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As Emerald began to fade away into the distance, a shadowy figure began to form in place of her. Romy could surmise that it was an image of a human, but the shape appeared more like a giant, square wall. Whatever the form was, it was large and menacing. Once again, Romy tried to move her body while attempting to yell, but it was useless. The human form approached closer until it overshadowed Romy completely, and Emerald was now entirely out of Romy’s view.
Oh no! Is this the end? What is happening? Why can’t I defend myself?Romy’s thoughts were coherent in her mind, so she knew she wasn’t dead yet. But as she felt herself being swallowed up by the threatening shadow, Romy knew that it would soon be her end. Her mind cried out,Emerald! I love you! I’m trying to save you, but I can’t! I can’t; I’m so sorry, I’m sorry!
In the distance of her unconscious mind, Romy began to hear a series of strange sounds, repetitive beeping, combined with static and strange voices in the background. Then, she felt her body fall down an invisible tunnel, landing with a thud. Blinking, Romy opened her eyes.Oh my god, I can move again! I'm not dead! Where am I?
The first thing Romy saw as her eyes opened was bright overhead lights, blinding her vision. There seemed to be material wrapped around her, like a cocoon. Her fingers wiggled automatically, and Romy twitched, trying to comprehend her existence. Then, a familiar voice cried out, “Oh my god, she's alive!”
As her vision came into focus, Romy could see Emerald standing over her, her golden hair tousled and lovely like a halo in the light, her hazel eyes full of concern, and she felt the touch of warm fingers on her hand. Confused but ecstatic, Romy tried to answer, but her voice came out squeaky and soft. “Emerald? I thought you disappeared! Where did you go?”
An unfamiliar male voice added to the cacophony. “Good, she seems stable. Romy? Can you hear me?” Romy's sight was now fully restored. She saw Emerald, who was crying, and a man dressed in light blue scrubs. Clearing her throat, she attempted to speak again, this time more clearly. “Um, yes. Yes, I can hear you.”
“I'm Doctor Bardot. You're lucky to be alive, but your vital signs are stable. You're going to be okay, but you suffered a severe concussion and various contusions.” The physician continued, “Luckily, the wounds are only superficial, no broken bones. But we would like to keep you here for at least overnight, under observation, while you heal. Do you remember what happened to you?”
Romy felt confused and frightened. At this time, she had no recollection other than leaving Emerald's mansion in a fit of tears. “I-I don't think so. I remember walking down a path towards my car but can't remember anything else right now.”
Gently, the doctor explained, “According to the police, you were attacked by some criminals and hit over the head. I need you to rest for now, but I'm confident the memories will return. But don't stress yourself about it. Right now, you'll need time to rest.”
“Can I come closer, please?” Romy heard Emerald beg the doctor as she tried to motion Emerald closer to her bedside. The doctor conceded, “Yes, you may have some time together. But then, you'll need to leave. You're welcome to return tomorrow during visiting hours.”
After a few quick tests, the doctor shut the door behind him, leaving the women alone. Emerald approached Romy's bedside and began to sob. “Oh my god, you have no idea! I thought you were dead. I tried to save you. Luckily, I had the alarm you gave me, so I was able to notify the police.”
Hearing Emerald's words, Romy began to piece the incident together. Then, she exclaimed, grabbing Emerald's hand to pull her closer, “Oh wow! Okay, it's coming back to me. I remember seeing Thomas…and his gang—it was them!”
Emerald gently stroked Romy's forehead. “Yes, that's right. After you left, I couldn't bear it, so I tried to catch you before you drove away for good. I encountered Thomas and his friends. There was a struggle, but I was able to hit the alarm. The police and ambulance arrived and took you to the hospital.” Emerald paused, looking deep into Romy's eyes. “I was so scared. I love you, Romy. And I don't care who knows it. In fact, I want to tell the world that I am in love with you. I can't lose you; I need you, and I want us to be together. Like, officially.”
I love you too.
“So, before I woke up, I guess I was having a dream, although I didn’t know it. I could hear you in the distance, and as I tried to help, my body began to freeze on the spot. I could see you fading away, and I was completely helpless.” Romy was overcome with emotion. “It was the worst feeling, seeing you disappear. But, Emerald, I can’t lose you either. I want to keep you safe in my arms and love you every day.”
