Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 48

"I'm sorry about that. I guess I never really believed it would happen. I knew Tommy would try his best, but... When I discovered that he'd left, I was so overjoyed that he took the chance. I thought that if he made, at least one of us would live, but then I became afraid. What if the guards found him and killed him? I guess deep down, I never thought we would really be found and one day live again," Simone said, dabbing at her eyes with a Kleenex.

Gina smiled at her as she moved away from the bed to stand by the window. Her gaze was drawn to the children who played in the park across the street. She spoke softly. "Don't apologize. I still find myself crying about it. The joy of not living in fear of punishment or abuse is overwhelming. I wonder if I'll ever get used to it."

"I know. I wonder the same thing. So many things have changed since we've been gone. We've changed. I hate to admit this, but I'm glad I don't have to face the outside world just yet. I know I'm not ready, and I'm not even sure if I want to face it."

"Not want to? Why?" Gina asked, turning around to face Simone.

"Well... I see how you and Tommy have adjusted. You both seem to have taken to everything so well. You have a job with Gail, a place to live. Tommy is finally able to be a teenager. He has friends. Me...well, I'm not sure what I'll do. I can't be a doctor-"

"Why not? You could take a few refresher courses-"

"No, I don't think so. Me in class?" Simone chuckled softly as she shook her head. "I don't want to be confined by anyone's strict rules and regulations. Not ever again. Hell, at this point, the last thing I want to do is work, but I must. I have a son to support."

"But that's not something you really have to concern yourself with now, right? So many people would love to help you and Tommy. The last thing, you have to worry about is finding a job."

"No charity, Gina. I don't want anyone to support me or Tommy, but me."

"You know, you're just as pigheaded as your son."

"Thank you," Simone said with a broad smile.

"It wasn't a compliment," Gina said, laughing softly.

"I know," Simone said, joining in Gina's laughter.

Gina shook her head as she wandered back to sit in the guest chair again. Her eyes drifted to Simone's bedside table and the various assortment of reading material which was placed there. A small frown furrowed her brow as she pointed to the magazines and books and looked at Simone. "And you said you were bored?"

"That's Lark's doing," Simone said, resting against the pillows.

"Why did she bring you so much?" Gina asked as she leafed through the stack. "Town and Country...National Geographic...Sports Illustrated?"

"As if, I'd read Sports Illustrated," Simone said with a chuckle. "She's trying to be subtle, but I know the real reason she's been so helpful and considerate."

"And it's not to fulfill her candy striper duties?"

"More like to feed her curiosity," Simone said with a smile. When Gina's face continued to show her confusion, Simone continued. "Tommy. Every time she's come in here, she's asked about him."

"She has?" Gina asked, lowering her eyes to her hands. Suddenly, she was bothered at the thought of Lark Madison's interest in Tommy. She didn't feel she had a right to be upset, yet, she couldn't seem to stop herself from feeling that way. She didn't want Simone to see it in her eyes so she kept them glued to her lap.

"Oh, has she!" Simone replied, oblivious to the turmoil which raged inside of her friend. "She's been in and out of here all day, asking me in her careful way, when or if Tommy plans to stop by. Looks like my Tommy has been busy."