Chapter 3
Christian looked at the clock and saw it read 10:00P.M. He wanted to take a shower then peacefully fall asleep under the covers with the fan turned on. He figured out that was his favorite way to fall asleep a few nights ago. He quickly ate the rest of his food then stepped into the steamy bathroom. The hot water always felt nice on his skin. He liked to shower every night because it felt like a clean slate to literally wash the day away.
When he wakes up, he is refreshed, safe, and feeling happy. Still being groggy, Christian looked over and saw flowers right next to the hospital bed. He wondered who might have left them. It also had a stuffed bear attached to the vase. He thought it was strange since he had never received a gift from anyone. He decided that the only way to know who it was from is by reading the card. Right as he started to get up, his doctor walked in with a stack of books. She kept her promise. It didn't take her long to gather what he asked for, which was unusual for him.
"Christian, I have your recent test results back and they look pretty good. Since they look good then you will be released tomorrow from the hospital." Christian's mind started to spin. What does this mean for him? "Now before you start thinking the worst, I wanted to ask you something first." That halted Christian's thoughts for a moment. He moved slightly over closer to her to hear what she had to ask. "Can I adopt you?" She spoke it so clearly, but Christian was sure he missed what she said. He probably didn't hear her correctly, only hearing what he wanted himself to hear. They call that selective hearing, maybe he developed that over time. Blocking out things to fit his needs. His mind has always tried to protect him, maybe this was one of those times. So he decided to clear it up by asking " What do you mean?" He was hoping that was a simple enough question. He knew she wouldn't mock him or laugh at him, but he still didn't want to take that chance. "I want you to come live with me and my family. I want to become sort of like your mother, but I will never make you call me any of sorts. I will never want to try to replace her. There of course is a protocol and I wouldn't be able to take you home immediately. Paperwork takes a lot of time with something like this. Only if you would want that. That is why I am asking you and I will not proceed if you do not want this." Dr. Trevelyan Grey explained as it seemed Christina couldn't get a word out. He needed her to explain what she wanted to do. He knew starting a new life was going to be difficult and take time. Before too much time had passed, he quickly answered "Yes, I would love to. Please, tell me about your family."
Christian sat on the edge of the bed as she described how everyone looked, the house, and what they liked to do. Everything sounded amazing, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. It sounded too good to be true. But decided to keep that little thought to himself. He would just have to see how it is for himself.
After an hour of talking with Grace, she decided to go home since it was getting late. She promised she'd stop by in the morning. After she left, Christian grabbed his notebook to write down.
"My mind torture's myself. I can't get free from them. They follow me around, laughing at me, and mocking me. Why would I beat myself down? Everyone else has done it, so what it's my turn? I don't have the answer to these questions I ask. I may never."
Christian's head was throbbing as he wrote down his most deepest thoughts. He rubs his temple hoping that would ease the pain.