Save Me

Chapter 28

We sat there together gently locked in each other's comforting embrace a few minutes longer.    My mind was still replaying all that just happened between us over and over but it was far more positive that before.   I also couldn't help but wonder what this meant for "us" in the long run.

"How are you feeling, Vivie?"  Jared asked, his hand running up and down my back. 

"Better, thank you."

"Can I get you anything?"

"Maybe some water?  I'm still a little thirsty."

I did feel so much better.   In fact, I felt more than just better.    Each passing minute I was feeling more secure with myself and relieved my first reactions were wrong.    At the same time, I was discovering this amazing newfound freedom and I couldn't help smiling to myself.   

Jared loosened his arms and he reached over to the bedside table, picking up the glass he had me drink from earlier.

"Here baby, take a drink of water."   he said, bringing the glass to my lips,    "Sip slow."

Only tilting the glass enough for me to take a small sip, when the water hit my tongue, I realized just how thirsty I really was.   I could have literally downed that glass of water in one go if he let me but he didn't.   He kept a close eye on my every move.

"Thank you." I said, wiping the dribble of water left on my lips with my finger.

When I met Jared, I could have never imagined the role he'd play in my life but as it turned out, it was going to be a major one.    He helped me not only to  find myself but also gave me the encouragement to see it through and that was priceless to me.    My life would never be the same because of it.

"Think you're ready to move around?"   he asked, placing the glass back on the bedside table.

Jared sat us up a little more and gently loosened the blanket that was wrapped around me, giving me a little more breathing room.    As grateful as I was for all he did, I didn't need the safety cocoon he created anymore.

Smiling,    "I think so."   I said, brushing a whispy lock of hair out of my eyes,   "I think I'd like to go clean up a little, I can only imagine what I look like right now."

I laughed but only on the outside.    On the inside, I was anxious to fix the mess I knew was there.   Yes, unfortunately self conscious Vivie was making her return.

"You look beautiful but I understand.     Let's get you to the bathroom."  Jared agreed.

Swinging his legs slowly to the side of the bed, he brought my body with him.   Dropping the arm that he was using to cradle my legs allowed me to move my feet to the floor but I stayed sitting on his lap.    I didn't want to make an ass out of myself and fall. 

"Ready?"

I nodded, "Yeah."

With the blanket still wrapped loosely around my body we stood together, his arms securely around my upper body.   Before I could question it, he was one step ahead.

"I don't want you to fall.  You've been through a lot, baby."  he said, kissing my temple.

"Thank you."

I wasn't going to fight him even though I felt fine.   Quite honestly, it felt good to be so cherished and cared for especially after what happened.   On one hand, going through sub drop scared me to my core and made me question my strength.    On the other, how Jared handled it brought this surge of trust I never had with anyone else.   Maybe I'm not giving the others enough credit but in my opinion, anyone else probably would have been gone by now.