Something to Believe in

PART 27

That morning seemed to last even longer than eternity for Liz.  She remained at his bedside like she’d promised Isabelle, not moving even for the briefest moment. 

She clung to his hand as if it was the lifeline connecting him with the real world and after one, desperately trying to pull him back to her.  The quiet alone time also gave Liz time to think, time to analysis the situation she now found herself in. 

If somebody had told her days before that she would be sitting in a hospital by Max Evans’ bedside, she would most certainly have laughed the suggestions away.  Firstly, she’d had no intention of seeing Max again, that was until her night with Alex making her realise finality was needed to let her move on.  And then, the fact she was actually willingly spending open time in a hospital was an astonishing one.

Since her nightmare night when Kyle had been taken from her, Liz hadn’t set foot in a hospital.  No matter who it was, even when her own grandmother had been taken ill, she hadn’t been able to go and visit any hospital.  For the memories she’d suppressed rose quickly each time she thought about that night, and hospitals instantly brought the feelings to the fore. 

And this was not an exception to the rule.  Despite her calm, cool exterior, inside Liz was battling vainly against the insatiable need to run and hide, the need to slip back into safe, calm surroundings.

Yet, for some strange reason unfathomed by Liz, she also had an equally powerful need to stay with Max.  The battle waging inside, tying her emotions in knots, was a strong one, a confrontation she wasn’t sure which sentiment would finally win.

The pain she had endured and emerged from after Kyle’s attack had been draining, something she never wanted to experience again.  Yet here she was, sitting by another hospital bed, praying and hoping someone she cared deeply about would pull through their own private battle.

She’d vowed long ago never to allow her heart to be caught up in someone again, and Max had nearly pushed through those defences.  But she’d pushed him away in time, managed to protect her heart at the very last stage. 

So if she didn’t want to be with Max anymore, why did she care what happened to him or if he ever woke up? 

The question roamed around her head for a long time, and the quietness of the room gave her plenty of time to mull over the eventual answer to the question.

When it finally hit her, the realisation that no matter what she did or told her heart, she would always love Max, it shocked Liz.  For the first time, in the cold light of day, she finally allowed herself to admit her feelings for Max went much deeper than just caring for him.

For the first time she admitted to her heart and mind that she was, without any question, totally and completely in love with the beautifully handsome Director of Evans Consulting.

“I ……….. I ………. love …….. him.”  She gasped to herself, her free hand rising to clasp her mouth as she sat somewhat shocked.  

“But you can’t love him!”  A voice inside her head shouted out, trying to make her see reason.  She was fiercely independent, she had direction and goal in her life, her career was the single most important thing she desired, her job loved her that was enough.

But it wasn’t enough, she knew deep inside her heart.  Although she’d suppressed the desire the day Kyle had died, she had secretly craved the warmth of love over the years that had passed.  She desperately wanted romance to envelope her body and make her feel alive once more.

It had taken a long time, and a serious accident to Max, to finally make Liz open her eyes to the person she had become.  Although her coldness and fieriness would always be a part of her work, could the ‘old’ Liz Parker also rein in her body?  Could the dreamy romantic who had previously loved being spoilt, and who had loved being lavished attention also share a part of her emotionally battered body?

Her head was spinning with the notions her brain and heart were pumping around with her blood.  Reason tried to justify her prior decisions, but it was no good. 

With her forehead resting down on an upturned palm, Liz finally assessed the situation she now found herself in.

Her whole reason for pushing Max away and keeping him at arm’s length had been to protect her already battered heart.  She’d done it for the right reasons, albeit selfish ones, but her heart had been in the right place.  She’d done it so that she wouldn’t get hurt any further. 

She’d done it because she didn’t want to fall for Max and then for something to happen to him like it had to Kyle.  She’d fallen hard for Kyle and things had been perfect before fate had stepped in, and she hadn’t wanted to experience the bitter sweetness of loving and then loosing again.

But, as she slowly lifted her eyes up and allowed them to fall on Max’s bruised face, she conceded her plan had been thwarted.  She hadn’t even been with Max, hadn’t even had the pleasure of experiencing the good times, yet the potential of loosing him like she had Kyle was very real.

