Chapter 17
Heal My Wounds
The days bled together as Sariel remained in the hospital. As her body recovered from the overdose and surgery she regained strength. The first few days of her stay had been brutal as she healed. The sling that bound her right arm had finally been removed.
The morning nurse, a lovely gentleman named Mark, softly made his way into Sariel's room. He smiled when he saw her sitting up in bed. Elliott was looking quite exhausted yet happy at the same time.
"Good morning, Sariel. I have good news and bad news. Which would you like first?" Mark asked playfully.
"Ugh. The bad news." Sariel frowned.
"I won't get to see your lovely face anymore." Mark playfully pouted.
"Er?" Sariel questioned.
"The good news is, you're being discharged." Mark stated happily.
"I am?" Sariel asked skeptically.
"I have the discharge orders already. Dr. Cahn is pleased with your progress. She'll be by in a few minutes to check on you and give you the official report." Mark replied sweetly.
Elliott laid his head on Sariel's good shoulder. He was quite ready for this ordeal to be done. He slipped his right hand behind her back and clung to her. He smiled against her shoulder when she laid her left hand on his cheek.
"Thank you, Mark. I think we're both ready to go home." Sariel stated.
Mark bade the couple farewell and exited the room. He passed Dr. Cahn as he made his way back to the Nurse's Station. He waved to the friendly doctor and sat about the rest of his morning work.
Serenity knocked on the door jamb to Sariel's room and entered the small room. Her amethyst eyes focused on Sariel and she smiled brightly at the younger woman. She picked up the chart from the end of Sariel's bed and critically scanned the documents.
"Are you ready to go home, Sariel?" Serenity asked gently.
"Yeah. Is everything okay?" Sariel asked hesitantly.
"As of this morning, yep. The benzodiazepine has worked its way out of your system. You responded well to the Romazicon treatment, too. Your incision is healing well. There's nothing else we can do for you here. I'd like you to follow up with your Doctor back home once a week for the first month. Try and take it easy if you can. I know you're a farmer, so it's an occupational hazard to have to use your right arm. Do either of you have any questions?" Serenity asked.
"Are there any permanent effects to the Rohypnol?" Elliott asked slightly harsher than he'd intended.
"Other than her amnesia of what happened after the drug was administered, no. It's likely she'll never regain the memory of the events, either. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a possible concern, as well." Serenity inferred.
"So, talk about my feelings, don't use my right arm much, and see Harvey every week for the next month? I can do that." Sariel stated proudly.
"I'm prescribing you a few pain relievers for the next few days. Once those run-out, follow up with Dr. Harvey. I've sent him a copy of your files already." Serenity replied.
"Thank you, Dr. Cahn." Sariel spoke happily.
"You're very welcome, Ms. Shade. I wish you the best." Serenity stated.
Elliott unwound himself from Sariel's grasp and set about packing the belongings they had with them. He was grateful Evynne kept bringing him clean clothes and food. Leon and Chris had spent all of Sariel's second and third days in the hospital with her, before flying home to start packing for their move.
He turned and smiled at Sariel. His love was currently typing out a message of some sort on her phone. There were bags under her radiant gray eyes but she seemed happy.
Mark made his way back into the small room and began the tasks of getting Sariel ready to be discharged. He expertly flittered about the room removing the IV from her arm and disconnecting all of the machinery attached to her. The minutes droned on as he finally finished his tasks.
"Who is picking you up?" Mark asked softly.
"My Mom. She's on her way." Sariel replied brightly.
"Excellent. I have a packet of paperwork for you to take home. It's all your discharge information." Mark stated.
He quickly departed the hospital room and jogged back to the Nurse's Station. He picked up a deep green folder that had the Forest Oaks logo emblazoned on the front. He checked the contents and verified it was Sariel's packet and returned to her room. He handed the folder to Elliott and smiled and the couple.
"Your discharge instructions, prescriptions, stretches, and information about your condition are all in here. There's a paper to give to your Primary Care Provider that explains what we did here. There's a sheet explaining what the symptoms of an infection are, as well as an informational brochure on the symptoms of PTSD. Dr. Cahn's business card is in here as well." Mark explained politely.
"Thank you, Mark. You've been a great nurse." Sariel smiled at him brightly.
"I appreciate that." Mark replied.
A soft knock on the door drew everyone's attention. Evynne and Peter were standing in the opening. She was holding a small bag in her arms. They crossed to Sariel's bed and gently handed her the bag. The smiled brightly when Sariel realized it contained an outfit and toiletries.
"Mark, I can take a shower, right?" Sariel asked softly.
"Sure thing, sweetie. There's one in your bathroom. Take it nice and slow, though, okay?" Mark retorted.
