Melwood- Falling in Love Behind the Cameras

Bruises

Melissa POV

A couple hours after I woke up my family came. When they walked in I tried my best to plaster a smile on my face despite the post-surgery aches and pains. They were all concerned, asking if I was okay and about what happened. I realized that it was the first time that Chris met my family, but as I expected he was charming as ever, cracking jokes and lightening the mood. I loved to watch him as he interacted with my family-- the man I love the most with the people I love the most. Chyler even face-timed me with Farley, but whenever I laughed my lungs still stung, like sealed plastic bags bursting at the seams. 

I was in the hospital for a week and a half before the doctor discharged me, and Chris slept in the room every single night. The doctor was disconnecting me from the IV and EKG machine when she spoke, "Make sure to take it easy. No exercise or strenuous activity until our next checkup, okay?" She asked.

"Yes, of course," I responded. 

She turned to Chris, "I suggest you check up on her quite frequently, maybe even stay together some nights just to be cautious. Her condition physically may change, and other problems may surface as well. Just give Dr. Howard a call if something happens" She gave him a look. I couldn't tell what the look was or who Dr. Howard was, but Chris nodded.

"Um, who's Dr. Howard?" I asked, looking from the doctor to Chris.

"He's with the psychiatric department. We just want to take every precaution because the injuries you endured were traumatic, and we want to be prepared for anything that may pop up, but other than that you are free to go! Just wait for the nurse to come and wheel you out and you can be on your way."

"I'm sure I'll be fine. Thank you so much," I replied. I was positive that my mental health was fine, and I surely didn't want to worry Chris any more than I already have.

I smiled and nodded, and the doctor left the room. By now I had regular clothes on and was able to sit up and down comfortably and walk some short distances. Three days prior I had done laps around the hospital wing, Chris holding my hand and cheering me on as a nurse followed with a wheelchair just in case I fell. I got up out of the hospital bed, passed Chris as he packed up some of his bags, and walked into the bathroom. 

As I washed my hands I studied my injuries in the mirror. I looked at the stitches on my forehead and remembered the wires flying at my face. I dried off my hands and lifted my shirt to see my torso. A long line of stitches went vertically down the center of my stomach. Black-purple bruises lined with yellow splotches covered the left side of my waist, and I was reminded of being whipped around like a dog toy, three stories in the air. Nowhere to go, no way to escape. I became light-headed, the walled started closing in. I closed my eyes to calm down but all I could hear and see was fire and yells and a view of the studio from above, people running around. I tried to take deep breaths, but I still felt like I was suffocating. "No!" I screamed. I opened my eyes and found myself on the bathroom floor. I took deep, loud breaths as I scrambled to get up before Chris burst through the door. He has already done so much for me, I didn't want him to be even more worried.

"Melissa! What's wrong? Are you okay?" He asked, startled. He grabbed my arm making sure I wouldn't fall.

"Nothing, nothing, I'm fine. I just uh-I just almost uh slipped on some water, that's all." I replied. 

"Ok, thank goodness I had a mini heart attack," he chuckled as he took my hand. I gave the most convincing laugh I could. He continued, "Well the nurse is here, so we're ready to go."

I nodded and followed him out the bathroom and sat down on the wheelchair. We left the hospital hand in hand. His touch was reassuring, and I knew that he would be there for me, no matter what.

Chris's POV

Melissa and I sat in the car, hands interlocked, driving back to her place. We decided that it would be best for me to stay over at her place for some time. I was taking the usual route to her apartment building, but just as I turned onto the street I saw a construction sign-

DEMOLITION PROJECT: TAKE DETOUR

"Well that's convenient," I said as I made a turn. We eventually got into the parking lot and made our way to her apartment. When we walked in, Farley and Drift, who Chyler had brought over earlier today, came running up to Melissa.

"Hey, guys! I missed you so much!" She said giggling, letting them lick her face. We all piled onto the couch. The dogs napped while I typed on my laptop. Melissa was curled up next to me in a blanket reading a book. I loved having her warmth back with me. I kissed her on her forehead and I sensed her smile. She snuggled further into my side and I smiled, too. Everything was perfect again. Then, right as I was settling in I heard a bang from outside.

"Ugh, that damn construction," I said looking at the window then back to my computer. I felt Melissa start to take big gulps of air. She started shifting around and fidgeting until she started to take off the blanket.

"I think I'm going to lay down for a little bit," She said anxiously.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, of course, I just need to lay down for a bit," she gave me a small smile and leaned in to give me a kiss before she got up. I felt her relax a little bit as her lips touched mine, but she still made her way into the bedroom. 

I watched as she closed the door. I was concerned for her, but I thought the best thing was to just let her relax on her own. She has been bombarded by family and friends for days, she must have just wanted some alone time. The construction noises continued as I typed away on my laptop. There were crashes, loud bangs, men yelling, but I tried my best to concentrate, and that's when I heard a scream from her room.

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Author's Note

THANK YOU FOR 400 READS!!!! I hope you guys are liking this so far. Leave any suggestions of a storyline-- I'm having trouble about what should come next. I will update later this week!