Page 13 of Smoke
“Be nice to him!” I scolded. I couldn't take Dawson getting in trouble tonight too.
“Please be nice to him,” the police officer agreed, looking up from his clipboard. “I have enough paperwork as it is.”
“Is she going to jail?” I asked, referring to my mom. I’d been too scared to ask at first, but the more my mind cleared, I realized how much better it would be for everyone if she was there.
“She is, for a long while,” he answered. “Not only did she attack you, she destroyed private property, was under the influence, and assaulted an officer. You’re safe now, honey.”
I nodded.
“She’s not ever going to bother you again, baby,” Dawson promised. He met my eye and his gaze was so intense, I felt chillbumps. Between the way he was looking at me and the power of his words, I knew he was one hundred percent confident in his ability to keep his promise and I believed him when he sworeI’d be safe.
***
“It’s really loud,” I said into the microphone Dr. Elliot had given me. I had been placed in a tube-like machine and I hated it. It was small and loud and I’d had to take off my clothes to go inside. I was nakey, cold, and ouchie. Okay, I wasn’t reallynaked. I had on a thin hospital gown, but I still felt very bothered by the whole situation.
“I know, Little one, but we’re almost done and you’re being so brave,” Dawson told me through the speaker.
“I’m not a Little,” I argued for some unknown reason, maybe just to have something to say. Chuckles echoed through the speakers and I knew they weren’t just Dawson’s.
“Okay, baby. Are you holding onto Larry super tight? The noise might scare him.”
“Yes, I have him. He’s not scared. He’s a brave koala.” My heart hammered in my chest. I wasnota brave koala.
A loud beeping sound startled me and the machine started to move me backward.
“All done, baby. You were so brave,” Dawson said into the speaker.
Dr. Elliot and another doctor helped me sit up and then helped me move into a wheelchair. Dr. Elliot covered my bare legs with a sheet, but not before I saw the bruises on them. Mom didn’t even hit my legs and they were bruised, probably from falling forward. I wondered how bad my face looked.
Dawson met me outside the MRI room and knelt in front of me. “You did it, I’m so proud of you. I know that was scary.”
Smiling at him, I took his hand as Dr. Elliot wheeled me back to my room. I didn’t feel brave, but I allowed his praise to wrap around me like a hug from a friend I hadn’t seen in a while.
***
Big sobs shook my sore body, only serving to make me cry more.
“Shhh, you’re going to hurt yourself, baby,” Dawson soothed, rubbing my back.
“I wanna go hom… to your house,” I cried, clearly not taking the news of being admitted for observation very well. I didn’t want to stay overnight at the hospital.
“Let the rail down,” Dawson ordered.
“You need to say p-please,” I sobbed.
“Please let the fucking rail down, Elliot.”
Elliot did as he asked and Dawson’s warmth surrounded me as he picked me up from the bed. One of his large arms scooped up my legs while the other supported my back. He took a few steps backward and settled into a big chair before adjusting me in his lap. I was too tired to protest. It felt like we’d been at the hospital for hours. I just wanted to go home, cuddle my babydoll, and suck my thumb in peace.
“I know you didn’t want to stay here, baby, but it’s what’s best for you right now. Just one night and we can go backhome,” he said, emphasizing the word home, letting me know it was mine too.
“I w-want to g-g home!” I cried.
Elliot gave me more medication though my IV and before I could even ask what it was, I felt much calmer.
“That’s just a little bit more medicine to help you relax, honey,” he explained.
My body shook with big sobs and I felt guilty for being so emotional. Dawson didn’t sign up for this when he’d asked me to come live with him but before I could even get myself together and apologize, Dawson started to hum. His chest vibrated with each note and slowly I started to relax against him.
