Standing in such close proximity, the two seemed like they didn't want to move away.
After staying in the same hugging position for some time, Paige cleared her throat and looked up, meeting Jordan's deep and penetrating gaze. Her heart was racing as she also stared back at him. He was leaning closer to her face as if to kiss her before suddenly stepping back. He seemed to have come back to his senses.
''I'm sorry. That wasn't intentional''
''En''
''How do you feel?'' His voice sound husky. It had a dry tone to it too. He sounded like someone who didn't get enough sleep and was mentally stressed up.
''I am the one in the hospital, why do you look like you were the one in my place instead? Have you had dinner?''
''Paige, I'm sorry''
''Okay. If you are sorry, then you should eat something before you leave. I heard you are taking a night flight? Do you plan to get into the plane on an empty stomach?'' Paige went back to the table and picked the food Carlien brought and went over to the couch and tables at the other side of the ward.
''What are you doing, Paige?'' Jordan was confused by her actions. Shouldn't she hate him right now? Why was she acting so normal like nothing had happened at all?
''I'm inviting you for a meal. Why? You don't want to?'' she looked at him with clear eyes.
Jordan went over and sat across her and watched her as she opened the lunchbox and placed the different dishes on the table. She also removed a pair of chopsticks and a spoon and placed them beside her.
''You eat. I am not hungry'' Jordan said and stood up, ready to leave.
''Sit back!!!'' her gaze turned cold and her voice was sharp. Jordan paused in his steps and heard her say again, ''if you don't sit back and leave, I can assure you that you won't ever get to see me again. Also, I am going to curse you to be alone for the rest of your life''
Jordan sighed and sat back, ''what do you want?'' he asked her.
''Whoa. You sound like a different person. Let's eat together. We are both leaving this city, take it as our last meal together. Who knows, we might even die without seeing each other again''
''Don't speak of death so lightly''
''I will take the spoon, you take the chopsticks'' Paige changed the topic and picked the spoon. She took an empty extra bowl that Carlien brought and started to divide the food and he stopped her by holding her hand.
''What are you doing?'' he asked her.
''I thought you didn't want to eat in the same bowl with me. so I was going to portion the food''
''Just leave it. If you divide it, it won't taste good and I don't want to eat alone. What if you put something into my food?'' he picked up the chopsticks and started eating.
''Okay'' Paige smiled and also took the spoon and started eating. They ate in silence while occasionally peek at each other. They both knew it was more like their last meal together. Though, it was a painful thought for them, they didn't want to think about that right now. They simply wanted to enjoy each other's company.
After a hearty meal, they were both satisfied. Jordan helped Paige to gather the bowls and put them aside before he got ready to leave. They stood in the middle of the ward looking at each other.
''Make sure you eat well and take care of Jessi. If ever return, make sure you look for me. who knows I might be married with kids by then. I can introduce my family to you'' Paige's hands clutched hard to her patient gown as she spoke. Her voice wavered but she still maintained a calm smile.
''You too, make sure you eat well and take care of your father. Listen to everything he tells you. He is the person who loves you the most in this world. If I ever return, I will look for you. But, I am not going to wish that you introduce anyone to me as your family. I hope that you remain single till I return''
''Why? We can't even be together?''
''I don't know if there is a way but I will find it and return back to you. You just have to stay strong, eat your meals and make sure you become a good doctor while I am away''
''You are really going to be selfish to the end?''
''En, that is why I don't accept the breakup you initiated. Paige, we are only separating for a while not breaking up. I am not running away because I think it's over. I am only going for a brief moment. If you find someone you love in that time, I will give you my blessings then, but if you are still single, I will take it that you waited for me''
''Can I kiss you? I want to remember how you taste like'' Paige said and stepped on his shoes, reaching his level.
Jordan circled his arm around her waist, pulling her closer and leaned closer giving her a kiss. They kissed sensually and passionately. His arms squeezed around her body and kept pulling her closer to himself, not wanting to let go. it was the same with her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and moved them slowly around his neck, responding to his every kiss. Tears dropped from their eyes as they continued to kiss, their tears blending into their mouths. They could taste the saltiness from their own tears.
After some time, they both slowed down to catch their breath and started laughing. Paige stepped aside and looked at him.
''Jordan, goodbye''
''You too'' Jordan looked at her for a while before turning towards the door. He turned the door knob opened and turned to look at her again. She had her hands clutched to her gown as she fakes a smile and nodded her head.
Paige fell to the floor after the door closed. She touched her quivering lips as tears fell down her face. She bit her lips till she could feel blood.
The door opened and Carlien rushed in. when she saw Paige in that state, her heart broke. She closed the door and went over to her side and knelt down in front of her.
''Paige…''
Paige pulled Carlien into a tight hug and started sobbing uncontrollably. Her sobs made Carlien to also join her in crying.
''Paige, I'm sorry. I can't even do anything to help you. My dear Paige''
''Carl, what do I do? My heart. It hurts so much Carl''
''I know, off course it will hurt. Cry all you want. Let it out''
''I hate feeling this way''
''It will be fine. You will be fine. This … all of it will pass. The pain is just going to be around for a little while, but you know what, Paige? You are a strong girl. You will be able to come out of this''
''What do I do?'' Paige held Carlien tightly.
…..
Lucas stood in front of Jordan's room together with Jessi. Jordan was in the room and they could hear his sobs. It broke Jessi's heart and she also started crying.
''Will elder brother ever be okay?'' she asked Lucas as her tears fell, ''I missed sister Paige already''
''He will be fine. You will also be fine'' Lucas hugged Jessi who started crying.
''I feel helpless. I can't even do anything to help them. I feel so weak and powerless and I hate my father so much. He doesn't even realise the cost my brother has to pay for what he did. I thought that Jordan was finally going to be happy again. He was so excited about marrying Paige and now all this has happened. He didn't even do anything wrong''
''I know, right? why do the children always have to pay for something the adults did? This is so unfair'' Lucas muttered.
…..
Later that night, Jordan finally got out of his room with his luggage. He saw Jessi, Lucas, Joel, Mirabel and Carlien in the hall and furrowed his brows.
''What are you all doing here?''
''What do you think?'' Joel asked.
''Jordan, I still think this isn't the only way out'' Mirabel added.
'I already promised Paige's father that I will leave this place and also Paige. I have to keep that promise''
''Why did you even make such a promise?'' Carlien asked and stood up, ''you are really lucky that Paige stopped me in time because I was going to beat you into a pulp but she made me promise her that I won't do that. Look at all of us here? Paige asked us to come and see you off. she said she didn't want you and Jessi to go to the airport alone''
''Jordan, I will find a good man for Paige and make sure she gets married. I will also make sure I send you pictures of her wedding. Anticipate it'' Joel said calmly and Jordan chuckled.
''Just make sure he is someone who will treat Paige well''
''You, son of a bitch!!!'' Joel cussed and Mirabel held his hand and glared at Jordan.
''My darling never cusses. Thanks to you, he just cussed''
''The flight will leave soon. We should go now''
''Right. there is no use trying to change his mind. Let's go to the airport then'' Lucas held Carlien's hand and they went out one after the other.