Stay... Read online

  Chapter 1

  It didn't escape his notice that the weather matched his mood today. It was a typical October day in Seattle. Dark, ominous, gloomy. The clouds threatened to open up at any moment. People scurried around with their umbrellas already open.

  As he exited the hired car he had used to get from the airport, Jake looked up at the brick building that his soon-to-be ex-lover currently leased a condominium in. He should have called things off months ago but it never seemed to be a good time. Not only was Sonia beautiful and great in bed but she shared his need for a casual relationship. She had assured him she agreed with the strings attached part.

  Lately, however, she had started to drop hints about rings and the future. A future he couldn't give and had made that clear from the beginning.

  After wrapping up another deal to buy out a competitor in Japan, Jake decided to head back a day early and call things off with Sonia.

  Exhaling, Jake opened the first set of doors and welcomed the blast of warm air from the foyer. Thinking back to when he first met Sonia, he couldn't help but notice that she had changed from the clever, flirty, challenge to a catty, clingy, and if rumors were true....a gold digger. The thought made him grimace as he pressed the button to summon the elevator.

  Jake had recently moved to the Pacific Northwest from Houston, Texas three years ago and still wasn't acclimated to the drastic climate change. Nothing but heat and sun to nothing but rain and clouds.

  As he lifted his hand to press the doorbell a sound came from inside the condo.

  Cocking his head to the side, Jake held his breath to listen better. There it was again, a bump, and a groan?

  Adrenaline pumping, he first tried to door handle and after finding it was indeed locked, rammed his shoulder into the door. Jake burst through the entryway. Expecting to see an intruder, he quickly took in his surroundings.

  There, against the entryway wall was a man pressed into a woman. A woman who was horridly gaping at Jake. Sonia. She pushed the man away, desperately attempting to right her clothing. "Jake! Your... uh...home early! I can explain....."

  Crossing his arms over his chest he smirked at Sonia. Random-dude was scurrying around the room collecting his things.

  "Hmm, I surprised you, I see. Who is your friend?" Jake asked coldly, arms crossing over his chest.

  "Dude, I didn't know! I'll be leaving now!" Random dude interrupted, holding up his hands and he moved sideways around Jake to get to the door. Jake briefly thought about flinching at the guy just to watch him freak out.

  Better to get this over with. He should've been more thankful Sonia had made this dreaded task a bit easier but didn't enjoy the bitter taste of betrayal. No one betrayed Jake.

  "Jake, honey..." Sonia purred as she attempted to get closer.

  "Don't bother Sonia. We are done." With that, Jake spun on the heel of his expensive Italian loafer and left the building. Feeling suddenly like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders, he actually smiled at the sky as he stepped out from under the canopy covering the entrance to the building.

  "If only the situation with my father would settle itself like that I'd be set" thought Jake. Deciding to walk back to his place, Jake set off at a leisurely pace down the sidewalk. Who cared if it rained now. Maybe it would only accentuate the new clean Jake.

  Funny how earlier everything seemed rainy, cold and bleak to him. Blacks and greys. Now, he notice the bright colors of signs advertising the different shops' goods being offered and sales. A woman was out walking her dog. Things he normally didn't really pay attention too. So caught up in taking in the sights, Jake didn't realize he'd ventured past the route to his place.

  WHAM!

  Something slammed into his right shoulder. Jake motioned to turn around when he heard, "Don't move man! Just hand me your wallet and watch and and I won't hurt you" Moving slowly Jake said "I'm gonna get it out of my back pocket. Take it easy..." But Jake spun around and attempted to take the gun from the man. That's when he heard the shot ring out and all went black...

  Chapter 2

  “Good morning! I've got coffee, who's ready for charts?” Sadie asked, walking into work.

  "A sight for sore eyes. How can you be so chipper, everyday!?" Eyebrow raised, Gladys asked.

  "Somebody has to be around here, now do you want a coffee or not?"

