CHAPTER 20
At three in the morning her phone was shrilling on Robin's nightstand. They'd spent the night at the cabin so Roland could pack his father a bag of clothes. Mrs. Potts's sweet voice confirmed that her boyfriend was awake and already asking for his lady. Regina couldn't help the tears that flowed "I need you and Roland to stop at the nurse's station when you arrive in the morning. Dr. Horowitz will speak to you before you see Robin. It's important."
"Is everything alright?"
"He's fine dear. But the doctor will need to speak with you."
"I'm so glad he's awake. I'm sure he's going to want to get up and move around as soon as possible."
"Yes . . . well you get some rest now." Regina thanked Mrs. Potts and placed the phone down on the nightstand. She couldn't help the feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something wasn't right but she'd ignore it for now. Robin was alive and awake and that was all that mattered.
The next morning they showered, got dressed, packed a few things for Robin and then headed to a local restaurant for breakfast. Regina wasn't sure how long they'd be allowed at the hospital so they ate a huge meal of eggs; bacon, toast and Roland had a side of pancakes as well and shared them with Regina. They were stuffed by the time they finished eating and around ten o'clock they were finally approaching the nurses station at the hospital. They explained who they were and the nurse on-duty immediately took them to a private room in another area and said Dr. Horowitz would be with them shortly. Regina knew something wasn't right. Twenty minutes later; the doctor came in and sat down with them and immediately began to speak. She wasn't sure how to react at first. Roland was listening to the doctor intently as he spoke but Regina was having trouble processing it. She heard things like "Physical Therapy and once he goes home we'll send someone to the house to teach him how to get around." The doctor asked if they had any questions and Roland shook his head. He looked at Regina and she did the same and Dr. Horowitz said "There are support groups for all of you to attend if you'd like. But, know the diagnosis could change at any moment depending on Robin. He'll have to work hard but he's up to the task. We've already spoken. Your father is a hero in the community Roland. You should be very proud of him. I know with all your support he'll get through this." They thanked him and he walked out and Regina placed her head in her hands. She couldn't believe this. Robin couldn't feel his legs. He couldn't walk and they didn't know if he ever would again. Roland hugged her and she started to cry "Gina, it'll be okay," he said as he held her.
"I'm sorry," she said rubbing her face. "You're a kid and you shouldn't have to deal with me blubbering like an idiot."
"Do you think I didn't cry myself to sleep last night," he asked.
"Roland . . ."
"It's okay. I'm not a kid anymore. I'm a cop's son. Trust me it won't be easy but we'll get through this. But, I'm sure he wants to see us. So, let's go," he said. She wrapped an arm around his shoulder and they headed back toward Robin's room. Roland raced inside but Regina leaned against the wall outside his room and needed a minute to catch her breath. She heard the chatting and Robin was already asking for her and God Bless Roland – he covered and said she was in the bathroom.
Inside the room she heard Roland ask if he was in pain and Robin said he was on plenty of meds "Where did you stay last night," Robin asked.
"Oh' I have a bag. We stayed at the cabin. I brought you a few things," he said as he unzipped the duffle and began to take things out. Regina decided she better join them and when she walked into the room she couldn't help but notice the way Robin's eyes lit up as she leaned against the wall and smiled at him "I'll put some of the things in the drawer for you in case you need them," Roland said.
"Thanks son. Hello, beautiful," he said as he tried to sit up a little straighter.
She smiled "Hi." Roland showed Robin everything and then put a few things in the bathroom for him.
Robin kept staring at her and finally he whispered "Come here." She sat on the chair next to his bed and he took her hand and kissed the top of her fingers "You look nice today."
She smiled "Really, that's the first thing you say to me?"
He shrugged "I always think you look pretty. Did Dr. Horowitz talk to you," he asked.
"Yes, he told us," she said.
"He told me he was going to and he also told me that we're engaged," he said smiling.
She laughed "That's your son's fault," she said outing Roland.
"I had no choice," he yelled from the bathroom.
They both laughed "I think we can only stay for an hour or so," she said softly.
"I know. Regina, you were my first thought when I woke," he whispered.
