Thunderbirds and The Tracy Family are the creation of Sylvia and Gerry Anderson

Chapter 96

From the moment he woke that following morning, Scott was agitated and unable to settle, obviously distracted and having something on his mind. It didn't help matters much that he hadn't had a good night's sleep either, as Jenna could attest to, despite the relaxing 'therapy' he'd enjoyed in Thunderbird One. Once again she had comforted him through the night as he battled with the dark memories that had newly surfaced and she guessed he also had Mike's visit on his mind, as well as having to endure the discomfort of the painful sensations in his hand. All in all it made for one rather grumpy Scott Tracy. So it wasn't exactly advisable to come in all bright and breezy, full of the joys of Spring, so to speak but then, how were his brothers supposed to know that!

One could hardly blame them, of course, for they were looking forward to seeing Mike again and hoping that after examining their eldest brother, he might have encouraging news for him and for all of them. They had so much to be grateful to Mike for. Had it not been for his skilful and timely intervention they just wouldn't have had their eldest brother here with them now. So, surely Scott must be looking forward to seeing him too rather than just by on-line consultation. Mustn't he!

After breakfast, Scott sat propped up against his pillows, in the pretence of looking at a book and trying for all the world to seem like he was calm, while Jenna worked at her desk on some notes, every so often glancing up from her work, to smile with sympathetic understanding at his growing edginess.

"When did you say Mike would get here?" Scott asked for what seemed to be the umpteenth time.

Jenna took in a calming breath and smiled patiently. "He said he would be here around mid-morning." Getting up from her desk she crossed to his bed and sat down. "Just try to relax, Scott. Everything's going to be alright," she sympathised, rubbing at his arm.

"I…I am relaxed," Scott replied, his brows meeting in a heavy frown.

"Oh yeah…..and since when did you take to reading books upside down!" she quipped, raising a brow in a questioning grin, taking the book from his hand and turning it the right way up.

Scott let out a deep sigh. "Guess I'm not….am I!" he responded with a winced smile.

Jenna stroked his face with loving tenderness and, holding him, gave him a sweet kiss. "Tell you what….why don't I give your neck and shoulders a nice massage. That might help you feel a bit more relaxed," she suggested helpfully.

He sighed and nodded his acceptance, for she always did have a soothing way about her that brought a calming to his soul.

Smiling quietly to herself, Jenna couldn't help thinking that he reminded her of a very anxious and nervous suitor, trying to work up the courage to ask a father for his daughter's hand in marriage and that she found really rather very sweet and touching.

Moving himself to sit slightly sideways on the edge of the bed and with his back turned to her, Jenna sat down beside him and began a deep muscle massage of his neck and shoulders, rotating her thumbs around slowly on his taut muscles. He closed his eyes and tried to fall into a deep calming rhythm of breathing, as he rolled his head around on his neck. Gawd but she had good hands. And it might have worked too, if eager and excited faces hadn't decided to come visit their brother right at that moment.

"Morning Scott. Opps….looks like we're interrupting a moment here! Hey….wouldn't let old Mike catch you like this," a cheeky faced and exuberant Gordon quipped, as they entered the room.

Eyes suddenly shot open, glinting dangerously. "What the hell do you mean by that?" Scott retorted frostily, his face frowned in annoyance.

It seemed Gordon hadn't quite twigged his brother's mood, even though Jenna was trying to, discreetly, advise him to steer clear of any such flippant remarks by shaking her head and wincing a smile.

"Well….you using his favorite nurse as your own private masseur. Old Mike might not take to kindly to that," Gordon continued his good-natured banter. "Though……if you were to share her round….we might just stick up for ya……ya know…..smooth things over with Mike! Isn't that right, guys," he added with a grin and a cheeky raise of his eyebrows, letting Scott know they would defend him, for a price of course, to which Virgil and Alan joined in with definite agreement.

Jenna could only groan in helpless resignation and roll her eyes.

"I don't need anybody to stick up for me….or smooth things over with Mike. And I am NOT using Jen," Scott retorted curtly, feeling rather more than a little touchy on that subject right now. In fact, so touchy was he, the very mention he was 'using' her in any capacity, even in jest, was enough to set him off. The fact, too, he was reminded of Jenna being Mike's favorite and therefore invaluable to him, didn't help matters much either.

