by King, C. M
“Making room for you.” He groaned, dragging the covers back.
I stepped backwards in surprise. “I’m not sleeping with you, I might hurt you.” My eyes scanned all the tubes in his arms and the wires. I was not about to pull out any so I could be comfortable, I’d lay on the floor if I have to.
“Get in this bed now before I have to drag you in.”
I could see the fire and determination in his eyes. It was useless to argue. I laughed at his words. He could barely move let alone drag me.
I slipped off my Converse, gingerly climbing into the bed, avoiding all the wires and IV drip in his arm. I lay on my side with Joel’s arm wrapped around me. I kissed him whispering goodnight and told him how much I loved him. He smiled letting out a sigh of contentment. We linked hands falling asleep straight away.
I was relieved the day from hell was finally over.
Chapter 12 – Recovery
The taxi was eerily silent on our journey home to Joel’s house. I shot a concerned glance over at him, but he was too preoccupied staring out the window to notice. His eyes remained fixated on the houses and cars streaming by. His hand nervously tapped his knee, his agitation was clearly evident the nearer we got to his house.
Thankfully, Joel’s dad, John, had gone to stay at his brother’s in Southampton. He’d often go for a month at a time, during which Robert, John’s brother, would help detox him off the alcohol. He never stayed sober long after, always relapsing back to his old ways, the guy simply had no will power.
Robert was the complete opposite of John. His compassionate, caring nature was the one shining beacon in Joel’s young life. He became Joel’s saviour after his mum, Linda, tragically died, taking over the role of caring for a four year old. After becoming redundant, he was forced to move to Southampton for work when Joel was only eight. Joel was heartbroken afterwards, losing the security and support of his uncle to be left alone with the guy that resented him so badly. He was the only one outside of our family that gave a damn about him, who remembered all the important anniversaries. I was grateful he had him in his life for the period before he knew us.
In an attempt to relax him, I took hold of his hand and stroked it softly to soothe the tension away. I knew he was anxious about going home, it didn’t hold many good memories. He’d always had my house to escape to when things got bad, but right now that wasn’t an option.
“Hey, are you okay?” I asked, squeezing his hand. I was hoping he’d let me into his dark train of thought.
He shifted slightly turning to face me. “Yeah, fine.” He smiled reassuringly, but the look of fear in his eyes told me different.
He groaned when the taxi swerved slightly. I looked at him anxiously, worried about his ribs. “Well, maybe not fine,” he murmured and grimaced, clutching his side.
“I think you should go to bed when we get in?” Joel was on strong pain medication, which made him drowsy. I didn’t want him being the hero dealing with the pain. I’d be more than happy if he slept right through it.
“Depends what you mean by bed.” He grinned suggestively, raising his eyebrows. He was trying to detract from the subject with humour, it was what he always did.
My fingers soothingly stroked through his hair. He closed his eyes sinking into my touch. “I don’t think you’re up for any kind of physical activity at the moment, Joel,” I said, shaking my head disapprovingly. I tried my hardest not to smile. I knew he wouldn’t be at all happy with my advice.
His eyes snapped open in horror. “We can try different positions, I’m sure I’ll find one that’s comfortable.” He smiled looking hopeful.
I rolled my eyes. He was in far too much pain to even consider anything like that.
“The only thing you’ll be doing in bed is sleeping.” I patted his cheek lightly, watching as the smile soon slipped off his face.
“Well in that case, I can play Xbox on the sofa,” he huffed, turning back round with a scowl. His sullen response made me chuckle.
“I’ll never understand your fascination with Xbox,” I muttered. Computer games never appealed to me, yet he seemed to spend half his life on his.
“It’s ’cause you’re a girl.”
I stuck out my tongue in retaliation, and he started laughing. “Excuse me if I don’t enjoy shooting people or pretending to be a footballer.”
“It’s more than that.” He shook his head, looking slightly annoyed I didn’t understand.