"Okay." Sariel chirped.
She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and gingerly stood up. Evynne and Peter were quick to move to her sides. She smiled at them and proudly stood up. She pulled the drab hospital gown around her tightly and slid past Elliott towards the bathroom.
"Oh, mother ape ass!" Sariel blurted out.
"Sariel Lia Shade! Language!" Evynne quipped.
"Sorry, just, I can't lift my right arm above my shoulder. I… Mommy." Sariel lamented.
Evynne laughed and entered the bathroom. Sariel was sitting on the toilet with tears in her soft gray eyes. The look of frustration and anguish on her face tugged at Evynne's heartstrings.
"Baby, what's wrong?" Evynne cooed softly.
"I… need help. I can't wash my hair on my own. I feel weak, helpless, and stupid." Sariel lamented.
"Oh, Lia. You're none of those things, darling. I've bathed you before. I don't mind helping you now." Evynne whispered sweetly.
Sariel turned her large, bright gaze towards her mother. She felt a bit relieved at her kindness. She gently stood from the toilet and turned her back towards her mother, revealing the ties and snaps for the hospital gown.
Evynne made quick work of removing the offending garment and gently eased Sariel's right arm through the sleeve. She balled the garment up and tossed it in the sanitary container in the corner. She laid a soft, reassuring hand on Sariel's shoulder and guided her to the chair in the shower.
Sariel smiled at her mother and turned the warm water on. The steady stream flowed around her, soaking her tired muscles in warmth. Her dark red tresses plastered themselves to her neck and back.
Evynne took a small washcloth from the counter by the sink and loaded it up with soap. She gently ran the cloth along Sariel's body. She handed the cloth to Sariel and turned her back as Sariel cleaned her intimate regions.
She retrieved the face wash, shampoo, and conditioner she'd brought. She passed the small tube of face wash to Sariel and turned her attention towards her hair. She gently worked her shampoo laden fingers through her daughter's long hair and rinsed the soap free. She repeated the motions with the conditioner and ran a comb through her thick hair making sure all the tangles and snarls were removed.
She pulled several of the towels towards her and smiled at Sariel when she shut the water off and gently clutched the railing in the shower and pulled herself to her feet. She handed Sariel a towel and helped her start drying the remnants of water on her skin.
"Peter, can you toss the bag in here?" Evynne called out.
Peter stood from the chair he was occupying and retrieved the bag from the foot of Sariel's bed. He craned his left arm around the door frame to the bathroom and dropped the bag as far into the room as he could reach. He was trying desperately to maintain his daughter's privacy.
"Thank you, dear." Evynne stated sweetly.
She scooped the bag up and pulled out the clothing contained within. She handed the underwear to Sariel first and helped her daughter pull them over her lean legs. She turned Sariel in place and slipped the bra over her arms and gently fastened the garment.
She held the pair of jeans out in front of her and braced herself as Sariel braced her weight on her shoulders as she stepped into the pants. As Sariel pulled the fabric to her waist she grabbed the deodorant she'd brought and helped Sariel apply it. She tossed all of the toiletries in the bag and removed the silver half-sleeve hooded shirt. She once again, helped Sariel slip the garment on and smiled brightly at her daughter.
"Feel better, baby?" Evynne asked gently.
"Much. Thanks, Mom. I love you." Sariel whispered.
"I love you too, sweetheart. I think there's someone outside that loves you too, and could probably use a good hug from you." Evynne stated knowingly.
Sariel smiled brightly and crept to the doorway. Elliott was reading a magazine for the hundredth time. His hair had fallen over his shoulder and was shrouding his face from her view.
She tiptoed towards him and leaned her head down over the magazine. She giggled as her damp hair concealed the magazine from Elliott's green gaze and forced his attention to her. The radiant smile on her face made him feel infinitely better.
"Hi, Handsome." Sariel whispered.
"Hi, Beautiful." Elliott replied.
Sariel righted herself and tapped on Elliott's shoulder. She took a step away from him and held her arms out before her. The contented sigh that escaped from her lips when Elliott wrapped her in his arms soothed the ache in her heart.
He was careful to not agitate her right arm, but he cradled his lover to him tightly. He fondly smiled when he realized Sariel still fit perfectly against him like she'd been made just for him. He looped his right arm around her slender waist and his left hand pulled her head closer to his chest.
"Did you know Elliott never once left your side?" Peter stated.
"What? Not even once?" Sariel asked curiously.
"Not even once, darling. My place is by your side. You were here, so I stayed." Elliott admitted.
"Ellie! You really never left?" Sariel asked with tears in her eyes.
