"What are you?" she whispered as she stared at him. "Just a man," he replied softly. The colour of his eyes seemed to be darker than their usual smokey-green hue. She blinked. "I don't think so," she said mesmerized.
He stared at her. His eyes moving slowly over her face down to her lips. He smiled at her. "Believe me. I am just a man like every other man, especially where you're concerned."
Tuesday morning
The shrill, insistent sound of a phone ringing woke Dana from her slumber. Shane was fast asleep on his back beside her. She got up and went to her bag and opened the small zipper compartment but realized it wasn't her phone ringing. She looked around the room.
A flashing light in a corner of the room caught her attention. Groggily, she went towards it and saw that it was Shane's phone on top of his duffle bag. He hadn't unpacked yet.
She cleared her throat and answered.
"Hello?"
She heard a sharp shriek across the line, then a man's voice.
"Hello," the man said, "please I need to speak to Shane. It's urgent." Alarm rose in her chest. She hurried to Shane. She slapped him on his arm to wake him. He stirred and opened his eyes, looking at her. He saw concern in her eyes. He sat up slowly.
"Baby, some man is on the phone for you," she said. She pushed the phone in his hands.
"Hello?" he said, his eyes filled with sleep, his voice gruff.
"Shane, it's me, Marcus. It's Lissa. She's--" Lissa's dad said.
Fear settled in the pit of Shane's stomach. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"She's bleeding! I'm taking her to the University Hospital," Marcus said.
Shane sobered quickly. "I'm on my way," he said, then ended the call. He moved his legs and swung them over the side of the bed and stood up. His feet were still heavy from sleep but he kept moving. He went into the bathroom and splashed water on his face, then brushed his teeth. Dana stood at the bathroom doorway.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
Shane spat out the toothpaste and rinsed out his mouth. "Lissa's bleeding. She could lose the babies," he said, his voice trailing off. He bent his head and braced his hands on either side of the bathroom faucet.
Dana came up behind him and circled her arms around his waist. "Baby, I'm so sorry," she said. She may not like Lissa, but she didn't wish her bad. The babies were Shane's. She loved children, but was sure she would love the twins even more because they were a part of him.
"Do you want me to come with you?" she asked. She gently rubbed her hands on his abdominal muscles.
"Would you?" he asked. He lifted his head. His eyes met her gaze while staring at the mirror. She tucked her head and shoulders under his arms, and squeezed her body between them. He moved back to give her space. "Anything and everything you're going through I want to be there for you. I'll come with you if you want me to," she said searching his face.
He reached for her and sighed. He kissed her head. "How did I get so lucky?" he asked.
"You took a chance to love me," she said softly, basking in the feel of his arms around her.
Shane smiled at her. She was a dream come through. He bent his head and gently kissed her lips. He kissed her brow. "Okay. Let's go."
Dana hurriedly brushed her teeth and washed her face, then brushed her hair up into a ponytail the way he liked it. She had no other clothes at his house but her police uniform. She put it on and her work boots. She made sure her weapon was on safety as she secured it to her waist via her service belt.
"Ready," she said.
Shane turned to looked at her. She looked good in her uniform. He smiled sadly at her. He was already dressed in black jeans, black and grey sneakers and a white t-shirt.
He reached for the car keys, and took them off the nail on the wall by his front door. He nodded. He stretched out his hand to her and she took it. He opened the door and they both slipped through quietly. The only sound was the click of the door's lock as they closed it.
***
Lissa lay in the hospital bed. She couldn't stop crying. Her father had left her side for a few minutes to call Brandon to tell him what was happening. She lost them. Her precious babies were gone. What was she going to tell Shane?
She sighed quietly and stared at the ceiling. The morphine they gave her was beginning to kick in. Why did life have to be so cruel?
She closed her eyes. Her mind played the tape of the disastrous hours before over in her mind. "Mommy, I am so sorry," she said sobbing quietly.
***
Ten hours earlier
When she got home Monday evening her dad met her at the door. He had a sober expression on his face, but she paid it no mind, thinking that maybe it was because he was feeling tired from work.
She stepped inside the house with Ryan carrying her bags behind her. She hugged her dad. He reciprocated and kissed her head. He told her he missed her and she felt happy to be home.