"Mrs. Potts told me," she replied as she placed a hand on his face. He started coughing and Regina poured him a glass of water and he downed it quickly "Is it the anesthesia," she asked as she fluffed the pillow for him "Do you want to go to sleep," she asked.
"No, not while you are here. But, I need to thank you."
"For what," she asked.
"Being here and taking care of Roland."
"At times I think he was taking care of me," she admitted.
"How many weeks of school are left," he asked. "Everything is a little foggy."
"Three. I sent Ursula a text this morning explaining everything. I told her we'd be at school on Monday."
"I'll probably still be in the hospital," he said softly.
"We'll figure things out – don't worry."
Robin glanced at his son "Can I have a few minutes alone with Gina," he asked.
"Sure, I'll take a walk," he said.
Once Roland was gone Robin glanced into her eyes "I may never walk again," he said seriously.
"You don't know that."
"It's a possibility."
She stood from the chair and began to pace "We will deal with it."
"I won't do that to you," he said seriously.
She stopped dead in her tracks "What is that supposed to mean," she asked glaring at him and placing a hand on her hip.
Robin sat up slightly "I didn't mean . . . I don't know. I just know that I don't want to put you through all of this," he said waving his hands in the air.
She took a step toward him and held up her hand "Do you see this ring? I accepted this from you because I knew there was something special about us. I want this life with you. Despite all the things that come with being involved with a cop; I knew what I was getting myself into and I love you." She was getting loud and Robin looked uncomfortable but she didn't care "We're best friends, lovers and I don't give a shit if you never walk again – I need you." Tears were falling down her cheeks and she wiped them away "You were asleep and you didn't hear me say it but I need you Robin and I've never spoken those words to another man – ever."
"I'm sorry . . ."
"No . . ."
"It's just . . ."
"Just nothing . . . I need you," she repeated.
"Okay, I'm sorry," he said softly.
"I love you and I'm not going anywhere; do you get that?"
"Yes," he replied. She sat back in the chair and Robin took her hand. They were silent until Roland came back in carrying two bottles of water. He handed one to Regina and she drank it down rather quickly. They all started talking and trying to figure out a plan.
Roland wanted to stay with Henry on the weekends "You'll need a break," he told Regina. Robin agreed and said he'd talk with Emma. After a few minutes a nurse came in to check his vitals and see if he needed anything. She was gone rather quickly and said someone would be in shortly to get him up and in his wheelchair "Have you used the bathroom yet," Roland asked.
"I have a catheter and there's a bag," he said as he showed Roland under the blanket.
"Will you have to wear that all the time," Roland asked again.
"I'm not sure," Robin admitted.
"Does it hurt or anything?"
"No, but it seems kind of gross."
Regina couldn't help but chuckle "I'm sure you won't have to wear it for long and if you do . . ."
"I'll get used to it," Robin said.
A few minutes later when the nurse came in she glared at Regina – it was time to go "Roland, let's go for a while and come back after lunch," she suggested. Roland hugged Robin and then he reached for Regina; she kissed him quickly on the mouth and he pulled her close "I love you," she said into his ear.
"You're not mad at me," he whispered.
"No, of course not," she replied. They kissed again and then Regina smiled at the nurse and they headed toward the door. The last thing she heard Robin tell the nurse was "that's my fiancée and my son". Roland giggled and they headed out – it was time to pay Emma a visit at the police station.
When they got to the police station – all eyes were on them. They walked straight to David's office and once he noticed them he motioned for them to come in and he hung up the phone "Roland, Regina have you been to see Robin," he asked. They all hugged and he told them to sit "How is he?"
Roland looked at Regina and he cleared his throat "He can't feel his legs."
David let out a breath and placed his head in his hands "But the doctor is confident that with hard work Robin can fight this," Regina added. "We were looking for Emma."
He sighed "She's out on a call. When are they moving him to a private room?"
"It's going to take a few days I would gather," Regina said. "It seemed as if they were going to start him on physical therapy right away. They practically forced us to leave."
"I wish I could go see him," David said.
"You're his boss. Maybe they'll make an exception," Roland said. "Or, you could sneak in when Mrs. Pott is there."
Regina laughed "He does have a point. She usually works overnight."
