***
Opening my eyes, Kate and Neil came into focus. My friends. Kate had always been a true friend and I would always trust her.
She rushed over to me and grabbed onto me. “You’re awake. I’m so happy to see those blue eyes of yours.”
“I’m happy to see you too. I’m out of my subconscious nightmare, now in the reality of what’s all gone down.”
“What do you mean? Do you have all your memories back?”
“Yes, and I heard everything that was said to me. I remember everything.”
Neil came around to the other side of the bed. “Man, so good to see you on the mend.”
“Thanks,” I said, shaking Neil’s hand.
“I’m not sure how I’m going to mend from all of this. My brain is on overload.”
Neil nodded. “It’s going to take time. Healing always does. We’ll be here for you every step of the way.”
A nurse came in to take me to physical therapy, ending our visit. Kate promised to come back tomorrow. She knew I needed to talk with her. Thank God I had her.
Chapter 45: Charlie
April
The trial was over and I wished things would get back to normal, but I had a feeling it would be a long road to normal. Eric had cut a deal with the ADA at lunch that day, giving up Lillian for a lesser sentence. She had been arrested and was facing her own trial. Eric was sentenced with three years since Mitch had woken up and a doctor testified he didn’t have any issues from the steroids Eric had prescribed.
Mitch. My man had been through so much. He was still in the hospital and going through rehab to regain his strength. The plan was for him to stay with Kate and Neil when he was released. Kate was doing everything in her power to remain neutral and be both of our friends, which was a difficult task to say the least, and she must have felt like she was walking a tightrope. I was grateful he would be staying with her because if anyone had a chance to help him forgive me, it was her. She knew a thing or two about forgiveness, having been through her own struggles when David died.
My dad had taken me to the doctor and I was almost four months pregnant. He had been doing everything for me that I had hoped Mitch would do when we had our child, but I knew Mitch wasn’t in a place to see me, let alone take care of me. I was fortunate to have my parents. Moving back home with them was a huge help and would be even more so when the baby came.
Baby. I was going to be a mother soon to an innocent baby. My love for my little nugget was insurmountable and I was beginning to understand how much my parents loved me. In some ways, I couldn’t wait. My mom had been taking me shopping on weekends and we were preparing the guest bedroom as a nursery. If only…if only Mitch could be here with me to enjoy this time.
“Charlie,” I heard someone say. I turned around at my desk and saw Chip standing in the doorway.
“Hey, Chip.”
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” he asked.
“No, just a little daydreaming,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t read into my staring out my office window in the middle of the day.
“Sometimes those are the best dreams,” he said, coming toward me. “I need to do some updates on your computer. Is now a good time? It will only take a couple of minutes.”
“Sure. I have a couple of things I can do out of my office. The computer is all yours.”
“Great,” he said, but didn’t smile.
I walked out of my office, wondering if Chip had ever had a girlfriend. He didn’t seem to have the normal social skills, but he made up for it in his brilliance with computers. He was a critical team member and we’d be lost without him some days. He was a nice guy and I wished I knew someone I could fix him up with.
Chapter 46: Mitch
May
Staying with Kate and Neil had been a godsend to say the very least. I didn’t want to live where Charlie and I had been living and there was no way I was going to live at home. My mom had gotten out on bail, but her trial would be starting sometime in the next six weeks. Dad had moved out and filed for divorce. Finally. Maybe he could carve out some happiness in his life without her. He sure hadn’t found any with her.
Sitting at the table with Kate and Neil having dinner, I couldn’t help but feel a pang for Charlie. My heart was broken but I missed her desperately. We had been inseparable for so long, being without her here was strange. That didn’t mean I was getting back together with her or I had gotten over the fact that my brother’s baby was currently growing in her belly. The thought of it made me sick.
Kate and Neil talked about their day while I remained quiet. I had returned to work, but nothing was the same as before my accident. Everything was different and I knew I was different. The doctor had told me head trauma patients could change, and not be themselves anymore.
“Mitch, how was your day?” Kate asked, bringing me out of my reverie.
“It was…okay,” I said. The same old same old.
Kate sized me up pretty quickly, like she always did. “You’re allowed to miss her, you know.”
Neil looked at me, then at Kate. “Kate, he probably doesn’t want to talk about it,” he said, coming to my rescue.
Kate tilted her head and gave me her gracious smile. “You don’t have to talk, but it would be good for you if you did. Bottling it all up isn’t going to help, it’s only going to make matters worse.”
I mulled over what Kate was saying. She was right. I knew she had worked hard to get over losing David and I had to do some work too, to figure things out.
“You’re right. I do need to talk.”
Kate’s face gleamed with excitement, probably because she thought she was finally getting through to me.
“Neil, do you have time to hang out for a while after dinner?”
“Yeah, man. I’ve got all the time in the world.”
Kate no longer looked so pleased with herself, but I knew she was glad I would talk to Neil.
