A/N: Guys thanks so much for the read and reviews! I'm happy everyone is liking it so far. Hopefully I'm living up to all of ya'lls expectations! After watching the deleted scenes of season 4 (and crying my eyes out on the Infinity boat scene) I was totally inspired to finish up this chapter. More is to come so please stay tuned. Special thanks goes to my fellow Revenger friend Maria (Maria MB on FB) who gave me some good ideas for this chapter! Oh and also, Jemily authors…I once again encourage everyone to please get those stories out there. I mean everyone's entitled to their opinions and ships and should write freely about whatever they wish for the series…But the latest updates have been all about Victoria…I mean really? Can we give the stories some "epilogue after series" love? Just sayin…
Without wasting another moment, Charlotte quickly made her way into the hospital's Intensive Care Unit's waiting room where she found Nolan Ross face down in his lap top. She tapped his shoulder lightly, trying to get his attention, but to no avail, his snoring grew louder. Rolling her eyes, she gripped him by the shoulder and shook him roughly.
"Nolan? Nolan! Wake up!"
The tall blonde shot up in a panic mumbling incoherently until he found the brunette behind him with a confused yet amused expression on her face.
"Were you seriously playing Minesweeper…and beat it…in your sleep?"
Nolan briefly looked down on his computer to see the little game minimized with the smiley face emoji wearing sunglasses at the top, confirming his unexpected victory.
"It's been known to happen sometimes on occasion…" Nolan mumbled sheepishly as he stifled a yawn.
"Like when? When you're bored out of your mind?" She inquired dryly as she folded her arms.
"No me being bored out of my mind would include taking a peek into the C.I.A.'s server and reading their files to see how they're screwing the country over for the fun of it…This is just me being stressed." He replied as he clicked out of the game and closed his laptop.
"So…how is she?" Nolan asked softly with slight hesitation.
"…She's stable. The doctors said that she was traumatized pretty badly, but the surgery was successful and s-she's going to be okay." Charlotte replied calmly.
Nolan then breathed out a huge sigh of relief, thanked god, and flopped back onto the small lounging couch.
"You seem surprised; I would have thought that considering how tough she is, you'd figure she could handle these types of things."
Nolan resisted the urge to glare and scoffed lightly. "Yeah, I think she thought so too…Sharp and tough my Ems may be, but this particular thorn has the heart of a rose. Her resilience isn't all that she makes it out to be…especially when it comes to situations like…like this."
Charlotte nodded and looked down at her feet before speaking softly. "I…I got the chance to talk to her…about everything…"
"And?" Nolan pressed, eager to know how the conversation turned out since he was at first against the idea of letting the youngest Clarke anywhere near Amanda after her stunt from a while back. But due to her being the only lifeline and hope she had along with her surprising offer to make peace after talking to David, he figured a little sister to sister time would prove beneficial.
"And...I think we were starting to get back into a good place…" She smiled faintly.
"Were?" Nolan raised an eyebrow.
"Well everything was going as good as it could go I guess. We were talking about dad and she already seemed so distraught before I even walked in, so I asked her what was wrong and she mentioned something about Jack before she started to freak out and the medical staff came in…"
"Oh Ems…" Nolan whispered as he shook his head in sympathy.
"Nolan…What happened to Jack?" Charlotte asked with concern.
"He…he got stabbed by a merciless assassin during the whole damn hide and seek game with Victoria fiasco…" He muttered bitterly.
"My god…" Charlotte covered her mouth with her hand as her eyes widened and teared up. "I-is he? Is he?" She couldn't finish the sentence.
"He's not dead. He was able to make it through…But I don't think Ems was able to get the memo yet…He was in a critical state by the time she got to him…And…and it really took a toll on her to say the least..." Nolan explained sadly.
"Well…How is he now?" Charlotte sniffed.
"Physically? He's miraculously okay…It's emotionally that I'm concerned about. By the time he was up, he heard about what happened to Emily and…to say that he didn't take it well would be putting it lightly…By the time she was brought in, he literally tried to chase the gurney down…They had to sedate him to keep him calm; but my guess is he's already assumed the worst."
"The way you're saying they reacted you would think…Wait a minute…were they…together?" Charlotte asked curiously.
"I-I'm pretty sure they were! But I don't know for sure…I mean I would hope that they would be, yes! But they've always been…quite complicated to say the least…And I did kind of kill a moment between them recently…But then again since Jack offered to go with Emily to investigate that dead woman, Mary Gains' house…I don't know maybe they had some alone time…She sure acted differently when she saw him in the hospital…And then Jack mentioned about proposing-" Nolan mused aloud.
