Chapter 16: Road to Recovery
A/N: Howdy all! Hopefully this chapter is finding y'all well as there is a lot of scary stuff going on out there right now. I hope you can enjoy this chapter during this tough time! I will tell you there is a warning for smut at the end of the chapter if that's not your thing! Otherwise thank you for reading and staying with me on this little journey!
Nicole's POV:
The week following the discharge from the hospital was brutal as I returned to practice. Lucado was kind enough to give me pardon as I was taking care of Waverly and Wynonna full time. Things were a little tense at OUR apartment as both of the sisters were being weaned off of their pain medications. (It's exciting to call it OUR apartment). Wynonna was a little grumpier than Waverly has been, but that's just her temperament anyways.
The tension stemming from our head coach, who was quite frankly a total bitch, was pretty much unbearable. After the phone call from the doctor telling her that Waverly and Wynonna were highly unlikely to finish the season, she wanted to revoke their scholarships. As soon as I found out about this I marched into her office and gave her a piece of my mind.
Lucado's Office:
I stood outside the athletic offices picking at my nails, getting my argument ready before I met with Lucado. I had arranged a meeting with her as soon as I found out she wanted to revoke both the Earp's scholarships.
I lifted my fist and knocked on the thick wooden door that led to coach Lucado's office. From the other side I heard, "Come in!" So I turned the door handle and made my way in as I took a steadying deep breath.
"Haught, what can I do for you?" Lucado asked as she plopped down in her oversized chair behind her desk. But from the look on my face she could tell that I wasn't happy.
"I heard you wanted to revoke Waverly and Wynonna's scholarships because they won't be able to compete during season. That is an outrage and I don't think you should be able to do that," I practically growled at her. "If anything they can take a medical red shirt and sit the season out due to doctor's orders," I stated the information matter of factly that I had looked up on the collegiate sport website.
Lucado looked at me and pinched the bridge of her nose between her fingers in annoyance, "Haught. I know you have an attachment to those girls, but if they can't perform, then I need to find girls who can or give the money to the girls who are competing this season."
"That is crap! You know that most all of the other girls on this team are wealthy enough to afford this school without the help from the team! You have had something against Wynonna this whole season and I don't know why!" I screamed at her. "Waverly is one of the best pitchers around and because she gets shot by her crazy older sister you want to take away the scholarship of two very deserving girls!?" My chest was heaving by this point with anger. "If you do this, I will take it to the board because this is unlawful coach. I am not trying to be disrespectful but you know as well as me that those two are essential pieces to this team," I continued a little more calmly.
The look on Lucado's face was priceless as she had no idea what to say to me after that. "Well okay, the Earp girls will keep their scholarships. But once they are cleared to be at practice they will be there no ifs, ands, or buts," Lucado stated. "Now I have another meeting I need to go to, thanks for stopping in I'll see you at practice." And with that Lucado grabbed her clipboard from her desk and headed out the door.
I stood there smiling in victory.
Today is the first day that Waverly and Wynonna can come to practice per doctor's approval. This week is the week of Valentine's Day so I also have that weighing on my mind of what to do for Waverly. Things have been a little rocky since they returned from the hospital and I don't know if it is because of the pain or because we are living together now.
The thought of Waverly and I living together causing a problem scares me for the future, but we are also living with her sister and Waverly can't even change her own shirt without help from me. Things have just been a little stressful. Gus has been trying to be around to help with Wynonna as much as possible, but she still has to run Shorty's at night. I'm just hoping this was all a good idea.
I rushed home from class to change before practice. Wynonna was still restricted from driving as she was still on pain medicine, even though Waverly begged her to keep the unnatural stuff out of her body. I took the stairs two at a time running up to my apartment, I unlocked the door and had to laugh at the sight I came in on. Waverly was using her good arm to hold the pain medicine just out of Wynonna's reach from the couch, and every time she went to reach for them she would growl like a dog.
"Just give them to me!" Wynonna yelled at her sister. "Haught stuff is going to be here any minute and we have to go to practice and deal with Lucado! I need to be drugged up for that!"
Waverly rolled her eyes at her sister, "The doctor told us to wean off of these this week! With our family history of addiction, you need to stop with these!" The small brunette reprimanded her older sister. "You can take one after practice, but I am not letting you have one before then Wy. I love you and I'm just trying to protect you!" Waverly yelled back still holding the pain meds over her head. The look on Wynonna's face was a mix between puppy dog eyes and fury so I knew I needed to step in on this one.
I closed the door loud enough that I knew both of them would hear it and stop the fight. "Hey guys, what's going on?" I asked as I toed off my boots quickly.
