Jade
"Slow down!" I laughed, running behind Perrie and Zahra as they rushed to our front door. Clearly they were both glad to be home.
I was mostly talking to Perrie, because she was moving too fast on her crutches. Okay. She was probably going a normal speed, but I was worried anyway.
"I got it, babe. You worry too much." She giggled, leaning against the wall and waiting for me to open the door.
I unlocked it and let them in, letting out an exhale because I was glad to be home too.
When we got inside and settled in, I had Perrie on the couch with her ankle elevated so it wouldn't swell, while I fed and entertained Zahra. Occasionally I would bring Perrie snacks and obviously dinner, and she would just watch TV.
I felt like she was being kind of quiet, occasionally looking deep in thought about something. It scared me a little, but maybe I had nothing to worry about. It could've just been because she was in pain.
I fed the Zahra, bathed her, and put her to bed, then I peeked back in on Perrie, noticing that she looked lost in thought again for the hundredth time. I wondered what she was thinking so hard about, and hoped it wasn't the obvious.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" I asked, walking in and getting down on my knees next to the couch, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Living the dream..." She replied with no emotion whatsoever. I frowned. "I'm sorry. That was crabby. I didn't mean that."
"It's fine. Is everything okay? You seem like you're in your head a lot today." I said. "Is it because—"
"I'm fine, babe." She said, shaking her head, but I didn't believe her for a second. Even though she said we were okay, something felt off.
"Okay. Are you in pain? Can I get you some more medicine?" I asked.
"No, I'm okay." She shook her head again. "How are you feeling? You've been running around like crazy all day with Zahra."
"I'm okay, if you're okay." I said, grabbing her hand and holding it.
She smiled. "Thank you so much. You've really stepped up these past few days, and I really appreciate it. Not that you weren't a great mother and wife before. I hope you know what I mean."
"I do, love." I smiled. "And it's no problem at all. So you're good. There's nothing else you need? Any more food? Anything to drink? A blanket?"
She turned her head slightly and looked at me. She didn't say anything, and neither did I, though I kind of got a feeling of what she might be looking for. At least I hoped I was right, because I felt the exact same way.
"There is something else I need..." She said quietly, reaching out and pulling me closer to her by my t-shirt.
I couldn't speak. I was scared to. It felt like I'd been walking on eggshells these past weeks, and I was scared to do or say anything to ruin what progress we've made. I just swallowed and stared at her, deciding to let her take the lead. When she didn't continue, though, I had no choice but to speak.
"What's that?" I asked, feeling my heartbeat quicken with anticipation.
"You." She replied, staring into my eyes.
She tugged more on my shirt, and I leaned in fully, pressing my lips to hers. Again, just like at the hospital, it felt like magic. It's been too long.
"Are you sure?" I asked, still scared despite the twitching in my sweatpants now.
"I'm sure." She whispered, biting her lip.