Simultaneously, the women dissolved into joyful tears, understanding how precious their love was for one another. Emerald gently cupped Romy's face in her hand and held her gaze. “Romy, I meant what I said; I want to be with you in every way. I want the world to know that I love you. I'm not afraid anymore. My heart can't bear to pay the cost of losing you.”
Emerald's words filled Romy with hope. “Are you sure? I could never be the reason that you would lose your career. Of course, I also want us to be together like a couple, but the decision has to be yours.” Romy blinked, wincing in pain. Still, Romy was ecstatic to have Emerald by her side. But she needed to be sure that Emerald was making the right choice for herself.
Emerald bobbed her head confidently. “Absolutely. And I have a surprise for you.” Then, just as she was about to continue, Romy saw Chet, Emerald's agent, peek his head in the doorway of her hospital room. “Hey! Sorry to interrupt, ladies. Romy, are you okay?”
Romy smiled as she motioned for Chet to enter the room. “I'll be fine; it was just a little bang on the head. I'm a tough cookie, though. It will take more than that to finish me off.” Emerald chuckled, exclaiming, “Oh good, you're here! Thanks for coming down. I have something important to tell you, and this needs to go public, Chet.”
The agent crept into the room, sitting in a chair close to Romy's bed. “You mentioned something mysterious on the phone, so I hurried right away. Areyouokay? I heard that Thomas attacked you! Is that true?”
Emerald glanced at Romy and shrugged. Romy nodded at the actress, encouraging her to explain. “Um, well, yes. In fact, he assaulted Romy first. But unfortunately, I wasn't aware until I found her lying beside her car. Luckily, I was able to notify the police, and they came just in time.” Romy observed Emerald as she nervously cleared her throat.
“But Chet, that's not exactly what I wanted to tell you.” Romy squeezed Emerald's hand as the actress continued, taking a deep breath. “Chet, I want you to hear it from me first. I am a lesbian, always have been, and I am in love with Romy. We've been having an affair since I hired her as my bodyguard. I don't want to hide my truth anymore. Romy and I are a couple.”
Romy teared up upon hearing Emerald's proclamation. Her heart soared with pride, impressed at Emerald's courage and conviction. Chiming in, she validated Emerald's statement. “It's true. I know it's been hard for Emerald to be honest about her sexuality, and I'm so proud of her.”
Chet's expression went from surprise to excitement. “Are you serious? Wow, what a story! Emerald, this ishugenews! Personally, I'm so happy for the two of you. But how do you want to proceed with this?”
Emerald continued, “That's precisely why I asked you to come to the hospital. I want you to contact Lynn from P.R. I want to give a public statement that I am coming out and I want to speak openly about my past love affairs. Obviously there will be lots of women I am unable to name, but I am tired of hiding. I want the world to know the truth and that it is ok to love who you want to love.” Emerald looked lovingly at Romy before adding, “And if Romy agrees, I'd like a photo taken of us so that the world knows she is my girlfriend.”
Romy was floored by the news, finally grasping that Emerald was serious about their relationship. Any physical discomfort that she was feeling had been eradicated in this moment of truth. Exhaling deeply, Romy stated, tugging on Emerald's hand, “Come here; I want to kiss you. Just be gentle!”
Emerald slowly lowered her face, brushing her soft lips against Romy's. The sensation was electric, causing goosebumps to cover Romy's arms. “Wow, this is really happening!”
Eagerly, Chet stood up. “I'll contact Lynn right away. I think we will do a TV interview for you with a big name journalist. You can then speak your truth entirely openly and tell your side of everything, including this mess with Thomas and your love for Romy. This is massive and I think it will actually be huge for your career now. It is 2023 Emerald, we live in a very different world than the one that existed when you first hit Hollywood. I can't believe it; congrats, you two! Man, Hollywood loves nothing more than a great love story.” Emerald squealed with delight, holding Romy's hand. Suddenly, the group was interrupted by a uniformed policeman who knocked on the door.
“Excuse me, Emerald Crowle?” She sat up from the edge of Romy's bed. She was as beautiful as ever and Romy couldn’t take her eyes off her. She couldn’t believe that Emerald was with her. Like, really with her. “Yes, that's me! What's happening?”
“Hi, ma'am. I'm here to inform you that your ex-husband has been arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder and attempted kidnapping,” the officer stated. He stood at attention as he continued, “His bail has been set to a million dollars, so we suspect he'll be sitting in jail until his court appearance in two months.”