"I'm just being tortured!" Wynonna sighed dramatically throwing her arm across her eyes flopping down on the couch.
"She's just being a drama queen," Waverly said with a wave of her good hand and slipped the pill bottle into her sling to keep them away from Wynonna. "Hi baby," she said walking up to me at the door and giving me a peck on the lips.
"Howdy gorgeous," I drawled back making her blush as a smile spread across her face. "Could you fill a water bottle for me please?" I asked giving her a dimpled smile.
"Of course baby, go get changed," Waverly said caressing my cheek.
"You're the best!" I said placing a quick kiss on her cheek and then took off toward our room. Okay maybe things weren't as rocky as I was thinking, but it's not always rainbows and butterflies.
I changed into my practice uniform and came walking out of the room pulling my hair into a ponytail. "Ready to go?" I asked as I entered the living room. Both of the Earps nodded and started to make their way out the door before me silently. Every time in the last week we have had to get in my car the atmosphere between us has been tense. I know that it is probably a trigger to both of them, so hopefully we can fix that soon.
We rushed to practice and the other girls were absolutely fascinated by the scars that both Wy and Waves had. The girls surrounded them in the dugout while Wynonna was telling a dramatized version of what happened as Waverly stood behind her shaking her head at her sister's story.
Practice began and I couldn't help but put my all into the drills. I feel bad for missing out on practice and a couple games since last week, but Waverly and Wynonna are the most important people to me and they needed me. The girls were not too happy with me as I stepped back in for starters reps after being gone for a week. Lucado didn't say a word, but the girls were whispering behind my back.
"I heard she's sleeping with Lucado and that's why she got to keep her spot," I overheard from the huddle as I walked up to the girls in the infield.
"Wow Stephanie, I think your nose has gotten bigger from all the lies you are telling about me," I said glaring at her and the rest of the girls who had been listening to the gossip all whipped their heads around to see me approaching the circle.
"Just admit it Nicole, you are totally sleeping with Lucado," the blonde spat back at me.
I scoffed at her accusation, "You have got to be kidding me! Stop with the rumors Steph, nobody likes a liar."
I turned around and stormed back towards home plate to catch for Lucado while she hit fielding practice. I swear I heard Stephanie say something else as I walked away, but I figured it wasn't even worth my time and effort to turn around. I chanced a glance over at the dugout and saw a sad looking Waverly and Wynonna sitting on the bench. My heart broke looking at them and relived the night of horror I walked in on a few weeks ago.
With a shake of my head I cleared the memories and blinked the tears from my eyes to get focused back on practice. If we are going to make it to post-season, I need to pick it up.
"Alright time for batting practice, hustle up ladies!" Lucado yelled breaking up the gossip circle that had formed.
Waverly's POV:
Practice was awfully boring when all I could do was watch from the bench of the dugout. The doctor had said we couldn't even set foot on the field yet because he was afraid our wounds might get hit by a player or a ball. I'm happy that I could sit there with Wynonna during practice to at least be watching the game I love. I found it hard to focus though, I caught myself spacing off multiple times as I watched Nicole take batting practice. The way her legs flexed under her tight softball pants as she took her stride, and her arm muscles rippling under the tight thermal shirt she was wearing as she swung. It was a wonder I could ever focus during practice alongside of my beautiful girlfriend.
It was finally time to go home and I couldn't be happier. Practice is fun when you can participate, but I think I am frozen now.
Ever since we got out of the hospital last week, Nicole and I haven't exactly had any alone time, so I am hoping to change that soon. Gus has been trying to help take care of Wynonna, especially at night, but being a full-time student has really been taking a toll on our Nicole and I's together time.
"Y'all ready?" Nicole asked as she slung her bat bag over her shoulders walking into the dugout.
"It's about damn time! Can I have my pain pill now?" Wynonna looked at me with her puppy dog eyes.
"Yes we are ready. And no you can't," I said stomping away from my sister who was scowling at me now. I got to the car and was waiting for Nicole to hit the unlock button. Wynonna and her were walking together, the scowl still on my sister's face and a small smile coming from my girlfriend when our eyes met. I heard the door locks pop and I jerked on the handle flinging myself inside the warmth of the car away from the frigid wind.
I normally wouldn't mind sitting out at practice on a day like this, but the chill of the February winds cut through my puffy coat, scarf, and ear muffs which left me chilled to the bone.
The other two got to the car and Nicole cranked up the heat because she knew even without asking that I would be frozen by this point. I love that she knows me so well.
