The Perfect Distraction (Volume 1)

by Melissa Rolka

  “Where were you last night before you hit your head?” The question is not a hard one, but it bothers me that she phrases it in a way that insinuates I had caused the injury instead of Kyle.

  “I was at a house party on campus.” I don’t want to give her any more information than I have to.

  “Ok, if at any point you can’t remember please be sure to tell me.” I nod at her to let her know I understand. “Who was with you at the party?”

  “Reed and my friends.” I take a deep breath and let it out before I continue. “Also, my ex-boyfriend, Kyle.” Reed tightens his grip on my pinky after I say Kyle’s name.

  “Where and how did the injury happen?” I can’t hide my internal cringing and the tears that make their way to my eyes. The urge to cry really hard is overwhelming me. I am positive if I let go of my reservations I will break into a fit of sobs. It will be uncontrollable. I feel defeated and lost.

  “It happened in a bedroom upstairs while in a fight with my ex-boyfriend…” I pause because my throat is closing up with the rise of a sob. Before I can finish Reed interjects.

  “She was being assaulted. It was a one sided fight.” I glance his way and the tightness I saw in his jaw earlier that night is present, as well as a darkness in his eyes. His eyes have lost their crystal clear blue. He clears his throat and I fear he is fighting off a rage inside of him.

  I can’t stop myself as I curl to the right towards Reed and sob loudly. The tears pour from my eyes and I carelessly rush my hands to hide my face. The IV strains against the bed rails and is tangled with the blankets. Instantly, I feel Reed’s arms embrace me. His lips kiss the top of my head. I feel small and childlike, but I’m far from caring of my appearance. I cry and whimper against Reed’s strong and steady chest. I hear Dr. Randal shuffle at the other side of the bed.

  “That’s enough. She remembers everything. No more questions.” His stern and demanding tone forces my breath to hitch for a moment.

  “Yes, I agree. Katherine, I’m very sorry. Please try to rest. I’ll be back shortly to check in. At this point we will keep you under observation and shoot to release you after lunch.” I hear her heels click and the curtain shuffle open and then close. My sobs wretch up uncontrollably and I don’t hold back. Reed’s embrace never lessens and I am forever grateful.

  ******

  I move my head up a fraction and breathe in Reed’s masculine scent. My hand hooked to the IV runs over his mid-section and I grab at his shirt crumbling it in my hand as I remember my break down. Reed must have climbed into the bed with me. His large frame is barely hanging on, but I am still curled into him and his embrace has only loosened slightly. The rise and fall of his chest is soothing. I look up to his face and his lips are parted minimally breathing deeply. He looks peaceful and I am glad he is sleeping. I don’t want to move because I would hate to wake him. Also, I feel safe and secure in his embrace listening to his breathing.

  My face feels tight from the tears I shed so vigorously. I lie still in Reed’s arms and let my mind drift. I still feel tired and weak. The throbbing pain throughout my body has lessened a degree and the pain in my head is not as intense. The water and crackers are sitting on a tray to the side of Reed, but I refrain from grabbing them. I remember Reed telling me about Officer Larkin coming back to question me. I wonder if he came back while I was asleep or if Dr. Randal has kept him at bay. The dread I feel about talking to Officer Larkin causes me to bite down on the bottom corner of my lip. I have never ever had any interaction with a police officer, not even for a speeding ticket. I am angry with Kyle, in fact furious… But, I can’t imagine taking any kind of legal action. I feel I am to blame for his loss of control. Maybe if I had taken his calls or responded to his texts this would have never happened. Am I to blame for this? I just want to forget about this situation and move on. I don’t want to talk about what happened. That is my natural instinct. I don’t like to deal with any big issues head on. I don’t like to address my feelings directly. Nor do I like confrontation, especially with Kyle. I know though that I can’t continue this way, yet I am unsure of how to change. Breathing in a deep breath I feel Reed shift into me and embrace me tightly. His breathing has paused for a moment and then it returns back to the deep breathing causing his chest to rise and fall comfortingly.

