"Slow… down…" I managed before I needed to take another drink.
"Sorry, I'll be patient."
"Jude?" I asked, hope in my voice.
"I'm so sorry, Loren. I tried to keep him out of the group home, but the state didn't want to wait with your placement being new and the paperwork still being processed. What can I do to help?"
"'Is he… okay?"
"Oh, yes, sweetie. He's fine. A few bruises and scrapes, but you were the real hero, it sounds like. You kept anything major from hitting him. He was so brave by your side and refused to leave when CPS showed up. I had to persuade him it would be best for now."
"Mon… roe?"
"I haven't seen him around the center, but do you want me to give him a call?"
"Yes, please. Tell him, hospital."
"Of course, Loren. Hand me back to the nurse, and I'll get the rest of the info. I'm just so glad you're okay. We'll send cards from the kids and flowers now that we know where you are. We've been so worried, so it's good to hear your voice."
"Thank you."
Handing the phone back, I watched as the nurse told Mitzi the room number and visiting hours. Smiling, I fell back to sleep, feeling relieved and hopeful for once.
* * *
I awokea few hours later to shouting, and it took me a minute to register what was going on as the voices grew louder and louder.
"Who the hell are you? Get your hands off my wife!"
"No, I don't think I will since I was asked to be here by Loren. I also know she's your ex-wife, and I doubt she wants you here."
When I realized it was Monroe, my heart leaped, and I fought to open my eyes to find him. Focusing on the sounds in the room, I found him at the foot of my bed, refusing to budge as Brian attempted to intimidate him. It took me a minute to work out my hand was being held by someone who wasn't Monroe since he wasn't anywhere near me. Twisting my head slowly, my eyes zeroed in on dark pools of whiskey full of demons. Wells regarded me carefully, assessing my face almost to gauge how I would react to his presence.
"You seem disappointed?" I wheezed. Wells' smile lifted at the words. I think he needed to hear my snark to know I was okay, or perhaps he expected me to yell at him.
"Nah, kitten. I was just wondering if they removed that big stick you had up your ass." He smirked.
"Me? You're the one with the stick, asshole. Why do I like you again? You're a pain in my ass. Wait, that's right. I don't like you."
"Nope, you said you did, so you can't take it back now."
Wells smiled, and it changed his face so much, I no longer had the heart to fight with him over it. It would be a tragedy to make him lose his smile.
"Lo! You're awake. How are you feeling?"
Monroe rushed over to my side, compassion and worry warring on his face. Brian stood rooted at the end of the bed, but I hoped if I ignored him, he would disappear again. It seemed to have worked the last time at least, so it was worth a try.
"Hey." I smiled. It was nice to wake up this time and see people I wanted instead of the ones who made my life hell.
"Loren! They need to leave right now! I'm not going to stand for this. Your slut ways are over. You'll be moving back with me. I've had enough of this."
A growl resonated next to me as Wells stood and walked over to Brian. I could see his fighting persona, Crash, peeking through now. He looked menacing and scary as he approached. Brian backed up at his movements, swallowing as he took in the hulking man in front of him.
"Actually, Brian, you can leave. We're divorced, and I plan to stay that way. I'd say thanks for coming, but since I didn't ask you to and was asleep, I don't feel you're owed one. So, bye."
Brian looked shocked at my command, appalled at my words, and I realized he'd never seen this side of me before. I'd always been the meek wife who adored her husband and would do anything he said. I've never spoken back to him before, always agreeing with him. His face started to turn purple with rage, and Wells moved closer. Each step he took, Brian took one back, and Wells managed to push him to the door. I tried not to laugh as he stumbled and almost fell over. Not liking his odds, Brian finally got the picture and stalked out in a huff.
"Thank God. I woke up with him here and thought I'd dreamt the past two years and was still married to the asshole."