Ryan carried her bag upstairs for her while she followed her dad into the kitchen. She was expecting to see her mom there, but she wasn't. Lissa sat in her favorite chair in front of the dining table and looked around.
"Where's mommy?" she asked curiously. She may be mad at her for running off but she knew her mother would still show her face, if even to give her a good scolding. She looked up at her father feeling puzzled.
"Dad, where's mommy?" she had asked.
She watched as he sat down.
She noticed that his face had a tired, ashen look. "Daddy? Daddy is something wrong?" she leaned towards him. Grabbing his hand, "Where's mommy?" she asked.
She looked up when she heard footsteps coming to the doorway. Her eyes met Ryan's as he walked in. He sat beside her. He clasped his hand in hers. She looked at him. Something was off about him too.
"Daddy, what is it?" she asked. Her mind was racing. Why wasn't anyone saying what was wrong. Could it be mommy?
Her heart began to beat faster. "Daddy, where is mommy?" she asked her voice rising. Her chest felt tight. "Where is she? You said she'd be here! Where is she?"
"Pumpkin, she's in the hospital. She ..."
Lissa felt Ryan's hand tighten around hers. Does he know what's wrong with my mother? She turned her head and looked at him.
On their way to the house he wasn't his usual self. He was very quiet. She just thought he had the day's activities on his mind. She knew her dad had called him to thank him for taking her home. That's what Ryan told her. But maybe he told him something else.
"Rhy, do you know what's wrong with my mom?" she had asked.
That's when he held her and whispered, "Your mom's been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm."
She pulled away from him shocked. She stood up. "What are you talking about?" She looked at her father. "Daddy, what is he talking about?"
Marcus took a deep breath. "Honey, your mother's been having some fainting spells lately, and feeling weak and head aches. When you left the last time, it affected her--she fainted and the doctor recommended an MRI. She seemed to be doing okay, but then the headaches came back. I couldn't take her home."
It's all my fault, she thought. A wave of guilt washed over her. Suddenly feeling dizzy, she grabbed onto the back of a chair and sat down abruptly.
Ryan moved to stand beside her. He stooped down. "Lissa, how are you feeling?" he asked. His eyes showing a hint of fear. Her dad told him what had happened to her mom. He, like her dad, was fearful of what effect the information would have on Lissa. He brushed his fingers up her arm. "Baby? Talk to me: How do you feel?"
'How do you expect me to feel?" she snapped. She was sweating. He circled his arms around her. "Let me take you to lay down," he said softly.
"No!! I want to see her," she declared.
"Pumpkin, visiting hours are over," Marcus replied.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she asked looking at her father.
"Lissa, you weren't here. It's not something you tell someone over the phone," Marcus replied. "And considering your condition--you're pregnant, I couldn't take that risk. Anything can happen in your condition."
And something did...
***
Ryan went home, but Jordan slept in her room. He brought her water to drink. He sat by the edge of the bed and watched her drink it all. Then he sat in silence with her for awhile, then said, "I'm sorry about your mom. Ms Dixon I'm truly sorry to hear what's happening to her."
Lissa nodded. She knew he was being kind, but his deep Yankee accent was grating on her nerves. She just wanted him to leave her alone, but apparently Ryan asked him to be extra conscientious about her.
"It's fine Mr Marx, you can turn in for the night. I'll be fine," she said.
He just shook his head. "My job is to ensure you're safe, especially now," he told her.
He was dressed in a grey t-shirt, grey sweat pants and dark grey Crocs. His arm tattoos were showing. Lissa didn't mind looking at them like before. She wasn't a fan of tattoos but figured she had no business judging him for them.
He brought in a chair from downstairs to place his feet on it. He sat in her own bedroom chair and leaned his head back on the wall, as he stretched his feet out. Within minutes he was fast asleep.
Lissa sighed as she watched him. She had a sweater in her closet. She took it out and threw it over his shoulders. She went to the bathroom to pee. When she was done she noticed a 'pulling' feeling in her lower abdomen and a dull ache but ignored it. She washed her hands and went to bed.
Later in the night, she woke up to sharp pains in her pelvis and back pain. The 'pulling' feeling was worse. She yelped as sharp, stabbing pain hit her suddenly. She tried to get up, but had to sit back down. She shifted the bed sheets and looked down at herself. Her pajama shorts had blood on them.