  I remind myself avoidance is how I got into this mess with Kyle. I can’t always avoid problems. Part of me knows that I cannot be responsible for Kyle’s actions, but yet I find myself putting blame on myself. I have to work harder on confronting issues whether they are big or small. More importantly I have to find myself again and be true to myself. I deserve that. I know I do. You are responsible for your decisions, but you always have a choice is something my mother used to say.

  I’m not sure that I deserve Reed in my life right now though, not like this. He deserves better. The thought of not having Reed breaks my heart. Even though we just started moving our relationship to a new level just days ago I have had him in my heart for a long time. I think back to when we would play tennis and how he was always there as if he knew I needed the distraction. Every week he would get me to open up a little more. I can’t lie that I constantly longed to have the flirtation and attention from him even when I was exclusive with Kyle.

  It was Saturday morning a few weeks into school my second year. I had played tennis with Reed the last two Saturday’s like we had so many months ago without even saying that we would see each other here. I headed onto the courts eager to see his blue eyes and distract me from thoughts of Kyle. Kyle was not handling the distance of us each back at our own colleges well. Last night I went out with Maggie, Quinn, Lynn and Jenna. Kyle did not care for Maggie. He felt she was too flirtatious and independent. He thought her and Brandon were too carefree. He didn’t understand how they went out without each other. I however, understood it and loved their grown relationship. It had blossomed over time and it was something I longed for. They trusted each other. That was something that Kyle and I did not have … I wondered if we ever had. His need to control me even from here was growing. If I rebelled and ignored his pleas to stay in he would often get drunk and call me continually throughout the night. Last night I finally answered after I was on my way home from a party and he said that he didn’t want me turning into a drunken whore. I hung up on him and hadn’t answered his calls or texts since. I shook off the tension as soon as I saw crystal blue eyes smiling at me.

  “Hey Kate. How’s it going?” Reed asked me. He hadn’t referred to me as Katherine since we texted over last winter break. He always kept his tone friendly and kind. He was kind. While part of me longed to flirt with Reed I really enjoyed our new found friendship.

  “Good, now that I’m here. Let’s play.” I remembered smiling at him and feeling at ease when he gave me one of his sweet smiles.

  We began to play and I had an exuberant amount of energy running through me. I remember feeling the need to be distracted more than most days. This fight with Kyle was the real start of ending my relationship with him. I had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to break things off for good with Kyle. I had been feeling overpowered, controlled and kept more than I had ever with Kyle since we got back to school. Granted I was pushing my boundaries with Kyle more than ever, but it wasn’t without consequences. I stood in position not really paying attention when Reed’s voice broke through.

  “Kate, did you hear me? Love-Love.” I had gotten lost in my thoughts. I shook my head to show him I was ready. I got my head in the game and backhanded his serve beautifully.

  We continued to play, not really talking for a few games and then stopped for a water break. Reed came over to my side and sat next to me on the court. We drank for a moment in silence. He turned to me staring at the side of my face and I bit down on my bottom corner of my lip out of pure habit.

  “You look great out there.” He paused for a second and then continued. “You always do, but you had some really great plays.”

  “Thanks.” It mean
t a lot to hear that from him. “You’re a really tough match for me, but I love playing against you. It keeps me on my toes and distracted.”

  “Yeah, you definitely keep me distracted.” He gave me a wink that I barely saw out of the corner of my eye and I couldn’t be sure if he was strictly referring to my tennis skills or flirting. I decided he was referring to my skills. I tilted my head facing him and couldn’t help, but notice how bright his eyes looked. His skin was flawless with a damp layer of sweat. I could tell he was freshly shaven. He smelled good even while sweating and I wondered how that was possible. The pine that I often smelled on him seeped out of his pours filling my lungs. A strand of my hair came loose from my pony tail and covered part of my eye and cheek. He stretched his hand as if he was going to tuck it back for me, but stopped mid-air. I remember feeling my breath hitch at the thought of the potential contact.

