A/N – Just a few things before you read the update. 1 ) I am not a cop or a nurse or doctor so if some of what I said isn't really how things go, play pretend. LOL! B ) I really don't know if I liked the way I ended this chapter, but it was the best place for a break, so hopefully it works out. iii ) I hope you enjoy and don't forget to review!

Chapter 5 – One Person

Lulu sat waiting like she had been for over an hour. She was tired of waiting but there was nothing else she could do. Jason watched her pace around the waiting area. She had tried to get him to leave, but he had refused. She thought if she ignored him he would go away, but it didn't work. She heard the bell of the elevator and she turned to see Lucky coming toward her. The last thing she wanted was a lecture. She wanted to see Johnny.

"I don't have time for an 'I told you so', Lucky," Lulu said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm just here to see how you're doing," Lucky offered. "And also to get a statement about what happened, but only if you're feeling up to it."

"I'm supposed to believe you're not going to tell me that Johnny is bad for me?" Lulu asked skeptically. "That you're not going to tell me that I should stay away from him?"

"I'm not going to tell you what to do with your life," Lucky promised. "I just wanted to be here for you if you needed me."

"You said something about a statement?" Lulu wondered.

"I'm in charge of the investigation of the shooting," Lucky answered. "I need your account of what happened, so I can make sure that Anthony goes to jail."

"Okay," Lulu responded. "Anthony tried to shoot me and Johnny took the bullet for me."

"Why did Anthony want you dead?" Lucky asked, taking out his statement pad.

"For being with Johnny," Lulu answered. "He didn't want his son to be involved with anyone."

"Had Anthony ever threatened you before?" Lucky questioned.

"I had never met Anthony until tonight," Lulu said softly. "But I knew his position on Johnny's life so I guess you could say I knew that I was in danger and chose to ignore it."

"How were you aware of it?" Lucky prodded.

"Johnny told me stories of what had happened to other people he cared about," Lulu replied. "None of the stories ended happily."

"Are you willing to testify against Anthony Zacchara in a court of law based on your statement given tonight?" Lucky asked.

"I'd do anything to protect Johnny from his monster of a father," Lulu swore. "So yes. I would gladly testify."

"Thank you," Lucky nodded, putting away his notes. "Off the record, Lu, maybe you should rethink testifying."

"Why?" Lulu wondered.

"Men like Anthony Zacchara are well connected," Lucky explained. "Being in prison won't necessarily stop him from running his organization. If you testify against him you might become a target."

"Lucky's right," Jason spoke up. "You should at least talk about it with Johnny first. See what he wants you to do."

"Alright," Lulu relented.

"I'm looking for John Zacchara's family," Epiphany said, walking over to the waiting area.

"His family isn't here, but I'm his girlfriend," Lulu offered. "How is he?"

"I'm not allowed to give that information out to anyone but his family," Epiphany sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Well his father is in jail and his mother is dead," Lulu continued. "That makes me the closest thing to family he has."

"I'm sorry," Epiphany repeated. "I can't tell you about his condition. What I can tell you is he is in room 331 and visiting hours won't be over for about ten minutes."

Lulu thanked Epiphany and headed for the stairs, not wanting to wait for an elevator. She ran up the stairs to the third floor and asked the nurse there what direction his room was. She followed the nurse's directions and headed for his room. When she stepped inside, she found Johnny sleeping peacefully. His heart monitor had a steady beep and he was breathing on his own. Lulu found her way to his side and took his hand in hers.

"Hey there gorgeous," she breathed. "You know you scared me today. Nothing is supposed to happen to you. I don't think I could take it."

She brought his hand to her lips and kissed it softly. She let her other hand trace his facial features, her thumb brushing his lips. She leaned over and kissed him gently on the forehead. She wanted him to wake up so she could know for sure he was okay.

"Do you want to know something?" Lulu asked. "As long as you're okay, this day might me the best of your life. You're free now. Your father is in jail for attempted murder and all I have to do is testify against him and he'll go away for good."

"It's dangerous," Johnny choked.

Lulu's eyes widened as she heard Johnny's muffled voice. She met his beautiful brown eyes and her own instantly filled with tears.

"Johnny," Lulu whispered. "You're awake."

"Testifying is dangerous," Johnny repeated. "I've done enough to you."

"I'm not scared," Lulu smiled. "What scared me was you. You bleeding and passing out and being in surgery. Testifying will be easy compared to that."

"I didn't mean to scare you," Johnny offered. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Lulu said quickly. "I should be thanking you. You saved my life."

"You don't have to thank me," Johnny replied. "I'm the reason you were in danger."

"Don't blame yourself," Lulu insisted. "I chose to be with you. I put myself in danger."

"I understand if you never want to see me again," Johnny said, looking away. "I'm not worth your life."

"Yes you are," Lulu responded. "If the situation had been reversed, I would have taken that bullet for you. You're important to me."

Johnny caught her gaze again and offered a small smile. Being shot had put things in perspective for him. There were things he hadn't said that he needed to say. He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by a nurse coming into the room. The nurse checked his vitals and then spoke to Lulu.

"You have to leave now," she said softly. "Visiting hours are over."

"Elizabeth," Lulu pleaded. "He was just shot. Can't I stay tonight? I promise to let him rest."

"Well I'm working tonight and this room is on my list," Elizabeth smiled. "I suppose if I didn't see you, you weren't here, right?"

"Right," Lulu agreed and Elizabeth turned and left quietly.

"How do you know her?" Johnny wondered.

"She used to be married to Lucky," Lulu answered.

"And she still does favors for you?" Johnny prodded.

"We've always been close," Lulu replied. "She and Lucky are still friends because of their kids."

"That's good," Johnny said softly.

"Well I promised to let you rest so I should probably shut up now," Lulu laughed.

"Good," Johnny smirked. "I wanted to talk anyway."

"What do you have to say to me, Zacchara?" Lulu wondered.

"I'm in love with you," Johnny said quickly.

"You...you're what?" Lulu stuttered.

"I'm in love with you," Johnny repeated. "I don't know when it happened or how exactly. I know that being with you is the best thing that ever happened to me. I know that your smile makes me smile. I know that when I look at you I see everything I ever wanted and more."

Johnny paused to get his breath and tried to read Lulu's face. She seemed shocked and speechless. He squeezed her hand softly and brought it to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss on the top and then put her hand on his face.

"I know that your touch makes me stronger," he continued. "I know that the sound of your laugh makes my heart skip a beat. I know that I'm in love with you and before you, the thought of being in love scared the hell out of me. But you've changed everything for me. I want to embrace these feelings. I want to tell you and show you every day how much I love you and want you and need you because I do. I need you. I want you. I love you."