Changes

Part 7 - Who's voice?

A soft "hey" coming from the doorway caught her attention. Those blue eyes as bright as ever as he stood, waiting for any sign of her not wanting him there.

"Are you coming in or you just standing there?" She greeted him as a slight smirk covered her face. "Doctors say I can go home today. I just have to be back in for physio". Her pearly whites showing as her smirk soon became a huge smile.

"You're going home? To your place?" He asked, a mixture of confusion and worry overcoming him.

"I guess" she laughed, "where else am I gonna go? It's either that or a shelter and I'd rather not take a space when someone could be in need".

"Don't you have anywhere else?".

"Not really, I have my aunt but she's an hour away and already has her hands full. It's okay, I'll be okay" she smiled as he took back his usual position at the side of her bed. "Have you heard off of the police?"

"Nope, why, have they been?" He asked concerned. It felt like forever to him since he left yesterday.

"No, I just want to know when I can get on with things again, get back to normal".

"I'll call Kev and see if there's any updates. You hungry?" You could feel the tension between the two. Kelly was a lot more reserved and it was showing "do you think your place is safe enough? I mean I'll be there as much or as little as you want. You just have to let me know."

"I want you around Kelly, I'm sorry for snapping I really am."

"No, no I get it Stell. I'm just saying you know, just let me know where you're at and what you need." He shrugged.

"Thank you. Come here". Before he could even think of replying he was being pulled into a hug by her, wrapping her arms around him as she embraced him. Him holding her gently as he hugged her back. "I just needed this" she mumbled against him as she took a deep breath.
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"Is this it, just these two bags?" He asked as he finished clearing out her drawer in her hospital room.

"Yes thank you" looking around as she took in her surroundings. All of her feelings rushing back to her as she thought about the past week. "I'm so excited to finally go home". Kelly sighing as his face dropped. The thought of her being home again when the people who did this to her were still out there. The thought of anyone hurting her again made his stomach turn. "I can tell you not so much huh?" She asked, being able to read him as he stood.

Gently taking her hand in his "I just worry about you that's all".

"You know I'll be okay?" She smiled as she stood. It was clear to everyone how he felt about her, why else would he act such a way with her. She was just waiting for him to admit it.

"Come on, let's get you home" he nudged her gently before picking up her bags. Stella getting into the wheelchair she was not so happy about having to be in. He wheeled her out of the hospital. A bitter-sweet feeling for her. The thought of being able to get somewhat back got normal was something to look forward to but also, terrified the life out of her. He held her waist as he helped her into the car, his aftershave lingering as she hooked her arms around him for support. The feelings that ran through her body any time he'd touch her were indescribable. Kelly loaded the bags into the car before jogging around to the drivers side and setting off home.

The drive was fairly quiet, Kelly could sense she was nervous about going back. "I had Gabby and Matt clear the place up a little, well, as much as they could" he smiled "it's somewhat back to normal".

"I don't know if it will ever be normal" she gulped as they pulled up. The fear overcoming her.

"That might be the case, but" he smiled, gently resting his hand on her knee "I'll be here, to help you through whatever".