Reinforcement(s)

You pass thee time by calling Melody's mom and tell her the news. Without even noticing several hours have gone by. The sun sets and rises again with you sitting at Melody side. Staring out of the window you're still holding her hand.

A movement in the corner of your eye catches your attention. Did she just move? You stand up and sit at her bedside, looking at her beautiful face. That's when she opens her eyes and looks around confused.

It seems like she has no ide where she is and a fearful look darkens her face.

„Hey, Melody. It's me, Jack.“ you try to get though to her. She looks at you and relaxes. She even manages to give you a hint of a smile. Still very tired, her eyelids keep closing.

„Where am I?“ she asks with a dry voice.

„The hospital. I got worried when your fever kept rising.“ you tell her.

She forces herself to open her eyes and stay awake. „Why?.....What?.........“ she asks confused. Evidently she isn't thinking clearly. You lean in and give her a gentle kiss.

„You have to rest. I love you Melody.“ you tell her before she drifts off again.

When you sit back in your chair you realize someone is standing in the doorframe. It's Melody's mom.

„So you love my daughter?“ she asks you with a amused tone of voice. Almost shocked you rush to your feet, ready to explain yourself.

„Elaine, I...... I wasn't taking advantage of.........“ you stammer to Elaine's amusement.

„It's okay Jack. I've known how you feel about her for quite some time, a mother sees thing like that.“ She walks over to you and gives you a hug. You always imagined Joe would look like her in about fifteen years. She has the same red hair and freckles like her daughter, but isn't as thin as Melody. She always reminded you of a perfect mother figure. Warm and nurturing. This feeling now comes over you. Until now you were responsible for Melody's wellbeing. Now some of that weight was lifted off your shoulders. You let out a sigh.

„I'm glad you're here. I was scared to ****.“ you confess to her. She keeps you in her embrace and rubs your back.

„I wasn't.“ she replies and you can't quite hide your surprise. „I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to my little girl.“

She let go of you and you take a step back. Her words make you proud you wouldn't midn taking care of Melody for the rest of her life.

Things calmed down from here on. Elaine talked to the doctors and spend much time in Melody's room. You have missed to whole day, but you don't care. At some time you leave the room to get some air and a cup of coffee for you and Elaine, when you get back you stop at the door.

Melody is awake. She seems quite lively and is chatting with her mom. You just turned to give them some space, when Melody spotted you.

„Jack! Where do you think you're going.“ she asks you. The tone of her voice reminded you so much of her. Joking and teasing you all the time. You smile and turn around. You hand off one cup to Elaine and stand next to the bed and take a sip of yours.

„I heard we're engaged.“ Melody says abruptly, what makes you spill some off your coffee. Both women start to laugh. Yes, Melody was back! Judging by her smile, she isn't mad, rather amused or even happy. For a few moments no one says a word until Melody grabs your hand and pulls you closer. As you're close enough she slings one arm around your neck and pulls you down to her, giving you a kiss.

„Thank you.“ she whispers. The only thing you're able to do is smile. The moment passes and you realize Elaine was standing behind you.

„I will go now. Let me know if anything happens.“ she says looking at both of you.

“You're leaving already?“ Melody asks her mother.

„Sorry honey, I have to get back to work. And you've got your „fiancé“ here to take care of you.“ she jokes to lighten Melody's mood. Her daughter turns her head and smiles at you.

„You're right.“ she says and smiles.

Elaine says goodbye to you and Melody and leaves.

The next two days you spend all your time with Melody. The nurses even got you a more comfortable chair and a blanket. In the afternoons you get Melody to put on a robe and you drive her around in the wheelchair. The little park which belongs to the hospital is her favorite place. Just after lunch you quickly rush to campus to get study material for the both of you so you can don't miss to much in your classes. Melody is recovering very well and the doctor says she can leave in one or two more days.

The third day you just get back from campus and walk into her room. No one is there. Putting down the material you look for a nurse. She tells you Melody wanted to walk for a bit. At the park bench at the far side of the park you spot her.