While Jeff had been informed of her resignation from her nursing post at the hospital and Virgil, of course, having overheard her decision to Mike, the only other person she had discussed it with was Scott. The rest of the family didn't as yet know, for Scott wanted to make that announcement himself, to tell everybody they were together and that Jenna would be staying here with him but he had wanted to wait until he was fit and well and officially discharged so that no such comments could be made, so that no one could ever think he was just using her as some sort of emotional crutch because she had seen him through a very vulnerable time in his life. He did not want anyone thinking his love for her was anything other than totally genuine.

It was at that Virgil realised his brother might not just be in the best of moods this morning. "Hey, Scott….we were only kidding," he offered by way of an apologetic explanation, wanting to ensure his brother wasn't going to take offence.

There was only a grunt of a response. After giving Jenna a faint smile of thanks, Scott pushed himself back up onto the bed to lean back against his pillows.

Not being aware that there was any apprehension on his eldest brother's part about actually seeing Mike, Virgil then tried to engage his brother in conversation with what seemed like an obvious remark. "Em…be good to….eh….see Mike again, huh!"

"I've been seeing Mike every week for my on-line consultations. Why should this be any different!" Scott stated dryly, his face puckered in a frown by his distracted thoughts.

"Oh yeah…I know….but it's not the same as having him here….is it? I mean….you can get to talk to him properly when he's here. It's much more relaxed," Virgil replied, making his meaning a little clearer, while eyeing his brother and trying to puzzle out what might be making him decidedly jumpy.

"Yeah….and I bet he can't wait to see you," Gordon added in excitedly, though Scott imagined him to have a mischievous, knowing twinkle in his eye, which made him take what they had said in totally the wrong way, such was his sensitivity.

"Why would I need to talk to him….properly! And why bet that he can't wait to see me! He's just coming over for a regular check-up….that's all," Scott practically snapped, eyeing his brothers frostily.

For a moment, Gordon was slightly flummoxed, unsure of just what it was he had said to make his brother throw a moody. "I didn't mean anything by it, Scott…..just that he'll….eh….be able to see for himself how much you've improved….and how well you're doin!" Gordon explained with a 'what'd I say' kind of shrug of his shoulders, as he looked helplessly to Virgil, who was equally bewildered and then to Jenna, who just gave him a wincing smile.

A distracted and deepening frown, along with another acknowledged grunt, was the only response they got from their eldest brother, as he turned to look out the window, though not seeing anything of the tranquil beauty.

Alan, for once, had remained uncharacteristically quiet, having resisted the urge to jump in this time with both feet, in joining his prankster buddy's banter, after observing Scott's rather sullen mood. Perhaps he just didn't want to risk alienating his big brother again so soon after they had made up from the last time his mouth had gotten him into trouble. Instead, maybe he could provide a welcome diversion and do something useful.

After having crossed to the desk and tapping in a code on the console, Alan, feeling pleased with himself, swivelled the monitor round to face Scott's bed. "Em, Scott….there's someone here would like to say hello," he ventured tentatively, hoping it might cheer his brother up.

"Hi, Scott…..hi guys. Greetings from your friendly and ever alert Space Monitor from somewhere in the cold, dark reaches of outer space, where no-one can hear you scream!" John beamed a greeting with his usual flare for the dramatic, which always drew a smile and a laugh from his earth-bound audience.

And this was no exception, being cheerfully greeted in return by everyone, well almost everyone.

"Hey buddy….you been watching those old Alien movies up there again!" Virgil inquired with a grin.

"Yeah…well they're good for a laugh," the blonde haired young man returned with a grin but then, all of a sudden, as everyone was watching, John's expression turned troubled and perplexed and he started to choke and cough. The next moment he grabbed at his chest, fear registering on his face.

Jenna instantly became alarmed and took a step towards the monitor, feeling a little irritated actually that no one else seemed bothered by what was happening to their brother, so far away and isolated from all help. "John!" she called out anxiously but was stopped by Virgil putting a hand on her arm and shaking his head with what seemed like a total lack of sympathy.

"He does this all the time," Gordon joined in, with the same casual and unconcerned air.

"Does what! It might be serious," Jenna pointed out with concern.

"Oh, it's serious all right. Seriously pathetic and serious hammy acting," Virgil replied with a roll of his eyes.

Now she was totally confused but soon, all became only too clear.

"Aghhh….it's coming….it's trying to…..aghh….it's going to….burst outta my chest…..," John cried out in somewhat melodramatic fashion, followed by a rather disgusting interpretation of something bursting out of his chest cavity, followed then by a burst of raucous laughter.

"Yeah…very funny, Johnny," Virgil placated him, with the air of someone who had obviously witnessed this little performance many times.

"Yeah…it is funny actually," Gordon snorted, unable to help himself.

