I don't own any of these characters.
The Lyric's are from the song "Love you 'till the end" written by Darryl Hunt & performed by The Pogues.
Chapter 6
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I just want to see you
When you're all alone
I just want to catch you if I can
I just want to be there
When the morning light explodes
On your face it radiates
I can't escape
I love you 'till the end
It was a week later and Garret's last night at the hospital. The pain in his ribs was a dull echo of its former ferocity. Also gone were the tubes, wires, and wrist restraints. His door remained guarded.
Tonight his guard was Amanda who, unlike the other people assigned to keep watch, preferred to sit inside. She was in the chair quietly reading a paperback novel, her auburn hair hiding most of her face. Garret was sitting up, the bed adjusted to a comfortable angle, that would have been too painful last week. He flipped through the channels on the television amazed that there was over 100 channels yet nothing worth watching. He turned off the TV and set the remote on the table by his bed.
Amanda, in turn, closed her book and looked up at him. "You love Jordan don't you?" The question caught him off guard, which must have shown because Amanda laughed. "Don't look so surprised Garret. Your eyes light up whenever she drops by to visit! And the fact that she's here every evening-"
Garret turned away and stared out his window to the Boston skyline. "So?"
"You haven't told her yet, have you?" It was more statement than question.
Garret sighed and turned back to look at her. "It's complicated. It's not the right time." And why did I turn off the TV?
"It's not so complicated. Just come out and tell her."
He turned to face her. "Look Amanda, I know you mean well. But right now, the last thing she needs in her life is me."
"But don't you think she ought to be the one to make that decision?"
"What decision?" They both turned to see Jordan standing in the doorway, eyebrows raised and a smile playing on her face.
Amanda placed the book on the table and said something about making a phone call. "I'll be awhile, so you can use the chair Jordan."
Jordan sat on the edge of the bed. "Why do I have the feeling that this has something to do with me?" Tonight she was wearing a pair of jeans so faded they were almost nonexistent, and a chocolate colored tank top that complimented her hair.
He rubbed his face, and thought about reaching for the remote. "You know, you really didn't have to come here. It's my last night and you have to work tomorrow."
"Tomorrow's Saturday. Besides, I'm taking some time off. I haven't had a real vacation in years. I hope I remember how."
The thought of her going anywhere even temporarily, was disheartening. "So what are your plans?"
Jordan looked out of the window with ever-present Boston skyline and shrugged. "Actually, I'm heading up to Maine tomorrow. I rented a cabin out in the middle of the woods by a lake. For two weeks. I've been thinking about it for years, but in light of everything that's been going on, I thought why wait any longer."
Why wait indeed. This time, he looked out of the window. "It sounds nice." I can't put this off any longer. Amanda's right. I need to just say it and let her decide. What's the worst that could happen? Well, after what she's been through, it could send her over the edge. I could lose what friendship we have- The touchof her hand on his shoulder brought him out of his reverie.
She was leaning in close, concern etched on her brow. "Are you Okay? Is something wrong?"
He took both of her hands into his and tried to slow his pounding heartbeat. "Jordan. I just want you to listen. Okay?" She nodded, her amber eyes searching his. "I've- I mean, I- actually it's-" Just tell her! "IloveyouJordan." There! "I know I've said it before in the friendship sense but I want to take it further and you don't have to answer I know you have enough on your mind and please take all the time you need I just-" Jordan leaned in and kissed him.
At first the kiss was gentle, almost shy. He reached up and cradled her head, feeling her silken hair through his fingers and she responded by nibbling his lip and exploring with her tongue. Her hands traced his jaw line and trailed down his neck sending goose bumps up his scalp. When they finally parted, her face was flushed, her eyes shiny. His heart was still pounding. For a moment neither one spoke, but Jordan broke the silence. "Come with me to Maine." She was smiling and she kissed him on his nose. "I'm serious, come with me."
It took another moment to find his voice. "I- Yes, yes I'd like that."
"Then it's settled." She leaned in again, but Garret stopped her.
"Are you sure about this? I thought you would want some time."
"It's not like you're asking me to marry you. Are you?" He must have looked stricken, because she threw her head back and laughed momentarily. "Well then," she continued. "I figure we can go to Maine, and if we're not ready to strangle one another after two weeks in the woods, then we can take it from there." Her eyes misted over, as face grew serious. "Garret, ever since last week when I thought I would lose you again- I guess I didn't realize how much I-" She stopped and shook her head. She took his hand and looked into his eyes, that half-smile flitting on her face. "I came here to tonight to ask you to come with me. But I was so afraid that asking would only add to what you're already going through. I mean the last thing you need in your life right now is me."
Garret reached for her other hand and drew her onto the bed beside him until she was beside him, leaning her head on his shoulder. His right arm was wrapped around her; he brought his left hand up to trace the outline of her jaw. "You're amazing, you know that Jordan." And he kissed her.
They were still cuddled together an hour later when he noticed her staring at him. "What is it?" he asked.
She laughed softly and brought her hand up to his face. "You're smiling. I mean really smiling. I haven't seen that smile in such a long time." She let her head drop back to his shoulder and made a contented sound in the back of her throat. "I could stay like this all night."
He kissed the crown of her head breathing in the fragrance of her hair. "Mmmmmmmmm, why don't you?"
"I'm thinking it would be against hospital policy for one," she murmured back. "You slept through the lecture I endured the last time I was caught here."
"It's my last night. What will they do, kick us out?" He reached beside the bed and found the button to lower the bed down.
Jordan snuggled up closer and whispered. "Okay, but if I get yelled at again it's all your fault." She raised herself up on one elbow, then kissed him again, long, slow and luxuriant. "I'll just have to tell them you're too yummy to leave." She gave him a devilish grin.
He laughed and drew her even closer. "Yummy huh? Just wait until we get to Maine."
"I don't know if I can." She giggled, trailing her hand down his chest. She could feel his pulse quicken through the thin cotton hospital gown.
A soft knock at the door announced the return of Amanda. Seeing the two of them, her face all but split with a grin. Jordan started to get up, but Amanda waved her back down. "You're fine right there, Jordan. I just came in to get my book," she motioned to the table. "And to say goodnight. I probably won't see you when you leave tomorrow Garret, but I see you're in good hands. I'll be a little way down the hall tonight; It happens that I'm keeping an eye on another patient two doors down. And while I'm here why don't I just pull this privacy curtain around your bed."
She turned to leave, but Garret called her back. "Not to be negative, but I thought I was on suicide watch."
Amanda smiled even wider which didn't seem possible. "I told you already. You're in good hands." She left and seconds later, the door to the room snicked softly shut.
Garret gazed into Jordan's eyes. "Yes I am," he said.
Jordan kicked off her shoes and gave him a leer. "And I don't have to wait; doctors orders."
"Amanda's not a doctor."
"Close enough," she said while peeling off her faded jeans.
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Much later, they lay entwined under the sheet. Their clothes were puddled on the floor and Jordan's hair was sprayed across Garrets chest as she slept. He smoothed a few strands back away from her face and she mumbled drowsily not quite waking up. He smiled as he looked out of the window at the familiar skyline. Tomorrow, actually later today, they would be in Maine. He kept smiling as he drifted off to sleep.