I don't know how long I stood there mouth-gaped at the fact Jackson was standing in front of me. How did he know? Did he stop by the hospital? Would he -

"Um, Melissa?" I blinked a few times to snap out of my trance and blushed lightly when I looked at Jackson's confused face.

"Right! Forgive me, Jackson! I'm still a bit loopy on some meds I took. Come in" I said as moved back to invite him in.

I watched him look curiously at my living room. He did a 360 and was unsure on whether he could have a seat. I smiled and motioned for him to sit next to me.

Jackson's POV:

Melissa's home is gorgeous, I haven't even gotten past her living room and can tell it must only get better if I were to keep going. Sitting next to her, I feel kinda silly. Everything about this moment was so in the spur of the moment. I looked at properly and took in how she looked. There was a minor scratch near the back of her neck but all in all, she looks the same.

She smiled gently and I was surprised she hadn't asked any questions yet. I definitely won't forget the look of confusion on her face when she opened the door. I cleared my throat and broke eye contact for a moment unsure how to really explain it all.

"I want to apologize. For not visiting these past few days." I say and briefly look at her. Before she could say it was alright I continued.

"It wasn't okay, and don't say it was, Mel. I know I said I'd see in a day or two but... A lot came up and I didn't really know what to make of it."

She placed a hand on top of mine for a moment. I relished the moment and the feeling of how soft and warm it was.

"You don't have to explain if you don't feel comfortable enough about it, Jackson. You're here now and I appreciate that."

I know her words were supposed to be comforting and they were. But I still felt worse at how understanding and forgiving she was. She had to know what happened and that would be my way of letting her in again.

"I trust you Mel, and I'm normally not so open with people. But you... You make me free enough to talk without judgements being made."

I could see her eyes light up at my confession and that made me feel over the moon. It's hard to remember that she has no real recollection of us and the fact she wants to get to know me again still leaves me shocked.

I thought about these few days and realized I needed to get this off my chest and who better than her?

"So before I begin on what's happened these past few days I should probably explain a few bits to you. Tony, the guy who caused your memory loss, he and I had a few squabbles in the past. One in which he hurt a buddy of mine who I really care about. His name is Josh and he defended me when Tony and few others were talking shit about me."

I could see concern in her eyes when she realized Tony was involved in the matter.

"What did Tony do to him?"

No matter how many times I have to say it, it never gets easier. I swallowed hard to subdue my choking voice. "He stabbed him."

I looked down when I heard Mel let out a tiny gasp. I thought back to the day at the park with her and how lucky were to be alive. I don't know what I would have done if Melissa was stabbed.

I felt Melissa squeeze my hand gently and I looked up to see her looking worried and knew I should continue to fill her in on the rest.

"Josh was in a coma and Tony fled. I was the only one there and the cops kept me as a suspect since no one ratted out Tony."

"But, but you didn't do it!" She exclaimed.

"I know but without Josh's statement and Tony MIA at the time. I had nothing."

"Jackson, the cops still have Tony detained now, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, they won't let him off on bail cause of what he did to you and the fact Josh woke up two days ago." I let out.

Her eyes grew wide and she actually slapped me on the arm lightly.

"You made it seem like Josh didn't make it, with your past tenses!"

I smirked slightly. "Not my fault you went the Debby-downer route!" I replied.

She mock pouted slightly and looked serious again.

"So I'm gonna assume you visited Josh?"

"I did. He was out for almost a month. I honestly thought he wasn't going to make it."

"So is he going to be able to testify for Tony's case?"

I nodded. "He said no coma was keep keep him from sending Tony's ass to the slammer."

She smiled slightly. "So it looks like there will be three of us testifying to see it happen."

I smiled at the thought. Tony was finally going to get what's coming to him and the people who were there for me and got caught up in the middle were going to be okay.

"So I understand now why you were caught up these past few days but what I'm still confused about is how you came here. Did you go to the hospital?"

I could feel a slight blush appear on my face as I recalled the whole scenario.

I locked eyes with Mel briefly when I caught her look of question at my reaction. "Well I was actually out for a walk. These few days I was running back and forth from questioning and making statements on the Tony case. I needed to go for a walk. So I wound up walking in your neighbourhood. I saw you and Nathan pull up to your place and realized you must have been discharged."

"How did we not see you?" She wondered.

"Well I know how to make myself seem scarce. Plus you two looked really happy to be in each other's company. From the time we've known each other, you two were always a bit tense cause of me."

"Trust me, Jackson. Nathan and I always had a few differences and it was bound to come clear. If anything you've taught him to be a bit more open and cast less judgements."

I thought about that for a moment and we enjoyed a silence taking in everything. I thought back to Melissa hugging Nathan and giving him a kiss on the cheek. I did feel a bit jealous of how carefree she was with him and how hesitant she could be with me. Now it's like we're back to square one, but she's been more forward about touching my hands. She still hasn't let go from the moment I started my story.

I think she caught on to me looking her hand on mine. She unfortunately got embarrassed and pulled away.

"Sorry." She said sheepishly.

"It's no problem, honest." I flash a quick grin and she smiled back.

"I like it when you smile like that." She said softly.

I blush slightly and realized I should probably go and let her rest.

"So, I should probably head off before Sarah sends out a search party." I tease.

She looks a bit disappointed but quickly plasters a smile and quick chuckle.

"I'll see you soon, I promise my timings will be better." She nodded and walked me to the door.

Unable to leave without clearing some of her disappointment I did something which I've wanted to do for a long time. I hugged her. I felt her tense up for a moment and quickly relax and rest her head against my chest. I sighed and was comforted by the smell of vanilla from her hair.

After a few moments I slowly and painfully pulled back. "I'm really glad you're home, Mel."

She smiled dazedly and for once just kept her mouth shut. Feeling proud of the effect I had on her, I said goodbye and walked away casting one more look and wave in her direction.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed reading this. Sodon10 thanks as always for reviewing. :) You're kind words have kept me going with this story. As much as I deeply appreciate that review, I miss reviews from my older reviewers such as Emily, Kari Weasley etc. I hope everyone that's following this story still reads it!

Next chapters will probably relate to introduction of Josh or trial notes... Any suggestions are always welcome! :)

- TheOnceAnonymous14