"Emma really wants to see him too."
"That's why we're here we wanted to let her know he's okay," Regina said. They chatted for a few more minutes and finally they saw Emma in the lobby. She noticed them right away and practically ran into the office. She grabbed Roland first and hugged him tightly and then reached for Regina "He's alright," she said into her best friend's ear.
"Is he really," Emma asked.
"Yes, but . . ."
"He can't feel his legs," Roland said.
Emma placed a hand over her mouth "What . . . no. Oh' my God," she said as she sat down in one of the chairs.
"He'll be alright. The doctor said he just has to work hard," Roland said.
Emma glanced into his face and she hugged him again "You've been through so much. Do you want to hang with Henry this weekend? I'm off," she said.
Regina smiled "Robin was going to ask if Roland could hang with you on weekends until school finishes."
"Yes, of course," she said hugging Roland close.
"Gina, can you take me home to pack a bag? Then, we can go back and see Pop again and then I'll go to Henry's," he said.
"Yes, of course. Why don't you go talk to some of the other officer's," Emma said. "They want to hear how your dad is doing," she said. He nodded and walked out and Regina sat next to Emma. David leaned against the desk and crossed his arms "Is Roland okay?"
Regina smiled "I think so but you're right. He's still a kid. He needs time to process all of this."
"I was so worried," Emma said softly.
"The guy who shot him . . ."
"He's going away for a long time," David said.
"Was anyone else hurt at the diner," Regina asked.
"No, Robin got everyone out the back," Emma said.
"He's a hero," David added.
"I really wish they would let me in to see him but I guess that's out of the question. Will you tell him that I'll take good care of Roland?"
Regina smiled "He knows you will Emma. We'll all work together and so will Granny. She's probably a mess."
"She is," Emma said. "She closed the diner today but she's adamant about opening it up again tomorrow." Regina gathered her things and decided to give Roland a few minutes with Robin's friends and waited in the lobby.
She was surprised when Graham came strolling in with one of the other officer's "Regina, how's Robin," he asked sincerely.
She shook her head "He's alright but he can't feel his legs."
"Oh' my God," he replied as he sat next to her.
"He has to work hard but the doctor says he could fully recover."
"We'd like to go see him when he's up to it," Graham said.
Regina smiled "I'm sure he'd like the company once he's in his own private room."
Roland came into the lobby and she stood "I'll tell Robin you were asking for him," she said to Graham. He nodded and headed toward David's office and Regina and Roland walked out of the station.
Four days after the shooting; Robin left the ICU and was finally in a private room on the fifth floor. Regina and Roland were on their way to see him; he wanted to hang out with his father while working on his homework. But, she could sense something wasn't right with her boyfriend's son "Is something bothering you? You're awfully quiet."
He shrugged "I think something is up with Alice. She's been acting different. I think maybe she likes someone else."
"Roland, did you talk to her? I find that hard to believe."
"Well, I haven't exactly spoken to her about it yet."
"You should. I've seen the way she looks at you. Maybe there is something else going on. Communication is very important trust me. You should talk to her," Regina said seriously.
"I know. Especially, since school is finishing soon for summer break. I'll talk to her as soon as possible," he said.
"I think that's a good idea."
"I can't help but be a little nervous though," he admitted.
"You could talk to your father," Regina suggested.
"Yeah, I might," he said as he looked out the window. A few minutes later; they pulled into the hospital parking lot and made their way inside and then up to the fifth floor. The minute they stepped off the elevator they heard laughter from the room right in front of the nurse's station and sure enough; David, Emma and Gabe were visiting with Robin. Roland ran right inside and hugged his father; while Regina leaned against the wall next to Emma and watched. They talked about school and then finally Robin eyed Regina and David realized it was probably time for them to go. After a lengthy goodbye the three of them were left alone and Roland began to work on his homework on Robin's bed and Regina sat on the chair next to his bed.
He reached for her hand and then pecked her mouth quickly "How was your day," he whispered.
"Everything is fine. Did you have therapy today," she asked as she ran her hand over his cheek.
"Yes, I've been practicing going in and out of the wheelchair and I took a shower for the first but it took a very long time and was difficult," he admitted.