  Sadie asked jokingly, getting a smirk from Gladys.

  "Just wait til you see the hunk in room 4, honey. You'll be a whole new level of happy. About time we got some eye candy in here."

  "Gladys! I would never be happy to see anyone in here, cute or otherwise and you well know it."

  "You just wait and see girlie" Gladys chuckled, handing the charts for the morning medications to Sadie.

  "Although this new patient must not be very smart, he was hurt trying to fight off a mugger! They always say on the news, better to give up your wallet than give up your life but apparently he missed that broadcast. Poor guy still hasn't awakened. Go give him a smooch and see what happens Sadie"

  "If I did half the things you have suggested in the past I'd be long gone and then who would you scold and harass? So, is he stable? What injuries does he have?"

  "Here, look for yourself. I have to finish these charts so I can go home. Dr. Medford will be around in a few minutes to make his rounds." Gladys handed Sadie the new file with "John Doe" labeled on the side.

  After finishing all the rooms, assisting in moving two patients declared well enough to go to private rooms, Sadie met back up with Ben. She couldn't help but notice she was anxiously awaiting him to get to Mr. Doe's chart. It irked her thathis true name was not known.

  "Mike? Jason? Dominick? No, those dont fit..."

  "Sadie?" Ben interrupted her thoughts.

  "Sorry, wool gathering. What were you saying?" She asked sheepishly.

  "Ive ordered another CTscan on Mrs. Sharp. She's making good progress and I believe we have found the correct medicine this time to regulate her lung function. Hopefully she selects a different family doctor, one that will actually pay attention to her symptons and we can keep from seeing her here again." Ben explained. Mrs. Sharp was an older lady, in her 70's and had been a chain smoker all her life. Despite being a tad bit cranky she was a sweet lady that had recently gone to her doctor complaining about shortness of breath. Her doctor had prescribed her steroids to treat acute bronchitis when in fact she had developed severe COPD.

  "Now, on to Mr. Doe. His vitals have been good since he arrived and I suspect he will be waking up shortly. As Im sure you saw, he is able to breath on his own and the latest CTscan revealed no swelling on the brain despite the thump he received to the head. Ive left a note in his file to page the attending doctor once he wakes up, like normal, but please remind the other nurses as well. Ive been in touch with the police department and they would like to question him more on the mugger as he was not caught."

  "Sure thing, Dr. Medord." Sadie couldnt help herself from feeling a bit excited to see what color Mr. Doe's eyes were. What his real name was. If he was single...

  "This is ridiculous! next, I will be fighting the cops to interrogate him first! Snap out of it!" Sadie chided herself.

  "Sadie, Ive been meaning to ask, would you care to join me for dinner on your next set of days off? Anywhere you would like." Ben asked nervously.

  "Oh, uh....I'm not sure yet. Theres this thing my parents want me to do...Umm let me get back to you." Sadie offered placatingly with a soft smile. She hated this. Ben was such a sweet guy and a total catch but her heart just wasnt into him.

  "Ok, yeah, Great. Let me know. You've got my number? Well of course you do..." He laughed nervously.

  Sadie smiled, said farewell and settled back into her normal routine... Sadie had a feeling this was going to be a lon
g 12 hour shift. It was just her and two other nurses for the most part. Sadie was very happy that she got along with all the other staff there in ICU. She had heard some horror stories from the other departments and was glad she didnt have to deal with the drama and stress.

  Surprisingly, it went by pretty quick. it was a quiet day in ICU, no codes called, no additional emergencies. She had sat down to work a bit on her charts when she noticed the monitors in Room three were signalling.

  One of the other nurses, Julia also noticed and together they went into Room 3...

  Upon entering the room, "John" was attempting to sit up, face etched in pain and one hand holding his battered ribs.

