It’s been about a week since Jess has been discharged and I can’t say things have been easy. We were able to get Jess a wheelchair so that we could help her get around easier. For the most part we stayed in my room. I was right with her at all times and I made sure she was getting everything she needed. She was prescribed so much pain medication it was insane but I soon found that she really needed it. At the beginning of the week I would wake up almost every night to find her crying in her sleep from the pain.
Today is to be our last day in Georgia. We had a flight scheduled for tomorrow night and so I planned to surprise Jess by taking her downtown for a bit. I knew she was getting a bit stir crazy from being in the house for so long. I knew she was in moderately less pain and the bruises on her face had already started to fade to the point where make-up could easily cover them so I didn’t think she’d object too much to going somewhere today. I’d gotten myself ready first and then helped Jess get dressed before I called Caleb and asked him to help me get Jess downstairs. That was probably the most inconvenient thing about Jess having broken ribs. I would be able to help her walk, well hobble, bad leg and all but with her ribs still healing it’s just not possible.
“Where are we even going?” Jess muttered as Caleb carried her down the stairs bridal style. I was in front of them carrying the wheelchair down to throw in the back of the truck. Okay, so Jess was in a mood today. She has been all morning really but I was hoping I could cheer her up a bit today.
“It’s a surprise,” I said, just turning my head briefly to glance at her. I caught her rolling her eyes at me but I just turned back around, smiling slightly to myself. I really hoped I could cheer her up today.
Caleb got Jess settled into the passenger seat of his truck while I threw the wheelchair in back. I was handed his keys and he waved us off after letting me know he’d be here to help us get back in later.
“Are you honestly not going to tell me where we’re going? You know there’s not much we can do,” Jess complained.
“There’s plenty we can do,” I retorted, keeping my eyes on the road in front of me. I heard Jess scoff at that one.
“I don’t know how you can stand wheeling me around all day,” she said, crossing her arms across her chest.
“You’d do it for me,” I shrugged. I turned on the radio before she could attempt to argue anymore and of course it was more of Caleb’s typical country music. Garth Brooks this time so luckily it was at least bearable. I turned it all the way up and sang obnoxiously loud to “More Than a Memory” in an attempt to lighten the mood a bit. I’d look over in her direction ever so often and throw my hands around in exaggerated movements along with the song to make it all the more dramatic. Jess smiled even though I could tell she was trying not to. I’m pretty sure a laugh escaped her lips as well but the music was too loud for me to really tell.
“There’s that gorgeous smile,” I said as I leaned over and kissed her cheek. I saw a slight blush rise in her cheeks after that. I turned down the radio as I turned onto the little two lane road that led into town.
“So, I’m guessing we’re leaving your parents’ property this time?” she smirked.
“Yep. I told you, I have surprises for you today.” I reached over so that I could hold her hand as I drove. I was very confident that today would be amazing.
****
It took us about an hour to get to downtown Athens. It’s a very small town but a very tourist-y place. I spent a lot of my teenage years down here with friends and it’s also where I went to college. It’s one of those towns with the cute little shops and restaurants lined up right against the street. I loved it.
