Issues

Road

Alison's POV

I held Emily as she sobbed until she eventually found relief in slumber. My poor Emily. She simply cried herself to sleep. As I listened to her sobs, I walked through a journey with her that began as shock and fear to one of processing and a release of pent up emotions. I could feel her pain from breaking my heart, from the physical and psychological torment from the wrath of Kate, and from the realization that she couldn't feel or move her legs.

We have so much to talk about. So many things need to be cleared up between us. But I know that I need to be patient and take things one day at a time. I need to function on Emily's time because in all honesty, all I want is to make her happy. I've given all of myself to what's best for her and I wouldn't change it for anything in this world.

As I close my eyes and listen to Emily's slow, heavy breathing, I think about what will happen next. Will we transfer her to a rehabilitation facility? Will we go back to her place, my place, or a new, more accessible place while we plan the next step in her treatment? What kind of long term deficits will she face? What will the road ahead look like for our future together? My mind wanders and ponders all of these questions until a gentle, "Ali" brings me right back.

Emily moved her arm from gently resting over my stomach to intertwining our fingers and lovingly squeezing my hand.

"Yea babe. What's on your mind?" I say reciprocating her loving touch.

She pauses for a moment before asking in a raspy voice, "How long was I in a coma? It felt like months".

"That's because it was... 4 months..." I say reflecting in the seemingly endless time I've spent here.

"What are the chances that I'll regain feeling and mobility" she asks as I feel her physically prepare herself for my response.

Taking a deep breath I reply, "Well they don't believe that there was actual nerve damage from the stab wounds. In their opinion, it's inflammation that's causing what you're experiencing".

"Sooo... that's good news I gather" she replies hesitantly.

"Yes. It is" I reply as I kiss the top of her head.

"What is your opinion about it" Emily asks.

"Well I think now that you are awake, you can begin rehab and work to regain your strength. It will take time, patience, and healing for you to regain mobility and feeling. Now how long that will take... I don't know" I reply honestly. "One thing I do know for sure.... you're stuck with me Emily Fields... I'm not going anywhere".

Emily lifts her head off of my chest and looks at me with so much pain, uncertainty, and love in her eyes. "Even after all that I've done to you? Even after I failed you... us really" she asks with a pained voice as she looks away ashamed.

"Emily look at me... I know that we have a lot to talk about. And that will come with time. Your health is the main priority right now. But I want... no, need you to believe me when I say that I love you. I want you to lean on me. I want to be and give you everything you need. Do you understand that?"

Emily's eyes begin to water in response to these words. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve you. You know that I love you right?"

Softly placing my hand on her cheek, I whisper inches from her lips, "I do. And I love you too" before I kiss her.

Pulling away, I see her eyes are still closed with a smile across her lips, clearly savoring the kiss. "I never thought I'd get to feel your lips against mine again. I thought I'd lost you forever" she says finally opening her eyes.