Secluded Affair

Chapter 23

Lizzie turned up in the room with a wheelchair in tow.

"Jon, your rides here," I said, laughing, finding my joke amusing.

"Who's that for?" I asked Lizzie.

"It's for you, and it's the policy we have to take you in it. And besides, it's a long walk down to the car, and you're still recovering."

"So shut up, don't argue with her and get your ass in it so we can go home" you look at Jon and give him the stink eye and poke your tongue out at him.

You look around the room, and all your stuff is tidied up and packed and ready to go. You sit begrudgingly in the wheelchair. You wheeled out past the nurse's station, where Jane came and hugged you. You are wheeled through the corridors, down the elevator and then through the main hallway and out to the front of the hospital. Jon ran off and pulled up in front of the hospital; he jumped out and got your stuff in the back, then helped you up and into the passenger side; he ran around and hopped into the driver's side.

We drove in relative silence on the way home, and I was lost in thought about nothing specific, watching the world whizz by outside the windows. Then, finally, we pull up outside the villa, and I look at it feeling nothing, no fear, no apprehension, just numb, I guess.

"You ok, baby? How do you feel about going in?"

"I'm ok, baby, not feeling anything right now."

"Let's get inside. Where do you Wanna rest up?"

"I think I just Wanna sit outside on my own for a little while. Is that ok?"

"You want to be on your own, yeah, sure. I'll help you get settled, baby."

"I don't mean it in a bad way, baby. I want to sit on my own for a bit. I haven't been on my own for a few days, and I need some space to make sense of my head."

"I know, sweetheart, now that I've got you home, I don't wanna leave your side."

We walk out the back doors and onto the patio; I decide I want to lie on one of the lounger beds under the umbrella. Jon pulls the table up to its side. I move the umbrella to lay in the sun for a bit; I lie down and get comfy, enjoying the feel of the sun warming on my skin. I close my eyes and enjoy the moment. I hear Jon's footsteps coming back outside.

"I brought you some water."

"Thank you, Jonny. I love you."

"I love you too, baby" he kisses my cheek and walks off back into the house.

You lie back and close your eyes again, listening to the sound of the sea crashing on the beach, the sounds of the birds in the trees tweeting and whistling their little songs. The heat and the relaxing sound of the sea have lulled you into a relaxed sleep.

Jon gently shakes you awake. "Hey, sleepyhead, it's time to get up."

"Ah damn it, I fell asleep again, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did. You obviously needed it, honey; your body needs the rest. Come on, let's go inside. I've made some food."

"Ooh, yummy, I'm starving; hospital food isn't that appetising."

You walk back into the house, hands entwined together and into the kitchen, where Jon has set up the island with a couple of candles and a bottle of wine.

"Do you want some wine, baby?"

"Yes, please, Jonny, this is so lovely. Thank you so much; I hope you know just how much I appreciate everything, baby."

"Nothing to thank me for, baby; I'd do anything for you."

You sit and eat your meal with some mundane chitchat flowing. Then, finally, Jon stands up and begins to clear the plates from there. But, sitting, you can tell that something is eating him up. He has a weird vibe going on. Not one to hold your tongue for long: