Better The Devil You Know

How To Be A Failure 101

Aurora was in the HQ hospital ward, sat on the bed watching in anticipation as Dr Harrison began the cast removal.

She felt a strange sensation, her skin unused to the air around it. Glancing carefully at it, Aurora's breath caught in her throat.

It was dotted purple and blue, bruises still fading, and a huge scar ran down her leg.

"What... what happened there?"

Dr Harrison looked at the cut before glancing back to her file.
"I'm not sure. Umm... here we are, you arrived at the hospital with it and it was treated after your leg had set in your operation."

Nathan leant over from the door to look, "Does it say what caused it?"

"No. Unknown. It looks to be healing perfectly though, so no need to worry."

Yet another scar I don't remember getting.

"I'm afraid you're still in the chair but we'll get started with physio straight away. But you're good to go."

Nathan helped Aurora into her chair and then wheeled her out to the lifts.

"Sarah is going home with you, we need to plan the anniversary party."

"Ugghh, do we have to have one?"

"Yes. We're a very happy couple celebrating the fact that our relationship is strong and our marriage remains one of the most threatening factors of the Romano Mafia. Remember?"

"How could I forget?"

"Plus, you're turning 20."

"So? We didn't celebrate when you turned 22."

"Yeh, 'cause we were in the middle of a war and you had just be kidnapped. It wasn't a time that really screamed 'party'".

"And now is?" Aurora huffed, "I won't even be able to walk."

Wheeling out of the lift, Aurora and Nathan went out to the reception where Sarah was.

"Ooh, Aurora. Your cast came off! Yay! Now, I'm still deciding on a colour scheme... But I'm thinking of a festival theme... I've ordered a marquee for the garden..."

As Sarah rambled on Aurora smiled and waved goodbye to Nathan who was slowly slinking away back to the lifts.

🖤

Aurora was sat in her chair, watching as her physio, Marie, began to set up some kind of intense contraption that would supposedly help Aurora walk.

"Ok. I'm going to wheel you over here, put your hands on these bars and I'll help you stand up."

Aurora let out a huge sigh as every muscle in her screamed and she slowly, resting heavily on the bars, stood up, Marie holding onto her firmly.

The door opened and Aurora tried to turn but was held firmly in place by Marie.

"Hello Boss. I didn't know you were coming."

"Is it alright if I stay?"

"Aurora?" Marie whispered, "can Nathanial stay?"

Aurora was too preoccupied with the feeling of being on fire to really care as she weakly nodded, before practically collapsing onto Marie.

"There is a stool there you can sit on, sir. Ok, Aurora, you don't have to move, we can just stay standing. Keep your hands on the bars."