Language of Love

Chapter 26 - Recovery

Two days later, Abi was being helped out of Troy's truck by her Dad. Still light-sensitive, the bright, sunny day caused spikes of pain to shoot through her head despite the sunglasses she wore.

Her Mum was clearly still unhappy that she had chosen to stay with Troy over her parents. However, her Dad had been nothing but supportive and was getting on well with Troy.

Words were slowly coming more easily to Abi. The language school staff had been dropping in and speaking short phrases with her to get her brain working on the different languages again. Sometimes, she'd get them muddled and speak in a different language with people without realising it.

Frequent sleep was also still a big part of her day. Though she was managing to stay awake for an hour at a time now, largely due to being moved to less powerful painkillers.

Troy still hadn't left her side, refusing to go home to sleep. He'd been the one to reassure her when her bandages had been removed and she'd discovered they'd shaved a section of hair in order to operate. He'd even helped her take her first shower, holding her up when her legs were so wobbly that she'd truly earned her nickname of Bambi.

Mary and Quincy had also been a daily presence. Whilst her Mum remained a little cold towards Troy she had quickly formed a strong friendship with Mary.

"You with us love?" Her Dad was asking. Abi dragged herself out of her thoughts to discover she was still stood on the pavement outside Chappos apartment block. Getting lost in her thoughts and losing focus was another side effect of her concussion.
"Sorry." She said. Troy placed a hand gently on her lower back and guided her into the apartment block.

Troy opened the door to reveal a crowd of lifeguards waiting in the darkened apartment. Quiet for once, they smiled widely, waving as Abi stepped through the door. Chappo leant smiling on the breakfast bar which was covered in cards, flowers and gifts. Abi felt tears prick at her eyes and turned to Troy, who looked as surprised as she was.

Maxi bounced over and embraced her in a gentle hug before passing her onto Whippet. She folded into his brotherly hug with a quiet sob.
"One step closer to full recovery Bambi." He murmured to her. "The guys are stoked. You're doing so well."
"Everyone wanted to welcome you home." Chappo said as he approached and stole her from Whippet, who immediately threw his arm around Troy's shoulders and ruffled his hair.

One by one the lifeguards gave her a welcome home hug then disappeared out of the door until only her Dad, Troy, Chappo, Maxi, Whippet and Hoppo remained.

Abi was surprised when Hoppo swept her into a tight hug.
"Glad you're on the mend kiddo. You call if you need anything."
He followed after the others, closing the door behind him.

Troy went to lead Abi to the sofa but Whippet took over.
"Gonz, go grab a shower. We've got her."
Troy went reluctantly. Whippet guided her to the sofa where she flopped down, exhausted. Maxi threw a blanket over her and offered her a pillow. Her Dad took it and helped her get comfortable.
"Lunch in 5." Chappo said from the kitchen, his voice much quieter than usual.

Abi didn't make it to lunch. Falling asleep nearly instantly. The others gathered round the breakfast bar and helped themselves to the pasta bake Chappo had made. Troy, fresh from the shower, checked on Abi then joined them.

For a few days Abi spent most of the time asleep in Troy's bed or on the sofa. She felt like everytime she woke, someone else had popped in to visit, a constant stream of lifeguards and her work friends. Troy, his parents and her own parents were near constants.

Slowly, Abi began to stay awake longer and be less sensitive to light.
She'd been out of hospital for 5 days when she began to get restless. Troy suggested they go for a walk. He'd been disappearing for short periods down to the beach to give her time alone with her parents, but he was also feeling trapped.

Donning sunglasses and a baseball cap, Abi stepped out of the apartment building with her arm tucked into the crook of Troy's. They made their way slowly to Bronte Beach. Troy was a little worried about how she'd react to being back on a beach. She still didn't recall the accident or some of the day leading up to it. But Abi didn't hesitate as they stepped onto the sand. Instead she slipped off her shoes and eagerly dragged him down to the waters edge, immediately paddling in the shallows. Troy smiled at her fondly as she gave him the biggest smile he had seen from her since the accident.
"It feels so good to be out." She said.
Troy drew her to him and kissed her as the water lapped at their feet.
She pulled back and snuggled into his side as they stood and watched the surfers on the waves.
"When I'm fully recovered will you take me back out there?" She asked quietly.
"Only if you want to Abs."
"I do." She responded, clearly wanting to say more but not having the words in that moment. Troy didn't push it. She only struggled occasionally now to piece together what she wanted to say. It still upset her, so he didn't draw attention to it when it happened.
"I don't want to be scared to be out there." She eventually managed.
"I'm going to be even less popular with your Mum if I get you back into surfing." Troy murmured as he hugged her tighter.
"I'm not 13." Abi sighed resentfully.
"She's just being protective Abs. You were seriously hurt and a long way from her. And she got here to find you've settled and got a network of support here. Think she's a bit scared you're not going back."
"Not sure I am." Abi stared out to sea. Troy put a finger under her chin and gently turned her head towards him. There was a strange hopeful longing in his eyes.
"You're thinking of staying?"
Abi smiled at him and nodded.
"If I can find a way."
Troy leant in and kissed her passionately.
"That means you want me to stay?"
She asked coyly.
"I tried not to think about your visa." He responded. "I'll do the long distance thing if that's what you want. But I'll be heaps stoked if you stay."
"It's over a year away."
"Abs, I love you. I'm in this for the long run."
Abi leant her head against his chest.
"Me too." She responded quietly.
He hugged her.
"Getting tired?" He asked. She nodded against his chest.
"Let's head back."