I'm ALWAYS here

Chapter 10

I woke up in the evening. Rick held me in his arms and slept. Slowly, not to wake him up, I pushed him away and went into the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked awful. I had messy hair and I had tears in my eyes. I washed my face and went back into the room. Rick sat on the bed packing bag and smiling.

"I'm taking you home. Doctor was here and you can go home. The tests are good. I called my mom and Alexis is already waiting for us at home," he said happily. I ran into his arms and hugged him tight.

"Wait, Alexis is home alone?" I asked a little frightened and he nodded. I quickly took my clothes to the bathroom and I changed. Right then, I took the bag and hand in hand with Rick, we went to the car and we drove home. When Rick unlocked the door, Alexis got up from the couch and hugged Castle and then me.

"Katie," she exclaimed and hugged me tighter, "Grandma said that now you will be here with us. Is that true?" she asked. I took her in my arms and I nodded. Alexis kissed me on the cheek. I was surprised that it didn’t do anything with me. Her touch doesn’t bother me. So why the hell I couldn’t tolerate Rick's touch?! I put Alexis on the ground and she ran into the room. Rick smiled at me.

"Are you okay?" he asked and walked towards me. He put his arms around my waist.

"Yea. I'll put Alexis to bed, "I said and I went into the room. Alexis was lying in bed and looking at photos. I sat next to her and I smiled.

"Kate, do you love me?" Alexis asked after a moment. I was surprised. I stroked her hair.

"I love you. Never ever ask me on this again. I love you and I always will. Always, "I whispered in her ear and gave her a kiss on the forehead, "Good night. Sleep well, honey, "I covered it with a blanket and she gave me a kiss on the cheek. I went out and closed the door. Rick stood at the door and watched me. I took his hand and led him down to the bedroom. We sat down on the bed.

"You're checking me?" I asked curiously.

"No. I wanted to see how Alexis will react at you. She loves you and so do I, "he said, and shoved me a lock of hair behind my ear. I pulled away from him and shook my head. Rick held my hand and he was doing circles on my hand.

"Don’t worry. You overcame your fear. I'm proud of you," he said. I smiled and put my head on his shoulder.

"I do not want to sleep with you tonight in bed. I want to limit our touches. Do not be mad at me," I whispered and he gently squeezed my hand. I took the blanket and pillow and all the night I slept in the living room on the couch.