She knew in her heart that if Max never woke up, if the unthinkable happened, the pain and grief would be as much, if not greater, than when she had lost Kyle.  For if it happened this time she wouldn’t be able to comfort her shattered heart with at least she’d made him happy, at least they’d shared the magical times.  This time she’d have very few moments to call on to console her as she shed the painful tears.

Despite all her best efforts, she had still fallen head over heals in love with Max.  It had taken her a long time, but finally she had reached the point where she was able to admit it to herself …… she just hoped and prayed it wasn’t too late to be able to say it to Max.

Gently lifting his hand, she bent her head and gently connected with the back of his hand, kissing it softly.  A tear that had managed to escape her control slipped down her cheek and slowly landed on his fingers.

Looking up at him once more, Liz quietly rose to her feet and moved the few inches to his face.  Using her free hand, she paused for a moment while she pushed his hair away from his eyes slightly. 

For a moment she just watched him, tears welling relentlessly in her eyes as she thought about the battle he was trying to win at that moment.  Gently stroking his cheek, she slowly bent her face down so she was inches away from his skin.

Covering the short distance, she allowed her lips to connect with his lukewarm cheek, kissing it gently as her tears fell onto his skin. 

Lifting her head, she swiftly moved her mouth to his ear.

“You’d better fight there Max Evans, because I’m not ready to loose you.  I’ve lost one person whom I loved dearly, I’m not going to let you go as well.”  She whispered softly. 

Tears continued to fill her eyes as she sat back down on the vacant seat.  Slipping her spare hand on top of Max’s, she squeezed it gently, settling in for the continued wait for him to show some sort of sign that he was still with them.

The smallest, slightest of movement at first went relatively unnoticed.  It nearly passed by with the flickering shining sun streaming into the hospital room, ……. almost. 

At first she thought she was imagining things, her desire for some sort of response playing tricks on her already emotionally racked brain.  But instead of just ignoring it, she took hold of the tiny glimmer of hope and gently squeezed his hand once more.  She half prayed and half hoped that she’d get some sort of response ……………. but nothing came.

Conceding it had been her own will that had conjured up the imaginary movement, she settled back down into the chair and instead just held his palm with one of hers and stroked the back of his hand with her fingers.

“Hmm, if you could see me now Max ……. What would you say?”  She asked softly, laughing inwardly at herself.  She wondered what he would have thought had he been awake?  How would he react to seeing her tear stained face and gentle caresses administered to his hand?  Would he be shocked?  Would he laugh or be happy?  She’d pushed him away so many times, and now, when she actually could walk away without his protests ringing in her ears, she stood firm.  Nothing could tear her from his bedside, not even a force of nature to make her move.

The small movement of his hand once more shook Liz from her self-induced daydream.  This time she knew she hadn’t imagined it, this time she’d definitely felt his fingers move against the palm of her hand.

“Max?”  She called out softly, stoking his hand before gently squeezing it. 

His fingers softly moved once more and weakly returned her gesture, squeezing her hand also.

“Max, open you eyes, come on open your eyes.”  She pleaded softly, trying to keep up his progress, needing to see his deep brown soulful eyes once more.  Just getting movement, albeit slight, was a sign, a small glimmer of hope and she wasn’t about to let it languish.

Staring intently, she noticed the flickering of his eyelids, before his fingers grasped her hand once more.  She noted his movement, and what it signalled, he still needed encouragement to keep pushing through the blackness and obvious pain.

“Come on Max, look at me please.”  She said, her voice cracking with the emotion of the moment. 

His eyelids flickered once more, and this time they parted to expose his eyes for the briefest moment.  It was clearly hard work, but the fact he’d opened his eyes even for the smallest millisecond was enough for Liz, it meant he was slowly coming back to them.

Tears fell rapidly down her face, and she let them fall unabated.  She didn’t care who saw her emotions, or who saw her openly baring her heart and soul.  All she cared about was Max, and the clear indication he was slowly on the mend.

