Page 153 of Waiting for Ru
“He’s awake and being very bossy so I think he’s going to be fine.”
Leigh laughed. “Newt and I are coming this afternoon. Is there anything he needs?”
“I’ll ask him and text you. Thanks.”
Ru went down to the café to get breakfast, bought toothpaste and a toothbrush, and had a quick wash in the bathroom before heading back up to Jasim.
Jasim beckoned him over. “Sorry I was short with you.”
Ru sat on the chair next to the bed. “Leigh wants to know if you need anything. He’ll bring it this afternoon.”
“Some clothes. Shoes. Toiletries. My phone and wallet, with some cash, please.”
Ru tapped the details off to Leigh. “How are you feeling?”
“Sore.”
“Did the doctor say how long you’d have to stay in hospital?”
“A few days while they run some more tests.”
“That’s good. That they’re doing more tests, I mean. Not that I have to be without you for a few more days. Sorry, I’m rambling and I’m so tired and…”
“You’re tired and you’re not close enough,” Jasim told him. “Come lie on the bed with me.”
Ru took off his boots and lay on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb any of the equipment. Jasim put his hand on Ru’s face and kissed his head. “I love you.”
Ru gulped and no air went into his lungs.
“My little tiger,” Jasim whispered. “You stood up to my brother. I came round and I could hear your voice and I thought I was dreaming. He called you an abomination and I wanted to kill him.”
“You heard all of it?”
“Most of it. But I couldn’t seem to get my voice to work at first. I do love you. I never thought I’d be able to love anyone. I let myself believe I was okay about that, that I didn’t need anyone, and you’ve shown me I was wrong.”
“I thought maybe now you were out, you might not want me anymore.”
Jasim gaped at him. “What?”
“I know—”
“You know nothing. I can’t believe you’re so lacking in confidence after you told my brother you wouldn’t let him take me out of the country.”
“I’m not sure I could have lain on the runway in front of the plane.”
Jasim laughed and winced. “Ouch.”
“Do you really love me?” Ru whispered.
“I really do. And I’m going to tell everyone.”
Ru’s eyes closed and he slipped into sleep with Jasim’s words in his heart.
