Page 42 of Choosing Skyler

He winces. “Never mind. Your face is loud enough.”

She grins and I laugh. It’s so good to have her back. We may have a long road ahead, but she’s here. We’ll all get through it together.

Chapter 17

Skyler

I was so happy to have Devon and Brady with me last night. They kept me here instead of in my head where the terror is waiting to pull me back under. The pain was there but the Tylenol made it bearable enough that they didn’t make me take anything stronger. I’ll take the ache over the darkness any day. Thank God Devon took my side. Brady knew I was in pain and pushed for stronger medication, but Devon told him I was okay.

I tried to speak a few times throughout the night, but it was the same raspy mess. So, I settled for made up sign language and facial expressions. Brady offered my phone or a pen and paper to write what I wanted to say, but I refused them. I’d rather look at their faces. They kept the conversation light, never mentioning or asking about what happened in the office. I was thankful for that. I’m not ready to go there. I know I’ll have to eventually, but not yet.

Tracey and Chelsea come in at seven sharp with a tray of coffees and a box of fresh pastries. My mouth waters at the smell of coffee and cinnamon taking over the chemical smell of the hospital room. They shoulder Devon and Brady out of the way to kiss my cheeks and tell me how happy they are to see me awake. I smile at them with fresh tears in my eyes. I never gave credit to the family I’ve built here. I was too busy dwelling on the loss of what I didn’t have before moving here. It’s time to change that.

I tug on Tracey’s hand to get her attention when she looks at Devon. When she looks at me, I hope she can see the apology in my eyes. I’ve been a shit friend to her and Devon both. Never realizing the feelings they both kept locked away for my benefit. Instead of reading my apology, she thinks I’m upset with her.

“I’m sorry, Sky. I’m here for you, not...” she starts, but I shake my head.

Devon comes up behind her to look down at me. Unconsciously, his hand goes to her hip. I look at it and smile up at them.

Devon smiles at me. “Don’t put this on yourself, Sky. It’s on both of us. We’ll make it right.”

I shake my head and look at him with the same apology in my eyes.

“Stop!” he says before he cocks his head sideways. “Wait. How did you know?” he asks, more confused than he usually is.

I touch my ear and point at him.

“When?” he asks. The rest of the room has gone quiet, watching our “conversation”. His eyes go wide at the look on my face. “You heard us when you were unconscious?! What else did you hear?”

I look at him, then at Tracey, Brady, and Chelsea, placing both of my hands on my chest. I hope they can read me like Devon can. I want them to know that I heard them, and I love them too.

“Well, shit,” Devon says. “Good thing we weren’t talking shit about you, huh?” he chuckles, trying to lighten the situation.

I glare at him and shake my head.

Chelsea puts her hand on my shoulder. I look up at her and she smiles at me sweetly. “Of course, we love you, Hun. We’re all family, here. Don’t ever doubt that,” she says, leaning down to kiss my cheek again.

I sigh in relief before looking back to Tracey. I’m not sure that I deserve her unwavering friendship after keeping her from Devon the past three years. My insecurity could have ruined everything for them, and I don’t know if I can forgive myself for that. She just squeezes my hand and shakes her head.

“I love you, Sky. You didn’t do anything wrong. We have plenty of time to figure this out later. Let’s get you well first, okay?” she says in her gentle voice.

I nod as Chelsea walks around to the table to grab the coffees and starts to pass one to me. I reach for it, but my hand is pulled back by Brady’s.

“Not until the doctor clears you. Julie said nothing by mouth, remember?” he reminds me.

I huff and shake my head, looking at the clock on the wall. It’s half past seven.What time do the doctors make rounds?

They all laugh at my little tantrum.

Brady kisses my forehead. “The doctor will be here any minute,” he tells me. “We’ll wait with you,” he says, looking at everyone with an order in his eyes.

They all sigh and nod just as there’s a knock on the door. The doctor comes in with a gaggle of residents behind him.

“Hi, Skyler. I’m Doctor Henley. I’ve been the primary physician on your case. How are you feeling?” he asks.

I shrug, glancing at the coffee in Chelsea’s hand.

Dr. Henley chuckles. “I think liquids should be okay. We have a swallow test scheduled this afternoon for soft foods. Julie can handle that when she gets here at four. For now, you can start slowly with liquids. Under supervision only, in case you choke or aspirate,” he says.

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