Paragon

Chapter 29

I bounce awake as my head drifts forward enough to cause me to lose balance of my torso in this uncomfortable chair. Blinking, unsure to how long I've been sleeping, I take in where I am, sad when I realize this hasn't been a nightmare.

The morning light shines through the windows as I reach onto the bed, grabbing Stellan's still hand. "Good... morning, baby. I- can you hear me?"

I've read so many times that a person in a coma can hear you. That's why doctor's encourage it so much. I don't want him to feel alone, if he can hear me so I talk. I begin talking- talking about the baby. Talking about when he'll see her. How we'll spend Christmas as a family, happy and unafraid.

I tell him how much I love him. How much I need him to be okay. I tell him we'll go away. I tell him I'll stop designing. That I'll disappear with him so no one will ever be able to hurt us. I tell him I'll do anything he wants me to do as long as he wakes up.

The door opens and I turn in place, tears in my eyes. Vivienne is standing in the doorway. Breathing evenly, I stare at her, in the sweatpants and t-shirt Olivia brought me. She clutches her purse, holding my gaze. She looks like she knows I'm going to throw her out. But for some reason, I don't. I look away from her and back at my husband, as if she weren't there.

She walks further into the room, stopping at the edge of the bed. "How is he?"

"Alive," I whisper, fixed on the soft rise and call of his chest.

"Have you gotten sleep? You look exhausted."

"I've slept."

"And eaten? The- uh, baby needs nourishment."

"I've eaten, Vivienne. Thank you," I snap, squeezing Stellan's hand. Give me strength.

"Okay, good. Good... I came as soon as I heard. I don't really know why... I have no clue what to say."

Looking away from Stellan, I pin her with a look of annoyance. "Then leave."

"I want to help you. I know I fucked up- I convinced David to talk to Stellan like that. It was my fault."

"I know it was."

"Oh... Well, I am sorry. I had no right to tell him to leave you. I know that."

"You had no right to do half the shit you've done to me. I'm so sick of trying to figure out who the fuck to trust- who the fuck will stay. I know Stellan will and that's what I have to go on."

"One person is not enough to build a support system."

I smile softly, shaking my head. "It's obvious you don't know my husband, just by that statement."

"Iris."

"You never called. None of you. And Dari, what the hell? Was that all a show? That whole weekend?"

"David wanted me to call but I was embarrassed. I knew how much you had to have hated me. Dari was really angry at me- she still is... Things haven't been the same between her and I since."

"Why didn't she call me then?"

"She's here. You can ask her yourself."

"She's here?"

"And David."

I stare at her, unsure as to how I'm supposed to feel. "You didn't need to do that."

"Yes, we did. Stellan was right. He has only ever treated us- and you- with respect and we shouldn't have judged him. I've regretted that day so much. I hope it didn't hurt you both a lot."