Chapter 58
Valerie’s POV
The fluorescent lights above flickered, casting an eerie glow over the sterile hospital room. The antiseptic smell and the faint scent of disinfectant made my stomach churn as I slowly gained consciousness.
My vision was blurry and my head felt very heavy. I couldn’t even remember what had happened earlier. I closed my eyes.
I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. Where was I? The room was unfamiliar, with stark white walls and the faint scent of disinfectant. A hospital? How did I end up here? Panic began to set in as my mind struggled to recall the events leading up to this moment.
I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my head, making me wince. A gentle hand grasped my shoulder, easing me back onto the pillow.
“Easy, don’t try to move,” a soothing voice said.
I turned toward the voice, and my gaze met the most piercing blue eyes I’d ever seen. A young, handsome man sat beside my bed, concern etched on his face. His dark hair was mussed, and a hint of stubble framed his jawline.
“Who… who are you?” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.
He smiled warmly, and his eyes crinkled at the corners. “My name is Jacob. I’m the one who brought you here.”
“Brought me here?” I repeated, confusion swirling in my mind.
Jacob nodded. “You fainted on the road. I was walking by and saw you collapse. I carried you to the hospital.”
Fainted? Road? The memories began to trickle back shopping, phone notifications, divorce news… and then nothing.
“Oh God,” I whispered, mortification washing over me.
Jacob’s expression softened. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now. The doctors say you’re going to be fine. Just a minor concussion and some bruises.”
I tentatively touched my forehead, feeling a bandage covering a portion of it.
“Thank you,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Thank you for helping me.”
His smile broadened. “Anyone would have done the same. I’m just glad I was there.”
As I looked at him, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. There was something gentle and kind about Jacob, something that made me feel safe.
“How long have I been here?” I asked.
“About four hours,” he replied. “The doctors wanted to keep you overnight for observation, but you should be able to go home tomorrow morning.”
Tomorrow morning. Home. My mind began to reel with thoughts of Damian, our divorce, and the chaos that awaited me.
Jacob’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “Hey, are you okay? You look a little lost.”
I forced a weak smile. “Just a lot to process.”
Then I remembered suddenly and sprang up from the bed. “What about my baby? Is the baby still safe? Where is the doctor?” I asked, as I ran my hands over my belly.
“Hey, relax. You are fine and the baby is fine. Like I said before, it’s just some bruises and a mild concussion.” He said, with a little smile.
I heaved a big sigh of relief and laid back on the bed.
Jacob nodded understandingly. “I can imagine. Would you like me to stay for a bit? Keep you company?”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. No one had offered me kindness like that in a long time.
“Yes,” I whispered. “Please stay.”
Jacob’s smile returned, and he took my hand in his, offering a comforting squeeze.
As I lay there, surrounded by the beeping of machines and the gentle pressure of Jacob’s hand, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new. Something better.
“Tell me what happened,” I said, looking up at Jacob.
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. “I was walking home from work when I saw you standing on the sidewalk, staring at your phone. You looked… distraught. Next thing I knew, you were collapsing. I rushed over and caught you before you hit the ground.”
I closed my eyes, remembering the shock and pain that had overwhelmed me.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered.
Jacob’s grip on my hand tightened. “No need to apologize. You’re safe now.”
We sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the steady beep of the heart monitor.
“Can I ask you something?” Jacob said, breaking the silence.
“Anything,” I replied.
“What’s going on? You seemed really upset before you fainted. Is everything okay?”
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal to this stranger.
“It’s just… Some personal issues,” I said finally. “It gets overwhelming sometimes.”
His expression turned sympathetic. “I’m sorry. That can’t be easy.”
I shook my head, feeling tears well up again. “It’s not.”
Ethan’s hand squeezed mine gently. “You’re strong, Valerie. You’ll get through this.”
Hearing my name on his lips sent a shiver down my spine. How did he know my name?
“You know my name,” I said, curiosity getting the better of me.
Jacob smiled. “Your ID was in your purse. I checked to make sure you didn’t have any emergency contacts to notify.”
Of course. That made sense.
