Chapter 9: Chapter 9

CROSSING A BRIDE

Jason's handsome face focused on Jemimah. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes. One part of her was swooning over him but the other stubborn part became very curious.

"I don't remember meeting you in person before."

This left the footballer flabbergasted. He didn't know whether or not to be relieved. "Maybe it is I who has been making up conversations in my mind." He smiled at her and noticed her dilating pupils. She looked so adorable.

That stubborn part of her wasn't relenting. She wasn't buying the sudden twist in his story. "Is there something I should know about? Am I in any danger?"

"Of course not! You've never been safer!" Jason tried to crack a joke. But he pictured her present condition in his mind. 'Bloody hell! That's a dumb thing to say.' So in order to save the day, he quickly added, " Since you were involved in the accident."

'Is it just me or is the great Jason Sam being nervous in front of me?' Jemimah was fascinated by the idea of both of them being in love. 'We'll be the new power couple of football.'

"From what I've heard, you should be discharged in less than two days." Jason was still trying very hard to make the situation less awkward. So with a grin wider than one from ear to ear, he said, "Honestly, I have known you for a while now. It's just been difficult to come up with the right words to express how excited I am that you have recovered so well."

"Sorry, I only see footballers outside of Lordham on TV." She played with her hair subconsciously. "How long have you been in this city to have known me for a while?"

"I have been here for a fortnight."

"So apart from seeing me half-dead for most of that time, what else interested you about me?" She adjusted a pillow behind her and leaned backwards slightly. "You must have a reason for giving me all these bouquets to say the least."

"I just wanted to make sure you recovered fully." Jason was still trying to hide his shock. She seemed not to remember meeting him. 'Is this one big sham?'

"And then what?" Jemimah asked him. "What happens after that?"

"Well, let's just say when we get to that bridge, we'll cross it."

"That bridge is two days away Mr. Sam." She smiled. "I'm grateful for everything you did for me. Thanks for bringing me here."

"I didn't bring you here. An ambulance did. I just happened to be around there at that moment."

"Why do I have this weird feeling that you've been stalking me?" Her smile disappeared. "Not every day one gets to be constantly checked on by a celebrity footballer. Should I be worried?"

"Let's just say that I felt really devastated seeing you hurt!" Jason replied. "I wouldn't call myself a stalker though if I were you."

"So it took a life threatening accident to bring Jason Sam out of a TV screen where he lurked!" She seemed to enjoy teasing him.

He looked at her for a few seconds while maintaining his smile. "I have got to run for a bit. But I need you to do something for me."

"Really! Right now?"

"Yeah."

"What is it?"

"About that bridge, I'd like to take you somewhere fun and private after leaving this hospital for good. What do you say?"

"Is this what I am thinking?"

"What are you thinking?"

"How dare you ask an unsuspecting patient out on a date?" Jemimah looked so serious.

"I'm sorry if you don't…"

Jason wasn't done talking when she began to laugh really hard. "You should see the look on your face right now!"

"I hope the unsuspecting patient wouldn't mind." Jason heaved a sigh. He liked her joie de vivre.

"She will give the conniving footballer an answer in due time. But he has got to earn it," she replied.

"Very well then! I need to swing into action immediately." Jason walked close and touched one of her big toes gently. "Get well soon Miss Unsuspecting Patient." He remembered when she called him Mr. Pathetic and Arrogant.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Sam."

Jason smiled. Then he turned around and left the ward. On his way out, he met Sophie sitting quietly on a chair and staring at her phone. "Hey! It's time for me to go."

"Thanks for stopping by once more," she replied.

"The pleasure is all mine." He walked close to her. "Jemimah doesn't remember meeting me prior to the accident! I think it affected her memory slightly."

"Did she put you up to this?"

"Pardon!" Jason didn't expect to be asked such a question. "I don't understand what you are talking about."

"Okay." Sophie went back to looking at her phone.

"Is something wrong? I know we aren't best friends, but you can talk to me."

"Never mind! Everything is fine!" She raised her head and looked at him. "I do not intend to pry, but how long have you known my sister?"

"We met a few hours before the accident!"

"What! Really?" Sophie's eyes widened. "So why have you been all over Jemimah like you've known her a long time?" 'Why didn't I ask Jason this question earlier?' she asked herself. 'Did I allow myself to become blinded by his status? For all I know, he might be the devil!'

"She and I had a series of conversations. Things weren't in my favor to be honest," Jason replied. "She drove away and only minutes later, the accident took place."

"And you think bouquets and forced presence will change her mind?"

"Well, I hope it does. But seriously, she can't even remember anything and that scares me."

"Mr. Sam, you were on your way out, weren't you? You should leave." Sophie walked towards the ward. "And don't bother coming back again!"