"Ele...you have a visitor." Mark called.
"Erin!" she squealed as she made her way into the foyer.
"Hi! I've missed you." Erin said, hugging Elena.
"Why don't we go out in the garden?" Elena suggested.
"Sounds great."
"Would you ladies like some wine?" Mark asked.
"That would be great. Thank you, luv." Elena replied, kissing him before she and Erin made their way out to the garden.
"God, it's still so beautiful out here. Just like it used to be." Erin commented.
"Yes, and peaceful too."
"Here you go." Mark said, sitting the tray with the wine and glasses on it. If you need anything, just let me know." Mark said, heading back for the house.
"He's still waiting on you hand and foot, eh?" Erin asked.
"Yes, but he let's me do things on my won. He knows it's important to me."
"You seem to be doing very well."
"Yeah...it's been a lot of long, horrible hours and weeks, but it's paid off. I should be able to come back to work soon." Elena replied.
"That's great news, Ele!"
"My feelings exactly. I'm ready."
"Ele, you have another visitor." Mark said, walking into the garden.
"Who?" Elena asked.
"Hi!" Nick said, appearing from behind Mark.
"Oh my God! Both of my best friends on the same day." Elena squealed, hugging Nick.
"I've got an idea." Mark said.
"What's that luv?" Elena asked, curiosity piqued.
"Why don't we give John a call and invite him over? We can have dinner out here in the garden."
"Oh Mark! That sounds wonderful." Elena almost yelled as she entered his arms. "You're such a wonderful man." she whispered in his ear.
"Go visit with Erin and Nick...I'll go get started in the kitchen." he said, kissing her deeply before excusing himself.
"If you two will excuse me, I'm going to go call John." Erin said, leaving Nick and Elena to chat.
"So how are things?" Nick asked once they were left alone.
"Wonderful." Elena said with a smile.
"How's therapy?"
"Grueling..but I get a little stronger everyday."
"Well you look beautiful." Nick said truthfully.
"Thanks. I don't feel like it sometimes, though."
"You are.And I think Mark would agree with me."
"I do." Mark said coming to stand behind Elena's chair.
"Told ya." Nick said with a laugh.
"John's here." Mark called out to the trio in the garden.
"Hi honey." Erin said flying into his arms.
"Jeez...think they hadn't seen each other in years." Elena said with a laugh.
"Sickening." Nick said with a laugh of his own.
"Jealous?" John asked as he elbowed Nick in the ribs.
"Yes.. a bit." Nick said throwing back a punch of his own.
"Who's hungry?" Mark asked coming out to join the party in the garden.
"Christ..I couldn't eat another bite." Erin said pushing her plate away.
"I'm with ya." John said doing the same."It was really delicious." he continued.
"Thanks.Glad you enjoyed it." Mark said as he started to clear the dishes.
"Here..I'll help." Erin said standing.
"Thanks Erin. That would be great. Nick, John, why don't you guys keep Ele company while we knock this out real quick."
"Our pleasure." John replied.
"Night guys." Elena called as she stood at the door watching her friends leave.
"I had such a wonderful day." Elena sighed as she turned to Mark.
"I'm glad. I love to see you happy." he said pulling her close to him.
"I am thanks to you.I really appreciate how you've taken care of me and helped me." she said on the verge of tears.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Now let's get you ready for bed. I know you have to be exhausted."
"I am." Elena admitted.
"Right then. Let's go." Mark said as they turned and headed towards their bedroom.
"Well? Elena asked. "Are you gonna tell me what's up?"
"What are you talking about Ele?"
"You're acting a bit strange."
"How's that?" Erin chuckled, laughing Elena's accusations off.
"I dunno. Is something going on that you're not telling me?"
"Ele...."
"C'mon Erin, I know when something's up with you. Whatever it is, you can tell me, you know that."
"Shit." Erin muttered.
"Erin? What is it? Is it John?"