She kissed his cheek "I'm proud of you," she said. "You must have felt better after a shower."
"Yes, I'm hoping that I can get out of here in another week. I just want to be home," he said softly.
Regina shifted in his seat "Roland is there something you want to talk to your father about," she asked.
He rolled his eyes "Gina . . ."
"I think you should. I'm going to take a walk while you two talk," she said as she kissed Robin quickly on the lips and headed out of the room.
Robin peered at his son "What's going on?"
Roland began to pack up his books "I think maybe Alice likes someone else but I'm so nervous to talk to her about it. School is ending soon. Gina thinks I should definitely talk to her."
"I agree. Roland, the only way you'll find out the truth is to openly talk to her about it. But, I find this hard to believe. The two of you are crazy about each other," Robin said.
"I know. I'm not sure what's going on," he admitted.
"Gina is right. You need to talk to her."
"Alright, I will." Regina had been waiting out in the hallway but she couldn't interrupt the moment "Pop, are you scared?"
She heard Robin sigh "A little and I miss you and Regina. I hate being here but hopefully soon I'll be home."
"Yeah, I think Gina is scared too and I think she misses you. I heard her crying the other night." Her eyes widened and she closed her eyes "But, I think every day it gets better," Roland said.
"She was crying?"
"Yeah but she doesn't know I heard her."
"Okay, well maybe I need to talk to my lady too," Robin said. They both chuckled and Regina decided she better come back into the room "There she is."
"Everything okay," she asked.
"Yes, but I think it's your turn to talk to Pop now. I think I'm going to take a walk," Roland said.
Regina watched Roland head out into the hallway and she shrugged her shoulders "Sit over here. We need to talk." She did what her boyfriend asked and glanced into his face. He cleared his throat and said seriously "How are you feeling?"
She smiled "I feel fine Robin. I mean; I've been thinking about a lot of things as I'm sure you have too."
"What have you been thinking about?"
"Well, I've been thinking about when you come home."
"What about it?"
"I want to be there for you. I want to help. I'm off the whole summer and I know Roland wants to work."
"Regina, baby whatever you want to do is fine . . ."
"Well, good because . . ." she stood up and placed a hand on her hip "I want to move in."
"What . . ."
"I want to move in and I'm thinking of putting my house on the market," she said seriously.
"What! Wait! Regina, no you can't be serious; that's your home."
She sat back down and reached for his hand "You and Roland are my home too."
His eyes were welling with tears "Regina . . ."
"Robin, I love you," she said softly as she placed her hand on his cheek.
"This is madness," he whispered as he looked into her eyes.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes, of course I do. God, yes I love you so much," he said.
"Then, let me do this. Trust me," she said. He pulled her toward him and kissed her until they were both gasping for air. He pecked her lips with his mouth a few more times and Roland cleared his throat from the doorway "We need more time please Roland," she said. Roland chuckled and went back into the hallway as Regina placed her forehead against Robin's "I'll let you tell him," she said.
"I think you should reconsider this," he whispered as he pulled her closer and held her.
"Maybe, but for now I need to get home. So, I'll wait for Roland outside in the hallway and you can talk to him again," she said.
She went to stand and he grabbed her hand "Wait," he pulled her down for another kiss and their lips met. He groaned as her tongue coasted over his and his fingers drifted into her hair "I love you," he whispered against her mouth.
"I love you so much," she said in between kisses. He chuckled and she walked out into the hallway and told Roland to say goodbye. She leaned against the wall – maybe she was nuts. She'd been thinking about this for days and when she'd spoken the words out loud she'd secretly wondered if she was crazy. A few minutes later Roland joined her "Ready," she asked.
He smiled "Yes, and you are a complete loon if you sell your house."
She glared at him "Why do you say that," she asked as they stepped onto the elevator.
"Well, it's not necessary. There has to be another way," he said.
"What do you suggest," she asked as they started walking outside toward the car.
"We move in with you and we put one of those wheelchair things in so Pop can get up and down the stairs and we rent the cabin out to someone." She hadn't thought of that. They got into her car and she started it up "I think it makes sense. I mean; why give up both properties when you don't have too," he added.