Jenna narrowed her eyes. "John Glenn Tracy! It's as well for you that you're up there. I was…I was worried about you," she started to say, trying to sound suitably cross but she just couldn't keep the smile that was tugging at her mouth away and ended up shaking her head in amused exasperation, having to admit that, in a warped kind of way, it was really rather funny. She had still so much to learn about these mischievous Tracy's.

"Sorry, Jen….but you need something to pass the time up here. Guess it makes you a little stir crazy sometimes!" John apologised with his infectious grin.

"Well….I don't know how you watch those films up there on your own, Johnny. They give me the willies," Alan admitted in all seriousness, giving an involuntary shudder. They may be old films now but they still had a classically good fright factor as far as Alan was concerned.

"Don't worry, Al. I'll have a good scout round before you come up for your duty…..make sure there's nothing coiled up in the wiring behind the consoles!" John laughed, causing Alan to throw him a sarcastic smile and bringing an unsympathetic laugh from everyone, well almost everyone.

There was one voice, though, John observed hadn't joined in the jovialities, one voice he knew found his little turns amusing, even if he wouldn't admit it in front of everyone with feeling he always had to project the serious big brother image. Perhaps Scott just hadn't heard him or got the chance to speak so, undeterred, he tried again.

"Hi Scott……how's it goin this morning?" John greeted his brother again in a cheery fashion. He was as equally excited, of course, as everyone else on hearing of Mike's impending visit and assumed, as with everyone else, that Scott must also be looking forward to seeing him.

John had been kept informed, for it was the way with these brothers, whoever pulled duty in TB5 that they would always be kept in the loop of whatever was happening back at home, that way they would always feel very much a part of the family, just like they were here. So, as well as hearing of Mike's visit, John had also heard of what had transpired from Alan's remark and the emotional trauma his eldest brother had to face all over again. He couldn't believe how idiotic his youngest brother had been.Well, he could, actually!

"Hi John," Scott just about responded.

And, unaware of course that there was anything wrong! "Guess you must be looking forward to seeing Mike today. Oh….and whatever you do, Scott….you hold on to that wonderful woman….do whatever you have to…..just don't be letting Mike take her back with him. We want to keep her….right guys!" John quipped quite happily, though he kinda guessed that Jenna would be staying around for quite some time, his brother just had to get around to telling them all.

Jenna winced and bit her bottom lip, looking immediately to Scott, wondering what kind of reaction the totally innocent remark was going to provoke. She didn't have to wait long.

Suddenly it all became too much for him. Were they really trying to goad him and wind him up this morning! If so, they were doing a pretty damn good job.

"What is it with you guys this morning! What is this obsession you all have with Mike coming over to see me…huh? What! You think you're gonna see some sort a show! You think he knows we got a little physical…and…and you wanna see him sounding off at me…for takin advantage of my nurse! Is that it! Well, forget it. I've told you…..this is just a routine check-up…..that's all. Now if you'll excuse me…I'm goin to the bathroom," Scott all but exploded. Getting up from the bed he headed off without another word to the bathroom, leaving stunned silence in his wake.

"Gee….somebody got outta bed the wrong side this morning!" Gordon remarked with bemused bewilderment, breaking the silence.

"Yeah….what was that all about! What'd I say!" asked a bewildered and perplexed John.

All eyes turned to Jenna for some sort of explanation. She winced an apologetic smile. "It's not your fault, guys…..and it's nothing you said, John," she assured them all quickly. "Scott just didn't have a very good night last night….he didn't sleep very well….that's all," she added, giving them the only information she was prepared to give.

And, since that seemed like a good enough reason for being grumpy, for they had all had nights like that, they accepted without any further question and nodded understandingly.

"I'll….eh…let you know when Mike gets here then, Jen," Virgil offered with a sympathetic smile, to which she nodded her thanks.

John signed off and the boys left to do some more work on Thunderbird One before Mike's arrival later that morning.

Just after 11am the intercom sounded, causing Scott to tense, knowing all too well what it meant. "It's all right, Jen…..I don't mind…really," he told her, after she had acknowledged Virgil's call.

With an affectionate smile, she sat down on his bed. "What don't you mind, Scott?" she asked gently, though she guessed what he was about to say.

"I know how much you want to see Mike again. It's all right….go up and meet him. I'll be all right here for a while," Scott assured her, thinking of her happiness first and foremost, despite his own apprehension, for he would do anything to make her happy.

