"I love you, Ele." Mark said, holding Elena's face in his hands. "I never stopped."
"I know that now." she replied.
"Don't ever forget it." he whispered.
"I won't."
"It's been a rather exciting day, how are you holding up?" Mark asked.
"I'm a bit tired and peckish. But other than that, I'm great."
"What would you like to eat?"
"Definitely not hospital food." she groaned.
"We'll get you anything you want."
"I'd love some Chinese."
"Done. Nick and I can go get that. We'll just get some food for everyone. You can rest while we're gone."
"Ok. Can you tell Erin to come in when you go?"
"Of course, luv." Mark said, kissing her forehead before leaving the room.
"You rang?" Erin chuckled.
"Y'know, Nick mentioned a revolving door earlier. I think he may be on to something."
"In your case, it would be a good idea." Erin snickered. "Where were Mark and Nick off to anyway?"
"They're going to get some Chinese take away for all of us."
"Those 2 are so sweet." Erin sighed.
"I know." Elena smiled.
"Uh-oh....what are you up to? I know that smile."
"I told him, Erin. I told Mark that I love him."
"You did? When?"
"Just a few minutes ago, before he left."
"And?"
"He said in his mind he imagined me saying those words. He's happy."
"Oh Ele, I'm so happy that you finally told him. Mark loves you so much."
"I know he does." Elena yawned.
"Ok. You've gotta rest. You're gonna wear youself out." Erin said, pulling the blanket over Elena. "I'll be right outside if you need anything, so you can have some peace and quiet." she said as she left the room.
Elena awoke several hours later. Light shone in her room, letting her know it was morning. She turned and saw Mark in the chair beside the bed. He looked so handsome, resting peacfully. Elena looked at him for a long while. His eyes opened slowly to see her smiling at him.
"Are you alright?" he whispered.
"Umm-hmmm...I'm fine."
"You slept soundly. I'm sure you were exhausted. You even missed out on your Chinese take away."
"Yeah, I was a little tired."
"Erin's alerted everyone at the office as to what's going on."
"Oh God, there were people from work at the wedding."
"Yes, everyone was very concerned. You gave everyone quite a scare, luv."
"I know." Elena sighed as the doctor walked in.
"Elena, how are you feeling?"
"Pretty good, actually."
"Good. Everything looks great. Your stats are stable and you're healing beautifully."
"That's good then?" she asked.
"Very good. P.T. will be 'round sometime to today to help you up so you can get out of bed. We need to get you up and moving around."
"I look forward to that." she said, smiling.
"Good. I'll check in with you later."
"Thank you Dr." Mark said as he left the room.
"Well, I'm sure you have some people who are anxious to see you this morning." Mark continued.
"You think?" Elena teased.
"I know." Mark chuckled.
"I know I love you." she said, staring into his deep brown eyes.
"Mmmm....music to my ears, Ele. I love you too." he replied, brushing her lips with his. "I'll let everyone know you're awake."
"Tell Erin to come in." she said as he opened the door.
"Good morning, sunshine. What are you all smiles about?" Erin asked.
"I dunno, really. I feel good, that's one reason, I guess and then there's Mark."
"Ah, I see now." Erin laughed.
"Oh, they're also gonna let me get out of this God forsaken bed today too. I'm so tired of being here."
"I know you are, Ele. Any word on when you can leave?"
"No, not yet. I haven't even asked about that. I suppose I could ask Dr. Tilson."
"Wouldn't hurt. And, when you get out, you're more than welcome to come stay with me and John."
"Thanks Erin, I appreciate it." Elena said as someone knocked on the door.
"Yes?" Erin asked.
"Miss Touchstone?" A young man asked.
"Yes." Elena answered.
"Hi. We're with Physical Therapy and we're going to help you get up."
"Ok." Elena said excitedly as they began preparing her.
"You might be a bit wobbly, but don't worry, we've got you." he said as they stood her up and slowly walked with her to the sofa, next to Erin.
"Thank you." Elena said as the young men left.
"Better now?" Erin asked.
"Wonderful." Elena smiled.
Elena sat and chatted with Erin til the young gentlemen from Physical Therapy made their reappearance.
"Ok Ms.Touchstone. We are going to take you for a walk down the hall.Understand that this may be difficult and painful for awhile, but is all part of the healing process." one of the men said.
