the captured red hibiscus flower (editing)

medical machines & hair dye

Alexis' point of view

After I got re-attached to the machines, I was given a small lecture from the nurse, along with medicine to take before bed. She left the room just as soon as Asher walked in wearing a half smile. His clothes were wrinkled and his shoes were not tied. he had bags under his eyes, as if he had gone a day with out sleep. but in comparison to how James looked, Asher would appear to have gotten a full nights sleep. with no worries at all.

My heart sank when I thought about how hard this must be for James. as if reading my Thoughts Asher spoke, knocking me out of my mind and back into reality. "I brought you some flowers, since I know James didn't get the chance, because he was trying to be here as soon as you woke up. so these flowers are from him and me." He put the flowers in my pitcher of water, and chuckled "sorry, to take your source of water, but I figured the flowers needed water as soon as possible, and the nurses can always bring you more water."

I smiled laughing a bit, even though my stomach was sore from the beating prior to this, and from the doctors prodding at it so they could see how bad the bruising was. Asher continued to speak as he handed me a card.

"I know it not much, but this card is from me. its just a reminder that i'm always going to be around when you need a friend. That being said, I am so sorry for what your foster dad put you through. If I had known that you were in danger I wouldn't have let you go back there. when you said you were running from something, I sensed that something wasn't right. but I guess I just didn't want to believe that you could be in danger, so I figured I was over reacting. I'm sorry I have been a terrible friend. only after I was knocked unconscious by one of Larry's goons, I knew I had to do something. That's why I had my church call the cops. and it's good thing I did." I half shrugged and smiled at him.

"Thank you, I really thought that was going to be the end of me. also for not wanting to know before...It's okay, I wasn't looking for help. I was scared, and didn't want to involve anyone else in my mess. it's better that you didn't pry, if you had gotten involved Larry would've hurt you too. and Worse then having you knocked unconscious, that wasn't Larry's call, that would of been to generous. In a way I'm glad you stayed out of it."

he fell silent for a moment "okay...I just wish there was more I could of done to help."

I smiled "it's okay. 'hakuna matata' you did help, I'm safe now. And that's all that matters." He smiled at my reply as the nurse came in "Sorry, to interrupt. but Alexis, needs her rest if she wants to be discharged tomorrow." My eyes widened in surprise and excitement. no more boring white walls or annoying heart machine, That gives away how fast my heart is beating. glad I wasn't attached to it when James kissed me. I shook the goofy smile off my face, and looked at the nurse.

"I'm well enough to leave?" She nodded "yes, I don't see any reason to keep you here. You seem to be healing quickly. And the surgery we did went smoothly, you don't need to worry. just take your painkillers and be gentle with your shoulder"

I smiled delighted to hear the news. "thank you." The nurse nodded, and turned to Asher "sir, if you don't mind. Alexis needs her rest if she wants to go home tomorrow." Asher nodded and smiled at me as he got up "goodnight Alexis." I smiled back as he left, and then took my night time pills, which soon knocked me out.

**************

I woke up the next day at noon, packed up my stuff, and Got a nurse to help me get dressed. since I was still to weak to move my shoulder around a lot. After I was ready to leave I called James to come pick me up when he was ready. I watched some TV as I waited for James.