Chapter 156

"You go get the coffee then, Tom, and I'll stay here."

"I'll kiss you now baby and hold you as soon as I get back with some coffee, can I bring you girls some hot water for tea?" he offered.

"That sounds good, my throat is sore where they put that tube down it," croaked Krystal.

"Do you need any money?" asked AJ fumbling in his pocket.

"Yeah I can't afford coffee!" Tom laughed and left the room.

"I hurt all over, wish I could have a bath, but if Tom is bringing hot water I can make do with tea for now. If Krys needs something for her throat could you mix it if I told you what to do?"

"Yes, just give me the instructions, I think I can manage to mix it up properly," responded AJ. "By the way, what did Tom tell you?"

"What Tom said, it was private, that's why he whispered it!"

Tom was back in fifteen minutes with a tray, he had two coffees and two pots of hot water for the girls.

"Okay two drops chamomile and two drops peppermint for flavor if you boys haven't used it all or given it all away!"

"Got you some hot water for tea, darling. Krista's going to tell us what to do," he kissed her and then went over to the other bed to get instructions for the teas."

Angry again, AJ said, "That's a fine way to want to start off a marriage with secrets between us."

"Tea, lovely," smiled Krystal about half awake. "What are you two arguing about now? God, AJ, she just came out of surgery!"

"He wants to know what you told me before, Tom."

"Tell him if you want, Krista-girl, it wasn't something that should cause you two to fight about."

"I know, but you told me that in confidence..."

"Only because it would embarrass the big lug, but if he's going to give you grief like this maybe you deserve someone who'll be nicer to you...let me think of someone I can introduce you to!" Tom took the oils for the tea and went back to Krys.

"Alright you two, I'm sorry. What do you want me to do? Get down on my knees and apologize? I will if it will help. I'm sorry, Krista, but I'm jealous where you're concerned, even of my best friend," said AJ, hanging his head. "Tom, I owe you an apology too, I'm sorry, my friend."

Krista motioned him close with her finger and when he came she whispered in AJ's ear, "He told me to be nice to you because love hadn't been good to you in your life before I came along. I think he cares for you..."

"I whispered something in your sister's ear earlier and he got jealous, because she wouldn't tell him what I said. How are you going to react to that, darling?" he smiled at her holding out the mug of
tea, "Krista said this would ease your throat."

"He does, he's my best friend. He's also right about the other. Some time, when you're better, maybe I'll tell you about it. But for now just drink your tea and feel better. I didn't mean to lose my temper, Krista, it's just I've lost so much in my life that I don't want to lose you too," he dropped his head whispering.

"I think I'd be jealous too, Tom. I love you so much. Tea, feels nice," she smiled shyly.

"Hey dufus, you'll never lose me...I'll even wear a bell if you like, so you can find me in a crowd!" she kissed the top of his beautiful head.

Tom leaned close to Krys and whispered in her ear, "I told her to take care of him, love hasn't been kind to AJ through the years. I really think he needs her in his life. Just like I need you, my love. And I think you need me too...I saw how worn the picture of you and I was in your album and I'm pretty sure there were lip marks over my face in that picture!"

To be continued…