A warm, loving glow spread through her, as she cupped his face in her hand. "You are such a good, kind and thoughtful man, Scott Tracy….you know that," Jenna responded, the warmth of her smile holding him captive, as it had done that very first time he looked into her face while lying on the examining table. Of course she was eager to see Mike again but it wouldn't be long before he would come down and they had a few days to catch up on all the news from back at the hospital. "He'll be down soon enough….so I'll stay right here," she added and with that she gave him a deep and loving kiss to assure him of where she would rather be, to which he gladly responded.

Stepping out into the warm mid-morning sunshine, Mike Strachan stretched and flexed his shoulders after his flight over from the mainland and took in a long, deep breath of the sweetly scented tropical air. It was good to get away from the hospital and to have these next few days to look forward to at the home of his good friend, Jefferson Tracy and yes, while he was here to do his follow-up examination of his patient, there would also be time to relax. He was, needless to say, also looking forward to seeing a certain young woman, a young woman whose life had changed totally and completely since that day he called her into his office and told her he had a special job for her. How long ago that seemed and yet, now that he was here, was like only yesterday.

How could any of them have known what was in store the moment she set foot on this beautiful and tranquil paradise! And would he have made the same decision if he had known just what would happen! What if he'd assigned a different nurse! Ruth Hiller, for example! The thought brought an instant, audible burst of laughter from him. Then two young people who were, perhaps, meant to be together may never have met and would probably have gone on with their lives, being denied the real happiness and true love they so deserved. But of course he would never know that for sure, would he!

"Mr Strachan….it is good to see you again. Mr Tracy welcomes you to his home," Kyrano greeted him with a polite bow, rousing him from his philosophical thoughts.

"Ah, Kyrano…thank you. I've been looking forward to spending a few days with Jeff and the boys…and I'm glad to say it's on a more positive note than the reason for my first visit," Mike admitted, having returned the greeting.

Mike fell into step beside Kyrano, as he guided him back towards the villa, having picked up his bag. "So, Kyrano….how is everyone? I understand Scott is doing well," he asked, engaging in the usual pleasantries as they walked.

"Everyone is very well, thank you, Mr Strachan…..and yes…Mr Scott is doing well….but then he has had the most excellent care from Miss Jenna. She has nursed him with such loving devotion," the elderly man offered discreetly.

Mike smiled at the obvious affection with which Kyrano spoke of both his patient and his nurse. "Ah yes…Miss Jenna! She has been happy here?" Mike ventured to ask.

"Miss Jenna is very much loved and adored by all the family," Kyrano responded warmly with continued discretion.

"But by one young man in particular…..her patient, perhaps…eh Kyrano!" Mike probed a little further as they walked.

"It is not my place to say, Mr Strachan," the elderly man replied, not knowing of course just what Mike knew and not wishing to get either into trouble.

Mike nodded, appreciating very much the elderly man's loyalty, not only to the family but obviously to Jenna as well. "I understand, Kyrano….and I admire your loyalty…..but it's all right…Jenna has filled me in on what's been happening. Trust me, Kyrano…I care about Jenna….and Scott too, of course. He's a fine young man. Now, I imagine there's not much you don't see, Kyrano….so…let's just say…out of interest….that it was your place!" he surmised casually, as though they were engaging in some hypothetical debate.

Kyrano considered Mike carefully before answering. "You are worried you may have made the wrong decision in bringing Miss Jenna to the island!" he voiced the rhetorical question, sensing the eminent surgeon's self-questioning doubt.

"And did I, Kyrano?" Mike returned, knowing the two of them were on the same wavelength and recognising the quiet wisdom of his elderly companion. It was a question he had wrestled with many times lately.

"You chose Miss Jenna because of her loving care, her kindness and compassion, not only to her patients but to the families of those she nurses!" Kyrano remarked, seeing the same qualities that had made Mike recommend her for this position and making Mike remember just why he had chosen her.

"Yes…and because I could trust her absolutely to be discreet," Mike acknowledged.

"And she has not let you down, Mr Strachan," Kyrano assured him.

"No, Kyrano…she hasn't….but I sometimes wonder if I haven't let her down," Mike sighed in reflective thought. "Oh, I'm sorry, Kyrano….there's things I can't tell you….that are not for me to say," he added in apology. "But I do feel responsible for her….and I did bring her out here….and now her life has changed completely."

"And is that such a bad thing!" Kyrano, again, posed a rhetorical question, smiling inwardly to himself at the thought there were things he knew too that he could not tell Mike, things about this family, yet recognising that Mike Strachan badly needed to feel good about the decision he had made concerning Jenna. "But if it were my place to say….!" he added quietly, as if reminding Mike of his invitation to do so, to which the surgeon gave him an acknowledging nod, very much wanting to hear what the elderly sage had to say.