His eyes opened once more, this time sustaining the urge to close them from the bright sunlight.  He wanted to keep them open, desperate to take in the sight of the beauty sitting by his bedside.

He wasn’t sure if he was dreaming, or whether he was finally in heaven since there seemed to be a hazy glow surrounding her, but he certainly didn’t care.  For Liz was right beside him, caressing his hand and willing him back to life.  She was there for him, which was all he cared about.

Her tears coursing down her face worried him though.  It was clear she had obviously been to hell and back while he’d peacefully slept, blissfully unaware of the pain his friends and family were experiencing.  Even in his delicate state, his thoughts still jumped to Liz and the pain he’d unwittingly caused her.

“Oh Max.”  She whispered softly, staring back at him through teary eyes. 

Using all the strength he could muster in his battered body, Max gingerly lifted his hand up and slowly placed it on her damp cheek.  Taking his lead, she cupped his hand with her own, moving it gently round to her lips before kissing his palm and holding it close to her face. 

Tears fell on to his skin, but neither cared, for the moment was special, magical, a turning point in their previously rocky relationship.

Taking his other hand, he clawed away at the tube that had previously kept his lungs ventilated.  He no longer wanted it stopping him from murmuring words to the woman he clearly loved.

“It’s ok.”  He whispered hoarsely, his throat dry from the lack of speech since the accident.  The croaked words stung his painfully sore throat, but he didn’t care, he had to make sure Liz understood he was back again.

“Shhh, don’t speak Max.  Just get better.”  She responded tearfully, as she moved towards the button above his bed so she could alert the doctor of Max’s awakening.

Subsequent pandemonium took over in the room once the medical staff heard of his recovery.  The doctor and nurses buzzed around, taking Max’s blood pressure, temperature, sample of blood and various other tests.

Reluctantly, Liz gently relinquished her unfaltering grip on Max’s hand.  She was in the way, that was clear, but also she needed to make an urgent phone call.  Telling Isabelle of Max’s recovery was of paramount importance, this was certainly news her new friend would want to be woken for.

A few phone calls later and all relevant personnel had been informed.  Max’s room quickly became a haven for happy, excited personnel.  Isabelle had rushed quickly to her brother’s bedside, sending Michael off to pick up her parents from the airport once they flew in.

It was a lot for Max to take in so soon, Isabelle constantly fussing over him and chatting non stop, Liz practically glued to the other side of the bed holding tightly to his hand, it all made his head feel dizzy and rather disorientated.  If he hadn’t been in pain he might have noted how surreal the moment was.  The two most important women, bar his mother, giving him their undivided attention.

Of course, Max wasn’t exactly a great conversationalist.  He’d been given sips of water, which he gratefully accepted, but anything of further nourishment was off limits until further tests to make sure he was ok had been completed.  Painkillers for his injuries made him feel woozy, but sleeping was the last thing he wanted to do. 

“Max!”  The familiar voice of his mother rang out as she entered the room.  “Oh my gosh are you ok?”

“Yeah.”  He mustered up the strength to say quietly.

“We go away to London and look what happens to you son!”  His father joked, trying to lighten the mood, but inside grateful his only son was now on the mend.

“I’m sorry.”  Max murmured quietly, feeling guilty they’d had to rush back from England to see him.

“We’re just glad to see you’re ok Max.”  Philip replied, as Diane hugged her son vehemently. 

“Oh Max, what am I going to do with you.”  Diane cried, a tear slipping down her cheek as she looked at her injured son, the bruising on his face still looking fresh and painful.

“It’s ok mum, Liz and I have been taking care of him, and he’s been in good hands.”  Isabelle said, trying to alleviate her mother’s worries about not being in the State when the accident had happened.

“You must be Liz I presume?”  Diane turned and said, wiping away the rogue tear.

“That’s right, I’m Liz Parker.”  Liz said somewhat shyly, extending a hand of welcome to Max’s mother.

“Well I’m Diane.”  She replied, taking Liz’s hand with ease.  “So you’ve been looking after my son have you?”
”Yes, that’s right ……….. I was with him when it happened.”  Liz told her.