After clearing the plates from the table, Neil and I headed out to the terrace and gazed out at the ocean for a couple of minutes.
“I miss her, Neil.” I couldn’t believe how choked up I sounded. But I was choked up and missing my girl even though I was angry with her.
“Mitch, the only thing stopping you from being with her is you.”
“I know, but…I haven’t gotten over the betrayal.”
“Maybe it’s not something you get over. Maybe you have to decide to move past it.”
I thought about what Neil was actually saying—let it go. But how?
“You have to ask yourself this: Is the betrayal more powerful than the love you two have shared?”
I soaked in Neil’s question. He had a good point. “You always give me something to think about.”
“I try,” he said, nodding slightly. “Do you think Charlie would forgive you if the situation were reversed?”
“I’d like to think she would,” I said, running my hand through my hair. Now I knew why Neil was so good at being a lawyer. He knew how to cut to the core of the matter.
“I’m not suggesting forgiving this would be easy. It’s not. It’s damn hard, but is your relationship with her worth it?”
“Here I thought I was going to do the talking, but you have stumped me with your questions.”
Neil laughed. “Sorry, man. I’m here to listen. I just want to help in any way I can. But Mitch, I have to say this. Charlie would never intentionally cheat on you. And, it was only days after you fell that Garrett had moved in on her. So, if you had sex right before your accident, it’s possible the baby is yours. But, you need to decide here, man, whether she cheated or was actually manipulated. And does that make a difference to how you see her?”
“I know you’re right. The baby could be mine and my brother did take advantage of Charlie when she was compromised. I’ve just needed some time to get my head on straight. I’m not completely sure it is Charlie I feel the most anger towards. She isn’t a girl who would manipulate or cheat on me. Intellectually
, I know this. But, imagining her with Garrett just rips me apart. I’m sure you can understand.”
“Of course. You’ve had more come at you in the last few months than most people have in a decade. Take whatever time you need.”
“Thanks, man. You and Kate have been great. I appreciate you letting me stay here and being here for me. It means a lot.”
“Absolutely. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”
“Thanks. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
After talking with Neil, I went to my room. Knowing Charlie was hurting over what was happening between us didn’t make me feel good. I hated what we were both going through. I hated everything that happened from the moment I fell off her dad’s ladder. If that hadn’t happened, we’d be married right now, enjoying our lives. Instead, we were in a huge mess and I didn’t know where to begin to clean it up.
If only I hadn’t listened to my mother when she brought Heather back into my life. Of course, I had asked for Heather, not knowing any better. It was hard for me to distinguish who I was angrier with, my mother, Heather, Charlie, Garrett, or myself. Maybe it was a tie. We were all participants in this whole ugly situation. But, the person who got the shortest stick was Charlie. I had to figure out if I could get past what she and Garrett had done. Or rather, what Garrett had done with her. Doing it sooner rather than later would be good. We had a time limit: resolve prior to the baby’s birth.
I took the anxiety pill the doctor prescribed. At least I could sleep if I had it. Sleep was the only escape and I was finding I wanted more and more of it. Perhaps I needed a change of scenery. The Dallas office was beginning a special project that was supposed to take a couple of months and I was more than qualified for the job. It would be good to sink myself into something new and challenging. It could give me time to get my head on straight. Maybe it was just what I needed.
Neil’s words were still running through my mind. No matter what I did, I felt life would never be the same.
Chapter 47
She is so beautiful. Her smile, her eyes, her sweet heart. I hadn’t thought she could be more amazing, but growing the baby inside of her makes her glow. I can’t live without her. I won’t live without her. We are meant to be together, and we will be soon. I will do whatever it takes to make her mine.
No more sorrow for you, Charlie. No more sadness. What Mitch couldn’t provide, I will make up for. I will love and care for you forever.
Everything was planned. All I had to do now was execute it. I could hardly wait to have her all to myself and love her the way she deserved.
Chapter 48: Charlie
June
I was grateful Mitch was staying with Kate and Neil, but it hurt so much not to see him. He had asked for some time to sort through everything. David’s death, his brother’s betrayal, his mother’s betrayal on so many levels, recovering from his injuries, and me. He needed space from me. All I could do was what he asked. Even though it hurt like hell.
Sitting to eat breakfast, my belly bumped the table and I felt the baby move. I gently rubbed my belly in a soothing manner and my little nugget settled down. With each bite I took of my cereal, I thought more and more about setting things right in my life. Time was marching on and forgiveness was the only way I could think of to set myself free. My baby deserved a mother who could love completely, not an angry one because of the things that had happened to her. All I wanted was to give my child the very best I could. The best of me. Nothing short of that would do.
My mind was made up. I was going to visit Eric today. For my health, I needed to forgive him. That didn’t mean I would buy into his manipulations, but doing this would be a gift to myself and my nugget. Placing my bowl in the sink, I had a brief chill come over me considering how hard it might be to face a man that had caused me so much grief. But, it had to be done and I wasn’t going to put it off another day.
