I rolled my eyes. “Shut up, Kerr.”
“Ah, there it is. There's the brother I know and love.” Kerr looked back at Nina and then at me. “You did well. Let me know if you guys need anything. I can come over and sit with her.”
I nodded. “I might take you up on that. She's on bed rest for a while, and I'm sure she's going to hate it after a few weeks.”
I rubbed at my neck, hoping everything turned out for the better.
Kerr headed down the stairs, and I walked into my room. I crawled under the sheets and pulled Nina closer to me. I held her close, not sure if I would sleep.
Chapter 21 - Nina
“How are you feeling?” Katie asked through the phone as I readjusted myself in bed. I moved the pillows around and sat up a little higher. No matter what I did, I was getting really tired of sitting here all day.
“I feel like I'm going insane,” I snapped back. I quickly realized just how loudly and irritated I'd said it and frowned. I sighed, pressing a finger to my forehead. “I'm sorry…I don't mean to sound rude. I just feel like I've been in bed forever.”
I could hear Katie softly chuckle. “No, I get it. I've had so many moms say the same to me when I advise bed rest. But this really is the best option for you guys. Your body needs time to heal from what happened.”
I knew it was. I was just so tired of constantly being told to relax. I had spent so much time feeling isolated in these walls, having nothing to do and nowhere to go, and I was finally starting to get free. But here I was again.
“I know it is, but I just feel so disconnected from everything right now. I feel like I'm on house arrest. I'm aware it's what's best for the baby. It just sucks.”
“I'm sure it feels like that. How has Frank been? Has he been helping you with things?”
Frank had been nothing but helpful. He had helped me move around and helped me shower. I hadn't realized how bad it was until the next morning when my entire body was sore, and I could hardly move. Frank had cooked dinner and offered me anything I wanted. He was checking on me and making sure I was okay.
But I felt he was distancing himself again. He was there for me, but at the same time, I felt him pulling away. Besides that first night, he wouldn't sleep in the same bed with me. He said he didn't want to take up the room or that he didn't want to accidentally hit me in any way.
“He's been great,” I said because it was true. Frank had been great. He'd been taking care of me.
“Well, good. It's good that you have someone you can lean on during this. This is emotional, and if you need anything, let us know. You know Sam and I will drop anything to be there for you.”
I knew that, and they had been. They had taken turns being here and helping me. Kerr had even spent some time around when Frank had things he had to attend to. I wasn't often alone.
We talked for a few more minutes before I ended the line, saying I needed to pee. I didn't. I just couldn't talk anymore. I needed to move and get out of this bedroom. I threw the sheets up and started down the hallway. I went down the stairs, holding the railing tightly. It had been almost two weeks since I started. I had an appointment to see the healer tomorrow, and I was hoping and praying she would say I could start getting back to my normal life.
I rounded the stairs and headed into the kitchen. I paused when I heard the front door open. I turned and watched as Frank came inside, his eyes going to the stairs and up the hallway. I knew he was looking for me, and I couldn't help but feel my stomach flip.
He walked towards the stairs, so I cleared my throat, and his head snapped towards me. His eyes widened. “Nina! What are you doing out of bed?”
“I needed to move,” I mumble, rounding the island. “And I needed food.”
Frank walked towards me. “You could have called me.”
“You were working,” I said as I opened the cabinet, scanning it for snacks. Frank paused at the island. “I could have come home. Work can wait right now.”
I couldn't help but smirk. He always made work sound like it came first, the pack came first before me, and yet here he was, ready to put all that aside for me. “Frank, I'm not going to call you home every time I need something. I am perfectly able to get up and get food myself.”
I reached for the basket, knowing I couldn't get it. Frank grabbed the basket and pulled it down. I smiled, grabbing a package of crackers. “Besides, you were in a meeting. You've been extremely helpful around here, and I'm thankful for that, but you still have work.”
Frank fell silent and wiped a hand over his face. “Okay, fine. You had your snack. Now, let's get you back to bed.”
I shook my head, taking a seat in one of the chairs. “Frank, I can't go back into that bedroom right now. I'm there all day. I need air and some sunshine.”
Frank frowned. “For a good reason, Nina. You're still not walking normally. I don't want anything to happen to you two.”
I understood his worry, and I got it. But I was so tired of the bedroom. “Can I just sit down in the greenhouse? Just while you cook dinner? Please…. a little sunlight will be good for me.”
Frank's shoulder relaxed slightly. “Yes, I just want you to lie down.”