Elena walked up and down the hall several times...by the time she came back to her room she was near exhaustion.There was a nurse waiting to help Elena back into bed. As soon as Elena was settled visitors were allowed back in the room.
"Hello darling." Patsy chirped as she came through the door.
"Mum." Elena sighed.
"You look exhausted dear. You're father and I are going home for the evening. Is there anything you need before we go?"
"No thank you, mum. You and dad be careful."
"We will, luv. Any one you want sent it?"
"Mark, please."
"Alright dear." Patsy said with a knowing smile.
"Tell them to go home and get some rest." Elena begged of Mark after he came in the room.
"I'll try...but they might not listen to me."
"Mum and Dad went. Erin, John and Nick should go too. I'm fine."
"Well...I hope you know I'm not leaving."
"I know...and I don't want you to."
"Alright." Mark said as he went outside to give everyone their orders.
Mark entered the waiting room and found Erin, John and Nick. They all looked exhausted as they chatted quietly.
"Hiya." Mark said, taking a seat.
"Hey you." Erin smiled. "How's she doing?"
"I believe the walk down the hall did her in for the day." Mark replied.
"I'm sure she's knackered." Erin sighed.
"Ele sent me in here to tell you all to go home and get some rest. She know's you're all exhausted. She practically begged me to send you all home for the night."
"Let's go tell her good night then." Erin said as she and John stood to leave the room.
"How are you holding up?" Nick asked Mark while they waited for John and Erin.
"A bit tired, but other than that, wonderful."
"Well, if you or Ele need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call me."
"Thanks Nick. I really appreciate all you've done." Mark said with a smile.
Nick entered Elena's room. She smiled sweetly at him and held her hands out. Nick took her hands in his as he sat on the bed next to her.
"You look great." Nick said, kissing her gently.
"Thank you. I feel pretty good too, just tired."
"Get some rest, luv. And make sure Mark gets some rest too."
"He's been wonderful."
"He loves you, Ele. He really does."
"I know." she whispered with a smile.
"Get some sleep, sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow." Nick said, hugging her close.
Several days passed and with each passing day, Elena got stronger and better able to move about.
"You're ready to leave, aren't you?" Nick asked.
"I am. I'm getting tired of being couped up in this room." Elena said wearily.
"I know, luv. You know you're more than welcome to stay with me. I have plenty of room and I'd love to have you." Nick offered.
"Thanks Nick. I appreciate it."
"Hi." Mark said as he entered the room.
"Hey you." Elena smiled.
"Mark." Nick said, shaking his hand.
"She's getting antsy." Mark chuckled.
"Yes, she is. I believe she's ready to leave." Nick added.
"I'm very ready to leave." Elena quipped.
"I know luv. If you'll both excuse me, I'm going to wait with Erin and John so you two can spend some time together." Nick said as he left the room.
"So, how are you feeling?" Mark asked.
"Wonderful and very ready to leave." Elena laughed.
"What's funny?"
"Just everybody, Erin and John, Nick and Mum and Dad falling all over themselves offering to take me with them once I get out. It's rather sweet."
"They all love you, Ele."
"I know I love them too."
"Ele, you're coming with me. I'm going to be the one taking care of you."
"I'm looking forward to being in my own place again."
"No, Ele. Not your flat. You're coming home, *our* home. You belong there. I love you and I want you there with me."
"Mark...I love you too." she said as tears slid down her cheeks.
"But Mark...I can't ask you to stop everything to take care of me." Elena said through her tears.
"Nonsense.You're not asking me. It's what I want."
"But what about all your cases? I know how important it all is to you."
"Jeremy and Natasha are more than capable of covering while I am away. I've already talked to Jeremy and he said for me not to worry.And nothing is more important to me than you." Mark said looking into Elena's eyes.
"Are you sure?" Elena asked as she bit her lip.
"Yes, I am. I love you and I want you to recover in our home.. under my care." he said as he gently snaked his arm around Elena's waist.
"Well..I guess that's settled then." Elena laughed as she kissed Mark gently on the lips.
The next day Dr. Tilson came in to talk to Elena about being released from the hospital.
"Elena, you are doing wonderfully, but you still have quite a road ahead of you. I believe you will make a complete recovery, but it is going to take time." Dr. Tilson said honestly.
"How long?" she asked.
