Second Chance [Four/Tobias]

Thirty Four

ᴀᴠʏᴀɴɴᴀ

It has been seven weeks. I'm almost okay now. Occasional dull throbs, otherwise I'm perfectly fine. I have to ask the doctor if I can go. I can't stand these walls any longer.

Bruce and Sally visit me between shifts.

Tobias, he basically does everything else. Gets me food at night, gives me company, stays till I sleep and everything. This must have taken a toll on him. It should have. He looks sleepless.

Other than him, all the rest of the guys came to visit as much as they could.

Christina came by on Mondays and Fridays. Mike came every two days. Zeke, Shauna, Cara, Caleb and the rest, found time. And I felt grateful.
The doctor enters in.

"Ms. Gill-"

"Can I leave?" I cut her off.

She grins. "Love your enthusiasm. We'll do a quick check up and you're good to go."

"Thank you!" I grin in joy.

I take a deep breath. It doesn't hurt. I take it again. It hurts a little. Guess I'm fine.

They take me for the X Ray, multiple scans and some other tests.

The doctor tears off a page from her notepad. "You can go. Give this at the reception for the discharge slip."

She considers for a second. "Actually, take some painkillers too. Just in case."

I nod and collect my belongings. It feels great to use both my hands. I could surprise Tobias. Taking all my belongings, I walk to the front desk and collect everything.

I look up in gratefulness as bright sunshine hit my face.

"Mm," I grin at my sky.

I head straight home, hoping I still have the key in my purse. I unlock the door. The house is in a decent condition. The garden is a little overgrown. I have to appreciate Tobias. I don't know where he found the time.

I sit on the couch for a while, taking it all in. Then, I put the dishes in the dishwashing machine and do the laundry. And then, I shower.

After all the hospital water, it felt good to be home. I wash my hair. I didn't wash it for...very long.

And then, I get into my car and take a deep breath. It doesn't hurt. With a smile, I drive to Tobias's.

I ask for his office and they showed me the directions. As I follow them, a woman stops me from her desk.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Who is it that you want?" She was a beautiful woman, good at her job I can tell.

"Tobias. Johnson," I add just in case.

"Mr. Johnson is busy. Do you have an appointment?" She asks.

I decide to play along. The last time I was here, he wasn't the vice president. Well, at least he was still transitioning.

"I'm sorry, no," I shake my head.

She clicks on her computer. "Well, he's booked for the next....three weeks. I'm sorry but you have to come back after that."

Three weeks?! How did he find time to manage everything?

"I was just kidding. I'm his...friend." I grin, not sure if I should reveal the relationship.

She narrows her eyes. "He...never mentioned a friend..."

"You can call him and ask," I nod.

She nods and calls him, putting the phone on speaker.

"Yes, Elena?" Comes the reply.

"Sir, there's someone here to visit you."

"Who?"

She looks up at me, uncertain. "A friend?"

"What's the name?"

She looks at me and I mouth 'Christina.'

"Christina, apparently."

There's a pause, as if considering.

"Send her in,"

"Yes, sir."

She cuts the call and smiles at me.

"Good to go, Christina, sorry for the delay."

"No problem," I grin as I admire various paintings that lined up on the wall.

"Tobias Johnson.
Supervisor and Vice President- 'Recruits'

I run my hand across the plate. I haven't been to his new office. I take a deep breath again and it doesn't hurt. I knock.

"Come in," I hear and I do.

Tobias furiously writes something down. "Hey, Christina. What's up?"

I clear my throat and he looks up.

"Avyanna?!" He stands up. "Why aren't you at the hospital?! What about-"

"Tobias, I got discharged. It's over!" I grin.

He wraps me up in a hug. A gentle one.

"I could kiss you right now."

"Then, do it," I laugh. He pecks my lips and looks into my eyes.

"I'm...so glad to have you back, Avyanna. I've missed you so much," He hugs me again.

"I bet. Finish up your work soon. We'll go out for dinner." I hug him back.

"Sure," He kisses my cheek.

"I'll see you then,"

"See you," He smiles. And this time, it reaches his eyes.