"You're right and who is to say Robin won't regain feeling next month or next week even," she said.
"Exactly," Roland replied.
"We'll research the wheelchair lifts after dinner," she said as they drove toward her house. They were silent because her head was spinning – Roland was right. They didn't have to give up anything and most importantly there was still a possibility that Robin would heal. So, why jump to conclusions straight away?
On Saturday Roland packed a bag and went to sleepover at Henry's. Emma was working a day shift and she planned to take them to dinner and a movie in the next town over. Regina wanted to spend some alone time with Robin so she also packed a bag with extra clothes for him and her. She really wanted to learn how to help him do things and showering was something she thought he might need help with – hence the extra clothes she'd decided on at the last minute. She also grabbed a few picture frames for him as well to decorate his room. When she stepped off the elevator she saw Mrs. Potts right away and the woman motioned for her to come over to the nurses station "Hello, Mrs. Potts," Regina said brightly as she navigated the bag on her shoulder.
The nurse smiled "Hello dear; your Robin is having physical therapy at the moment. It will be a few minutes but you can wait in the area around the corner for him to finish and I'll come get you."
"Oh' sure; can I ask how he's doing?"
"He's determined to get out of here that's for sure."
"Did he tell you I'm thinking of selling my house," Regina asked.
The older woman smiled "He talks about you all the time and yes he was talking about it with one of his friends on the phone."
Regina couldn't help the blush that crept over her cheeks "I haven't decided yet. Roland and I are trying to think of something else. Listen, I want to learn how to help Robin. Do you think if you have time we can talk?"
"Actually, he's due for a shower today. So, you could help with that. He's doing rather well on his own but he shouldn't do it alone. I'm sure he'll show you. I better check on my patients. I'll talk to you in a few minutes," she said as she scooted over to the room next to Robins. Regina went to the waiting area and decided to check her e-mail and Facebook page. She even managed to find time to check Twitter; she liked seeing what "The Walking Dead" cast members were up to. Twenty minutes later; Mrs. Potts told her Robin was finished and she could go see him. When she walked into the room he was sitting in his wheelchair dressed in sweat pants and a white tank top that was soaked through. She couldn't help the feeling in the pit of her stomach at the sight of him – he looked gorgeous.
No, more like sexy, hot and if they weren't in a hospital she'd want to . . . she shook her head and noticed Robin was smiling at her. She shouldn't be thinking like this. He downed his water and she put her bag on the floor "There's my beautiful lady," he said.
Mrs. Potts closed the door to give them some privacy and Regina approached him slowly "I'm here to help you take a shower," she said teasingly.
Robin bit his lip "Well, today is officially the best day ever," he said. She leaned down for a kiss and he whispered "I'm sorry I'm all sweaty." He pecked her mouth a few times and she rubbed her nose against his "I miss you terribly."
She smiled "That's why I'm here. I miss you too. Henry is sleeping over at Emma's and we can spend the whole day together.
"I like this plan," he said as he kissed her a few more times. "I really need to take a shower. I can do it mostly on my own but transitioning from the chair to the bench is difficult. It takes some time."
"Well, we have plenty of time so let's get started," she said. Robin grabbed a new set of clothes from the dresser and put them on his lap and then wheeled into the bathroom. It was huge. There was enough room for him to go straight into the shower but first he had to get undressed. Regina watched as he slowly took everything off. He was right – it took time but she leaned against the wall and honestly was impressed with him so far. Once he was undressed he wheeled into the shower but then let out a breath "What's wrong," she asked.
"I forgot my towel. I need to put it on the bench and then carefully slide off the chair." Regina went to retrieve the towel and placed it on the bench for him and then he began the transition "I've only done this once by myself. So, can you just stand next to me," he asked. She nodded and waited for him to make his move. Finally, he lifted himself and he managed to get off the wheelchair. She moved it out of the way and Robin let out a breath "Jesus that takes forever."
