Two hours later, everyone was crammed into the small waiting room at the local hospital. It had been determined that the bullet was still lodged in Kevin’s side and surgery was necessary to remove it. Although after taking x-rays, they were able to determine that the bullet hadn’t caused any serious internal damage.

Howie, Nick, Brian and AJ were all having a difficult time coming to terms with what had happened to Kevin, but they weren’t nearly as distraught as Abigail was. It took all four of them to calm her down once they got to the hospital and found out about the necessary surgery. Dr. Steep was not far behind and he was able to take her aside and calm her down even further. He had to keep reminding her that Kevin’s injuries were not life threatening and given some time to recover, he would be fine.

Abigail finally took a seat beside Brian in the waiting room and tried to remain calm. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get Kevin’s pale face out of her mind. As she sat there, her thoughts drifted back to when they had first met. She’d never forget that moment when she first looked up into Kevin’s mesmerizing green eyes after the interview. She hadn’t realized it at the time, but Kevin had stolen her heart that day and she had been so relieved when she learnt that he felt the same way. She reminisced about the first couple of weeks when they were taking things slow and getting to know each other. They were both so cautious not to overstep some imaginary boundary. Those were some of the best times they’d had together. It wasn’t until they had become more serious about each other that her fears and doubts clouded the relationship. There wasn’t a moment when her past was far from her thoughts and she deeply regretted not telling Kevin sooner. It may not have prevented this from happening, but at least Kevin would have been better prepared when the truth did surface. As much as she loved Kevin, she quietly wondered if they’d ever be able to go back to those carefree days they experienced in the beginning. Here she was, an emotional wreck at a time when Kevin needed her the most. She feared that she would have to go back into therapy and not be able to be by Kevin’s side while he recovered. While Abigail was deep in thought, she didn’t notice the doctor approach and announce that Kevin had made it through the surgery with flying colors and he was now resting comfortably in his room.

Brian knelt down in front of Abigail and wondered what was going through her mind at that moment. After a brief discussion, they had all agreed that Abigail should be by Kevin’s side when he regained consciousness. Brian put a reassuring hand on Abigail’s shoulder to get her attention. When she looked up at him, he said, “The doctor just came by to let us know that Kevin is out of surgery and he’s going to be all right. We thought you might like to be with him.”

“Can’t you guys come with me? You guys deserve to see him more than I do.” Abigail said.

“No, it’s all right Abigail. We all agreed that it would probably be best for Kevin to see you when he regains consciousness. Go ahead, we’ll be right out here.” Brian said reassuringly.

“Thanks guys.” Abigail said while Brian helped her up. She was taken back as she entered Kevin’s hospital room. He looked like he was resting peacefully, but his pale complexion made her heart break. He looked so fragile as he lay in the bed. She wasn’t one hundred percent confident that he was out of the woods just yet. She was sure that the physical wounds would heal quickly, but she was well aware of the emotional effect traumatic events had on a person. She needed to see Kevin open his eyes and see the same confidence that was always mirrored in his eyes. She knew that Kevin had always been strong physically and emotionally, but she feared that the events from the past month had weakened Kevin’s mental state, which would prevent him from moving on as quickly as he might have under different circumstances. She finally pulled up a chair beside his bed and took his hand in hers. Abigail didn’t understand what was happening, but she could see everything so clearly now. She knew in her heart that she loved Kevin more than she ever thought possible, and she had nothing to fear anymore. They had been notified that Frank was being transferred to a high security prison facility and after his attempt to escape, kidnapping Kevin and attempted murder; he had lost any chance at parole. Abigail felt it in her heart that Frank wouldn’t be bothering them again. She felt more at peace than she had in her entire life. She felt like she would able to put everything behind her and focus her attention on helping Kevin recover.

