What's she Worth to You?

One Hundred Percent

E R I N

I push past the hoard of nurses and make my way to her bed to see her sitting straight up, her body trembling and backing away from the crowd of people urging her to calm down. With her breathing mask still in position on her face her breaths are deep and loud, yet she still seems to struggle to breathe properly - even with the assistance of the machine. Her breaths are staggered and shaky, just like the rest of her body.

But of course she's scared, she's got no earthly idea where she is.

I push my way to the front and try to reach her bed but I'm interrupted by several nurses on the way. I groan and finally get to her, taking her hand in mine. Her eyes quickly meet mine and she looks at me with a confused expression. She tries to say something but the mask muffles it. I shake my head and shush her gently.

"Hold on," I whisper and carefully slip the mask off her face. "What is it?" I ask patiently, expecting a panicked answer, yet all she does is shake her head and backs away farther.
"Hey, it's okay," I say softly and she takes a deep shaky breath and shakes her head again. I sigh and move towards her slowly. I watch as her eyes widen and her body starts to shake. Her mouth opens as if she's trying to speak, yet nothing comes out but a small squeak. I take her hand and she quickly looks up at me with fear filled eyes.
"It's okay, sweetie," I whisper and squeeze her hand reassuringly. I apply a hand to her face and brush over her cheek with my thumb. Her fear seems to melt away as she closes her eyes and her muscles relax.

I wonder how long it's been since she's been touched lovingly?

Probably one hell of a long time.

•••

I sit in the uncomfortable chair in the waiting room that I've come to know all too well over the past week or so and turn the page of my vogue magazine. I've had to start bringing my own since I've been here long enough to have read them all by now.

Doctor Charles walks out of from the emergency room and I stand up, rubbing my hands on my jeans.

"Doctor Charles," I blurt out in a horse voice and he turns my way.

"Yes, Erin?" I sigh, it's now or never and I just want to get this over with.

"I... I wanted to get your professional opinion on something." He cocks an eyebrow and walks over to me, sitting next to me in an equally uncomfortable chair.

"Sure thing, what is it?" I run a hand through my hair and sigh.

"When Will releases this kid, I want to keep her at my house."

"As opposed to a safe house?" I nod my head as my stomach tightens, expecting the inevitable and resounding No I'm about to get.
"Explain to me your reasoning because, correct me if I'm wrong,I believe the whole purpose of a safe house is to keep the individual isolated and away from all harm, to keep them safe, it's in the name."

"I just don't think isolation is the correct approach to this particular situation, I mean, you've seen the girl, she can't even walk on her own."

"That's why they have the staff, to help her."

"Yes I know, but-"

"It's just not a very professional approach to. As you said, this particular situation."

"Sir, she won't know anyone on the staff,"

"Erin, as of right now she doesn't know anyone." I sigh and try to collect myself.

"Doctor Charles, I know you know that I need your permission to get Hank to sign off on this, so please just hear me out..." he seems to be listening so I continue. "You've seen this kid, I know you have. She. Is. Terrified. Shes terrified, and a little while ago I got her to take a few deep breaths and calm down. There's not going to be anyone on staff that's gonna be able to do that, to be there for her 24/7. She knows me, she knows my voice and she trusts me. She's going to need to me comfortable to heal properly and I feel like housing her with me is going to be our best bet to do so." I stop there and catch my breath. He looks at the floor, soaking up all the information like a sponge. After a minute or two he slowly nods his head and my heart raises.

"I think you're right." My heart almost stops beating. "She'd be most comfortable with you." My face lights up like a Christmas tree.

"Really?" I ask, still not sure if I believe it or not, yet he stiffly nods his head again.

"But Erin, you've got to understand." He pauses.
"You need to be prepared for her to be afraid of everything." He strongly emphasizes the last word and I nod, understanding his point.
"News fears are going to pop up out of nowhere with no explanation whatsoever and you're just going to have to take them as they come. Are you prepared for that?" I nod and he smiles at me.
"I'll go tell Hank." And with that, he stands up and walks off.

A thought hits me like a brick and I quickly look up. There's one thing that never even crossed my mind.

The fact that I just moved in with Jay, and I never even asked him...

•••

"And I promise I'll stay out of your way and it won't interfere with your work or your social life or us or anything. She is one hundred percent my responsibility,"

"Erin, hey," he laughs and takes my hand.
"She's not 'your responsibility'," he coos, pushing a piece of hair behind my ear, giving me chills. "I care about the kid, too, and I'm gonna be there to help you one hundred percent of the way."I smile at him nervously and his smile drops.
"What? What is it?"

"I need to move back into my house for a bit..." I say reluctantly, expecting a blow up, but he only gives me a boyish smile.

"Because there's more room?" I nod, mesmerized by his blatant understanding and support. "So why don't I just move in with you and we can take care of her together at your house?" My jaw drops open slightly at the offer. Two months ago, when we decided to live together, Jay refused to leave the apartment, which was fine, yet id missed my house and The fact that he just put it back on the table in an instant has me speechless.
"Hello? Earth to Erin?" He laughs and takes my head in his hands gently. "What do you say?" At this point I can't help but smile brightly at him, my mouth still slightly agape in shock.

"When do you move in?" I laugh and he smiles and gives me a light peck on the forehead.

Finally, some things are starting to work out for the better.