DREA (GxG)

7. {I got you}

I took an Uber to the hospital for my appointment. I was Steph's last patient for the day, and she offered to give me a ride back. She removed both my casts to make sure everything was good. It felt good to have my skin breathe again. In those few brief moments, while I got my fractures x-rayed, I felt free. As if I wasn't some disabled person anymore. It was empowering, but it didn't last long.

After the x-ray, I was getting my arm re-plastered. I guess it wasn't so bad that it no longer came up to my shoulder, and instead, stopped right below where most of my shirt sleeves would be. Steph also said that I didn't need a cast on my foot anymore and instead gave me a boot, which I was stoked about. After two hours of PT, we left with me, smiling like an idiot. I felt so giddy and free and I must've thanked her a thousand times.

Steph drove me back to their house. I texted Drea to let her know I wouldn't be home for the weekend. I wanted her to tag along with me for the party. Especially since I knew her mood was down a lot lately, but she refused saying she just wanted to stay in. It sucks but I can't force her. Emilie met us by the door when we got there. Her hair was down, and it was loooong. Of all the time I spent with this family, I've never seen her wear her hair down before. It was always in a ponytail or a bun. A bun which Grace had an unhealthy obsession with always freeing only to have Emilie make it up again. Now I knew why. The gold of it was mesmerising. It appears as if it was flowing in a continuous stream rather than just being strands of hair.

As she came forward, she held out her arms for Steph to walk into her embrace. They merged into a tight hug. Emilie kissed her forehead and placed other tiny kisses along the side of her face. "Don't ever work a double again." She complained quietly, her voice thick with emotion.

"I can't help it, baby. The board says I must do at least two a month." The redhead said, her voice just as vulnerable.

"Perhaps the board needs another visit from me."

Steph just smiled. "No! Do not threaten them again. All my colleagues already think I'm the reason they have to work double shifts on weekdays because I get three days off. Please do not give them any more reasons to side-eye me."

"If any of them talk shit about you, know that all you have to give me is a name."

"I know," Steph assured, patting her wife's back. "You're okay, annnnd, now I get to spend all day tomorrow with you."

Emilie smiled and continued to hang on to her wife. "Yeah, that makes up for it, and I can't wait."

Aww! They were adorable. I left them to have their moment after stashing my coat in the coat closet. Grace pounced to meet me as I approached. "Jules! Where's Drea?"

I frowned at the question. "Not feeling very sociable."

Grace frowned, and as she reached me, she patted my shoulder. "How are you?"

"Fine. Thanks." I forced a smile as she continued forward.

"Good. You can go join the party if you want."

She disappeared to join Emilie and Steph and I went to join the party. The living room was crowded. Molly and Amelia were there with their kids. Emilie's and Steph's moms were there along with Emilie's other triplet sister, Isabelle. It was very strange to see all three of them at once and I swear my eyes were playing tricks on me. I'd hate to be their kids. I'd be so confused.

I was descending the stairs when I stumbled into Emilie, trying to make a very discreet exit. "Running away, Em?"

She groaned. "I need a break... everyone suddenly needs mama today and I'm just one person, you know?"

But as she started up the stairs, we heard. "Mama," she stopped, cursed under her breath before turning her attention to one of the twins, who was kneeling next to the couch, ready to cry. "I can't find red!"