"You did fine. Now, take all the time you need," she said. She sat down in his chair and watched as he turned on the water. He took his time and she couldn't say that she minded. At one point he teased her for staring and she simply shrugged and said "It's kind of hard not to." They shared a laugh and she was glad he seemed much better. His spirits were up and she wondered if it was because she was here and spending some much needed time with him. When he was done washing and rinsing off; he drip dried and explained that this was now the hard part. He had to get from the wet bench back onto this wheelchair. He asked her to wheel it inside and hold it as steady as she could because he was going to attempt the transition quickly. Robin also asked her to put a dry towel down and once she did that and gripped the handles of the chair he quickly made his move "Great job," she said as he got comfortable in the chair. She wheeled him out to his room and he let out a breath "Just take a minute," she said. He nodded and continued to dry himself off. He wheeled over to the bed and motioned for her to sit down while he dressed himself. He was just putting on a clean pair of sweats and a black t-shirt with socks.
He was so exhausted he had to ask for help with the socks and for the first time she finally felt like she was helping. He drank down a ton of water because he was clearly tired and at one point she noticed he was wincing in his seat "What is it," she asked.
He shrugged "To put it bluntly my arse is sore. I have to ask Mrs. Potts for some ointment," he said somewhat embarrassed.
"I can help with that too," she teased as she wiggled her eyebrows.
He chuckled "You are amazing. I hope you know that," he said. He patted his lap and she was unsure "Sit down. I want to hold you." She sat on his lap and swung her legs around "I miss waking up with you."
She smiled "I miss you more."
"I've been lonely," he admitted as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"I know but hopefully you can come home soon. Will they let you go outside? It's nice out and I think fresh air would do you some good. I can go ask Mrs. Potts," she suggested.
"I'd like that; thank you," he said as he pecked her mouth a few times. She jumped off his lap and walked out to the nurse's station and it didn't take long. She strolled back in with a smile "I guess we're going outside?"
"Yes, we should bring that water bottle. Mrs. Potts says I have to push you though."
He groaned "Alright. Let's go." It didn't take long and behind the hospital there was a pretty courtyard with benches and trees. Robin pointed to one and Regina brought him over and he explained how to set the brake. She could tell immediately that he was happy to be outside "This is lovely." They started chatting immediately and this was what she missed – this whirlwind romance they shared. They kissed, hugged, talked and smiled at one another and it didn't matter that he couldn't walk. She loved him so and told him "There's a lot even I don't understand yet," he admitted.
She gripped his hand "We'll learn together." Robin couldn't help but get emotional after that and Regina listened as he talked. A few tears fell but she wiped them away and slipped onto his lap once again. He wrapped his arms around her and they hugged and kissed and a few minutes later; someone cleared their throat.
She shot off his lap quickly and back onto the bench and a tall, red haired man with glasses chuckled "I'm sorry to interrupt but my name is Archie and I've been assigned to your case Officer Hood," he said putting out his hand.
"Nice to meet you; this is my girlfriend Regina," he said.
They shook hands also "I thought you were engaged; at least that's what it says on your hospital report."
Regina laughed "Robin's son said that so I could get into the ICU to see him the night he was shot."
Archie smiled "I see. Well, I am the psychiatrist assigned to your case and I'm available twenty-four hours a day if you need. I'm here for your family and friends as well. I just wanted to introduce myself."
"Do my doctors think I need a psychiatrist," Robin asked.
Archie sat down on the grass in front of them "Well, the police department requires it actually. I'm not sure if you're aware but I think it might be a good thing."
"So do I," Regina added gripping Robin's hand.
"If you don't mind we can talk for a bit right now. I'd rather be out in the sun than in a hospital room myself," the doctor said. They both nodded "Actually, I'm curious about the two of you. How long have you been together?"
They both smiled "Well, since August actually when school started," Regina shared. They went on to discuss her being Roland's teacher and their dates. Then, they even talked about their most recent trip to Disney World. Archie wasn't writing anything down; he just listened as they talked.
Finally he said "Regina, I know it might be painful but can you talk a little bit about the night Robin was shot."
She cleared her throat and Robin took her hand "I was at the bookstore. Emma called; she's my best friend and Robin's partner. She told me to get to the hospital right away. I picked up Roland and we went immediately."
"But what was going through your mind? Can you recall," he asked.
She took a deep breath "When I look back on it now all I remember thinking was that I just wanted Robin to be okay. I needed him to be alive. I was so frightened. Robin and Roland make me very happy and I didn't want to lose that." She felt a few tears fall and Robin wiped them away.
