“Thank you.” Those two words sting my chest as they leave Jordan’s mouth. He leans over to me and kisses my forehead and I’m really hurt. I get up and slowly walk into the bathroom. This is my only escape from all the people in the room. I allow myself to cry. I’m unaware how long I’ve been in the bathroom when there’s a knock on the door.
“Let me in sweetie.” It’s Bev and I open the door. I’m ashamed and embarrassed that I was crying. “You want to tell me why you’re hiding.” I just shake my head, no, but she gives me a raised eyebrow and this stern motherly look.
“I don’t want Jordan to leave me here,” I say fast and cause myself to go into a coughing fit.
“Cara, he won’t leave you. I know my son and if he’s anything like his father then he isn’t going anywhere without you.” She smiles as she gets the washcloth wet. “Let’s wash your face and let me tell you a story. You’ve seen how stubborn and pig headed Victor is.” I nod my head as she starts cleaning my face.
“Well, I had a difficult labor with Amber. She came all on her own and at home. Victor was home when I went into labor right in the kitchen. Everything went well until I got to the hospital. They were checking me out and I began hemorrhaging something horrible. I ended up having a hysterectomy because of it. They kept me in the hospital for a while for that and also because I was depressed. Victor's sister came to stay with Jordan and he never left my side. He told me that no matter what he loved me and that I would overcome this. We both would. He forced me to be me, a wife and a mother and never left my side while I was in the hospital. Jordan won’t leave you.”
“What if they say he can go home?” She shook her head at me.
“Then he may go home, shower, get some clean clothes, and gather what you need. He’ll come back.” She smiled and then rinsed the washcloth. Beverley gasps with surprise. “There’s that beautiful face.” She then hugs me. We leave the bathroom and Jordan stares at me. I take my spot next to him and he places his head against mine, we are now eye to eye.
“You okay?” I nod yes because I know I will say fine and I’m not fine. “Hey, pretty girl, you’re worrying me. Talk to me please.” His face softened and his eyes have worry written all over them.
“I don’t want you to leave me here.” He smiles and kisses me softly on my lips.
“I’ll never leave you. I promise pretty girl.”
His parents and sister hung around talking to us about little things. “Do you need me to get anything for either of you at the house?’ Amber was trying to help us. I thought about what I wanted and felt my cheeks warm. “Cara, you can text me a list of what you need.”
“I don’t have my phone.” The last place I knew where my phone was is at the house charging.
“We put both your phones in Jordan’s bag.” Smart girl. I dug through Jordan’s bag and retrieved my phone and both chargers. I turned mine on and began a list of items I needed.
11:05 am Cara
Items I need panties, my pink blanket, and my IPad with charger.
11:06 am Amber
Got it!
“We should leave, honey.” Victor said as he stood up.” They hugged both of us and then we were left with just Amber. She only stayed a little bit later and then left us to rest.
We were both checked up on a few times by Nurse Kim. I watch her change Jordan’s bandage and saw the stitches. I figured the area would look awful, but actually, the area looked a little red and that’s all. It did bother me to see that he got hurt because of me.
She, however, had to take care of my bandages. I needed new dressing. She actually put ointment on me and then let me sit without any wrapping to keep the area from drying out and itching so bad. She said It was just chafing and the wounds were trying to heal.
CHAPTER EIGHT
I was very surprised that our nurse named Kim or someone else had not taken Jordan for his scan. Granted, I was also thankful for him not leaving me alone. I could hear some ruckus going on outside our room.
“I want to do it.” We could hear the sounds of a child. Just then there was a knock on our door. “Auntie Cara, mommy give me the present, please.” My brother Dominic and his family came in to visit. Luckily Jordan and I both recently woke from a nap.
“Okay, chill.” Cassandra was trying to slow down how happy Mikeala was. I was very pleased to see them.
“We got you a present Auntie Cara. Mommy told me no when I saw it in the window.” Mikeala hopped up on the hospital bed with me and Jordan. Dominic tried to stop her, but I shooed him away.
