Gary and Libby - Take One

Chapter Sixteen

"Gary, Babe, wake up. We're here." I unbuckle my seatbelt and lean over to Gary, wrapping my fingers around his hand. He stirs slightly, groaning as he opens his eyes. "You were tired." I smile.
"Tired?!" Gary grumbles sleepily. "Spent."
I can't help but laugh.
"Gimmie a minuet." He smiles, knocking back a bottle of water. I quickly fish my phone out my bag and stuff it in my pocket, i dont want to be lumbering my big hand bag into the hospital.
"You ready?" Gary gives me a reassuring look. I'm nervous again, really nervous. I don't know what to do.
"Ready as I'll ever be." I mumble, stepping out of the car. Gary grasps my hand tightly, giving it a little shake.
"Im here." He whispers. I just nod my head to acknowledge him. My throats gone dry.

Once we're in there, a short, brown haired nurse directs us to the right ward.
"He's already got a visitor." She says, beaming straight at Gary. I presume the visitor shes talking about is my Mom. Gary nods at her warmly and she leaves us be.
"Do you want me to wait here?" Gary asks before we open the door. I think about his question for a moment. Is thi really how you want to introduce Gary to your parents? At your Dads hospital bedside?! Either way it doesnt matter I need him.
"No." I shake my head and take Garys hand again as i open the door. Slowly we walk down the wards of people, i scan quickly for my Mothers blonde highlighted hair. Ah ha.
"Hi." I speak quietly as i approach them.
"Oh He-" My Mom nearly spits her coffee out when he notices Gary stood behind me. "You- you've brought guests." She stammers.
"Yea...I hope you dont mind?" I ask. "Mom this is Gary, Gary this is my Mom, Alison."
"Hi Alison." Gary smiles quietly as he steps forward to shake my Mother hand. Hes shy! Hes shy, and so totally cute that my heart nearly melts. Shes probably busy making a total fool out of herself as i turn my attentions to Dad.
"Hey Dad. I smile weakly, as i take a seat at the bedside. He doesnt say anything, he just looks at me with this weird kind of smile. I think his happy, but i cant be sure. "Can you speak Dad?" I ask, placing my hand over his, his thumb twitches over my knuckle and i breathe a sigh of relief. "Dad, can you speak?" I ask again.
"Not yet." My Mothers voice cuts in behind me. "They're hoping he will be able to within a a couple of month, six months and it should be back to normal."
I nod slowly, keeping my gaze fixed on my Dad. I dont like it. I dont like seeing him like this. Hes so different, so different from anything ive ever known, so, not my Dad. I know ive got to be strong, but i can feel the tears threatening to fall. I want my Dad back already and ive only beem with him five minuets. I feel Garys hand slip onto my shoulder as my Dad gazes up. Im grateful for the distraction.
"Dad, this is Gary." I choke. I dont know why im talking to him like hes an idiot. Hes not an idiot. "Gary this is my Dad, Peter." I cant help but smile when Dad lift his hand slightly to shake Garys, his weird smile widening.
"Lovely to meet you Peter." Gary smiles, he seem right at home now. I'm surprised when my Dad
nods his head slightly, i take it he recognises him.
"You travelled up here today?" Mom asks.
"Ye."
"Where are you staying?"
"Garys got a house up here. We're going to stay there for a while." I explain.
"Thats very good of you Gary. Thank you." She grins up at Gary and he returns her warmth.
"Oh my pleasure."" He smiles.
"You should go." Mom says after a momentary silence.
"What?!" Is she asking us to leave?!
"You've had a long journey. Go unpack, do whatever. Come back later when i cant be here?"
I understand where she coming from now so i just nod and turn around, planting a small kiss on Dads cheek. "See you later Dad. Okay?"
He nods slightly in response.
"Ill ring you okay?" I whisper, as Mom pulls me into a brief hug.

Five minuets later we're out of the hospital, the breeze is a welcome blast of fresh air onto my face. I hate those places. Neither of us have spoken since we got out of the ward. That was intense.
"You Okay?" Gary asks quietly as we walk towards the car. I dont answer, i dont feel i can talk, instead i just sink into the passenger seat, resting my head against the window.
"Libby? You okay?" Gary asks again as he fastens his seatbelt, i just shut my eyes and i think he gets the picture.

I keep my eyes closed for the duration of the journey, ive got no idea where we're going. I feel so weird, I feel like i need a hug, but want to be left alone at the same time. Like i need a good laugh, but want to ball my eyes out as well. I think its probably about half an hour later that i feel the car come to a halt and the engine cut out. I still havent spoken, and now i dont want to move. What the fuck is wrong with you Libby?! Stop being so god damn rude! I watch as Gary unloads the boot and carries the two cases into this beautiful house, its stunning. Just like his home in London, but right now, i really dont care. Gary re-emerges about five minuets later empty handed and makes his way down to the car, i still dont make any effort to move, ive still got my seat belt on.

Gently, Gary opens the car door. "Eh," He says softly in that beautiful tone. "What is it? Come on Babe." He leans across to undo my seat belt and i flinch away from his touch. I can tell hes surprised, but he doesnt say anything. I just want to go to bed. My bed. God it feels like i havent been there in so long. Gary goes to help me out of the car, but i jump out before his hands reach me.
"What is is babe?" Gary asks astonished. "Have i done something wrong?"
Im so angry all of a sudden. Why am i so angry?! I make my way silently towards the house, Gary shuts the front door behind me.
"Babe?" He asks again. "If you tell me whats wrong ill try and make it better, you know i will."
"Oh just shut the fuck up for a minuet Gary!" I shout, spinning round on my heals. I think i make him jump.
"Im sorry." He holds his hand up in defence.
"Are you taking the piss?!"
"No." Garys hands drop back to his sides. "Libby, whats wrong? Your acting really...weird."
"Weird?!" I scoff, "My dads just had a stroke Gary! How would you like me to act?!" I realise im shouting again, but im so angry.
"I just wanted you to tell me what was wrong Libby!" Hes shouting too now.
"Wasnt it god damn obvious?!"
"No! Because you were fine in there and as soon as we got out that was it, you wern't fucking speaking to me!"
"Well you didnt exactly help did you? Going in there and having a jolly old conversation with my Mother! It wasnt exactly the time or the place to discus the weather was it?!" I sound so stupid...Oh fuck i sound so stupid. Ive never lost my temper like this.
"Well im sorry Libby!" Gary is really shouting now, like really. And it quite frightening. "It wasnt exactly a situation i was familiar with if im brutally honest with you!" He takes a step closer too me, shouting over me.
I shut my eyes tightly. Im going to cry. Do not cry Libby. Do not cry. When i open my eye again, Garys expression has softened considerably.
"Im sorry." He murmur. "Libby im so sorry. I shouldnt have done that." He goes to take my hand, but i pull away, wiping away the tear rolling down my cheek. I cant do this.
"I dont think i should stay Gary." I sniff, slipping past him towards the front door.
"What do you mean?" Gary aks urgently, grabbing my hand. I yank myself free.
"I think i should leave." I sniff again, tears blurring my line of sight.
"Dont be stupid, You've got nowhere to go." Gary insists.
"Ill find somewhere." I mutter, fiddling with the lock and pulling the door open.
"Libby. No. Wait! I love you!" Gary goes to grab my hand again, but i slip through the door and shut it behind me.
Please God. Tell me that didnt just happen?