"Well...firstly I want you to attend Physical Therapy twice a week for the next two months."
"Two months?" Elena asked with tears in her eyes. It seemed like a lifetime.
"Don't cry Elena. I believe you will do marvelously.Then if all that goes well, we will discuss when you can go back to work and have a normal routine again."
"I will get better though...right?"
"Yes dear. Walking is going to be a challenge for awhile. You will need help going up and down stairs...getting in and out of the bath. But you have come so far..just make sure you keep going."
"I will Dr. Tilson."
"Good. You will be released tomorrow. I'll want to see you in a couple weeks. We can make the appointment before you go home tomorrow."
"Ok. Thank you."
"You are welcome." Dr. Tilson said with a smile as she closed the door.
"Ready?" Mark said as he picked up Elena's bag.
"More than you'll ever know." she said with a big smile.
"Right. Let's go home then." he replied as the nurse readied the wheelchair to take Elena down to the car.
Mark and Elena arrived at their home. It looked welcoming and great to Elena. She felt a surge of excitement run through her as they slowly approached the door. She was what had always been home to her.
"Welcome home." Mark said, kissing her gently as they walked into the foyer.
"It feels wonderful to be out in the real world again. I was growing tired of that hospital room." she chuckled.
"I'll bet." Mark said, smiling. "Let's go get you set up." he continued, leading her to the room they used to share.
"Mark, I can't take this room, this is where you sleep every night."
"Ele, I want you to be comfortable. This room has everything you need. The bathroom, places to sit, the telly."
"If you insist."
"I do." he replied.
"Just so you know, I don't plan on staying couped up in this room." she smiled.
"I should hope not. C'mon, let's get you settled. I'm sure you're a bit tired from all the excitment today."
"Yeah, I am a little tired." she said, going to the bed.
"You rest then and I'll call everyone and let them know you're home now." he said, leaving the room.
Elena smiled as she laid in the bed they'd once shared. She couldn't help but remember the times they'd made love in that bed. She submersed herself in her thoughts as she drifted to sleep.
"Allo?" John asked.
"John, it's Mark. I just wanted to let you and Erin know that Elena's home now."
"How's she doing?" John asked.
"She's resting at the moment. A bit tired from all the excitment of getting out and the trip over."
"Good. I'll let Erin know then. We'll call before we come by. I'm sure Erin's dying to see her."
"That'll be fine. I was thinking once Ele's up to it, maybe we could all have dinner over here one night."
"Sounds great. Thanks for letting us know, Mark."
"No problem. Bye." he said, disconnecting the call before dialing another number.
"Ello?" Nick asked.
"Hi Nick, It's Mark."
"Mark...how's Ele doing today? Is she home yet?"
"She's fine, and we are at home. We just got here a little while ago. I think she's probably sleeping by now."
"I'm sure she's exhausted from everything going on. So, what did the doctor say?"
"She was tired, but excited. Dr. Tilson advised 2 months of physical therapy, which Ele wasn't very happy about, but she knows she has to do it."
"She'll do fine, I'm sure of it. Let her know I look forward to seeing her."
"I will. I just spoke to John and I told him that I was thinking we could have dinner over here one night when Ele's up to it."
"Sounds great. Just let me know when."
"We'll do. Talk to you soon."
"Thanks for calling, Mark."
"Sure thing." Mark said as he laid the phone down.
Mark took a seat on the sofa, happy to have Elena back home again. She belonged here with him, that he was certain of.
Mark sat on the couch for a long while in the quiet. The woman he loved for what seemed like his whole life, was sleeping peacefully in their bed. It was almost to much to comprehend.
As he looked around the living room he noticed the light blinking on his answer phone.He walked over and pressed play.
"Mark...this is your mother. I'm worried sick. Your father and I haven't heard from you since you rang to tell us Elena was in hospital. If we need to come home from holiday let us know."
"Crikey...I totally forgot about them." Mark said rubbing his face.He dialed the number to the cottage where his parents always went on holiday.
"Ello?"
"Mum...it's Mark. I'm so sorry."
"Mark.. thank goodness. Is everything alright? Do your father and I need to come home?"
"No mum. Things are fine. Elena was released today.I brought her home with me."
"That does not surprise me in the least. Is she alright?"
"She will be. It's going to take awhile, but she will recover."
"And?" his mother said hopefully.
