All Chapters of Who We Love: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

Maddie looked to Christine in surprise and quickly stood and followed Laura out of the room. Christine felt everyone in the room look at her as she struggled to determine the meaning in this turn of events. Unable to reach a logical conclusion, she decided to simply keep her faith in Mitchell and wait."Mitchell, it's my fault that you've been hurt so bad," cried Maddie as she neared the bed and saw Mitchell's bandaged face."That's why I wanted to see you, Maddie," croaked Mitchell. "I need you to help me get well. Will you do that for me?""Of course, Mitchell. What can I do to help?" Maddie asked."I'm trying to get that bastard out of my head. He tried to take something from us, and I'm worried that he may have succeeded. I heard Jason and Brad talking on the chopper ride back. They didn't know I was conscious. I heard that you're wracked with guilt and now I see it's true."Maddie, you know that I love you, but I doubt that you know how much. We'll never be lovers, but that

Mitchell responded to the antibiotics quickly and was out of intensive care by Sunday. His face was still swollen, but he had complete vision in his right eye and his left eye was beginning to open. His pneumonia was improving rapidly. The cracked ribs were extremely tender, making any extension of his arms or sudden movement painful.Melissa was not surprised that Christine insisted that Mitchell stay with them again. Christine and Hailey spent Saturday switching rooms. Christine intended to stay with Mitchell and neither Dan nor Melissa voiced an objection. After school on the following Wednesday, Christine and Ashley drove to the hospital to pick up Mitchell. Once again, Mitchell was wheeled down the hall with staff wishing him well and joking that he tries to stay away a little longer this time.Mitchell's arrival at the Leonard home was a festive occasion. Christine's grandparents, along with Maddie, Willow were waiting for him in the living room when Dan and Melissa once again

Christine and Mitchell were up early the next morning. Christine was going to attend school while Mitchell planned to take the rest of the week off to recuperate. He expected to return the following Monday. He hoped that his face would be back to normal by then.As she gently washed his back, Mitchell heard Christine begin to sob. He turned and asked, "What's wrong, Christine? Why the tears?""Seeing these awful bruises makes me realize how bad your ordeal must have been. Look at these Marks, and these stitches in your cute little butt. I don't know how you managed to stay alive and come back to me, but I'm so glad that you did. Have I mentioned that I love you a lot?" Mitchell asked."You have. Then add the fact that you're standing naked in the shower with me makes me realize how much you love me. You're extremely beautiful and I couldn't possibly love you any more than I do," Christine said."That's sweet, but you may love me even more after you start feeling better and I let y

Christine and Mitchell were surprised to see Ms. Metzger sitting at her desk for homeroom. "Mitchell. Christine. Please come up here."Ms. Metzger looked thinner and paler than usual, but she still had a twinkle in her eye. She stood and met the couple as they approached. She hugged Christine and then Mitchell. Mitchell let out an involuntary grunt as his ribs were squeezed. "Oh, Mitchell. I didn't think about what you've been through. I'm sorry that I hurt you. That must have been a bad week for you if an old lady like me could make you wince so easily. You two saved my life, along with about a thousand others. I just want you both to know that I'll never forget it and I certainly appreciate the risks you took for the rest of us. I've been watching a lot of TV while recuperating and your kids are all over it. I had no idea you could sing so well or play the piano. You've been holding back on me. I heard that you donated everything from the songs to the hospital fund. Words fail me."

The twelve ticket holders met up at the hotel. They enjoyed a quick meal and then headed for the show. During dinner, Maddie passed out the tickets Christine had been given. "What seat do you have, Mitchell? I bet it's next to Maddie's. We should have had a lottery or something to select our seats,” Melissa said. "Actually, Mitchell is sitting between you and me, but I'm sure that Willow will trade with you if you're unhappy with the arrangements," chided Maddie to her sister. "I'm sorry, Maddie. I should have known better. I'll even swap seats with Willow before it's all over so she can sit next to Mitchell for a while, unless Mitchell's taking advantage of my youth and inexperience while everyone's watching the concert," Melissa said. "There's no chance of that," assured Maddie. "He'll be way to busy taking advantage of my age and experience to be sidetracked by a teenager." When they all took their seats, Melissa had to smile when both Hailey and Maddie took one of Mitchell's h