18. Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Eighteen
Kevin
I dropped my crutches onto the bed, taking a deep breath as I prepared to stand on my own for the first time in months. My heart raced with a mix of skepticism and hope.
Was I ready? There was only one way to find out—I had to try.
Cautiously, I shifted my weight onto my legs. The familiar discomfort was there, but it was different this time—manageable, almost encouraging.
I took a step forward, then another, and before I knew it, I was walking . No crutches, no cane. Just me, standing tall and moving freely.
A wave of exhilaration washed over me. I imagined how incredible it would feel to go on dates with Licia without leaning on anything or anyone.
To walk side by side like a normal couple, without the constant reminder of my injury hanging between us.
“Okay, Kevin. Don’t get ahead of yourself ,” a cautious voice in my head warned, but I was too caught up in the moment to care. The thrill of newfound freedom was intoxicating, and I was ready to push my limits.
Just as I was about to take a few more steps, a knock on the door snapped me back to reality. My heart pounded as I quickly hobbled back to the bed, dropping into it and pulling the comforter over myself.
I didn’t need anyone—especially not Lexie—finding out what I’d been up to. She’d never let me hear the end of it.
“Good morning, son,” Mom greeted as she walked in.
“Good morning, Mom,” I replied, stifling a yawn for effect. My acting skills were improving—so much so that I almost convinced myself I’d just woken up.
She sat down beside me, a soft smile on her face. “Are you excited for today?”
“Yeah, absolutely.” I grinned, knowing she was referring to my follow-up appointment.
But the real reason for my excitement was something else entirely—Licia and I were back together. And I could walk, if only a little, without any assistance. Life was finally starting to look up.
“I love that… Breakfast will be ready soon.”
“I’ll be down in a moment. Just need to freshen up and get dressed.”
Mom was halfway to the door when she paused, turning back to me.
“Will Lexie be going with you to the hospital?”
“Yeah. I promised I’d let her join me. Is she ready?”
She chuckled, her eyes twinkling. “What do you think?”
“I bet she is,” I said with a smile.
“So, we’ll be waiting at the table. Don’t be long.”
I nodded as she left, sinking back into the pillows.
***
Dr. Chopra inspected the incision site, her expression one of concentration. “Hmm. Impressive.”
“What’s good?” I asked, curious.
She gently pressed the suture line with her gloved fingers, applying just enough pressure to assess the healing process. “The site looks completely healed, no sign of infection. And the CT scan shows no sign of a recurring clot. That’s certainly a good one.”
Relief flooded through me. “So, does that mean I’m in the clear?”
“On my end, you definitely are. Just keep up with your diet and exercise regimen. We need to keep your heart functioning optimally.”
“That’s amazing,” I said, sitting up a little straighter. Her joy mirrored my own—there was something reassuring about seeing a doctor genuinely happy for a patient’s progress.
Dr. Lukeman entered the room, followed by three residents who seemed new to the hospital, judging by their wide-eyed expressions and awkward movements. “Sorry I’m late. I had to finish up a lecture.”
“It’s fine,” Dr. Chopra replied, stepping aside to give him space.
“Kevin, I need you to do a little range of motion exercise. Are you ready?”
“Yes, Doc.”
For the next thirty minutes, he put me through a series of exercises, checking every detail of my recovery. Finally, he nodded, satisfied. “Mr. Brown, how often do you feel the bouts of pain?”
I thought for a moment. “At first, it was almost daily, but now… maybe twice a week, and they only last a few seconds before subsiding.”
“Good. We’ll adjust your prescription. Take your pain meds only when necessary—about twice a week, based on what you’ve told me. And keep up with the range of motion exercises to prevent muscle atrophy.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
One of the residents, a red-haired young man with a freckled face, explained in a monotone voice,
“Muscle atrophy occurs when muscles aren’t used, causing them to waste and potentially degenerate. In your case, overstraining the muscles during recovery can lead to micro-tears in the fibers, resulting in inflammation and damage.”
I nodded, swallowing the guilt that came with the knowledge that I’d been pushing my limits more than I should have. “Okay, I get it. So, no more crutches?”
“You can resume using your cane. No need for crutches anymore, but be careful not to put too much weight on the leg.”
I sighed in relief. “Better.”
“That’s all for now. Just make sure to report for your next appointment so we can keep track of your recovery,” Dr. Chopra added with a smile.
“Will do. Thanks, Doc.”
