Freedom [Complete, 18+]

CHAPTER 31: THE BEGINNING

Unconsciousness slowly swept away like a curtain: the familiar sounds and smells informed me that yet again I had ended up in a hospital bed. Though now awake I failed to move even a finger or open my heavy eyes due to the heavy sedation I had been under. I could feel someone's hand holding mine, gently stroking the back of it in a way that I had only had once in my life. I wished to return the gesture or even tighten my fingers to thank Sean but alas I couldn't and my fingers remained relaxed, just lying in his hand. 

I heard footsteps near the bed, a shadow falling on my face as he blocked the light from the window. 

"You shouldn't be up, you've just had major surgery," David, Sean's boss, lightly chastised him.

"I'm not up, I'm sitting down," Sean replied. 

"You know what I mean, smart arse," David said chuckling slapping the back of his head. "She still not awake yet?"

"No, apparently they had to pump her full of sedation and she had a bad reaction."

Sean pulled my fringe away from forehead and stroked my cheek only for David to sigh heavily. 

"I thought I taught you better than this Sean. You know it's not right. You were meant to protect her not be the cliché of the knight in shining armour. I've always said that that was the cardinal sin of this profession of ours. Those we protect are at their most vulnerable, this one being particularly so, and to cross that line of trust is just wrong. You not only crossed it but you obliterated it completely, and you both suffered because of it," David spoke sadly. 

His words were met with silence and Sean stopped caressing my face though still kept hold of my hand. I didn't know what to say and so I was somewhat thankful that I couldn't speak. 

"I'm sorry I disappointed you, you're like a father to me but I tried hard to ignore it. I didn't succeed though and fell hard. Take me off of her duty and assign someone else but I'd still be right here until she tells me herself to leave because...because I love her alright," Sean said passionately whilst squeezing my hand. "And I know I shouldn't, God knows but I do. I would have done anything, been anything just to be near her. I honestly don't even know if she actually likes me or not for real but I'll wait until she can decide with a clear head and her life not in danger."

I felt a warm tear slide down my face and seep into my hair to be quickly absorbed. 

"You are suspended Sean. I'm sorry but it's a matter of trust and this put into question whether I can put you back into the job even if it were for someone else. When you are back on your feet I'll consider taking you back on but just rest until then. Sean...I can see that you really care for her, and I know that it has been a long time since you have let someone in but you and I both know how much she has struggled-"

"Yes I know all too well how much she has gone through and I still don't know all the details. I think I've helped her and she's definitely changed me for the better. I wouldn't change meeting her for anything: my suspension nor the pain because she is the first person since meeting you that I have come to love. I respect you so much so it saddens me that I have lost your trust but I hope that can be rebuilt and with Ri by my side."

I could feel my extremities more clearly now and I testingly wiggled my toes not wanting to disturb the conversation which I was waiting on with baited breath. I succeeded and managed to not be uncovered either as their conversation flowed onto more casual matters. When I realised I wasn't going to hear anymore, I moved my fingers and turned my head moaning as if I had just woken up. 

Sean's hand left mine as David whispered barely audible into his ear: "take it easy with her."

I blinked several times, getting the sleep out of my eyes before looking at them both. They smiled and greeted me as if they hadn't just been having a serious discussion about me.