Chapter 51

He was unconscious the whole way to the hospital and surgery took an hour to remove the bullet that was lodged in his shoulder.

Abigail couldn’t sit still in the waiting room so she paced instead. Rick’s family and the other Bayside Boys were notified of what had happened. Both of Rick’s parents were on tour with Rick’s younger brother, Aidan and his sisters were scattered around the country as well, pursuing their various careers.

AJ doctor walked in then and Abigail noted the bleak expression on his face.

“How is he doing?” He whispered the question.

Abigail shook her head.

“I don’t know. The doctor hasn’t come in to say as yet.”

He nodded and took a seat.

“I’m so sorry about Sara.” Abigail felt she had to say something.

He put up a hand.

“One of the officers told me what happened.” He said, “I just find it all very hard to believe.”

Abigail nodded. He must have spoken to Detective Rollins who was put in charge of the case here in Florida. She had spoken to him herself and told him everything that had happened plus everything else she knew pertinent to the case.

“I know they both never meant to hurt you.” Abigail said.

“I know for a fact that Rick would never do something like that to me. We’re too tight.” He crossed his fingers in demonstration, “For some reason, I just never really trusted her. I guess now I know why.”

The doctor walked in then.

“Detective Rains?”

“Abigail, please. This is personal.” She told him. The doctor nodded.

“You can see him now.” He led the way towards Rick’s room.

“Is he conscious?” she asked the question just as they stopped at his room and she saw one of the nurses fluffing his pillows behind his neck, while he had a smile on his face, leaning forward.

“I guess you can see for yourself.” The doctor smiled before nodding and went his way.

Abigail knocked on the door and walked into the room. Rick looked up and when he saw her, his smile turned goofy. The nurse walked out.

“You weren’t trying to hit on that pretty nurse, now were you?” she walked to the side of his bed and put her hands on her hips.

“Of course not, baby.” He said, he started to reach for her and winced.

“You shouldn’t try to stretch your shoulder.” Abigail advised, “It stings.”

“But I want to hold you.” He whined and pouted.

Abigail couldn’t resist. She bent and gently placed her lips on his. When he tried to deepen it, she pulled back.

“When you’re outta here, I’ll let you do anything you want to me.”

Rick’s jaw dropped.

“That’s not fair! The doctor said I’ve got to stay here for a couple days to make sure this damn thing heals properly.” He stated.

“I know.” Abigail smiled.

“You got to leave the next day.” He pouted again.

“Yours is a hell of a lot worse than mine was honey.” Abigail informed him, “Besides, now you’ve got something to look forward to.”

“I’m not going to be able to think about anything else!”

“Good.” Her smile widened.

“You’re mean.” He said.

“But you love me anyway.” She said looking at him.

His eyes met hers as they turned serious.

“I do. I really do.” He said softly.

“Are you sure?” Abigail cocked an eyebrow, “I mean, I heard you whisper something like that but then you fell unconscious so I wasn’t sure if you meant it or not.” She babbled.

Rick smiled and took her hand in his despite the discomfort the movement caused.

“Abby, I meant it.”

“Say it.”

“I love you.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she noticed her meant it after all.

“Don’t cry.” He pleaded.

“I’m just overwhelmed.” She said, “What are we going to do Rick?”

“What do you mean?”

“I live in LA. You live here. My job is in LA. You’re on tour!” she pointed out.

“Oh that.” He said with a shrug and winced.

“That’s important!”

“I know, baby. Look, you’ve got two months vacation right? And after everything you’ve been through, I think you deserve it. Let’s go somewhere, anywhere you wanna go. We’ll decide what we’re going to do then. Right now, all I want is you to myself.” Rick said honestly.

“Wait, I never said that I’ve forgiven you for what you did.” Abigail pointed out.

“Abby, I’m sorry. I don’t know what else you want me to say.” Rick said.

“You begged Jason to send me on tour with you, why?”

Rick swallowed.

“I was attracted to you so I wanted to get closer to you. That seemed like the only way.”

“You just wanted to get me in bed right?”

“Yes I did. At first.” He added, “But then I got to know you and it meant more to me than just sex. You meant more to me than that. You’re the first girl to ever make me feel this way. You’re the first girl to ever make me fall in love.”

She knew she couldn’t stay mad at him then. She figured she might regret it later, but the expression on his face, made her think otherwise.

She let the tears fall but she smiled.

“You’re going to have to make a couple of changes if you really want me around.” She told him.

“Not a problem.” He said without hesitation.

“Don’t you want to know what they are?”

“I don’t care. As long as I’ve got you.”

“Good answer.”

So you forgive me?”

’Sure.” She bent her down and kissed his passionately before pulling back.

The look he gave her was curious.

“So..uh..baby, what changes do I have to make exactly?”

THE END