Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 30 - Much Better Use

I could feel drill cotton pressed against my cheek, slightly scratchy. And there was the smell of pine. It kept reminding me of something, but I couldn't quite remember what. My mind was grasping for the meaning, but it was just out of reach.

Then I became aware of the voices.

"... step back, Janine. For God's sake let the Doctor examine her," I heard a voice say. It, too, was familiar but I wasn't sure why? Then another voice

"Doctor? Please? What can you tell us?" That last voice sounded so very worried.

And it all clicked into place. Camp tea. Janine, my mother. Abe, my father. And Dimitri – the love of my life. I could feel the Doctor picking up my wrist to take my pulse. As much as I just wanted to lie there, I could hear the panic in their voices, so I tried to wake up.

"I think she's coming around," the doctor said as I opened my eyes.

"Rose? Do you know who I am?"

"You're the Doctor."

"Yes. How are you feeling, Rose?"

"Cold. Shaky. Very tired," I replied. "How's Lissa?"

"Lissa's fine, Roza," a familiar voice soothed. Looking up I realized I was cradled in Dimitri's arms, the smell of pine was his deodorant, the drill cotton the rough fabric of his Guardian uniform. Smiling weakly at him, he adjusted me, so I was more sitting across his lap. I nuzzled my head into his neck, enjoying the feeling of his warmth.

"What happened?" I asked. "I saw you, and then there was nothing?"

"I'm not certain, Rose, but I think you might have fainted," the Doctor said.

"That's not very glamorous," I mumbled. Looking at Dimitri I could see the start of a smile.

"What do you need, Roza?" he asked me quietly.

"Sleep."

"Will that be ok, Doctor?" I heard my mother ask, her voice high with anxiety.

"That should be fine. But she shouldn't be left alone," the doctor replied.

"I'll stay with her," Dimitri said in a voice that made it clear there would be absolutely no debate.

"Someone stay with Lissa. Wake me as soon as she does," I said weakly.

"I'll stay with her," I heard Alberta volunteer.

Standing up from where he'd been sitting on the side of the bed holding me, Dimitri carried me out of Lissa's room and through the foyer to our own. Kicking the door shut behind him, he put me down on the bed. He walked to the sitting area, turning on the gas fireplace and adjusting it to the highest setting. Switching off the lights he returned to the bed, lifting back the sheets and putting me in the middle, taking my shoes off as well as his own, then helping me take my shirt and bra off.

"Hold me?" I asked in a small voice. And just like our first night here, he stripped off his shirt and climbed into bed beside me. Wrapping us both in the blankets he pulled me to him. Holding me as though he would never let go, he was kissing my face, eyes, and hair gently but with almost desperation.

"Thank God you're ok," Dimitri whispered, smoothing my hair back. "I've never been so scared," he whispered brushing his lips against mine. "I can't lose you."

"I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere," I told him with an exhausted smile. "I'm so sleepy, Comrade. But I need you next to me. Will you stay?" I asked apologetically.

"Shh, Roza. I'm not letting you out of my arms. Just sleep," he soothed, rubbing his hands softly on my back.

I was on my side, my head resting on Dimitri's shoulder and tucked in under his chin, an arm wrapped around his back. He was gently kissing my hair now, the way he did the night we first made love.