The Transient Wife

Chapter 31

Nurses and doctors came rushing inside the room, pushing everyone back except Cassandra whose hands were still holding Dennis'. His vitals were rechecked, including his brain activity which the doctors studied and it was with smiles on their faces that they informed them that Dennis was awake.

Cassandra couldn't believe it. She wanted to be alone with Dennis. She wanted to be able to talk to him. But as her mind was running along the things she wanted to say to him, his eyes closed once again.

"He closed his eyes. What's wrong?" she asked in panic.

"He's fine. If he is responding to the procedure like the past patients, he will wake up again," one doctor told her, studying Dennis' monitors.

She nodded, relieved.

"We'll have to do some tests when he regains consciousness," another doctor said aloud.

"Yes, yes, do what you have to do."

"But we cannot promise a full recovery," he added. "He may be awake, but we cannot fully assess the damage his injuries caused until we do further tests."

She nodded once again.

Then, one by one, the room emptied as doctors gave orders to the nurses. Finally she, Harrison and Philip were once again alone inside with Dennis.

Long minutes passed by and no one dared say a word.

Cassandra was still trying to convince herself that she was not dreaming and Dennis was awake. Harrison, she didn't have any idea what he was thinking. And Philip—well, she'd pay to read his mind at the moment because he was once again sitting in his chair with a serious blank look.

The doors burst open and Sheena and Beth rushed in with their faces flushed.

"What are you doing here?" Sheena exclaimed, almost running across the room toward her.

"Don't you dare touch her," Philip's cold voice spoke for the first time. Sheena stopped with her hands closed in fists.

"Philip!" Beth said, startled to find him behind them by the door.

"Get out," Sheena addressed Cassandra her with rage.

"Let's go, Cassandra," Philip said gently. "You'll see him when he wakes up again. I promise."

Already drained with overwhelming emotions, Cassandra reluctantly released Dennis' hand and stepped back. Slowly, she walked through the sheath of angry aura emanating from both Sheena and Beth who stepped back to gladly let her pass like Vatican soldiers that they were, standing at each side of her.

Philip waited for her by the door, supported by his crutches.

"I'll call you," Harrison said from where he was standing at the foot of the bed.

It was Philip who nodded, guiding her out the door.

"I can't believe it," she uttered more to herself than to her husband as they walked down the corridor.

Philip did not answer, obviously still in shock as well.

Slowly, Cassandra stole a glance at his direction as he walked alongside her, working with his crutches. What is he thinking? God, I hope it's not something stupid, she prayed silently.

*****

As they drove back home, neither of them spoke a word.

Yes, she was happy and glad that Dennis was awake and that he might be back to normal again, but that was just it. She didn't feel a rush of romantic emotions when she finally believed that he was awake. She didn't picture him waking up and planning a wedding with her. Pictures of her being with Dennis did not flash her mind when he opened his eyes earlier.