As Time Passed

Chapter 20

(Wally's Profile)

     I woke in a bright, white hospital room. I was really confused, but then the memories of what happened came back to me. My father had, quite literally, gave me the beating of my life. Dick had found me in the basement, he kicked Rudy's ass and I ended up passing out before we even got to the Cave. My guess was that I was in the Med Bay, but by the way it was set up, I was at a actual hospital.

     There was a soft knock at the door and a doctor came in. He was wearing a white trench coat, had glasses on, and looked like he was in his mid 30's. "Hello, Wallace. My name is Dr. Howard and I will be your doctor for however long you will need to be in here." He told me in the I-promise-that-I-am-the-good-doctor voice. I smiled weakly. "Now, if you don't mind, could I please ask you some questions?" Dr. Howard sat in the chair already placed by my bed as if I didn't have a choice. I nodded, then winced.

     Howard looked at his papers and looked up at me. "I want you to answer honestly to all of these questions. We aren't here to get you in trouble, we're here to help. This is just standard protocol..."

     After about thirty minutes of me telling the truth about how the abuse started, Dr. Howard got up. "Thank you Wallace for telling me the truth and I promise that we will put him away for good." I nodded softly. "Now, I'm going to tell those gentlemen out there that they can come visit you now." I smiled, hoping that Dick was out there.

      Of course, the fear that if everyone found out, they would all hate me. Hate me because I couldn't stand up for myself, hate me for the fact that I was weak. The door opened slowly, making me jump away from my thoughts. Dick walked in and I smiled. "Hey." I said, my voice a whisper and cracking.

     He smiled at me sympathetically. I immediately was on guard. "How are you feeling, dude?" Dick asked me softly. "I'm doing okay." I answered, lying. Dick looked at me and I could tell he didn't believe me. "Do you mind if I sit?" He asked, pointing to the foot of my bed. I nodded. "Go ahead." My voice still hoarse. Dick sat on my bed. "I really, really hope you know that you don't have to hide behind a mask anymore, Wally. At least not with me. I'm here and I'll help you. I know for a fact it will be a long time before you get over this trauma you've been through and it's okay. It doesn't matter how long it takes. What matters is if you're starting to recover or not. I'll be here with you no matter what, okay?"

    I nodded and tears prickled my eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to make the tears go away. Dick put a hand on my knee. "Is it okay if I crawl in with you?" I scooted over, wincing, trying to make room for Dick. He got off and crawled in under the covers with me. Dick wrapped his arms around my torso very gently and placed his head on my shoulder.

     I turned my head towards his own. "I love you, Dick. Thanks for everything." I whispered. "I love you too, Wally. I will do anything to help you." He kissed my cheek and I drifted off to sleep listening to the sound of his breathing, feeling safer then I have in months.

   A/N:  Would you look at that, I updated! Sorry to keep y'all waiting. I was a Bear Lake for a week and I was lazy. Anyway, I'm really glad y'all are enjoying the story and I love you all. Bye betches, kiss kiss. ((MADISON IF YOU DON'T GET THE REFERENCE, I SHUN YOU.))