Chapter 5 AJ was directed to Angela’s new room on the 3rd floor.  He had a bouquet of white lilies in his hand—Angela’s favorite.  He really didn’t even want to come up, but knew that if he didn’t, Joey would question why.  He walked into the hallway, where Joey was waiting outside the door.  “Sup man?” AJ asked as Joey turned his way. “Dr. Hanlon is examining her now.” “How is she?” “She’s up and talking, although her voice is a little raspy.  The doctor said she did a complete 180.” AJ nodded.  “Good to know.  Does she… remember anything?” “She doesn’t remember the actual accident, but she said she was coming back from eating at a diner or something.  That’s the last thing she remembers.” AJ looked down as the nurse opened the door.  “You can come in now.” Joey and AJ walked inside as Dr. Hanlon was talking to Angela.  “Now I want you to rest.  Don’t expect to be running any marathons soon OK?” “I never wanted to and I don’t plan to,” Angela smiled. Joey walked over to Angela.  “Everything OK?” “Just explaining the situation to her.  She needs to drink a lot of fluids and not overexert herself.” “I’ll make sure of that,” Joey gave Angela’s hand a squeeze. “OK, I’ll let you be and come back later on.” “Thanks doctor, for everything,” Angela smiled. “Just doing my job,” Dr. Hanlon winked as he walked out of the room.  He squeezed past AJ, who was standing in the doorway. “You heard the man, drink up,” Joey gave her a glass of water. “Can’t you sneak me a bottle of Jack Daniels instead?”  Angela took a sip of her water. “I think I can accommodate you on that,” AJ said from the doorway. Angela locked her eyes on him.  “AJ?” “Hey Angie, you look better sitting up,” AJ smiled.  He gave her the lilies. “Thanks…” Angela accepted the flowers.  “I love the smell of lilies… um, Joe, can you get some water for these?” “I’ll go and get a pitcher so you guys can talk,” Joey smiled as he took the flowers and walked out of the room. “How you feeling?” AJ took a seat next to her. “Like I’ve been hit by a truck,” Angela sighed.  “Now you look like shit.  Have you been sleeping?” “How can I sleep?  You were in a coma for 5 days,” AJ laughed, trying to make any small talk possible. “Well, now you can because the doctor said I’m gonna be fine,” Angela looked at the ceiling. They paused in an uncomfortable silence and AJ broke it.  “Um, Joey looks like he can move a mountain… he was really worried about you.” “I know, I told him to get out, but he said now that I’m awake, he just wants to look at me while I be a horrible patient.” AJ laughed.  “Still a bitch.” “Forever and a day,” Angela retorted.  “Um, AJ, I wanted to…” “Here they are!” Joey put the flowers on her table.  “Looks good huh?” “No one said you were a florist, hun,” Angela laughed. “I tried,” Joey sighed.  “Now that I’m back to my old self, can you please go home?” “Angela we’ve been through this…” “Listen, if you don’t leave I’ll kill you, very appropriate for a hospital,” Angela waggled her finger that was in a cast.  “Please, just go for an hour.  Go check the mail and bring me some pajamas.  I hate these hospital gowns.” “Well… OK, but only if AJ stays with you while I’m gone,” Joey pleaded with her. “Uh… I really have to…” AJ started. “Deal, now get the heck out of here,” Angela finished.  Joey gave her a careful kiss on the cheek and walked out of the room. “Good,” Angela sighed.  “He’s here because he loves you, you know,” AJ reasoned. Angela just looked at him.  “Um… AJ…” “So they treating you OK?” AJ said quickly. “Don’t change the subject,” Angela sized him up. “What?” “You heard me,” Angela looked directly into his eyes.  “I heard you.” “Huh?” “When I was in my coma, the only thing I remember is hearing your voice.” “Come on, you had to have heard Joey.  He was here the whole time.” “I don’t know why… you said…” “Forget what I said.” “Why?” “Because you… I… Angie, Joey needs you.  He loves you.” “But what if I…” “No buts.” “Damnit, stop cutting me off!”  Angela banged her good fist on the bed.  “We can’t let this thing just go.” “I have to.” “Why?” “Because this is all my fault.” “Now how the hell is this your fault? I drove the car.  I flipped over.  You weren’t driving.” “But I caused you to drive like a maniac.” Angela looked down.  “I had to get home.” “Yeah, and make the biggest mistake of your life.” “Says who?” “Says me!  Listen, I think the best thing for everyone is that we forget everything that happened before the accident.  I need to get out of your life.” “You can’t!” “I have to, it’s for the best,” AJ kissed Angela’s bandaged forehead and quickly left the room.  He turned around.  “Goodbye.”  “AJ wait!”  Angela yelled after him as he ran out of the room.  Her tears flowed from her eyes, stinging the cuts on her cheeks.  “Please.” She escaped into sobs as she threw the flowers across the room. Chapter 6 Contents Chapter 4