“Mommy let me get it when I told her you needed it. The lady there helped me get it down. Her name was...” She looked to be thinking very hard about her answer. “De-Ann-a. I like her name it’s pretty Auntie Cara. But you can’t have it yet. I colored you some pictures. My teacher told us we have to go slow when we color and stay inside the lines.” She hands me some folded up coloring pages.
I look at the first one of a My Little Pony. “See, it took a long time, but I did it, Auntie Cara.” Just then Kim walked into the room. For some reason I was nervous and my heart sank.
“Jordan, I need you to come with me for your scan.” Jordan leaned over and kissed my forehead and whispered to me he would be right back. Kim looked from me to Cassandra and Dominic. “You okay alone with your company,” I smiled and just nodded.
“Auntie Cara, look I stayed in the lines. I messed up a little, and then this one is Pinkie Pie. Mommy had to order me special pink crayons from the computer. Okay, do you want your present now, Auntie Cara. I picked the big one. De-Ann-a had to help me get it. You will love it.” She was smiling from ear to ear when she finally handed me the pink bag.
I moved the gift wrap and pulled out a big glittery-eyed, hot pink, owl. I giggled and Mikeala was staring at me, her blue eyes were huge.
“Do you like it, Auntie Cara, it's pink. You like pink just like me. I like this and I knew you would too because you like me.” I looked to Cassandra who was shaking her head.
“I did not give her sugar.” She giggled.
I looked at Mikeala and sighed. “I love it.” I did. She then let out a little scream in excitement.
“Mikeala calm down.” Dominic scolded her.
“Hey, she’s fine. I need the change.” Mikeala was now looking me over.
“Are you hurt Auntie Cara.” Kim had just wrapped my injuries so I had noticeable pink wraps.
“A little Mikeala.” I told her just enough. She climbed down from the bed and took hold of my right arm. I watched what she was about to do. Both Cassandra and Dominic looked worried, but then she left kisses on my bandage. She then took my left arm and repeated herself. I thought I was lucky she couldn’t see my legs, but I was wrong.
Mikeala kissed her hand a few times and places it over my legs one at a time. She then went back to her spot on the bed. I was in awe of her action.
“Momma always says kisses make any boo-boo better. So, I made them better.” Her little words caused my eyes to water and I tried hard not to cry. However, I failed and Mikeala then hugged me and kissed my cheek.
“It’s okay Auntie Cara, you will be better soon. You have a lot of kisses now to get better with.”
“I love you little girl.”
“I love you too. Daddy, I’m hungry.” I watched Dominic run a hand through his hair. She sounded as random as I was right now.
“Okay Mikeala, Aunt Cara and Jordan are probably hungry too.” I didn’t know what to say. Would it be rude to say something? I mean it’s been hours since we had breakfast.
“I want a cheeseburger and French fries daddy, please.” I just couldn’t help myself and began giggling.
“You hungry sis?”I turned to my brother. I felt bad about my answer.
“Yes, I’m sorry.” I was thankful Jordan was gone and couldn’t hear me say I was sorry.
“I knew I was going to be getting food. Dad called and asked me to check in on you and bring you dinner. Seems Bridgette, Hanna and Amber h
ave a schedule for all of us. Dad got stuck with a big case so here I am. It’s okay because someone was begging to see you.” I looked to Mikeala who was just nodding her head up and down with a big smile. “I’ll go get food.”
Dominic gave me a hug and told me he was happy to see me up and about. It was nice to have my brother here. I was still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I now have a brother and sister. I went from no family to having a family so fast this year. I was lost in my thoughts when Cassandra said something.
“Huh?” I hadn’t heard what she said.
“Cara, if you don’t mind me asking. How are you feeling?” Cassandra looked nervous. We had talked before and spent some time together. However, I was still getting to know her as much as I was my family.
“Better now that I have family here.” I let out a light laugh. Actually, I think a lot of me feeling semi better was due to Mikeala. It was her smile and sparkle that changed how I felt.