  “So how are your classes this semester so far?” I asked to distract myself from thinking too deeply about him touching me. It was wrong and I knew it. I did have a boyfriend, whether or not he was an ass.

  “Not bad actually, I had to cram in quite a few because I need to graduate in May. Plus I’m trying to narrow down my top law schools and study for the LSATs. My classes are the easy part.” He chuckled to himself and then added, “It’s the latter that is tough.”

  “How did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?” I asked and was happy that he was easily sharing information with me. Again he let out a light chuckle before answering me.

  “Well, to be honest I really didn’t have much of a choice. My dad owns the largest law firm in Southeast and Southwest Wisconsin. It’s practically been beaten into me. What about you? How did you decide on accounting?” I thought for a moment before answering him. I had remembered seeing billboard signs on the freeway about legal services and the name Harper on it. Of course I did not realize the connection to Reed.

  “I guess it’s kind of similar. My dad owns a pretty large accounting firm. It was not beaten into me, but I remember always liking math on some level. Probably because it is challenging. My dad would bring me with him to his offices and have me plug numbers on a big calculator. I felt like I was helping and I enjoyed it. As I got older I always worked there over the summers.”

  “Huh, now I have an image of a little Kate plugging numbers on a big old fashioned calculator.” I laughed at him and he stood reaching for my hand. This time he did touch me and it sent a shiver through me. We headed to our sides of the court and started at it again.

  “Ready?” Once he nodded I got into position for my serve. “Love-Love.” Bam, I nailed my serve and he returned it with grace.

  ******

  I must have drifted back off into a deep sleep because as I woke I noticed instantly that Reed was not in the bed with me. I gently rose my back up and looked around the room. The first thing I became aware of is that my pain and nausea are almost non-existent. The next thing to overtake my mind is thirst and hunger. Stretching my arm across to the tray I grabbed the cup with a straw in it and chugged. Then I grabbed a packet of saltines and ate them quickly. God, the saltines taste delicious; I feel like I am eating a salty loaded baked potato. Yum.

  “Well, hi there! You are awake. Good. I’m your nurse, Amber. How are you feeling?” I almost didn’t hear her enter as I alternated between eating my crackers and drinking my water.

  “A lot better. I really have to use the bathroom though.” Just the slightest movement caused my bladder to contract. The IV must have filled me up.

  “That is my first goal and my other is to get you to drink and eat the crackers. You are making my job easy.” She had a bright smile that matched her bubbly personality. At some point I had been moved to an observation room outside of the E.R., but I didn’t have my own bathroom. “It’s good for you to get up a little and get moving around. The sooner you are up the sooner they can let you go. But don’t worry, the bathroom is just around the corner. Amber pulled my covers back and I wondered when a hospital gown and slippers had been put on me. God, I hope Reed did not have to witness that. As Amber continued to help me off the bed and trail my IV along I wondered where Reed was. I can’t help myself from hoping that he will be back here.

  “Have you seen the guy who was with me? Reed?” I ask her nervously.

  “Oh, yes, he refused to leave, but a friend dropped off some clean clothes for him and I showed him a bathroom with a shower. It’s not very busy today at the hospital so it was no big deal. Wow, is he a sight?” I didn’t have the energy to giggle, but I would have otherwise. Hmmm. She was right, he was a sight. I feel relief spread over me hearing her say that he is still here. Once we reach the bathroom she asks if I would like a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and a comb. I eagerly tell her yes.

  Amber waits for me outside the bathroom and helps me back to my room. I feel a hundred times better especially after cleaning myself up a little. I’d kill for a shower, but would rather wait until I’m back at my dorm room. My stomach growls on our short walk back to the room and it is loud enough for Amber to hear.

  “That’s a good sign that you are hungry!” This nurse doesn’t miss a beat. “I have a menu for you to order from. It’s almost noon now and you don’t have any restrictions, but I would stick with something light.”