“Yeah whatever,” I blew out.
He narrowed his eyes, smirking before grabbing my side tickling my ribs. I flinched with shock, trying desperately to escape the torturous fingers locked to my side.
“Joel, don’t—you know—I don’t like it!” I screamed, begging for him to stop.
The taxi driver turned around glaring when my high-pitched squeal reached a glass shattering shriek, but Joel carried on relentlessly.
Joel’s face fell when we pulled up outside his home. His hand quickly left my side, the laughter and screams now replaced by a deathly silence.
I had never seen Joel’s house before, but one word to describe it would be grim, almost dilapidated. I suddenly wanted to go back to mine, but Joel was my priority. If I had to forgo some luxury to be with him then so be it.
Joel grimaced walking up the path. I sensed his embarrassment at the state of his own home. The house looked in serious disrepair, from the peeling paint of the windows and doors to the thick dirt ingrained in the glass of the windows. The garden was seriously overgrown, rubbish was strewn everywhere. It looked like it had been neglected for years. The place stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the row of well-maintained houses.
“I’m sorry, Iz. The house is in a bit of a state. We don’t really get any visitors . . .” He blushed and his eyes dropped down, looking mortified.
“Joel, it’s me, you don’t have to stand on ceremony, I’m not going to judge.” I smiled reassuringly to appease and calm him. He’d been through enough already without sending his blood pressure back up.
I grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight. As he unlocked the door, I braced myself for what I was about to encounter.
Pushing open the door, I silently gasped. It was far worse than expected. A stale musty smell instantly invaded my nostrils. It took every ounce to maintain a normal pose and not act on instinct. I breathed through my mouth till I was able to crank some windows open, welcoming the fresh spring air into my lungs.
My eyes pricked with tears scanning the room, horrified by the sight of it all. Dirty wallpaper loosely hung off the walls and nicotine stained doors that showed signs of John’s tobacco addiction. Large, ugly cracks ran right down the walls as my eyes dropped down to the stained carpets covered in filth. There were dirty clothes, empty beer cans, take away boxes and dirty plates scattered everywhere. The walls were bare, void of any pictures or family photographs and none of Joel’s football achievements were on display. My mother prided herself in showing off any kind of accolade we won; it was what most parents do. Obviously John was the exception to the rule.
This house wasn’t a home, it was a cold, dirty, empty shell. I understood Joel’s reluctance to return to this grim existence. The air felt like poison, sucking all that was good from inside. The entire place sent chills down my spine.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Joel cringing. No wonder he favoured my home over his own. It needed a good going over. I had to try to get the house back into some order during my short stay.
I helped Joel get settled on the sofa with a drink. He switched on the television to keep him occupied, flicking through the channels but looked instantly bored by what was on offer.
“Iz, can you switch my Xbox on? I want to play some Call of Duty.”
I looked at him concerned. “Do you not think you should have a sleep first?”
He pulled a face. “Nah, I’m good.” He smiled, hoping to make me comply with his request.
“Are you sure?” I asked, stroking his hair. I was worried about t
he injury to his head; he really should be resting. I narrowed my eyes and lifted his chin to check for signs of tiredness.
He chuckled at me, pulling me in closer. “I’m fine. I have you tending to my every need, what more could I want?” He grinned and guided me down for a long, slow kiss.
“Fine,” I mumbled against his lips, pulling away feeling slightly breathless. I switched on the game and handed him the controller and headset. “Well, you enjoy being a pretend soldier with your friends.” I patted him on the head and made my way towards the kitchen.
“Do I sense a hint of sarcasm there, are you mocking Call of Duty?” he asked defensively, turning his head slightly.
I spun around with a pretend look of shock on my face. “Would I dare?” I placed my hand on my chest as if I was wounded. “Shout if you need anything, I’ll let you get on with your game.”
He shook his head looking bemused. “Iz, it’s way more than a game.”
