According to Nurse Felton Matthew wasn't strong enough to walk down to the dining hall so food was brought to him and Kaelyn. Matthew ate his oatmeal which was coated in a thick layer of brown sugar. He tipped a small carton of cream into the steaming bowl and finished off the warm oats. Kaelyn was vised by Peter who wouldn't stop fussing over how sorry he was and offered to do anything for her. Mrs. Clayton also visited frequently to check up on Kaelyn's condition.
Matthew was often seen by Nora and April. April was with him now, her hand was intertwined with his, her long fingers were soft and un-callused., they felt like silk. Her lips were much the same, like buttermilk when they pressed against his. Her dazzling green eyes with specks of gray made Matthew fall into her more. As they were kissing the white bay door flew open and in walked Nora.
Matthew broke away from April and sat up, guilt flushing to his cheeks, "uh...hi," Matthew said.
Nora stared at them for a few moments, hurt flashed in her eyes but it was soon gone. "Sorry," she said and turned to leave. Matthew brought her back.
"Don't go," he said. "April could you give us a minute?"
April nodded, "of course." April brushed past Nora and shut the bay doors.
Kaelyn spoke from across the room, "pretend I'm not here, I'd leave if I could. You two do your thing."
Matthew gave her a grateful look and focused his gaze on Nora, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Nora replied, she sat down in the chair by his bed. "She visits you daily, I suspected something was going on."
"Nora, I know this hurts you, but we could never have worked."
"I know Matthew, I'm not mad. You found happiness with April, I'm happy for you."
"Nora don't lie to me. You're jealous."
Nora sighed, "alright, I am. But I don't want to be. I want you to find someone you deserve."
Matthew reached out his hand and grabbed Nora's, "Nora, don't think for one second that you don't deserve me. You shared your pain with me, we risked our lives together, you were there for me in my darkest hours. If I deserve anyone it's you. But I see you as my older sister. I love you Nora, just not in that way."
"I understand," Nora said. "Like I said, I truly am happy for you."
Matthew smiled. "I know. And Nora, if there's anyone I need to approve April for me then it's you."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean if you don't like April then I know she's not right for me."
"Matthew you shouldn't let me decide who you can love."
"But it matters Nora. It matters to me what you think," Matthew gave her hand a squeeze. "You matter to me Nora."
A tear fell off Nora's cheek and she pulled Matthew into a hug. He didn't groan in pain this time because even though it hurt, he didn't let Nora see the pain, "thank you," she whispered.
Matthew gripped her shaking shoulders, "anytime." He kissed her lightly on the cheek just as she had done back in the base with A.J. after she had told him her secrets. She blushed slightly then wiped her eyes free of tears and left the room. Matthew sighed. Another lonely day in the med bay.
He glanced over at Kaelyn who had indeed watched the whole thing paly out. Kaelyn looked away guiltily. "It's okay," Matthew said. "It was kind of hard for you not to hear."
Kaelyn looked up from studying her white sheets, "yeah. I tried not to listen, honest, but you're right across from me and...."
"It's fine," Matthew interrupted.
"Are you sure?" Kaelyn asked. "I mean that was rather private and I don't want to seem like I'm making it awkward or anything."
"It's fine, honestly," Matthew repeated.
Kaelyn blinked, "you sure?"
"I'm positive, it's fine, really."
"Still, I won't breathe a word about what just happened," Kaelyn replied.
"Thank you."
"Of course."
Matthew smiled, "and I on the other hand won't breathe a word about what's going on between you and Peter."
Color flushed to Kaelyn's face, "oh, that. Well ever since he stabbed me he's been in here practically every day and we've gotten to know each other quite well."
"I don't need to details," Matthew said, "that's your business."
"Right," Kaelyn said, "and April and Nora are your business."
"Glad we have an understanding," Matthew grinned.
****
Three days had passed and Matthew was slowly regaining his strength and he was back on his exercises. When the week ended Kaelyn would be leaving the med bay and Matthew would be alone again. Sweat creased his back and streams of salt water flowed down his face as he slugged water out of a canteen Nurse Felton had found him. The gym, in which he had been lifting weights in and jogging on the treadmill, was empty except for Doctor Mancha and Matthew. Doctor Mancha was watching him slowly as he sipped his water, his cold calculating eyes seemed to never blink. As Matthew picked up a weight Doctor Mancha opened a book and busied himself with reading it. Matthew worked his biceps and his triceps as he pumped the weights into the air. Although Matthew didn't like his exercises he did have to admit his wounds were healing faster and he was growing stronger. Just as Matthew bent down for another weight a small crackle came from the lights. Doctor Mancha slammed his book shut and stood up.
"Matthew, we have to go," he said.
"What's wrong?" Matthew asked.
"We have to go, now!" Doctor Mancha grabbed Matthew's newly healed arm and started to run. They reached the door but it slammed shut in front of them and the lights gave one more flicker before Matthew and Doctor Mancha were plunged into darkness.
