Forgiven

She felt so ashamed. Why was it hard to let go of someone who existed only in her mind? Jim had been with her for almost six years, giving them his everything. Tears started running down her eyes as she broke into a sob. She hugged him tight, and when she felt he was not responding, she slowly slid down on her knees and wrapped his legs with her arms. Her words "forgive me" were only swallowed by her sobs but Jim could hear her well.

She cried until there were no more tears to shed and until all her strength were drained. When she dropped limply into the floor, Jim picked her up in his arms and place her on the bed, her back leaning on the bedboard.

He did not say anything. He just pulled her close into his warmth, hoping she could feel his assurance that he was always willing to wait. If he had already waited for five years, then he would be waiting for another five years. Never did he realized, except at this moment, that he had long been playing as a masochist.

He could not bear to see her hurting and pleading. He could not also force her into the marriage if she was still hesitant. All that was ever needed was more time.

Deep in his thoughts, he unconsciously stroke her hair in her forehead. He paused for some time, then kissed the top of her head.

"Am I that difficult to love, Jia?"

She did not say a word but slowly turned to face him. Her lips moved but no sound came out. Frustrated, she threw her arms around his neck and hung her head over his shoulder. After a long while, she finally got the courage to speak.

" Thanks for everything, Jim. I am so ashamed of myself. I will make it up to you."

Jim's phone suddenly rang. She glanced over the phone and saw the running caller info on the screen.

"Dr. Grace calling... "

Jim saw her eyes. He immediately picked up the phone and turned the speaker on. "Hello! "

"Dr. Jim, I would just like to remind you that you would be assisting an open - heart surgery an hour from now. The team is just worried because you never came in late before."

"I will be in a while, " he said as hang up right then.

" Go, take a quick shower "Jia said as she gently pushed him out.

"I'm sorry.. " He said as he hurried up to prepare.

"No need to be sorry!" She dashed into his room, picked him up a pair of slacks and a long - sleeved polo shirt, white socks, hand towels and laid it out on his bed. She also pulled out his white coat and a pair of scrub suit. Then, she slid his phone in his sling bag. She picked up his laptop and placed it into its case. She also placed his scrub suit and towels at its outer compartment. Having all these in her hands, she rushed out to his car, hang his coat on the hook, and put the engine on.

She, then called Jian out, and instructed him to go ahead to the car. After she was done preparing his water jug, cutleries and mealbox, Jim was already ready to leave.

"I'll drive you off. " She cast him a thin smile while fixing his collar.

"No. Stay here and rest!"

"No. From now on, I will be your driver. " He did not insist. He knew he could not argue about it anymore.

" Daddy! " Jian was already at the back seat, calling him happily.

" Daddy, sit beside me. Mommy will drive. " Jim laughed as he pinched this cute and bubbly accomplice.

" What is it that my baby wants? "

"Ice cream!" He stomped his feet happily then wrapped his small arms around his neck.

After few minutes, Jia pulled out in front of the emergency room as it was the shorter way to the doctor's quarter. Jim quickly gave Jian a goodbye hug before getting out of the car. He ,then, took a hurried steps to Jia's side. He opened the door widely, lowered down his head and took her lips over his until she was out of breath.

It was his way of telling her that she was forgiven.

Before he waved to let them off, she clearly saw the teasing smiles of all the nurses and other hospital staff who happened to see them.

Soon, the news went around like a wind. "Doctor Jim has a woman! "