Ink (being edited)

Chapter 18: Learning to Cope

SAGE

"Thank fuck my door fits your wheel chair," I sighed as I pushed him over the threshold. 

"And if it didn't?"

"I would've carried you in myself."

Ethan chuckled as I wheeled him over to the couch and helped him get settled in.

"I must've been a saint in my past life to deserve you, babygirl."

"Yeah, yeah," I giggled and gave him a peck on the forehead, " Do you want anything from the Chinese place?"

He nodded and I ordered for the both of us.

"Delivery should be here soon. I'm gonna take a quick shower. You'll be fine for a couple minutes right?"

"Go take your shower. Everything will be fine."

Sensing my hesitation, Ethan shot me a smile and my heart melted. Everything would be ok.

"Fine, but scream if you need anything. I love you."

"I love you too, now go"

. . . 

The hot shower was good for my muscles. I had been on my feet constantly this past week getting everything set up for Ethan's arrival. He loved the idea of living with me but hated the fact that I always had to help him with simple tasks. He felt inferior I guess. 

Suddenly I could hear muffled commotion outside of my door. The water made it hard to hear so I quickly turned it off and hopped out. 

"Miss?! Miss?! Hello?!"

Throwing on a robe, I raced out of the bathroom, careful not to slip and fall to find the delivery man trying to help a crippled  Ethan back into his wheelchair. His face was void of emotion as we tried to get him back into his seat. 

I took my food and thanked the delivery man not even sure how to process what just happened.

"Just go and get dressed. I don't want to talk about it," He muttered and my heart shattered for him.

I quietly retreated back to my room and quickly changed into some lounge clothes. I tied my hair up sank into my bed, collecting myself and my emotions.

God, I had no idea what to do. I didn't know how to help him or even if he needed help. So I did the only thing I could do.

I pulled myself together and off my bed, and wheeled him into our room. 

"What are you doing?"

"Forcing you to talk to me, what does it look like?"

"I told you that I didn't want to," He huffed coldly.

"Well obviously I don't listen. Get on the bed so I can talk to you."

Reluctantly he held onto my hand as I hoisted him up. He laid his head in my lap and I started to stroke his hair.

"What happened out there?"

"I wanted to have dinner ready for you when you got out of the shower. I just underestimated my ability to get back into wheelchair alone."

"Why didn't you just wait for me to come help you? I would've been done in a couple of minutes."

Silence.

Nothing but silence.

"Well?"

Ethan heaved a sigh and twisted his neck to look up at me. The first tears started to fall after that.