“And you’re a work associate of Max’s?”  Diane enquired, eager to know how the pretty young brunette fitted in the picture.

“Yeah ……….. and a friend.”  Liz replied, smiling as she turned to look at Max and seeing a slight smile decorate his face also.

“Well Max, you can tell me all about your friendship with Liz once you’re feeling better.”  Diane informed him, throwing a ‘tell all’ look his way.  It was clear to her that Max and Liz were a little more than ‘friends’.  Far too much seemed to have passed Diane by over the previous few months, and she was determined to be filled in at the soonest available opportunity.

All too soon, the doctor returned to usher the entourage out of the room.

“He needs rest if he’s going to make a swift recovery.”  He informed them sternly.

Looking a Max once more, Liz felt an overwhelming tearing inside her.  Leaving him was the one thing she didn’t want to do, not now that she had finally realised her true feelings for him.  Part of her was afraid if she left, he wouldn’t be there for her to come back to.

“Come back and see me?”  He whispered, squeezing her hand gently.

“Definitely.”  She responded, bending in and kissing his cheek while the others left the room.

As she gently closed the door to his private room, Liz was faced with Michael standing in close proximity in front of her.

“Hi.”  He said, obviously uncomfortable somewhat with facing her.

“Hi.”  She responded curiously, waiting to see what he was about to do.

“Look ….. I just wanted to say thank you ………. For looking after Maria and all.  We talked yesterday and I kinda stayed with her last night ……….. but I owe you for keeping an eye on her while I acted like a jerk.”  He said sincerely.

“So does that mean you’re ok with the baby now?”  Liz queried hopefully.

“Yeah, we talked and I guess I’ve seen if from a different perspective now.”

“And are you back together?”

“Yeah, that too.”  He said, smiling at Liz before briefly hugging her.

It had taken a lot for him to come to her, she was sure of that.  Liz didn’t know Michael that well, but she was sure he wasn’t the type of guy to show his emotions very often.  Pride was also a big part of his armour; indicating saying ‘thank you’ had also taken a lot of courage from him.  Knowing that he was going to stand by Maria and accept the baby was the best news she could have hoped for.  They were back together, Max was awake and she had finally accepted she loved him; all that was left was to get Alex to accept his feelings for Isabelle.

“So Liz, would you like to come back to ours for dinner?”  Diane offered as they all headed out of the hospital into the afternoon sun.

“Oh, thanks very much, but I think all I’m really ready for is sleep right now.”  Liz replied, somewhat sorry to knock back the invitation. 

Getting to know Max’s mother was an interesting concept, but one Liz wanted to do when she wasn’t as emotional as she felt at that moment.  All she really felt like doing was going home and crying tears of overwhelming joy and happiness, before falling into a welcoming bed for some much needed sleep.

“I understand ……….. but come by soon, I’d like to get to know you.”  Diane said caringly, smiling warmly at the young girl. 

“Thanks, I’d like that.”

“And thank you for looking after my son while I was away.”  She added, before Liz headed over to her car.

Watching the young girl climb into the Mercedes, Diane deduced that Liz Parker certainly had a major thing for her son.  She seemed a very nice person, with a flashy car indicating she was clearly someone who either had a good job or an influx of money. 

As Diane climbed into her husband’s car, she couldn’t help but smile inwardly to herself.  Max having a girl was the perfect incentive to get him back up on his feet and on the road to recovery. 

And something told Diane Evans that the ‘friend’ in Liz Parker would be right there with Max every step of the way.

PART 28

When she arrived back at the hospital the following morning, laughter was coming in droves from the private room occupied by Max.  As she rounded the corner, Liz noted Isabelle was laughing heartily at a joke Michael was recounting to Max. 

For a moment Liz stood back, afraid to break up the happy time they were all experiencing.  A pang of worry hit her, it was clear she was an outsider to the obviously close ‘gang’, and interrupting them was not something she really wanted to do.  A moment of self-doubt flooded her body, that maybe she wouldn’t be welcome now Max was awake and on the road to recovery.

