In Plain Sight

26. Recovery

POV: Kelly

Walking into the house and seeing the 'welcome home' banner, really made me smile and it sunk in that I survived a terrible thing. Oliver running to me squealing was just the remedy I needed. He was hogging all my attention and wanted to show me the new toy that grandma got for him, a fire truck.

I spent the day being spoiled and loved on by everyone. Even Brian came by and was extra friendly. Our relationship was a cordial one, 100% because we both care about Sam. Nothing more nothing less. 

Later that evening Sheila was helping me change and get ready for bed. She looked deep in thought, with a look of sadness on her face. She doesn't dwell too much on feelings but I think this experience for the both of us, was terrifying.

"Are you okay?" I put my hands over hers to get her attention and she let out a deep exhale.

"You scared me. I've never been so scared." She admitted and a stray tear trickled down her cheek.

We hugged for a while as we let our emotions settle and comforted each other. We've always had each other's back, just us against the world. It almost got undone and that moment was a wake up call to never let our guard down. We melted into the hug and let any feelings of dread evaporate while sealing in the comfort and reassurance that we both needed. Like the big sister she is, she tucked me into bed and made sure I was comfortable before dimming the light and leaving.

The next morning at breakfast, there seemed to be some tension but I couldn't place whether it was about what happened to me or if something else happened. Last night everyone seemed fine and relieved but that has gone out the window this morning.

Everyone is eating in silence and keeping interactions to a minimum. Only Oliver was talkative and playful. He was still clinging to me and I was soaking it in and letting him have his mama time. I'm sure the fact that he didn't see me for a few days without warning, may have affected him.

I can't imagine not being here with him and even though I know Sam would take great care of him and he will lack nothing, I still want to be around to make sure. My childhood was painful and I don't want that for him.

"Baby, can we take a walk?" Sam asked standing up and I knew it was not a request even though he phrased it that way. I nodded and he took Oliver in his arms before helping me out of my chair. 

We went outside, leaving everyone at the table still looking tense. We walked for a few minutes in silence before I got fed up with the awkwardness.

"Do you want to tell me what that was about?" I asked Sam who just shrugged so I stopped walking.

"We had a disagreement last night." He said and I raised an eyebrow at him. He exhaled and I can tell he doesn't want to tell me, but I don't care.

"I told them we are going back to New York and they got upset. My mom thinks you should stay here so they can take care of you and Oliver while I go back to work." He elaborated.

Oh, I see. That's why everyone was moody. Although I don't get why the idea of us going back to New York would result in everyone being tense before midday.

"Is that all that happened? Doesn't sound big enough to ruin people's moods through the night and into the morning." 

"There may have been some unintentional ugly words exchanged." He admitted and sighed as we continued our walk back to the house. I could tell something was eating him up inside but I decided against questioning him further.

We walked into the house and Sam's parents, brother and Sheila were quietly watching TV. We joined them and I figured now is the perfect time to address the elephant in the room.