Can't Let You Go

Chapter 58

Lying in the bed, with a blanket pulled up to his chin, Liam's hair is a mess, but what can be seen of his face looks unscathed. He has an IV that runs up under the blanket and a nasal cannula connected to an oxygen tank. There's a little open space on the mattress and Tally lowers herself to sit next to him, watching him sleep while Zayan holds her around her shoulders.

Holding her breath as his eyes flutter, seeming to look at them for a moment before they close again. His head lists to the side then lifts up abruptly as his eyes snap open.

"Tally?" His voice is quiet, but harsh with obvious pain. "What are you doing here? Zayan, I told you not to bring her."

These are not the first words she expected him to say. "Liam, how could I stay away?"

"I didn't want you to see me like this."

"Like what? I don't even know what's wrong. Why are you shutting me out?"

"I didn't want you to see me as a patient and then treat me as a patient."

"I don't even know what that means, but I can't know that you're suffering and not come to your side."

"You'll hover and fuss, watching me twenty four seven and get worn out without taking any rest. You'll treat me with kid gloves and not take care of yourself." He closes his eyes.

"Liam, I--" She puts a hand on her forehead. "Do you want me to leave?"

He doesn't speak or move.

Zayan whispers, "Did he fall back asleep? Hey, it's okay." He wipes a tear from her cheek. "I've never seen you cry. Oh lord." He hugs her head to his chest. "He'll be okay."

"I know, that's not why I'm crying. Let me just look at him while he sleeps and we'll leave quickly the next time he starts waking up."

"Alright, we'll leave him alone for a while and come back later after he's had time."

Feigning sleep, Liam listens to them, feeling like a jerk for being more worried that she's in Erie than being relieved she's home from Switzerland. Foremost in his mind is getting Tally to leave the hospital. Emily went to get lunch but Liam had no idea when she'd left or when she'd be back. Turning his head away from Tally, he pretends to rouse and starts counting from the moment he hears the soft swish of the curtain track as she leaves.

At three hundred four, he hears the curtain track again.

"Wake up, Baby," Emily coos softly. "I'm back from lunch. I wanted to get you something better than hospital food, but I didn't know what you can eat. I called, but you didn't answer. Do you want me to go back out and get something?"

"Have you meant any of the things you said to me this week?"

"I've meant every word. I love you, Will."

"You say that but then you keep doing things I've asked you not to."

"What's this about, Baby?"

"You keep pushing me and taking advantage of circumstances. I keep telling you I don't want you here with me, but you won't leave."

"Like I'm really going to leave you here alone. Besides, where would I go? I have no money and no car."

"I'm not alone, there's nurses. You can catch a bus back to Alaris." He coughs and winces.

"Shh, stop talking Baby, you're aggravating your throat."

"You're aggravating me."

"Aren't you mister grumpy pants today."