One Week Later
After a week of sitting out from practice and games, it was finally time for Wynonna and I to get our stitches out. We still couldn't participate, obviously, but it felt like we were going in the right direction in our healing process.
"Hey are you ready yet? Your appointments are in twenty minutes exactly, and I can't get pulled over to speed there!" I head Nicole yell from the door. I tugged my pants up as best as I could with one arm and rushed out of the room.
"I'm ready, I'm sorry I spilled my drink and had to change," I panted after the fight I had with my pants. Nicole smiled and shook her head then gave me a kiss on the forehead.
"Where's Wyn?" she asked as Wynonna came limping out of her room.
"Are you okay?" I asked noticing she wasn't walking like normal.
"I stubbed my damn toe on that damn dresser in my stupid damn room," Wynonna grumbled as she continued on past us.
We made it to our appointments on time, luckily since Nicole may have sped a little bit. Everything seemed to check out alright on both Wynonna and me, but still leaving us being able to do no physical activity for a few more weeks. My shoulder is healing well and I will only have to be in the sling for the next couple of weeks before I start physical therapy.
Later that night we were at the apartment, all of us watching a silly rom-com that Nicole picked out to annoy Wynonna, and Gus was in the kitchen making dinner for us. I tried to insist on helping, but my aunt is a very stubborn woman saying, "I don't need to be hurtin' myself anymore." So I obeyed her request and joined the other two in the living room. I laid on Nicole's left side so I could lean into her and not have my bad shoulder in the way.
It has been a while since I have gotten anything more than a peck on the lips from Nicole, like she's afraid she's going to break me. I hate feeling like I'm a fragile being. I understand for a little while, but I wasn't in constant pain anymore and all I have been able to think about was what it was like to be touched by my incredibly sexy girlfriend.
Nicole had grabbed a blanket to cover us on the couch. Which I was thankful for as I was still freezing from sitting out at practice again today. I can't wait until I can finally start jogging so I can stay warm while we are required to be at practice, I thought to myself. We were cuddled up on the couch, but I was not able to control the urge to feel closer to Nicole. I shifted my body into her side then I moved my right hand to her thigh closer to her knee, and gently stroked the inside of it with my thumb. I felt the chill go through Nicole as her body let out a shiver, I knew this was killing her just as much as it was me.
"Baby, that's not very nice," she whispered in my ear so nobody else would hear her. I gave her a devilish grin and moved my hand slowly up her thigh, watching her face as she tried to keep it emotionless but I could see her brow starting to twitch as my hand kept making its way up her inner thigh to her center. I kept my hand going up until it reached the elastic of her sweatpants Nicole's free hand came down to stop me. "Baby, your sister might have been oblivious throughout the beginning of our relationship, but she is the best at interrupting any extra activities we try," she whispered again in my ear, causing goosebumps to raise on my skin from her hot breath.
I tilted my head up so I was looking at Nicole through my eyelashes in the most innocent way, "That's the fun of it," I said smirking at the wide-eyed look I received from her at my words. I watched her swallow hard as she was internally debating whether it was a good idea to release my hand or not. Nicole's eyes shifted back and forth between me and Wynonna to see if my sister had heard any of our conversation. Her tongue poked out to wet her lips and she slowly let go of my hand and gave a small nod of approval for me to continue. I tried to bite back my smile, but the corners of my lips turned up in a sly smirk as my hand continued into her sweatpants. Her breath hitched in her throat when my cold hand met the fire-hot skin of her stomach. I pushed my hand past the elastic and continued into her sweatpants over her boy shorts she had underneath, gaining confidence with each change of facial expression on Nicole's face.
My hand slowly moved so I didn't make it obvious under the blanket, the chill from practice no longer bugged me as I was on fire by just touching Nicole's skin. I dipped my fingers right between her legs feeling her dampness through her boy shorts, I wanted to let out a moan at how amazing this felt, but knew if I did I would blow our cover. I started to circle around the sensitive bud that always drives her crazy.
"Time to eat! Get in here before it's cold!" Gus yelled from the kitchen. A small groan left Nicole's lips and the look of defeat on her face showed how badly she had wanted this too. I feel so bad all she has been doing lately is taking care of Wynonna and I, I just want to take care of her for once. Wynonna looked over at us and fake gagged as she made her way into the kitchen before us. I kissed Nicole sweetly on the lips and said, "I promise we'll continue this later," then shot her a wink and made my way into the kitchen.
We all gathered around the dining table in the kitchen, and it felt like home. I loved being able to laugh and have conversation with the people who mean the most to me in this world. Wynonna was talking with her mouth full, Gus chastising her, Nicole would look over and wink at me every chance she could. These are the nights that I never want to take for granted.