Taking a step backwards, she headed to the left of the door towards some vacant seats.  Choosing one, she sat down and proceeded to run her fingers through her silky brown hair.  The laughter still filled the air, and she was sure she could even hear a little chuckle coming from Max.  It felt good to hear him laugh again, even if it wasn’t her doing.

It was the first time she felt human since she had entered the hospital after Max’s accident.  The previous afternoon she had gone home, had a long hot bath and then promptly slept for fourteen hours solid.  It was much needed rest though, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d experienced so much unbroken sleep.  Clean clothes, freshly blow-dried hair and a shimmer of make up made her feel happier with herself than she had in a very long time.

And once she had emerged from her rest, Liz had done something she knew she should have done a long time ago.  No more did pictures or memories of Kyle decorate her house.  She’d collected them all that morning and put them in a large cardboard box.  At first she was going to offer them to Jim in case he wanted anything, but she then quickly realised he didn’t need any more reminders of Kyle.  Jim remembered Kyle in his heart and mind; he carried his son with him every day.  He didn’t need pictures and mementos to remind him how wonderful his son had been.  

It was a huge milestone for Liz to have reached, but one she finally felt ready to cross over.  No longer did she want to morn the loss of Kyle and put her personal life on hold, instead she was finally ready to look to the bright future, and experience the wonders of wherever it took her. 

And go through the future with a new person in her life, or at least she hoped she would.  She’d pushed him away so many times, hurt and wounded him with her callous, cold words. 

In her heart, Liz was fully prepared to be rebuffed by Max, in his now healthier state.  If he wanted nothing more to do with her then she’d understand, she reasoned.  For he had done more good for her in the short time their paths had crossed than any other person in her life.  He’d opened her eyes once more, for that she knew she’d be forever grateful.

He had practically picked her up and shaken her back to life.  He’d reminded her what it was like to feel alive once more, something she hadn’t thought she would experience again after Kyle.  So if Max wanted nothing more to do with her then she would walk away with her head held high and a smile, albeit a sad one, decorating her face.  She’d do it with pride and dignity, safe in the knowledge that a bigger lesson had been learned.  Oh she’d miss him, she’d cry a thousand tears and more for the ‘one that got away’, but then she’d emerge stronger and more prepared to risk her heart again.  He’d given her the ultimate gift, one no money could ever buy.  Liz just hoped she’d have a chance to say ‘thank you’ and show him she was finally ready to trust again.

“Liz?”  A voice shook her from her dreamy self-induced haze.

“Oh, hi Isabelle.”  Liz said, feeling somewhat silly that she was sitting all alone.

“What are you doing out here?  Don’t you want to see Max?”  Isabelle queried, sitting down next to her.

“Yes of course I do, but you guys seemed to be having so much fun I didn’t want to interrupt.  It’s good to hear him laugh again.”

“Yes it is, but don’t be silly, you should have come in.  Max was asking after you, and Michael and I are just about to leave.  That’ll give you and Max time to talk alone then.”  Isabelle said, with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“You don’t have to ………….”  Liz started, not wanting to be the cause of their leaving.

“Nonsense, we want to!”  Isabelle responded grinning at the person she hoped would swiftly become her brother’s girlfriend.

“So, have to talked to Alex?”  Liz queried casually, watching Isabelle’s face for signs of truth.

“Erm ……… no.”  She replied, looking down.

“Isabelle!”  Liz exclaimed.  “First you lecture me about not risking my heart, but you’re just a guilty.  How are you gonna snag him if you don’t call him?”

“I know, I know, but it’s not that easy.  What do I do, just pick up the phone and call him at the office?  What if he slams the phone down on me?”
”He won’t, Alex is too much of a gentleman.”  Liz said simply, knowing her best friend too well.
”But he might.”  Isabelle countered nervously.

“Ok ……… then go and see him at home.  At least then he won’t slam the phone down.”  Liz suggested.

“At home?  Great idea, one big flaw ………. I don’t know where he lives.” 

“Ahh, well I can help you there.”  Liz said, delving into her bag for a piece of paper and a pen.  Quickly she scribbled down Alex’s address before handing it to Isabelle.

