If heart ache was a physical pain, I could face it.

Part Thirty Six

 Tom’s POV

“Good morning Tom.” One of the Doctors says, walking into my room smiling. A proper smile, not one of those fake ones, I’ve come to grow so used to in this place; maybe this means she’ll be bringing good news for once.

“Morning.” I reply, smiling back, to be honest, right now I really couldn’t care what she’s come to tell me, I’m still buzzing from yesterday.

“I’m delighted to tell you, we’re discharging you, all the paperwork has been completed you’re free to go home.”

“Really?!” I ask, even more excited than before. I was wrong, I do care about this, because now I can go and find the perfect ring for my perfect girl.  

“Really.” She laughs.

“Right now?”

“Right now.” She confirms.

“Thanks for everything!” I shout and I shoot out of bed and down the corridor. I contemplate going and seeing Anne first, but the thought of the next time I see her being with a beautiful engagement ring I decide to go straight to the jewellers. “Girls!” I shout as I see Roxie, Sophie and Jess walking down the hallway towards Anne’s room.

“Did you want to go and see Anne?” Roxie asks me. ”It’s okay we can wait for a bit if you do.”

“No, I actually want some help with something, and was wondering if you three would help me out?”

“Sure.” They all reply at the same time.

I lead them out of the hospital and into town without giving anything away much to their annoyance, but once we reach the jewellers shop all doubt clears from their minds, and they all come to their own conclusions, which are all slightly off the mark. But as I walk towards the ring section, I hear two of the girls behind me squeal with excitement. Jess however remains quiet.

“Oh my God you’re going to propose!” Sophie calls happily, a look of delight on hers and Roxie’s faces.

“Actually I did it last night with a crappy haribo ring; I wanted to get a proper one today though.” I reply; running a hand through my hair embarrassed by it now. Although the girls try and reassure me on how cute and thoughtful if was. Well all except Jess, who keeps sending me daggers. “I was wondering if you could help me pick the perfect one, I’m useless with this sort of thing.” I smile sheepishly. As the two girls and I begin looking at all the rings I notice Jess walking towards me. I turn around to ask for her opinion, hoping to lighten the mood a little, when she beats me to it.

“Do you not think of Max at all?” She spits out, before I even have the chance to open my mouth. “Because if you did, I’m sure you wouldn’t be doing this. Think about how it will make him feel.” I swallow once, buying time trying to get my anger in check before replying.

“Of course I do.” I reply frustrated. “But Anne and I love each other, and we can’t live each day worrying about how it will make Max feel.” I start raising my voice, but an annoyed look from the shop assistant quietens me down.  I do not want to be kicked out of the only posh jewellery shop in town.  “I’m sorry if this is going to upset him, but this is my life, and I want to marry her, if you can’t be happy for us then please leave.” And without saying any more she turns on her heel and leaves the shop. I let out an annoyed sigh before turning back to the counter; hopefully Jay won’t be too pissed at me.

“I really love this one!” Sophie calls after it seams we have been looking at rings for hours . I look to were she is pointing and see a beautiful white gold ring, with two rows of tiny diamonds sitting in the double band all the way up the sides; before the precious metal fans out like the base of a delicate rose, this too is encrusted with miniature diamonds; situated in the very centre of this flower like design is a huge square cut diamond. It really is gorgeous.