Chapter 15

Displays of Affection

Monday morning was a cold wake up call. Elizabeth didn't remember the last time she had a full night's rest. The past week had been a whirlwind, from the fight with Will, to the incident in the hotel, then onto Will's injury and three straight nights of restless sleep. As her alarm continued to ring, Elizabeth finally drug herself out from under her comforter and hit the snooze one last time. The blurry image on the clock read 6:30. Her schedule today didn't allow for any time to be lazy. She had to stop by the art building and turn in the final description for her exhibit piece, then off to the hospital to hopefully catch part of Will's physical therapy session. Rolling on her side she ran her arm over the large portion of the bed that was usually occupied. She didn't know if her lack of sleep was from days of worry, or perhaps the fact she was accustomed to sleeping with a companion. Her bed seemed cavernous and cold without him. With one last groan, she stumbled out of bed and pulled a robe over her shoulders. Shivering she walked out into the living room only to find her father reading the newspaper on the couch and Ronald making breakfast in the kitchen. Glancing again at the wall clock she shook her head,

"How long have the two of you been up?" She questioned.

"Darling you will find that age opposes sleep. The older you are the more it escapes you." Elizabeth ran her fingers through her hair as she headed towards the shower,

"I feel at least 100 then," she mumbled as she turned on the water. A half hour later she emerged from her room dressed in jeans and simple fitted black cashmere sweater. After a quick breakfast of Spanish quiche and coffee, the three were off to the art building. Despite Elizabeth's rush to get to the hospital, her father insisted in a quick tour of the building and a preview of her exhibit display. While in the display room, Weatherby marveled at his daughter's tremendous talent. Her painting was an exquisite display of mixing colors and patterns, each seeming to transform into another.

"My dear you have amazing talent." Her father stated with awe.

"I tell her that every day." A voice interrupted from behind the trio. Elizabeth quickly turned to find Jeremy standing slightly behind her father.

"Jeremy, I didn't hear you come in." She smiled. "I don't believe you have met my father yet. Jeremy this is Weatherby Swann, and our family friend Ronald." Jeremy, elated to be meeting Elizabeth's parent, took Weatherby's outstretched hand and returned the greeting.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Swan. Your daughter never ceases to amaze me." Weatherby grinned at his appraisal and nodded his head,

"Please call me Weatherby my dear boy." Jeremy then shook Ronald's hand, and turned to face Elizabeth.

"Are you ready for the big art exhibit in two weeks?" Elizabeth nodded,

"Just a few minor touch ups, and it will be ready for display." She gleamed.

"In this room alone, it makes the other pieces look pale and lifeless. It is your touch alone that transforms a mere painting into something so sensual and delicate." Elizabeth couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at this statement. Jeremy's description of her painting was nothing near the feelings she was trying to evoke with it. A slight look of disappointment appeared on her face as she took in her piece one last time.

"So Elizabeth…" Jeremy continued, "have you been over to see Will yet?" Both Elizabeth and her father looked at him as though he had suddenly grown horns.

"I am just curious on how he is doing?" Jeremy quickly covered, "the entire team is hoping for a quick recovery." Weatherby nodded,
"As are we, William has come a long way but still needs some time to mend." Jeremy couldn't take his eyes off Elizabeth. He loved the way her sweater clung to the curves of her chest, and how her alabaster skin glowed in the dim lighting of the room. He had not forgotten the feel of her soft skin under his fingertips. True, it had been an accident in the supply closet that allowed him such an intimate moment, but in his mind fate had brought them together that day. Elizabeth caught his intense glare, and felt a small shiver run up her spine.

"Father we should be going, I don't want to be late." Weatherby nodded his head and quickly wished Jeremy well and started for the door. Before Elizabeth could follow, Jeremy lightly reached out and took her arm.

"Elizabeth may I talk to you for a moment." Weatherby looked back at Elizabeth, completely oblivious to her discomfort at being alone with this man, and voiced that Ronald and him would wait for her in the town car. Once alone, Elizabeth gently slipped her arm from Jeremy's grasp and took a few steps back. The more space between, the less anxiety she felt. Jeremy flashed a shy smile, and ran his fingers nervously through his hair.

"I hope you have had a chance to get some rest, you seem a little on edge today." Jeremy fidgeted for a moment, trying to find the right words for the question in his mind.

"Did you spend the night at the hospital last night?" Elizabeth shook her head,

"No, I was at my apartment." Jeremy couldn't contain his smile.

"Good…I mean great! It is important to take care of yourself. I know how hard it is sometimes to come to terms with reality."

"The weight of the situation has not passed yet..." She replied with slight confusion, "I feel truly lucky to have such good friends and family to help support me through this." At this statement Jeremy couldn't contain his feelings any longer and quickly took Elizabeth into a tight embrace.

