45. Charlotte
There were flickers of memories. I saw Elijah leaning over me begging me not to leave him. I heard Theo calling me. I felt myself being whisked away, my eyes staring straight at the sky. The next time I opened my eyes I was in a hospital bed. The room was bright and I had to close my eyes again briefly whilst I adjusted. I tried to move my body, but I felt a pain in my stomach and arm as I did so. I remembered now, how I got here. Adam wielding the knife over me, stabbing it into me. I relived that moment over and over again until a nurse walked in.
“You’re awake,” she said cheerfully. “Let me just get the doctor.” She rushed out of the room as quickly as she walked in. She was followed a few moments later by a doctor and they set about checking me over.
“Is Elijah here?” I asked after a while. The nurse said there were a few people waiting for me.
“Is he a police officer?” I nodded. “Yes, he’s out in the waiting room.”
“Would I be able to see him?”
“Of course, we will get him for you when we’ve finished.” I took a breath, allowing my eyes to close briefly whilst they finished looking me over. A few moments later, the doctor walked back in with Elijah in tow.
“Charlie.” He rushed quickly to my side, his hands hovering over me like he was scared to touch me.
“Hey, Officer Sunshine.” I smiled weakly at him. “You can touch me, I’m a lot stronger than you give me credit for.”
“I know you are,” he said, placing his hand lightly on my side. “How are you feeling?”
“A little bruised, but I’ll be okay.” I paused taking him in. He looked exhausted, but then I think I probably looked a little worse for wear as well. “I stood up to him, Elijah. For the first time in my life, I stood up for myself.” He looked at me and smiled, squeezing my hand gently.
“That’s my girl.” His thumb rubbed over the back of my hand. “Thank you for not leaving me.”
“We’re just barely getting started, I am not going anywhere.” He looked at me for a minute and I met his gaze. “Are you okay?” I watched as he took a deep breath.
“I’m better because of you, Charlie.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I’ve spent the past fifteen years barely hanging on. I always had this niggling voice in the back of my head telling me just to wait. That something better was coming and I needed to hold on for it.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I know now that the voice was telling me to wait for you, Charlie. You are the something better I always dreamed would come.” Seeing the tears forming in his eyes sent some down my own cheeks.
“I love you, Charlotte Miller,” he said, pulling my hand to his lips and kissing it. “Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I love you, too.” He leaned over the bed and kissed me. He was soft as he did so, his hand gently caressing my face.
“Are you up for seeing Theo?” he asked.
“Please.” He smiled and walked out of the room. Theo ran into the room a short while later.
“Mommy!” he squealed. Elijah quickly grabbed him before he jumped on the bed.
“Careful, buddy, Mommy is still healing, remember?” Elijah reminded him before gently placing him next to me.
“I thought you said they were going to fix her up?”
“They have, darling,” I said, holding his hand in mine. “I’m just going to be a little sore for a couple of days.”
“Is Daddy gone now? He’s not going to hurt Mommy again, is he?” Theo asked, his attention on Elijah.
“Your daddy will never come near your mom again. He’s been arrested and he will be going to prison for a long time.” I couldn’t help but feel relieved that Adam was locked away, this time for good. He wasn’t going to hurt us anymore. Elijah moved close, kissing Theo on the forehead and then me on the lips.
“I love you both so much. Things are going to be better from now on, I promise.” Both Theo and I beamed. “How would you feel about moving into my place?” He posed this question to me now. “I’d like to have you close to me.”
“What do you reckon, Theo? Do you want to move in to Elijah’s house?” He looked at me, his face still beaming.
“I’d love it! Can I bring my toys?”
“You can bring whatever you want, buddy. What about you, Charlie?”
“There is nothing I’d want more.”
Throughout the next couple of hours, the Weatherstons popped in to visit me. Alice cuddled me and promised me a girl’s night out when I was feeling better. Lucas offered to have Theo at the shop for a few days to help him with cars whilst I was recovering. Lucy brought me some home baked goods with the promise of a family dinner. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love in this hospital room.
It was a few days before I was released from hospital. Elijah stayed by my side as much as possible until I was discharged. In my absence, Lucas and Alice had spent time decorating parts of Elijah’s house to make it more of a home. There were loads of toys for Theo and a little play area set aside for him. I was blown away by their kindness.
I stood in the kitchen taking in the view as Elijah wrapped his arms around me, the sound of Lucas and Theo playing in the background. I looked out and thought of my grandpa.
I found him Grandpa. I thought to myself as Elijah kissed my neck. I found the person who treats me like you treated Grandma. Thank you for reminding me not to settle for less.