CHAPTER 6:

"James, please, wake up!" James was drifting in and out of consciousness. He kept hearing Jennifer's voice go through his ears, but he was not able to respond to her. He also heard mixed bits of Marcus and Jen arguing with each other as well as other voices. Eventually, he felt himself being lifted onto a stretcher and going down the elevator and out into an ambulance.

When he woke up again, all he could see was a blur of a face, a face he recognised all too well. He felt his hand being held. He closed his eyes once more and when he opened them again, he could see clearly.

"Jennifer?" James croaked out.

"James, you're…you're alive. I…I'm so sorry." James felt a tear land on his face.

"I'm fine, just a little beat up, you know."

"You're not fine! You have a concussion and internal bleeding and…God you're alive." Jen collapsed on the bed beside James, her face buried under his arm. She started sobbing. James stroked her hair slowly. Suddenly, a tall figure appeared in the door way of James' room. He was holding a bag of ice to his face. He took a few steps inward.

"Go…away." James growled. Marcus continued forward anyway.

"Listen…" Marcus began. Jen stopped sobbing and turned around.

"Don't come any closer and shut up. You've already done enough. Do you think I honestly want you around? Are you that stupid?"

"Jennifer…I…"

"Don't call me Jennifer. It's Mui to you."

"But…"

"No, shut it and leave." Jen replied angrily. She wish she had some sort of weapon on her, anything really that could dispose of Marcus quietly. Unfortunately, she was still wearing her pyjamas. Marcus sighed and started walking away. But before he reached the door, he paused.

"Jennifer Mui, I know you're telling me to leave now, but I promise you, you won't be able to take your mind off of me, no matter what. I will always be in the back of your mind." Marcus finally left the room, leaving Jen and James to themselves.

"What is his problem?" James whispered.

"I do not know. He's not the same man I knew. Something's changed him. He used to be caring and only violent when he was working. I'm worried."

"Worried about what?" James asked.

"I have a feeling, call it women's intuition if you must, but I have a feeling he's connected to the man that broke in earlier."

"How do you figure?"

"Well, he has been living across from my apartment for two weeks. He could have very well found out when I was home and showed that man to the building and led him to my apartment."

"He could have, but I doubt it. I just think he has issues…" James said quietly, grasping Jen's hand.

"You could be right. I just, I feel so stupid for even thinking for a moment that I considered choosing him over you."

"We all make mistakes."

"I know, but…you could not possibly comprehend what I am feeling right now."

"Try me." James said with a flirty smile.

"I just, the mere thought that I actually considered seeing Marcus again makes me sick to my stomach. I feel so bad that he did this to you and I couldn't see just how much you…love…me." Jen felt her face blush and she swallowed back more tears as she leaned in and gave James a kiss. James lifted his hand and stroked his thumb back and forth across her soft cheek. She pulled back a moment later, but remained close to James' face. Their eyes locked, and Jen had the memory of the last time they were like this…which in fact was in a hospital bed. James was too hurt this time around to be committing to that much physical activity and they both knew it. So Jen kissed him again, the taste of his lips lingering on hers. Jen pulled away and laid down beside James. There she fell asleep, knowing she made the right choice.