Archie nodded "When you saw him – you felt much better then?"
"Yes, even though he can't walk right now – I don't care. I love him so much and I'm grateful he's alive."
The doctor smiled at them "It's very obvious you both care deeply for one another. Just prepare for difficult times ahead but I'm confident you'll get through this. So, Robin how do you feel about Regina," he asked.
He chuckled "I have a lot of feelings for Regina," he said gripping her fingers.
"Try to explain," Archie said.
"Well, with not being able to walk I wonder if I can protect her the same way I used to. I want to be able to still do things for her; cook, clean and it might be difficult now."
"Okay . . . what else?"
Robin cleared his throat and shifted in his chair "It's okay," Regina said softly.
"I'm concerned about . . . sex," he said seriously.
Archie nodded "Ah' yes and we can discuss that but I don't want you to worry – it will be possible."
"Even though I can't feel," he said somewhat embarrassed.
"Yes, you and I can discuss that at a later time. Also, I have a colleague of mine that is a sex therapist. She's brilliant and has helped many couples in your situation. But, I think that's enough for today. You've both done well and I'll come by in a few days to check on you," he said as he stood from the grass.
"Thank you," Regina said as she also stood and shook Archie's hand.
"Here's my card," he said handing it to Regina. They exchanged a few more pleasantries and watched as Doctor Archie Hopper walked back into the hospital. She placed his card in her pocket and slid back onto Robin's lap.
He began to play with the ends of her hair "Are you feeling better," she asked.
"Yes, I think therapy will be a good thing," he replied.
"I agree."
Her stomach growled and he chuckled "My lady is hungry. Maybe, we should head back to the room," he suggested.
"Maybe, I can go get us some Chinese food? Do you think they'll allow that?"
"Hopefully, Mrs. Potts won't tell," Robin said. "I'm dying for some Chinese. Will you stay until visiting hour's ends," he asked as they headed back inside.
"Yes, for sure," she replied. Robin needed the bathroom as soon as they got to the room so Regina thought she would go find Mrs. Potts and give him some privacy for a few minutes to talk to her.
She was at the nurse's station and eating a sandwich apparently on a break "How was your time outside," she asked.
"It was lovely. I think Robin really needed it. I had another question; is there any way I could sneak some Chinese food in for him," she asked.
Mrs. Potts pondered that one for a whole minute before she glanced around and whispered "I don't see anything. But, be quick when you come back with it," she said seriously.
"Thank you so much. I watched him take a shower and he seems to be doing well. Do you have any idea when he can go home?"
The woman shook her head "No, but I'm thinking next week. Then, they'll send a nurse over a few times a week to check up on him and see how he's doing around the house."
"That would be great. I think he's really getting restless," Regina said.
"It's understandable dear. He wants to be with his family."
"Well, I don't want to take up anymore of break time. Thank you so much Mrs. Potts." The woman smiled and Regina headed back into Robin's room. He was still in the bathroom and she asked if he needed any help and he hollered that he was alright. She decided to order the food and have it delivered to the hospital entrance and then she'd go down and pick it up. She only ordered; two egg rolls, a chicken and broccoli combination for them to share and a wonton soup. The restaurant said it would be about thirty minutes so she checked the time and then scrolled through her e-mails on her phone. Robin came out of the bathroom twenty minutes later and shook his head "Are you alright," she asked.
He nodded "Yes, going to the bathroom is a pain in the arse. I don't want to talk about it."
"I ordered the food and they'll deliver it and I'll go down and get it," she said.
"Mrs. Potts knows . . ."
"She's going to pretend she doesn't see anything," Regina explained.
"Maybe, after dinner we can ask her for that ointment."
"Oh' I'm sorry. I forgot all about that."
"It's alright baby. We can wait until after dinner," he said. "I might need your help."
"It's no problem," she said as she sat on his bed. "Do you want to eat in the chair or up here?"
