Consciousness was slowly pouring back into his body as he became aware of the strong light that was being shined into his pupils, one after another. Slowly, he could detect the commotion around him as he heard the many voices that penetrated his ears; some were calm and collected while others were worried and fearful.
When he finally mustered enough strength to open his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a crowd of men and women all dressed in white, each smiling in relief."Welcome back Mr. Chen," one man said with a big grin, "for a second there we thought we lost you."
It took him a few seconds to realize they were doctors.
He must be in the hospital.
Still groggy, he did not think to protest when one by one the medical team filed out the door, leaving him alone.
Instead questioned filled his mind, why was he in the hospital?
Gradually, Edison recalled what happened. He was with Gillian, they were arguing, and then they were attacked.
Gillian!
Where was Gillian?
Was she hurt?
Before he could think further, the door flew open and a petite figure ran in, flinging her arms around his weak aching body.
"Ed!"
Inches apart, he was confront by Gillian's smiling yet tearful porcelain face. "Gill, did they hurt you?" His voice was no louder than a whisper despite the anxiety that began building from within him.
"No, no, I'm fine," she replied, shaking her head as she wiped the tears on her face with the back of her hand, "Ed, I was so scared. I thought I was going to lose you."
His body slowly relaxed as the knowledge that she had not come to harm began to settle. "I'm alright. You're not going to lose me." He grinned and lifted his fingers to wipe off the new tears that were sliding down her angelic face.
Gillian took a long look at the grinning face that she had missed so much, drinking in the sight of Edison's handsome face despite the obvious bruises. She was just too happy that he was all right.
An hour ago, she nearly fainted when his vital signs were dropping then his heartbeat stopped. Ten hours before the forty-eight hour deadline, she was afraid she had lost him forever, never having the chance to tell him her feelings. To tell him that she needed him.
"Ed, promise me," she spoke through her tears, "promise me that you'll never leave me."
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During the next few months, Edison's recovery was nothing short of a miracle. His body was still weak and he still needed physical therapy for his injured limbs but he was as energetic as ever.
By his side everyday, Gillian delivered soups, tonics, and most importantly words of encouragement. They never quite explained or apologized for their previous behavior; it was like they had finally come to an unspoken understanding.
Perhaps, Edison's near death experience had made them realize the true importance of one another. Life was too unpredictable, too fragile. In comparison, their previous doubts and insecurities seem so insignificant now.
In the same yard that Gillian had taken refugee at while Edison was in the ICU room, they were taking a stroll. This time, the mood and atmosphere was entirely different. The sun was shining, cool breezes blowing occasionally. It was like they stepped into paradise.
All the bandages removed except for the cast on his left arm, Edison felt more alive then he had in a long time. Side by side, they walked together, neither speaking as they enjoyed the comfortable silence.
But they were brought back to reality when they heard a loud holler from across the yard, catching the attention of practically everyone in the area. They chuckled as Steven came running towards them.
"You won't believe this," Steven exclaimed excitedly while an amused smile appeared on Edison's face but no words left his lips for he knew that with or without his encouragement his friend was bound to continue with his news. "News on the street is Shawn and Yumiko took a boat to Taiwan a few days ago because his right-hand man had betrayed him and teamed up with a rival gang to hunt him down, chances are they won't be returning if they know what's good for them."
Gillian breathed relief, though she had not spoke of it, she had been worried for some time that Shawn and Yumiko wouldn't let Edison off so easily. As if reading her thoughts, Edison gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled.
"Look what we have here," Steven's voice made them raise their heads in time to see Nicholas and Charlene walking towards them but that was not all.
Their hands were adjoined!
"You two," Gillian managed to utter before her lips curved into a knowing smile, while Edison gave Nicholas a playful punch on the arm, congratulating his buddy.
"Nic, you son--" Steven began when Nicholas gave him a meaningful glare that stopped his mouth immediately; instead he smiled sheepishly.
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Gillian smiled as she greeted Kenny once again, in the comforts of his office. Today was their last scheduled meeting.
According to Kenny's observations, Gillian was no longer required to attend these sessions. She had improved a great deal since she first came to him over two years ago. Though she had not been able to fully recover her memories, she had rebuilt a life for herself and rejoined society, no longer lost and insecure. In addition, she had found a new source of mental support, Edison.
His work was done.
"How are you doing?" Kenny smiled.
"Pretty good. Everything's been going well. The community center plans to expand so there's more work and Ed was released from the hospital yesterday so my schedule is more flexible now," Gillian's eyes sparkled as she spoke.
After an hour of just chatting, their session was over. Kenny walked Gillian to the door where he congratulated her for the long way she had come and they exchanged good byes, promising to meet whenever there was time.
Kenny smiled and waved until Gillian was no longer in sight before he walked back into his office and closed the door. His heart feeling a bit saddened, missing her presence already.
Had Edison never reappeared in Gillian's life, perhaps they would have had a chance. But all the "if"s in the world, would not change what is.
He smiled again, wishing her happiness, and went back to work.
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"What is it that you want to show me?" Gillian asked as Edison pulled her along to an unknown location. When they finally stopped, she looked up and saw closed car repair shop.
To her surprise, Edison pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the gate, allowing them to enter the shop.
"How did--?" She said puzzled by Edison's actions.
"Everything you see here," he paused as his eyes fixated on her beautiful face, "is mine. I have decided to quit racing."
"Really?" Gillian exclaimed, overjoyed by the news.
"I gave Nic some money a few months ago to help me buy this shop. I wanted to tell you that day I took you to the noodle shop but one thing lead to another and I didn't have a chance until now. It's not much but it's a start.."
Edison didn't continue but Gillian knew what he meant. It was a new beginning for them. They were no longer together for the memories of two years ago.
They were together for each other.
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