*Ashley’s POV*

We know this is going to be hard to come back from.
But the important thing is that she is going to come back from it. 7 days ago we thought we had lost her for good. I’m just thankful that she’s alive and that Dr Brennan has arranged for us to be in a ward where there aren’t any particular visiting times. The only constraint is that only two of us can be in the room with Krystal at once.

Naturally, I’ve been here almost the whole time. She’s woken up a few times in the past two days, but she’s pretty much been out cold for the eight days since her second operation. Dr Brennan thinks that she should start staying awake for longer durations now.

From what she’s been mumbling in the times she does slip in and out of consciousness, she keeps apologising for leaving the house and I have told her that it was my fault and that I shouldn’t have shouted at her and we just keep getting upset. I think we are both blaming ourselves, but Dr Brennan has told me that when she wakes up next time he wants to have a chat with us both.

*Krystal’s POV*

I felt the warmth of lips pressing gently against my own, and my heart rate increased two-fold. I was obviously back in the hospital. I could hear monitors beeping. It sounded as though the beeps were speeding up a little. I felt a new strength inside me, and I used it, pulling myself up, but I didn't have enough. I was so nearly there, but I just didn't have enough. But then he spoke words that enabled that extra bit of strength I needed.

"I'm so sorry, Krystal. I love you." he whispered, and then he planted one more gentle kiss on my lips.

He loves me? For a moment, I was in complete ecstasy. The extra strength came easily and I dragged myself up from underneath the hospital blanket that felt as though it were pinning me down. My eyes opened, just in time to see him disappear through the doorway and I was alone.

"Ashley?" I called out to him, but my voice was quiet, weak, from lack of use. He was gone and I felt the tears build up. I was so confused. He loved me, but he just left me all on my own.

I glanced at the clock, but that was no use because I didn't know how many days that I had been out.

Suddenly, there was a light tap on the door just a second before it opened and Dr Brennan walked in, flanked by Abi.

"Krystal?" Abi whispered.

I opened my mouth to say hi, but it was like someone had turned a tap on, and the tears just flowed and flowed.

"Oh, hun." She ran to my side and pulled me into a hug. She was crying as well. “I’ve been so worried about you!”

“Is it okay if I just interrupt a second please Abigail? Sorry, I have to take a look at her," Brennan said, pulling off the stethoscope from round his neck.

"Hello Krystal" he said to me gently as he sat on the bed; his eyes were full of questions, "How are you?"

I opened my mouth again, but all I could say was, "Where is he? Where's he gone?" They both looked at me slightly puzzled. "Ashley. Where's Ashley?" I sobbed hysterically.

“He’s been at your side almost the whole time. He has only left twice to shower, and he has been keeping an eye on you. He has been told that if your heart rate and pulse go above a certain pace, to come and get me, as it means that you are waking up and I need to be here for you to do routine checks as you wake. We have had 3 previous times when you have woken up and mumbled a little, but that’s it. It’s good to see you awake and responding.” He smiled at me.

“That didn’t answer my question... Why has Ash left me?” I try not to sob my heart out once more.

“Don’t worry. He is just outside calling your friends to let them know that we have some change in vitals and that you should be awake soon. And we weren’t wrong, were we?” He smiled again.

“Well if she’s up and chatting, of course you weren’t wrong. Thank you so much!” I looked up and saw Ashley in the doorway looking very relieved to see me awake.

As soon as Ashley was there, I felt sane again. I could breathe evenly and I could say more than just his name. Abi left us alone with Dr Brennan, which I appreciated, then Ashley looked at Dr Brennan.

“Uh. Um. I will be back in 10 minutes and we can chat then.” Brennan started for the door. “Come and get me if Krystal’s condition changes at all” And then he was gone.

I stared into Ashley’s eyes and he stared into mine. This moment was almost – so very almost perfect; except for the questions. We sat silent for a minute and then I just wept. I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Shhh, everything’s okay.” He hugged me and got up on the bed with me and just held me there - close to his chest, cradling my face in his hand.

I calmed down and we launched into an awkward conversation.

Notes

Sorry I haven't updated much. Mum is very ill. She has to now have a hysterectomy... Too many operations :(
Going to try and get a few chapters done and up though :)