"You brought Miss Jenna here to help Mr Scott to heal, did you not!" Kyrano continued. Mike nodded. "Then who are we to say what form that healing will take! All I know is, Miss Jenna has made Mr Scott very happy….she has been a soothing balm to his soul. Little by little I have seen the light go from his eyes….hope fade from his heart but when he looks at Miss Jenna….that light has been rekindled…that hope has been restored. She has brought Mr Scott healing….and not only of his physical body…but in ways we cannot fathom. It is the healing only the power of love can bring," Kyrano went on to tell him, without giving away any particular details.

Mike smiled a little at his companion's very deep observation. "And Scott! He makes Jenna happy!" Mike ventured to ask.

"Again, it is not my place to say……but if it were….!" Kyrano pointed out to which Mike nodded that it was understood. "I have not known Miss Jenna, of course, before she came to the island….but I have observed in her an inner and radiant beauty that grows more and more whenever Mr Scott looks at her and when she looks at him….it is, for the both of them, that no one else in the world exists. Yes, I believe Mr Scott makes Miss Jenna very happy," he added with quite candid honesty.

Mike smiled quietly. "Ah Kyrano….you are truly a wise man….and you do, indeed, see many things," the surgeon acknowledged, feeling, somehow, a little more assured.

"It is not my wisdom, Mr Strachan. It is the wisdom of the ages….the wisdom that directs all our paths …..that made you choose Miss Jenna. But you cannot blame yourself for the consequences…for it is simply the wisdom of things that are meant to be. And I only see what there is to see," the elderly sage replied humbly.

The consultant surgeon gave a little laugh, that little laugh at hearing things put so simply when otherwise they are made to seem so complicated. "But you see more clearly than most….thank you, Kyrano," he acknowledged, as they neared the villa to which the elderly man bowed a polite and courteous acceptance.

On entering the lounge, Jeff, along with his other sons, rose to give Mike Strachan a warm greeting, while Kyrano took his bag to the guest room.

"So, Jeff….how's our boy doing?" Mike asked with his familiar turn of phrase, causing Jeff to return a wistful smile.

"Fine, Mike. Scott's doing….just fine," Jeff replied automatically, giving a very general and standard answer, as one does when someone casually inquires after your health, almost as if he was forgetting that this was his son's doctor, the man who had saved his son's life by his skilful intervention.

Mike couldn't help but feel something just wasn't quite right. He eyed his friend somewhat curiously. "Jeff….if there's something that might impede Scott's recovery….then I think I should know about it," he cautioned warily. "Is he still getting headaches?"

Jeff sighed. Of course he should know. His son's health and recovery were paramount and he was not a neurosurgeon, to judge what might or might not impede his son's recovery. And it wasn't a chance he was prepared to take, not at this stage, not when there was the chance Scott may be getting feeling back in his arm. He nodded. "He still gets some," Jeff replied, his face clouding over as he thought of the incident the other day when his son was in agony of soul and had to be helped back to the house from the beach, because of a blinding headache. "Mike…..Scott has had reason to relive some traumatic events that happened to him when he was in the Air Force, six years ago….things that led to getting his Medal of Honor….some quite disturbing things….things I guess he had never really dealt with….only buried," Jeff began to explain, though leaving out the reason his son had had to relive those memories.

Mike listened with some concern and, indeed, a little incredulous at knowing now just what this brave young man had been through, things he had never known before and which only added to the respect he felt for the eldest son of his good friend. Of course, he knew that Scott had been awarded the Medal of Honor but could understand now why Scott never spoke of it and even why Scott sometimes became uncomfortable and went out of his way to avoid such subjects when they had arisen at the many functions they had attended. Indeed, one such occasion now came clearly to mind when Scott had excused himself from their company when one particular man who, it had to be said had had a little too much to drink, refused to let the subject drop.

"Mike, I would be grateful if you wouldn't mention this to Scott. He is dealing with it. I just thought you should know," Jeff asked of him.

His good friend nodded. "Yes, of course, Jeff….I understand…..and thank you for telling me. I had no idea. He is a truly remarkable young man….our boy. You must be very proud of him, Jeff. I can imagine that must have been a very bad time for you….for all of you," Mike responded, still absorbing what he had heard, though his only concern was obviously what impact this might have on his patient now. "But….as long as you assure me he's dealing with it…..! You know how important it is that he doesn't get overly stressed, Jeff. Scott is still in the recovery process here," he added with a cautionary note.