  "Easy, don't get up! Please, lay back down nice and slow" Julia pleaded as both nurses rushed to his side to gently coax him back. Sadie reset the monitors bringing a welcomed silence back to the room. Turning back around, that's when Sadie got a good look at his eyes for the first time and had a feeling she would remember that moment for the rest of her life. It was like being punched in the stomach, it affected her so much. Someone robbed the breath from her lungs and she fought for her next breath. He had a pleading, lost look in his eyes as he looked at her with confusion.

  "Hi..." Sadie offered. She gently squeezed his hand and whispered to Julia "Can you page Dr. Medford, please?" Julia hustled out of the room to do just that.

  "How are you feeling? Can you speak?" She asked.

  "What happened?" He croaked, again looking confused. His gaze then turned to search his surroundings.

  "Your in the County General Hospital. You've had an accident but with time and patience you will be back to 100% in no time. Just relax and let us help you. The doctor will be here in just a minute." She informed him. "Can you tell me your name?"

  "I...I don't know my name...you said I had an accident? What happened?" He said breathlessly. His right hand came up to gingerly touch the bandaging at his temple. Wincing, he looked back to her for answers.

  "Apparently you were mugged and fought your attacker! You have a gunshot graze to your temple and two broken ribs but your going to be just fine." She calmly told him. "Now just relax and save your strength. Oh, heres the doctor now" Sadie said as Ben walked into the room with a smile on his face.

  "Good to see you awake. Lets take a look at you. Can you tell me your name?" Dr Medford inquired as he flicked his light over "John's" eyes.

  "He says he doesnt remember Dr and is a little hoarse at the moment" Sadie told him. "I'll leave you to your patient and go get some water for him." Sadie headed to the door when she heard...

  "Stay..."

  Chapter 3

  Dr Medford gave Sadie a small shrug and motioned her to come back. He asked Mr. Doe several more questions while checking him over but stopped when their patient seemed to get anxious over not knowing anything about himself. He explained where he was again and what to expect now that John was awake.

  "The brain is sometimes a very mysterious organ. Its not unusual to have a temporary lapse in memory. Try not to be alarmed, as it normally doesn't last too long. There are very minimal odds that it could last long term. In the meantime, get some rest and let your body heal with the aid of our amazing staff. I will be back in the morning to revisit with you." Dr. Medford made some notes on the chart. Ben gave Sadie a soft smile and said "I'll see you in the morning."

  With Dr Medford gone Sadie gave her full attention to the gorgeous man laying in his bed.

  "Are you comfortable, I can get you more pillows? Are you in pain?"

  "I'm fine" he rasped. "Just tired. Thank you for staying with me. What is your name?"

  "My name is Sadie. The other nurse is Julia and we are all happy to assist you in getting yourself well again. You'll probably be with us a few more days and then will be transferred to a private room." She felt her heart twinge at the thought but pushed past it. "I'll let you rest, press the call button if you need anything at all." With that she let herself touch his shoulder to comfort him and realized her mistake. Again, the thunder bolt struck her and from the look on his face he felt it too. He closed his eyes and took a long slow breath.

  "Thank you Sadie...."

  Sadie checked on John throughout the day like normal and tried to not give him more attention that she would any other patient but that didn't stop her from feeling the intense need to be with him. A couple times he was awake, staring off to the distance lost in his own thoughts. One particular instance she came in to change out his IV fluids. She was chattering on trying to fill the uneasy silence when John grabbed her hand. She looked down and said nothing but gave his hand a soft, reassuring squeeze.

  "You feel it too..." He whispered, his eyes searching hers. Eyes that color blue should have been outlawed she decided. She felt herself drowning in them. "Don't answer. You don't have too. Hell, for all we know I'm a married man with a wife frantically looking for her children's father to come home. Or I could be a felon, no good for you."

  "My heart tells me your a good man, no matter your status in life. Lets focus on getting you well and building your strength. If it helps, the police monitor missing persons cases in instances like this. Before you know it you will be back on your feet and your life back on track." Sadie realized she was trembling from their conversation. She had to maintain her professionalism! Oh but how she wanted to caress his cheek and tell him that yes, she also felt it and wanted to fight for him. How could she? He was right, they didn't know who he was or his status in life. She could live with herself if she gave into her desires only to find out he belonged to another...

