Chapter 10 Hello Darlin'
Isabella's House
Isabella had made her way back home. Zak was really mad that she didn't bring his dad with her. Jean had stayed on to give Isabella moral support. The police hadn't reached a final conclusion on the identification of Chris's "body".
Jean could tell that Isabella was really stressed and worried about something.
"What's wrong, Isabella?" Jean asks.
"Isn't it natural that I may be upset? My husband could be dead", Isabella says.
"You guys were in the process of a divorce. In fact, after the way he hurt you, I know you wanted to kill him yourself", Jean says.
"I still love him. If he is alive, I'm going to give him a second chance", Isabella says.
"I can't believe that you said that", Jean says.
"He's the love of my life", Isabella says as the door bell rings.
If there were more flowers for condolences, Isabella was going to scream. She goes to open the door.
"Mrs. Smith, we'd like to talk to you", a man dressed as a police officer says.
"Sure. Come on in", Isabella says.
"I'm afraid there's been a terrible misunderstanding. The man killed in the car accident wasn't your husband. We suspect that your husband was carjacked before the fatal accident occurred", the policeman says.
"Where is my husband?" Isabella asks.
"Well, based upon the DNA evidence that you provided to us, we believe that your husband is in the Paris Hospital. He has been in a coma since the day of the accident. Would you please come with me to the hospital? We'd like you to identify the man", the policeman says.
"Sure, I'll come right away!" Isabella says as she rushes to get her coat and purse.
"Isabella, do you want me to come with you?" Jean asks.
"No, please stay here with Zak and don't mention a word of this to him!" Isabella says. Zak is on Christmas break.
As Isabella and the policeman get into his car, he tells her that he works for MI5 and that Chris is in fact alive. He's been seriously wounded - head injury, broken ribs, and his right leg is badly injured, but he's alive and should make a full recovery. The carjacking is a cover story that they will use to cover up the truth.
Paris Hospital
Isabella rushes into the hospital and to Chris's room. There is a doctor in the room with him.
"How is he doctor?" Isabella rushes over to look at Chris.
"Well, the wound that concerns me the most is his head wound. He may have permanent brain damage. Tomorrow morning we're going to do a cat-scan on him and that might tell what's going on in there", the doctor tells her.
"When will he wake up?"
"It's hard to tell in cases like these - could be days, weeks, months, or even years. But don't give up on him yet, he's a very strong man. He fought very hard to stay with us", the doctor tells her.
Isabella stays with Chris for awhile and then decides to go home to tell Jean and Zak the good news. Also, she's going to get her stuff and come back to stay with Chris at the hospital.
Isabella's House
Isabella comes running into the house.
"Zak! Where are you? I've got great news for you!" Isabella screams
"Is it Dad?", he asks.
"Yes, little love, dad is alive. He's in the hospital", Isabella says as she wraps her arms around him.
"Can I see him?" Zak asks.
"He's not awake. He's been injured very badly. I'm going to stay the night with him at the hospital. Jean will bring you to see him tomorrow", Isabella says.
Zak's very excited that is dad is alive and he goes to call all his friends.
"You're going to stay in the hospital tonight?", Jean says.
"Yes, I told you that I still love him and I'm going to forgive him. Sometimes when you almost lose someone forever, you realize how much they mean to you", Isabella says.
"What if he doesn't feel the same way?"
"He will", Isabella says with great confidence.
Isabella stays by Chris's side for the next three days. Zak comes and visits his dad every day. They both talk to him and play music and movies for him. Hoping that something will stimulate his mind and awaken him.
December 31, 2008 - Paris Hospital
It's their 15th anniversary. Isabella didn't expect to be spending it in a hospital. She still has hope that Chris will awaken.
"Love, please give me a sign that you're still in there", Isabella says.
Chris hears her and begins to open his eyes. Isabella notices and goes to get the doctor. When she gets back, Chris's eyes are open and he's watching her.
The doctors begin an examination of Chris. They take him off the ventilator so that he'll be able to talk to them.
"Sir, do you know your name?"
"Yes, Chris Smith", he says. His voice is very weak.
"Good. What's the last thing you remember?"
"An explosion"
"You're in a hospital in Paris, France.
The doctors ask Chris more questions. Then they leave to confer. Isabella comes over to Chris and touches his forehead.
"Love, I'm so glad that you come back to us", Isabella says.
"Who are you?" Chris asks her.
"I'm your wife", Isabella says.
"I don't have a wife. I've been married twice and there's no way that I'd do that again", Chris says.
"Do you know my name?"
"No...You look familiar, but I can't quite place you"
"What year is this?"
"1990"
"Oh, my god" Isabella says as she leaves his hospital room to find his doctors.