—-~*~—-

Two Months Later

"Come on Justin, if you don't finish your physical therapy I'm going to give your ticket to my graduation away."

"We've been at this for an hour Kerrie. Can I take a break?", he whined.

"No you've been resting. The doctor said you should be way further along than you are. Cheryl is leaving soon one more try. If you do there's going to be a surprise for you."

"Fine", Justin sighed bracing himself between the balance beams he walked staggeredly dragging his left leg more leading with his right.

"Justin it's fine if you slow down a little I need you focus on strengthening that left side so that the right doesn't get over worked and lead to fatigue", Cheryl his physical therapy nurse said. "Let's start off on your left." He gradually pulled his left leg forward leaning on the beams for extra support. "Yes that's it. You're doing great." Before long he made it to the other side straight to Kerrie who was holding his crutches for him. "Great Job Justin", his physical therapist said.

Once safely in the crutches Kerrie leaned forward throwing her arms around his neck kissing him on the lips. "Great Job Justin", she said as their lips parted. Cheryl smiled at the two while packing.

"Are you going to do dat every time I successfully complete my physical therapy?"

"Dat?"

"That", he corrected as their lips met again. "Well?"

"Any objections?"

"None at all", he smiled widely kissing her again. "You heading back to school?"

"In about an hour. I'll be back Thursday morning for your doctors appointment. But I have to be back at school for an exam on Friday."

"You should stay. Constantly running back and forth has to be tiring. You're here practically every weekend."

"Are you tired of seeing me?", she feigned hurt.

"Never I just don't want you wearing yourself thin."

"Don't worry about me I'm fine. Besides this appointment is the one were we find out if you are medically cleared for other activities."

"Then yes definitely come back Thursday morning then hopefully-"

"Thursday afternoon we can hopefully-", he kissed her again.

"I'll be diligently doing my physical therapy and resting as prescribed." Kerrie laughed loudly when Roberta walked in with groceries in her arm. Kerrie rushed to her side to help.

"I take it therapy went well?"

"Very well Roberta. Justin is doing great."

"That's wonderful to hear", a voice came from behind Justin's grandmother. CJ appeared in the doorway holding two bags of groceries. "Hi Justin. Kerrie, I'm surprised to see you here. Maybe that's the reason you haven't returned my calls."

"How dare you show up here two months too late! Where were you, his girlfriend, when he was laying his the hospital bed trying to recover after saving your daughters life! Where were you-"

"That's enough", Roberta interrupted. "CJ has been here. I talked to her. She came to the hospital several times to see Justin and she's even been helping with bills and groceries and taking me to the doctor while recovering herself. Things that Justin used to do but can't right now. Now while I appreciate all the love and concern you have should my grandson you will not antagonize your sister here. Not in my presence."

"She only came in today after finding the courage to after all this time. Kerrie can you please assist me with bringing the groceries into the kitchen while these two talk. You and your sister will have time later."

"Sure", Kerrie replied taking the bags from CJ before closing the door to the parlor behind her.

"Is it true? What my grandmother just said."

"I think you know that she wouldn't lie. I have felt ashamed and guilty for so much. I owe you a grave apology and a massive thank you. I should have been honest with you. I have for a very long time been in love with John."

"When we were kicking it was it real? Or was I just a pawn?"

"It was very much real. But I think I was trying to use those feelings to suppress my feelings for him. To run from those feelings. You are a great man Justin and I will always be in your gratitude for saving my daughters life. So if there's anything you need please feel free to ask."

"Clear things up with Kerrie. She needs her sister. She also needs the okay from you to go further with me. She doesn't know it but she does."

"You're wiser than I thought."

"It comes after you die for twenty minutes on the operating table", he chuckled lightly CJ smiled somberly.

"So you and she? Have connected?"

"Yes we'll almost waiting on all clear from doctors", he smiled the cheesiest smile ever. "Grandma makes us sleep in separate bedrooms." They both laughed.

"Wait Grandma said you were recovering as well?"

"Yes. I was pregnant. That night John knocked me down a little too hard and well-"

"Shit CJ I didn't know Kerrie never said. I'm sorry that happened." She shook her head willing her tears from falling. "So you and John?" she nodded.

"Just as it should be."

"Just as it should be", CJ said in agreement.

"Lissy?"

"Just got her cast off. All good no fractures. She wants to see you."

"Bring her next time. John too. Hopefully I'll be up and walking on my own soon. I have a wonderful reason to be. Make that several wonderful reasons to be. Thanks for everything CJ."

"Don't." CJ walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. "And whenever that time comes I'll be proud to call you brother in law."

Justin smiled squeezing her hand. "You tell John I will personally fuck him up if he breaks your heart again."

CJ laughed kissing his cheek again. "Get well Justin."

"Talk to Kerrie?", she nodded on her way to the kitchen.

"Roberta I'm gone you have my number?"

"Yep, thank you honey." The short black woman hugged CJs waist. "Take care of yourself."

"You too. Kerrie can I see you outside." she looked at Roberta then followed. Once outside it was Kerrie who spoke first but CJ cut her off.

"I know you feel like you want to say so much to me but just listen. I'm sorry. I apologized to and thanked Justin but I owe you the same. Thank you for being here for him. And I apologize for not trusting you. I hope that one day you can forgive me. I also hope that wherever you and Justin make it official you include me. I only want the best for you Kerrie Lynn. I think Justin is it. Also you'd have to be blind to see that you two love each other."

"Also as blind as you were with John."

"I knew Kerrie. I was just running scared. I guess when you think you know everything about someone the go and surprise you."

"And when you thought you knew everything about yourself-"

"Exactly", the sisters smiled at one another. I love you Kerrie.

"I love you too Claudia. Be well."

"You too." The two sisters hugged before CJ got into her car and drove off beeping her horn as she drove back to John hotel.

—-~*~—-

"I'm tired of living in a hotel."

"Where do you want to live?"

"Well I have a house in Chevy Chase."

"About that I went by to get your mail from Regina and there was a letter from Dottie Mayweather-", CJ groaned into Johns chest.

"Let me guess Article 12 of the Homeowners associations agreement."

"Actually Articles 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 21."

"21 is about bringing your trash can in from the curb after pick up!"

"I think it's best we move. I wouldn't feel safe with you guys there anyway. Especially since they haven't caught the assailants. Plus my permanent residence is in Texas."

"I'm not moving to Texas. Lissy and I have a life here."

"I know. What about Bethesda? We can go house shopping this week. Let's start over new in a place of our own."

"I like the sound of that."

"Good. How soon before you will let me marry you again?"

"I would marry you tomorrow John. I love you."

"So tomorrow it is", John said making CJ laugh while kissing her. "I love you too."

—-~*~—-