Running From the Devil

Chapter 6

Laney

I came to slowly, blinking to clear my vision, feeling groggy and sore.  Groaning I sat up, pushing my hair back from my face hoping I didn't look as bad as I felt.  I'd have to avoid Daniel for at least an hour while I got myself together. Taking a deep breath I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and came face to face with a sleeping man sprawled out across a recliner beside my bed.  He was tall, tan, and well muscled in a sleek sort of way.  I eyed his shaggy brown hair, feeling like it looked familiar but what was he doing in my room?  Gingerly I placed my feet on the floor feeling the cold, smooth tile chill my feet.  That's when it hit me.  I wasn't at my house, my bedroom had carpet not tile.  Looking around more I realized I was in a hospital room with an iv in my arm and a heart rate monitor on my finger. 

That's right, I had run away.  I ran light fingers across the white plaster cast covering most of my left arm, I had been on my own for less than 6 hours before I hurt myself.  I really was useless.  I could feel the panic trying to rise in me again but honestly I was too worn out to give any more of my energy to the fear.  If Daniel had found me I would already be beaten or dead, not being cared for in a hospital, so assuming I was still safe I had other pressing matters to attend to, like getting to the bathroom.

After removing the iv bag from the stand and the heart rate monitor from my finger I stood slowly, testing my balance.  Wobbling precariously I started inching forwards to the bathroom.  I was concentrating so hard on staying on my feet that I didn't notice the man in the chair had woken up. 

"Good morning, how are you feeling?"

The sound of his voice startled me so badly that I jumped, lost my balance, and went careening towards the floor.  Strong hands grabbed me just before I connected with the hard tile and gently set me back upright.

"Whoa princess, slow down!  Doc will kill me if I let you get hurt on my watch." 

I'm sure my mouth must have dropped open as I stared at him, no one ever cared if I fell before.  I mean I was such a klutz that it happened all the time. 

"Were you headed to the bathroom?" 

Numbly I nodded feeling heat spread across my face. 

"Don't be embarrassed pretty lady, let's get you over there."

Before I could protest he had scooped me up in his arms and carried me the rest of the way.  I tried to smack his hands away when he reached for the hem of my gown but he brushed me off.

"It'll be quicker this way."

He had me settled a second later and announced he'd be waiting outside the door and to call him when I was done.  I tried for a long time to get my clothes situated but with one hand in a cast it was nearly impossible.  I shrieked in frustration and then again when the door flew open.  The man strode in and finished getting me re-clothed before he helped me over to the sink. 

"Do you want to brush your teeth and stuff while you're in here?"

I nodded again.  I'd have to find my vocal chords soon or he'd think I was mute.

"Cat got your tongue huh? Alright, well I'll be outside the door, call me when you're done and I'll help you back to bed."

I felt a lot better once I got my hair and teeth brushed and put on some deodorant.  I wanted a shower but I certainly wasn't about to mention that to that man, he'd probably insist on helping me do that too!  Hopefully I'd see a female today that I could talk to about it.  Finally I felt settled enough to head back to the room but my feet must not have gotten the same message because I lost my balance again and crashed into the door frame.  The man sighed mightily at me as he walked into the bathroom and scooped me back up.  I could have swore I heard him mutter "stubborn woman" before setting me gently in the bed.  I was about to ask why I was so out of it when the door swung open.