"-Wait. Okay, I'm lost. Who the hell is Mary Gains? And…hold on a minute? Did you just say that Jack was going to propose to Emily?!" Charlotte questioned, her voice growing louder in shock with each word.
Nolan shushed her by briefly covering her mouth with his hand.
"My, my, my you obviously have a lot to catch up on Charlie…How's about I fill in the gaps sans the risk of us being kicked out of the hospital due to you waking up every patient on every floor except the morgue hmm sounds good? Good."
Nolan ignored Charlotte's piercing glare and ushered her to the elevator, releasing her once they got outside to fill her in on everything that has happened; including the complicated relationship between Amanda Clarke and Jack Porter.
"Wow…I always knew that Jack had a thing for Emily…but I had no idea that it was so…deep." Charlotte mused.
Nolan shrugged. "Well he and Ems could probably explain it better than I can, but yeah, they have quite an interesting history…"
"And…to complicate things further…Emily is thinking that Jack is dead, while Jack is thinking she's dead?" Charlotte wondered thoughtfully.
"Well seeing how they were both down for the count before they could find out otherwise, and given their history of finding their significant others in such unfortunate states…One could only assume the worst." Nolan replied somberly.
"So…they have no clue whatsoever that, that isn't the case and that they're both actually alive?" Charlotte voiced her thoughts aloud as a mischievous sparkle lit in her eyes.
"…For the time being, no…What are you getting at?" Nolan raised an eyebrow, slightly frightened by the impish expression on her face.
"I've got an idea!" Charlotte snapped her fingers enthusiastically.
Nolan smiled with fake enthusiasm and raised up his hand before replying. "Give me time to run for cover first, before it all goes up in flames...Again."
"What? You don't trust me?" Charlotte replied, feeling slightly insulted, folding her arms.
"Well seeing how last time your ideas included turning your sister into a sis-kabob, I guess you could say I've developed some trust issues with you around." Nolan countered, folding his arms as well.
"…Okay. I deserved that…" Charlotte nodded. "But like I said, I've given it a lot of thought and I've managed to make my peace with Emily, so of course I don't have any ulterior motive. Besides, I helped save her life. And since I've been here I haven't given you any reason for you not to trust me now have I?"
Nolan clicked his tongue, and nodded thoughtfully. "You make a compelling argument Charlie. Alright, I'll bite. You may proceed with your idea. I'm all ears."
Charlotte whispered her plan in Nolan's ear, making him grin a cunning smile that matched hers with every sentence.
Later on…
Amanda Clarke once again adjusted her blurred vision to the bright lights of her hospital room; trying to recollect the events that caused her to black out. Her thoughts were still in a haze, but she remembered her sister and the conversation they had.
She couldn't help but smile a little.
Despite their messy relationship and history, Charlotte somehow found it in her heart to forgive her and make peace.
Forgiveness…
That word seemed so foreign to her; and yet she underestimated the power it held; how it had the ability to pardon and heal the deepest of wounds; leaving behind only the faintest of scars in the form of memories and regrets. Even if it hurt like hell to attempt it…It seemed to make all the difference.
She didn't expect to be forgiven by Charlotte, much more so to even have that family relationship like she had with her before as Emily Thorne…
But forgiveness made all the difference in their relationship.
Just like it did with Jack…
"…Jack…"
Now Amanda remembered everything. She shut her eyes painfully once more as the memories came rushing back to her one by one up until the moment she saw him barely breathing on his hospital bed.
…And presumably his death bed…
Her eyes stung with the familiar sensation of tears, but before she gave in to the abounding sorrow in her heart, she quickly decided that she needed a change of scenery. She needed to get out of there. She didn't know or care where she would go, she just needed to get away from the depressing environment that did nothing but strengthen her despair.
Everything was crashing down all around her like a furious ocean tide…
And she was in the midst of the destruction…
All alone…
She longed to feel safe again…
She longed to be with him again…
After vigorously wiping her oncoming tears away, with great struggle and determination, she managed to rise up out of the hospital bed and limped into a nearby wheelchair. Taking a moment to adjust to the pressure she placed on her still weakened body, she breathed sharply, but then turned to find her cell phone ringing.
Thankfully it was within reach.
She wheeled over to answer it. "Hello? Charlotte?"