JORDAN
I was taken down to get an MRI of my head. Hopefully, everything goes well. Shit, Cara will freak out if they send me home. I’m thankful as fuck her brother showed up. I was worried about when someone would come to get me. She would have panicked being alone. I hate watching her freak out.
These problems she is having are unknown to me. Knowing she’s safe and with me eases my discomfort. I can, however, put up with this new issue. We can get over it.
“It shouldn’t be much longer before we can get you into the machine and back up to your room.” Again, Kim’s been nice. Curiosity gets the better of me.
“Why are you helping me and Cara out, again?” I have to ask. Shit, the last thing I need is some extra drama.
“Why, oh gosh, do you want the simple version or the long story?” Hell, I have time to kill.
“The longer story,” Kim smiles at me and I see her eyes light up. Shit, maybe I was wrong.
“If you were to ask my boyfriend he would say because I’m overly compassionate. Think about the people who always save hurt animals. They have a need to fix them and save them, sometimes they keep the animal. When I noticed both of you coming in and Cara freaking out. I instantly remembered her from last time. I even went home that night and told my boyfriend.” We both noticed a technician bring out another patient from the MRI room.
“My boyfriend told me to do what I thought was best. I wanted to make sure both of you were okay. I couldn’t stop what happened to Cara. I tried so hard that I ended up crying myself to sleep one night, but it all worked out. I’ve been asked time after time to transfer to the floor you two are on. So, I gave in this morning and filled out all the paperwork.”
Okay good to know. She’s just good at her job and loves what she does. Thank fuck. “Well thank you.”
“You are so welcome and I actually made the request that you two got Sharon. She’s awesome and sweet as hell.”
“Cara seemed to be very comfortable with Sharon.” We were now being told to enter the room. I stood carefully and then followed every direction the MRI technician told me. Kim waited outside until I was done and then wheeled me back up to my room.
“I figured Cara would like Sharon. There really isn’t much not to like about her. She’s a wonderful nurse.” I still had more questions.
“Why did you recognize Cara?” It was odd that she remembered one patient out of many.
“Simple I was very proud of my work stitching her fingers. Call me weird but actually I recognized the scarring on her fingers even though she had blood on her.”
“It’s not weird. I’m glad you did. I don’t think anyone would be best to help with her care.” It was the truth. I would have been okay with any nurse, but Cara needed someone with a certain level of compassion.
“I’m just doing my job. It’s what I’m good at.” When we got to the floor and close to the room all I could hear was laughter.
“Auntie Cara you have to watch My Little Pony. Pinkie Pie is all about parties and fun stuff. Rainbow Dash has wings and colors’ like the rainbow. Jordan!” Mikeala turned when we entered the room. I could see a pink color in Cara’s cheeks, she looked happy.
I motioned for Kim to stop and gently stood to my feet. I had already asked Kim for something to ease the pain. My side was extremely tender. Cara had her eyes on me as I walked over to her. I didn’t care there was a child in the room. Shit for a small second I forgot about Mikeala and Cassandra.
I stood right in front of Cara and took her face in my hands. She smiled at me. For the first time in about two weeks, she was truly happy. There was a sparkle in her blue eyes. I brought her chin up and was easy on myself when I bent down to her. I kissed her, the little giggling I heard reminded me of the child in the room. I needed to feel her for just a second. I chose not to deepen the kiss and embarrass Cara in front of her niece. The few seconds of her lips on mine was all I need to know everything was fucking okay.
“What was that for?” My pretty girl questioned right after I broke the kiss.
“Does there need to be a reason other than I wanted too.” She smiled and licked her lips. I had to close my fucking eyes and think of anything else. We had other people in the room. A fucking hospital room and my dumb ass cock wanted to come out and play. Stupid fucker.
“You were gone a while. Is everything okay?” Cara was looking at me as I walked over to the other side of the bed.
“Yeah, as always it’s the fu… stupid sit and wait game.” I was so lucky I caught myself from cursing in front of Mikeala.