  If the other nurse Julia noticed Sadie was quiet she never commented. They soon admitted two more patients and Saide was thankful for the distraction. All too soon it was time to make her final rounds in preperation to leave for the night. She saved John's room for last and hesitated outside of his room, steeling herself to stay strong and professional. To her relief he was asleep. She made her notes and quietly crept to his bedside just to gaze down at him. Sometime during the day they had removed the large bulky bandage around his head and replaced it with a much more comfortable square bandage. Some of his color had returned but there were dark circles under his eyes that made her heart twist. she wanted to crawl into bed with him and hold him until he was whole again. She lightly touched his hand and his eyes cracked open.

  "I'm sorry John, I didnt mean to wake you. The night shift nurses have arrived and its time for Julia and I to go. I hope you have a restful night."

  "John?" He asked.

  "Well, since we dont know your name we use the "John Doe" name. I’m sorry." She offered.

  "John feels right, or close maybe." His eyes connected with hers "Hurry back" and he actually gave her a half smile, revealing very sexy dimples. He squeezed her hand back and drifted off to sleep again.

  Sighing Sadie finished up and headed home only to toss and turn all night long. Her heart calling out to his.

  The next morning Sadie arrived an hour early Gladys gave her a raised eyebrow and a knowing smirk and informed her that they were preparing to move John to a private room two floors below.

  Upon entering the room he was in she called out "Good Morning John. How are you feeling? Looks like your stats are good enough to move you!" Even as she said the words she couldn't help but feel her heart sadden over his leaving.

  He looked really good. Most the color was back in his face and he was sitting up without the grimace of pain that usually accompanied the battered ribs.

  "Better" He said with a scowl. Sadie pulled up a chair next to him and sat down, leaning towards him.

  "Have you remembered anything? Why are you scowling?" She asked softly.

  "No, Its nothing. " He said looking away for a moment.

  Sadie placed her hand over his.

  "Are you upset about leaving? This is great progress. Your memory will return. Just relax and let yourself heal" As she spoke John had turned his hand up and laced his fingers with hers. She couldn't pull her hand away.
/>   "I don't know anyone and don't remember anything about myself and its a little disconcerting. At the risk of sounding petulant, I don't want to leave you. It’s stupid I know but I cant help it" he looked like a lost little boy!

  "Well, if it helps, I’ve arrived about an hour early so we can spend sometime together and I promise to stop by when I can. Its not stupid, I feel it too. Lets just take a day at a time and not over think things, alright?" She asked. He nodded and proceeded to ask her questions about herself for the next hour.

  "I hate to go but Ive got to clock in and get going. Not all the other patients on this floor are as lucky as you in their healing. You'll see me soon and I will be here help move you." She made herself pull her hand free although it was difficult. She left with a lingering glance over her shoulder and was happy to see him drifting to sleep.

  Dr Medford arrived and went over the different charts for each patient and confirmed that John was indeed well enough to move to the regular floor. Sadie carried on doing her charts and medications but her eyes kept straying to the doors looking for the two orderlies who would arrive to move John. She just wanted to cry and felt extremely silly realizing that. She knew that if John turned out to be with someone, a wife, girlfriend or whatever, that she would be crushed.

  "Surely he has someone. He's too good-looking to be single" She thought and tried to prepare herself.

  Finally, the time came. She escorted the two orderlies to John’s room and helped get him situated. His eyes never left her face although she couldn't bring herself to look at him. She went about the room efficiently and tried to focus on breathing. Everyone in the room could feel the tension swirling about the room but said nothing. Sadie stepped back and let them unlock the wheels on John’s bed and began to wheel him out to the private elevator. She only allowed herself to walk have way with them, she stopped and stared at them. John's eyes met her and he lifted his arm and said "Come with me?"