"Philip!" she greeted her friend and went the rest of the way down and
hugging him close but with care at seeing the bandage on his head and
knowing he had just come from the hospital. She looked over at Kristen and
nodded greeting at her "I'm glad you're both all right. What happened
anyway?"
Sloan was still in the hallway and was leaning against the wall "I'd like to
know that as well. Seems I missed out on some action somewhere. Want to go
sit down while we talk?"
Philip watched in amazement as Julia Walker almost raced down the stairs and
into his arms.
"Heavenly Father," he breathed as he hugged her close, not even feeling the
twinges of pain he had earlier as he then set her back and looked at her
from head to toe, finally meeting her gaze and looking into them for a long
minute "It's--it's really you. H-how?"
And it was her but.. different. Not a bad different just a more--seasoned
Julia, for lack of a better word.
He had to swallow a lump in his throat before continuing "It's a miracle.
Look at you!"
He put her at arms' length and did look at her, yet again, before needing to
wipe his eyes with the back of his hand and hug her to him again "An' the
others know you're here?"
