Page 188 of New Growth
“Cool.” I knelt in front of him, watching his breathing slow.
His eyes met mine, soft and tired.
“Are you sure you want to deal with this?” he asked. “It’ll keep happening, and it’s stressful.”
“Shut up. I’m not going anywhere,” I stated firmly.
His smile reached his eyes then.
The pod chirped, ready. I peeled off the backing and pressed it gently but firmly against his skin.
“Now just tap ‘Start’.” He handed me his phone and I tapped it. The pod clicked. Then snapped. He winced again but didn’t flinch.
“You okay?”
He nodded. “You’ve got steady hands. Could’ve been a nurse.”
I scoffed, playfully. “Do you need anything else? Tea? Water?”
He shook his head, closing his eyes for a second. “No, I’m okay. Just need to sit still for a few minutes. Why don’t you take a shower? Give yourself a minute to breathe. You’ve had a hell of a day.”
“I don’t want to leave you like this.”
He chuckled. “So what? You gonna watch me sleep now?”
I didn’t answer. I just stared at him, fully prepared to do just that. He saw the determination on my face and shook his head fondly.
“You’re ridiculous,” he murmured. “I’ll be fine. I promise. Just go take a minute for yourself.”
I hesitated for another moment, then nodded. “Okay. Call me if you need me.”
“I will, Peanut.”
As I stepped out the door, I looked back once. He was already reclining, his head resting against the headboard, eyes fluttering closed. I watched him for a moment before dragging myself down the hall.
I showered in Daddy’s bathroom, because I didn’t want him to hear me crying while he tried to sleep.
The moment the hot water hit my skin, I slid to the floor of the shower, and finally let the sobs run through me. I cried for everything. I cried until the water ran cold and the steam faded from the mirror. Until the ache in my chest dulled and I could breathe again.
Wrapped in a towel, I walked back to the bedroom and found El wasn’t in the bed.
“El?” I called, but there was no answer.
When I heard the shower running from the bathroom, I exhaled in relief and decided not to bother him.
I crawled into bed, letting the plush pillows swallow me whole. My fingers curled in the blanket as my mind spiraled.
Was I doing the right thing? Daddy did leave the house to Ryan. That was his final say.
And even though it made no sense, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in the wrong for holding the house, knowing there was now a child involved.
A moment later, El appeared in the doorway, steam curling around him like a ghost. A towel was slung low around his waist, water beading on his chest.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked softly.
I shook my head, offering a small, “No. Are you feeling better?”
“Much. Thanks to you.” He crossed the room and stood at the edge of the bed as he toweled off. “How are you feeling?”