“But ………..”
”Do it Is, at least this way you’ll know once and for all whether you’ve got a chance.  At the moment you’re just hanging, waiting to see if he’ll ever come round.  You can’t just hope, you have to do something about it.  Don’t waste your life like I nearly did.”  Liz said sincerely.

“Thanks Liz.”  Isabelle said, smiling warmly at her.  “Talking about waiting, go and see Max please!”  She added firmly.

“Ok, you go and see Alex then.”  Liz replied sternly but warmly before climbing to her feet.

After sharing a brief hug, Liz walked towards Max’s room and was greeted by Michael who was on the way out. 

“Ahh she returns.  You’d better go in he’s practically climbing the walls to see you!”  He joked before stepping aside.

Pausing for a moment, she took the small step inside his room.  She noted silently that he didn’t look so ill now that all the machines, tubes and wires had been removed.  Somehow the bruising and grazing around his no so pale face didn’t seem to jump out so much. 

“Hi.”  She said softly, noticing his eyes were closed and not wanting to wake him if he was asleep.

“Hi there.”  He replied, opening his eyes swiftly so he could see her.

“I can come back later if you want to rest ………..”  She started, pointing and turning her body towards the door as if to indicate it was fine if he did.  She didn’t want to go, afraid she might not have the courage to spill her heart again, but she would do it.  If he was too tired or ill to chat she would leave him be.

“No, don’t go.  I was just resting, I’m fine really.”  Max replied quickly, not wanting her to leave so soon.

“Well you’re sounding much better than yesterday.”  Liz commented as she sat down in the vacant seat beside his bed.

“Yeah, I feel a lot better too.  The throbbing pain in my head is starting to subside now and they’re not doping me up on painkillers as much now.  I don’t feel quite like the zombie I did yesterday.”
”That’s good.”  She replied a soft smile crossing her face as their eyes locked for a brief second.

For a few moments, silence reigned supreme in the small, white room.  Neither knew what to say, both feeling slightly uncomfortable about their current position and the evident emotions running high between them. 

For Max, he wasn’t sure if he was reading the signs correctly, or maybe the bump on his head had impaired his judgement.  It was clear to him that Liz had been worried, and her words of encouragement to bring him out of the coma still rang like sweet music in his ears.  He’d heard her declarations of love, her tears of joy and relief when he’d finally opened his eyes.  But had they just been said in the heat of the moment when emotions were high?  Airing on the side of caution, he didn’t want to scare her off by presuming she had finally seen sense.  He needed her to tell him how she was really feeling, to finally be honest with him.

Liz, on the other hand, was afraid of how Max would react to her news.  She’d spent so long pushing him away; she was concerned maybe she’d pushed him too far.  Maybe he wouldn’t want to know her now that she was finally ready to let him into her life.  Oh maybe he’d believe she only wanted to know him now out of some sort of guilt because of the accident?  She didn’t know Max as a cynic, but perhaps after a near death experience he may have had his own eyes opened to what else was in the world, stuff that didn’t involve Liz.

“So ….”  Max started, for once lost for words.

“Yeah ……….”  She breathed, unable to continue the conversation, the butterflies in her stomach fluttering intently.

“Oh, thanks for staying with me while I was out of it.  I’m sure you helped Isabelle get some rest and not worry quite so much.”  He said sincerely.

“It was nothing.  I didn’t mind staying with you Max.  I guess ……. I guess I kind of needed to be with you also.”  Liz admitted.  “I mean the accident really shook me up, and being with you helped to put it into perspective somewhat, made me calm down I guess.  It was pretty scary there for a moment, but at least it’s all ok now.  I’m just sorry you got hurt so badly for me.” 

For a moment Max felt crestfallen.  He’d believed she had stayed with him because she wanted to, because she had cared about his welfare.  Yet, he could see now it was just because she was obviously feeling guilty about what had happened to him, and how close he’d come to not pulling out of the coma.  All his hopes were dashed right then, the bubble of happiness forming inside bursting into evaporation.

