19. Chapter 19
Hospital Room
Dear Ben,
When I woke up and you weren’t here, I nearly lost my mind.
I can’t believe you abandoned me! But then I read your letter.
Don’t you know you can say anything to me?
I’m your safe spot. The place where you will never be judged.
The place where you can speak your dreams out loud and not have to worry about my reaction.
On a side note, I am seriously pissed you wouldn’t tell me where your parents live. I promise I won’t cause them bodily harm. A little pranking never hurt anyone ??
The nurses told me – after I bribed them with more cookies – that you were transferred to a rehab facility. I’m tempted to follow you there. I want you to have someone by your side cheering you on.
But after talking nearly all night long with you last night, I’ve come to realize that you prefer to recover on your own.
I respect your decision. But say the word and I’ll be there.
Seriously, you have my phone number now.
If you need me for anything – a word of encouragement, someone to whine to, a rub down. ?? – I’ll be there.
I will always be there for you. Because I am in this, soldier boy. You’re falling for me, I’m falling for you – nothing can keep me away from you.
In case it’s not obvious yet, I don’t want to be your platonic sister. I don’t want to settle for forehead kisses – although I do love a forehead kiss – I want it all. I want to explore whatever this connection is between us.
I know your time to re-up (Is that the word?) is nearly here.
I want you to know I’ll support you no matter what you decide.
If you want to stay in the Army for another twenty years, I’ll wait.
I’ll probably need to take a class on how to be patient, but I’ll wait.
Because you’re worth waiting for. You’re worth everything, Ben.
The nurses are giving me looks. They feel sorry for me. They think you abandoned me. I know you didn’t. And you never would.
But I do need to get this letter sent since my ride will be here in a few minutes. I’m going back to Smuggler’s Hideaway. I can’t wait for you to visit. (Or move there – hint hint)
Be safe Ben,
Your Sadie