Chapter 98: Chapter 98

Sebastian sat frozen, as did Carol while they digested this surprising, but oh so welcome news. The bodyguard was still talking excitedly on the phone, explaining things, but the two of them were not listening. They were staring at each other in shock and happiness. Without saying anything, Sebastian came over to where Carol was and gave her a big long hug.

"She's waking up, Sebastian. Thank God."

"I'm so happy and relieved. You were right, Carol. You're such a blessing." He said, pulling back and looking at her in something akin to awe and reverence.

"I'm sure that it wasn't me or what I said that did it, but I'll take the credit regardless." Carol joked, happy to see him smiling once more. Suddenly, he looked much better. All the worries of the past month and even all the time since she knew him had dropped away from his face. Her gaze dropped to his luscious-looking, full lower lip. It was all she could do not to take it in between her own lips.

"I've missed you, Sebastian. I've missed you so much." She told him meaningfully, advancing towards him slowly. She was tired of waiting for him to take the first move. It was high time that she took matters into her hands. Sebastian remained where he was standing, gazing straight into her eyes as she came towards him.

"Have you now?"

"You know that I have. I've missed you so damn much. Have you missed me too?" Carol asked. She had gotten to where he was and was standing directly in front of him, although she had to tilt her head back to look into his oh so handsome face.

"More than you can imagine." Was the gruff reply.

"I'm glad."

"So, do you want to show me how much you've missed me, Carol?" He asked.

There were no further words needed. Carol got on a tiptoe, plated her lips against his, and proceeded to show him just how much she had missed him.

"Christ! We're crazy! What if one of the maids had walked in on us while we were having sex?" Carol asked, after they had finished, frantically arranging her clothes and glancing around as though to make sure no one was there watching them. They had had sex right there in the living room with their clothes on.

"Well, it's our house, so we have a right to do as we please in it," Sebastian said, winking at her.

"I would have thought that you'll be rushing to Jessica's side at this news," Carol told him when her heart rate had calmed down a little.

"She can wait. I can't wait and from the look of things, neither can you." Sebastian whispered, beginning to kiss her passionately again as he pulled her to her feet and led her to his room, kissing her all the while. Once there, they made passionate love again. Carol felt weak boneless and oh so satisfied after the act. It felt like she could just go to sleep on his comfortable bed forever and feel no regrets about doing so. She snuggled closer to Sebastian and was already drifting off to sleep when she felt him gently remove her hands from his waist. Carol stirred sleepily.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to Sacramento. I want to see how Jessica is doing. Don't worry. I'll be back before you know it."

"Okay," Carol said, accepting the brief kisses he planted on her lips and forehead before he stood up and went to shower and dress to leave for the hospital. She was fast asleep by the time he left.

***

For the first time since Sebastian began to come to this hospital, there was a spring to his step and the lingering sorrow that he always carried about with him had reduced greatly. Of course, now that Jessica had come out of her coma, it was time to face what his uncle had done to her, but he would think about that later, not now. The first thing to do was to let her regain her strength first and then other things would come later.

By the time he got to her room, he was breathless and his heart was beating in anticipation of seeing Jessica awake and not in danger this time around. He stopped short as he entered the room, though. Jessica still looked the same with no difference at all. She still looked to be in a coma and seemed so still. The only difference was that the breathing tube had been removed.

"Welcome, boss," Frank said, smiling happily at Sebastian. Sebastian relaxed a little at that smile. Frank would not be smiling so widely if all was not well.

"Thank you, Frank. The other guy said..." Sebastian began, trailing off.

"Yes, boss. She was awake, although I must warn you that she does not seem all there, but the doctor said that that's normal. She seemed very confused and scared at first, and I don't blame her at all. I would be confused and scared too if I were in her shoes. She doesn't seem to remember what happened to her though, but she could recognize me. I guess as time goes on, and she stops being so confused, she'll get her memory back."

"That's good to know. I'm so glad she's awake, Frank."

"Me too, boss. I've always been fond of her."

"Fonder of her than you are of Carol?"

"Well, a little, I guess. I've known miss Jessica longer, and she's also very open and friendly. Miss Carol seems to be a bit shy, but she's nice too."

"Hmm," Sebastian said, going over to sit beside Jessica and gently running a hand over her hair. He had missed her so much and could not wait until she was well and truly alright so they could talk like they used to do. As he did that and stared at her beautiful, familiar face, he could see her eyes moving beneath their lids. After what seemed like an eternity, she slowly opened them and stared unseeingly at the ceiling, blinking and trying to focus them when Sebastian's face came into her line of vision. Sebastian realized the exact moment that she recognized him. Her ashen face lit up and she tried to smile and talk, although neither of those things quite happened.

"No, no, Jessica. Relax, okay? There'll be plenty of time to talk, so just rest now. I'm just glad you're okay." Sebastian said quickly, but she was already drifting back to sleep before he had even finished talking. Soon, the doctor came in and spent some time updating them about Jessica's condition. According to him, it could take a while for Jessica to be fully back to herself, but from what he had seen so far, it shouldn't be too long. Sebastian heaved a sigh of relief on hearing this. Things were finally looking up.