Bittersweet Love

Joseph was looking out of the window, the sky was grey and the rain had gradually got heavier. The raindrops were running down the window pane starting off slowly, before gathering speed as they reached the bottom. Joseph was tracing the patterns with his finger. He hadn't done this since he was a young child, whenever he felt upset or nervous about something, it had always made him feel calmer, more in control. Joseph wasn't sure if it was having the desired effect this time though. He looked at his watch, Connie was due to give him the latest assessment on Jac's condition in half an hour. Joseph hadn't left Jac's bedside since she'd been out of theatre. He sat back down, The sound of the ventilator and the steady beep of the monitors were the only sounds in the room. He rubbed his neck, which was stiff and achey from spending a fourth consecutive night trying in vain to sleep in a hard chair. But he felt compelled to stay.

JOSEPH: Jac, You are without doubt the strongest person I know, you know that? not to mention stubborn. I know you will fight this with all the strength that you can muster, you've got more courage than most. If you were awake now I bet you'd tell me to get lost. Not that I'd blame you after what happened, I fully expect you to be angry with me. The truth is, you make me feel so conflicted. I've never known anyone quite like you, when I'm with you it feels like my emotions have been thrown into a washing machine, spinning out of my control. I know I'm haunted by what you've done to me in the past. But I also realise I must learn to let go. Otherwise it will continue to consume me forever. I've tried hating you,I've even tried indifference. But when I saw you lying in that car park, I felt... fear. I couldn't face losing you because I do care about you, I just don't know how to express myself very clearly. All I can say is, no one makes me feel the way you do.

Connie Beauchamp walks in.

CONNIE: Morning Joseph, I have good news about Jac's condition. Her leg is healing well and there's no sign of infection from the amputation, also the MRI scans show no indication of brain damage. As you know Jac is in a medically induced coma. But I think she is strong enough to come off the ventilator. The plan is, to wake her up today.

JOSEPH: That's such a relief, Who's going to tell her about the amputation?

CONNIE: Well we will have to tread very carefully she probably won't be told straight away. She will be in severe pain when she does come round, we'll try to manage that with morphine. You are probably aware that some people experience 'phantom' Syndrome, where they think the limb is still there - when it has actually been removed. Or perhaps she won't remember the accident.

JOSEPH: What about the prospect of a prosthetic limb being fitted?

CONNIE: That is an option, for a later date, first of all Jac needs to come to terms with what has happened. I know she is mentally strong, but she will need physical and mental support.

JOSEPH: If I know Jac she'll try and get through this on her own, she's so stubborn.

CONNIE Nobody knows how she will react to this.

JOSEPH: if she remembers the accident, I've got a pretty good idea that I'll be in the firing line! But who else has she got to rely on? No one...

2 hours later Jac starts to wake up from the coma, after she's taken off the ventilator.

CONNIE: Jac it's Connie, if you can hear me I want you to try and squeeze my hand, can you do that for me?

Jac lightly squeezes Connie's hand, making Joseph smile.

Jac opens her eyes, she tries to speak and looks at Joseph.

JAC: (Quitetly but forcefully) I don't want you here.

Joseph's taken by surprise at Jac's tone of voice.

JOSEPH: Jac, please, I know you must feel angry.

JAC: Mrs Beauchamp, can you tell him he's no longer required, he can leave now!

JOSEPH: Jac wait, I NEED to talk to you.

Jac avoids eye contact with Joseph, staring at the ceiling.

CONNIE: Maybe it's best if you do leave now, Jac's not ready for this conversation at the moment OK?

JOSEPH: But I-

CONNIE: I will not ask you twice Mr Byrne, leave now. Go home and get some rest. Come back tomorrow.

Joseph turns on his heels opens the door, and walks down the corridor. His mind in turmoil...

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