Deep in my heart

Chapter 5: Splintered past

Jeremy walked back into the room, sat next to her, gave her a hug, and said"That guy won't be able to hurt you anymore... I won't ever let anyone harm you".Elaenna blushed and said"Do you mind telling me a story to help me get back to bed?" Jeremy giggled and said"Sure how about I-" Elaenna interrupted him and said, "How'd a hot guy like you wind up as a Rehab nurse....with your looks you could be a model or personal trainer". He chuckled and said, "alright, in the interest of us getting more acquainted, I'll tell you about what brought me here but I warn you, it's a roller coaster ride". Elaenna stroked his hair and said"If your uncomfortable I'll hold you and he smiled and said, "I'll be okay, just lay back and listen".

Jeremy said"It all started when I was 10 years old and my mother was diagnosed with kidney failure. My father worked so hard to make ends meet and when he got home he'd be too tired, so most of the time because my mom was worn out, I would cook, do the chores, and help bathe her. She fell a lot because her knees were bad and she felt like a burden to me because I had to stay near home in case she needed me. When my father's health began to decline leading to his passing, she took it hard and her mental state diminished yet she still lived for me. I was 17 when she passed and I remember that on her deathbed, she kept apologizing for holding me back and ruining my life which is what she thought but I was just happy I'd helped keep her alive for so long".

Jeremy continued and said"She was miserable and had lost most of her hair and weight but she always smiled just for me, even if it was just fake. After she passed, I went to medical school and vowed that as long as I lived I would never allow a person to lose hope or feel like any less of a human being because of their disability so I studied hard and became a rehab nurse. It's a busy job but I'm happy to do it and it really pays off when they leave here with a smile".Elaenna hugged him and said"You are such a sweetheart...but seriously you gotta make time for yourself sometime y'know...you spend most your days absorbing others despairs and sending positive energy and hope. It's tough and if you're not careful you'll drain yourself too much...rest once in a while and pop your head up".

Jeremy blushed and said, "You're the first person to tell me that in a long time...I'll do my best". Elaenna frowned and said, "You're my nurse now and when I'm not needing your services. You will rest and be lazy...that's an order from your employer until this partnership is over".Jeremy giggled and said"Ma'am yes ma'am" as she yawned and her eyes flickered shut. He tucked her in and said, "For a girl with amnesia, you sure have a fire inside you...it's kinda cute...I think I'm gonna enjoy working with you". The next morning, Elaenna awoke, feeling like utter crap...the good vibes and happiness that had been around yesterday had just simply disappeared and she was now feeling so many emotions that she was overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, Jeremy was in the kitchen making Elaenna a plate of the breakfast he made. When he finished, he used the intercom to call her room but got no answer and figured she was really tired so he would let her sleep until noon since 1 pm was when they were due for physical therapy sessions in the gym. Unfortunately, noon rolled around and she still hadn't gotten up so he went and knocked on her door before opening it. When he fully opened it, he saw Elaenna wide awake, staring up at the ceiling in a lifeless daze. Her expression was blank and emotionless and she didn't even turn her head to acknowledge him as he called her name and walked towards her.

He said," Come on Elaenna, it's time for you to eat and get ready for today's therapy session". She said"I'm not going" as she continued to stare lifelessly at the ceiling. Jeremy said"What's wrong?" and Elaenna said"Please just leave me alone until I ask for you" he nodded and left out the room. He went into the living room and called her therapist assigned to her; Mrs. Whitaker who told him that she was probably overwhelmed and to give her a bit of space and just check on her from time to time. Jeremy reluctantly agreed and hung up with her and alerted the other rehab staff that he and Elaenna's appointment slots for the gym wouldn't be used until she was feeling better.

Over the next two days, he brought her food when he cooked it, even though she only ate one bite of what she was given, he sat outside her door singing songs with his guitar and he even bought her some new clothes and goofy stuffed animals in an attempt to cheer her up. He even sat at her door 2 hours out of the two days asking to open up to no avail. Finally, on the third day, he walked into her room, grabbed her hand, and pulled her up. He said "This ends now" as he lifted her into her wheelchair and wheeled her out of her room without her caring enough to even oppose him. He continued pushing her towards the lake as it got closer and closer before she finally budged and said"Are you crazy... don't push me in, I can't swim...please I don't want to!"