Don't Hold Your Breath

Chapter 7

By the time we reached Zeke's friend's house, we were both exhausted and starving. Zeke had me wait in the car as he knocked on the door before coming back to grab me. He didn't let me walk, gingerly picking me up instead and carrying me bridal style into the house.

A short but stocky man who looked to be in his mid-thirties was holding the door open for us. Zeke carried me into the kitchen and sat me on a chair. His eyes seemed frantic, and his hands grazed over the bloody makeshift bandages at a complete loss.

"Unwrap those so we can see the wound."

I was surprised to hear the words I wanted to say come out of the stranger's mouth.

"You're a doctor?" I asked him, my voice sounding weak.

"I was a field medic." He said distractedly as he and Zeke unwound the fabric from my shoulder.

"I believe the-" I cut off slightly as a sudden heightened wave of pain startled me. I waited for it to pass with a grimace before continuing. "They missed the nerves, but I can't tell about the bone."

"Looks like you managed to stop the bleeding." He said as he took a wet washcloth and began to gently clean off the blood and tenderly press against the area to check the bones. "Yeah the clots holding, but I don't want to risk breaking it. It doesn't seem like any bones are seriously damaged so let's hold off on moving anything for now. Zeke, go check my bathroom cupboard for my medical kit."

Zeke didn't need to be told twice, rushing off.

"You look a little young to be a doctor." the man remarked.

"I graduated high school early." I smiled, although it probably looked more like a grimace. "I'm in med school now."

"Impressive." He nodded, holding out a hand as Zeke returned and shoved the box into his chest.

"This is going to hurt." He told me as he threaded the needle.

"This may be my first time getting shot, but I've had stitches before." I informed him with a wry smile.

"Without any localized anesthesia?" he said a little sarcastically. His face turned to shock, however, when I responded with a nod.

"Well alright then." He muttered before starting in. Zeke was watching my face intently, so I looked at the floor to avoid his worried stare.

"Now the other side." The man said, coming around and easily finishing the stitches on that side as well. He took out some gauze and wraps to dress my wound, but I stopped him before he could begin.

"Before you cover me up, do you have a bathroom? I want to clean off a bit."

"Sure." He nodded. "I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but don't get the stitches wet. There should be more wash clothes in the cupboard."

I nodded appreciatively and tried to stand up, but a dizzy wave made me unsteady and Zeke reached out to grab my good shoulder.

"I should probably come help you." he said, and I muttered an agreement.

He helped me to the bathroom and grabbed a fresh cloth. I was still shirtless so just had to remove the bra for Zeke to begin washing the remaining bits of blood and sweat off of me.

"I'm sorry." I finally said when he didn't speak. He had been wiping off my stomach but turned his head sharply to look me in the face when he heard my words.

"Why are you the one apologizing?" he asked in disbelief.

"We were arguing earlier today. I didn't mean to make you angry."

"That was because-" he cut himself off and looked away from me. He shut his eyes tightly before he faced me again "I was worried about you. You know I read that article about your family. When you mentioned your brother, I was scared to think what it might have been like for you growing up with him."

He turned me around and started to clean off my back as well. I thought over his words; I felt a little heartless, I knew he had been concerned but I didn't really care to stop and think what that might mean from his perspective.

"Come here, I'll wash your hair too." Zeke added, gesturing towards the tub. I sat on the floor and leaned my head over so he could get it wet with the detachable shower head. The position was a little awkward and uncomfortable for my shoulder, but he was quick as he shampooed and rinsed my hair. He piled it into a towel and then lead me over to sit on the toilet so he could dry it for me.

"Thank you." I said quietly.

My words made him pause and he tilted my head up with a finger so he could lean down and press a soft kiss against my lips. When he broke away, I gave him a small smile and leaned my forehead against his.

"I loved my brother." I told him, finally making up my mind as I studied his soft eyes. I knew my words probably seemed random to him, but he didn't seem surprised that I was bringing this up. "You have to understand that he was my hero, I would have done anything for him."

"I understand that feeling." Zeke nodded, standing up again and finishing his efforts to dry my hair. He handed me a brush that I used to quickly untangle the strands as I spoke.

"I'll tell you anything you want to know, I promise I won't make you pry it out of me. But I'm hungry and tired tonight. Do you mind if we finish this conversation tomorrow?"

"Not at all." He said, and for the first time tonight a real smile crossed his face. "Thanks for trusting me, Indigo."

I smiled wearily, but for some reason felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest. Zeke left the room briefly to bring me back a fresh shirt and then helped me back out to the kitchen. His friend was setting some sandwiches on the table right as my stomach let out a large growl.

"Thanks so much Dan." Zeke said to his friend gratefully as I practically inhaled my food.

"No problem." he nodded. "I'm sorry, but I only have one guest room. Zeke, I can set you up on the couch if you'd like."

Zeke looked over at me in a questioning manner and seemed relieved when I smiled and shook my head at him.

"No need, we'll be fine."

"Alright then, the bedroom is just down the hall there. Help yourselves to the kitchen if you get hungry. If you leave before I'm up tomorrow, I wish you the best of luck and will talk with you soon."

Zeke thanked Dan again, giving him a brief hug before Dan went upstairs to bed.

"Let's get you to bed." Zeke suggested as he noticed I was nodding off in my chair. He picked me up and carried me to where Dan had indicated, helping me remove my pants before tucking me under the sheets.

"Where are you going?" I asked him as he stood up and moved towards the door.

"I'll be back, I want to take a shower before joining you."

I nodded feeling a little uncomfortable but choosing to ignore it as I laid my head down. I fell asleep pretty instantly and only woke up briefly when I felt the bed move under Zeke's body weight. I pressed myself against his chest and inhaled his clean scent.

"Good night." He murmured, leaning down to kiss the top of my head.