As the minutes ticked by, Jacob and I talked about everything and nothing. He shared stories about his job as a graphic designer, his love of hiking, and his passion for cooking.
As Jacob continued to chat with me, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of ease in his presence. It was as if we’d known each other for years, not just hours.
“Jacob, can I ask you something?” I said, curiosity getting the better of me.
“Shoot,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with interest.
“How did you know my name was Valerie?” I asked, remembering our earlier conversation.
Jacob chuckled. “Well, aside from finding your ID, I actually recognized you.”
My brow furrowed. “Recognized me? How?”
Jacob leaned forward, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “We went to high school together, Valerie.”
My eyes widened in shock. “What? That’s impossible!”
Jacob laughed. “I know it’s been a while, but I’d never forget that bright smile of yours.”
Memories began flooding back high school hallways, locker rooms, and cafeteria laughter.
“Wait, what was your last name again?” I asked, my mind racing.
“Thompson,” he replied, watching me intently.
And then it clicked. Jacob Thompson, the quiet, artistic kid from my history class.
“Oh my god, Jacob!” I squealed, excitement bubbling up. “I hadn’t seen you since graduation!”
Jacob’s grin broadened. “I know, right? Life took us in different directions, but I’m glad we reconnected.”
We spent the next hour reminiscing about old times favorite teachers, school dances, and inside jokes.
“Do you remember Mrs. Johnson’s infamous pop quizzes?” Jacob asked, chuckling.
I giggled. “How could I forget? She loved torturing us with surprise tests!”
Jacob laughed. “And what about the school play? You were amazing as Juliet!”
My cheeks flushed. “You came to watch? I had no idea!”
Jacob’s eyes sparkled. “Of course, I did. You were always talented, Valerie.”
As we talked, I realized how much I’d missed this kind of connection effortless, genuine, and joyful.
The nurse interrupted our walk down memory lane, coming in to check my vitals.
“Looks like you’re doing great, Valerie,” she said with a smile. “You should be able to go home tomorrow morning.”
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. Leaving Jacob’s company would be hard.
As the nurse left, Jacob turned serious.
“Valerie, I’m glad we reconnected, but I also want to make sure you’re doing okay. You seemed really upset when you fainted.”
I took a deep breath, hesitant to reopen old wounds. But something about Jacob’s kind eyes put me at ease.
“It’s just… my divorce,” I said, the words still feeling foreign. “It’s been a tough few weeks.”
Jacob nodded sympathetically. “I’m here for you, Valerie. Whatever you need.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. No one had offered me such unconditional support in a long time.
“Thank you, Jacob,” I whispered.
Jacob’s hand found mine again, his touch warm and reassuring.
As the evening wore on, we continued talking, sharing stories and laughter. The hospital room faded into the background, replaced by memories of our past and hopes for our future.
At one point, Jacob pulled out his phone and showed me old high school photos.
“Look at this!” he exclaimed, displaying a picture of our senior class.
I giggled at our youthful faces, hairstyles, and fashion choices.
“Oh god, what was I thinking with those bangs?” I asked, covering my face.
Jacob chuckled. “You rocked that look, Valerie!”
As the night drew to a close, Jacob stood up to leave.
“I should let you rest,” he said, his eyes lingering on mine.
I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment.
“Thank you, Jacob,” I said, my voice sincere. “For everything. This was exactly what I needed.”
Jacob smiled. “Anytime, Valerie. We’ll catch up again soon.”
With one last squeeze of my hand, Jacob left the hospital room, leaving me with a sense of hope and renewal.
As I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the quiet beeping of machines, I couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises life had in store for me.
The next morning, I woke up feeling more refreshed than I had in weeks. The nurse came in to discharge me, and as I packed my belongings, I couldn’t help but think of Jacob.
Would our reconnection lead to something more? Or was it just a beautiful coincidence?
As I stepped out of the hospital, I took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling a sense of possibility.
Whatever lay ahead, I knew one thing Jacob Thompson was back in my life, and I couldn’t wait to see what the future held for us.
But what if he asked me about my marital status? Would I say yes or no?