Chapter 44 Paradiso #2
I’m transported back home and faces blur next as those come to see me.
The Crew. Leanne. Nan. Fragments of their conversations.
At some point, maybe hours or days later, time seems irrelevant, I ask Dr. Howell about it.
This constant memory loss. She said it can be a symptom from the coma or even the damn contusion or just the head trauma in general.
Basically, brain may be fickle for a bit.
It’s perhaps two days after the hospital visit as Teen Wolf plays on the screen. Dr. Howell is finishing some things for my “charts” at home for the nurses that’ll be here constantly.
“Sure Leo can’t convince you to stay?” I ask, taking a liking to the doc.
She grins, putting the paperwork down. “I have a residency I like, and a life in England. Could be considered too career focused, but it’s still mine.”
“No, I get it. Just thought I’d try. Rare for me to find medical people I like.”
“Well, you’re in good hands. And it seems Dr. Maxwell will fight for you as well.”
He came by yesterday briefly to say hello.
“I haven’t asked, but…” I start to say, and she turns back to me, “…what’s your name? Well, first name. Like to know the person who agreed to fly across the pond to help me.”
She smiles warmly, coming closer to the bed. “When I’m not being someone’s doctor, I’m Sara.”
I stare up at her brown eyes. A warmth fills me at this odd fate. The universe playing an odd joke on me. I grin, almost chuckling a little under my breath.
“Usually, I don’t get that kind of response. Been told it’s a common name even in the U.S,” she teases.
“No, it’s…just a long time ago, a woman named Sarah saved me.” I grin back up at her. “So, it’s almost poetic. Feels like fate you were the one to help me this time.”
Her expression softens with a genuine understanding. “She must’ve been quite important to you.”
I continue smiling. “She is.”
Dr. Sara Howell finishes, and not long into the day she says her goodbyes before leaving for the airport. It’s quiet in the penthouse as doors close and the day nurse leaves. My night nurse will be around in about an hour.
Alba makes dinner, and I hate smelling it knowing I can’t have it yet. I’m gonna have a long list of meals I want when I can fully eat again.
Leo comes in, sitting down as Con Air plays next. I’ll be able to rewatch my entire collection at this rate. He takes my hand as he always does.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“Tormented by the smell of Alba’s cooking,” I answer, grinning over at him. He doesn’t grin back. “I’m alright, Leo.”
He sighs, rubbing his face with his other hand. I’ve noticed the bandages around his wrists and forearms. I’ve thought to ask to look at the injuries, but haven’t had the heart to. Weariness stretches over his face once more.
“I’m sorry, you were just making a joke.”
I reach over to the remote, pausing the movie.
“Talk to me,” I tell him.
“You’ve been in a coma. You’re still healing, and don’t need unnecessary stress.”
“I’m gonna be healing for quite some time, and it’s not unnecessary if it’s something you need to talk about.”
He looks down at the ground, gripping my hand like a lifeline. I wonder how many times did he do that while I was asleep? Holding onto me?
“Leo, look at me,” I say softly, and he does, eyes glistening with tears again.
“I know I wasn’t here. That you were scared.
And maybe felt alone, but you’re not. I’m here.
” I swallow hard, taking a long breath, thankful to have the oxygen thing out of my nose.
“We both went through something…horrible.”
His jaw tightens, swallowing hard as he lets out a shaky exhale.
“You flinch when someone touches you,” I say softly as he watches me with a sliver of guilt. “Do your injuries bother you or are you in pain?”
“No.” He shakes his head, looking down at his hands. “I don’t like…want anyone to touch me. Unless I have to because…” he holds up his free hand, “…of these.”
“Because of what happened?” He looks back up at me with haunted eyes. Every so slightly he nods his head. “You’re okay if I touch you?”
“Always.”
Fuck it must’ve been torture for him. I remember how I withdrew from everyone all those years ago. It was like things crawled over my skin when someone would touch me.
I glance down at the bed I’m on. It’s large, bigger than any hospital bed I’ve seen or been in. Carefully, I try to move over. No luck, too weak.
“Autumn, what are—?”
“Help me move.”
“What?”
“To make room for you.”
“I’m not sure—”
“Been breaking rules and protocols, might as well add husband lying next to me as one of them.” I try to scoot again, wincing a little. Finally, Leo helps maneuver my body over as I glance at the IVs still in me, firmly in place. I then pat the open space for him.
Leo carefully gets into the bed next to me, curling up on his side and gently lays his arm over me. He adjusts my pillow to lay his head next to mine, folding his other arm up between us. His body shudders, but calms instantly as he partially holds me for the first time in over a month.
“The nurse coming in will be disgruntled,” he murmurs as I turn on the movie again.
“Sounds like you have experience, don’t worry so do I.”
Already, I can feel the tension leave his body with every passing moment being next to me.
“You’re safe, Leo,” I whisper, and his breath catches. “We both are. You got us home.”
Leo finally relaxes after so long of being on alert. Myself easing, knowing he’s still here.
“I’m so proud of you, baby.” My voice is gentle as I keep my eyes on Nick Cage. Not long after, I hear Leo fall asleep. He breathes deep as I settle beside him.
A bit of time passes, and Alba peeks in with a tender expression. Relief upon her face. She whispers, “The nurse will be here soon.”
“Distract her for thirty minutes?” I ask. “I’m sure I’ll survive.”
“Sí, senora.” She winks, closing the door behind her.
For a bit longer, Leo sleeps next to me as I watch Con Air.
We’re home. Finally.