Dreams Can Come True

89. To Tell or not to Tell

I was tossing and turning in the hospital bed, surrounded by the monotonous sounds of the medical equipment and the soft hum of the fluorescent lights. My thoughts were swirling like a vortex in my head, and I felt entangled in a web of fear and uncertainty. I had a Skype call planned with Bill soon, but I couldn't bear to tell him what was happening yet. The idea of making him worry felt like a heavy burden on my shoulders. Maybe I should call Tom? Ask him to keep Bill occupied so that our Skype call couldn't take place? But wouldn't that feel like a betrayal?
I picked up my phone and stared at the screen, struggling with my inner conflict. No, I won't call Tom, I finally decided. I put my phone back down, but the minutes kept ticking mercilessly on the clock. The pressure to do something became unbearable, and eventually, I decided to call Tom. My fingers trembled as I dialed his number. It didn't take long for him to answer, his voice cheerful and familiar on the other end of the line.
"Aaaah, here's my sister-in-law," he greeted me with a laugh. "I didn't think you'd miss me too," he continued. I tried to keep my voice steady as I wanted to tell him about my situation. "Tom," I began, my voice sharper than I intended, "are you alone right now?" The cheerfulness in his voice suddenly disappeared, replaced by concern. "Is everything okay, Elise?" he asked, and I could hear the genuine worry in his voice.
"Well, um," I continued. "Don't tell me you cheated on Bill during a night out!" he threatened. "No, Tom, of course not. I would never do that," I assured him. "Then what's going on?" he asked, and I began to briefly tell him my story.
I told him what had happened, how I had been drugged by David and ended up in the hospital for observation. There was a silence on the other end of the line, followed by the sound of Tom swallowing. "Jesus, Elise. What a mess. Are you really okay?" he asked finally, his voice filled with concern and frustration.
I took a deep breath and tried to keep my emotions under control while I assured him that I was physically fine, but still shaken by what had happened. "That's understandable," said Tom, his voice softening. "What a bastard, that David."
Then he asked about Bill. "You haven't told Bill anything yet?" he asked cautiously. I sighed deeply before answering. "No," I said, my voice almost a whisper from fear. "I'm afraid that if I tell him, he'll catch the first flight back to Berlin. And I just want you guys to finish your music video."
"If Bill finds out, we can kiss the 'Automatic' music video goodbye," he added seriously, his voice filled with concern. I could feel the tension in his words as he emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
"And he'll do something to David, I'm sure of it," Tom continued, his voice tinged with determination. "And I'll do everything to protect my brother from his mistakes." His words gave me a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos David had caused.
I nodded slowly, knowing that violence wouldn't solve anything. "I'm afraid I think the same," I admitted honestly, my voice almost a whisper from the fear that still surrounded me. "But violence will only make things worse, especially now that the police are already on David's side."
Tom seemed to agree with me. "You're right, Elise. We need to be smart in our approach," he said determinedly. "But believe me, David won't escape his deserved punishment." His words brought a touch of reassurance to my anxious thoughts.

"Tom," I began with a slight tremor in my voice after a short silence, "could you please distract Bill? I'm afraid that a Skype call with him right now will raise more questions than it will answer." My heart beat faster as I shared my worries with him.
Tom responded understandingly. "I get it, Elise. I'll do my best to keep him occupied," he assured me. His voice sounded determined, as if he was resolute in his intention to help me.
"But I do think we should inform Bill to some extent. He has to know what's going on," Tom said, his voice filled with reason and concern for his brother.
I sighed, acknowledging the truth of his words. "Yes," I eventually admitted, my voice a whisper of doubt. "I just don't know how to tell him everything yet." My thoughts were a jumble of fear and worry, not knowing how Bill would react to the news of what had happened.
Tom seemed to understand my hesitation. "It won't be easy, Elise," he replied with compassion in his voice. "But we need to be honest with him. He has the right to know what's going on." His words struck me deeply, reminding me of the necessity of openness, even in difficult times.
I nodded slowly, knowing he was right. "You're right, Tom," I said, a hint of determination in my voice. "I will tell him what happened, no matter how hard it will be." The decision felt like a heavy burden, but I knew it was the only right choice to involve Bill in what had happened.
He understood my dilemma and sighed too. "Please don't tell him yet," I pleaded, hoping for his understanding. I needed to be able to tell him at my own pace. "No, of course I won't tell him you're in the hospital," Tom assured me, his voice full of reassurance. But just at that moment, I heard a door open on the other end of the line, and Bill walked in, forcing Tom to hang up abruptly.
It felt like a slap in the face, knowing that Bill would now have questions I couldn't answer. I lowered my phone and stared at the ceiling, a sense of hopelessness washing over me.