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

Several hours later, Kevin was gradually becoming aware of his surroundings as he slowly regained consciousness. At first all he was aware of was the excruciating pain in his side. Then as he started to come around a little more, he could feel someone’s touch on his hand. As the gentle strokes continued, he was positive that it was Abigail. He briefly recalled when she ran to his side at the treatment facility and accompanying him in the ambulance. She kept repeating how sorry she was and how much she loved him. He laughed to himself when the irony of the situation became apparent. He didn’t think it was necessary to get shot to bring Abigail around, but now that she was by his side, he didn’t care, it was all worth it if it meant he had Abigail safely back. He finally found the energy to open his eyes and he carefully watched Abigail as she continued to caress his hand as she read a book. In the whole time they had been together, he couldn’t recall her ever reading a book. He always did find great joy in learning the little things about Abigail. After a few minutes, he finally tried to speak. “Good book?” he asked. His voice was barely above a whisper, but in the quiet hospital room, it was loud enough for Abigail to hear.

“My god, you’re awake. Let me get the doctor.” Abigail said as she dropped her book and moved quickly to find the doctor.

“Wait.” Kevin said as loudly as he could. Fortunately he caught Abigail’s attention before she left the room.

“What is it?” Abigail asked as she took her seat beside Kevin once again.

“I just want a few minutes alone with you first. I’ve missed you.” Kevin struggled to say.

“Try not to speak Kevin. You need to rest.” Abigail said as she reached up and gently moved a strand of hair off of Kevin’s forehead. Time stood still as she got lost in Kevin’s eyes. She smiled when she saw all the love, confidence and determination mirrored in his eyes. “I love you.” Abigail said, knowing that no more apologies were necessary. They had both survived Frank’s wrath and Kevin harbored no harsh feelings. The moment was interrupted when Kevin winced when a pain shot up his side. “I’m going to call the doctor, and I don’t want to hear any arguments from you this time.” Abigail said as moved to leave the room.

Abigail stepped into the hall and announced, “He’s awake!”

“Is he all right?” Brian asked as he jumped from his seat.

“He appears to be in quite a bit of pain, but I think he’ll be all right. I’m just going to find his doctor.” Abigail replied.

Abigail returned a few minutes later with the doctor. “I’ll have to ask everyone to wait out here while I assess Mr. Richardson’s condition.” The doctor said before he entered Kevin’s room.

“Did he say much?” Howie asked.

“Not really. It’s obvious that he’s still quite weak and in pain, so I tried to discourage him from talking as much as possible.” Abigail replied.

Dr. Steep observed Abigail’s state of mind from a distance. Something had happened in the room that had totally changed her state of mind. The fear that he could see mirrored in her eyes since she was admitted was gone. Could this have been the one event that would turn things around for Abigail, Dr. Steep wondered to himself. “Can I talk to you for a few minutes Abigail?” Dr. Steep asked as he stepped forward. He led Abigail down the hall where they could have a bit of privacy. “How are you holding up?” Dr. Steep questioned.

“This may sound kind of crazy, but I’m feeling better than I have in years.” Abigail replied.

“May I ask what brought the change on?” Dr. Steep asked.

“I’m not sure I can explain it, but I just feel like the whole weight of the world has been lifted off our shoulders. Any nervousness and uneasiness that I was feeling is now gone. I just feel it in my heart that we won’t be hearing from Frank again. Does that make any sense?” Abigail tried to explain.

“I have seen cases where something happens to bring everything into perspective for the patient and they’re able to finally close the door on the past and move on.” Dr. Steep replied.

“I truly believe I’ll be able to move on now. It’s important for me to be there with Kevin while he recovers.” Abigail said.

“I would still like to continue daily one-on-one sessions before I can determine if you’re ready to be discharged.” Dr. Steep said.

“I’d like to spend the night here with Kevin if that’s all right with you.” Abigail requested.

“I’m uncomfortable with proceeding so quickly.” Dr. Steep replied with concern.

“I need you to trust what I feel in my heart Dr. Steep. I have to believe that the sense of ease I’m feeling means that I’ll be ok. I still feel guilty for hurting Kevin and I want him to know that I’m by his side whenever he wakes up. This is important to me.” Abigail said.

“Ok. We’ll see how you make it through the first night. But if I see any questionable signs that you’re still having problems dealing with everything that has transpired, I want you to agree to check yourself back in.” Dr. Steep agreed reluctantly.

“I’ll be the first to admit if I’m feeling uneasy again.” Abigail agreed. But she was positive that it wouldn’t be necessary. As long as Kevin’s condition continued to improve, she was positive that she would be all right.