Faith and Freedom

Chapter Thirteen

I don't know when I woke up, but when I did all I saw was white. I knew I was in a hospital. The sterile smell in the air and the fact that everything was a blinding white gave it away. I glanced to my right and Connor was holding Melody in his arms while she slept with her head resting on his shoulder. Deciding to speak through a mouth that felt like it was filled with cotton, I thought of what I would say.

"I guess you're all pretty pissed at me, huh?" I croaked out.

Melody shot up and practically leapt out of Connor's arms and into my hospital bed. She balled a small fist with her bony hand and gave me a right hook to the arm.

"Ouch, Melody!" I said, shock clear on my face.

"That's for being a dumb butt!" She yelled, hitting me again with more force than the last. "And that's for scaring me!"

"Jesus, Melody! Calm yourself!".Connor restrained my little sister before looking towards me. "What were you thinking? You could've gotten yourself hurt and you scared the hell out of me and your little sister!"

My eyes burn with tears, my throat is so tight it hurts, and though I try to keep my voice level, it falters and I begin to cry. Shame burns hot through my body and my heart feels like its breaking for the billionth time since I lost my parents.

"I'm sorry... I don't know what happened... I-" My reply is cut off by Connor's arms wrapping around me.

"Look, I don't know what drove you to make this decision and I can't pretend to, but I'm only replying the way I am because I care about you. I care about you so much I can't even put it into words. I like you alot and-" this time, it's Connor who is cut off by a different voice.

"Oh for the love of God. He's got a crush on you, sweetie, and I say you don't let him go." It was Quinn who spoke and I was shocked.

"Well thanks alot, Quinn." Connor growls, irritated and bright red.

"You're welcome," she turns to me next. "The nurse will be in in just a second to get you ready to go. Jackie just filled out your discharge papers."

True to her word, the nurse came in, let me get changed into a pair of too-big black sweats, and a too-big t-shirt that I guessed were Connor's. I was right.

"I didn't want to go through your things.. it went against everything my mother taught me.." he stuttered out, embarrassed.

"It's okay. I appreciate it." I smiled.

I walked out with Connor protectively at my side and Melody in front of me. Connor wrapped an arm around my waist as a boy walked by, checking me out in a very indiscreet way. I leaned into his side and rested my head on his chest as we walked, happy to have someone care about me.

Then, with a voice so low it was almost inaudible, I whispered, "I like you too."
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Back at the ranch, Melody decided to go for a ride with Sage and Connor and I went to his room to watch a movie. I made it less than five minutes into Finding Nemo before I fell asleep, wrapped in his arms. My head was on his chest and just before I succumbed to my sleepiness, he kissed my forehead and whispered something I didn't quite catch.
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When I finally woke up, I was covered by the blankets of Connor's bed with his arm draped over me while he slept on top of me covers with a few blankets covering him. Even in sleep he was a perfect gentleman. I scooted closer and turned over to my left side so I could lay my head on his chest and cuddle into his warmth. As my eyes drifted shut, Melody walked in, tears rolling down her face. She crawled up between me and Connor and woke Connor up in the process.

"Wha-" Connor spoke, his voice drowsy.

"I had a nightmare... Sephy didn't help... I'm sorry I woke you..." Her innocent face was sad and she cuddled into my side.

"It's okay, little bear. It's okay." I soothed.

"You can sleep in here too, if it makes you feel better." Connor said.

"Thank you.." she sniffled.

But no matter how hard we tried, none of us could sleep after that so I went to Melody and I's room and changed before I made my way to the round ring with Renegade. I lunged him a while before grooming him and decicing to try to tack him up. Grabbing his brand new mint green all purpose english pad, I walked back over to him and let him smell it and get familiar with it. I then rubbed the pad along his chest, over his shoulder and up over his back before setting it on him.

The terror was clear in his eyes as he bucked once in the isle way, throwing the pad over his head and onto the ground. Deciding he'd had enough, I soothed him, gave him a treat, and walked him back to his turn out behind a stall marked with his name. He was slowly becoming used to the stall and followed me into it to get his breakfast. As I latched the stall door shut, I thought of the progress he'd made and smiled, walking back to my room to try to catch a few more hours of sleep before the ranch was awake.

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