Page 43 of Anteros' Return

“Beckett Ashmore?”

“Are you okay to go in alone?” I asked, helping him up from the sofa in the waiting area.

“Actually, would you mind coming in with me?”

“No, not at all.”

I followed Beckett into the room where the doctor was waiting for him. He seemed a little nervous to have his cast removed, but at the same time, I knew he was excited to get back on the pitch. He always came to life when he played. I used to watch him in awe with how at ease he was, how spectacularly he commanded the game.

“Mr. Ashmore, are we ready to have this removed?” The doctor asked while glazing over his notes.

He sighed. “More than ready. Not as ready for the long road back to fitness, though.”

“You’ll be back on the pitch in no time, especially with the team of physios your team has lined up.” He clapped his hands together. “Please, be assured the removal is completely painless. However, if you wish to wear headphones to block out the noise, feel free.”

“How will he feel after?” I asked, unsure if he’d mind me asking.

“Great question. He might experience a little discomfort and stiffness. It’s normal for the area to be much weaker than before, but in time, it’ll be as though this never happened.” The doctor smiled, giving me his attention.

“Thank you.” Beckett half smiled as he relaxed back a little.

“Do you have a chair I can sit on please?” I asked.

He nodded, putting down his notes. “Certainly. I’ll go and get one for you.”

“No need, Doctor. She can sit here.” Beckett moved over slightly, pulling me down onto the bed beside him. He gave me a boyish grin as the doctor chuckled.

“Are you ready?” the doctor questioned as I scooted off Beckett’s lap.

“Yeah.” He looked up at me from where he sat on the bed as he spoke.

“You okay?” I mouthed as the saw buzzed into life.

He nodded, watching as the saw began to split open the cast. I sensed how tense he was, and without thinking, I circled my fingers softly over the back of his neck, his skin pebbling under my touch. I knew how much he used to love it, and it was the only thing in that moment I knew would relax him. I took his hand in my free one. He squeezed it gently, and it hit me right there and then—was it more for him or me?

His head leaned into my touch. Beckett’s attention was centred on me while I watched the doctor to ensure he caused no harm to Beckett.

Should I have cared?

No, of course not.

Did I?

Yes, absolutely.

Why?

I didn’t want to answer that.

As I was lost in my own thoughts, the saw shut off. After a few more minutes, Beckett was cast-free.

“How does that feel?” the doctor asked, putting the saw down.

“Weird as fuck,” Beckett blurted out, causing the doctor to belt out a real belly laugh.

“Well, your incision seems to be healing as expected. You’ll have a scar there, though.”

“I figured that. It wasn’t exactly a clean break.” Beckett had yet to let go of my hand as he talked with the doctor.

---