Enjoying Your Company //

chapter thirteen

Spencer's POV:

I knocked on the open door of Vanessa's hospital room. She smiled, closing the book in her hands as I sat at her bedside. Oxygen free, and IV absent.

"Hi you."

"Hey." I say softly. "How are you?" She rolled her eyes, exhaling some air.

"I'm okay. Ready to get out of here." She grumbled, looking around. Her eyes fell on me, wiggling upright. "What did you pick today?"

"The story of love, betrayal, magic and forgiveness." I tease, taking a seat along the bed.

"Ahh, The Tempest." Her smile could brighten the darkest of rooms. Before I could respond a doctor entered the room, her charts in hand. I sat back.

"Ms. Quinn, How are you feeling this morning?" He said without looking up.

"I feel great, just can't wait to eat some real food, sleep in my own bed." The doctor huffed out a laugh, looking to her.

"And how's your pain level today?"

"Great, I'm not feeling much at all."

"That is great to hear. Your physical therapist says you've been making large improvements. I'll prescribe you some general pain meds and we send you on your way." He said casually, turning to leave.

"Wait, Doctor, she's free to go?" I ask, standing. He must have seen the desire in our faces. He gave an exhausted grin, lowing the chart.

"Yes, you're free to go. Let me get her prescription sent in and Ms. Vanessa, you'll be free to return to your own bed." He left the room and I spun to Vanessa, the biggest grin on her face, relief. I raced to her side, hugging her, my cheek to hers. Warm, soft, just like she was when I met her. There was an electric note in the air, making us part.

"I'm gonna go get dressed." Vanessa broke the tension, shifting to stand.

"Let me help you." I move to the other side of the bed, helping her up. The first few steps seemed painful but she managed to take control. I kept my hand on her until she reached the bathroom.

"Thank you." She grinned up at me, I'd never noticed the height difference before, the top of her head basically touched my chin. I grabbed the bag of clothes her mom brought and handed them to her. "I'll be quick."

"Take your time." I exhale, watching the bathroom door close. I started packing her books, cleaning the room, when I heated the door open. Nurse Tenner walked in.

"Hey, back again?" She teased, kindly.

"Yeah." I blush. "I'm uh, just helping get her home."

"You're a good man." She gushed, waving her hand at me. "Just wanted to stop by and let you know the prescriptions sent in for Ms. Quinn."

"Oh, thank you." I nod, continuing the clean up. She closed the door, taking a step in which halted my packing.

"I also wanted to remind you to keep an eye out for any withdrawal symptoms. Now, we've weened her off as safety as we could, but when a been long term user uses again. Withdrawals will coming back with a vengeance." I conquered a patient nod, watching Nurse Tenner leave the room. I went back to packing. Stuck in my internal monologue. I know the consequences of substance abuse on a personally level. And I wasn't going to let her suffer through it. Not alone. Not after everything she's just been through. Vanessa turned my attention, clearing her throat. She was dressed in a tri-colored brown, orange, to white sweater, and black jeans. I felt the air leave my lungs.

"You okay?" Her voice broke my staring, I shook my head, attempting to compensate.

"Hmm, yeah. You, you look much better." She lowered her head, smiling.

"Feels good to be wearing my own clothes." She exhaled happily, slowly crossing to me. I offer my hand, guiding her closer.

"I think, uh, this belongs to you." I hand her her copy of Poems. Watching her face light up as the novel left my fingertips. She took a step forward, collapsing into me. I caught her in my arms, making the both of us giggle airily.

"Sorry." She huffed, merrily.

"It's okay, really." I assure. Our lips, just inches apart. I clear my throat, helping her stand upright again.

"You ready to get out of here?" Venessa asked, tucking her hair back. Leaving me breathless again.

"You read my mind."