Completed Heart

Chapter 43: Baby Steps

Chapter 43: Baby Steps

Liam climbed into bed with me. He shifted me so that I was sitting on his lap.

“I’m not going to say anything, ok? The others covered everything that I need to. I just want to let you know that I will never let this happen again. I know that you’re going to try to convince me otherwise but this was my fault. I approved of Tyler, Harry saw, I should have seen. I, I could have prevented-” I put my hand over his mouth. I couldn’t hear anymore of this. I was sick of people trying to comfort me and take the blame.

“Stop. Liam, just stop. I don’t want to hear it. Ok? You had nothing to do wi-” He removed my hand from his mouth and moved his hand over mine.

“Let’s call this an impasse. Alright? We’re never going to agree,” he said softly. I pushed his hand away.

“This is my last day at the hospital. After that, this never happened, ok? I need to put this behind me, I need…” I started to cry. I buried my face into his shirt. He swayed his body to comfort me. We sat there; I was on his lap, crying into his chest, he was rocking me back and forth, rubbing my back and humming in my ear. We must have been there for a while because my leg fell asleep. Eventually a nurse came in the room.

“Sorry to interrupt,” I didn’t look up, “But I am just giving you a heads up, you will be discharged in three hours, Ms. Payne.” I didn’t answer.

“Thank you, Nurse. We will be out by then.” Liam looked up at her, but didn’t make me move. We stayed cuddled up on the bed even after the nurse left.

“I want to see mum before we leave.” I told him.

“Ok,” he said softly.

“Are we going to sell the house when we leave?”

“No, I’m going to hire someone to take care of it. When she gets out of rehab, mum needs someplace to stay.” I nodded, it made sense.

“How are we all going to drive up to London? I’m usually ok with sitting on laps, but it’s a long drive and I’m all bruised up…” 

“Don’t worry about it babe. The other guys are going up by train tonight. You and I are packing tonight and then heading up tomorrow morning.” I nodded. I had stopped crying; he looked relieved.

“When I am out, can we forget this ever happened?” I asked, he sighed.

“Of course. The prosecution lawyer thought that the case was strong enough to lock up that pathetic excuse for a man for a very long time. He said you probably won’t even have to testify.” I smiled. That made me feel better; I would never have to see Tyler again.

“Liam, can you help me get up. I haven’t been out of bed yet, and I am restless.” It was true, I hadn’t stood up since my fight with Tyler. I didn’t need to; everyone brought me food, everyone I wanted to talk to came to me, and the bathroom situation was taken care of thanks to some tubes (I know, ew, right?). He nodded and gently placed me off of his lap. He stood up and then spun around to face me. He carefully helped detangle tubes around me.

“Alright, well, you have some pretty bad bruising on your legs, they might be weak. So sit up, like that. Right, good. Now, carefully swing your legs over the side of the bed.” I did as I was told. Once my legs were off the bed I could see them clearly. They were thin, pale and bruised. They were spotted with yellow, grey, blue, purple and brown. Liam saw them too. His face flashed with pain, but then he regained his composure and smiled at me.

“Now carefully slide off. I said carefully, Suze.” He grabbed my waist as I nearly fell to the floor. I slung my arm over his shoulder for support. He steadied me.

“I can walk now Liam,” I tried to pull away from him, but his grip tightened.

“Not quite yet, Susie. You’re still unstable. Let me help you, please. Just let me do this.” I nodded. He helped me slowly stumble around the room. Eventually, I was able to walk just fine. Once he realized this, he let go. I walked around the room a little bit by myself, while Liam followed me around, to catch me, in case I fell. I got bored after a while.

“We should start packing up babe. The boys texted, they’re on their way up. Let’s get you back in bed so that I can get your stuff together.”

“Do I have any spare clothes, here? This hospital gown is really uncomfortable.” Liam went to a small duffle bag and pulled out some clothing. He handed it to me.

“Is there… Did anyone bring… I need underwear.” I told Liam, slightly embarrassed. He blushed, but nodded.

“I, er, I think they grabbed you some stuff.” He mumbled, looking back through the bag. I gulped nervously.

“Who’s they?” I asked.

“Uh, the lads. Harry, I think.” He handed me a small plastic bag. I opened it, it was filled with some of my skimpier underwear options. Of course. I could be hospitalized and hurt, but he would still find away to make some reference to sex. Liam saw the lingerie I pulled out and blushed.

“I’m just going to, uh, change.” I stepped into the bathroom and quickly got dressed. While I was in there I heard the other boys come in.

“HEY! Where’s the patient?” Louis asked, laughing.

“Changing.” Liam replied in one word.

“She’s up and walking around? That’s great!” I heard Niall beam.

“What is she changing into?” I heard Harry ask cheekily. I then heard a loud whack as someone slapped someone else.

“OW!” I heard Harry complain, “I was just making a joke,”

“She’s my sister, Haz,” I heard Liam scold. I rolled my eyes. I quickly washed my face and fixed my hair. I looked up into the mirror. I looked horrible. My face was all bruised up and puffy. I had dark circles under my eyes and I looked ragged. My eyes were worn out, instead of the usual brightness. I needed to put make up on, but no one brought any for me. Oh well. I carefully stepped out of the bathroom.

“Waheyy! What’s this? Are you up and around now, babe?” Louis teased. I just smiled back. I started to make my way over to the bed, but stumbled. Five people rushed over towards me, which was unnecessary since I could just use the bed for support.

“I’m fine guys, really. I just need to take baby steps to get back to normal.” I muttered as I climbed in bed.

“Well we’re just here to say good-bye. We’re off to the train station. We’ll see you tomorrow, though, love. We’re going to help Liam get you settled in his flat.” Zayn came over to the bed and gave me a quick hug and peck on the cheek. Niall sauntered over.

“Yeah, I’m going to stock up the fridge with all of your favorites, and my favorites, too.” I laughed as he kissed my cheek and gave me a once sided hug. Louis practically bounced over.

“We’re going to have so much fun, babe. You may be living in Liam’s flat, but we all live in the same complex. It’ll be like you’re living with us. And then when the tour comes… I can’t wait. You can meet Danielle and Eleanor. You are officially a One Direction girl, now. Prepare yourself.” I rolled my eyes at his dramatics. He leaned away and pulled Liam aside for instructions at the train station. They were going to take a cab there. Harry came over and took advantage of Liam’s distraction. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he didn’t, just to be safe.

“I’m going to miss you, sweet cheeks, but it’s less than 24 hours, yeah?” He leaned in to whisper so that only I could hear, “When you come to London is when the real fun begins.” He winked at me, pecked me on the forehead and then they were gone.

THAT WAS REALLY LONG! HAHA SORRY!