Jackson was gazing through the windows of the ICU at Erica's frail form but he still couldn't bring himself to take that last step through the doors. He had left her, he had walked away, and he had turned his back on all her selfish games. Yet everyday he had found himself here, gazing through the window knowing full well he could never really walk away, he and Erica were bound together by something so strong there was no escape and that was something neither of them could change.
Jackson sighed and turned to leave, silently wishing Erica a restful night when Jake tore past, almost colliding with him. Jake spun back to Jackson putting a hand on his arm, he was smiling as he spoke.
"I have good news for Bianca! You might want to join me!"
Jackson followed Jake as he hurried off down the corridor, curious about what could be so urgent.
…
Bianca was smiling broadly when they entered her room. Jackson followed her gaze to the ceiling at all the paintings that were now covering the ceiling tiles. Jackson found himself grinning as well. He had had a very serious and persuasive phone call from Miranda the night before and his own contribution to the Bianca-Montgomery-Get-Better-Art Project was still sitting on his office desk.
"Bianca I have news." said Jake still smiling.
Bianca looked from Jackson to Jake.
"Is it mom?"
"No." said Jake, "There has been no change with your mother. But I thought you would like to know that Marissa is awake!"
"Marissa!"
Bianca's eyes lit up.
"I have to see her. You have to take me to her."
Jackson noticed Bianca right arm and leg moving, he could barely contain his surprise, he had no idea she had regained so much control so quickly.
Jake hadn't either and only just stopped her from trying to roll over and get out of bed.
"Bianca you can't move. You have had spinal surgery. You need to stay still or you risk full paralysis again."
"But I have to see her." sobbed Bianca, "It's been months…"
"Bianca." said Jake in a serious tone, his hands still on her shoulders, "Marissa is awake, but there was a complication."
"But she's alright." gasped Bianca her eyes wide.
"She has amnesia; likely a result of the head trauma. She is fine physically, but she has no memory of who she is."
Bianca starred up at him, she looked suddenly lost.
"She has no memory."
"It may just be temporary, and we will give her the best care we can but she is finding everything a little difficult at the moment. She spent some time with Krystal but she found it overwhelming. We can't overload her with too much too soon."
"Seeing Bianca surly can't do her any harm." said Jackson, his heart going out to his dear niece, whose delight had so quickly dimmed.
"She doesn't want to see anyone." said Jake, "I'm sorry."
Jackson wanted to round on him for not seeing how important this was, but Bianca interrupted him.
"I understand. She's been through a lot. I can't imagine it is very nice not knowing who or what you are. I don't want to cause any problems."
"I'm sure given time, she'll be more open to visitors, but it's early days."
Jackson could see his niece was covering the hurt but she found a smile for Jake just the same.
"It is good news." said Bianca, "It is wonderful news. Thank you for telling me."
"You're welcome." said Jake, giving Bianca's shoulder a friendly pat as he moved to go. He paused at the door and turned back. "Don't go trying to get out of bed mind.
"I won't." promised Bianca. She managed to hold the smile until the door closed behind him.
"Are you alright." asked Jackson.
"No, no I'll be fine. It's good news that she's awake, it's just…"
"…She doesn't remember you." finished Jackson.
"What if she's changed?" said Bianca sadly. "I've heard stories about people waking up as someone completely different… What if she… What if she…"
Bianca stopped and took a deep breath as her emotions began to overwhelm her.
"No," she reassured herself, "No I won't go there."
Jackson knew exactly the words that Bianca was finding it impossible to say and it broke his heart.
What if she doesn't love me anymore?
...