Needing 13 - Johnny Kavanagh

A GOOD DAY TO DIE

TARA

Jonathan stayed with me at the hospital for the rest of the Easter holidays, or at least for as long as his mam allowed him to. He was meant to be recovering too, going to rehab for his surgery and sticking to his doctor's strict orders. What consoled Edel, though, was that while he was by my side, we weren't causing trouble. We'd spend hours lying in the hospital bed together, either watching a movie, flipping through books, or listening to music on her iPod. It gave her peace of mind knowing he wasn't off breaking the doctor's orders or straining himself.

The bandage on my face had finally come off, revealing the scar that lingered across my skin. It looked far worse than it truly was. When Jonathan saw it, his expression shifted—first to horror, then to anger. I knew he was furious with my father for what he had done to me with his belt. He didn't say much, but I could feel the tension in the way he looked at me. Still, the doctor assured us both that it was healing well. She said I wouldn't be left with much of a mark, just like the rest of my back. But I didn't want Jonathan to hear about that part. I sent him down to the hospital cafeteria for coffee before the doctor mentioned the scars on my back. Once he was gone, she told me the worst of it was on my shoulder blade, likely to stay as it was, but the rest of the wounds would eventually heal into faint lines. She handed me a cream to use and instructed me to wrap myself tightly to help with the healing.

Dr. Fanning also said my voice was on the mend. I could start talking again, though it would sound rough and deeper than usual at first. She warned me not to strain it, to avoid speaking for long stretches, and to drink plenty of water. Honey would help soothe the rawness, she added. As for walking, I could move around, but there was a strange tickling sensation in my stomach and back if I moved too much. Thankfully, my father's belt hadn't done any permanent damage to the nerves.

"You don't have to do this, y'know," I said, glancing over at John and Edel as they drove us back to my house. I shifted in my seat, feeling a bit awkward. "Seriously, you don't have to. I could've called Joey—"

"We don't have to, but we want to," John interrupted, his voice firm but kind as he glanced at me in the rearview mirror. His piercing blue eyes were filled with steely determination. "You're not a bother, Tara. Besides, it's the least we can do for getting this lad to actually stay in bed and follow his doctor's orders for once."

"Da!" Jonathan groaned beside me, resting his head on my shoulder while fiddling with our intertwined hands, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips.

"Don't start whining, Johnny," Edel chimed in, turning in her seat to look at us, her voice tinged with affection but stern enough to keep him in line. "You're not five anymore."

"Tara, how are you feeling, love?" she asked, her tone softening as her gaze met mine.

I hesitated, then let out a sigh. "Honestly?" I looked at her, and she nodded, encouraging me to speak. "I don't exactly feel like going home to see my dearest older brother and doting mam, who couldn't care less where I've been," I muttered sarcastically. "I'll call Nanny and ask if I can stay with her instead."

"You could stay with me," Jonathan piped up, his eyes lighting with hope. "I'll take you home tomorrow, promise."

I shook my head, a soft smile tugging at my lips. "Not today," I replied gently. "I promised Shannon I'd spend the day with her before she goes back to Tommen."

"So... does that mean I'll see you tomorrow? Will you come drop her off at Tommen in the morning?"

"According to Joey, Darren's taking it upon himself to play big brother and chauffeur everyone to school. Pathetic, if you ask me. We'll see how well he handles it, though. Tadhg's not exactly making it easy for him."