1 Mac pulled up to his apartment building and got my bag and wheelchair out of the back. He unfold "Stella's Scooter" and helped me down from the front of his Avalanche. He pushed me through the doors and I turned one more time and said, "Mac, are you sure about this?" He stopped pushing and said, "Stella Bonasera. I have told you, it's not a problem and I will always be there for you. Stell, listen to me. I. Love. You." he put emphasis on the last three words and bent down and gently gave me a hug and I said, "Oh Mac. I love you too."
He rolled me to his apartment and unlocked the door. The place was spotless. I suppose that comes from practically living at the office, mine is the same way. I asked Mac to take me into the kitchen so I could make coffee. He said that he would make it but I protested, "Mac, making coffee is one thing I can do. Just get down the things I need please. I don't like being helpless. It freakin' sucks." I knew I was pouting but can you blame me?
"I'm sorry Mac. I just feel like such a pain, I can't do anything, and I won't be able to for at least a couple months." with that, I started crying and Mac came over, gave me a hug and said, "Stella. Stop this. I will tell you as many times as I need to so you understand that you are not a burden, you never will be. I am insanely, completely in love with you." "Mac. Stop it, you're gonna make me cry again." I said as a new wave of tears threatened to spill from my eyes.
I made the coffee and wheeled myself over to the couch to lay down. Mac covered me up with a blanket and brought me out a pillow. He kissed me and said, "Stell. I gotta go into work for a while, I'll try to be back by 10 tonight, but I can't guarantee that. Love you. I'll see ya later." I mumbled, "I love you too." as the pain meds were coming in full force. I was having trouble keeping my eyes open.
I heard the door open and then close. I sighed and snuggled into my pillow, just waiting to fall into a deep sleep. Somehow, I fell asleep and didn't wake up until I heard the door opening again. Only this time Mac wasn't alone, he brought my cat, Pippa. I squealed in delight and sat up waiting excitedly for him to bring her over to me. My neighbor, Sarah Jones had been watching over her while I was in the hospital. Mac set Pippa down on my lap and asked, "Babe are you hungry? Because I got Chinese."
"Oh Yum!' I repiled. Mac knew almost everything about me and me about him. The way he liked his coffee, his favorite foods, favorite books, favorite drinks and I could read him like an open book. That's why I asked him, "Mac, what's bothering you? You look so strained." To which he replied, "I'm just tired, that's all." hoping that I would believe his little lie. He started to walk towards his bedroom, but I grabbed his hand and pulled him down next to me on the couch.
He hung his head and sighed, "There's a case at work that's really bugging me. I should know better by now than to get emotionally involved but I just can't help it." "Mac, what is the case about?" He sighed once more and started explaining, "A woman named Claire Bentley was raped and killed yesterday. Stell, she even looks like Claire did. There is no evidence anywhere on the body and Danny and Lindsay have searched the scene with a fine tooth comb. There is nothing." "Mac, I refuse to believe there is nothing, just keep looking, you'll find the guy who did this. I have faith in you." Mac smiled briefly and said, "Thanks Stell. You always know what to say." I leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek, smiled up at him and said, "You'll get him Mac."