Maria's P.O.V

"So tell me, who's the lucky guy?"
"There is no guy, Jack, and I wish you'd stop talking to Roxanne about me, my ears were burning last night, I know that was you two" I retorted a little too defensively.

I knew there was no point in trying to cover up the obvious, but I wasn't obliged to tell my friends yet.

"Or the fact you were dreaming about Mystery Man" I blushed as I tried to distract myself from my thoughts wondering again.
"Look, are you going to help me fold these sheets or not?" He finally gave in and grabbed a corner grinning wildly.
I knew this conversation was far from over.

"Nurse Rose to the reception please" I stopped in my tracks.
What could they want with me?

"Ooo has Rosey got into trouble?" Jack winked at me, pulling the sheet around him to mimic being scared. I rolled my eyes, he was always like this.

"No, now stop acting like a 5 year old, you're 22 for godsakes, and you know I hate it when you call me that, it's Maria okay?" I left him to finish off and hurried over to the reception.

There was a bundle of nursing staff by the entrance to the foyer and as I squeezed my way through the gap I heard a familiar voice:

"...and of course I've brought something for all of them- Miss Rose, how wonderful to see you again, it's been almost an age since the concert, It's great to be back here"

"A-and it's great to have you here again Mr Jackson" I immediately picked up on his act, and was reminded of my promise to 'pretend it never happened', which I made in vain, how could I ever forget someone who potentially saved my life?

The children were over the moon to see their 'surprise'.
Michael had brought boxes of presents and he sat next to me on Destiny's bed giving them out to the children that weren't bedridden.
He then took a trip around all the other dorms, handing out presents and signing autographs.

It was a surreal sight, I'd almost forgotten about his celebrity status. He played his role very well, he didn't talk to me out of context or ask me any questions that didn't relate to the children. He didn't talk to me at all while he was with them. Some came and sat on his lap, he read stories and sang lullabies, it was a beautiful scene.

All too soon it was time for him to return to his crew back at base. He handed over a ridiculously large cheque for the hospital and left. He didn't mention the request for the uniform, which I thought was odd considering that was the reason for him coming.

Once he had left, I felt deflated. I thought back to when he came to my apartment and sighed. It hadn't meant anything to him. I had opened up to him but he wasn't interested. Maybe he didn't like what he heard. Maybe he was just too busy with his tour to worry about girls.
Speaking of which, I hadn't heard any updates on his tour re commencing, maybe I had missed it.

"Now Maria, I've been thinking about this Mystery Man of yours and- M, what's wrong?" I hadn't realised that I was crying. I quickly wiped my tears away and tried to smile.

"I'm fine Jack, just tired, you know me"
"Exactly, I do know you so I know something's up. Now are you going to tell me or are you going to tell me?" I laughed as I sniffed, he always knew what to say to make me laugh, he was such a great friend.

"It's just this guy that's all. I thought we had something... but now I-I guess not. He said it would be best to keep things on the down low and I said I promise it would be like it had never happened, now I think I might have upset him, I'm so stupid, I mess up every time!"
"M, you're far from stupid okay? If he is really serious about you, which I gather he is from what Roxanne told me, then he will call you by the end of the day. If not, he's not worth your time. There's plenty more fish in the sea you know"
"Well there's no other fish like him, I can say that much, he's special, really special"
"If you feel that way about him, that's love right there. I've seen you, you're happier, except from right now of course, but I haven't seen you so content. You're different than when you were with that Craig asshole. Just be patient, my pet, he'll realise who he's missing soon enough and that smile will be on that gorgeous face of yours again"
He tickled me in the ribs and I squealed, shoving him aside.
"Thanks Jack" I giggled.

I left work earlier than usual for once and made my way to my apartment.
I pulled up and instantly I remembered that I wasn't living there anymore.
I started to cry for the second time that day, my breath shortening as my body shook with the sobs. The memories flooded back to me like a lethal tidal wave.

Finally I gained enough composure to start back in the right direction, I knew the way but I felt completely lost in myself. What was I going to do? Where would I go? Roxanne couldn't put up with me forever, and although I appreciated her kindness, I felt too imposing, especially when she brought her boyfriend back last night. I didn't sleep well for obvious reasons. I couldn't stay with Jack either because he was living with his boyfriend. The sooner I got another apartment sorted, the better.

How I missed my alone time.

Michael's P.O.V

I had kept our promise for today, but it wasn't easy. I wanted so badly to talk to her, but it would look too obvious. Besides, I had no idea what to say.

I twirled her card, now creased, round my fingers and let out a frustrated sigh. I couldn't call her this time, the phone was nonexistent and I couldn't go and see her myself, she was at her friend's house. Maybe I could park at the end of her road and... I could post a letter through her door! Both practical and romantic, not that I was aiming to be romantic with her. We had just shared a kiss, that's all.

But that wasn't all, there was so much else. I felt a connection with her I had never felt so strongly before. I'd liked other women of course, but this was something more than just a crush.
Whatever it was, it was strong and developing quicker each day, hour even, and had no intention of stopping.

I had to know where I stood with this girl, the sooner the better.

*