As Nick left the room he felt a single tear drop roll down his cheek. Fiance? It didnt make any sense. Amanda was just his ex-girlfriend. He didnt understand. He wanted to run back and clear everything up, but he couldnt make himself do it. Was it his fear of AJ? Was it that he didnt want to upset Jennifer even more? He didnt know, but he knew he had to straighten it out before he completely lost the girl of his dreams.
Meanwhile the doctor allowed Jennifer to have company, two at a time. AJ went first, by himself.
"Are you ok?" he asked as he sat down by her bed.
"Physically, yeah, I think so, mentally, I'm not so sure" she said fighting back tears
"Oh J." AJ said as he held her hand for comfort.
She loved it when he called her J. She couldnt explain it, but she loved it. AJ was the only one who ever called her that. As tears formed in her eyes he gave her a gentle hug. His arms felt good around her. She knew that he really cared about her. His hug was sincere and that made her feel safe. As he let go of her slowely, their eyes met. It wasnt like when Jennifer's eyes met Nicks, but rather a more kind and honest gaze that made her feel so loved. It was genuine and real, unlike many things in her life. A smile came came over her face as AJ kissed her softly on the cheek and whispered in her ear.
"I better let the others come see you, they are very concerned"
"Ok..oh, and AJ, thanks" she said as he left the room.
The rest of the group came in and showed their concern. After everyone was done, they all left to catch a cab and AJ agreed to stay behind and get Jennifer home.
They sat watching Saturday Night Live in the hospital room together until the nurse dismissed her to go home. AJ carried her out in his arms all the way to the cab, and then from the cab to her hotel room where he placed he gently on the bed.
"Good night J, and remember, if you need anything, I am right next door, I'll unlock the seperator doors if you want" he said kindly
"Thanks AJ, good night" she said as she peacefully closed her eyes.
AJ watched her for a moment before entering his own room.
Several Hours Later....
"AHHHH!!!"
A loud scream come from Jennifer's room. AJ quickly sat up in bed. After a minute he realized the noise was coming from Jennifer's room. He ran over to her bed. She was tossing and turning, tears running down her face. She was obviously having a nightmare.
"J, wake up" AJ said as he gently shook her.
She quickly snapped out of her dream.
"AJ? what happened?" she asked
"You were just having a nightmare" he said as he got up to get her a glass of water. He looked back at her. She was a mess. Tears began rolling down her soft, pale cheeks. AJ ran back to comfort her. He pulled her close and held her as she clung to him. She needed a support system right now, and AJ was more than willing.
"How could he?" she said softly
"Its ok" AJ said as he rocked her gently back and forth.
She cried in his arms for a long time until they both drifted off to sleep.
The Next Morning...
Jennifer glanced over at the clock. 12:45...she slept late. 12:45 she thought again, oh no, lunch with that girl. She couldnt face anyone right now, let alone Kelly. She quietly slipped out of AJ's arms as she got dressed. She couldnt stand the girl up, so she figured if she went to see her, she could get it over with. As she left the room she left a note on the table telling AJ where she was so he wouldnt worry.
AJ~
I went to have lunch with a fan. I should be back up soon. Thanks for everything and especially for last night.
Love,
Jennifer
Ok, she thought, lets get this over with.
"Hi" a perky voice said from behind Jennifer.
She jumped. Here we go she thought as she turned around. "Hi" she replied, faking a good mood.
The two girls made small conversation as the ate lunch. Jennifer began to get a huge knot in her stomach as she sat with this girl. What is your problem, shes a fan, Jennifer told herself.
Soon the feeling in her stomach grew even stronger. Jennifer had to excuse herself. She ran to the nearest bathroom and began to throw up. As she left the bathroom she noticed that Kelly had left. Finally she thought as she paid for her meal. She saw a white piece of paper on the table. It read:
Dear Jennifer,
Thanks for lunch. I'm sorry to hear about you and Nick, too bad. What a player. Well, nice meeting you, see you at the show!
Kelly
Jennifer stood there, deep in thought. How did Kelly know about Nick. She didnt tell anyone. Did he? She began to feel sick again. She ran to her room crying. How could he tell anyone. As she got off the elevator she heard people screaming. As she got closer she realized it was coming from her room. AJ? Alyssa? What happened? She walked towards the room. She could now understand what they were saying...
"No, I dont want to break up, I, I" AJ said
"I, I dont care" Alyssa snapped back. "Where were you last night? I went by to see you and YOU WERENT THERE!" she screamed
"I was with Jennifer, she needed me" he said, his voice shaking
"What about me?" she demanded
"I care about you, alot" he choked, trying to remain calm. How could Alyssa not understand. Jennifer was one of his closest friends, and she needed him, badly.
"Not as much as some people" she replied sarcastically. How could he not understand that she needed him too. She had her own problems.
AJ lost his temper at that moment. "Listen, I really really like you Alyssa, but last night Jennifer needed me. Its not everyday that you find out the man you love has a fiance" he said, his voice rising
"Well its not a fiance I'm worried about now, only a best friend" she said as she slammed the door and ran to her room.
Jennifer wanted to go back downstairs, but she still was not feeling well. She started to go to her room but decided it was best she leave AJ alone right now. She got back in the elevator and pressed the buttom for the lobby. The elevator stopped the next floor down. She was leaning against the side of the huge elevator door, so she didnt see who got in until the doors closed. She glanced up and felt her knees almost collapse as she realized who was standing with her.
Before she had the chance to say anything, the elevator suddenly stopped....great...
