Finding Her

Chapter 6: Reading Aloud

Chapter 6: Reading Aloud

Rehab was rigorous but I was getting better, I was able to walk short distances with the aid of a crutch. Despite me getting stronger every day James still hovered like I was going to fall at any given moment, don't get me wrong I mean I'm glad that he cares enough that he still comes to see me every day after work or during his lunch break. Over the time that James had found me we had begun to get closer and closer to the point where I had nothing to do once he was gone. I was due to start my water therapy in the center's Olympic sized swimming pool in about ten minutes. It was odd, James was usually here by now if not way earlier, I simply figured that he was swamped at work and would visit the next day.

After waiting five more minutes to see if James would show up I decided to go on ahead to the pool. The water looked cool and inviting. I just wanted to dive in, but with my bum leg I had to settle for sitting at the edge and sliding down into the water; I was right it was cool and refreshing. My trainer ran me through a series of exercises to increase the strength and mobility in my leg. The workout today was hard and I felt extremely tired afterwards but I was able to flex my knee joint, the mobility in my legs was improving. Soon I'll be walking without crutches, I'll be able to ride my bike and dance like I used to. Later that day he stopped by, apologizing for not coming earlier.

"Hey you." He walked into the room.

"Hi stranger, I thought you disappeared on me." I smiled teasingly.

"Never sweetness." He smiled back at me.

"Good, 'cause I'm enjoying the company." I admitted. It was the truth, I did enjoy his company. He was easy going and a good conversationalist, but I could tell that he was holding some things back. I wonder if he thought the same of me.

"Oh you do now do you?" he looked at me accusingly, but I could tell he was kidding. He got off the bed, stood tall and proud and in a faux British accent he responded eloquently with "Why thank you kind maiden."

I laughed, this was a funny side of him that I hadn't seen 'til now. He was usually so calm and collected and in control; totally at odds with the easy going nature that developed once we began talking.

"You are most welcome dear sir." I continued the charade.

We cracked up at that. Our bout of laugher came to an end just as quick as it had started. As our laughter faded into the air around us my eyes found themselves settling upon a book that I had been reading. Suddenly like a flash I remembered a voice reading something to me, it sounded like an excerpt from the book that I was reading, was it real? Or was I just imagining this? Maybe James would know.

"Hey James?" I called to him.

"Huh?" came his absentminded reply

"Did you or anyone else ever read to me while I was at the hospital?" I asked him.

For some reason I had this feeling that it was him. I mean who else could it be really? I was new to the city and had no friends, I didn't even have a job at the moment. So it had to be him right? I didn't allow my mind to travel down the road of the next possibility. Could it be? No I told myself. Don't even go there Shay.

************************JAMES' POV***********************

Today was a hectic day at the office. I had five new clients all wanting to speak with me personally in addition to scoping out a small security firm to consider a merger or take-over, as well as supervising training of some rookies. Usually I visit Shay during my lunch hour but today I had none, I would visit her later on in the day after I tied up all my loose ends.