"Awww, Dave, you flatter me," Laura said, trying to lift her own spirits. But unfortunately her mind was on other things... or other people.

"I know you're tired, so I'm gonna go now and let you get some rest, OK?" Dave reached down to hug Laura.

"Thanks for coming, Dave. That means a lot to me, it really does," Laura said smiling. She and Dave said goodbye and he walked out of Laura's room. Kevin was standing silently in the doorway. He could tell Dave was going to say hi to him but he put his finger to his lips to signal him to be quiet. Kevin then started walking with Dave down the hallway.

"What's up? Why did you shush me?" Dave asked, obviously confused. Kevin sighed. "Let's just say that I'm probably the last person that Laura wants around right now, and I don't want her to know I'm still here."

"Still? How long have you been here?"

Kevin and Dave sat down in the lounge. "Since yesterday morning before her surgery," Kevin said.

"What happened?? I was under the impression that things were going well between the two of you."

"Well, you weren't the only one that had that idea. Then Linda happened, my ex. Turns out she works for Laura's eye surgeon, and ever since I saw her again, she's been causing problems. Linda talked to Laura before her surgery and made something that happened a week ago between us look like more then it was. She only told her half of the story, her half, and of course she decided to put her own twist on what she did tell her."

Dave rolled his eyes. "Women... sheesh! So now Laura won't even talk to you? Won't even give you a chance to defend yourself?"

"Nope. But I went home and got a few days worth of clothes and came straight back here, and I plan on staying here as long as she's here, because if she changes her mind and wants to see me, I don't want to miss it for anything," Kevin said.

"Well, I hope things straighten out, Kevin, I really do. I unfortunately need to get going, but hang in there, OK? Just give her some time to sort out her feelings and thoughts. That's probably all she needs." Dave stood up. "I'll see you soon," he said walking towards the door. Kevin gave him a nod and leaned back in the chair. Just as Dave was walking out, Misty, Howie, Leighanne and Brian came in.

"Hey Kev, how's it goin'? Anything happen yet?" Brian asked as he and Leighanne sat across from Kevin. Misty and Howie sat on the other couch there.

"Hey guys. No, nothing yet."

"I'm assuming Dave visited Laura," Misty said. "We just passed him on our way in."

"Yeah, he and I talked too." Kevin barely even looked up as he spoke. He was really taking this situation hard.

"OK, enough moping, Kev. Misty and I are here to do some damage control. C'mon Mis!" Leighanne said, standing up and walking down the hallway to Laura's room. "Right behind ya, Leigh," Misty said, giving Howie a kiss before following Leighanne down the hallway. Misty took a breath and gave Leighanne a nod before entering Laura's room.

"Laura... it's us. Leighanne and me," Misty said, hoping she was feeling better, and not just physically either.

"Mis!" Laura said, as Misty hugged her. Leighanne then hugged her. "Leighanne... Misty... I'm so glad you're here. Weren't Whitney and Patti going to come with you this morning too?"

"Yeah, they'll be here with their men a little later," Leighanne said with a giggle.

"Men... what a joke. I'm fucking sick of men," Laura said with a sigh. Misty and Leighanne exchanged a glance as if to say to each other, "We're in for more work then we thought..."

Kevin twiddled his thumbs nervously as everyone arrived and awaited the time Dr. Bob would remove Laura's bandages. Laura still hadn't talked to him since the surgery, and Leighanne and Whitney weren't able to do much to salvage the situation. She was just as stubborn as ever, and didn't want to hear anything about Kevin. Laura didn't even want to hear his name. Even they admitted, it didn't look good.

Go figure, Kevin thought as he glanced at the clock. There she was, waiting for me to come around and be open to her and learn to love again, and now it seems as if the tables have turned. Why won't she at least hear me out?! Just then Dr. Bob walked into the waiting area.

"Doc, how is she? Can she see?" Jim asked nervously, as Kate clutched his hand. It seemed as if everyone was on the edge of their seats waiting for the answer.

"The bandages are off, and she can see... a little. Actually, all she can make out are some definite colors and some larger shapes right now. Don't worry, though, that's normal. If she heals like I believe she will, her sight will be fully restored by Monday. If anything, she may need glasses in the future, but wearing glasses is a far, far better improvement over total blindness." Everyone nodded and smiled in agreement.

"When can we see Laura?" Misty asked impatiently, and Kevin silently agreed. He wanted to see her as well. He hoped that with her bandages off, she would be willing to see him, not just physically but spiritually as well.

"You may go in right away." Dr. Bob barely got out the words before almost getting trampled by Laura's friends and family. Kevin was the last one following down to Laura's room, figuring that he shouldn't be the first one in there, just in case she was still as angry with him as she was 3 days ago. He picked up his pace, anxious to see Laura, when Dr. Bob stopped him. "Kevin, we need to talk," he said with urgency in his voice.

"What is it? I really want to see Laura, can't it wait?"

"That's just it, Kevin. God, I don't know how to tell you this but to just come out and say it... She asked me to tell you not to come in. She doesn't want you in there."

Kevin's heart sank. He wanted so much to protest, but was too tired of protesting. He reluctantly sighed. "OK..." he said, his voice fading. Dr. Bob felt bad for being the bearer of bad news in the midst of all the good. "I'm... I'm sorry, Kevin. I know you love her. I can see it in your eyes. In a few days, when Laura can see your love as well, maybe... I just hope things work for you, that's all. I'm sorry," Dr. Bob said once more before turning and walking to Laura's room, leaving Kevin stand there.

I'm obviously fighting a losing battle right now, and my staying here is doing no good, not for me and not for Laura, Kevin thought, as he turned to walk towards the door. For the first time in 3 days, Kevin was going to his home... alone... Only time will tell...