“Come and find me when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
Chapter 23
Shay
I can’t believe today is finally here. The day I’ve been waiting for. It was two days ago that Clay asked me if I wanted to go home to his house and continue my treatment there. I can’t even explain how excited I was to hear those words. I know I’m not well enough to run any marathons, but I am well enough to be out of here. Someone else can take up my bed. Someone who needs it more.
“You ready for this, short stuff?” asks Clay as he hands me two boxes of flowers I want to take home with me. The rest can decorate the hospital corridors or waiting rooms.
“I have never been more ready in my life. I used to imagine going home when I was blown up and captured. It always seemed so out of my reach.”
Clay bends down in front of me and wraps his hand around mine. “It isn’t out of reach now, babe.”
I nod. I shuffle forward in my wheelchair. “Will you do something for me?”
“Anything.”
I look down at our joined hands and feel the heat rise up my cheeks. “Will you kiss me? And not one of those soft pecks either. I won’t break, and right now, I need normal.”
Clay smiles warmly at my words. He leans forward and rests his forehead against mine. “I didn’t want to hurt you before.”
I don’t even get the chance to answer him. His lips land on mine. My lips part and let him gain access. He plunges his tongue into my mouth, exploring every area like it’s his first time.
“Oops. Sorry, we can come back.”
Clay pulls away from me and leans his forehead against mine again. Our breathing is erratic, my heart is pounding in my chest, and electricity is coursing through my veins.
“It’s okay, bro. We’re ready,” Clay says to Caleb.
“Yes.” I sigh dramatically. “I’m ready to break free.”
Both brothers laugh at me.
“I’ve left Chris at the main entrance manning the vehicle. I’ve brought my SUV because I thought it would be easier for Shay to get in and out of.”
“Thank you, Caleb. For everything you’re doing for me and my family. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.” I look over my shoulder toward Caleb.
“No thanks are needed. You’re family now, and that’s what family does for one another.”
I don’t know what to say. I’ve given Clay the run around for years, but his family is still here to protect me and help me any way they can.
Caleb hands over my bags and wheels me out of my room. The nurses and doctors at the desk start clapping and cheering as I approach. I feel weird being treated like some hero. I just did my job.
Dr. Jones steps in front of my chair to stop me escaping. He holds his hand out to me and I accept it around my flowers. “If you need anything, day or night, Clay has my number.”
“Thank you, Dr. Jones. I appreciate everything you’ve done to get me here today. I should be clapping for you guys.”
“That’s my job, Shay. I’m just happy to see you going home. You deserve a medal for everything you’ve been through to protect our country.”
“Thank you.” I blush. I can feel it. I’ve never been good at accepting praise, especially when people think I’m the big brave soldier. I’m just me. I did a job, the same as Dr. Jones, Shawland Security, and any other person who protects someone.
The doctor steps aside and Clay holds his hand out to shake it. “Thanks, Doc.”
“My pleasure. Get out of here before I find a reason to keep you here.”
We all laugh, and Clay pushes me forward. It feels good to be leaving the hospital for the first time. I’m moving forward at last, instead of being stuck in no man’s land.
“I warn you both now, our parents have decided to throw you a little gathering,” says Caleb.
“Really?” Clay groans.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
I try to sound like it’s no big deal, but what I really want to do is go home and sleep for as long as I need to. That’s the worst thing about hospitals; you never truly rest.
“The moment you want to get out of it, you just let me know. I have no problems tossing people out.”
I giggle. I can just picture him tossing people out on their asses.
We pull up beside Caleb’s SUV and Chris gets out and comes around to help us. I’ve not really spoken with Chris much; he seems like a nice guy though. Not like Caleb and Clay, they just say what they think.
“Ready to escape?” asks Chris.
I nod and sigh in relief. “More than ready, Chris.”
Caleb takes the flowers from me and Clay helps me to stand. It’s a group effort.
“We’ll have you fighting fit in no time,” says Chris.
“Huh?” I concentrate on getting into the car, but I can’t help but wonder what he means.
“You haven’t told her?” Chris punches Clay’s shoulder when I’m fully seated in the vehicle.
“Ow, that hurt.”
“I’ll match the other side if you don’t tell me what Chris means.” I hold up my fist, ready to punch Clay’s other arm, when he holds his hands up.
“One of the only reasons I got you out of the hospital was by giving the doctor a plan of action. He needed to see that your treatment would continue. Chris here, being the buff personal trainer, has drawn up some exercise regimes, physical training, and counselling sessions.”
“Hold on.” I clench my fist again. “I agree to the physical training. I’d want to do that anyway. However, I call a halt on the counselling. I don’t need anyone to talk to. I can talk to you.”
Clay holds his hands up like a helpless child. “Do you want to go back inside? I’m only following the rules, babe.”
“I’ll take care of you, Shay,” says Chris.
“I don’t doubt that you will, Chris. I don’t have an issue with you. Counselling, I do.” I growl like a rabid dog. “Just close the door, Clay.” I fold my arms over my chest.
The quicker I can get back on my feet, the quicker I will show everyone who the boss of me is… me.
***
We pull up outside Clay’s house and I look out around us. It’s huge. Bigger than I expected.
Before I can overthink things, my door is opened, and Caleb is standing with my walking aids.
“I’ll get the chair,” says Chris.
“I’ll walk.” I get out of the car easily enough.
No one questions me, they just jump to it. Chris loads up the chair with my bags and flowers. I can see he’s going to be good to work with.
Clay walks alongside me at my pace, and Caleb heads off in front to open doors. It seems so quiet here. No one would think that right here is the heart of Chicago city. It’s like a totally different world.
I struggle with the couple of steps up to Clay’s house, but I don’t let it deter me. I push through the struggle. I’m ready to see my family, Clay’s family, and whoever else is behind those doors.
“Welcome home, sis.” Carrick walks toward me and holds me in his arms carefully.
“Thank you.”
“It’s so good to see you out of that hospital, sweetheart.” My mom and dad hug me.