"Jordan!" she screamed. "Jordan!" she shouted louder. He stirred, but moved slowly.
"Jordan, help me please!" she called to him. He opened his eyes and looked at her. Jordan saw that her face was a mask of pain. He threw off the sweater she gave him, and went to her quickly. "What's wrong?" he asked dismayed. She lifted the sheets and threw them away from her so he could see what was wrong. He swore quietly. He looked at her face.
"I'll be back," he said. He ran to Marcus's room and banged on the door. When Marcus finally opened he told him what was happening. Marcus went to put on his glasses and followed Jordan to Lissa's room.
Jordan attempted to lift her, but Lissa winced and cried out. "It hurts!" she sobbed. Jordan looked into her eyes. Her frightened eyes, watering. She looked dazed. Her body was shaking and breaking out in sweats. He touched her face. For the first time since he met her he would use her pet name, "Lissa, look at me," he said while touching her face. Her skin felt hot.
She looked at him, stunned that he addressed her as such. He smiled at her. "I have a little medical training, but nothing to deal with something like this. I need to get you to the hospital. I know you're in pain, but you have to bear it, okay? I have to lift you. Is the pain constant or in waves?"
She was crying softly. "There's this constant cramp, but there's a sharp pain that comes every now and then," she told him. She squeezed her eyes shut as the sharp pain started. He cupped her face with both hands. "Look at me," Jordan said softly. "Lissa, look at me."
Marcus turned to the door. "I'm going for the car. Get her downstairs," he said. Jordan nodded but didn't look at him. Marcus hurried to his room for his car keys then ran downstairs.
Jordan still held Lissa's gaze. He wouldn't be distracted. "Your eyes on me Lissa. Don't close them or look at anything. Just focus on me, okay?"
She nodded.
"Good," he answered.
He gathered the soft sheet around her. "Lissa, I'm going to lift you up very slowly." His eyes bored into her. Lissa nodded. His piercing stare was no longer intimidating to her. She saw kindness in their depths. She wondered why she hadn't noticed it before.
Carefully, he leaned forward and pushed his arms under her shoulders and back of her knees. He pulled her slowly to the edge of the bed.
"One ... two ..." he said. He lifted her up to his chest. She winced in pain and cried out sharply. He adjusted her so he could get a good hold on her. She started crying more loudly.
Jordan grimaced. He wished he could take her pain away. He whispered a short prayer, then brushed his lips on her forehead. The cool contact of his lips on her skin surprised her. She looked up at him. He smiled at her, but his eyes were unreadable. "Feeling better?" he asked.
Strangely, she did. Her eyes widened as she looked at his face. He carefully carried her downstairs and helped her dad to get her into the back seat of the car. He put his right arm around her as the car drove off. She winced at every bump the car drove over. He slowly rubbed his hand over her arm.
"Shh ... shhh. It's okay. It's okay," he said trying to soothe her. He rested his head on hers and continued to comfort her.
Lissa felt tired. She decided to turn to him and rest her head on his chest. The pain was a dull ache now, but the 'pulling feeling' was more intense.
Jordan, realizing she was trying to get comfortable, stretched his legs out and leaned back in the car. He held her close while she adjusted her head on his chest. Her hands lay in his lap. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. She closed her eyes. She could hear and feel his heart beating fast.
She smiled slightly. She liked how he smelled. "Thank you," she said quietly. Jordan rested his face on her head. "You're welcome," he replied.
Somehow he made her feel better. He started to hum. The sound was a low, deep, melodic sound vibrating from his chest. She found it soothing. It felt like the vibrations were flowing through her. She began to feel sleepy. Slowly, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
When she woke up she was in the hospital, and Jordan and her dad were on either side of her bed. Marcus told her she miscarried. When she was about to break down into sobs, Jordan brushed his fingers on her forehead. He realized from his brief time around her that she responded strongly to touch.
"Everything will be okay," he said. His voice had a soothing, hypnotic tone. As he slowly brushed the back of his hand on her face, she relaxed and closed her eyes.
