Hey! I resent that. I’ve got skills.
Caleb
…
Noah
I don’t know whether to be scared or impressed.
Theo
Impressed, always impressed. I could show you a thing or two *winky faceemoji*
Noah
I think I just threw up in my mouth.
Caleb
I’m out.
Theo
Not what you were saying the other night, Professor.
Caleb
Please don’t ever say that to me again. *shivers*
The opening of a door rouses me, and I glance up to see Theo walking in with a coffee in his hand. “How is she?” he asks quietly, jerking his head toward Raven.
I haven’t left her side since she was brought in. Drew’s been in and out, but he’s, understandably, struggling to deal with the fact that his wife’s a psycho.
I take the coffee and lean back in my chair, running a hand down my face. “No change. Docs say she’ll wake when she’s ready. She was badly dehydrated and her body needs time to heal,” I rasp out. Explaining her injuries leaves a bad taste in my mouth, so I take a sip of coffee before continuing. “Badly bruised hip and elbow, concussion, and lacerations on her wrists where she was cuffed.”
“It could have been a lot worse, J,” he tries to soothe. “She’s alive and she’s going to physically recover. You know I’ll help in any way that I can. Lord knows I’ve got enough of my own trauma,” he chuckles lightly.
I chuckle with him, but it feels hollow. I peer at Raven lying in the bed—she looks so small, so fragile. My stomach revolts at the fact that the only woman I’ve ever given a shit about, the only woman I’ve everloved, is lying in a hospital bed covered in bruises. Tears fill my eyes, and one drops down my face, but I hold the sob that wants to break free.
I’m not embarrassed for Theo to see me like this; hell, he’s seen me in worse states before. I just don’t want Raven to wake up and see it. She deserves my strength right now.
Theo reaches across the bed and grabs my arm, an understanding look on his face. “When did you last shower? Change clothes?” he asks.
I shrug my shoulders. “Don’t know, don’t care.”
“I brought you some stuff, shower’s just through that door. Clean up, change. Please. You stink.” Theo wrinkles his nose in disgust at me, and my lips quirk slightly.
I grab the bag from him and quickly shower, washing away the tears I was desperate to hide in front of Raven. I don’t bother shaving, not wanting to be away from her for any longer than is necessary. Knowing my luck, she’ll wake up while I’m not there.
Five minutes later, I’m clean and wearing fresh clothes. My eyes look a bit puffy, but at least I don’t smell now. Thankfully, Theo grabbed sweats and a T-shirt rather than a suit—there are times when I question his decisions, and this would’ve been one of those.
I reclaim the incredibly uncomfortable hospital chair next to Raven’s bed and hold her hand, stroking my thumb back and forth, more to soothe myself that she’s here, and that she’s alive more than anything.
Raven can get fucked if she thinks I’m ever letting her out of my sight after this, even for just a second. I can’t have this happen again. Iwon’tgo through this again… I wouldn’t survive it.
My girl is pure light. She’s everything good in this world.
Theo takes the seat on the other side of her bed, watching me. “You keep denying it, but I can see it… You love her, don’t you?”