"Yes Mike, it was a bad time….but he is dealing with it now. Jenna is helping him. In fact, she's probably the only one who can. She is a very special young lady…and she's become very important to Scott," Jeff assured him. His face and tone softened as he thought of the young woman that had so captivated the heart of his eldest son, taught him to love again and swept through his home like a whirlwind, endearing herself to everyone.

Mike smiled in reflective thought. "Yes, she is a special young lady. But then I understand Scott is as equally important to her," he agreed, returning his old friend's assurance. Speaking a little more privately, out of earshot of the rest of the boys, Mike felt, though, he had to voice his concern. "It would be less than honest of me though, Jeff, if I didn't admit to being concerned about her future….you know I feel responsible for her….and I did bring her out here. Still…I suppose they are young people who know what they want….and as long as she's happy….!"

Although he realised the seriousness of his old friend's concerns, Jefferson Tracy had to chuckle to himself. Yes, his eldest son knew very much what he wanted, for his son had made it very clear indeed that he was prepared to let nothing stand in his way, to leave everything he knew, if necessary, to be with the woman he loved and Jenna too, being equally as determined, had given up her career because of love for his son.

Jeff clapped a reassuring hand on his old friend's shoulder. "Yes, Mike….I think we can rest assured they know what they want….and I wouldn't worry too much about Jenna's future. I think we can safely say that young lady's experience can be put to good use." Seeing the puzzled expression on his friend's face at wondering what he meant by that remark, Jeff smiled and carried on before Mike got a chance to ask, for now anyway.

It was something he had been considering, though, sharing this closely guarded family secret with his old friend for he felt Mike, at least now, deserved to know the truth and could be trusted, after having, without hesitation, dropped everything to come to the aid of his desperately ill son and, in effect, saving his life. But right now was not the best time. No, Mike was here for a couple of days and this was probably the kind of thing best revealed over a good single malt scotch, with another good stiff drink on hand for afterwards!

"Well now, Mike…I'm sure you could do with a spot of lunch before you want to start Scott's check-up. I know Grandma and Kyrano have prepared something really tasty." Jeff suggested temptingly.

"Lead on, Jeff. How could I say no! Anything Grandma and Kyrano would cook up is sure to be delicious," Mike replied appreciatively, being the connoisseur of good food that he was.

"And I'll see if Jenna and Scott would like to join us. I'm surprised actually that Jenna wasn't here to greet you already, Mike. I know she's been looking forward to your visit," Jeff added, totally unaware of the goings on that morning.

The boys looked dubiously from one to the other. Knowing their brother as well as they did they were doubtful they would see him up for lunch, not with the mood he was in this morning and, beginning to know Jenna now too, they were certain that where Scott was, Jenna was sure to stay. They listened with eager interest as their father opened the com-link to the infirmary, almost as if they had a bet riding on the outcome, though none of them would have been foolish enough to bet against such a certainty!

Down in the infirmary, Jenna answered Jeff's call.

"Jenna….Mike's going to have some lunch first before he comes down to do Scott's check-up. We thought the both of you might like to come up and join us," Jeff informed her.

She looked immediately to Scott to see him adamantly shaking his head.

There was nothing he would have found more excruciatingly painful than having to sit through a meal, trying to engage in polite conversation, while all the time wondering just what was on Mike's mind and how he thought of him. And besides that, with his fingers going into spasm, he didn't want everyone to be getting excited and building their hopes up until Mike had examined him, nor did he want to embarrass himself at the table in front of everyone and have to endure awkward or pitying glances.

"But you go, Jen….please….don't let me spoil it for you. I know how much you want to see Mike….and you missed meeting him when he arrived. I'll be all right here…I'll see you after lunch," Scott assured her, giving her a faint smile.

Her heart went out to him for she knew why he felt he couldn't face a family lunch with Mike, not yet, not until he knew how things were between them.

Turning back to the com-link, she gave her reply. "Thanks, Jeff….but Scott's not feeling up to sitting through lunch….so I'm going to keep him company down here. We'll see Mike when he comes down."

"Is Scott all right, Jenna? Do you need Mike to come down right away?" Jeff asked with obvious concern.

"Scott's okay, Jeff……I promise. He…just didn't have a very good night last night…so he's still feeling a bit tired….that's all. No…let Mike enjoy his lunch…..there's no hurry," she assured him. Well, it was, in part, true.

"Well….if you're sure….!" Jeff replied warily.

"Yes, Jeff….we're sure," she returned with a reassured light tone in her voice that said there was nothing to worry about. "Now go ahead and enjoy your lunch."