Lissa released a soft breath. The cool, reassuring touch of his hand calmed her down. He went and grabbed a chair from the foyer and sat down before her. He took her hand closest to him and squeezed it. The contact was cathartic.
She looked into his eyes. There was something strange about him. "What are you?" she whispered as she stared at him. "Just a man," he replied softly. The colour of his eyes seemed to be darker than their usual smokey-green hue. She blinked. "I don't think so," she said mesmerized.
He stared at her. His eyes moving slowly over her face down to her lips. He smiled at her. "Believe me. I am just a man like every other man, especially where you're concerned." Lissa's heart skipped a beat. There was an interesting gritty, raspy quality in his tone as he spoke.
Marcus cleared his throat. "I need to make a few calls," he said. Jordan looked up at him and nodded. "Okay," he said. Marcus nodded tiredly and left the room.
"How did you do that?" she asked.
"Do what?" he asked, smiling at her.
"The pain, after you kissed me it subsided, and when you started humming I fell asleep. How?"
He shook his head. "I don't know," he answered.
"I don't believe you," she said. "But thank you for whatever you did."
Jordan chuckled. "For whatever I did, you're welcome," he replied, smiling. Lissa smiled back at him. He was definitely interesting.
***
By the time Shane and Dana were made aware of the situation, Jordan had left the room to get water for Lissa to drink. He also called Ryan and told him about Lissa's situation. But Ryan informed him that Lissa's dad had already called and he was on his way. He hung up and went to find a drinks dispenser on the hospital grounds.
When he came back Lissa's eyes were closed. He thought she was sleeping, but as he sat down, she opened her eyes and looked at him. He placed the bottled water on the small table beside the bed. "I brought water for you," he said. He smiled at her. Lissa's eyes widened as she noticed for the second time since she met him how ruggedly handsome he was. She blushed.
Jordan noticed and a little smirk curved the corner of his lips. "Watch it baby-girl, you can't stare at a grown man like that, and not expect him to think thoughts," he said quietly.
His deep voice was like smooth velvet to Lissa's senses. She felt her pulse quicken. She shook her head and was about to say something, when Shane and Dana walked in the room with Ryan and Marcus behind them.
Shane walked forward while Dana remained at the door. He came up on the opposite side of the bed and looked at Lissa. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
Lissa looked over at him and nodded slightly. "It's okay," she said. "I ... Maybe it wasn't meant to be." She lifted her head and looked at Dana.
Dana observed the expression on her face and felt sympathy. Her heart ached for the pain Lissa must be feeling. If they were her babies she would be hysterical. Dana looked at Shane and saw his hurt expression.
Her heart melted towards Lissa. She would show compassion in this moment. She stepped forward. Walking to where Shane was, she reached out her hands to Lissa. Lissa gave her right hand and Dana squeezed it. "My truest condolences Lissa. I hope you'll recover quickly," she said.
Shane looked at Dana with admiration. He wasn't sure what to expect bringing Dana with him, but seeing her compassion towards Lissa made his heart swell up with happiness. Indeed, he had made the right choice to be with her.
He turned to Lissa again and saw a hint of regret as she watched them. He brushed his left hand on her hair. "I'm not angry, okay? Don't beat yourself up. The pregnancy was problematic from the beginning, and the stress you've been under with the mess I brought into your life. If anyone should shoulder the blame, it should be me," he said with a heavy sigh. Dana looked at him. She released Lissa's hand and leaned into Shane, rubbing his back.
"I am sorry Lissa, please forgive me," Shane whispered raggedly. Pain and regret was constricting his breathing. Lissa looked into his eyes and saw his grief.
Feeling emotional, she allowed tears to silently flow down her cheeks. "I forgive you," she said, "For all of it, but this wasn't your fault. Something happened ..." she stopped abruptly.
Shane wondered what she was going to say. He looked over at Marcus who was shaking his head as he looked at his daughter. Shane took a deep breath and swallowed the saliva that was pooling in his mouth. He felt Dana's soft curves pressing against him and was grateful. He sighed and briefly closed his eyes. When he opened them he produced a tremulous smile. He squeezed Lissa's hand. "Everything will be fine," he told her.
Lissa began to sob quietly, and turned her head away from him. Shane felt hot tears burning at the back of his eyes. He blinked them back. Dana leaned her head on his shoulder. He bent his head to touch hers.
