Chapter 12

Nick looked over at Sherl lying peacefully in the hospital bed. He laid his hand on her leg. She was still asleep and he did not want to wake her. He had just been told she would survive.

Sitting down beside her, tears fell from his eyes. He wanted to be there when she woke up but he knew he had to leave, leave Sherl and his love for her. Their love was not meant to be. He could never give her the relationship she deserved.

He got up and laid a soft kiss on her forehead. He moved down to kiss her nose and then he moved to her lips. "Goodbye, Sherl," he whispered. Nick turned and left the room.

**************************************************************************************

A light breeze blew threw the open window. Sherl turned over in the bed. It had been months since the last time Nick had visited. Since the death of Kevin, Nick had become much like a guardian. He orbited her life but never interfered. He visited her from time to time, only staying for a few hours between dusk and dawn. During those hours, he would sometimes hold her while she slept, cradling her warmth against him. Other times, he would make love to her and they would go back to the passion they shared during those few days so long ago.

The tree outside her window rustled its dry leaves. Sherl missed Nick so much and lately she found herself yearning for him. She snuggled further down into the covers and closed her eyes. Thoughts drifted in and out of her mind as sleep approached. A sigh escaped her lips as a finger traced the outline of her ear.

Sherl turned over to see Nick standing over her. She reached out for him and he lay down beside her.

"Nick, I've missed you," she whispered.

"I'm always here. I'm always watching you," he replied quietly.

"I love you," Sherl said as he softly stroked her hair.

"I love you too, my darling," he said and watched her eyes close as she drifted off to sleep. Nick remained there for the rest of the night, holding Sherl in his arms and listening to her breathe.