Intertwined

Homecoming

A/N: Hey beautiful readers. Sorry for the delay in the next chapter. I nearly deleted this yesterday, but then reread it, edited it and decided some interim fluff will be good for the story.

After nearly seven weeks in hospital, multiple surgeries, what felt like a million needles and tests and therapy sessions, I was so ready to be in a comfortable space with Mia and the girls and after the weekend, Michael, Mia's Dad, would stay with us too.

I was ready to be home. I couldn't wait to snuggle down with the girls and Mia tonight and probably for the next few nights. The girls were with us for the next week and we were all so excited. Mia was bringing them to pick me up at the hospital and then the plan when we got home was to 'show you all the new stuff, mummy,' Evie had said on their FaceTime to me last night before bed.

I saw Mia and Grace exchange looks and I realised I only knew about the art boards and the new sofa bed in the downstairs spare room. Was there more?

I was walking around the room, just double checking I had everything collected and packed. My suitcase, carry bag, medicines and supplies for when I got home. Two remaining flower bouquets and some balloons. I checked again. I kept feeling like I was forgetting something. As I came back out of the bathroom for the third time I was met with Vivian standing there giving me a knowing smile with one hand on her hip. 'You haven't forgotten anything Charlotte. You're just a little anxious and that's to be expected,' she held out her hand for me, I held it.

'Suppose you think you're clever, don't you?' I said with a cheeky grin, mimicking one of our conversations from weeks ago when Vivian was helping me realise my own strength again.
'Well, I must be, because I knew you could do this,' she said proudly gesturing to me standing and walking around.

'Couldn't have done it without you Vivian,' I really don't think I could have. Even the way Vivian had helped Mia through all of jthis had been so key in my recovery. Vivian had this way of making people around her find strength they didn't know they had. Yet, she seemed completely unaware of that gift. I gave her a hug, hoping it could convey some of my gratitude.

'What makes you feel nervous about going home?' She asked gently and we sat on the lounge in my room, the room.
'I'm really grateful to be going home,' I didn't want anyone to think I wasn't relieved to be going home to Mia and the girls. Vivian nodded, 'I just,' I sighed trying to get some of the fear out, 'what if things go backwards?'

There I said it. What if the nerves in my hands and feet start to deteriorate? What if I start having nightmares more often? What if I start seeing Adam as if he in front of me again? What if Mia can't handle having me around? What if I scare the girls because I fall or have flashbacks?

'It might be that a few things take a step back, but with your continued physiotherapist and psychologist appointments and follow ups with the neurologist and cardiologist, that will help keep things on track,' I was still unconvinced. Vivian looked at me empathetically, 'Charlotte, who has the power to help your healing the most out of anyone and has proven time and again how strong, resilient and capable they are?' She raised her eyebrow at me.

I gave a small laugh and conceded her point, 'Me'.
'Exactly. You've got this'. Vivian gave me a hug.

'Well, while you're giving those out for free, have you got a spare?' I heard Jessie's voice as he entered the room.
'Jessie!' I exclaimed standing up. He smiled his big friendly smile.
'Look at how well you're moving Charlotte. I'm so proud of you and all your hard work beautiful,' his words and his genuine kindness, brought a little tear to my eye. He was such a gentle soul. Hearing about what he did for everyone; gathering evidence on Roger and helping Vivian made my heart hurt for him. Mia had said he was one of the bravest and kindest people she knew and she was right. We were so grateful for him in our lives.