"Never. I was scared to let you out of my sight. I know Lucian's dead, but a small part of me was worried death wouldn't stop him from hurting you again. I love you." Elliott purred.
Sariel tightened her arms around him and breathed in the scent of his cologne. The soothing scent calmed her nerves and she buried her head in his chest. She was quite ready to go home. Something about knowing Elliott had maintained a vigil at her bedside the entire time she was here thrilled her.
"Mom and I are going to drive the two of you home today. Do you want to leave Valentine here? I can hook the trailer to the Jeep and bring her down if you want." Peter spoke calmly.
"Actually, yeah, would you bring her? Leon and Chris are moving to Pelican Town. I'd like to be able to ride with them." Sariel countered softly.
"Of course, darling. I'll head home now and get her loaded up. See you all soon." Peter called out as he exited the room.
A porter took this moment to pop into the room with a wheelchair for Sariel. He motioned for her to sit and smiled when she obeyed. He pushed her out of the room and waited for Elliott and Evynne to catch up to them.
The group wove their way out of the sterile halls of the hospital towards the attached parking garage. The porter stopped at the entrance to the garage and locked the wheelchair in place. He moved to Sariel's side and kicked the footrests down.
Elliott took Sariel's hand in his and smiled at her when she pulled herself up out of the chair. She took a steady step forwards and squeezed his hand gently. They steadily made their way towards Evynne's bright green car. As they reached the vehicle, he pulled open the passenger door for Sariel. He kissed her on her cheek and retreated to the backseat.
Evynne quickly navigated the parking garage and made her way towards the outskirts of town. The drive took thirty minutes, and most of it was spent in silence as Sariel continued adjusted to being free. When they arrived, Sariel eagerly hopped out of the car and made her way to her father's silver Jeep.
The small motorcycle trailer she owned was hooked to the back of the Jeep and Valentine had been loaded already. There was a large black storage locker on the trailer and Sariel assumed it contained her tools and helmet. She patted the leather seat and climbed into the backseat of the Jeep.
Elliott climbed onto the seat across from her and cast his gaze towards her lovingly. He relaxed when Sariel leaned against his right shoulder. He firmly felt that he'd relax completely once they were home.
"Hey, Elliott?" Sariel asked quietly.
"Yes, Sariel?" Elliott replied.
"Would you mind staying with me for a few days?" Sariel asked faintly.
"I wouldn't mind at all. Your parents are spending the night tonight, I believe." Elliott answered.
"I want you, too. I feel safe around you." Sariel admitted shyly.
"Je t'aime ma chère. Je ne peux pas penser à un endroit que je préférerais être, qu'avec toi." Elliott purred.
(I love you, my darling. I can't think of a place I would rather be, than with you.)
"I love you too. Thank you." Sariel replied sweetly.
Peter and Evynne loaded Sariel and Elliott's luggage into the back of the Jeep. They climbed into the vehicle and slowly started making their way towards the highway. Peter smiled when he saw Sariel and Elliott holding hands in the backseat. His daughter bore a look of serene calmness on her face.
After the first hour of the drive, he swore he heard Sariel singing in the backseat. He turned down the radio and listened to her as she softly serenaded Elliott. A song was playing through her cell phone speakers. Peter smiled happily when he realized she was singing "Beauty and the Beast".
Elliott cupped Sariel's face in his left hand and brought his lips to her forehead. He smiled gently at her when she yawned and snuggled closer to him. As the drive continued she drifted to sleep on his shoulder.
"Elliott, are you two okay?" Eyvnne whispered.
"Indeed. I cherish the fact she's comfortable enough with me to sleep. I think we're both ready to go home, though." Elliott replied sweetly.
"Do you want to stop and stretch?" Peter asked softly.
"No. I don't dare wake her. That would be incredibly selfish of me." Elliott countered.
"You truly love her, don't you?" Peter asked quietly.
"With every fiber of my being. I've lived in Pelican Town for over a year, and while there are a variety of suitors in town, not a one of them hold a candle to Sariel. I can't imagine anyone more perfect for me, than she. On days where I've struggled to be productive and struggled with my own feelings of inadequacy, she's been there with a warm smile and gentle reassurance. In ten months of dating, we've not had a single argument or disagreement over anything. I've never had a partner as supportive, loving, caring, or compassionate as Rinn." Elliott stated happily.
"We're glad she found you. We were skeptical when she announced she was leaving Zuzu to move to my Dad's farm. It's hard seeing your children grow up and venture out into life on their own. That move has been the best thing she could have ever done though." Peter replied happily.
Sariel stirred and pressed herself closer to Elliott. He swore she smiled when he eased himself closer to her in response. He tightened his hold on her hand and found himself being lulled to sleep. He reluctantly closed his eyes and fell into a peaceful slumber next to his beloved.
