Love Next Door

Chapter 9

The next day, Stephanie woke and waited for Ben. The nurse came in and said, "The boy, Ben, secretly tried to visit you last night. I believe he couldn't wait to see you." She said. Stephanie felt happy, yet sad that she couldn't see him because she was sleeping. "He-he can visit today right?" Stephanie asked. "Yes I believe so. Please eat first though. You haven't eaten breakfast yet all's you should know that's unhealthy. After that, you can see him. I will go get your breakfast now. Wait for me."

A few minutes later, the nurse came back with some breakfast. Stephanie didn't want to eat, but she ate some of it. When she finished she asked, "Can I finally see Ben now?" The nurse rolled her eyes. "Fine okay. You've waited long enough anyways. Geez, you're so eager to see him." A minute later, Ben came walking in, with the hospital dress and an IV stand. Ben ran (well speed-walked) to Stephanie's side and squeezed her hand. "Are you okay?" He asked frantically. Tears came pouring out of her eyes. "Yes, I'm okay. I was so worried about you! Ben, are you okay?" Stephanie said.

"Don't mind me. I'm not injured after all. But you, oh Stephanie, you're injured severely. I mean, you have a broken leg, you have huge bite wounds, and several IV bags. It's my fault- I couldn't save you in time. I'm sorry. I don't deserve you."

"No. You're wrong. It's my fault. I went too far out at the beach. I shouldn't have. Who knew a shark would be there? Ha, I'm such a fool."

"You didn't know it would be there Stephanie. Don't blame yourself for something you didn't do. Ever. You deserve someone better than me. And you know it."

"Ben, I love you. And you don't tell lies. You're perfect to me. And that's why I decided to stay with you all these years."

Ben tried to protest, but Stephanie retorted back at him saying, "Fine if you really think that, do you not want me? I'll go find another man!" Ben instantly stopped jabbering and apologized.

"Sorry. I love you too. Don't leave me." He said sincerely.

"I'll never leave you of course. But I love you more." Stephanie said.

"I love you most."

A week later, as promised, Stephanie was discharged from the hospital. Ben had to reserve the hotel room for a few more days. Stephanie walked in crutches with her heavy boot. They couldn't do as many activities and go sight seeing because of that. Ben and Stephanie still had an amazing trip. On the day before the Hawaii trip was over, they stood on the patio once again. The beautiful and warm sunset shone. Stephanie looked at her ring with sympathy. Ben noticed and chuckled softly. "I see you like it?" He asked even though the answer was obvious. "Of course I do. I love it." Stephanie replied. Ben pecked her cheek and sighed. "Did you have a good trip?" Ben asked.

"Yes. Thank you for this. It's truly been a wonderful time." Stephanie said.

"Except for the shark incident." Ben shuddered, as he spied the huge scar running down Stephanie's leg.

"Yeah but it's alright now. It was still a good week or so."

"I guess so."

And with that last sentence, the evening seemed silent and still. They went inside and packed up, getting ready to go back home. Home, where they would really have the best time of their lives.