Pandora's Box

Chapter 16

I was discharged from the hospital two days after I woke up. Though it probably wouldn't have mattered because I was barely awake, still exhausted and dead asleep on the drive home. But I was eager to leave the hospital. I didn't like the smells and felt a little nervous with people checking on me and saying things I barely understood. The nurse always looked so confused and I figure it had to do with me being a twenty-year-old girl in this day and age who didn't seem to know much about medical jargon. The only comfort was Warren who barely left my side at all. He could explain everything to me. Even the nurse who checked on me every once a while said I was a lucky girl to have such a loving boyfriend. I blame the medication I received to help the still throbbing aches but I was blushing, bashful mess. I knew Warren's eyes could turn but I didn't expect that amount of red on his face ever.

That was enjoyable for me.

I think Warren enjoyed teasing me like I was a drunk who slurred her words occasionally and got all emotional. On my last day at the hospital, I woke up to a bouquet of flowers sitting on a table stand next to my bed, a mix of off coloured white roses and some red roses that stood out from the mix. A disastrous mix but heart-warming. Warren only read of the name of the church and I felt more light-hearted than I had in weeks. They were okay. They were safe now. Once I was better, I could get Marios to help me find the box and hide it away even better if I had too. I couldn't remember whether he said he knew or not. But right now, the box was safe, hidden and my friends and protectors were safe as well. I could relax now. That was all. I was more thrilled when I was told I could leave tonight and was more than eager to. Warren cited me as puppylike, eager to get home asap.

I woke up in my bed, covered in a thick blanket plus another layer, even though it was cold, I felt as though I was overheating. But better than being cold since it made everything hurt more. Warren had left me for the day, even though he didn't want to but I persisted. I wouldn't go anywhere, plus didn't feel like moving anyway and I could tell he was eager to go back to work soon. So, the next couple days, I sat indoors, enjoying a brief moment of reprieve from everything, watching some movies that Warren showed me to how to start and heat up some leftover food. I was starting to feel like I was taking over his place now, since I could give back nothing. But Warren never complained or seemed upset and I figured once I was okay, I could back to the church and stay there.

I sigh, leaning back against the couch, an unsettled feeling setting in place at the thought. I didn't really want to leave. And I could definitely chalk that up to the feelings that were still right there. I was too nervous to say or imply anything because truthfully, I wasn't ready to find out my own feelings myself just yet. Right now, I just needed...I don't know. Time maybe. I needed to adjust myself to this world still and find the box. No, I need to finish watching this film, this Lion King film because my heart was breaking here. Is he going back? He's going back home! "Yes! Go home! Go help them! Listen to your father!" God grief, I was getting emotional over a film that wasn't realistic in appearance, quite childlike and bright and colourful but oh god, my heart was wrenching. I don't know whether to despise Warren or not for introducing me to these Disney films, he called them. My heart was struggling with this.

I heard the sound of a door not too long later and glanced up as Warren appeared in the living room doorway and his eyes fell on me and my heart jumped at the light hearted look.

My heart is still struggling.

"Welcome home." I smile softly and hold up a bowl of soup I had heated up. "I heated up some food if you'd like some?" A strange expression crossed his face, but it disappeared just as quickly and he gave me a faint smile.

"That sounds delicious."

"Excellent. I am really loving these ready-made soups you get from the shops. It's so easy and quick, and simple." I pause the movie, placing my food on the table and slowly climb out of my spot on the couch, my side twinging. I hear Warren telling me to sit down but I wave him off. "No, no. I need to move around, it helps when I do. But as I was saying, it's amazing at how delicious it also tastes. My favourite is this spicy lemon Thai soup. Hardly spicy at all but tastes incredible and quite refreshing with a nice cold glass of water. It's just perfect for a chilly day like today...and what's with the look?" I stop in the kitchen, catching his unmoving gaze as he continues to stare at me strangely. His eyes were dark, his expression was intense and it sent knots in my stomach and my throat grow dry. "You okay, Warren?" We stare at each for what could pass as minutes but would only really be seconds. But every second that passed, the tension grew and grew until I was sure someone would say something, do something but I couldn't, struck still by that strange expression on his face. I'd seen it a little bit more these couple days and it was both confusing and worrying. His shoulders rose as he breathes in evenly and releases a deep sigh, his eyes flickering with some unknown emotion.