"Amanda! Hey, how did you know it was me? Oh wait, duh caller I.D. Well I'm glad I got hold of you. I was afraid you were still out of it…How are you feeling?" Charlotte asked softly.
"Still pretty sore. But I'm managing…I was actually on my way out just to clear my head…" Amanda replied.
"Wait. How do you plan to-"
"-Wheelchair."
"And you're sure that's the safest thing for you to do right now?"
"At this moment, I could care less. I just need a change of scenery…I-I can't go another minute in this type of environment. I need to get away, at least for a moment to clear my head and maybe then I can come up with a plan to save dad."
"Oh speaking of, I've already hatched up an idea for that; and I'm sure it will work in no time."
Amanda raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Charlotte took her lack of response as doubt and sighed. "Look, I can prove that this plan is foolproof and unlike your past endeavors, is 100% legal, but I don't want to talk about it over the phone. There's a pretty cool and secluded atrium garden on the 5th floor of the hospital. If you can make it there and meet me, I'll explain everything."
"Fine then. I'll be there as soon as I can." Amanda replied. With that, she hung up the phone and wheeled herself out the door.
Meanwhile…
A sluggish Jack Porter groaned as he held his head in an attempt to ease the throbbing pain. His thoughts were blurry as he tried to recollect all of the events that took place, but it only worsened his headache. He was pulled from his thoughts, however, at the sound of his cell phone ringing. He checked the caller I.D. and answered it.
"…Nolan?" He inquired weakly.
"Jack! Oh thank goodness you picked up! I didn't know if you were still out like a light or not. How are you feeling?"
"Like I got ran over by a fully loaded ship…W-what the hell happened?" Jack asked, groaning at the pain of his newly stitched abdomen as he shifted to sit up in his bed.
"…What all do you remember?" Nolan asked seriously with slight hesitation.
"Ugh…I-I'm not sure, the last thing I remember was we were talking…You were telling me about your hand…and that David went after Am-" Jack paused as his eyes widened in horror. "Amanda! Amanda was hurt! She-she got shot! S-she was here! I remember!"
"Yeah…she was." Nolan replied reluctantly.
"Is she-Oh my god…Nolan…Please tell me she isn't-…that she isn't-"Jack couldn't finish the sentence as his voice suddenly grew heavy with sorrow.
"…I'm still getting all the details myself, but…the last thing I heard was that her heart was damaged beyond repair and-Jack?" Nolan paused in his explanation at the sound of silent crying, mumbling, and sniffing.
"No…No…No…Please no…Not her…please not her…" Jack mumbled to himself, sniffing as his shoulders heaved with heavy sobs.
"…Jack…"
"Y-you don't have to say anything Nolan. I-I think I already know." Jack lamented.
"But Jack-"
"NO! I don't want to hear it okay! I-I-I need to get out of here…" Jack snapped painfully, on the verge of breaking down completely.
"But Jack there's more to the story that you need to know! Just-Listen…There's an atrium garden on the 5th floor of the hospital. Meet me there and I'll explain all the details."
"W-what's the point? W-what good will it do?" Jack shot back hopelessly, not bothering to wipe his tears away as more threatened to spill from his tired red eyes.
"Please Jack. Y-you have to trust me okay? Please…" Nolan pleaded desperately; dreading the long silence that followed after until the sound of a shaky sigh and sniffle was heard.
"…Fine…I'm on my way now." Jack replied lowly in a near lifeless tone.
Nolan sighed with relief. "Thank you Jack…Everything will be made clear soon. I promise."
With great strain, Jack finally made it to the fifth floor and entered the atrium garden; taking his time as he pulled his I.V. pole along with him. On normal occasions, he would of gladly taken in the natural beauty of the garden's design as the sunlight shone through the see through-windows, enhancing the colors and beauty of the various flowers and greenery of the grass and sparkling waters of the fountains; but all he could think about was how the scenery paled in comparison to the beauty of Amanda's smile.
And how he would never see that smile again…
He felt the burning sensation of despair strike his heart once more and tried to push the tears down; at least until he could find a proper place to mourn for his love.
Wrapped in his thoughts, and trying to find Nolan, he failed to pay attention as his back collided against a wheelchair…
Fearing that he could have knocked down someone who was already injured, Jack started to sputter out apologies.
…But he suddenly froze completely once he saw the person turn around…
Earlier…
Amanda managed to wheel herself onto the fifth floor and into the atrium garden where there was a breathtaking sight of colorful flowers littering the ground. The grass, though artificial, was lush under her feet, and the giant fountain that brought a sense of serenity as it stood tall in the midst. Nonetheless, admiring the view was the last thing on her mind as she wheeled herself around and about looking for Charlotte in a desperate attempt to occupy her mind instead of mourning the loss of her lover; who she was sure if he was present would appreciate the design of the scenery and share his happiness with her.
She let the tears fall freely as she started wheeling backwards, not paying attention as she collided with what she assumed to be the back of a person.
She turned around to apologize, when she suddenly froze completely once she saw the person turn around…
There was complete silence with only the sound of the trickling water of the fountain as Jack and Amanda froze in their places; eyes swollen from crying, yet widened as if they each saw a ghost.
It just wasn't possible…
It couldn't be possible…
Given their histories, they knew what it was like to have their hopes held high only for it to come crashing down…
But there it was…
That sensation burning in their hearts and eyes as they took in each other's appearances.
They dared to hope…
They dared to take a chance…
He was the first one to break the silence.
"A-Amanda?" He whispered breathlessly.
Her eyes widened even more if possible at the familiar sound of his voice that brought comfort to her soul and made her feel safe. She wanted to reply, she wanted to run to him and confirm his soft inquiry, but her words caught in her throat as her breathing hitched.
It was silly really. His name was one-syllable long; and yet she couldn't speak a word. She couldn't catch her breath as her body shook with anticipation and anxiety…and fear.
What if this was a dream?
What if this was yet another mere illusion…
The sudden sensation of a shaky yet soft calloused palm on her reddened cheeks proved otherwise as his breathing grew heavier and gasped with every sensation and touch he made on her face and hair; proving that she was indeed tangible and existent.
She was alive…
Amanda Clarke was alive…
"Y-you're alive…" He breathed as his widened blue eyes locked right onto her widened chocolate orbs. Still unable to fully catch her breath, she managed to nod slightly and reply in the same tone. "S-so are you…"
She then reached out her soft hands and felt every inch of his face from the top of his soft mussed hair, to his rugged stubble.
He was alive…
Jack Porter was alive…
She choked on a sob as she finally managed to whisper his name. She repeated it loud enough to where he was able to hear it and that was all it took for them to completely break their resolve.
Without wasting a single moment, she threw herself into his awaiting arms, stitches on both of their deepest wounds be damned. He wrapped his arms around her as tight as he could muster as they desperately sought to be closer to each other; wanting to make the aspect of space nonexistent.
Their heartbeats were in perfect unison…
No words were needed to be said…
All of their emotions were communicated clearly through the silence of their tears as they simply held each other for dear life; refusing to let go for even a second; worried that if they were to lighten up for even a moment, the blissful reality would prove to be an illusion that would surely disintegrate.
Once comforted by the realization and proof that they were indeed alive and well, they managed to separate by barely a few inches and looked up to gaze into each other's eyes.
There were so many questions that needed to be answered…
So much work that needed to be done…
So many things unfinished…
So many loose ends that needed to be tied once and for all…
But all of that was put on the back burner as Jack and Amanda simultaneously came closer, letting their lips crash softly onto each other's, and steadily deepening the passionate embrace. Within seconds, they were desperately grabbing onto each other, relishing the taste and feel of the other as it confirmed their existence to one another, desiring to be closer than before. The fact that breathing was a necessary part of life was completely disregarded since they refused to break apart for air.
Not even the sound of a distinct throat clearing was enough to tear them apart.
"See? I told you it would work. They're so wrapped up in each other they don't even realize we're standing here." Charlotte smirked with pride as she and Nolan watched Amanda and Jack from afar.
"Well you always did say that you were quite the matchmaker…Guess your ideas didn't crash and burn after all." Nolan replied playfully. "But I have to give you complete props on your other idea with rescuing David. Once the court is informed of his medical condition they will more than likely have no choice but to let him go for medical leave. The idea is genius and yet so simple. So much for creating a second jailbreak scenario…I was actually looking forward to tinkering with the incompetent guards' computers again…" Nolan whined in a playful manner.
"Well, time is running out so we better let those two know what the plan is." Charlotte stated, ready to walk up to her sister only to be held back by Nolan.
"Aw let the kids play for a little while longer Charlie…after all they've been through, they deserve it…" Nolan stated softly, smiling at the touching sight of his best friends reunited once more where they belonged.