Happy Birthday Kim! I wasn't going to update until tomorrow, but consider this my online present!
I think most of you have been expecting this chapter, so I hope I made it justice!
Review and let me know what you think, your comments always make my day :)
xxx
Henry slowly rose from his sleep feeling more rested than he had in years. He was a bit disoriented as it took him a few minutes to remember he was in the hospital after getting shot the previous night. He opened his eyes slowly, adjusting at the bright light that filtered through the window blinds, only for him to be met by the sight of Elizabeth sleeping soundly against him.
Her blonde hair fell over her sleeping face and Henry couldn't help but to move it away, giving him a clear view of her perfect features. Her eyes were gently closed and a smile was grazing her lips, as her hand softly fisted his t-shirt not wanting to let him go even in her sleep. She looked so peaceful and so innocent that Henry wished he could hold her like that forever.
She felt so right nestled up against his body; her tiny frame fitting perfectly in his embrace that he never wanted to let her go. Why is she here? She didn't have to stay the night… But I'm so glad she has…
Minutes felt like hours as he was holding her close to him, but Elizabeth started to rouse from her sleep when the doctor entered the room. She rubbed her eyes and her blue eyes connected with Henry's. She felt butterflies on her stomach, the connection they shared making itself noticeable once again, as she quickly stood up leaving room for the doctor. "Sorry, I must have gotten asleep at some point…" she apologized, a blush spreading across her cheeks.
"It's okay." Henry reassured her with a gentle smile.
"Henry, I'm Doctor Owens. How are you feeling?" he asked, interrupting their conversation.
"I'm feeling fine. I am a bit uncomfortable but nothing I can't manage." he explained. "Also, the pain medication you gave me last night worked wonders," he added.
"Glad to hear. I just want to take a look at that wound and if everything looks as it should, you'll be able to go home." Dr. Owens said, motioning Henry to sit on the bed so he could take a look.
He undid the bandage and looked at it carefully. "This looks pretty good. The wound is superficial, you got really lucky." Dr. Owens said. "Also I got a call yesterday from your office so we can skip the usual procedure, we won't need to alert the authorities about this given the nature of how it came to be."
"Thank you, Doctor." Henry said. "Is there anything specific I should be doing to take care of it?"
"You're going to need to keep an eye on the wound, mainly to see if it changes its color; keep it dry and change the dressing daily," he explained. "I will want to see you again in a week for a check-up. Also, don't do any physical activity that involves your leg, okay?"
"Understood. Thank you, Dr. Owens." Henry agreed.
Elizabeth also thanked the doctor before he left the room with a promise to return shortly with the discharge papers. That left them alone again in that hospital room until Elizabeth decided to break the silence. "I brought you some stuff for you to get ready. I can leave if you want…"
"Thank you. You didn't have to do that but I really appreciate it. After a shower, the fresh clothes will make me feel like a new man." he joked.
"You're welcome. I'll go grab a coffee while you get ready and then we can head home." she said, starting to walk towards the door. Did I just say that we can head home? What's wrong with me?
"Did you go to my place to get it?" Henry suddenly asked. She had to, to retrieve my things.
"Yes, last night while you were asleep." She responded, not wanting to give many more details. "I asked you if it was okay, but I'm not sure you remember that, you were almost knocked-out by the meds..." She said, suddenly realizing that maybe she had completely overstepped and Henry would be mad at her to cross that boundary.
"It's fine." he reassured her. "Was Rochana there?" He knew if Elizabeth had gone to their apartment, Rochana must know what had happened to him, and still she wasn't there. Maybe this is the last straw…
Elizabeth sighed. She didn't want to get into any specifics as she didn't think she should be in the middle of it, but from the moment she stepped one foot into that apartment, she inevitably was pulled into it. "She was. I told her what happened but she refused to come. I think you two need to talk a lot of things out." She needs to tell you why your marriage is not working… And you need to leave her.
"I think we do." Henry said absentmindedly. "I'm glad you stayed here with me though. But you didn't have to…" he thanked her, moved at how determined Elizabeth had been to stay by his side. Something no one had done for him in a long time.
"Maybe I didn't, but I wanted to. I know how it feels to be struggling and being completely alone. I wouldn't wish that on anyone." she confessed, with a sad smile. I had to deal with my fair share of being alone whenever I had to go to the hospital because I had no one around that cared enough to go with me…
"Thank you, Elizabeth." he said, trying to convey everything he was feeling in that one statement.
Two hours later everything was set to leave the hospital. Henry had taken a shower, put on a fresh bandage with the help of the nurses, changed into fresh clothes and signed the discharge papers. Elizabeth had called a cab in advance as neither of them was able to drive, leaving Henry's car in the hospital's parking lot, her taking the keys with her.
The car drive started and they were surrounded by a comfortable silence, neither of them feeling the need to talk about what had happened in the last few hours. Once the car arrived at Henry's apartment, Elizabeth took his arm and helped him along the path to the front door. She hesitated before going in, but Henry didn't let go of her.
Inside, Elizabeth helped Henry get settled on the couch with a glass of water and the medicines the doctor prescribed for his pain. "I think you'll be good for a while. Tomorrow I'll be at work, so call me if you need anything."
As she was saying goodbye to Henry with a hug, Rochana entered the apartment, unaware that Henry was back. "Oh, you're here." she blurted out.
Elizabeth took a step back from Henry, making a step back and nervously running her hand through her hair bracing herself for what was about to happen.
"You'd rather wish I wasn't?" Henry said, coldly, staring at his estranged wife.
"That's not what I said. I'm just surprised they discharged you so soon. That's all." Rochana defended herself without much effort.
Elizabeth's uncomfortableness was growing by the second. She didn't want to be there but the cold exchange between the couple stopped her cold and kept her rooted in place. Oh, boy. This is not going to end well…
"I bet you were. Thank you for being there for me last night, or for the past few months for that matter" Henry spat out, sarcastically.
That reproach made Elizabeth react. "I think you two have a lot to talk about. I'll see you at work Henry." she blurted out, making her way towards the door. As she passed by Rochana, they gave each other a death stare before she closed the door behind her a soft click.
That night, in that apartment, hell broke loose.
…