"Alright…..I'll have Kyrano send you both down something to eat then," Jeff responded, almost with a note of disappointment that he wouldn't have a full table. And with that the com-link was closed.

The boys could hardly contain themselves and almost did a high-five right there and then. There was nothing like being right on the button! A little gesture that Mike didn't fail to notice, making him wonder if, perhaps, there might not be a bit more to Scott's absence than the reason given.

Could it be his presence was the reason! Could it be that Scott was anxious about this first face-to-face meeting with him! And could it be because of Jenna, he wondered! That would certainly be a reasonable assumption and a lot more plausible than the rather general excuse of just being tired! He knew Scott to be a young man of high moral principles and a young man who spoke his mind, who liked things out in the open and to know exactly where he stood on any given issue, so he could well imagine how Scott would feel, having to sit through lunch, not knowing how he felt about this situation, since it was something they hadn't yet discussed. Of course, it could also be that Scott was anxious about the sensations that were coming back into his hand, wondering if it meant he would get back full mobility or not, wondering if he dared allow himself to hope and, while that was probably part of it, Mike usually found that his first instincts were always right.

Well, he would soon find out but right now, he might as well enjoy this wonderful meal that Grandma and Kyrano had prepared. That was one of the perks of coming to stay at the home of Jefferson Tracy; one always enjoyed the finest cuisine.

Back down in the infirmary.

"You didn't need to do that, Jen. I wouldn't have minded you going up to lunch with everyone," Scott told her with genuine sincerity.

She smiled with warm affection as she sat down on his bed and cupped his face lovingly in her hand. "I know you wouldn't….but I know where I'd rather be."

He traced his fingers down her face, studying her, as though he could hardly believe just how lucky he was to have her. "Did I ever tell you just how much I love you, Miss Rollins?"

She bit her bottom lip a little, as though trying to suppress a smile, in that provocative way that always did crazy things to his insides. "I think you might have done, Mr Tracy….but I'll never get tired of hearing you say it."

"Well then, Miss Rollins….you'd better come here…..because I want to say it again," Scott responded, his face relaxing into a soft smile for the first time that morning, and a mischievous glint of a smile at that. Slipping his right hand around her neck and with his fingers then entwining themselves in her hair, Scott pulled her towards him. As he rubbed his face gently against hers and with warm breath that made her feel positively weak, he whispered huskily in her ear, "I won't ever get tired of saying it. I love you, Miss Rollins…I love you…I love you…I love you so much."

She sighed contentedly.

"And you know….you've got the most adorable ears….makin me just wanna nibble and bite…….makin me all h……," he started to say, emitting little playful growls in her ear.

"Scott Tracy!" she reprimanded in pretence against his ear and feigning shock, as if he were a naughty schoolboy, though smiling happily at her lover's enthusiasm.

"Hungry, lady! You make me all….hungry! But then you know you do," he groaned in mock exasperation, loving these verbal sparring games they played and the way she was always able to bring out a playful nature in him, loving her for the momentary distraction she gave him from the heavy cloud that had hung over him all morning and from the heavy confrontation he was about to face that afternoon.

"Then it's just as well Kyrano is bringing you down something to eat….isn't it, Mr Tracy!" she laughed, bringing a mischievous grin to his face, since both of them knew full well it was not food that would quell Scott Tracy's voracious appetite!

His playful nuzzling at her ear now was making them both laugh and giggle, in the way that lovers do, so much so that they failed to notice they had company.

A polite cough interrupted the young lover's intimacy. "……Mr Scott….Miss Jenna…..I am sorry for the intrusion…..but your father wished me to bring you some lunch."

With a smile of embarrassment the lovers parted. "No…no…that's….em…alright, Kyrano…..and…eh …thank you," Scott acknowledged politely.

"Yes…thank you, Kyrano. It looks delicious as always," Jenna complimented with the continued smile of embarrassed amusement at having been caught.

As soon as the elderly man left the room the two young lovers touched foreheads, laughing at how easily they had been so wrapped up in each other they had been oblivious to everything and everybody.

Scott sighed as he looked at the appetising meal before starting. "Well….looks like the condemned man gets a hearty meal, huh!" he quipped with a half smile, though in truth, deep down, that's kinda how he felt.

Jenna bit her lip to suppress the smile at his rather melodramatic remark, knowing it was his brave attempt at finding some humor in what he felt was the inevitable confrontation. "Oh Scott. It won't be as bad as all that….I'm sure," she assured him, stroking his face affectionately with a sympathetic smile.

