“Lily said she forced him to go home and change,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. Maybe what Aaron and I had really was special. Maybe it would last.
“Can you tell me what all is going on?” I asked, searching my mom for answers. “I know doctors have been in and out making notes and doing a mess of things, but I can’t remember everything I heard.”
“Your body’s been through a lot,” my mom said, pulling up a chair. “If you hadn’t been wearing a helmet…”
“What your mom’s trying to say is that you’ve been through a lot, but the prospect is looking really good. You’re looking really good.”
“I appreciate the vagueness, but I’d really prefer particulars. I’m not guaranteeing I’ll remember them anyway. I’m guessing I broke my leg.”
”Yeah, that you did. And your pelvis.” My mom sighed and shook her head. “Your body was thrown off the bike resulting in a head injury that produced extensive brain swelling. You also had internal bleeding that wasn’t easy to track down. You had a puncture wound in your back that was very difficult to treat. It’s healing now…”
My mom looked over at my dad as tears filled his eyes. “They had to relieve the swelling of the brain so….”
A horrified gasp escaped my lips as I tried to formulate everything that they were telling me.
“The bandage?” I raised my hand to my head. “That’s why it’s…”
“You were kept in an induced coma until enough swelling had gone down in your brain,” my father replied.
I’d had enough for the moment. I didn’t want to hear anything else. I slowly craned my neck to see through the opened curtains. The gray sky reminded me it was fall.
“My school?” I asked, swallowing hard. Law school was never known for being kind to individuals. In fact, anything that could help weed out the weak in their mind was doing them a favor. I was sure this qualified. “Have I missed much?”
My lids were getting tired, and my eyes were going out of focus even more than before as I thought about the heaviness of everything.
“We’ll let Aaron tell you about that,” my mom smiled. “You look like you need some rest. We’re going to go down to the coffee shop. We’ll be back.”
I smiled and slowly nodded, my eyes closing, just as I saw an image come into my room. But it was too late. Sleep found me first.
Chapter Twenty-Four
I awoke suddenly, feeling like the room was spinning, and I was about to lose it. My pulse was off the charts as I tried to calm my breathing. My head no longer pounded, but I was completely disoriented as I looked around the space trying to place exactly where I was. I looked down, recognizing the familiar tubes and hospital blanket and immediately began to calm.
I was safe.
It was dark outside and the lights had been dimmed, and from what I could see, the room was empty. I slowly reached my hand up and felt the gauze still wrapped around my head and let out a deep sigh.
“Baby, you’re up,” Aaron’s voice was soft, tender as he quickly rose from the seat he’d called home since I’d been admitted. “You’re drenched.”
He gently touched my arm, his fingertips running down the length of it. His touch felt nice, and I was relieved that no pain followed.
“I think I had a bad dream.”
“Let me get you a cool washcloth,” he replied.
I watched him wander off to the restroom and heard the water running for a few seconds before he returned with a bright white washcloth. He began patting it along my forehead and down my cheeks to my neck.
“Does that feel better?” he asked.
“It feels nice,” I whispered, looking at this shell of a man. He was still the most attractive man I’d ever laid my eyes upon, but this accident had definitely taken its toll. He had circles under his eyes, and it looked as if he’d lost a few pounds.
“I thought I lost you, baby,” he whispered, tracing the pad of his finger along my jawline. “I didn’t know what I was going to do…”
The desperation in his voice sent chills through me.
“I’ll never let another minute pass by without telling you how I really feel. I love you, Brandy. I’ve loved you since the moment you told me to grow a pair.”
I started giggling and looked up into his eyes. “I love you too.”
“I have never been so scared in my life,” he said. “And I’ve seen some shit.”
I smiled and nodded slowly. “I kept telling you I’d be fine. Do you remember?”
His brows pulled together. “When?”
“After I fell off the bike, I told you I loved you and that I could see you even though you kept telling me to open my eyes. I told that to everyone who was there, but you all ignored me. I remember getting so frustrated because everyone acted as if I wasn’t aware and talking.”
Aaron moved the washcloth along my collarbone. “Honey, you were struck unconscious instantly. You weren’t awake.”
“I heard you tell me you loved me. I heard you asking me to hold on. I saw everything that was going on. There was a medic dressed in a white button-down and blue pants who initially treated me, and then there was a really scary-looking female tending to me.”
Aaron pressed his lips together for a moment and nodded. “That’s all true. I should have given you more credit. It makes me feel better knowing you heard me talking to you. And you’re right about the female. She was quite something.”
“I’m still surprised you stuck around,” I whispered, barely teasing as I looked up at him.
His eyes focused on mine as a smile spread across his lips. “What faith you have in me.”
“I’m just familiar with your track record,” I muttered, reaching up to grab his hand. “I’m a realist.”
I attempted to squeeze his hand, but my fingers felt so weak in his that I let him hold my hand instead.
“You had me so worried,” he repeated, leaning over me. “But it’s nice to have your feistiness return with a vengeance.”