“Yeah Joel, whatever you say,” I added, waving my hands dismissively. Returning back through to the kitchen to start on the mountain of dishes in the sink.
* * *
Several hours of cleaning later, I noticed the time. I needed to make some dinner. I searched through all the cupboards to find anything edible. But each one was just as bare as the other. The fridge was the exact same, apart from a carton of expired milk sitting amongst the empty shelves.
A lump formed in my throat at the insight into what his childhood must have been like. Just picturing a young vulnerable Joel brought tears to my eye. I felt ashamed for my own mediocre complaints. His home life was totally different to my own. It made me appreciate my mother more. A tear trickled down my face, but I quickly swiped it away. I needed to stay strong and shower him with as much love and support he could handle.
I walked back into the lounge to find Joel engrossed in his game. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my body into his back, kissing his hair. “Hey, I’m off to the shops to get some milk and bread. I won’t be long.”
“Okay baby, but I need a proper kiss goodbye.”
I smiled leaning around, catching a cheeky glimpse of his amused face. I gave him a soft, delicate kiss on his injured lips. Walking off grinning I grabbed my coat, scarf and gloves. I needed all the layers I could find, to wrap up warm against the chilly spring wind.
“Just my girlfriend,” he said chuckling as my hand reached the door handle.
“What? Did you say something?” I asked, turning back. I peered around the doorway as I slipped my coat on.
He dipped his head back to look at me. “I’m talking to Mark on Xbox live, baby. Of course she’s beautiful.”
My eyes widened in embarrassment. “Joel.” I marched back through, giving him a glare as I stood with both hands on my hips.
“What? He was asking what you looked like, I’m only telling him the truth.” He pulled an innocent face, but I could see he was holding back a grin.
I narrowed my eyes for a few seconds longer, buttoning up my coat. “Anyway I’m off now, I’ll be back soon.”
I made to walk off again until a large smile spread across his face, which stopped me in my tracks.
“Yeah, she has a hot body.”
“Joel!” I slapped his arm, only making him grin harder.
“Bye baby, love you—not you Mark, I was talking to Izzy.” He chuckled.
I laughed making my way out just happy to see him in better spirits.
* * *
Thirty minutes later, I walked through the door loaded with bags. Placing them down in the kitchen, I went to check on Joel. He was sat watching the news. I knew his Xbox friend must have gone offline as Joel was definitely not a news person. He took no interest in anything newsworthy, unless it was to do with sport.
He smiled instantly eyeing up the bag of goods, but I wanted to have a little fun with him first.
“So I’ve just had an interesting chat with someone.” I sent a fake scowl in his direction, and his face immediately dropped. I could see the little cogs in his brain working overtime to work out who it could’ve been.
“Here’s me thinking I was your girl, but it appears you have promised yourself to another.” I crossed my arms across my chest defensively, my eyes shooting him daggers. The look of confusion on his face was priceless.
I loved winding him up.
Even though it was a little evil of me.
I couldn’t keep up the pretence long, instantly erupting into laughter. “Jean said she’s making some muffins and to pop round tomorrow.”
Jean was Joel’s old neighbour. I had bumped into only minutes earlier. From our brief conversation I got the impression John was the neighbour from hell, which was no surprise. I had drawn some comfort from the praise she had directed at Joel, and how she often invited him in for tea and cakes to escape his dad’s countless arguments.
An instant look of relief spread across his face. I knew he was probably thinking all kinds. It was a little evil of me to play the joke, but the moment Jean revealed Joel had said she was his girl, I knew I had to. If only to pay him back for his disloyalty.
“Izzy, don’t do that to me. I’m in an unstable condition, I can’t handle surprises.” He groaned pouting, pretending to look sick so he’d get the sympathy vote.
My eyes zeroed in on those lips that did it to me every time. “Oh well you won’t want these then if you’re ill . . .” I pulled out the BLT sandwich and crisps, waving them teasingly at him.
