shook her head, "Thank you, Matthew, but no. I'm never spending another night away from him, if I can help it." She gave him a hug and a smile and told him she would see him tomorrow morning.

"Goodnight, Jean."

When she went back into Lucien's room, he was trying to get out of bed. "Lucien, what on earth are you doing?!"

He immediately paused and smiled at her, "That seems very familiar. Have you said that to me before?"

"Oh, once or twice, maybe." That must be a good sign, she thought. She walked over to where he was standing now. He was still a little shaky on his feet.

"Jean, would you mind terribly if we went for a short walk? I know we are leaving tomorrow but I feel I need to stretch my legs."

"Not at all." She gave him a Cheshire grin.

He gave her a double-take and waved a finger toward her face with an amused grin of his own. "What's this all about?"

"You said "we". You want to go take a walk with me."

"Darling, I don't think I will ever not want to take a walk with you." His smile faded as desire filled his eyes. He leaned in to her, so their foreheads were touching.

"Dr. Blake! We have you for one more night, so you get back in bed right now." Lucien knew from his experience with Nurse McKay that he would not be winning this argument. She turned to Jean and spoke with a lighter tone, "Mrs. Blake, since the bed next to your husband is now vacant, we will be expecting you to use it tonight." She finished with a wink and left the room. Jean and Lucien shared amused looks. Jean pushed the bed closer to Lucien's so that they would be able to still hold hands.

Jean looked over at Lucien, "Okay?"

He answered rather contentedly, "Okay." Jean began telling him about his parents and his childhood. He finished a couple of her sentences with facts relating to such. He shocked himself, not knowing where they came from. Jean smiled and was even more convinced all his memories would be back.

Matthew picked them up at the hospital the next morning. It brought a smile to his face when he noticed Lucien had ahold of Jean's hand and wouldn't let go for anything. At one point, he had to sign some papers. He was holding Jean's hand with his right hand. He alternated hands so that he was holding her with his left hand and signed the papers. They all walked out of the hospital, more than ready to be home.

None of them noticed the man watching them. He phoned his boss, "His name is Lucien Blake. He's a doctor from Ballarat."