The drive waned on for another three hours. As Peter navigated the Jeep towards Sariel's farmhouse, he gasped as he saw the pile of presents and gifts for her. The porch had a stack of boxes on it that stretched the height of the door. Her mailbox was overflowing. A petite red-head was flittering about trying to haul everything inside.
Peter parked the Jeep and quietly opened the door. He climbed out of the vehicle and opened Elliott's door. He gently roused the auburn-haired writer from his slumber.
"Hey, we're here." Peter whispered softly.
Elliott nodded and unbuckled his seatbelt. He loosed Sariel's hand and slid out from beneath her. He frowned when she whimpered and shifted her position once more. He swiftly ran to her door and opened it. He eased the seatbelt off Sariel and scooped her into his arms. She sleepily blinked at him and snuggled against his warm body.
"Darling, you're home." Elliott purred.
"Movie night?" Sariel murmured.
"As you wish, my love." Elliott whispered.
He tightened his grip on her and easily climbed the front steps. He nodded to Leah as he passed his friend and laid Sariel on one of the couches in the living room. He slipped his shoes off and hung his waistcoat on the coat rack. He turned towards Sariel and slipped his body behind hers. He pulled her body against his and smiled into her hair.
"What do you want to watch, love?" Elliott whispered faintly.
"Beauty and the Beast. The new one." Sariel stated as she stood up.
She retrieved the DVD and set everything up. The large Plasma TV sprung to life. The brilliant display started playing the trailers and snippets of promotional material. She moved gracefully towards the kitchen and pulled a few bottles of water from the fridge. She pulled a lasagna from the chest freezer and shoved it in the oven. She quickly flicked the appliance to life and returned to her place on the couch.
Peter and Evynne made their way inside and carried their luggage to the guest room. They smiled softly when they found Sariel and Elliott entwined on the couch, looking rather content with one another. Evynne took their luggage and started a load of laundry for them. Soon they joined their daughter and Leah as the movie started playing.
Sariel and Elliott softly hummed along to the songs. Everyone stared at Elliott as he sang Evermore to Sariel. His voice was beautiful. Sariel teared up as he sang to her and clutched his left hand to her heart.
She, Leah, and Evynne all teared up when Beast died, and Belle professed her love for him. Sariel and Evynne had always cried at this particular scene, no matter how many times they watched the movie. Peter rubbed his wife's back and comforted her.
As the movie ended, the group enjoyed a quiet meal of lasagna and salad. When they finished, Leah bade everyone farewell and Evynne and Peter washed the dishes. Sariel suppressed a large yawn, and gently lead Elliott to her room.
"I'm going to bed. I love you, Mom and Dad." Sariel stated.
"We love you too, sweetheart. Get some rest." Evynne replied.
Sariel shucked her shoes, jeans, and bra off and collapsed on her soft bed. The pleased moan that escaped her lips made Elliott smile. He too missed the comfort and familiarity of a decent mattress.
He loosened his tie and pulled off nearly all of his clothes. He was wearing a pair of black boxer briefs. The clung to his toned thighs like a second skin. He smirked when he caught the blush spreading on Sariel's cheeks as she stared at him.
"I forgot how gorgeous you are. You're fine, Elliott." Sariel stated.
"I don't spend all of my time writing, you know." Elliott teased.
"Well, yeah, but, damn." Sariel flirted.
"You're far more gorgeous than I, love." Elliott playfully flirted.
"Oh? Tell me how pretty I am." Sariel cooed as Elliott climbed into bed.
He propped himself up against the headboard of her bed and ran his fingers through her hair lovingly. She pressed her head to his right shoulder and he gently looped his right around her.
"From the brightest winter star, to a fragrant fairy rose...nothing can compare with your captivating beauty." Elliott purred.
"Is that so?" Sariel teased.
"My skill with words is unmatched, yet I can't find the way to properly describe your beauty." Elliott whispered.
Sariel smiled contently at him and pressed a kiss to his neck. She rolled over to her stomach and smiled when Elliott pulled the blankets around them. She turned off her bedside lamp and giggled at Elliott when he pulled a book from the other nightstand.
"Don't stay up too late, Ellie. Goodnight baby. I love you." Sariel purred.
"Goodnight my love. I love you, too." Elliott replied sweetly.
Moments passed and Sariel's rhythmic breathing let Elliott know she'd fallen asleep. He read through a few chapters of his book and found himself growing tired as well. He gently flicked off the lamp and replaced the book in the drawer. He scooted closer to Sariel and smiled when she reached her hand towards his. That night, the pair got the best sleep they'd had in weeks.
