Chapter 7:
Patsy re-entered the room where Delia lay, bidding Trixie goodnight. Doctor Tuner had left some time ago and since then, Delia had fallen asleep. She looked so peaceful. The glow of the fire basked her face in a soft light that illuminated her face, but made her black hair seem even darker. Patsy had never seen such a beautiful sight. The relief of having Delia close to her and knowing that she was safe was overwhelming; it made the scene in front of Patsy even sweeter.
Softly crossing the room and gently kneeling once again at Delia's head, Patsy slowly caressed her face. Her skin was so smooth and the soft breaths she expelled made a faint whistling sound as they left her mouth. Her body was curled up tight under the pile of blankets she clutched to her chest as a reminder of what had been a desperate attempt to gather warmth. She looked so peaceful.
Planting a soft kiss on Delia's forehead Patsy stood to leave but as she turned to go, Delia's hand grasped her arm gently. It was the greatest feeling in the world.
"Well hello there my little adventurer," Patsy teased in a low voice as she turned round and looked down at Delia. "You sure do know how to give me a fright," she chastised while lowering herself down to place a loving kiss on Delia's lips. Delia sighed as they broke apart.
"I am so sorry Patsy. I just, I just needed to see you." Delia took a deep breath. "You were in my dream. I knew that there was more to us than just friendship."
Delia felt Patsy's finger lace through hers, the soft stroke of her thumb across the back of her hand reassured Delia that she was right: there was more to Patsy than what she had been able to admit to.
"Well sweetheart, I think that is a story for another night. Right now I want you to get some rest. You've had a horrendous ordeal, however well intentioned it had begun." Patsy raised one eyebrow and pursed her lips, sending Delia's stomach into a procession of somersaults.
"I think you should get upstairs to one of the spare rooms. Sister Winifred has made up one of the beds for you."
"Oh Pats, I'm just so tired. I don't think I'll be able to make it upstairs. Can I not just stay here? I'm so comfortable and warm," Delia pleaded with her eyes wide in a weak attempt to convince the stern face in front of her.
"Well if you don't think you'll manage I'm sure the Sisters won't mind you staying down here. I'll leave the fire on to keep you warm." Patsy said. "The toilet is just down the hall," Patsy explained as she began to move towards the door. She must get back to her room or there would be rumours spread about her and Delia's relationship.
"Patsy…" Delia whispered.
"Yes Deels?"
"Won't you stay with me?" Delia's face peered over the bundle of covers and for the first time ever, Patsy could see she was scared. Arriving at this new place, unconscious and waking up surrounded by strange faces couldn't have been how Delia had expected their reunion to have played out.
"Just because Delia remembers who I am, doesn't mean that she remembers everything," Patsy reminded herself. "She must be terrified; my poor, little Delia."
"Do you want me to?" Patsy asked, praying for only one answer.
"Yes please, I-I am just not sure about a lot of things at the moment." Her strong façade was crumbling. "I need you."
Patsy's heart soared and ached at the same time. Delia's confidence was almost non-existent. Patsy would have to be confident for her; for both of them. Patsy walked towards Delia and grabbed a blanket off the pile and sat down in the chair opposite, trying to get comfortable.
"Patsy…" Delia's voice came once again from beneath the blankets, "I need you closer."
Patsy stood up slowly, without need for an additional prompt, she watched Delia push herself up to sit, allowing Patsy to sit on the couch where her head had been. Delia then rested herself down, her head placed in Patsy's lap.
"That's better," sighed Delia contentedly.
Patsy stroked Delia's hair until she heard her breathing become slower and deeper. The gentle whistling sound returned and it was music to Patsy's ears. The feeling of Delia's hand on Patsy's thigh was invigorating. It was as though, even in her confused mind, Delia was still trying to protect her. Eventually, despite the unconventional sleeping position, Patsy drifted into the most wonderful sleep she had ever had.
Delia was safe. Delia was remembering. Delia could still be Patsy's once more.