"I will always be here for you Lizze, take whatever time you need." He then released her and gave a quick smile and wink as he retreated from the room. Elizabeth stood there, momentarily contemplating running back to her apartment to shower again and then burn her sweater. The feeling of Jeremy's arms around her made her feel ill, and she suddenly felt like his scent continued to envelop her despite him having left the room. Shaking off the thought, and clearing her mind she glanced down at her watch and hurried out to the town car. She decided that she never would allow herself to be alone with Jeremy in a room again.

Jeremy couldn't keep the smile off his face as he walked back into the classroom. She had found the picture! Her cryptic statement confirmed it. Of course the situation had affected her, and he was going to be that friend who provided the comfort and support she needed. It wouldn't take long for that comfort to turn into passion. He could barely keep his mind from exploring the many scenarios of "comfort" he had planned for the two of them. As the teacher began to cover perspective drawings, Jeremy's artistic mind focused on much more explicit pictures- soon all his dreams would become a reality.


Will at first had refused the walker, exclaiming that he was in his mid twenties not his late eighties. The moment he stood his legs buckled from beneath him and he soon found himself sitting on the floor. Both Nurse Mary and his father were discolored from the accident and demanded he use the walker for stability. Thus he was forced to walk the hallways of the ward wearing his worn Mets tshirt, gym pants, and with the aid of a shiney new ambulatory device. As Will rounded the corner of the hallway, his eyes met with a familiar brunette waiting patiently outside of his hospital room. Her eyes were aglow with humor and mischief as she viewed her strong quarterback ambulating with such a device. With his target in sight, Will attempted to increase his pace only to find the walker had one speed-slow. Frustrated with the device keeping him from his goal, he tossed the walker aside and stumbled his way down the hallway, practically falling into Elizabeth's arms. The angry voices of his father and nurse quickly faded as his lips crushed upon hers in an enthusiastic kiss. Weatherby emerged from Will's hospital room only to find his daughter struggling to stay standing under the heavy weight of William, yet refusing to break the kiss. Bill's arm quickly went around Will's waist, attempting to provide additional support in fear that he would fall. Will reluctantly broke the kiss, and placed an arm around his father's shoulders. His other arm remained tightly around Elizabeth's waist as he kissed her forehead and held her close. She returned the embrace and couldn't contain her joy any longer.

"Will your walking!" She exclaimed, "It is truly amazing how well you are doing!" Will lightly chuckled,

"I'm sure I looked amazing alright. It's off to the nursing home with me next." He jested. Bill rolled his eyes,

"William you need to use it until your strength returns, lest you hit your head again!" Dr. Anderson then rounded the corner and took in the scene. Noting how Will's arm was firmly at Elizabeth's waist, and her hand rubbing small circles on his abdomen.

"Mr. Tuner, might I have a word with you." The doctor asked, approaching the group. Will nodded, allowing his father and Elizabeth to help him back to the room. Once settled back into bed, with Elizabeth seated at his side and the remainder of the group sitting in chairs, the doctor closed the door and continued.

"Mr. Turner, after reviewing your chart I feel that is safe for you to be discharged today to your father's care." Will smiled, laying a hand on Elizabeth's thigh and giving it a slight squeeze. The doctor cleared his throat and continued,

"Despite your major achievements over the past few days, there will still be some restrictions that you will have to abide by until we see you back for follow up in a few weeks." Will nodded, his thumb lightly rubbing Elizabeth's knee. Bill took out a pad of paper and pen, nodding for the doctor to continue.

"The first of these restrictions is sports, over the next few weeks you should focus only on rest and slowly regaining your strength. That means no weight lifting, running, or anything that stresses your body. Heavy activity increases your heart rate thus puts stress on your healing brain." Will nodded, his hand now training up to rest on Elizabeth's upper thigh. The doctor looked to Weatherby who seemed oblivious to the displays of affection. He then looked back to Will,

"These restrictions should not be taken lightly. To disregard them can lead to grave consequences." Elizabeth's laid her hand atop Will's giving it a light squeeze. Dr. Anderson let out a deep sigh; obviously his point wasn't clear enough.

"Mr. Turner this means anything that stresses your body should be avoided. This includes any type of aerobic activity…" Will nodded his head, still ignorant to the point being made, "including walking long distances, going up stairs, and having intercourse." Both Will and Elizabeth's face dropped at the last statement. In fact, the entire room suddenly had an eerie silence about it. Bill was still holding his pen upright and Weatherby looking clearly offended. Elizabeth quickly took her hand from Will's, as her father stared in horror at the happy couple.

"I assure you doctor, that William will have no problem adhering to your restrictions."

Bill reassured. He stood and walked over to the doctor,

"We will see you in two weeks then as scheduled." The doctor shook Bill's hand and then Weatherby's.

"Mr. Turner take care of yourself." He shook Will's hand then left the room. Bill then turned to Weatherby,

"Shall we go get some coffee?" Weatherby looked back at Elizabeth and Will.

"I fear the caffeine will just add to my already shaken nerves," Elizabeth looked away from her father's piercing glare, "so I think I will have some tea instead." Bill nodded and the two left the room, Ronald following quickly behind them. Weatherby quickly popped back in the room,

"We shall not be gone long." He stated with purpose, as he closed the door behind him.

