Bittersweet

~~ Consequences ~~

We both laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."

Janelle practically sprang from her chair. "Good. Now that coffee has gone right through me, I'm gonna find the restroom."

Pulling out my phone I smiled—Gabe had replied to my earlier text saying he was happy that Ava was settled and he was worried about us both. 

A pang of guilt flooded my stomach wanting to share the doctors worries with him... and my friends.  But I couldn't do that. I would wait until... it didn't bear thinking about. I would cross that bridge when and if I needed to.

I sent him another text, thanking him for our date, before shoving the phone back in my pocket as Janelle returned.

~ ~

Two hours later, I was sat up in Ava's room. Her colour still hadn't returned fully, but she hadn't vomited or complained about her stomach. I hoped this was a good sign.

Janelle had gone down to grab some lunch and Ava was asleep again. Which was normal, the doctors told me whilst her body continued to fight the infection.

Hearing a tap on the door, I got up to open up to find a huge teddy-bear being held up over someone's face.

I smiled and although I couldn't see the face; I knew it was Gabe. "That's huge."

He dropped the bear so I could see his face and although he smiled, a hint of sadness creased the corner of his eyes. "So, I've heard," he whispered, winking, forcing my body to betray me again. Curse blushing!

We stared at each other quietly for a short time before I stepped aside "Are you staying awhile, or do you need to get back—?"

"No, I'm good, If you're okay?"

Offering a smile, I heard a squeal from behind him. It was Janelle.

"Oh my god, Ava will love this." She took the bear from Gabe and guested with her head before rolling her eyes. "You need a break. Take a walk and I will watch Ava."

I looked over my shoulder, "I don't know J, what if she wakes up?"

"Then she has me and it won't hurt anyone to step outside, get some fresh air."

I nodded. "Okay, but I have my phone—"

"Yeah, yeah." She ushered us out of the room.

Outside, we sat on a raised verge as sunlight peeked the branches of an enormous tree, forcing me to squint. "I'm sorry I must look a mess; I haven't left Ava's side." I pointed towards my frizzy out-of-control hair. "Janelle brought me a toothbrush, but the rest—" he interrupted.

"Your beautiful Jenna and you look great. You always do."

The hairs on my arms stirred to life as we locked eyes. Emotion poured from him and I fell captive to whatever energy pulsed between us. "Thanks," I mumbled.

His eyes dropped from mine, and as he cleared his throat, lowering his tone. "Listen, I know you want to ask me about what Tony said last night. But honestly Jenna, I'll admit to knowing about one woman and I punched him, bust his nose when I saw him with her."

A slow smile stretched across my lips. "You hit him... hit Tony?"

He quirked his eyebrows, and a hint of smug pride filled his eyes. "Yeah and believe me, I wanted to do a lot more than just bust his nose." Forearms resting on his bent knees. His eyes darkened. "It was two years back and I'm not a violent person, normally, but I don't regret it." He looked at me, all the playfulness from a moment ago, gone. "He never deserved you Jenna."