Forgetting who was nearby, Jordan reached over and gently brushed Lissa's tears away with his thumb, then slowly brushed his fingers across her cheeks. Ryan was about to move forward to comfort her, but seeing his best friend's gesture, he froze, staring at them intensely.
Shane was also surprised. He observed the gentle brushes of Jordan's thumb and fingers with raised eyebrows. He watched what Jordan was doing and was relieved to feel nothing: no twinge of jealousy, no feeling of outrage. He released a pent up breath.
He felt Dana's eyes on him. He turned to look at her and smiled. He kissed the side of her head and circled his left arm around her waist. He felt her body relax and was happy she got the message.
He looked across at Ryan and met his gaze. He had been watching him and Dana all along. Shane's left eyebrow lifted above his right as he stared Ryan squarely in the face. Ryan lowered his head and looked over at Jordan still touching Lissa's face. Shane saw Ryan's countenance darken and the muscle twitch at his jaw. He leaned into Dana and whispered in her ear, "Let's go."
She turned her head slightly. She too was observing Jordan's interaction with Lissa. When she turned her head, she noticed Ryan's body language as he watched them. Not interested in watching this drama unfold, she nodded. She was eager to leave.
Shane squeezed her waist reassuringly. Shane turned his and Dana's body towards the door. He looked at the watch he loved so much. It was now 4:35 Tuesday morning. "Marcus, I have Constable Campbell with me, I have to help her get ready for work. I will come back later today," he said, addressing Lissa's dad.
Marcus nodded. He looked at Dana. Beautiful young woman, he noted. "Thank you for coming," he said. "Considering you know, your situation, it's best I call you when Lissa's home so you can visit her there." He looked at Shane pointedly.
Realization of what Marcus was trying to say dawned on Shane--understanding showed on his face. It would be best he lay low. The University Hospital was a public place. No doubt Marcus would need to inform Supe Dacres and others about Lissa's condition. He nodded his agreement.
He applied a little pressure to Dana side and moved. She walked with him. As they neared Marcus and Ryan, Ryan moved out of the way, but did not look at him or Dana, though Dana stared at him. He focused his gaze on the floor.
Shane touched Marcus's shoulder and squeezed it. "Call me anytime," he said looking at the older man. He had grown to admire him.
Marcus nodded. "I will," he said tiredly. "There's something you should know but I will call you later."
Shane nodded. "No problem," he answered. He patted the older man's shoulder then moved off. Dana moved in sync with him. Shane stopped at the door.
"Lissa?" Shane said.
Lissa looked up towards the doorway. She saw Ryan's eyes, bright and glaring. She saw Dana looking back at her, though her body was facing the door. She saw her dad's tired face.
And, she observed that Shane's back was towards her, his arms around Dana's waist. She noted how his fingers were splayed possessively on Dana's body. She realized that that didn't even matter to her. She was done with him.
"Yes?" Lissa answered. Her voice was hoarse.
"Take time to heal," Shane said, then he led Dana out the door. The tone of his voice made her breath catch in her throat. She noticed Ryan's expression turn into a scowl after he heard those words. His eyes lifted to look at her.
She blinked and turned her head to look at Jordan, whose body had grown tense. It was as if he remembered himself and his role. He stood up slowly. "I'm gonna use the restroom, okay?" he told her. With lips pursed, anxiety in her eyes, she nodded. She cast her eyes to Ryan who had both fists clenched. Her eyes widened. What have I done?
She watched as Jordan left the room and Ryan followed closely behind him. Her heart began to thud in her chest. She called to Ryan, but he never looked back at her.
"Daddy?" she said, her eyes pleading with him. He shook his head. "They have to sort through this, whatever that was between you and Jordan," Marcus said. He cleared his throat. "I spoke to Brandon, he'll be home tomorrow." Brandon was sleeping over at the Wellingtons' home more often now.
"Daddy, there's nothing between me and Jordan. I promise you. I haven't been home. And Jordan, he was just being kind to me, that's all."
"Is that true?" Marcus asked, his gaze becoming hard as he stared at his daughter.
"Yes, it is," she said, her heart pounding.
