Tough Love

Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Three

Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Three

Dani's P.O.V.

I'm woken up by Eli's voice and I am totally confused. I have no idea what day it is or even what the time is. I almost feel like I've been drugged but I know I haven't taken anything. I'm so groggy and I don't know why. I lay completely still, trying to get my head together, while listening to Eli talk.

"No, I'm fine. I can't believe the doctor told you that... I'm not taking the meds, Pops. You won't change my mind... No, I'll be fine... I have to ask Dani about that. I'll speak to her when she wakes up... She's ok. Tell mom to stop worrying. Please. We're both fine. I'll call you later and let you know about tonight."

Everything falls silent and then I hear Eli sigh. I'm guessing he rubs his hands over his face because I hear the scratching of his stubble and then I hear him groan in pain. He probably used his injured arm out of instinct. I jump up, thinking he's hurt, but he has his back to me as he looks out of the bedroom window.

I whisper, "Eli? Are you ok?"

He faces me, with a small, boyish grin on his face. "I used the wrong arm. I have to get used to using the other one."

"You aren't bleeding, are you?"

"No ma'am. Just feel stupid for making the mistake. Did I wake you?"

"I don't think so. I feel like I've been drugged."

"You were in a deep sleep. You didn't dream and you stayed asleep while I got out of bed and answered my dad's call. You were really asleep."

I don't think that's ever happened. I always sleep so lightly, just in case there are any noises. I like to be able to prepare myself if anything is going to happen.

I simply say, "Huh."

I can't actually verbalize anything else. Eli's voice snaps me out of my weird bubble.

"Do you think it worked?"

I hesitantly say, "It must have. I haven't been in a deep sleep like that since I was a child. Well, other than drug induced situations."

I see him frown at my last comment and I mutter an apology for bringing that up.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. I don't like that they made you take drugs. That's why I frowned. Maybe covering the bad memories with new ones will work... Within reason, obviously. You have to be comfortable with doing whatever that entails."

I nod absentmindedly. My mind has to catch up with everything that's happened in the last few days. I feel different, inside and out. I don't know how to describe it really. It's like my emotions have changed, as well as my physical body and the chemicals inside of me too. It all makes for very weird battles inside of me.

Eli must notice my struggle or vacantness, because he asks, "Are you ok?"