Chapter 43

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Almost as soon as Ben parked his car on the driveway another vehicle pulled up. Ben smiled when he realised that it was Tom's car. Gwil was sitting next to him in the passenger seat. It was the first time neither Joe nor Ben was accompanying them. Even from his place on the driveway, Ben could see that Gwil's chest was going up and down rather fast. Ben made his way over to the car. As soon as Gwil noticed Ben, he smiled. Ben opened the cardoor. 
"You did it, love. I'm proud of you," Ben said. Tom shot him a wink. Carefully Ben helped Gwil out of the car while Tom got Gwil's luggage from the back. He handed Gwil a crutch. 
"The crutch is new," Ben said. 
"Yes, they want me to use it when I get tired or when I am struggling. It's a little bit of extra support," Gwil said. 
"I'll pick you up Monday at four," Tom said.
"Thanks, Tom," Gwil said while waving with his free hand. 

As soon as Tom drove away, Gwil and Ben made their way to the front door. Gwil was leaning on his crutch.
"I had a lot of physical training today. So, my body is quite tired," Gwil said. Ben nodded while he opened the door to let Gwil in.
"Anything we can assist you with?" Ben asked. Gwil shrugged.
"Not really. As long as you don't make me walk a lot today," Gwil said. Ben chuckled.
"That won't be necessary." 

As soon as Joe heard Gwil's voice he came hurrying down the stairs.
"My husband," Joe said happily while he hurried over to Gwil. The latter put the crutch against the wall. He wrapped his arms tightly around Joe.
"Hey, love," Gwil whispered. His eyes were closed while he relished the feeling of having Joe in his embrace. Joe was the one to let go. Gwil took a shaky step back, but before he knew it he was laying on the floor. Joe immediately dropped himself next to Gwil.
"Are you okay? What happened?"
"Muscles are tired from physical training. And my balance is still a little distorted," Gwil said. Ben went to stand behind Gwil. 

"I am going to pull you upright, alright?" Ben asked. 
"Let me try first," With his hands, Gwil pushed himself into a kneeling position. He moved one leg up, standing shakily on his feet. He tried to push himself up. He immediately dropped again.
"How about this, love? I'll hold my hands in front of you so you have some leverage. Tomorrow when you are a little more rested, we will try again," Ben said. Gwil nodded. So, Ben held his hands in front of Gwil. With that extra bit of support, Gwil was able to pull himself up.

Meanwhile, Rami had assisted Addison in turning the shower on. He was seated on the closed toilet lid while he waited for her to be done. He watched her brush her teeth while he quickly checked Joe's list to make sure it was completed.
"Are you all ready for bed?" Rami asked. Addison nodded. Scarlett was waiting outside of the bathroom for them to be done. Rami shot her a quick wink while they passed her. 
"So, you'll be sleeping in Scarlett's room of course. I'll show you where Lucy and I sleep. If there is anything tonight, no matter what it is, you can always come in and wake one of us, okay?" Rami asked. Addison nodded. 
"This is my side of the bed and that is where Lucy sleeps," Rami said while pointing at the sides of the bed respectively.
"Let's grab you a bottle of water in case you get thirsty tonight," Rami said.

When they arrive in the bedroom, Scarlett has already crawled into her bed. 
"Look at you, all ready for bed," Ram said while walking over to Scarlett. He bent down to kiss her forehead.
"I love you," He said while brushing some hair out of her face.
"I love you too, dad." Rami smiled. After placing another kiss on her forehead, Rami turned to Addison. The latter had settled in bed as well. Misha was tightly pressed against her chest.
"Are you all ready? Do you need anything?" Rami asked while sitting down on the edge of the mattress.
"No, I am good."
"Alright then." Rami pressed a kiss on Addison's forehead.
"I love you," He said. Addison's eyes widened a little. 
"Now remember, if there is anything, just come to our bedroom, okay?" Rami asked. Addison nodded. Rami kissed her forehead once more before standing up.
"Don't stay up too late, ladies," Rami said. He winked at them.
"Sweet dreams," He added before closing the door.

When he walked into the living room he immediately took out his phone.

Addison and Scarlett are in bed. Addy wasn't as anxious as when Ben dropped her off. I'll check on them in an hour. No news is good news

Rami texted Joe. Then he let himself fall onto the couch next to Lucy.
"I have a lot of respect for Joe, Ben, and Gwilym," Rami said. Lucy hummed softly.
"Addison needs a lot of different ways of handling things and they have nailed that. Can you remember how she was when we first met her?" 
"I do. She was an entirely different girl. She almost didn't say a word until the seventh or eighth time I came over," Rami said. 
"Exactly. She has already opened up so much. I think she will improve even more in the upcoming months," Lucy said.

"I have a lot of respect for Joe. This is probably not easy for him. The entire anxiety and PTSD part and now with Gwil going down the same road," Lucy said. Rami hummed.
"I was thinking about that as well. I'd almost ask if his anxiety changed since helping Addison. I can imagine that it might put things in a different perspective." 
"Dad?" A voice sounded from behind them. Rami immediately turned around.
"Addison is freaking out," Scarlett said.

******

Princess of the universe // HardzzelleeWhere stories live. Discover now