Hope is a Four Letter Word - Complete

Chapter Ten

Dimitri was conscious that Janine probably had things she wanted to say privately to Rose, so fifteen minutes before the next person was due to arrive he told his beloved he would be back soon and excused himself for a few minutes. After taking the opportunity to use the bathroom, he headed to the Guardian Lounge to pick up some food. Janine would probably be hungry, and others might be too. He found a bag and quickly filled it with packaged sandwiches, fruit and some bottles of water and juice. As he was grabbing supplies Townsend walked in.

"Belikov," he greeted. "I saw your name on the sign-in sheet."

"I've been at the infirmary," Dimitri said, further explanation unnecessary.

"Ah yes. You were her mentor. Any news?"

"She's unconscious, but her vitals are good," Dimitri replied brusquely not elaborating; he wanted to be back with her as quickly as possible and didn't have time to stop for a chat.

Townsend nodded. "She's a special girl, Belikov. Tell her we're all rooting for her. And look after yourself. Let me know if there's anything I can do."

"Thanks, Duncan," Dimitri said, nodding to the older guardian before heading back to the infirmary.

Townsend hoped it worked out with Hathaway and Belikov. As the guardian with the first class in the gym after their morning training sessions, more than once he'd walked in to set up and witnessed their lingering glances as they packed up or headed to their separate showers. Alberta might have wanted to pretend Rose's breakdown was because of Spokane, but he'd been around long enough to recognize a broken heart when he saw one.

Back at the infirmary, Alberta had arrived for the next shift. She and Janine were talking to Rose about when she was little. Standing in the doorway, Dimitri smiled at their recollections of the spirited youngster she'd been.

"Ahh, Dimitri – good you're back. I've spoken with Dr. Olendzki, and we're moving a double bed in here for her. She'll be more comfortable, and since you've made it clear you'll not be leaving her side, it will give you both more room," Alberta said in a matter of fact voice.

Dimitri looked at Janine in surprise, amazed she'd agreed to this.

"Whatever it takes, Belikov. Dr. Olendzki said physical touch could help. They'll be here in a minute, and the doctor will need you to lift Rose onto the new bed," Janine said.

With instructions to be woken if there was any change, Rose's mother took her leave to grab a few hours sleep, Dimitri and Alberta settling in for the next shift. About halfway through they were interrupted when four guardians arrived with a double bed. It took some maneuvering, but in a few minutes it was made up, and Rose was installed, Dimitri half sitting, half lying down beside her, his body pressed up gently against the side of hers, his hand softly stroking her hair.

"Thanks, Alberta," he said gruffly, a little embarrassed to be reclining in bed beside his girl in front of his former Captain. That's if she was still his girl. He knew if they got through this, if she came back to him, he'd have a huge job regaining her trust. But her letter had been encouraging. It was clear she still loved him.

She shrugged. "We thought it was worth a try," she said sadly. "I'm sorry, Dimitri. I dropped the ball on this big time. I thought she was just taking time out and thinking. I had no idea she was even close to doing something like this."

Dimitri sighed. "Don't worry, there's more than enough blame to go around," he said ominously, thinking about his own wrongdoings.

It was such a weird feeling; looking at her own body. She wasn't actually in it, she was above it, but she could see and hear everything that was going on. Right now Alberta and Dimitri were talking. They'd just moved her to a new bed, and Dimitri was lying next to her stroking her hair. It was odd watching the loving way he touched her; the gentle looks he'd give. Alberta and Dimitri weren't saying much at the moment, so she slipped away to think about what she'd heard.