"No, it's not John....Have you spoken to Nick lately?"
"Of course I have. I spoke to him yesterday, why? Is something wrong? Is he ok?" Elena asked, concern in her voice.
"He's fine, I promise. But, I think he's met someone."
"Really?"
"Yeah. John mentioned it to me."
"That's great. I'm glad." Elena smiled.
"Really, Ele? You're not upset or anything?"
"Of course I am, Erin. I want Nick to be happy. He deserves it, y'know?"
"I just kinda figured you'd be upset or something."
"Erin, thanks for trying to protect me and my feelings, but it's ok. Yes, Nick and I had a relationship, we care for each other and we love each other, but in a different way than you love John or I love Mark. I made the decision to be with Mark and Nick and I chose to remain close friends. I want him to find someone who makes him happy."
"I'm glad you feel that way. I didn't want to upset you."
"I appreciate it, Erin. I really do, but it's ok. So, has he gone out with this mystery woman yet?"
"Yeah, I think they went out last night. I've not met her. I only know her name."
"I'm sure Nick will bring her 'round soon so we can all meet her."
"You think he will?" Erin asked.
"Of course I do. It's not like we're a pack of wolves. I want to meet her. What's her name anyway?"
"True...we're not wolves. Her name is Jenna. From what I understand, she's very nice."
"I'm sure Nick will tell me about her when he calls today." Elena laughed.
"You're probably rihgt. So, how are you and Mark doing?"
"We're just fine. Everything's wonderful....almost perfect. Makes me wonder what in the hell I was thinking 3 years ago when I divorced him. I must've been mad!" Elena lamented.
"C'mon Ele, whaddaya mean everything's almost perfect? Sheesh, you two look like 2 love sick puppies. And, don't think about the past. Think about the future you and Mark will have together."
"I know we have a bright future together, I'd just be happier if I could be with him in a more physical way. It's killing me, Erin. Mark is the most patient man on the face of the earth, besides Nick and he doesn't mind to wait awhile. But, I'm ready."
"Ele, don't worry about it. You're so much stronger than when you were released from the hospital, and you're getting stronger by the day. Be patient. Mark will still be there when you're ready."
"I know...I know."
"Right. Well, I've gotta run. I'm meeting John for lunch. I'll call you tonight and see how you're doing and you can fill me in on what's going on with Nick. I'm sure you'll have spoken to him by then." Erin laughed.
"I'll be here and of course I'll fill you in." Elena said with a laugh of her own.
"Hello?" Mark asked.
"Mark, Hi. It's Nick."
"Nick. How are you?"
"Great. Is Ele around?"
"Yeah...she's out in the garden reading the paper. I'll take the phone out to her. Hang on."
"Elena, Nick's on the phone." Mark said handing the cordless to Elena.
"Thanks." she said as she kissed Mark softly.
"Nick, hi ya!" Elena said happily.
"How ya feeling?"
"I'm good. How are you. Feel like I haven't seen much of you lately."
"I know, I apologise." Nick said sheepishly.
"It's ok silly. What's been keepin ya so busy?"
"Well...I wanted to tell ya, but I wanted to wait."
"Ok...what?"
"I met a woman.She's lovely."
"Oh Nick! I am so happy for you."
"Thanks. Her name is Jenna Almon. She's an American."
"Wow...what does she look like?"
"She's petite,short blonde hair,lovely smile."
"Well...she sounds lovely.You are going to have to bring her over for dinner.I would love to meet her."
"I know. That's actually why I was calling, to see when you'd be free."
"Um..well..let me check with Mark. Hang on."
"Mark." Elena shouted.
"What?" Mark asked stepping outside.
"Is it alright if I invite Nick and his new girlfriend over for dinner tonight?"
"New girlfriend?" Mark asked.
"Yep." Elena smiled.
"Tell him to be here at 7:00."
"Thanks sweetie."
"Nick. Be here at 7:00."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
