His Unwanted Bride ~Editing~

Chapter Twenty Six: Tabitha

     "Tabby Cat?"  a sweet little voice called out to me.
     I slowly opened my eyes to find Clarissa sitting next to me on the edge of my left side. 
     "Rissa? What are you doing here?" I asked her worriedly. How much did she know?
      "Alex had Mrs. Hanson bring me here. She had to go home. I always tell you you need to rest more. Why don't you listen?" she scolded.
      I looked to Alex in confusion and he stood. "After three days of you sleeping, dear, I couldn't hide the truth from Clarissa. I told her how overworked and exhausted you were, and that the doctor said you really need some rest," Alex winked.
      So he hadn't told her that I had been drugged? Thank goodness. 'Thank you' I mouthed silently to him. He smiled and reached out to press the call button.
     "Yes, I'm sorry Rissa. With the wedding planning, us packing our things, and working I didn't get the chance to really rest. I'll do better," I smiled pulling her close. 
     "Good, you better," she replied hugging me tightly, my body was sore all over, but I endured the pain from her squeeze hug. I stifled a little cry of pain and locked eyes with Alex. "Wait, when did you get here?" I asked her.
     "Two days ago. Alex's mommy is a really nice lady. She brought us clothes, snacks, warm food, warm blankets, a couple games, and books too!" I looked around the room and saw their little setup for the first time. Candy land, and a few card games sat on the window sill, Clarissa had a pastel plush rainbow blanket covering her recliner, with another on top to cover herself. Her little tray table had a coloring book and crayons on it. A small purple duffle bag sat on the floor next to her chair. Alex had a single thin blanket and a duffle bag. His laptop sat on his tray table. I felt myself tearing up.
     "Thank you," I whispered looking at him. He stood and came to my other side. He used his index finger to lift my chin and kissed the top of my head.
      "Blech! Grownups are disgusting!" Clarissa yelled out shielding her eyes. I laughed a little, smiling.
     Just then there was a knock at the door and it opened quietly. "Ela coupella (come here little girl in Greek) I have some fresh cookies for you but you have to eat your chicken, pilafi, and salad first," a woman spoke in a thick Greek accent. "I have another suprise too, but your sister would want you to stay healthy first so you have to eat your real food first."
     I recognized her instantly as Alex's mom. She was treating Clarissa like she was family, like she was loved and cared for. This woman who had barely known her for a few days gave her more care than her own parents. Clarissa turned toward her, and her face lit up.
    I felt the mixed tears of joy and sorrow pouring from my eyes. Alex grabbed a tissue and wiped my tears. "Are you okay?" He whispered in his low raspy voice looking at me with a tender concerned expression, holding my cheek. I nodded softly.
    "She's up Thea!" Rissa yelled with a laugh, running towards Alex's mom.
    "What?" she asked as she wrapped Clarissa in a hug. She looked up at me with wide, excited eyes. She set the bags down on the little table. And rushed over as soon as she gave Clarissa a proper hug without her hands full.
    "Oh my goodness. Thank the god you are safe!" She smiled kissing my forehead and wrapping me in a hug. I cringed a little from the pain and raised my arms to hug her.
    I hadn't been hugged like this since Mom died and I didn't want it to stop.