"Ryan is a good guy, Lissa. Shane also, in spite of his problems, is a good man. I'm going to go home and prepare for work. Branno should be here to see you later today," Marcus said through gritted teeth. He left the room quietly.
Tears began to flow down her face. Why were all these things happening? She lifted her hands to face and cried.
***
Jordan moved towards the male restroom. He heard Ryan's quiet steps behind him. "Let me pee first, okay? My bladder's about to burst." He heard a soft grunt behind him and smiled.
He walked towards a urinal and unzipped his pants. He adjusted himself out of his pants and peed. Ryan stood beside him. He also pulled out his member and began relieving himself.
"Did anything happen between you and my girl?" Ryan asked. Jordan listened to the stream flowing out of his friend while he himself was doing the same. "You sound agitated," Jordan said amused. "What's wrong?' he asked. He did a little shake then fixed himself and zipped up his pants. He waited for Ryan to zip himself up before turning to face him.
"I asked you a question: Have you touched her?" Ryan's eyes were becoming blood shot with anger.
Jordan smiled leisurely at him. "What part are you talking about? The part where I had to touch her to help her from her room to the car, to take her to the hospital? The part where I had to find ways to distract her from the severe pain she was feeling? Or the part where she was crying back there in the hospital room, scared, and probably feeling insecure because her ex showed up with his new woman? I was just trying to comfort her. A colleague of yours?"
Ryan stepped back and sighed. "Bro, I ..."
Jordan laughed harshly. "Save it Rhy! Just save it! I don't want to hear any excuses or apologies from you."
"I don't want to hear it," Jordan replied. He went to the faucet at the far end, closest to the door, and squeezed out soap from another soap receptacle mounted in front of it. He rubbed his hands together then turned on the faucet. He lathered his hands vigorously for a few seconds then washed them thoroughly.
He tore off a piece of hand towel and dried his hands with it, then used it to turn the faucet off. He crushed the paper in his hands then threw it at the waste bin by the door. It dropped in and he smiled at his skill. Still got it, he thought. He turned to stare at his friend who was now looking sad.
"Go. Get back in there, and talk to her," Jordan said quietly. "She's your girl, not mine. If you're going to be jealous over her then at least make her feel that you're here for her now."
Ryan nodded. "I'm sor--" he began, but Jordan cut him off.
"It's fine. Lissa is a cute girl. I can understand your jealousy, but I would never cross the line. You should know me."
Ryan nodded. "Thank you," he said, walking towards his friend. Jordan nodded at him, then smiled. "It's all good bro, just go."
Ryan nodded. He slapped Jordan on his shoulder and left him in the bathroom.
Jordan looked at himself in the wall width mirror. He would have to watch himself around Lissa. There was an aura about her that was pulling him in also. He had to resist it.
***
Ryan entered the hospital room quietly. He moved quickly to her bedside and touched her arm. Lissa opened her eyes. She was filled with worry. When she saw it was him she felt like she needed to explain. "Nothing happened between me and--"
"I know," Ryan said. He touched her face. "I know. I'm sorry."
"You didn't beat him up?" Lissa asked, her voice trembling. The way Ryan looked at Jordan, she'd never seen that side of him before.
Ryan sat in the chair that Jordan left before her bed. He shook his head and smiled ruefully. "No," he said, "but I am sure he would thoroughly beat me up. He was in the United States Army, remember?"
Lissa smiled. She nodded.
"I know what Jordan is like when he's really angry," Ryan said. "Trust me, I'm his friend, but not even I want to get him to that level.
"The way you were acting I was sure you were going after him to fight him," Lissa said assessing him.
Ryan nodded. "I was," he answered, "but then Jordan tried to cool things down with his brand of humor. And I remembered that when Jordan feels threatened or tense he uses humor. I decided that playing it safe was better."
Lissa reached for his hand. Ryan gave his left hand to her, and she squeezed it. She looked at him, her eyes searching his face. "You don't have to worry about anything," she said. "He was just trying to help."
Ryan nodded. "Yeah," he agreed. "Lissa, sweet pea I love you. Matter of fact, I'm crazy about you. I've been thinking about what you told me Supe Dacres said to you." He squeezed the hand he was holding.