  “Okay, thanks Amber.” She is really energetic, but super sweet and I appreciate her kindness.

  I walk into the room and instantly my eyes meet Reed’s blues. His pine and clean masculine scent fill the room. I give him a shy smile. I can’t help but be a little embarrassed by my appearance and everything he has had to witness in the last twenty-four hours. I reach down and climb into my bed. Amber helps to keep my IV from getting tangled and straightens my pillows. She gives Reed instructions that I am to order lunch. Before she walks out she asks about my pain level and if I need anything for it. I refuse it because I really don’t feel that bad.

  “You look good, how do you feel?” Reed asks as he grabs onto my pinky finger gently stroking it. It is comforting.

  “I feel a lot better. I’m starving though.”

  “Good. Let’s order you something. How about soup?” Reed orders me a couple different kinds of soups, Jell-O, a Popsicle and toast. It’s all simple, but my mouth is salivating at the thought of it.

  “So I ran into Officer Larkin out in the hall. He’s going to head down here to talk to you.” Reed looks nervous as he tells me this.

  “Okay.” I don’t want to talk to the cop, but it seems I am out of time.

  “Katherine.” God, I love the way he says my full name. “Kyle was released from the holding cell, but you can still press charges or file a restraining order. I think, actually, I want you to do that.” The glow in his eyes is begging me to agree with him.

  “I-I don’t know.” I just don’t think I can bring myself to follow through on something like that. My eyes begin to glass over and Reed bends forward and plants a sweet tender kiss on my lips. I lean in pushing my lips harder against his lips eager to be distracted and what better way than Reed’s lips. He pulls back hovering just a fraction from my lips and stares into my moist eyes.

  “I’m so sorry you are even in this position. It kills me, Kate.” He’s whispering, but I hear every word. “I would never tell you what to do, but I can’t stand the thought of what might have happened to you. God, what am I saying, what did happen infuriates me.” He leans his forehead against mine and we just stare into each other’s eyes for a few beats of a moment. I wonder if he can hear my heart beating through my gown because I can hear it drumming in my ears.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. “I-I’m sorry about all of this. I didn’t mean to get you involved. Were you hurt at all?” He pulls back and sits straight in his chair with his eyes never leaving my gaze.

  “First, it’s too late, I want to be involved. And second, no, I wasn’t hurt and I don’t want you to worry about me at all. I can handle a fight with someone like Kyle, especially if he’s drunk.” Before I
can respond, Reed’s phone starts ringing. He reaches into his back pocket of his jeans and pulls it out. He looks at the screen and then tells me it’s Maggie. He stands to answer it. A rush of guilt sweeps over me as I think of everything Maggie has gone through too. She had tried to warn me about things with Kyle, but I had continued to avoid him. I only half-listen to Reed telling Maggie of my prognosis and that visitors are not a good idea right now. I curl to my side feeling hungry and tired. Then I hear Kyle’s name gritted through Reed’s teeth and that gets my full attention. Before hanging up he tells Maggie not to worry and that he will bring me back when I’m released.

  “What happened with Kyle?” I ask Reed with wide eyes. He walks back over to me and latches onto my pinky.

  “I don’t want you to worry about Kyle right now. I won’t let him near you, okay?” I shake my head and again my eyes start to glass over. My tears know no bounds today. I want to ask more, but I hear the curtain shuffling to my room and in walks a cop, who I am sure is Officer Larkin.

  Chapter 28

  As I wheel down the long hallway with Amber pushing me I notice a few other observation rooms with patients who are much older than I am. The hallway is bright enough that I squint at first. To the right is a busy and flowing nurse’s station with mostly nurses and a few doctors. A few of the nurses look at me and nod and Dr. Randal comes out over to my side. She smiles brightly, but her circles under her eyes are darker. I glance up to the clock over her head and see it is now almost two in the afternoon.

  “Katherine, you look much better. Be sure you follow up with your doctor and make sure to get lots of rest. The next few days you should stay in. Feel better and take care.”