And he didn't have long to wait to find out.

Shortly after lunch Mike made his way down to the infirmary and was greeted warmly by Jenna as soon as he entered, though, while Scott was courteous in his greeting, having risen to meet the man who had saved his life, Mike was acutely aware of the palpable tension that emanated from his young patient, tense enough as to almost be able to touch it, giving him reason to believe he had been right in his assumption.

"Scott."

"Mike." The two men greeted each other warily, eyes glinting, as though they were summing each other up before engaging in some form of combat.

"I'm glad to see you looking so well….and I see you've been building up your strength….that's good," Mike acknowledged encouragingly, having been assessing his patient when he had extended his hand and found Scott to return a firm handshake with his right hand, as well as watching him walk confidently across the room to meet him, with no sign of any weakness. Ushering them back across the room, Mike indicated for Scott to sit back down on his bed.

"Well, you're certainly in better shape than the last time I saw you," Mike remarked, obviously pleased with his patient's progress.

"I've had very good nursing care," Scott stated, as he gazed with loving affection at Jenna, a look that didn't fail to escape Mike's notice and caused him to remember, with an inward smile, Kyrano's observation as they walked to the villa, that the world ceased to exist and everyone around them seemed to disappear.

"Yes…Jen is a very…dedicated young woman. That's why I chose her for this assignment...her compassionate nursing and the fact she devotes herself entirely to her patient," Mike acknowledged, watching very carefully the young man's reaction. It didn't fail to bring a flash of cold steel from the cobalt blue eyes.

Just how did Mike mean that statement, Scott wasn't quite sure, if indeed he meant anything by it at all, though the fact Mike referred to him as her 'assignment' struck a raw nerve, causing his taut facial muscles to flinch.The only thing Scott was sure of was that they were now dancing around what, to Scott, was a very sensitive subject, probing and parrying, as though looking for an opening in the other's defences.

"The fact that you've come on so well in your recovery is testament to her nursing skills. You were a very ill young man, you know," he added carefully, wanting to see where this next probe would take him, though being very mindful of his own advice to Jeff, that Scott should not be put under any unnecessary stress.

"And very vulnerable!" Scott returned immediately, fixing Mike with another steely cold gaze of his striking blue eyes. Whether Mike meant it as, his being so ill that he was weak and therefore easily infatuated with his pretty nurse and that he had taken advantage of the situation, leading to her feeling she had to resign her post or that Jenna had abused her position of trust and care and engaged in improper conduct with her very ill and vulnerable patient, or that she had, in fact, just felt sorry for him and was humoring him by her loving attentiveness, he didn't much care. In fact, he deeply resented any such implications.

Both men knew now instinctively where the other was at and that things needed to be said.

"Jen….would you mind leaving us. I'd like to examine my patient now…..and Scott and I….well…I think we need to have a little talk first!" Mike instructed in his calm, laid-back tone of authority.

"Now Mike….I hope you're not thinking of intimidating my patient!" she mockingly warned, giving him a raise of her eyebrows.

He fixed a languid smile on his intense young patient. "I don't think Scott is the type of person who is easily intimidated…..are you, young man?"

With cold determination, Scott stared him down. "No…Sir. I'm not," he replied, in what was not meant as sarcasm, quite the opposite in fact. While Scott had engaged the consultant surgeon in many intelligent debates as an equal he would always accord him the same courtesy and respect as he would his father.

Knowing they were now intent on having it out with each other, Jenna felt it was better that she left and just let them get on with it. Men!…she sighed to herself with an inward laugh, though she couldn't help but feel just a little flattered at the thought of some medieval type duel that was just about to be fought over her for her honor.

Taking her by the hand, Scott walked her to the door and then, quite openly and unashamedly, he kissed her with sweet loving, as though stating clearly to the watching Mike that this was no flighty affair but a serious declaration and she was his. On parting, he gazed deep into her eyes and whispered the words, 'Love you', to which she returned the sentiment with a tender touching of his face. And with that she left.

It had been a full on, in your face display of ownership, yet the most tender and touching show of affection Mike had ever seen and it hadn't failed to leave a lasting impression on him.

Now the two men were alone. So, turning with cool determination and almost daring Mike to make something of it, Scott prepared to face the showdown.

"Something you want to say to me, Scott!" Mike invited, keeping a calm, steady tone on feeling the tension now come off the intense young man in waves.

That was all Scott needed. The tension that had been building up in him all night and all that morning finally found its release.

With eyes alive and ablaze with passion, he let loose. "You're damn right there is."