“Anything for you, baby. I feel a bit helpless just sitting here, doing nothing.” He gets up and dutifully pours some water into a plastic cup for me.
I take little sips, conscious of how sore my throat still is. It’s then that the nurses bring in some oatmeal to see if I can eat. Betty tells me that if I don’t eat a little, the doctor will want to keep me another night. I really don’t want that, so I force it down my throat. It’s agony, but totally worth it to get out of here and be alone with Jake.
I give myself a quick wash in the bathroom, and I notice my ankle’s a lot better than it was. I’m actually able to walk on it a bit more normally now. I don’t really want to look at myself in the mirror and see the constant reminder of what Tony did to me. Luckily, Jake brought me some fresh clothes and a brush, so I’m at least able to brush my hair. I’m grateful for that.
I sit back on the bed, and we wait for the doctor to do his rounds so that I can be discharged. I am so ready to go home. I want to get far away from this place and never return.
While we wait, I ask how everyone’s doing and where Matthew is. Jake tells me that Matthew’s staying with Clive. Apparently, they argued when he wanted to come down and stay with me while I recovered. Jake knew that he wouldn’t have been much company, so he made the excuse that Matthew had to stay in school. He wasn’t happy about it, but what Jake says goes. You can’t argue with a caveman. I know that one for sure.
Jessie has been worrying herself sick and calling twice a day every day, wanting to know how I am. Even Michael calls on a daily basis, which Jake never looks too happy about. He never ceases to amaze me, but the possessiveness only adds to his charm. It makes me feel all the more wanted.
After our chat and a few cuddles and kisses later, the doctor finally emerges and checks me over. He’s amazed at how quickly I’m overcoming this terrible ordeal.
I beg him to send me home, and he eventually agrees. He walks away and retrieves the discharge paperwork as I get myself organized. I’m elated to be finally getting out of here. I’ve always hated hospitals. Jake can’t seem to hide his excitement either.
I brush my teeth and look through the contents of the bag that Jake has brought in for me. My eyes brim with tears when I see that he’s bought me two summer dresses—one in maroon and one in navy. Although they’re sleeveless, they both have polo necks, which will hide the finger marks on my neck. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea to draw attention to what has happened to me once I leave here. If I don’t have to look at them either, then that’s just a bonus.
Emerging from the bathroom, I feel a little better. I throw my arms around Jake and give him a big kiss. I’m grateful to have him here with me, tending to my needs as always.
“Wow, what was that for?” he asks.
I frown at him. “Can’t I just hug and kiss you for no reason?”
He cups my face. “Of course you can. No reason is just as good a reason as any other.”
I start laughing. “You’re just too damn cute, you know that?”
His face crinkles into a frown. “I have been called lots of things, but cute ain’t one of them.”
“Cute as a button,” I smile, teasingly. I grab his nose with two fingers and laugh when he pulls away from me in moderate disgust.
At that precise moment, the doctor walks through the door. He looks a little hesitant as he hands over something to me. “Here are some pamphlets you should read. You may want to book yourself an appointment with a Dr. Townsend. She’s a very good therapist, and her office is very close to where you live. I’m sure she can help you … perhaps even more than you might expect.”
I wave my hands at him. “Honestly, I’m fine,” I protest.
He isn’t happy. His hand remains rigid as he pushes the pamphlets towards me. “Your nightmares tell me otherwise, Miss Sinclair. If you don’t deal with this situation now, it will soon become a waking nightmare.” He seems pissed, so I take the stuff from him anyway. He then turns his attention to Jake where he tells him what signs to watch out for, like sudden loss of breath, et cetera. Once all is said, he gives me a prescription for some tablets to help me with the pain.
The moment I walk outside, I take my first lungful of fresh air. It feels heavenly, despite the burning in my throat. We get to the parking lot where Jake opens the car door for me. He moves, burying himself into me and gently kisses my lips. It immediately sets my heart racing. It does so every time—no matter what the circumstances.
“You look beautiful in this dress. You always look beautiful. In—or out of—anything.”
I gently rub my nose against his. “Take me home now, Jake.”
He smiles. “It would truly be my pleasure.”
We set off quite quickly after Jake makes sure I’m settled and strapped in the car. He seems anxious to get out of here, and I’m with him on that. I feel as though I won’t be able to let out a breath until we’re on I-495, heading back home.
As we pull onto the driveway, Matthew comes racing out the door. It’s almost as though he’s been waiting there all day for us. He rushes in for a hug, and I welcome it wholeheartedly.
Once he retreats, I see tears in his eyes, which sets off a fresh batch of my own. I have never seen Matthew cry, and I certainly don’t want to be the cause of it now. “Hey, please don’t be upset. I’m fine. Really. Look at me. I’m okay.” I hold his face in my hands, and he nods, trying hard to compose himself.
“I’ve been going crazy with worry—everyone has—and my asshole father wouldn’t let me come see you while you were in the hospital.”
Jake slams his car door a bit more forcefully than he should have. I feel I have to say something to calm the situation. “Your dad was right to make you stay. Your studies are important … especially now.”
He looks like he wants to argue the point, but the expression on my face stops him. Instead, we stroll back into the house with Matthew’s arm wrapped tightly around me. It’s almost like he’s afraid I’ll disappear. Standing next to him like this, I realize just how tall he’s getting. He’s towering over me already.
Matthew squeezes my shoulder a little. “You feel like you’ve lost weight. Obviously hospital food doesn’t agree with you very well. I’ll make you some noodles, if you want?”
He seems eager to do something for me, and I don’t want to disappoint him. “That would be nice. Thank you.”
He runs towards the kitchen, and it’s then I notice the full view of the living room, which is filled with flowers. Matthew remembers and turns to face me. “They’ve been arriving all day for you. Everyone’s so happy that it’s all finally over and that you’re safe.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, I walk over to a bunch of pink orchids and read the card.
Ana, we’re all so happy you’re safe. Get well soon. All our love, Joe, Sally, and family. P.S. It’s a girl!
Tears spring to my eyes. I’m so happy for them. I’m also really glad that Joe doesn’t seem to be holding a grudge.
Jake wraps his arms around me from behind, so I lean my head back onto his chest.
“Joe’s wife is pregnant?” he asks. He had obviously read the card over my shoulder.