My parents had gone out shopping, so I could do this without any objection from them. I knew they wouldn’t want me to face Eric alone, but I was a grown woman about to have a baby. It was time for me to stand on my own two feet.
It would be the first time since the break in that I went anywhere alone. I’d come to the conclusion even though the perpetrator seemed familiar, perhaps the whole thing had been random and I didn’t know the guy at all. At no time had I been or felt followed or watched. Of course, I would be cautious and pay attention to my surroundings. Writing a note for my parents, I was feeling the weight lifting off my shoulders at making a decision to have some closure. Maybe I’d even work up the courage to talk to Mitch.
An hour later, I was at the prison talking to a guard about visiting Eric. After I handed over all of my personal belongings, he brought me to a room with tables and chairs.
“Wait here,” he instructed.
I nodded, feeling a twinge in my stomach, not knowing what to expect. Bravery had encompassed me in the morning, but now that the moment of truth was upon me, I wanted to get up and run for the hills.
As I contemplated fleeing, Eric was brought in. Saying he looked surprised to see me was a gross understatement. Seeing him made me realize I was doing the right thing and I would feel good about this afterward.
“Charlie, what are you doing here?” he asked sheepishly.
“I thought we could talk,” I said, summoning courage from the crevices of my soul.
“Absolutely. Anything you want.”
“I have a question. Well, probably more than one.”
“I’ll answer anything you ask. But can I say something first?”
“I guess,” I said, bracing myself for one of his tactics. Manipulation came as naturally to him as breathing.
“I know this isn’t going to be enough, but I’m sorry. I’ve been nothing but an ass to you and you deserve so much better. Can you ever forgive me for the terrible things I have done to hurt you?”
Staring at him, my inclination was to wonder what he had up his sleeve. But I’d come here for the sole purpose of forgiving him and he was sitting here before me asking.
“Yes, Eric. I forgive you. That’s one of the reasons I came today. I don’t want any grudges in my life since I will be a mother soon.”
“Thank you,” he said. I could tell he wanted to reach out to me, but that was against the rules. I was grateful we had a table between us and guards watching. I might be able to forgive, but I was not going to forget all he put me through both in the past and in recent months.
“So, what are your questions?”
“I really want to know why you sold out Lillian. You had a chance of maybe getting away with tampering with Mitch’s drugs. I could tell your lawyer wasn’t happy.”
Eric leaned back in his chair and pursed his lips together. “I looked back at you and could see your pain. I knew the plea deal was still on the table, so I decided to do the decent thing for once in my life.”
I soaked in his words, uncertain of whether or not to believe him, but no ulterior motive came to mind.
“I’m not sure what to say. Thank you for telling me the truth. Lillian would have gotten away with it if you hadn’t.”
“You didn’t deserve what she and I did to you and Mitch. My anger and need for control took over and I did something that has ruined my life. My pharmaceutical license has been revoked.”
Part of me wanted to feel sorry for him, but I was never quite sure if he was being real, or just working me.
“Anything else you wanted to know?”
“Yes, was our meeting at the Mexican restaurant random or on purpose?”
“Charlie, you’re so sweet,” he said somewhat smugly. “Don’t you know me better? Of course it was on purpose. Somehow I’d deluded myself that I could get you back if Mitch were out of the way. Bumping into you was part of the plan.”
“Wow, if only you used all your brain power for good,” I said, trailing off.
“Instead of evil?”
“Yeah.”
“I know. Bu
t old habits die hard. I learned how to treat women from watching my dad control my mom. As a kid, I hated how he treated her, but by the time I became a teenager, I was just like him. Now I’m a man and I have to own up to my mistakes.” He stopped for a brief moment, almost assessing what he was saying. “I’m so glad you have come to visit me today and have generously forgiven me.”
I nodded slightly. “You never talked about your parents’ relationship when we were together.”
“Well, I didn’t want you to figure things out and leave me, but you left anyway. I got out of control with manipulating you.”
The guard informed us visiting hours were over. I had gotten more than I bargained for with Eric asking for me to forgive him and being so forthright. It seemed so out of character.
“Thank you for answering my questions. I guess I better go.”
As I stood, Eric said, “You’re going to make a great mom. Mitch is really lucky.” His eyes were glistening and I could see him straining to hold back his emotions.
“Thank you,” I said, quickly turning, practically running for the door. Eric had no idea his kind words were like daggers stabbing my heart and the last thing I wanted to do was get emotional in front of him.
The guard handed back my personal belongings and another text came through. Three missed calls and four texts. Clearly my parents were worried. Reading the texts, I smiled to myself knowing I would have been worried too if my little nugget had to face someone like Eric. But, a huge burden had been lifted off my shoulders by talking to him today.
I texted my dad letting him know everything was all right and I was leaving the prison now. I’m sure they would be upset with me when I got home, but it was too late for them to have stopped me. I was glad I had made this decision to see Eric.
Forgotten by You Page 17
