Rolling in the Deep

Part 7

The party got underway, it was really just a few nibbles, pop and a bunch of compilation party hits CD's on an old CD player. But it was a change to the norm, and you tried your best to be upbeat. You were gutted Amita was going, but knew it was selfish to want her to stay. After all you would be out of there like a shot given your chance. Although the appearance of Taron on the unit, was a massive positive. You would still miss the girly gossips, the late-night laughing fits and all that came with having a best friend right with you when you needed them.

Of course, she was only at the end of the phone and could visit on Sundays if she wanted to. You bopped along to the 90's classics and tried your best to forget your sadness. The whole unit was out of their rooms and it was a pretty full room, it was some time until you spotted Taron, arriving wearing a pair of denim shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. You felt your heartbeat fast, he looked incredibly good. Having made less of an effort, you had thrown on a pair of jeans and a bright blue top.

For the first time, Taron looked like himself and you wondered if he was feeling more positive. You hoped so, it took time, but the initial shock did wear off and all the things as an able-bodied person scared you about disability, seemed less of a big deal. You became adept at thinking creatively when you needed to get things done, being now unable to do so in the traditional way. It gave you a buzz when you found a way to achieve something you thought would now be impossible.

As you were thinking this, you became aware of the sensation that someone was looking at you and as you raised your eyes. They became locked with Taron's, he smiled and headed toward you "Well this is my first unit party and I don't know anyone else, so I'm gonna stick with you, if that's ok" he grinned. Damn you, you thought. As the sparks ran through you, his dazzling smile making you hold your breath momentarily. "Fair enough" you smiled "But you know some of the others from group" you said. "Yeah, but I've not been in their bed" he said cheekily wondering if the risqué comment was a step to far.

He was pleased when you laughed loudly, "That's true" you smiled "You know y/n you should do that more" he said. Looking confused her clarified "Smile, you have a beautiful smile" his eyes twinkling. "Well I could say the same to you" you replied trying to stop the blushing that was now taking over your face. "You look more positive today anyway" you continued trying to move the conversation on.

"Yeah a little" he admitted "It's still hard, isn't it?" You nodded empathetically. "It's kind of a rollercoaster, well it is for me anyway" he looked into your eyes, paying so much attention to you, you again reminded yourself to breathe. "Getting out of those scrubs also helped, thankfully someone got me a bag of stuff, so I feel more me and less of a sick person" he said. "oh god yeah, when I was admitted I had nothing, I spent the first few days in one of those bloody gowns, that expose your arse to everyone" you groaned, Taron chuckled "yeah those are fun" he smiled.

Tapping his hand on his knee in time with the song, he hummed under his breath. "So, am I the only one who knows your secret identity, or have you been spotted by anyone else?" you asked. Relaxing into the conversation, you were amazed at how easy it was and how comfortable you were, in such a short space of time.

It wasn't until Amita made you jump, suddenly appearing by you that you realised how little of the party you and Taron had gotten into. Having become enthralled in the conversation with Taron. Amita looked sad "Oh god, is it time for you to go already?" you groaned as Amita began to cry. Taron excused himself leaving you and Amita alone. Hugging her, you couldn't stop yourself, as tears flowed down. "I will call, you and txt you all the time" Amita said "I know and I will see you around the physio anyway" you replied "You'll be out soon, and by the way things looked before I came over I think 'Dave' will be more than a decent replacement for your unit buddy" she laughed "No way, you cannot be replaced Amita, we did this thing together and I will NEVER forget that" you sniffled not wanting to let go.

Amita's Dad was waiting, and you eventually had to let go. Waving goodbye, you sped back to your room, no longer wanting to be around people. Climbing into your bed, you buried your head in the pillow, releasing the emotion you were holding in. It wasn't long before, you felt the depression on the bed as Taron, pulled himself behind you and pulled you into a hug. He didn't say a word, just held you as you cried. His hand stroking yours.