Fame & Consequences by Reese A. Stephens

Author:Reese A. Stephens [Stephens, Reese A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Winyan Press, LLC
Published: 2018-05-07T18:30:00+00:00

14 Punches and Freedom

A fter Doctor Greene leaves, a nurse comes in and asks everyone to step out so she can get me wire free. She removes every protruding apparatus, except for my IV, which she says she’ll take off after the bag is empty. She takes the dressing off my head and I finally see what’s been done to my hair. It’s a mess, with a small bald spot where it had to be shaved. The nurse helps me to the bathroom, and I find that walking isn’t too bad. I had figured my legs would forget what to do, but everything seems to be working fine. Once I’ve used the bathroom, she helps me to sit on the edge of the bed. Finally, she leaves, and my family comes back in. Gran comes straight to me where I sit with my legs hanging over the side of the bed. She hugs me tightly.

“You are looking so much better without all those wires.”

“I look horrible.”

“Nonsense. You need a shower, that’s all.” I gaze up to the IV and see it’s almost empty. I could take it out on my own. It can’t be that hard. I really want to shower.

“Where’s Carter and Elijah?” I ask my grandparents.

“Carter is getting food,” Poppy says with a chuckle. “And Elijah said he was going to take care of the mess with Amelia.”

Gran smooths back my hair, but when I wince, she stops. “Sorry, baby.”

“It’s okay.” I squeeze her hand.

The door opens and Jared walks in. “Hey, you’re up.”

“Yes, finally. I’m tired of this bed.” I smile at my brother. I turn to Gran and squeeze her hand. “I know you guys need to get back. It’s okay if you go home.”

“Oh, we don’t want to leave you, sweetie.”

“You have a lot to do. Carter will be here. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be here too.” I glance at my brother, puzzled. “I’m your bodyguard.”

“You’re a cop? When did that happen?” I’m so confused.

Jared smiles sadly at me. “I’m not a cop, but Elijah hired me when you guys were home. I was supposed to guard you, which I supremely failed at. I’m surprised he hasn’t fired me. I’m pretty sure we told you.” I shrug, maybe they did and I don’t remember.

“You didn’t fail,” Elijah says as he comes in the door, clamping his hand on Jared’s shoulder.

“She got hurt.” This is the first time I’ve realized how torn up Jared is. That’s probably why he’s not been in my room as often.

“But I’m alive. I don’t remember what happened, but you kept me alive.”

He snorts. “Barely.”

“Stop beating yourself up. I’m alive, isn’t that what matters?” He nods but says nothing. I turn to my grandparents. “Are you guys going to head back?”

“I hate leaving while you are still here, but if you really are okay, I’d like to get back. Cliff is over-working himself, I’m sure,” Poppy says.

“I’m fine. I promise. You guys should get home. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to Pop.

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