“You don’t need to worry about me Liz, I’m ok now.  You don’t have to stay with me.  I pushed you out of the way for a reason; I didn’t want to see you get hurt.  It was a decision I made, it was my choice.  You don’t have to feel guilty about it.  Just because I saved you doesn’t mean you have to feel obliged to stay with me until I’m better.  I’d rather you left now and let me recover alone rather than accept your pity.  I don’t want to get better and then you break my heart again, I’d rather you did it now and get it over and done with.”  Max informed her somewhat harshly.

“Is that what you think Max?  That I’m here because I pity you or feel guilty that you got hurt and I didn’t?  Because if you do then you’re wrong, very wrong.”  Liz told him somewhat astonished by what he’d said.  She’d expected him to push her away in payment for all the times she’d done it to him.  But to shun her because he believed she was there due to some sort of obligation or feeling of pity hadn’t even crossed her mind.

“Then why are you here Liz?”  He asked bluntly, his eyes shining with determination.  “You’ve made it perfectly clear we are nothing more than business associates, or we were until the merger was completed.  I no longer work as a consultant for your company; I no longer have any ties to you at all.  So tell me Liz, why are you still here if you don’t want to know me?”

“Because ……….. because I was wrong Max.”  She said quietly.

“About what?”
”About everything.  About work, about our friendship …….. about us.”  She said, dropping her gaze downwards for a moment, unable to hold his intense stare.

“What are you saying?”  He asked, unsure of her real underlying message.  Hope sprang inside him; there was something in her words that instilled optimism in his heart.

“I guess I’m saying that I’m right here Max ………. If you want me that is.”  She said simply.

“What?”  He queried, somewhat astounded, after all her attempts to push him away was she really letting him close again, or was it just a ploy?  His heart skipped a beat at the mere though, and he was silently grateful he wasn’t still linked to the heart monitor.  It would have certainly spiked and sent alarm bells ringing in his room, of that he was sure.

“I know I’ve hurt you.  I’ve pushed you away at every opportunity, but let’s just say I’ve had a change of heart.”  Liz said, trying to play it cool.
”And just what caused this change?”  He asked somewhat reservedly.

“You actually, without even knowing it.”  She told him.  “Ever since I lost Kyle I’ve made sure I kept anyone who might love me at arms length, never allowing them inside me.  That was until you came along.  You destroyed all my well-built defences and reminded me what it might be like if I let someone close again.  I got scared I won’t deny it.  The feelings you conjure up in me are so very strong, like nothing I’ve experienced before, not even with Kyle.”

“Why though Liz, why now?”  He asked, needing to know what fuelled her change of heart.  He had to know she was sincere before getting his hopes up too high.

“Because I always thought that if I kept people away I wouldn’t get hurt or loose them again.  But the accident and how your life hung in the balance for a while there made me realise I can’t control fate.  I can’t decide who lives and who dies, and I can’t decide whom I fall in love with.  I pretended not to love you, yet you still got hurt and I so very nearly lost you.”  She paused for a moment, her mind taking her to a dark place without Max.  “Not loving you did nothing to prevent that.  I guess if I had lost you it would have been even harder to cope with, since we didn’t even share the good times.”  She said, looking down at his hand by his side, so as not to look into his eyes.

She was laying her heart on the line, right in front of him, and Liz was genuinely afraid.  After everything she’d experienced, she knew the next few minutes could make or break her life.  If he said yes, then there could be a ‘happy ever after’ ending to the long trawl, but if he said no …… well that didn’t even bear contemplating to Liz. 

“So where does that leave us now?”  He asked, lifting his hand to her chin so he could tilt it towards him in an attempt to see into her doe brown eyes.

“Well ………. that depends on you.  It’s not going to be easy, I won’t lie, but I am prepared to learn to love again ……. If you’ll teach me that is.”  She said honestly.  “But if you feel you can’t love me I’ll understand.  If all the pain I have caused you has made this impossible just be honest.  If you don’t want to know me I’ll leave Max, and you won’t have to see me again.  I’ll respect your decision.”  She added hastily, not wanting him to think he had no option or she’d backed him into a corner.

