“Dec, I love you.”
“Shit, Sparkle, I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.”
*****
I’m finally released on Wednesday morning. My cast was put on yesterday and the swelling is almost gone. I spoke to the cops and my doctor was present to help fill in the gaps from my medical chart. The police have determined that Christie was working alone and is infatuated with Declan. They charged her with kidnapping and felony assault but may add additional charges later.
Declan never left my side; his sisters brought him the things he needed. I know my nurses were fond of him because they flirted with him tirelessly. My room was covered in balloons and flowers and it took my family two trips to get them all to the car before I was wheeled out.
My parents followed us to my house and helped unload everything. My mom makes a fuss about getting me into bed. Dad talked to the school and I don’t have to go back until Monday. All my work will be sent to me via email. After a huge homecoming, everyone left and Declan and I watched a movie before I fell asleep. He has been quiet since Sunday, and I know he’s still processing everything I told the police and Christie’s obsession with him.
David came over and spent Thursday night with me since I couldn’t go to The Steamroom. He made dinner for us and I was surprised that Jimi and Abbi joined us instead of going out. Jimi had been by the hospita
l twice but got upset when he saw me. So I was glad for the chance to hang out with him tonight. We watched Thursday night comedies until I fell asleep on the sofa. Abbi helped Jimi carry me to bed.
I woke when Declan came in and took a shower. I didn’t fall back asleep until he pulled me into him gently and kissed my neck. He was careful of my ribs. I laced our fingers together and we didn’t move for the rest of the night.
It’s Friday night and I’m restless. I can’t exercise for two more weeks and I’m going stir-crazy being inside. I’ve spent hours on the phone with my girlfriends assuring them I was okay and promising a kick-ass slumber party next time they are in town. Declan’s at a meeting with Jay and the other guys so I log onto the Sayge Facebook page and see what’s been happening. My stomach drops. There are over two hundred friend requests in the queue and a thousand likes. There are hundreds of messages for me, people wishing me well and telling Declan directly to hang in there. Someone mentions setting up a fund for my recovery, but I write a post explaining that it’s not necessary. By the time I accept all the friend requests and update the show dates, Declan is already home.
“Hey, babe, you hungry?”
“Ravished. Can we go out to eat? I’m sick of being at home.” He looks at me for a minute, but shakes his head yes.
“And another thing, can we stay at your place tonight?”
“Why?”
“Because I’m sick of everyone tip-toeing around me here and I want to be at your house.”
“Okay, if that’s what you want. We’ll stay there.” He says hesitantly.
“Is there something wrong, Dec? Don’t you want to stay at your house?”
His expression changes and he smiles at me. “Yes, babe, I want you to be where you’re most comfortable. I thought you might like it here better.”
I walk over and lean in close to his ear, “Well if we’re at your house, we don’t have to be quiet.”
“Shit, Sparkle, we can’t have sex for another week.”
“What? How do you know that?”
“I asked the doctor on Tuesday.”
Was he serious? “I’m feeling much better; I’m not going to break!”
“You were in the hospital just two days ago. Prior to that you were held captive for four days. I think you’re underestimating the extent of the situation. If the doctor says no sex until next Tuesday, then that’s it.”
“When you put it like that, I have to agree. But can we still stay at your house? I need a change of scenery.”
“Sure, where do you want to eat?”
“I think I want a cheeseburger.”
“Anything for my girl, come on.” He grabs my things and takes me out to dinner. He doesn’t let go of my hand the whole evening.
When we get back home and crawl into bed, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. “Declan, are we okay?”
He stays silent a little too long, but sighs and says, “Yeah, baby, we’re okay.”