Chapter 15 Relief
A sigh of relief leaves my system as I walk into Mandy's room to see my sister sitting up in bed and talking. The doctor tells me that there isn't any brain damage. I'm grateful. Lip and Ian decide to go find some coffee. I tell her everything she's missed, she gives me a small smile when I tell her that I moved in with the Gallaghers.
"If you don't want to stay in the house alone, I can move back." I tell her
"No, you're starting a new chapter in your life." Mandy tells me "A good chapter. I'll be fine at the house. I promise."
"I'll stay with her." Lip says walking in "She'll be lucky if I let her out of my sight."
"See Lip will stay with me." Mandy tells me with a smile as she reaches her hand out for Lip's
"I'm going to let you get some rest sis." I tell Mandy
"You look great Mandy." Ian tells her as he snakes a hand around my waist.
When Ian and I get home I collapse onto the couch in a heap, Ian pulls me close and kisses the side of my head. "Talk to me Mickey."
"I'm fine." I lie
"You don't have to talk to me now." Ian tells me "But when you're ready to talk, I'll be ready to listen."
"I know." I sit up and cross my legs on the couch so I'm facing Ian "When I do want to talk, you're the only person I want to talk to."
"I'll be here." Ian moves towards me and places his lips on mine "Always."
"I'm gonna go have a smoke." I tell him
"Mmkay," Ian says, knowing that going outside to have a smoke in the Gallagher house is code for needing to think. "I'll see you upstairs."
As I light my cigarette on the back porch I look up at the window of the bedroom I share with the redhead. For the first time in a long time relief sweeps over me. Relief that Mandy is going to be okay. Relief that Ian is okay. Relief that I am finally accepting of who I am and that Ian has hold of my heart and no one else ever will.