ON THE RUN

20

  "I will do it over and over again if it means to see you happy, alive and safe. Fuck! You have no idea how I felt when I saw you falling on the ground clenching your stomach. That...I..." This was the first time to hear Sean stuttering. I touched his arm. "It is not your fault, none of us saw it coming"

  "I should have been careful instead I almost lost you and...."

  "I don't blame you and never will. Life gave me another chance and I want to spend it differently this time. Prem informed me that Sam was working with Jack. How did I not see it all this time?"

He brought my head close to his chest and I could feel his beating heart. "Don't stress over those bloody morons. They are as good as dead, anyways"

Were they dead? Did he kill them? I had so many questions.

Sean touched my face with the pads of his thumbs. "I don't know if you are in the right state to do this but I can't help it, my sweet Lia, I want to but I should let you rest..."

Was he about to kiss me?

  "I have wanted to taste those lovely lips of yours since I arrived here but I am not going to, at least not right now. It fills my heart with joy to see you are well"

Why was he being extra sweet and poetic? What happened to Sean from before? Maybe he is an upgraded version of him.

  "Please tell me, who shot me"

  "Another hitman hired by the people looking for me. Jack was also part of their team, so it seems. The hitman won't be bothering you, I gave him a befitting death seconds after he shot you. Enough questions for now. Will talk more when you are discharged. Do you need anything? I could have Amy bring you anything you want"

I shook my head. "No, thanks. Maybe stay with me"

The doctor came in later to check on my vitals and had the nurse bring me food. Sean fed me and stayed by my side until I slowly slipped into slumber. When I woke up, it was morning on the next day. A nurse arrived to do the routine check-up and after feeding me breakfast, she brought me fresh clothes.
 

Later all my friends arrived except Sean. I was happy to see them but also sad he wasn't there. Amy brought me a homemade soup which I enjoyed very much. Prem insisted on feeding me while Zara kept me entertained by filling me in on the stuff I had missed. "And Prem fell with his butt..." She went on.

A while later Roland arrived carrying a bouquet. He was dressed in the same outfit Sean had the previous day and he looked gorgeous as well. "Angel, how are you feeling?" He spoke in his foreign accent reminding me of the first time we met.

"Better and bored. I want to get out of here. I am in Paris and I can't do much"

He laughed. "That confirms you are well. I dont know what flowers you prefer so I picked the ones that caught my eye on the street nearby. Listen, about us meeting back in...." I knew what he was hinting at. "You had your reasons not to reveal you're true identity or tell me you knew Sean."

"R....right. Are you not angry at me?"

"Not at all. I am happy to see you, my dear friend"

That evening I waited for Sean to show up but he didn't and I ended up sleeping instead. It seems other than eating and farting the only thing I was good at was sleeping. Every time I closed my eyes, I would dream of the events on the day I was shot. It's a good thing the meds the nurse gave me helped otherwise I would have been up all night.

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I ended up leaving the hospital after a week and turns out the doctor was still reluctant about my discharge. Amy assured her I will be on bed rest. Sean hadn't shown up since the last time he came to visit and I wondered if he knew I was out of the hospital. Prem helped me up from the wheelchair into Amy's car and soon we drove off. "Where are we going?" I asked

"Home" Home? No, I couldn't go back home even if I wanted to. "Before you tire that lovely brain of yours, let me rephrase, Amy rented a place nearby and that's where we are heading to."

"Thank goodness!" I exclaimed.

The journey seemed to be longer and it was like we were driving in circles for over an hour until we finally pulled into a black gate. Zara raced to open the car and help me out.   "Welcome home Tally!" She squealed cheerfully. "I made your favourite dishes"

What did I do to deserve such sweet friends?

The house was an open plan with cream walls decorated with balloons and words reading, 'Welcome home Tally! Happy birthday!'  My heart lept with joy as I hugged my friends. Roland arrived holding a cake with the number 23 on top. Although my birthday had passed, it felt right to celebrate it a week later and with the most amazing people, my friends. I wasn't allowed to make wine because of the antibiotics I was taking so I opt for a glass of fresh orange juice instead.

"I have got a gift for you, thank me later sis" Amy winked as she drank her 10th glass of wine.  "I don't have much at the moment but I will get you something later," Prem said.

Roland handed me a small pink box and I opened it to see a beautiful bracelet. "A friendship bracelet!" Zara chuckled. "I want one as well!" Prem shook his head and mouthed, 'sorry' before carrying her towards the rooms. "Thank you," I told Roland.

"What is it, Tally? Is it the gift?" I shook my head. "No. I love the gift. I was hoping that he would come to pick me up at the hospital and he never made it. Let alone welcome me. I thought I mattered to him"

  "Who said you don't matter at all?" I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand as I turned to face the speaker.

Hello lovely readers

Have you ever been to Paris? How was it?

Prem and Zara are back, we're you expecting that?

Who do you think is the speaker at the end of the chapter? Comment with the #name of the person you think spoke.

Stay tuned for the next chapter with lots of adventure and more romantic moments between our favourite couple. Thank you!