Something was on my chest—an arm—a thin arm—Alex? Craning my stiffened neck, I saw the most angelic face, fast asleep. The joy of my vision was enough to put a smile on my face. Though I couldn’t make my face cooperate, I felt it. It was pure ecstasy, warming my heart. I stayed in that position and stared at her as I wondered how long I had been here. My eyes became heavy again and I couldn’t keep them open any longer.

Alexandria

I had a wonderful dream, but when I opened my eyes, I was brought back to reality. Feeling something warm brush against my cheek, I looked up. The overwhelming joy of seeing Elijah’s eyes opened, his lips smiling, looking at me through those beautiful long lashes made me sob. I couldn’t help myself. My face dug into his shoulder, and I bawled like crazy out of happiness. I thanked God for giving us this chance.

“I’m sorry.” He wiped my tears away. “I didn’t mean to make you suffer like this.”

I couldn’t believe he was worried about me when he was the one in pain. When I tried to get out of bed, he held me tighter and wouldn’t let go. “Don’t get up. I’m okay. The doctor has been in here already. I asked him not to wake you.”

“How long have you been awake and how long was I asleep?”

“For a couple of hours.”

“Do you remember what happened to you?”

“Yes.”

“I need to call Seth and Lexy. Oh, and Jimmy is here. All your friends and all the nurses came by to see you. Jimmy came as soon as he found out.”

“He did?” Elijah looked so happy, but then his vision fell to what I had on. “You’re wearing my leather jacket?”

“Of course.”

“Did you, by any chance, come across something?”

“I did. Your letter,” I sighed. “It was very sweet and heartbreaking, but don’t you ever put yourself in a situation like this again where you feel like you need to write me a good-bye letter.”

“I won’t. I promise. Life may be short, but I’ll never do anything stupid enough to be apart from you.” Elijah’s serious eyes became flirty. “Are you naked under my pride and joy?”

I laughed and held him tighter. Yup, my Elijah was back. “Why don’t you take it off and see for yourself.”

“I will when I don’t feel like an old man,” he groaned. “I ache all over. Nurse Alex, I think I’m going to need a lot of tender loving care.” Then he looked at his casted leg. “My leg, too.” He rolled his eyes.

“Don’t worry, patient Elijah, you’re going to get lots of attention from me. I mean tons of it.”

“With milk and cookies?”

I laughed out loud. “Whatever my kinky patient wants. But right now, it’s not fair for me to hog you all to myself. I think you have a few guests still waiting for you in the visitor’s room.”

I jumped out of bed and rushed out the door. “Thank you,” I shouted. I didn’t care who had heard me. “Thank you for this second chance.”

Chapter 40

Alexandria

Whiteboard:

Welcome home, Limpy!

-your friends

“We’re going to have to call you Limpy,” Jimmy curled his lips into a smirk. Sitting with his feet on the coffee table, he leaned back against the sofa.

“Limpy?” Elijah narrowed his eyes at him, sitting in the same position as Jimmy.

Seth placed a cookie in his mouth and mumbled, “You should be glad he didn’t call you something else. Hey, these cookies are good. Where did you get them?”

“Alex baked them.” Elijah turned his head sideways and gave me a wink. “She’s a great cook…hell, she’s good at everything she does.”

“I should’ve invited her over when I lived here,” Jimmy said.

Lexy headed to the kitchen and picked up another cookie. “I wish you would’ve. I only have three more months to eat her spaghetti before I graduate and who knows where I’ll be then.”

“You’ll just have to come back and visit me,” I said.

Lexy came back with a soda in her hand. “You know I will.” Then she turned to Jimmy. “When’s your flight?”

“Tomorrow, about ten. Seth offered to take me to the airport. But hey, I’ll be back to see you all graduate. Elijah, you’re all good?”

“Yup. Being in the hospital for a week didn’t set me back too much, and my professors have been accommodating. I’ll be on schedule to graduate.”

“That’s great news,” Jimmy said. “I’m glad it all worked out.”

“I hate to break up our little reunion, but I have to go. It’s almost midnight. I have the breakfast shift tomorrow and so does Alex,” Lexy reminded.

I nodded, producing a pout, letting her know I didn’t like the morning shift.

“Elijah also needs his rest,” Lexy added.

“I’m fine,” Elijah intervened.

“No, Lexy is right,” Seth agreed. “We should all get some rest.”

“Sorry about that.” Elijah looked sympathetic.

“Don’t worry, not your fault,” Jimmy said. “I’m just glad you’re here. I don’t think Alex…well…it was just meant to be.” Jimmy got up and gave Elijah a hug. “I’ll see you in three months.”

“Thanks.”

After the hugs, the gang left, and Elijah and I headed to our room.