Even in my sorry state, I couldn’t help but feel the charge from him. How I had resisted him for so long I’d never understand because right now all I could think about was being in his arms.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I tried to brake, but—”
“Don’t apologize,” he scolded me, his eyes tender as he took me in. “I never should have let you ride in front…”
“Since when have I ever asked for permission?”
“True,” he acknowledged, spotting something out in the hall. “Looks like you’ve advanced to solid foods.”
“Great. I can’t even imagine how horrible the food is going to be.” I glanced at the male aide who was bringing in a brown tray with a covered plate and chocolate milk. I tried not to laugh as he placed it on the adjustable table.
“Good evening,” the aide said. “The menu for breakfast and lunch is under the plate. You can fill those out to order. Tonight’s meal was chosen for you since it’s your first one.”
“Yay me. What delicious meal do I get to look forward to?” I laughed.
The aide smiled and turned around, leaving the room. “I’ll let you be the lucky one to find out.”
Aaron lifted the metal lid off the plate and tried to hide his grimace. “Looks good. It looks to be a fish of some sort… with a sauce,” he said, smiling and grabbing a fork. He pushed the prongs into the meat, and scooped up a pale glop and took a bite. “Okay, maybe not fish but chicken. Definitely chicken. And it’s not bad.”
“That’s just what all you visitors say to make us poor souls feel better,” I joked.
He grabbed the milk and quickly guzzled it down. “I’m sorry. I can’t do that to you. I’ll go check with the nurses to see if they have a sandwich you can have instead. They usually keep a stash in the fridge.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Worse, actually.” He half smiled and headed for the nurse’s station.
I watched him walk up to the counter, waving
and smiling at the three women who were stationed there. He had the same effect on them that he had on just about all women. There was no doubt. He would get the sandwich, and I was quite relieved not to have to eat the slop on the plate in front of me.
He returned victorious, sandwich in hand. He slowly unwrapped it and placed it on a napkin and slid the table toward me.
“I need to tell you something,” Aaron said.
“Uh-oh.”
“I’m taking it no one has talked to you about what caused the accident?”
I shook my head.
“Your brake fluid had been drained.”
“Derek err I mean Jeff?” My stomach rolled with nausea. “How could that be? He was in custody.”
“He did it before they picked him up.”
“When he was at my condo,” I mumbled.
“Yeah. He confessed.”
“Why would he do that? Confess, I mean.”
“I don’t know. I’m guessing a plea bargain. Your mom knows the details. Instead of attempted murder, attempted manslaughter, maybe?”
I nodded completely disinterested in the sandwich sitting in front of me.
“I can’t believe it, but I do. When I tried using the brakes absolutely nothing happened and then when the deer jumped out…” I shivered as the memories flashed through my mind.
“I didn’t want to upset you, but I knew you’d want to know.”
“You know me well.”
“They also found more code. The finale of sorts.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you know how he recreated the images of him lurking in your apartment?”
I nodded.
“The rest of the game was a chase,” Aaron’s eyes filled with anger.
A surge of fear pulsed through my veins.
“And you were the target.”
“So I guess I should be thankful that this is all that happened to me?”
“He’s a sick son-of-a-bitch.”
“I’m just glad they have him in custody. I don’t know what I’d do if he was still on the loose.”
“I don’t either.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the air between us as I thought about everything. I took a bite of the sandwich and Aaron was right. It wasn’t that bad.
“I’ve arranged for you to come back to my home once you’re released,” he began.
“What?”
“I’ve got the best physical therapists lined up and two nurses who’ll help you with anything that’s needed. Your parents aren’t very happy about it. But I’m telling you right now, Brandy, I’m not having it any other way. They can’t take care of you like I can. They work during the day. This is the best option and it’s all squared away. I had a special bed delivered for the guestroom that’s on the main floor so stairs won’t be a problem and—”
“I can’t accept that.” I shook my head. I was torn between being horrified and being flattered. My parents were proud people, and I can’t imagine them taking a liking to anyone offering help. I let out a deep breath and closed my eyes.
“It’s not up for negotiation. It’s the best thing for your recovery.”
“Well, then, I guess a thank you is in order,” I said, smiling. “Has anyone heard how much longer I might be here? When I get to go home?”
“I’ve been talking with the doctors and because of the facilities I have arranged for you, I think we’re looking at really soon.” His eyes sparkled. “You know, I wanted to ask you to move in, but this wasn’t exactly what I was thinking.”
I started laughing and noticed my appetite crept back up.
“Everything you’re doing for me means so much. You don’t have to do this. You’re not responsible.”
“It has nothing to do with that. I’m doing this because I love you and I want the best for you. You mean everything to me.”
“For you to say that when I look the way I do…”
“You look gorgeous.”
“You’re not as hot of a liar as you think you are. Gabby showed me a picture of myself earlier today.”
“What’d she do that for?” he asked, his voice angry.