“Liz, have you not learnt anything?”  He exasperated happily, lifting his hand to cup her cheek.  “I have been waiting so long for you to say those words.  Do you really think I’m gonna let you go now that you’ve finally realised I might be good for you?”  He said, looking deep into her stormy emotional eyes.

“I wasn’t sure ……….”  She faltered.

His finger placed over her lips halted the rest of her sentence, the words of hesitation never slipped past to become vocal.  This wasn’t a time for negativity or uncertainty.  They’d played the waiting game for far too long, it was time for action.

Lifting his upper body away from the pillow, he lent in until he was barely inches away from her face.  Their eyes locked and souls mixed just by a simple liquid stare.  His fingers softly stroking her cheek made her heart race, the feeling of him touching her once more so very right.

A small smile passed his lips as his eyes softened into her beauty.  The sparkle in her eyes was clearly evident, along with a shy coyness he hadn’t noticed before.  No longer was she the fiery businesswoman keen to pick a fight at every opportunity.  Right now she was putty in his hands, a naïve young woman hanging on his every move.

Slipping his hand to behind her neck, he covered the short distance and brought their lips together in a soft embrace.  A simple, delicate kiss, but one that secured everything they were both feeling at that moment. 

The magical feeling of his kiss made her feel like she was floating once more.  It was a feeling she hadn’t experienced since their rendezvous in the restaurant, and that felt light-years away at that moment.  His fingers knotted in her silky hair, his lips gently, so softly caressed hers.  Immeasurable amounts of emotion filled every fibre of her body, all conjured up by a simple kiss.

Not wanting to overwhelm her, he started to pull away slightly, wanting to give her time to adjust.  He’d finally got her close, he didn’t want to scare her away because of the passion he felt for her.  She quickly halted his movement away though, moving her arms to wrap around his neck before bringing his lips crashing back down on hers.

This time the searing passion in the kiss was clearly evident.  His lips took hers, tugging and grazing at her bottom lip to gain entry into the deep, dark crevices of her warm, sensual mouth.  Their tongues duelled eagerly as their kiss seemed to loose track of time.  No matter what happened around them, no matter who entered the room, it was clear they wouldn’t have noticed or even cared.

And so they made up for lost time, the kiss stretching eternally before they finally gave in to their body’s incessant need for oxygen and air.  As he looked at her through warming eyes, he noticed the red tinge to her cheeks.  A healthy, happy glow seemed to surround her as she returned his glance.  At that moment, he conceded he’d never seen a more perfectly beautiful woman.

And that woman was his, there was no way she was going to slip through his fingers again.  He was determined to do everything physically possible to keep her right by his side, to teach her the wonder of love once more.

They’d been through pain and heartbreak together, but as Liz climbed onto the edge of his bed and laid her head down on his shoulder, it all felt worthwhile.  The pain he’d previously felt ebbed away into an unrecognisable dull ache, replaced by the wonder that they were finally together.  The journey along the long rocky road had finally led to paradise.  His arm encased her, holding her close as her body hummed from the feelings he sparked deep inside her. 

To hold her close to his body, albeit in a hospital, was so much more than Max had dared dream about since she’d broken his heart in Jim’s vast house.  But now he finally held her in his embrace, and it felt so right, as if it was always meant to be.

A little while later, as a nurse peered into the room, she couldn’t help but smile.  They looked so sweet together, so clearly in love as they lay sleeping peacefully in the small hospital bed.  She’d seen the young brunette sitting by his bedside, as he’d been deep in a coma; she’d seen Liz’s tears of emotion and tiredness.  Yet the young girl hadn’t faltered, she’d kept going, and the nurse had no doubt it was that girl’s love that had helped him while he was lost to find his way back to those who loved him so dearly.

It was a success story from a precarious situation, so many people in his situation didn’t wake up, and it made her feel warm inside.  She was sure they’d have a long, happy life together, their evident love would see to that.

Quietly closing the door, she walked away, unwilling to wake the young lovers as they slept so soundly.  It was clear, even to her, that they had finally overcome whatever huge obstacle had halted their progress previously.

TBC ............................?

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