Love You Too: PART THREE

After showering and changing, packing a suitcase full of my clothes and hers, I ran down the stairs, realising I'd been a little longer than I promised.
I was glad I'd packed Tiffany's clothes though, they'd give me something to smell and to hold close to remind me of her.
I reached the lobby and looked around, unable to spot Mrs V anywhere. I asked Rad and he just shrugged, apologising for being unhelpful. I decided to sit and wait for her, so I set down my case next to a chair and I sat down, twiddling my thumbs as I waited.
I heard a car horn beep from outside, and I looked out of the glass doors, to see what was happening.
From outside, I saw a vintage Aston Martin DB5 parked up right in front. From inside, I saw Mrs V waving, her cat eye sunglasses perched on the edge of her nose, and her black leather driving gloves on.
I couldn't help but smile. She was the epitome of style. She looked incredible, and I couldn't help but feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders by this fragile old lady.
I opened the door and stepped in, enjoying the scent of her perfume and the feel of genuine Italian leather which was well kept and felt soft under my fingers like her hands were earlier.
"This is gorgeous!" I said, gazing around at every detail of this dreamy car.
"It was a present from my third husband" she said emotionlessly, as the car moved onto the bustling street. Tourists had flocked to this area to glimpse the world of the rich and to sample some of our garments, but they didn't expect to see such a stunning car as they made their way along the sidewalks of Madison Avenue. I looked out as they stared in awe at this beautiful car, so well maintained and polished; I guessed some of them must have been blinded by the sheen and glimmers of light being reflected off its white shiny surface.
We continued to cruise towards the hospital, my head resting back on the headrest, enjoying the feeling of freedom that had passed over me; like for a few minutes I could put Tiffany towards the back of my mind, and focus instead on enjoying this drive with this remarkable woman.
We arrived and parked up. As a parking attendant neared us, Mrs V got out and pulled her sunglasses down to reveal her eyes.
"Mrs Van Der Vesey!" he cried "It's been such a long time since I've-" he cried
"Shhh," she said, pushing her sunglasses back up "I'm not here remember?"
"Oh sure" he said, backing off a little.
We walked in, and I wished she'd explain what that was all about. This woman was truly extraordinary, and I wanted to know so much more about her.
"Nate!" someone cried from across the room. I turned to see Mollie, running down the corridor.
"What's up?" I said, putting my arms around her as she ran into me.
"It's Tiffany" she said, breathless.
"What? What's happened?" I said, looking into her eyes and feeling increasingly worried.
"She's.... She's awake" she said, smiling brightly at me.
Mrs V reached for my hand and started to lead me down the corridor as my feet had turned to stone. My girlfriend was safe. She was alive and well.
"She wants to see you after the nurses have checked her over" Mollie said, beginning to pick up the pace "which should be any second now!" bursting with glee.
I felt like I was flying, the corridor that had once seemed like a prison now seemed like a glorious runway, allowing my spirit to be set free and to flutter around the place like a butterfly. I felt my body relax, and my muscles un-tense as I imagined a huge metaphorical weight being lifted from my shoulders.
As I turned the corner into her room, the two women with me waited outside, giving me a private moment.
I looked towards the bed and I saw her there, sat up slightly eyes open, blinking slowly.
"My head hurts baby" she said to me, reaching out.
I walked briskly across so I could sit beside her on her bed and hug her. I felt her warm body pressed against mine, and her hair against my cheek.
"I love you so much Tiffany, and I've missed you" I said, burying my head in her shoulder. "never leave me again, you've got to promise me"
"I won't" she said, before asking how long she'd been in a coma for.
"16 days" I replied, feeling a tear well up in my eye as I remembered each painful day of seeing her lying motionless on a hospital bed. I looked up at her face, and I kissed her, as gently as I could. She felt so fragile in my arms, I didn't want to break her.
"Be careful Cole" Mollie said as she walked in, with Mrs V behind her.
"Mrs V?" Tiffany asked, patting the other side of her bed.
"Hello dear, I just came to say hello. Young Nathaniel came by to escort me here" she said, graciously nodding towards me. I smiled, and held on tightly to my girlfriend's hand, feeling as if I never wanted to let go.
"Everybody in the building chipped together and we managed to buy you something" she said, pulling out a Chanel handbag.
"I've always wanted one of these..." Tiffany said, holding in gently and stroking it with her thumb. "Thank you! I really don't deserve this!" she said, allowing Mrs V to hug her.
After staying for a little while, Mrs V offered Mollie a lift home and they both left.
I edged closer to Tiffany, who was now asleep, and I lay down on the few centimetres of free bed beside her. It was uncomfortable, but to feel this close to her was an absolute gift. Knowing that this beautiful girl was all mine and that she was going to be okay was the greatest feeling. I was careful not to touch her head, as I knew I may still hurt her, but I wrapped my arm around her stomach and stroked along her strong abdominal muscles with my thumb. I looked up at her peaceful face, I wanted to kiss her so badly; her lips had regained their rosy hue and her skin was pale but healthy, her cheeks a delicate pink shade that complimented her lips.
After studying this beautiful face for a while, I rested my head back on the bed, releasing all the tension on my muscles. Before long I was asleep, deep in a slumber. The deepest sleep I'd been in for the past 16 days, and it felt amazing.