"I'll need the tray so I'll get up in the bed. I just need a minute to rest," he admitted. Regina had a few text messages from Emma. She'd sent a few pictures of the boys and showed them to Robin. Then, they took a selfie and sent it back to their friend. Regina noticed the time and decided she better head down to the lobby and wait for the food. Robin said he'd attempt to get back into bed but if he felt he couldn't he'd wait for her to get back. By the time she got down to the hospital entrance the Chinese delivery guy pulled up and she quickly paid him and practically ran back to the elevator and then once on his floor she tried her best to act casual as she walked back into his room. He was still in his wheelchair so she put the food down and closed the door "I just need your help scooting onto bed," he said. They made the transition quickly and Robin pulled the tray over "Wow that smells delicious." She smiled and set up the food for them. When he finally took a bite of his egg roll she laughed because he basically moaned "I have the best girlfriend in the whole world. I can't believe I didn't think of this," he said.
She began to eat "It is good. Roland and I did get Chinese one night after school because we were both so exhausted and didn't want to cook but I'd rather eat Chinese with the both of you," she said smiling.
"I agree." They chatted about school ending and Robin mentioned that he'd probably go home to the cabin at first because it would be easier and that's when Regina brought up the wheelchair lift. She and Roland had looked up the pricing and it was a pretty penny so for now it made sense for Robin to stay at the cabin "You could always just . . . I don't know move in with us," he said. "You don't have to sell the house. It's too beautiful of a property and it's yours."
She took a sip of water from his cup they were sharing "Well, I figure I can spend most nights with you and occasionally stay at home. That's basically what we were doing before," she said.
"Yes, we'll figure it out. Plus, you need to have a life outside of me and Roland – it's only fair."
She shrugged "I like hanging out with you and Roland but I know what you mean," she said as she scooped chicken into her mouth. They continued talking and Regina almost spit rice out of her mouth when she noticed Robin's foot move "Did you feel that," she asked him after she told him what she saw.
He shook his head "No, I didn't but my physical therapist said it can happen. We're going to try and use a walker in a few days. I'm just trying to get a little bit stronger," he said.
"That would be much easier," she said. They devoured all the food and she tossed everything in the garbage. The sun was setting and Regina closed the blinds and Robin put the television on for them. She had forgotten about the photos she'd brought and she placed them near the windows so it would be easier for him to see. He sat back against the pillows and motioned for her to climb into bed with him; they got comfortable and watched a few shows and then Mrs. Potts knocked on the door and entered "Hello," Regina said smiling.
"I'm just seeing if you need anything. Did you enjoy your dinner," she asked winking at them.
"Yes, and thank you," Robin replied. "There is something I could use. I need medicine for my arse," he admitted.
"Ah, are you getting sores? I have just the thing. I'll go get it now," she said. Regina stood from the bed and Robin looked uncomfortable.
She gripped his hand and then kissed his forehead "Don't be embarrassed. I'll do it," she offered. He nodded and a minute later Mrs. Potts was back with the ointment and explained to Regina how to apply it. She left the room quickly again and closed the door behind her. Robin turned onto his stomach and Regina helped him pull down his pants and glanced at the sores "They're not that bad so don't worry," she said as she opened the tube of cream and began to gently apply it to his backside. He shifted and groaned "I know it's cold. Sorry," she said softly.
"It's okay," he said muffling into the pillow.
"Does it hurt," she asked.
He lifted his head and she closed the tube of ointment and put it on the tray table "No, it's alright. I think I should let it dry. Actually, this is quite comfortable," he said. She sat in his wheelchair and rolled up to the bed "It's getting late," he said softly.
"I know. I hate to say this but I should go soon. I don't want to but we'll get in trouble if I get caught in here after visiting hours."
He sighed "I know. Regina, this has been the best day; I can't thank you enough."
She kissed his softly "Stop thanking me. I love you Robin."
"I love you so much," he said.
"Do you need anything else before I go," she asked.
He nodded "No, I can call Mrs. Potts if need be," he replied.
"Tomorrow I'll drop Roland off so you can have some quality time together," she said.
"I'd like that." It was a long goodbye and Robin didn't want to let her go but finally she was grabbing her purse and heading out of his room. She waved to Mrs. Potts and decided Robin was right – it had been a beautiful day. Despite everything; they were blessed and she was very thankful.