We had finished eating our food but Gus and Wynonna were arguing about what Wynonna will be doing after college, but my focus was wavering as I kept thinking about what could have transpired earlier if we wouldn't have been interrupted.
I couldn't stand the space that was between us so I started playing footises with Nicole under the table, making her smile at me with that devilish grin she has perfected. Turning her focus back to the screaming match that was going on in front of us I wanted to demand her attention back on me. Maybe just maybe we could just slip away and they wouldn't even notice. My foot started to work its way up her calf which brought her eyes back to me. She smirked and shot me a wink before grabbing her glass of water for a drink. I know she was doing this to be polite in front of Gus but I wasn't having that tonight. I repositioned myself in my chair so my leg would reach farther, while doing so I was able to move my foot even higher up her leg. When I reached my destination I don't think Nicole was expecting that, because as soon as my foot met her center she started choking on her water. It came out of her nose and mouth at the same time, bringing the yelling to a sudden halt.
My face immediately was the color of Nicole's hair as I knew this was my fault. Wynonna was cackling while Gus was rushing to her side to check on Nicole as I sat there motionless not sure what to do.
"Ya okay Nicole?" Gus asked her while rubbing soothing circles on her back.
Through a cough Nicole said, "Just went down the wrong way." She shot me a look across the table after that.
"Well slow it down child!" she reprimanded Nicole while grabbing a rag off of the oven handle.
I stood then from my chair, "Thank you for dinner Gus it was amazing, I'm really tired though so I think I'm going to head to bed." I fake yawned to sell my plan, hoping that Nicole would follow my lead.
"Alright sweetheart, Wynonna and I will get this all cleaned up. Sleep well," Gus said flashing a small smile at me.
Nicole looked at me with questioning eyes as I started towards our room. Then I shot her a wink when Wynonna was complaining to Gus about having to help clean, giving her a hint to what I was up to. The look of realization came across her face as her eyes widened pushing herself away from the table. I continued to our room and closed the door softly stepping away slightly so Nicole would be able to enter the room.
Right then the door came open slowly as Nicole walked through it. "That was a sneaky little move you made back there darlin'," she drawled giving me a seductive smirk. "You know you could have killed me, makin' me choke and all," the words came out lightly with a chuckle.
I took a step towards her bringing my good hand up to stroke her cheek. "I'm sorry baby, what can I do to make it up to you?" I said in a sultry voice.
Nicole leaned her cheek into my hand closing her eyes letting a sigh out, "What do you want to do to make it up to me?" Her eyes snapped open and they were filled with fire.
I cupped her neck and pulled her down into a searing kiss. My legs became weak under me as I had missed the power of our kisses and the electricity that spread throughout my body with each touch. Pushing her back against the wall a small huff came out of the tall redhead as she met the wall, followed by a groan. Nicole snaked her hands around behind me gripping the back of my legs pulling me in closer, but being careful enough to not press me too hard into her to hurt my shoulder. Even in times of pure passion she is considerate of my needs.
I broke the kiss, both of us panting out of breath. "Waves, I don't want to lose control and hurt you," Nicole said shyly.
Grabbing her chin, I made her look me in the eyes and said, "Nicole Rayleigh Haught I promise I am okay. You have been so amazing our whole relationship, especially these last couple of weeks taking care of me and Wynonna, letting both of us live with you. You are the best person I could have ever imagined being with and I want to take care of you for once. I love you Nicole," I punctuated the last statement with a soft kiss on her lips.
Nicole looked down at me biting her lip while our foreheads were resting against each other's. She sucked in a shaky breath, "If at any time you are in pain we stop, okay?"
I looked into her eyes and nodded my understanding. "I promise I won't do anything that hurts me. Now get on the bed," I commanded her. A smile broke out across her face and she pecked me on the lips and moved over to sit on the bed.
Trying to be as sexy as I could with one arm still strapped across my body I sauntered over to the bed. "Now baby," I started then clicked my tongue, "You know I can barely remove my own clothes, let alone yours." With that she removed her shirt and her sweats leaving her in just her bra and underwear. It was like finding water in a drought seeing Nicole exposed to me, practically buzzing from the anticipation. As much as she doesn't like to admit it to me Nicole loves when I take control.
"Now you aren't playing fair baby," I pouted sticking my bottom lip out, "You finish getting undressed, I'll lock the door." I walked back to the door swaying my hips a little exaggerated because I know it drives her crazy.
