“Yes. The article says the three bodies were found in different spots, and one was brutally tortured.”
He shrugs and leans in to kiss my forehead. When he sits back, he comments,“Sounds like he got what he deserved.”
“But why all three of them, I wonder.”
“They must’ve been involved in something bad. Sounds like you dodged a bullet by not dancing for them.”
My shoulders drop, and dare I say it, but is it relief I feel? I’d always felt so cheated before, out of my chance at a prominent future with them, but what if Powerhouse is right and they were terrible people doing horrible things? If I’d never gotten hurt, who knows what would’ve happened? My body could be with theirs right now, tortured and dead as well.
A shudder crawls through me at the very thought. His thought process makes a lot of sense, I reason, which in turn puts my mind more at ease. He always knows what to say to make me feel better.
“I think you’re right, corazón mío.” I end up agreeing, wanting to be sad for the dead, but for some reason, I only feel a sense of closure.
Peace.
“Are you okay?” My tender giant asks after watching me struggle with my emotions, re-reading the news multiple times. He takes both of my hands, wrapping them in his. He’s always there to offer me comfort or strength, whatever I may need. How did I get so lucky to meet the big softy and for him to love me so fearlessly?
“I am,” I respond confidently, knowing I’m better than I have been in a very long time, and it’s thanks to his love. It’s helped heal me and feel safe in my skin again. “I love you.”
“I love you too, my sweet little paprika.”
“Raven?” We’re interrupted by a middle-aged nurse with mousy brown hair, light eyes, and a kind smile wearing teal scrubs, calling my name.
I must’ve read her lips wrong when I glanced up. I can’t be right, because Powerhouse checked in at the front, not me. It’s not like he has my information readily available to give them, nor would they see me without me having to pay for the visit, because I don’t have any sort of insurance to cover it. Regardless, he stands, holding his hand out for me to take, and confusing me further.
Maybe he gave them both of our names to call, and I only saw mine? Who knows, but it’s obviously his turn. I roll with it and stand.
I place my hand in his again, glancing up at him in confusion once more as the nurse tells me they’re ready for me.Me, not him.
He offers a small smile, but nothing more, as we’re greeted by another nurse on the way and led to a room down a short hall. “Please have a seat. Doctor Hawkins will be right with you.” The nurse says and closes the door behind her.
We sit, and I turn to him, “What is this about? Why did she call my name and act like this visit is for me and not you?”
“Do you trust me?” His expression is full of so many emotions, fear, hope, excitement, but also hesitation. I stare into his eyes, wondering what on earth could have my man feeling so much in this moment? “Please say you do, my sugar dumpling.”
“Of course, I trust you.”
He nods, “That’s good, real good. Please know that I did this because I thought it would make you happy, and for no other reason. If it doesn’t, we’ll leave and never mention it again, okay?”
I match his nod with my own. He squeezes my hand before bringing it to his mouth and kissing each knuckle. My anxiety racks up a notch as now I know for sure I didn’t misread the nurse's lips, and we really are here for me. But for what? With Powerhouse, there’s no telling what he’s up to. He loves my boobs, but does he want me to get them bigger or something? No, I don’t think so, we’re not at a plastic surgeon’s office, we’re at a regular old doctor’s office. Could this be because I tell him randomly that my ankle and wrist aches? I hope he’s not wasting the time and money, I already know there’s nothing more for me to do with them, just ice and practice my physical therapy moves to strengthen the areas.
The door opens, and I keep my eyes pinned on the doctor’s face, hoping to see enough of his words as he enters so I’m not completely lost on this appointment. His mouth doesn’t move except for a smile and nod in our direction. He grabs his chair from behind his desk, pulling it around until he’s directly in front of us, and then he sits down.
“Good afternoon, Raven. Thank you for coming in. I received your files from Setom hospital, and their doctors were correct, your hearing loss is operable. The images and everything are out of date, so I’d want to order another set, just to be certain, before I refer you to our surgeon, Doctor Pembrim. She’s won various awards for her research and skills on restoring hearing, so you’ll be in the best hands.”
Tears fill my vision. Powerhouse made my appointment? But how did they get my information and stuff from the hospital? I want this so badly, but it breaks my heart knowing I’ll never be able to afford it. I’m touched and heartbroken all at once at the possibilities. He has no idea how much it means to me that he’s been so thoughtful.
Turning to my boyfriend, I attempt not to let any tears spill as I sign,“How?”
“We have a friend at the hospital. Also, several of us have seen Doctor Hawkins here; he’s had to patch us up a time or two.” He smirks at the doctor, obviously, the club has a past with the doctor that he won’t go into detail about. I know the injuries would’ve had to be pretty bad for them to cave and see an actual doctor for help versus figuring it out on their own.
“But I can’t afford this surgery, I told you this. Is there a payment plan or something?”
Doctor Hawkins gets my attention, his hands moving rapidly, telling me he must work with a lot of patients who use ASL. It’s a relief, because I’ve seen too many doctors in the past who relied heavily on my lip-reading ability or on nurses to communicate with me. It’s nice to feel seen for once and like I’m just as important as everyone else, to be able to communicate properly with.“The surgeries for both ears have already been paid for. You’re here to run the pre-testing and for us to double-check everything, so we can schedule your procedure. You owe nothing and will owe nothing when it’s finished.”
I break down.
Tears flow over my cheeks as my heart beats a crazy tempo in my chest. Excitement, love, warmth…Every emotion goes through me with the news because, in the end, I know who did this for me. Powerhouse.
