Two days later, Taylor, slightly recovered but still in intensive care, was sitting in her hospital bed, glancing lethargically at the half-eaten bowl of soup that stood in front of her.
She didn't want to eat at all, though she knew that after all she had been through, her body needed energy. But every time the liquid hit her throat, the memory of someone else's fingers clamped tightly around her throat until she choked, prevented her from eating properly. Or, indeed, to do anything at all. Simple sleep was mostly disturbing and intermittent, with nightmares where she was beaten again, or scenarios far worse, like Jenny's or Joe's death...
Her thoughts were interrupted by a tentative knock on the door, and then Tom cautiously entered the room. With bruises under his eyes and a wrinkled sweater.
"Everything about you screams jetlag," Taylor tried to joke, but when Tom saw her he just froze in horror looking at what was once her beautiful face.
"Oh my God"
"Don't look at me like that, you're only making it worse."
"What have they done to you?"
"Trust me, you don't want me to describe it to you." replied Taylor hoarsely.
Still in shock, Tom carefully walked around all the appliances surrounding Taylor and sat down in a chair beside her. Taylor took a spoonful of soup to moisten her throat and began her story.
She had to be as restrained as possible because her condition allowed her to be seen for 20 minutes at the most.
Of course she left out all the details of which Tom could see the effects on her face and body, and before he left she said
"Before you go, there's something important I need to discuss," Taylor said, her voice filled with concern.
Tom paused, sensing the gravity of the moment. "Of course.What is it?"
Taylor took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "I don't want Jenny to know the whole truth about my condition. Not yet, at least. She's young, and the details could be traumatizing for her"
Tom nodded, understanding the weight of Taylor's words. "I agree. Her well-being is our priority, and we must shield her from unnecessary pain. But she will have questions"
Taylor looked at Tom, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I trust your judgment, Tom. Please, tell her that I'm receiving medical treatment. Assure her that I'm getting better, but that it will take some time before we can be together again."
Tom placed a reassuring hand on Taylor's shoulder. "I promise, Taylor. I'll be honest with Jenny, but I'll carefully tailor the information to her age and understanding. I'll let her know that you're in good hands and that you're on the path to recovery."
Tears welled up in Taylor's eyes as she squeezed Tom's hand. "Thank you.Knowing that you'll protect her and be there for her means the world to me. Please, take care of our precious daughter."
"I will, Taylor. We'll support you through this difficult time, and when you're ready, we'll bring Jenny to see you," Tom assured her, his voice filled with compassion.
As Tom prepared to leave, Taylor's heart ached at the thought of being not able to see her daughter. However, she found solace in the knowledge that Jenny would be shielded from the painful truth for now. She trusted Tom to provide Jenny with the love and support she needed, allowing her to grow and thrive in a safe environment.
With a final embrace, Tom left for London, carrying Taylor's heartfelt plea in his heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
YOU ARE READING
Strangers
FanfictionA high school queen and a loser boy from a poor family, that's what Taylor and Joe were fifteen years ago. But now they are irreconcilable rivals whom life has brought together again and again. Can the person you've hated since high school become t...