“Don’t be mad at her. I begged her and you know how I can be.”
Aaron calmed down and laughed. “True. You actually look a lot better than when you were first in here.”
“You don’t have to be that honest.”
He leaned over and gently kissed my cheek. “I’ll get it right one of these days.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Voices arguing woke me up, and I slowly raised my head and opened my eyes to see my brothers and mom on one side of my bed and Aaron on the other.
“She’s not going to your house,” Mason said. “She’s going to mine.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Mason. I’m her mother. She’s staying with me,” my mother said, her eyes flashed to Aaron’s. “But she’s definitely not staying with you. You’re the one who got her into this mess. It’s your fault she’s in here.”
I glanced at Aaron, his jaw tightened. I could tell he was holding everything in.
“Excuse me,” I said, clearing my throat. “This isn’t exactly how I dreamed of waking up.”
“I’m sorry, dear,” my mom said, grabbing my hand. “We’ve got good news for you.”
“What?”
“You get to go home today,” Ayden piped up.
“That hinges on where she’ll be recovering,” Aaron said, his voice steady and determined.
“Listen, man. You got her into this whole mess. She never would have touched a bike if it hadn’t been for you. Just because you’re feeling guilty doesn’t mean you should swoop in like a hero now.”
“Hold up,” I said, raising my free hand. “Don’t I have a say in this?”
My mom nodded at me and said, “Of course.”
She wasn’t going to like what I had to say.
Oh well!
“I want to stay at Aaron’s,” I began. My brothers began to shift uncomfortably, and their gazes dropped to the mattress. It was moments like these where it was quite apparent just how deep the twin thread ran. “You both work nonstop, and mom, you’re probably worse than both of them combined. Get your emotions out of the mix and really think about it. Do you have the time and resources to make sure I can wheel myself into the restroom or get taken to therapy appointments?”
None of them said anything.
“I didn’t think so.” I reached for Aaron’s hand. “And blaming anyone for this accident besides the person who drained my brake fluid is absolutely asinine. If it wasn’t the bike the guy tampered with, I’m sure it would have been my car or who knows what. If it hadn’t been for Aaron, I probably wouldn’t be alive. I decided to ride bikes because I wanted to. End of story. And if I ever hear anything like this coming out of any of your mouths again, I won’t be speaking to you. Ever.”
My mom’s eyes filled with tears and she glanced at Aaron. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s come over me. You didn’t deserve that. We know it’s not your fault and I’m just awful for suggesting it.”
“We’ve all been under stress. Forget about it,” Aaron said. “If you guys would like to see the arrangements I have at the house for Brandy before she goes home, you’re more than welcome. She’ll be on the main floor. The physical therapists will be coming to the house, and I have two nurses who will help with anything else that may arise during her recovery.”
My dad wandered in with a cup of coffee and smiled. “Ready to come home?”
We all started laughing, and my dad just looked around the room, completely confused.
“Here we go again,” Mason whispered.
“Dad, I’m actually going to begin my recovery at Aaron’s house.”
“Over my—”
“Don’t bother,” I interrupted. “It’s already been decided.”
He let out a sigh and shook his head. “Story of my life.”
“So can someone tell me about law scho
ol? Is there a way I can catch up for the semester?”
Aaron traded looks with my mother and drew in a breath.
“You won’t be going back this semester,” Aaron said softly.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. I have waited my entire life. I can guarantee you that I can get caught up.”
“I know, babe. I tried to explain that to them, but they wouldn’t reconsider.”
Blood was rushing to my head. I was furious. As hard as I’d worked all through undergrad and then studying for the LSATs and finally getting admitted into law school, this was how I was going to be rewarded?
Aaron let out a deep breath. “I was able to get them to defer your enrollment until next semester. They wanted to drop you from the roll all together.” He shifted uncomfortably as my brothers stared at him. “I had to remind them who helped fund the new law library that opened last year and then they were more willing to listen.”
Typical of schools.
“So they’re letting me back in?” I asked, my voice hoarse.
He nodded and my eyes filled with tears.
“Thank you, Aaron.”
“We’ll leave you two alone,” my mom said, rounding up the males in my family.
I watched my family walk out of the hospital room and looked back at Aaron. “You’ve done so much for me. I don’t understand—”
“I love you, Brandy. I haven’t done anything that you wouldn’t have done.” He leaned over and gave me a soft, tender kiss.
“Honestly, I think this actually works better. You can focus on rehab and by the time the next semester rolls around you’ll be better than new.”
I laughed and glanced at the clock. It was ten minutes to nine o’clock.
“So when do I get some crutches to hobble out of here?”
His eyes focused on mine as he squeezed my hand. “They’ll be wheeling you out at around noon.”
“Wheeling me out?” My eyes widened.
Aaron nodded and slowly pulled down my blanket to reveal a brace encircling my waist…as if I needed reminding what was going on down there.
“How am I supposed to fit in a wheelchair like this?” I asked.
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