By the time I turned around Nicole was completely naked laying on her side on the bed. A small moan escaped my lips as my body has been craving this for so long. I walked back to the bed and crawled awkwardly up her body laying a soft kiss on her lips. "Now sit back and relax my love," I purred into her ear softly.
Nicole's POV:
I love it when Waverly takes control of our time in the bedroom, there is so often I don't like to give up my control, but tonight is a night I am okay with surrendering it. But right now in this moment Waverly was confident and sexy and there was no way I could say no to her. I followed her commands and undressed completely. My arousal was pooling in between my legs as I watched my beautiful girlfriend saunter back to the bed.
She climbed up the bed and laid a soft kiss on my lips and told me to relax which made a shiver go through my body. The warmth of her body was soon gone over top of me as she started kissing down my stomach sending a whole new warmth through me.
"Waves you really don't have to do," I started before I was cut off with a bite to the fleshy part of my stomach.
"Nicole," Waverly purred, "I want this. U-unless you don't want to?" Question flashed across her eyes as she looked up at me.
"No, no, no baby I want this. I promise," I said running my fingers through her hair. "Do you want me to pull your hair up for you?" A look of danger replaced the look of worry and all was good again.
"That might be helpful," she bit her lip playfully.
I quickly removed the hair tie from my wrist and pulled her long brunette tresses into a messy bun on top of her head. Before I was even laying back down Waverly laid a kiss on my inner thigh making my hips buck.
"Mmm," she hummed, "I have a better idea." Waverly used her one good arm to push herself up and off the bed. "Well come on silly, get up," she chuckled offering me her hand.
At this point I was very confused I had no idea what was going on. My core is pulsing right now at just the thought of what was about to happen.
Before I knew it Waverly was laying on the bed, her head not quite on the pillow but high enough up the bed her legs weren't hanging off.
"Okay…what are you doing baby?" I asked looking confusedly at her.
"Well baby," she started, "it is very difficult for me to hold you in place and not lean on my stitches at the same time, so I want you to ya know…" she trailed off.
The realization struck me like lightning. Waverly wants me to sit on her face. Well this is new, I thought to myself.
"Is that okay?" she looked at me with worried eyes.
I swallowed hard as my mouth suddenly became very dry, "Yes. Oh for sure yes," I said with a little too much enthusiasm. Waverly giggled at my excitement.
"Then saddle up cowgirl," she winked at me, and I thought I might melt right then and there into a puddle of need and arousal for this sexy girlfriend of mine laying fully clothed on my bed.
"Can I at least help you undress first?" I asked taking steps toward the bed.
"Nicole," Waverly's voice was stern, "We have a very small amount of time before either Gus or Wynonna tries to come through that door and I don't want to waste any time. I hope you are okay with me keeping my clothes on. I promise as soon as I get this sling off I'll give you a show," a sly smile worked its way onto her perfect lips.
That was enough for me. I climbed on the bed and straddled Waverly's petite, clothed body. She used her index finger to motion me to keep moving up her body and I followed her order. I slowly made my way up her body until I was hovering over her and my hands on the headboard of our bed.
I was hesitant because I didn't want to hurt Waverly or worse have her hate this. While I was going through all the things I could say to tell her it was okay she brought her lips up to meet my center, letting out a hum of appreciation. The hum reverberated through my whole body making me moan much louder than I should have. But at this point I couldn't help the noises that left my lips and Waverly used her good arm to pull me down so she didn't have to strain her neck.
Her skilled mouth continued to follow a pattern. She started by circling her tongue around my clit and then would suck on the bundle of nerves bringing me close to the edge. She would release and then work her way to my entrance using her tongue to lap up the arousal that was pooling there with each touch from her. My hips were bucking erratically not able to keep a steady rhythm but this felt so amazing.
Waverly moved back up to my clit and sucked hard as she reached her good hand up to play with my breasts, hitting me with pleasure overload.
"Oh baby. I-I. I'm gonna," I moaned out before I stuck my knuckle to my mouth and bit down to stifle the scream that was begging to come out. She helped me ride out my orgasm and I moved to the side of the bed so I was no longer straddling her.
"How was that?" She asked shyly as she wiped at her chin.
I pulled her into a searing kiss. When we pulled apart I said, "You are absolutely amazing at that. I love you Waverly Earp." She smiled at me and leaned in for another kiss.
"Go get cleaned up and then we can snuggle," she smiled excitedly.
I jumped off the bed rushing to the bathroom that was attached to my room to clean up. Even through everything Waverly has gone through in just these last few weeks she cared about my needs, and if she wants to snuggle then that is what we will do. This is our road to recovery taking it one day at a time.
