Guarding Dior

Chapter 4

The ride home with Officer Rains was quiet. Dior thanked her and stepped into her apartment, which was now dark. She quickly closed the blinds and curtains before turning on the lights, double-checking the lock on the front door. Her eyes drifted to her phone on the coffee table. She picked it up and saw a few messages from an unknown number. It was Levi, who had gotten her number from a mutual acquaintance at the clinic. Relief washed over her as she read that he had made it home okay. He mentioned not seeing her at the station and had accepted a ride home. Levi wanted to know if she would join him at the hospital the next day to check on Charles. Dior quickly replied, explaining that she had been held up at the station but would love to go with him. He confirmed he would pick her up at 10 AM.

After making herself a sad-looking pasta dinner, Dior took a long, hot shower, leaving the police sweats on the bathroom floor. She fell asleep quickly but was plagued by awful nightmares. In her dreams, she saw Charles lying on the cracked concrete, dead with his eyes wide open. She was paralyzed, standing in front of the bald man who had shot him. Just as he raised the gun at her, she woke up screaming. It was 6 AM, and she refused to go back to sleep. She made herself a cup of lemon ginger tea and watched a movie to distract herself.

When it was time to get ready for the day, she did her skincare routine, put her shoulder-length hair in a ponytail, and got dressed. She chose dark wash jeans, a white tank top, and a cropped lilac cardigan. She grabbed a pair of sneakers and placed them by the door. When Levi arrived, she was happy to see him. She made sure to take her purse with her phone before running out the door.

On the way to the hospital, Levi suggested stopping by the store to buy a card. Dior agreed and, while at the store, walked past the fresh flowers and admired the tiny succulents in their cute pots. She decided a succulent would last longer and bought one for Charles. Levi picked out a card, and they signed it at the register, borrowing a pen from the cashier.

As they approached the hospital, Dior's heart raced. They carried the card and the succulent, hoping Charles was still alive. What if he wasn't? They shared a look of concern but didn't voice their fears.

"You ready?" Levi asked.

She nodded and got out of the car. At the front desk, her heart pounded as they asked for Charles's room number. The moment between giving his name and the nurse's response felt like an eternity.

"One moment," the nurse said, then returned with an officer. Dior's heart sank. Did they do something wrong?

The officer asked how they knew Charles, and they both hesitated.

Dior took a deep breath. "We brought him here when he was um..." she said, her voice trembling.

The officer's eyes widened. "Oh, I see. Follow me."

He led them to a small, private room. Dior noticed multiple cards and fresh flowers by the window. She looked down at her succulent, suddenly feeling it might have been a mistake. Then she heard a low voice.

"Dior."

She turned to see Charles, pale and bruised, lying in the bed. "Charles, you look awful," she blurted out. Levi gave her a funny look. "I mean... awfully better than yesterday." Oh god, what was she saying?

"I'm sorry. I brought you a succulent," she said quickly, raising the small potted plant. Charles smiled softly, thanking her.

"I'm really glad you're doing okay, sir," Levi said politely.

"I wouldn't be if it wasn't for you two. Truly, thank you," Charles replied.

Loud footsteps announced the arrival of Noel, carrying two cups of coffee. Dior met his eyes and smiled, remembering his kindness at the station.

"Hey," Noel said, then noticed Levi. "You must be Levi. I'm Detective Pradd."

"Nice to meet you, Detective," Levi said nervously.

"Do you guys want some coffee?" Noel offered, raising the cups. They politely declined.

Levi's phone rang, and he excused himself. Noel handed one of the coffees to Charles.

"So, you've met Dior," Charles said.

"Yeah, we chatted a bit," Noel replied, glancing at Dior. She noticed his eyes were a mix of blue and green and his dirty blonde hair was shiny in this light.

Levi returned, explaining he needed to go to work early due to a stray dog emergency. He offered to pay for a taxi for Dior, but Noel insisted on driving her home. Dior thanked him.

She walked Levi out, leaving the card and succulent by the window. After making sure she was okay with Noel driving her home, they hugged, and he left in the elevator. The strange bond formed by the shared trauma now clearer than ever. As she returned to the room, she overheard Charles and Noel talking in hushed voices. They quickly fell silent as she entered.

"I like the plant you brought, Dior," Noel said genuinely, breaking the silence.

"I figured it would last longer than flowers," she replied, noticing Charles glancing at her with what seemed like worry in his face.

"Well, we should head out. Lots to do today. I'll be back later, Charlie," Noel said, patting the bed before walking out. Dior waved and smiled, unsure of what to say.

"Thanks for stopping by and for the plant," Charles said.

"Anytime," she replied, following Noel out. She heard him talking to the officer outside the room.

"...gotta make sure there's an officer on guard 24/7," he said before saying goodbye and leading Dior to the elevator. This worried her, but she didn't want to be too nosy, yet. They got into the elevator, descending into the unknown.

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