"I know that you said you wanted to be alone," Acknowledged Caleb, "but I do come baring gifts" He added, in his usual charming way, complete with his trademark smile.

Although it was the furthest emotion from her mind, she couldn't help but feel a little happier. Caleb was being normal around her and that's how she wanted people to be, she didn't want to be treated with kid-gloves, which she knew was inevitable. Lou even mustered a snigger when she looked at what he had brought with him, it looked like he had everything bar the kitchen sink.

"For you ma'am" Caleb said as he handed Lou a bunch of yellow roses while half bowing before her.

"You didn't have to" Lou said, playfully swatting him on the arm as she graciously accepted his gift. She didn't even have a chance to smell them before Caleb handed her a closed paper bag. Placing the flowers on the bed, Lou opened the bag to inspect the contents, unsure what she expected to find. She let out a small gasp as she pulled out a journal from the bag. The cover was made of a rustic fabric which had a vintage washed-out look, the pattern was of timeless pink flowers, almost mauve in colour with the fading - it was simply beautiful. Tears were starting to form in her eyes as she looked back up at Caleb unable to find words to say.

"I know you like to blog your thoughts and I figured you might be wanting to keep this to yourself for now, while you await the results, so I got you a journal" Caleb rambled, as his usual confidence deserted him, nervously awaiting her response, feeling as though he'd just laid his heart bare on the table for her to see.

Lou was genuinely touched by the gesture but wasn't able to let him know, as she began crying all over again. Caleb put everything he was still holding down onto the dressing table and rushed to console her.

"I'm sorry Lou…" Caleb apologised softly into Lou's hair as she crumbled against him.

He let her cry herself out, holding her all the while. As she lifted her head from his shoulder. Caleb gently wiped the lingering tears with his thumb, unsure if he'd overstepped his boundary, but he couldn't stop himself. Lou gave him a small appreciative smile but she didn't step out of his embrace though. Taking Caleb by surprise, she leaned back in towards him, tightening her hold around his waist, "Thank you" She said, muffled into his chest.

He gave her shoulder a subtle squeeze in acknowledgement before he spoke, "You haven't seen what else was in that bag yet" and laughed, breaking the building atmosphere, not wishing to take advantage of Lou's vulnerability.

Lou allowed herself to join Caleb in his humour, giving him a gentle shove away from her, smiling as she did. "Let's have a look then…" She said. It felt so easy being around Caleb, it was hard not to feel lighter with his infectious personality. He really was the perfect distraction.

Looking into the bottom of the bag, Lou pulled out what appeared to be another sort of notebook - only narrower. She took a closer look, reading the cover words 'To Do Lists' and instantly smacked Caleb with the book. Lou looked as though she was insulted but she broke into another smile she just couldn't contain.

"Since you like to tell me what to do an' all" Caleb joked, ducking from further assault.

"Don't tempt me, you'll have a list as long as your arm before we go home" Lou teased.

"I have something else, which you might not want to hit me over" Caleb smirked, giving Lou one last bag.

She opened it to find what appeared to be a bag filled with comfort food, chocolates, candy, chips and even sandwiches. He seems to have thought of everything, Lou mused to herself. The fact he was looking after her and his thoughtful gift of the journal on top of that, was making her emotional once more. Sometimes saying thank you didn't feel like enough, this was one of those moments.

"Caleb… I…" Lou started, her voice breaking as she spoke.

"No need to say anything, how about we fire up the TV and see what's on?" Caleb suggested waving his hands to cut Lou's thanks off. He really didn't want her gratitude, it wasn't why he did it. He simply wanted to take care of her the best he could in this unexpected set of circumstances, taking her mind off things seemed to be the best plan for now.

Lou grabbed the remote and switched on the hotel room TV, "Okay but only if I get to choose" Lou insisted, while she sat down on the bed with her back against the pillows. She patted the space next to her to suggest Caleb join her.

"I wouldn't disagree with a lady" Caleb said with a smile and joined her, taking off his hat and boots first.

As Caleb sat down, he passed Lou over some of the chocolate. She leaned against him and gladly took the bar, she really needed a sugar-kick after today's revelations. Without thinking about what he was doing, Caleb placed his arm around Lou to give her comfort. As he did this, she moved in sync with him - snuggling into his side.

With everything that she had gone through that day, various testing and not to mention the poking and prodding, Lou had been feeling completely out of sorts. She wasn't sure who she was anymore and her future was a scary prospect. However in this moment with Caleb, away from it all, she felt somehow right. She felt safe and protected. She knew she was cared for and cherished – possibly even desired. All the things Lou was longing for and desperately wanted to feel right now. She had been starting to feel more like a medical experiment, but she needed to feel more like the woman she really was, before it all happened.

The hours flew passed quickly as Caleb and Lou watched some movies on TV, eating all the junk food while talking about anything and everything. It was getting quite late when Caleb suggested he leave for Lou to get some sleep.

"Can you stay?" Lou asked quietly, suddenly feeling afraid, "I don't want to be alone tonight".

"Whatever you need Lou," Caleb replied with heartfelt sincerity, "whatever you need." He repeated, emphasising that he indeed meant it.