Read Online She's Me by Mimi Barbour - Free Book Online

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    “I’ll do it right now, Jake,” answered Marnie, who had run over to Jenna and taken her finger and felt a spurt of mean satisfaction when she pricked it darn good and hard. Make sure it takes was the thought that popped into her mind. Damned if I want to be doing this again.
    Jake stared up at Dr. Andrews hovering over him, checking his pulse and looking into his eyes.
    “Hel-lo, Dr. Andrews!” Jake glanced over to see Marnie pushing a wheelchair close to the bench. “I love you, Marnie, my girl. First thing tomorrow you’re getting a raise.” He shoved the doctor lightly aside and stood up on wobbly legs.
    “Let’s get that gorgeous body on the bench and get this switch over and done with. I can’t wait to hold my girl in my arms again.” He looked away from Marnie’s shocked expression, but not before she saw tears glinting.
    He winked her way while at the same time his jaw trembled with emotion. God, it was good to have him back, she decided. She’d missed him much more than she’d missed her employer.
    Jenna’s pallor was disturbing to Jake, but he knew her wan, ashen face and thin body would resume its healthy glow in a matter of weeks with good food and care. They set her in the same place where he had sat only moments before, strapped her there, and then collectively held their breaths.
    Flutters of movement started in Jenna’s hands first, her fingers twitching. She whimpered and tried to force her body erect, but it quite simply was too weak. Her blue eyes opened and were glazed with tiredness.
    “What is wrong with me?” Croaking out each word in a pitiful, feeble voice, she glowered accusations. Then she looked around, saw her friends and relaxed. She was home.
    “My love, you’re frail from lying in a coma for months. Give it time. You’ll get your strength back, I promise you.” Jake hovered near her on his knees.
    They bundled her into the wheelchair and made their way into the vicarage, where Dr. Andrews did a cursory exam of her vital signs.
    Marnie fell back into her old habit of staying close but in the background. Jenna’s eyes roved the room until she spied her. “Thank you, Marnie,” she said. Her voice was already stronger. She stretched both hands up to grasp Marnie’s hand and repeated emotionally, “Thank you so much for staying with me.”
    “You’re welcome, boss. I’m glad to see you again.” Upon saying the words, Marnie realized how very sincere they were. She had missed her lively, bratty boss.
    “Jake,” Jenna ordered next. “Please, take me to the mirror.” Since she couldn’t stand, Jake had to wheel her over and help her up so that she could see for herself—she was truly back.
    The screech could almost be heard on the street.
    “What the hell have you done to me? I look horrible! Where’s the rest of me?” she whispered fiercely, gripping her cheeks in her hands.
    This was too much. Marnie jumped to her feet in fury. “Why, you ungrateful little bitch! Do you realize how hard it was to take care of you, a dead weight lying there? We had to feed you through tubes, administer your medications, wash you and turn you every so many hours, and talk to you till we were hoarse. We brought you here to...”
    Jenna cut in, her voice pathetic. “Please, Marnie, forgive me. It was the shock, and I think some of my bitchiness must have remained in my old body after all. I’m sincerely sorry, my dear, and I’m lucky to have you and Jake and Dr. Andrews as my friends.”
    Jake, trying to help settle emotions, turned to Dr. Andrews. “You were right all along—your idea worked.”
    Dr. Andrews looked searchingly at Jake. “What do you remember about the last week?”
    “If you mean do I remember being a roommate in John Norman’s body, then yes, I remember it all.”
    “Jenna,” Dr. Andrews interrupted her catch-up conversation with Marnie. “What do you remember about the time you were away?”
    “I remember everything, doctor, especially about