The Neighbor

Chapter 18

Elodie's POV

Jane looked at me then the door. 

"You have a photo of Wyatt on your phone right?" 

I nodded and Jane dug into her leather bag and pulled out my phone. She unlocked my phone and went to my camera roll and scrolled. 

"Ah! Okay, Nurse!" 

Jane handed the phone to the nurse and asked for them to see if it was him. One of the nurses walked to the door as I watched Jane's movements. Her body softened and the nurses unlinked arms. Relief washed over me.

"She's just woken up, please be gentle." 

Jane's voice was soft but stern and I could see his long brown fluffy hair peeking over the nurses heads as he slowly entered the room.

"Ellie?" 

He moved past them and tears instantly filled my eyes. Wyatt dropped the flowers that were in his hands and ran to the side of the bed dropping to his knees. He grabbed my hand and rested his forehead on it as he sobbed. 

"Oh, Ellie." 

His voice, though hoarse, filled my ears with such joy. I had longed for this. Dreamed of this moment. I missed him so much. I missed his perfect smile, bright brown eyes, slightly crooked nose. Everything. 

"Wyatt," 

The words left my mouth in a sigh. A sweet relief kind of sigh. The sigh you make when you finally reunite with someone you love. He let go of my hand kissing it once more as he sat on the side of the bed. 

"I have spent the last few months searching for you. Through every fucking small town, city, everywhere along the coastline. Through this entire goddamn forest state. I have spent the last two weeks in Seattle. I was looking everywhere for you. I got your messages Ellie. I am so sorry it took me so long. I'm so sorry that I didn't come sooner. Ellie, I don't know what I can ever do to make it up to you. I-"

"Shhhhh. I know, come here." 

Wyatt scooted closer and leaned in embracing me. He was so warm and smelt of bergamot and citrus. God, I had missed him. Missed him more than I could ever put into words. I squeezed him tightly.

"I'm so sorry," 

Wyatt sobbed into my shoulder as I wrapped my arm around him. 

"If I could, I would take it all back. I would've never touched Clare, I don't even know what had-" 

"Wyatt, I forgive you. It's okay. I just wanna go home. Home with you. Back to Cali." 

Tears streamed from my face as he pulled away. 

"Baby," 

His tone was soft, a whisper. He could see I was in pain. I couldn't bear the thought of telling him all the awful things that have happened to me. I wouldn't. Wyatt cupped my cheeks as I let out a small sob. I was trying to keep it together. For him, and for myself.

"I'm here. I am not leaving your side. I promise you" 

I felt my head fall forward as I tried to fight the tears. I was trying my best to keep them in. Keep them from everyone, until I was alone. I was tired of being strong. Tired of everything. Wyatt pulled me back in for a hug. I could melt in his arms. 

"I promise you Ellie, I am not leaving your side. I will stay here with you until we are on a plane back to Cali, away from all of this." 

I nodded and pulled back from Wyatt. His eyes slowly traveled to my arm sling as he looked at it. His eyes made their way down to my leg that was also in a cast. I watched as his eyes trailed back up towards my face stopping on my neck. He cupped my cheek softly and turned my head to the side lifting my chin up. I must've had bruises or marks that I couldn't see.