"We're working on that, mother." Mark said with a laugh.
"Good, good. Very well. Well..go take care of Elena. We love you, son." Mark's mother chirpped as she disconnected the line.
"Mark?" Elena called as she made her way down the hall.
"Ele, what are you doing?" Mark asked, slipping his arm around her waist.
"What do you mean?"
"Sweetheart, you need to take it easy."
"Really Mark...I'm not an invalid."
"I know you're not luv, but I'm here to take care of you. If you needed something, you could've just called for me."
"I know and I appreciate it." she smiled.
"Did you have a nice nap?"
"I did."
"I'm glad you're here Ele. I missed you terribly." he said, looking into her eyes.
"I missed you too, even though I tried to convince myself that I didn't. I was such a fool."
"That's over Ele. You're here with me now and that's all that matters." he replied, kissing her gently. "I love you, Ele. he whispered in her ear.
"I love you too Mark. More than you know." she said with tears in her eyes.
"Music to my ears." he said, holding her close.
**********
"C'mon, Ele. We've gotta get going." Mark called.
"Do I have to?" she whined.
"Yes, you have to. Dr. Tilson says you have to go to physical therapy." he said in a firm tone.
"Oh, alright. I can't fight you both."
"Good. Let's get going then." Mark said as they left the house.
Mark and Elena returned a few hours later. He got her situated on the sofa and checked the messages on the answer phone. Erin and Nick called to check on Elena and there was a concerned call from Daniel as well, asking about Elena.
"Aren't I popular?" she quipped.
"Yes, quite." Mark chuckled. "Do you need anything, are you tired?" he asked.
"I'm fine, really. I'll just be glad when everything goes back to normal."
"Ele, it's gonna take time. You know that. I'm happy to do anything you need."
"I feel helpless." she said in a low tone.
"You're not helpless, there are just some things that you can't do yet. It'll come in time. Just enjoy being pampered and waited on hand and foot while you can." he smiled.
"Thank you for taking care of me."
"That's all I've ever wanted to do, Ele." he replied as he watched the tears form in her eyes.
"Do you really mean that you'll do anything I want?" Elena asked hopefully.
"You know I do." Mark whispered.
"Would you mind having everyone over for dinner tonight? I miss everyone terribly."
"Are you sure you're up to it?" Mark asked with concern.
"I think so. I'm tired but I feel pretty good. If I get tired I am sure they will all understand and make themselves scarce." Elena laughed.
"Ok. Anything in particular you want on the menu?"
"Whatever you come up with is fine. You are wonderful in the kitchen." Elena said as she kissed Mark tenderly.
"Right. I'll give them all a call and get started then." Mark said he pulled himself away from Elena.
"Ele!" Erin squealed as she came into the living room.
"Erin. I've missed you." Elena said as she hugged her best friend.
"Not as much as I've missed you." Erin said through her tears.
"No crying." John said as he came into the room.
"What smells so good?" Nick asked as he sat a bottle of wine on the table.
"Uh..roast chicken, new potatoes,mixed vegetables and fresh bread." Mark called from in the kitchen.
Everyone gave Elena a look.
"He likes to cook. He's better at it than I am." Elena laughed.
"Well...it smells great." John said taking a seat next to Erin.
"It's almost ready." Mark said coming into the living room.
Everyone ate, laughed and enjoyed each other's company. After awhile everyone could see it was getting difficult for Elena to keep her eyes open.
"We'd better go. " Erin said kissing Elena's cheek.
"Sorry guys. I'm just really tired."
"Nonsense. You are fine. You had a busy day."
Everyone said their thanks and goodnights, then the house fell silent.
"Do you need help getting ready for bed?" Mark asked.
"Yeah..if you could help me to the bed room and hand me a night gown that would be great."
Mark helped Elena to the bed room gave her what she needed then excused himself.
Elena sat on the bed and slipped out of her clothes. She pulled on her gown and sat and thought about the wonderful evening she had just had.It had been awhile since she had felt normal.
"Mark." Elena called.
"Yes."he said popping his head in the room.
"Will you stay in here with me tonight, and hold me?"
"I will. Just give me a few."
Mark went and turned off all the lights in the house and locked the front door.
Elena's breath caught in her throat as Mark came back into the room in just a pair of pajama bottoms.He was so beautiful.He helped her lay down then gathered her in his arms.