"Melissa Nordia Dixon, will you marry me?" he asked. Lissa felt her eyes begin to water. She nodded. "Yes, I will," she said.
Just inside the doorway, Jordan stood and watched the scene unfold before him. He felt a pang of jealousy in his chest. He stepped back and walked out the door that exited from the ward, down the hallway, down the stairs and outside to his Kawasaki Ninja ZX.
He rode off to get some chicken feet soup for Lissa. Growing up as a kid in St. Elizabeth, folks ate soup when they were ill, and even when they were sad or depressed. He figured that maybe it would help her feel better.
He found a local restaurant and ordered a medium sized soup for her. He bought curry goat and white rice for himself, along with a fruit punch boxed drink. He rode to his house and packed more clothes for himself in a duffle bag. Lissa was going to need him at her parents' house now more than ever.
He did a load of laundry and hung them on the lines set up on his apartment's roof. He would collect them in the evening. He went back to the restaurant and collected her soup, and decided to also buy her cornbread from a pastry place nearby. He wasn't sure if she'd eat it but he would try.
***
Lissa was asleep when he got back, and Ryan was nowhere in sight. He didn't want to wake her, but didn't want her to have cold soup. He gently touched her arm. She groaned and opened her eyes. Smiling at her, he took out the items he bought for her.
"I bought you soup," he said.
She watched what he was doing. She tried to sit up. He quickly placed everything in the bag he was carrying on the table. Then he reached behind her to fluff up her pillow, resting it on the bed frame. They were in the private wing of the University Hospital. Lissa had her own private room and a nurse was assigned to check on her.
He leaned forward to circle his arms around her waist. Very carefully he pulled her body upright and laid her back on the pillow. She sighed and grimaced a little. "It hurts?" he asked concerned.
"Just a little," she answered weakly.
"I'm sorry," he replied.
She smiled at him sadly and nodded.
He took the soup out of the brown grocery bag and handed it to her. There was no tray so he decided he would give her the grocery bag to protect her from being burned. "Can you hold the bowl in your lap?" he asked.
"I-I'm feeling weak. I don't think ... maybe it's best if I drink it when it's cooler," she said, not wanting to cause him any inconvenience. He took the soup bowl from her.
He shook his head slowly. "We can work around it, don't worry." He got up and came to sit at the top of the bed beside her. She was a little surprised, but silently watched to see what he would do. He was still holding the soup, perched in the palm of his hand.
"Put the grocery bag in my lap," he instructed. She managed to reach for the bag on the table though it was a little challenging for her. She gave it to him and he removed the plastic spoon and handed it to her. He briefly gave her the soup to hold while he neatly folded the bag twice and placed it in his lap. He took the soup container from her and placed it in the centre of the bag and winked at her. He cautiously removed the lid off the soup container and laid it on the table. "Go ahead," he told her. Lissa smiled at him and laughed a little.
"Thank you," she said. She was thankful for his kindness. He nodded. "Eat up," he said smiling.
She unwrapped the paper napkin and dipped the spoon in the hot liquid. She brought a little to her lips and sipped it slowly. As the flavours hit her taste buds, her mouth watered. Her appetite returned to her and she began to really enjoy the soup.
Reaching over for the cornbread on the table, he said, "I also bought you this. Is this okay?"
Lissa nodded, smiling. "Yes, yes thank you," she answered. She took the pastry from him and pulled the plastic bag it was in. He took the bag and held it for her. She took a bite of the cornbread and groaned. It tasted so soft and delicious.
It reminded her of her childhood when she used to have cornbread and cheese packed in her lunch bag in primary school. She took another bite and chewed heartily, enjoying the flavor and texture. She looked at him while smiling. "Thank you," she said with food in her mouth.
Jordan chuckled. "You're welcome," he replied. He smiled at her.
Lissa felt her heart beating fast. He had really sexy green eyes. She wondered if he had a girlfriend.
He watched her silently. She is definitely a gorgeous woman, he thought, a little damaged, but so beautiful. He wondered what it would be like being with her.
Lissa noticed that he was staring at her and looked at him with a quizzical gaze. She paused from eating the cornbread and dipped her spoon in the soup. She brought it up to her lips, blowing on it to cool it.
"Is something wrong?" she asked. He shook his head and smiled.
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