“Okay, I got food and drinks. I found some help in the parking lot.” Dominic walked in with two large bags of food. I saw the label on the bags and could smell it, burgers, awesome. Walking in behind him was Amber with a bag from the house. Cara was quick to her feet and took the bag from her.
“You got all that I asked for?” Amber smiled at her. What is she talking about? “I freaking love you.” Cara then walked into the bathroom. I’m going to have to ask what got her all excited for later.
“I hope you don’t mind I ordered for you what I would eat. It’s just a double cheeseburger with everything.”
“Man, it's real food. Thanks.” Cara finally comes out and sits down as Dominic and Cassandra go over the food.
“Mikeala you need to sit in a chair honey to eat.” Mikeala looks like she’s about to cry that she had to move. I wasn’t bothered by her sitting where she was.
“She can sit with me it’s okay.” I could sense that Cara didn’t want her niece to go. Once all the food was passed out we began to eat.
“Cara, I wanted to ask you how Travis got you?” Shit, wrong fucking question Dominic. Cara stopped eating and took her left hand in mine to calm her.
“I don’t remember. All I remember is Jordan left. I was getting ready for the day and then I was tied to a bed. It’s all in pieces and then there’s this empty blank. I can’t remember any of it.” She stops talking and Dominic frowns then looked to me. I shook my head no in a silent plea to keep him from asking any more questions. Amber ended up leaving saying she had work to tend to, but that she would see us tomorrow.
“Jordan, I got Auntie Cara a present. I’m sorry I forget you.” Mikeala held a fry in her hand and looked like she about to cry.
“Mikeala, thank you for getting Cara a present. You seemed to have made her happy today, so your visit here can be your gift to me.” Her little face lit up.
“Okay, I got Auntie Cara an owl. It’s pink her favorite color just like mine.” Cassandra hushed Mikeala and told her to eat. The company was nice in the dim hospital room, but I was exhausted. When we all finished eating Mikeala said her goodbyes and hugged Cara. Luckily she’s little enough when she hugged me it didn’t bother my side.
“You have my number if either of you need anything at all, call me.” I thanked Dominic and Cassandra then It's quiet. Kim had been in the room a few times while we ate. She brought pills for me and took Cara’s blood again. Now it was a waiting game on my test results.
CARA
“Hey pretty girl, I love you.” I had my head on Jordan’s chest. I was listening more to his heart beat than the movie Amber was kind enough to bring us. I decided to sit up and face Jordan. “There you are.” Jordan moved to a better position as well.
“I love you, too” I closed my eyes to absorb the feeling of Jordan’s hand running up and down my arm. His hand was warm and his touch was comforting. I wanted him badly but knew we would have to wait until he was all healed. I felt his hand move towards my neck and Jordan moved on the bed.
When I opened my eyes we were practically nose to nose. “Do you think it would be okay since we may only have a moment before some else shows up that I finally give you a proper kiss?” I smiled and rubbed my nose along Jordan’s and instead of answering him with words. I licked the crease of his lips.
Jordan lets out a hiss and cupped my face. I instantly open my mouth to allow his tongue to caress mine. I missed this…this right here felt heavenly. His taste warms me and there’s a connection of emotions when we kiss. This is where I need to be, with him. We allowed ourselves to get lost in the kiss. Nothing more than kissing, but that was all we needed. No words to be spoken, no extra touching, just kissing to connect us. The knock on the door broke us apart.
“I won’t tell on what I saw, but no rocking the bed.” Kim was back. “I just need to check all the bandages and then I’m done. If either of you want to shower you can. Jordan you just need to be careful of the stitches and use the soap in the bathroom only. I mean shower separately or someone could get into trouble.” She giggled and went to check Jordan first.
She told him he was starting to healing nicely and he took the opportunity to take a shower. “Will you be okay without me for a few minutes?” Why do I feel like a porcelain doll? I’m not going to break.
“I’ll be fine.” Wrong word. Jordan went into his stern boss mode and raised and eyebrow at me. His voice deepened when he spoke.
Remember Cinderella (True Loves Fairytale Book 2) Page 7
