There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 39

I opened my eyes and immediately shut them again. Why was everything so bright. "Adrian?" cooed Mum. I opened my eyes again, this time slow enough for me to adjust. I was in hospital. I could tell that much from the colour of the walls and the rhythmic beating coming from the side of the room. 

"Mum?" I asked. I looked over at her. Wasn't she supposed to be on her honeymoon? "What are you doing back?" I questioned. She should be enjoying sunny Hawaii. "As soon as we heard, Evan got us on the first flight back. Before you worry, we've already rescheduled the dates. You're more important than a honeymoon anyway." Mum spoke softly and quietly. All the while she was talking, she held my hand tightly. 

I pulled away to adjust myself. I needed to sit up. Just as I went to move, pain flared up in my shoulder and abdomen. "Careful Addy," Mum said as she pressed the recliner button on the bed. The door burst open and in came Natasha. "Where's Naomi?" I asked. Natasha swapped places with Mum. 

"Naomi's fine, she's with Evan." responded Nat gripping my hand tightly. I smiled in relief. As long as I know that Adam hasn't somehow gotten out and got her then I'm happy. "Jess told me you were visiting your Dad what happened?" asked Mum. I took as deep a breath as my wounds would let me. I wanted to know what happened to Rosie. Whether she and her family were safe. I knew they were Adam's kids. That much I was certain of. I needed to get to know my half siblings. I needed to protect them at all costs. 

"Adam lied to you. He's didn't go to rehab. He's been drinking and doing drugs. He was also abusing his new wife and kids. Adam lured me in so he could attack me by using his little girl as bait. Oh Mum, he was saying such bad things about you and Evan." I spoke. God it hurt just talking. I watched as Mum's features turned down into a frown. "So he hurt you again," she stated. I could tell that she was visibly upset. 

I nodded. "He self destructed on the come down from the drugs and stabbed me while I was trying to protect the kids." I remarked. Mum nodded. "I'll have to find out where his new wife is, I'll need to talk to her," Mum muttered before perking up once again. 

"Once you get cleared, you're to rest and let us look after Naomi for you. I'm sure Nat won't mind cooking for you. We'll even get you dinner later." Mum listed off what she thinks is going to happen later. She muttered something about Evan needing her to console the kids because they were worried. After she left, demanding that Nat take care of me, we were left in silence. I didn't know what to say. I promised Nat that I'd be safe and I couldn't even do that. 

"I'm sorry," I blurted out. I didn't know what else to say other than that. "Oh Adrian," Natasha cooed running her fingers through my hair. "There's no need to apologise, you did a heroic thing. At least you didn't start it," Nat reassured me. The door opened once again, a doctor came in holding a clipboard. I presume that's the file they have on hand for me. At least for today's injuries. Wait what day was it? 

"How long have I been here?" I whispered to Natasha. "About four days," Nat whispered back. Three days. I've been out for four days. "Mr Lawson, glad to see you're awake." the doctor remarked. He smiled gently at me. It's fine doc, just give me the news, discharge me and then I'll be on my way. 

He took a moment to flip through the pages and then cleared his throat before talking. 

"Looks like you're all good to go. I'll get you the discharge papers." 

With that, the doctor walked out of the room and left us alone again. "What happened to Adam?" I asked hesitantly. Did he get let off with a warning? Did he end up in jail again? 

"Adam is in police custody, they're awaiting transport to take him to jail. Your Mum enquired about why there wasn't going to be a trial and it's because he broke probation. He'll be put on trial soon after he goes to jail though." Natasha explained. I felt calmness wash over me as she rubbed my hand with her thumb. I am relaxed knowing that Adam can't harm those I love again. 

The doctor came back and explained the extent of my injuries, prescribed me medication for a month; told me to come back in 10 days to see how the healing was doing and potentially removing the stitches. 

"I'm sure your wife won't mind looking after you," the doctor joked. I nodded. He left shortly after. "I'm not your wife," Nat stammered, looking down at her shoes. I nudged her and brought her hand up to kiss the back of it. "I like the ring of it though," I remarked. I watched as her faced turned a deeper red. She started pulling me towards the exit. Yeah, I definitely like the sound of it. 

"How was Naomi while you were looking after her?" I asked. Nat thought for a moment, her fingers drumming on the steering wheel. "She wouldn't leave my side, ended up having a few days off just to look after her. I don't think she understands why her Daddy didn't come home like he promised." Nat responded. She focused on the road ahead. Poor Naomi. I've never been away from her for long. It's always been a few hours and at the weekends it's maybe a day when she sleeps over my Mum's. 

We pulled up to the driveway of Mum's house and Nat helped me out of the car. "You're both just in time for dinner," Mum said as soon as we walked into the kitchen. She placed a cup of tea in front of me as if sensing my need for one. I heard the quick patter of feet and turned to face Naomi. I slowly got to my knees and held out my one good arm. 

Naomi was hesitant at first but bounded across the kitchen and wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. With ow tightly she was hugging me, I thought that she might think I'll disappear. "NEVER LEAVE!" Naomi demanded. Her body wracked with sobs. I cuddled her closer and pressed a kiss to her cheek. 

"I won't leave again okay,"