Leaving the consultation room, I headed to the lounge to find Lexie. Much to my surprise, I found her deep in conversation with some guy who looked a bit too enamored for my liking.
“Lex, let’s leave,” I called out, my tone firmer than intended.
Lexie barely glanced at me. “Just a few minutes, Kev.”
“Now!” I growled, shooting daggers at the guy, who didn’t even acknowledge me. Infuriating.
Lexie finally stood, turning to the guy with a smile. “I’ll call you later. Don’t mind my brother—he’s not always like this.”
The guy grinned. “I get it. I’ll be waiting for your call, Lexie. Bye.”
“Bye, Justin,” she said, waving as she joined me. I fumed silently as we walked away.
“There’s nothing to get worked up about, Kev. He’s just a guy from school. We happened to meet here, so we got talking while he waited to see the doctors,” Lexie explained, clearly amused by my overprotective nature.
“Oh… I didn’t know,” I replied coolly. Trying to smooth things over, I added,
“Want some ice cream?”
“Is this your way of apologizing for being extra earlier?” she teased as we got into the car.
“Just take the offer while it lasts. Five, four, three…”
“Velvet vanilla ice cream with strawberry toppings would be great,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Thought as much.” I chuckled, then called to Jackson, “Take us to a nice creamery, somewhere downtown. My princess needs a treat.”
“Okay, boss,” Jackson replied, taking a right turn.
After a long silence, Lexie asked, “How did your appointment go? Are you getting better or worse?”
“The session was amazing, and I’ve got great news for you guys when we get home.”
She perked up. “Tell me! Is it about your recovery?”
I grinned. “Not until we’re home.”
She groaned, slumping back into her seat. “So why give me a hint if you weren’t going to say anything?”
“It’s more fun that way.”
“I hate you,” she muttered, glaring out the window.
“You’ll love me more when you hear the news.”
We picked up her ice cream, and Jackson drove us straight home. I tried making conversation about Justin, but Lexie wasn’t interested unless I spilled the beans about my news. It was a battle of wills, and I wasn’t backing down.
“That’s not a fair deal.”
“Life isn’t fair,” she shot back.
“Should I get you something else?”
“Bribery is punishable by law, remember?”
I burst out laughing. “Very well, then. Let’s leave it be.”
***
Dinner was in full swing when I finally decided to share the news. Lexie had been pestering me all afternoon, but I’d managed to hold out.
As everyone enjoyed their meal, I tapped my glass with a fork to get their attention. “I have great news.”
“Finally,” Lexie muttered, poking at her peas.
“Go ahead, Kevin. We’re all ears,” Mom said, her eyes filled with anticipation.
“So… drumroll, please,” I teased, drawing out the suspense just to annoy Lexie.
She rolled her eyes, but I could tell she was dying to know.
“Licia and I are officially back together,” I announced, unable to keep the grin off my face.
“As lovers?” Dad asked, a rare smile spreading across his usually stoic face.
“Yes, Dad. She’s my girlfriend.”
“That’s wonderful news. Congratulations, son,” Mom said warmly.
“Thanks, Mom. I’m so happy.”
“How long have you kept this secret from me?” Lexie asked, feigning hurt.
“No need to take it personally—it’s only been three days.”
“Seventy-two hours? Do you know how much can happen in that time? You should’ve told me the moment she agreed!”
“Noted. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Lexie, cut him some slack. He’s allowed to share news whenever he’s ready,” Mom interjected.
Lexie leaned in close and whispered, “They still won’t be able to save you.”
“Mom, Lexie is threatening me!”
I declared, half-serious, half-joking.
“I am innocent,” she insisted, raising her hands in mock surrender.
“We need to celebrate this,” Dad said, just as the butler entered the room.
“I was about to call for you,” Dad said.
“Sorry to interrupt, sir, but there’s a lady here to see Mr. Kevin.”
“A lady? Is it Licia?” Dad asked.
“No, sir.”
“Did she give her name?”
“No, sir. Just that Mr. Kevin would want to see her.”
“Send her in.”
As the butler left to retrieve the guest, a sense of unease settled over me. When she finally walked in, I felt my heart stop.
“Chloe?”
“You know her?” Mom asked, her voice tinged with concern.
I couldn’t answer. I was too stunned to speak. My eyes were locked on the little boy in her arms—he was the spitting image of me at that age.
Please, let this not be what I think it is…
Before I could gather my thoughts, Chloe dropped a bombshell that shattered my world. “Hello, family. I’m Chloe Fletcher—mother to Kevin’s son.”