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“It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
I try to sound like it’s no big deal, but what I really want to do is go home and sleep for as long as I need to. That’s the worst thing about hospitals; you never truly rest.
“The moment you want to get out of it, you just let me know. I have no problems tossing people out.”
I giggle. I can just picture him tossing people out on their asses.
We pull up beside Caleb’s SUV and Chris gets out and comes around to help us. I’ve not really spoken with Chris much; he seems like a nice guy though. Not like Caleb and Clay, they just say what they think.
“Ready to escape?” asks Chris.
I nod and sigh in relief. “More than ready, Chris.”
Caleb takes the flowers from me and Clay helps me to stand. It’s a group effort.
“We’ll have you fighting fit in no time,” says Chris.
“Huh?” I concentrate on getting into the car, but I can’t help but wonder what he means.
“You haven’t told her?” Chris punches Clay’s shoulder when I’m fully seated in the vehicle.
“Ow, that hurt.”
“I’ll match the other side if you don’t tell me what Chris means.” I hold up my fist, ready to punch Clay’s other arm, when he holds his hands up.
“One of the only reasons I got you out of the hospital was by giving the doctor a plan of action. He needed to see that your treatment would continue. Chris here, being the buff personal trainer, has drawn up some exercise regimes, physical training, and counselling sessions.”
“Hold on.” I clench my fist again. “I agree to the physical training. I’d want to do that anyway. However, I call a halt on the counselling. I don’t need anyone to talk to. I can talk to you.”
Clay holds his hands up like a helpless child. “Do you want to go back inside? I’m only following the rules, babe.”
“I’ll take care of you, Shay,” says Chris.
“I don’t doubt that you will, Chris. I don’t have an issue with you. Counselling, I do.” I growl like a rabid dog. “Just close the door, Clay.” I fold my arms over my chest.
The quicker I can get back on my feet, the quicker I will show everyone who the boss of me is… me.
***
We pull up outside Clay’s house and I look out around us. It’s huge. Bigger than I expected.
Before I can overthink things, my door is opened, and Caleb is standing with my walking aids.
“I’ll get the chair,” says Chris.
“I’ll walk.” I get out of the car easily enough.
No one questions me, they just jump to it. Chris loads up the chair with my bags and flowers. I can see he’s going to be good to work with.
Clay walks alongside me at my pace, and Caleb heads off in front to open doors. It seems so quiet here. No one would think that right here is the heart of Chicago city. It’s like a totally different world.
I struggle with the couple of steps up to Clay’s house, but I don’t let it deter me. I push through the struggle. I’m ready to see my family, Clay’s family, and whoever else is behind those doors.
“Welcome home, sis.” Carrick walks toward me and holds me in his arms carefully.
“Thank you.”
“It’s so good to see you out of that hospital, sweetheart.” My mom and dad hug me.
