Loving Jane

Nine

It's a week after my surgery. Now that I'm no longer bedridden, my daily routine changed. In the morning, after breakfast and a brief shower, I drink my routine vital exam and take my medication. After that, my morning walk around my floor. There wasn't much scenic view to see hallways of a hospital. Though the people – especially a handful of staff – were welcoming, one in particular stood out. And every time, he was always there by the end of the hallway, holding his clipboard smiling as he saw me approach.

"I'm glad you made it today. I thought you wouldn't," he said, chuckling.

I stopped a few strides from him, holding my IV drip like a staff, "I woke up late this morning."

"Well, either way, I'm glad you did make it." He held out his hand to me. "Would you care to take a longer route today?"

I arched my eyebrow and took his outreached hand. "And where will you be taking me?"

"Well," he smirked. "You did say you want to reschedule our walk to the gardens. Will you be interested in taking that walk with me now?"

I grinned. "Yes, I think I have the time."

He snorted and placed my hand on the nook of his arm. On the way to the garden, I got an odd feeling of people's eyes on us. At first, I thought it was all on my mind, but when I looked around. I saw people glanced away from us. However, it didn't bother me long as Sebastian started talking.

"Do you have anything particular things you want to do once you recovered?"

"What?" I peered at me, startled by the question.

I briefly glanced at me and smiled. "You heard me, Jane. Don't you have anything in mind you want to do right now besides being cooped up in this place?"

My eyebrow creased. "Well," I paused, thinking of an answer. "I'd like to have my usual cup of white caramel mocha after a good run around the park close to my apartment. I know it sounds so simple but..."

"No, it's fine. You should have to explain yourself," he interjected. "But I think it's cute." He smiled. "Maybe, once you are much better, would you like to go get some white caramel mocha?" He sheepishly asked.

"Yeah," I paused and nodded. "Yes, sure, once I'm much better."

We finally reached the entrance to the garden, which was a small greenhouse glass encasing in the middle of the hospital. The circular space was three times the size of my room. It was cramped with potted plants, circling around the edges, a mixture of red and white, and orchids handing above.

"Wow, this is... wow," I remarked as we entered the garden.

"I'm glad you like it, though it isn't much," he stated.

"No, actually," I paused to squat down, pulling one of the roses close to my nose. "This is beautiful." I peered up at him and smiled. "Thank you for showing me this place."

He held out his hand, which I took without a second thought. "Here. Stand here." He stated and pulled me towards the center of the garden. He then walked around and stayed behind me, placing both of his hands on top of my shoulder. "Look down."

I did.

Since the sun was high up, it was nearly noon, so I didn't see the color reflected of the glass window above. But looking down, I saw the refection of the stain-glass window. It was a big rose. I had to look up. My eyes fluttered in adjustment to the sun. I held out my hand, covering much of the light. Then I finally got a good look. The design was more than just a rose. There were lilies and iliac scattered around the huge rose design.