Joel’s eyes widened and he gave me a sad puppy dog look hoping to sway my decision. I laughed, tossing them onto his knee. He grinned, eagerly ripping them open and devouring half a sandwich in a mouthful.
I walked over kissing his forehead. “Do you want a coffee to wash that all down?”
“Please.” His mouth was full once again busy finishing the rest of the sandwich.
He really did love his food.
* * *
Three bagfuls of dirt later, the carpet was back to a reasonable standard. I marvelled at being able to see the pattern in the carpet, mentally checking off another thing on my list. My happiness was short lived the moment I stepped into Joel’s bedroom to be greeted with a complete bombsite.
Wandering back through an hour later, I found Joel dozing on the sofa. “So there’s nothing much in to eat. How about takeaway tonight? I can go food shopping tomorrow,” I asked, sitting down beside him as I studied his tired, bruised face.
“There never is anything in, why do you think I’m always round at yours?” He was trying to make light of it, though he couldn’t disguise the sadness he held in his eyes. But I wanted to lighten the mood, I didn’t want this house to always be associated with bad times.
“So you only come round for the food? I think I should be rather offended by that,” I teased, pretending to look shocked. I climbed onto the sofa, fully straddling him.
His arms encircled me, and he pulled me close. “You know you’re the number one reason why I come round.” He grinned, leaning in for a kiss but I moved back much to Joel’s annoyance.
“I’m not convinced, I think you’d put food before me.” I raised my eyebrows waiting for a reply, pursing my lips.
He twisted his mouth into a wry smile. “Depends what kind,” he said chuckling, his eyes shining with delight.
“Joel,” I huffed pouting, lightly slapping his arm playfully.
He smiled wickedly enjoying my reaction, leaning forward gently biting my lower lip. I gasped with pleasure, enjoying the sensation as he teased me, and then moaned with delight when his tongue sought out mine.
I pulled away panting when Joel’s stomach rumbled loudly. We both laughed together, it was kind of a passion killer. “I think we really should order some pizza now.”
He frowned as I pushed myself off him, grabbing the phone and takeaway menu. Thankfully it was the weekend, I’d only missed one day of college and as luck would have it, we were now on a two-week break for Easter.
I ordered the pi
zza, and much to Joel’s annoyance made him take his painkillers. The doorbell rang just as I’d got the plates ready. I was relieved, Joel looked like he would practically eat his own arm.
Opening the door I came face to face with a sexy blonde haired girl standing there smiling. My eyes automatically zoomed in on her overly large bust, the fact her top was two sizes too small only aided in accentuating it even further.
In her arms she held our pizza order. I ignored the rest of her, which were all skinny jeans and legs that went on for miles. I was now feeling bedraggled after spending hours non-stop cleaning. I fidgeted with my hair, but I didn’t need a mirror to know I looked a mess.
An obvious look of disappointment crossed her made up face. She pouted her ruby red lips in annoyance, she had no doubt been expecting Joel.
“Joel not in?” she asked, not even hiding her disappointment. Her eyes slowly looked me up and down. When they did eventually return to my face, I ignored the sneer, handing over the money quickly taking the food.
“He’s inside, he’s not well.” I could see the cogs turning in her small brain as I stood impatiently waiting for my change. She obviously wasn’t buying my excuse when she rudely stuck her head past me trying to peer indoors.
Looking at her I inwardly rolled my eyes, she truly was a walking, talking Barbie girl. Obviously the tight top brought in great tips, using her womanly charms in her favour. I was guessing she’d be a hit particularly amongst all the male customers.
“Aww, what’s up with him? I’m sure I can nurse him better,” she purred, smoothing down her top as she pushed her breasts forward.
My fists curled at her comments. The only thing she’d be nursing was her face after my fist rammed into it.
She cracked her chewing gum bringing my attention to the fixed smug grin she was wearing. I could only imagine the thoughts going on in her head.