Chapter 7 – Stand By Me
You…
That word continually ran through my head. Stella, the woman of my dreams, was interested in me. She just confessed that she was, or is, interested in me. This must be one of the happiest moments of my life. However, when I look at Stella's face, I see that my shocked expression and lack of response, due to this revelation, hasn't made the right impression on her. She is near tears and hastily rushes past me. Making a beeline to the ladies room.
Damn it.
Forgetting the fact that it is called a ladies room for a reason, I run in after her, determined to straighten out this misunderstanding as soon as possible. When I enter the room I'm glad that Stella is the only one there. I would be extremely embarrassed if I had to explain myself to anyone else.
'Stell, please. You misunderstood my reaction, dear. I was just shocked. I mean, I'm not really sure if I should tell you this now, but I'm guessing it will make you feel better. Stella, will you please look at me?'
Slowly she turns away from the sink, which she had been leaning on, heavily. I presume to regain some control.
'Stell,' I begin again as I take a hold of her hands, 'I've been in love with you for I don't know how many years. I just … I never would have guessed that you would want me. You're amazing and you could have anyone you want. Why on earth would you want to be with me?'
'You really mean that,' Stella said, 'you're in love with me?'
'Yes'
I had barely said yes, before she flung herself into my arms. My arms find their way around her waist to spin her in the air and her arms wrap around my neck as she holds on for dear life. I realized, with a pang in my heart, that this was far too easy to do. It has only been a little over two weeks that Wayne has let her go, but, as the doctors have said before, it will take time before she gets even a bit of weight back. I hold onto her even tighter and she buries her face in the crook of my neck and from her shaking form I can tell she is crying again. Softly I stroke her hair and slowly she's calming down again. When we pull back from each other I gently wipe her tears from her face with my thumb. I can feel her leaning into my touch and slowly guide her lips towards mine.
X
Oh My God! I'm kissing Mac Taylor!
As soon as Mac's lips come in contact with my own, all thoughts leave my mind.He feels the same about me. I can't believe it. When the need to breath becomes too much we break apart. My eyes are still closed as I lean my head on his shoulder. I feel Mac pulling me a bit away from him and as I open my eyes I look straight into Mac's beautiful, blue ones.
'Stell,' he breathes, 'I love you, Stell. I love you'
'I love you too Mac,' I reply with tears in my eyes.
Suddenly I realize we are still standing in the ladies room and that Mac isn't supposed to be here. Quickly I grab him by the hand and drag him back to the bullpen. Immediately, Millie rushes over to us and pulls us into a big hug. Apparently she knew exactly what was going on between us.
'I'm so happy for you guys,' Millie ushers, 'you have been dancing around each other for too long.'
When Mac pulls me back into his arms, I know it too. We have been dancing around each other for too long. I'm guessing everybody could see this coming, months ago. Maybe years even. But before I can let my mind wander too far, I realize why we have admitted our feelings. These dangerous man are still after me, and apparently they don't mind harming, or killing, anyone who stands in their way.
Mac must have realized that my expression changed.
'Stell, what are you thinking about?'
'What if we weren't able to get to the precinct? What if you hadn't been able to get Lucy? And what if they had targeted Reed first, and we wouldn't have known until it was too late?'
'Do you realize how you began all these questions? What if… You always told me not to dwell on what ifs, and I'm gonna give you the same advice. That didn't happen, Stell, so don't think about it any longer,' said Mac.
'No Mac, you don't understand. I have put you all in danger by agreeing to stay at your place. Wayne wants me, not you, not your mom and not Reed. The longer I stay with you, the more danger you'll all be in. Don't you see that?'
'Stell, calm down, please. You don't seriously believe that I will let you stay on your own now, do you? It's been just over two weeks since you were released from the hospital. You can't deal with these men on your own. Especially not now,' Mac tries to reason with me.
I'm guessing he's right. I'm in no shape to handle myself in this situation alone.
'Of course, you're right Mac. I can't deal with this on my own.' I say, defeated.
Mac puts his arm around my shoulder and I lean my head against his chest. For the next hour we're content to just see Reed and Lucy play together.
