Disclaimer: With the exception of the doctor, Taylor, and Peter, none of the characters are mine.
Chapter Five: Recovering
Satine woke up and looked around the bedroom that had become her prison. She wanted to burn it. After hearing her diagnosis, Christian had become fiercely protective of his ÒdiamondÓ, making sure that she never left the house and only rarely left the bedroom.
Satine wasnÕt sure why every man she met felt compelled to give her a pet name. First it was Gosling, than Sparrow, than Strawberry, and now Diamond. Four pet names. She would add that to the list of numbers she had created over the past few weeks. For example, there were 250 flowers on the wall directly opposite the bed. She made a mental note to redecorate soon, as she knew Christian most likely didnÕt like the flowers. There were 30 rings holding up the curtains. There were 31 teeth in her mouth. And there were 0 things left to count in this room. She began to think up something else to do when Christian came in with breakfast, and the medicine.
ÒMorning. How are you feeling?Ó he asked as he gave her her plate.
ÒBored.Ó She replied, Òbut otherwise fine. Did you know there are 250 flowers on that wall?Ó
Christian laughed. ÒYou must be going a little stir crazy. Luckily the doctor comes today. Are you ready for your medicine now?Ó he asked. She slumped back against the pillow, dreading what was coming. The medicine the doctor had given her tasted completely awful. She knew she had no choice in taking it, but she figured if she had to endure the taste, she could at least complain about it as much as she wanted. So she had developed a little routine. She would cross her arms and shake her head like a spoiled child. Then she would move her head in every which way trying to avoid the spoon. Christian would beg her to open her mouth, and she would shake her head again. Christian would finally succeed by playing some type of game with her, like parents play with their infants. By now, Christian was well aware that this was an act, but he went along with it anyway. It made her being sick a little more fun.
ÒCome on, Satine. Just open up for me, please?Ó Christian pretended to beg.
Satine pouted and shook her head. ÒI know what will make you open up. LetÕs see, what game should we play today? We did airplane last night, we did the get-better bus yesterdayÉÓ he pretended to be deep in thought as to what game to play with her.
Satine added in her part of the charade. ÒFroggy!Ó Christian smiled and said ÒAlright, weÕll play the froggy game.Ó He held the spoon above his hand and began the game. ÒHere comes the little froggy, Satine. HeÕs chasing a fly. Open up the log so the froggy can get the fly!Ó
Satine obediently opened her mouth and allowed Christian to give her the medicine. They both laughed at how silly the little ritual was. Christian kissed her forehead. ÒEnjoy your breakfast, sweetie. The doctor should be here soon.Ó As he turned to leave, Satine called out to him. ÒChristian, can I please come downstairs?Ó
Christian looked at her. She was doing it again. Satine had a look that could make anyone who saw her allow her to do anything she wanted. He assumed she had perfected it as a child, and now he was getting the end result. He knew that Satine was going stir crazy, but he wasnÕt sure if she should be allowed downstairs.
ÒHow about I stay up here with you while you eat?Ó he said.
Satine smiled. At least now she had some company. It was a welcome change from being in the bedroom alone, counting things. After about a half an hour, Christian heard the doorbell ring. He went downstairs and let in the doctor. Christian told the doctor that Satine was doing much better. She hadnÕt passed out since starting the medicine, and she hadnÕt coughed up any blood.
ÒThatÕs a good sign. LetÕs go upstairs and IÕll check her out.Ó Said the doctor. He followed Christian up the stairs and into the bedroom.
ÒHello, Satine. How are you doing?Ó he asked cheerfully as he entered.
ÒFine.Ó Satine wasnÕt in the mood for small talk. She just wanted to know if she was better yet. The doctor repeated the tests he had done two weeks ago. As he did the tests, he asked about Satine taking her medicine.
ÒI just want to know how you got it down her throat!Ó he said to Christian. ÒWhen she was five I had to have both her parents, her cousin, and her uncle hold her down just to get it in her mouth!Ó
Satine smiled as she remembered that summer. She had been sick, and she wanted nothing more to go outside and play. ÒFunny how much stays the sameÓ she thought to herself.
When the doctor was finished with the tests, he said ÒWell, from what I can see, everything looks good. She can start to get up and get back to her normal life again. IÕm just going to take one more blood sample just to be sure.Ó
Christian went over and took SatineÕs right hand again. The doctor prepared her arm, and prepared the needle. Satine closed her eyes and squeezed ChristianÕs hand as yet another blood sample was drawn from her arm. As the doctor left, Satine practically leapt out of the bed and went to take a shower. She was free. Well, not totally free. She knew that Christian wouldnÕt be satisfied until two days later, when the bloodwork came back. But at least she was free from the bedroom.
Two days later, Satine and Christian sat at the dining room table, eating together for the first time since Satine had been sick. The bloodwork had been clear, and Satine was fully recovered. She had done it. The worst was over now.
A.N. I know, I know. It seems way too easy. DonÕt worry, more conflict in upcoming chapters.
