Save Me From Myself

Running Start

  Today was the day I was being discharged. After two months in the hospital. One being asleep and the other for recovery, I was finally being released. Taylor and Cole came to help pack up my things and assist me out.

  The nurses on shift came to say goodbye and wish me the best. I'm going to miss them, but I'm so happy to finally go back to my dorm. I was a little sad that the others didn't come but it's selfish of me to think they would miss classes to do so.

  Putting on my socks and shoes Taylor entered with a wheelchair. "I told you I'm not using that thing!"

  "Oh come on Dani, it'll be like those scenes from the movies." He pouts like a child back at me.

  "I said no Taylor. I want to walk out of here on my own two feet." He nodded his head. I knew he understood my reasoning without even having to voice it.

  I wanted to walk out on my own as a symbol of starting fresh. Like a baby leaves the hospital to start their life, I want to leave to start my new one.

  Taylor put aside the wheelchair and walked up to me, grabbing my side for support. I was getting better at getting around. Making it most of the way on my own, but I still had weakness spells with to much exertion. The doctor said it was eventually subside with daily activity.

  Cole opened the door, waving for us to go through and out into the hall. As we stepped through the door I looked back on last time at the place I've called home for 2 months. Taking a deep breath I turned to Taylor and nodded, beginning to walk.

  I could see the sliding doors at the front of the hospital and it made my heart squeeze. After today things would be different. I would try to be different. Living life for myself now.

  Stepping outside the sunlight assaulted my eyes. Once they adjusted I noticed the signs. Finn, Gage, Sloan and Adley were standing right outside the doors cheering, holding signs that said 'welcome back!' 'We missed you' and 'So Proud' I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. They were here. They were all here.

  Taylor readjusted his grip on me and nodded forward. We walked over to them and as soon as I got close they stormed me. Bringing me into a huge group hug. A smile stretched across my face. It hadn't been there in so long, I forgot how the pull of muscles felt under my skin. It felt nice.

  After the hug was over everyone headed for their cars. I thought it was a little to quickly but didn't ask questions, instead allowing Taylor to help me into his car. Cole road in the back.

  We pulled up to the campus and I sighed. Home. I'm back home. We got out of the cars and slowly made our way back to the dorm. Along the way I got tired. Gage opted to carry me on his back, much to Taylors protests.

  Getting to the room, Gage placed me back down. I looked to Taylor and he nodded, handing me the key. I slowly placed it into the lock, the sound of it clicking open was like music to my ears. Pushing open the door I was shocked.

  The room was covered in balloons and streamers. My bed was completely redone. Beautiful plush bedding and hords of pillows now sat in place of the raggedy old blankets of before.

  I turned around, eyes pricking and saw all of them in the doorway, waiting expectantly. I smiled so wide it hurt and finally the tears began to fall. The second group hug today took place and then we celebrated.

  We sat around the floor talking, some of us drinking, music playing in the background. After the hours began to pass we opted to watch some movies. The boys kicked us out while they rearranged the room saying it was a surprise and they wanted 'to go big'

  We sat in the hall laughing and catching up on Sloan and Adleys relationships or lack of. Finn had finally asked Sloan out last week. They were happy. Gage and Adley were a little more complicated. Anyone around them could read all the sexual tension, but they were clueless to it all.

  Halfway through Adleys rant about Gage being a brooding idiot, Taylor waved us in. Walking through the door the first thing I noticed was Finns adorably goofy, proud smile. Then I took in the room.

  Mine and Taylors bed were pushed up together, creating a large space on one side of the room. Attached to wall was a large white sheet, a projector was balanced precariously on a stack of textbooks and there were blankets and pillows covering the floor.

  "You guys! This is amazing!" Sloan said going up to Finn and kissing his cheek.

  "Yeah who knew guys could be so good at redecorating." Adley joked pinching Gage and laughing at his scowl.

  I walked up to Cole and Taylor and hugged them "thank you."

  Everyone but Finn took a seat amongst the pile of pillows and blankets. "Ok! So it is time for movie night 2.0! Everyone has picked one movie. We will watch all of them before leaving this room! Prepare to be here all night!"

  They all whistled and cheered, I smiled. I was getting used to the feeling. Finn ran and turned off the lights, flicking on the projector and starting the first movie.

  He took a seat next to Sloan putting his head on her lap. Cole layed on his stomach near the front, Gage was reclining against the wall. Adley was sitting next to Sloan, wrapped in a blanket. I looked around and saw Taylor with his back resting against the side of my bed. He smiled and waved me over.

  I took my position in between his legs. Laying my head against his chest and resting my arms on his thigh. He readjusted leaning back more and wrapping his arms around me. I felt safe in his arms, like nothing could go wrong. I've always felt that way, since the first time we cuddled.

  The memory seemed so long ago, that night after telling him and Finn my story. Everyone in this room has been so helpful and amazing since day one. If you would have told myself from 6 months ago that I'd have a room full of friends and be wrapped up in the arms of Taylor, I would have laughed I'm your face and then had a mental breakdown.

  But now being here in the space and looking over everyone in it, I was nothing but happy. Content. This was my family, they were the most important people in my life and I'd never be alone again.

  Now all that's left is to confess to Taylor, hope it goes well. Then tackle the hurdle called college with them by my side.