Forever.

Chapter 22: That voice

Claire's P.O.V. (Three weeks later)

Braden has been doing so much better over the last few weeks. The doctor says that his ribs, head, and stomach are all completely healed. The only thing that isn't is his leg. There's only a few more weeks left that he has to wear the cast on his leg. He can go home in a few days, but I don't exactly know where "home" is anymore.

He's become more mobile over the last few weeks too. He'll get in his wheelchair and him and I would go on walks around the hospital, and just talk.

It seems that him and I become closer when we are in hospitals. I just wish that we could become closer in better circumstances. But, the only thing that matters is that he's getting better. Him and I both agreed that although healing without me there would be better for him, me being there would also help just as much. He also wanted me there, and I couldn't say no to him.

"He can leave in the next few days, we just want to monitor him for a little while longer." Braden's doctor says.

"That's really good news." I say with a smile as I nod.

"It is, but he will have to keep the cast on for another one to two weeks."

"But after that he'll be totally back to normal?" I ask.

"After the cast comes off he'll have to be careful for a few days, but yeah, he'll be fine."

"That's really good. Thank you so much." I say as I reach out to shake his hand.

"If I were you, I would get back in there. He won't stop asking the nurses to get you in there." He says with a smirk.

"Is something going on?" I ask.

"Not really, we're only running a few blood tests."

"Oh, he has this weird thing with needles-" I begin to say, but he jumps in.

"We're not even using needles, we're pricking his finger. But, I know he wants you in there. He said something about having something to tell you." He says.

"Okay, thank you." I say as I nod and walk away.

I walk to Braden's room and knock on the door. One of the nurses opens the door with a smile.

"Hi, Claire. How are you?" She asks.

"I'm good. How are you?" I ask as I enter the room.

"Busy, but shh, he's asleep." She says quietly. I turn my head and see Braden on the bed with his eyes closed. "We're actually going to take these samples to the lab, we'll be back in a little bit. But you can stay as long as you want."

"Thank you." I say at a whisper.

The nurses leave and I go to Braden's side. I carefully take his hand in mine and a smile comes across my face. I gently lift his hand and press my lips against the top of it.

"I would rather prefer that you actually kiss me instead of my hand to wake me up." He says as he opens his eyes.

"I bet you would." I say with a smirk.

"I'm serious. It's been a little over three weeks since we've kissed, and I'm going through withdrawals." He says as he slightly laughs.

"Well, you'll just have to wait."

"No! I know you said that you didn't want to because you were afraid that you would hurt me or something. I can leave in a few days, you're not going to hurt me." He says as his grip tightens around my hand.

"I know."

"Then why won't you kiss me?" He asks.

"It's a stupid reason." I say as I shake my head.