Elizabeth looked to Will, who flashed her a look of innocence and pulled her into a soft kiss. Just as his hand start to snake up her sweater she quickly pulled away and stood up from the bed.

"Will Turner you heard what the doctor said!" Will rolled his eyes and quickly caught her arm, pulling her back down next to him.

"Liz, trust me when I say that being near you does not stress me. If anything I find it very soothing." His hand started to lightly rub her back.

"Don't play games with me; I know what you're all about." She smiled, and started lightly running her fingers through his hair. Will sat up, moving so his lips were almost brushing against hers.

"Do tell me which game you would like to play, for I am feeling rather mischievous." His arm slowly wrapped around her waist, and before she could reply his lips started to pepper kisses along her jaw, slowly descending down her neck. Elizabeth attempted to display some restrain but could not deny her body's reaction to his affections. Her arms unvoluntarily wrapped around his neck, as she pulled him closer to her. Will's hands had migrated north, and were now up under her sweater. His hands ached for more of her as he reacquainted himself with the curves of her body.

"Liz it seems like forever since I've been able to touch you." Will huskily stated, his hands moving down to the button of her jeans.

"Almost four days, since the hotel…" she replied, pulling his lips back to hers. Suddenly it hit her,

"The hotel!" She practically screamed, quickly pulling herself away from him. Will looked at her, completely baffled at the sudden change in mood before it came to him.

Before his brain could think through the consequences, his mouth softly uttered out

"the picture."

"You mean you knew!!!" Elizabeth stood up, "William Turner how could you? Have you no respect!" Tears quickly started to fall, as she went for her bag as if to leave.

"Elizabeth wait!" Will started to sit up his mind racing. "You don't understand."

"Understand what Will," she walked towards the room door, "that you needed some pervy photo to brag with to your friends!" Elizabeth started to open the door, when Will practically jumped from the bed trying to stop her. His legs immediately gave out from under him, and he stumbled onto the floor.

"Will!" Elizabeth screamed as she rushed to his side. He had fallen onto his hands and knees, and slowly sat back to rest against the floor board of the bed. His hands gripped his head as he let out a soft moan.

"Will, are you alright? Do you need the nurse? Oh my God please say your ok!" Elizabeth sobbed as she searched him for any unseen injuries.

"Liz, not so loud." Will practically whispered as he continued to rub the sides of his head.

"Here let me," she softly replied, quickly replacing his hands with her own. Gently rubbing small circles over his temples she noticed him starting to calm.

"Will I'm so sorry." She murmured, choking back another sob. His hands reached up and caught hers, pulling them down to rest in his lap. Leaning his head back against the side of the mattress, he took a deep breath and let out a long sigh.

"No I am sorry." He opened his eyes to look at her, "I should have told you about the picture the moment I knew about it." Elizabeth looked away from him and nodded.

"One of the team members must have heard us and thought it was the perfect prank to catch me in the moment. I swear I didn't know anything about it until after the picture was taken." Elizabeth looked back at him,

"Who took the picture?"

"I don't know," Will replied honestly, "No one ever fessed up, but I promise to find out and take care of it."

"I don't think they knew it was me." Will was confused by this statement,

"Why would you think that?" Elizabeth stood and went over to her bag, pulled out the vanilla envelope, then walked back over to sit next to him. She pulled out the picture and handed it to him, along with the note. Will read the note, examined the picture, then looked back to Elizabeth.

"Where did you get this?" He questioned.

"It was taped to my apartment door." She replied, the tears quickly returning. Will dropped the photo and pulled her into a strong embrace.

"I promise to take care of this Liz, please don't worry." He kissed her forehead and held her tight. After a few moments she pulled away, the look of worry still evident on her face.

"Did you hurt yourself? How is your head?" She reached up and gently moved a stray hair out from his eyes. Will caught her hand and kissed her palm lightly,

"My head is fine; it is my ego that is a little bruised." Elizabeth smiled, leaning in and kissing him soundly. The door to the room opened and Weatherby entered quickly followed by Bill.

"Good gracious William, the floor!" Bill exclaimed as he took in the sight.

"It was an accident!" Elizabeth covered as she stood and allowed Bill and her father to help Will back to bed. She then saw the picture lying next to the bed and quickly grabbed it, stuffing it back into her bag. Elizabeth then set her bag near the doorway and went to stand next to her father. Bill looked at them, his face lightly blushing as he quickly looked away. Weatherby noted the expression,

"Whatever is wrong?" he questioned. Bill looked at Will and shook his head, still keeping his back to Elizabeth and her father.

"Elizabeth your pants are undone." He stated plainly. Elizabeth looked down and gasped. She quickly refastened her jeans.


I apologize for taking so long to update. I greatly appreciate all the reviews, they are very inspiring : ) Hope you enjoy the chapter! Smiles!