Reba rocked on her feet feeling light headed. Out of everything he had said it was his comment about her sister that really hit home. She didn't know what to think or feel she couldn't she was just too tired. She was about to pass out right there in the hallway. She walked to the wall and slid down, hugging her knees to her chest. She needed quiet. The world around her spun uncontrollably and her head was pulsating. She clenched her eyes shut and held her legs tight.
Narvel had no idea what was going on, and he had to leave a minute to cool down. He walked passed the guest room and heard footsteps. The door opened. "Look Narvel, I'm really sorry for intruding, I should have never accepted the offer to stay. I'll get going right now." Narvel had thankfully re-adjusted to what was going on. He thought about hitting Charlie right then and there, but what would that do? He and his wife were already in a messed up space. Violence towards anyone was not going to help the situation.
"Answer me this. Did you touch her?" Narvel firmly asked blocking the doorway. "Narvel, I… I still love her." "That's not what I asked." Charlie was too embarrassed to tell him how he treated her. Deep down he did still love her, and he didn't want to physically hurt her in any way. He had only done what he did just to scare her into conforming. "I treated her poorly I admit, and I did push her around, but I promise you I didn't touch her in a sexual way at all." "You pushed her around?" "Well she didn't come willingly did she?" "I'm not sure. I don't know what happened. All I know is that my wife went missing and then walked back into the house like nothing had ever happened, and suddenly you're in our guest room. Now you better quickly spit out what went on that I don't know about because my wife is curled up in a foetal position trying to block out the world, and I don't know how I need to help her." "Is she okay?" Charlie asked worried. "No she's not, now get on with it so I can be with her." Charlie told Narvel what had happened in a matter of seconds. "I just put her through hell, threatened to stab her, and she is trying to be strong and get back to her normal life, but she is exhausted. Please just hold her in your arms and rock her to sleep. She needs soft, quiet, secure love right now. Not a big drama." "Don't you dare tell me what my wife needs." Narvel fired back getting slightly angry at that comment coming from him. "I'm sorry, but if she were mine now that is exactly what I would do with her. Now if you'll excuse me I will just get to leavin you two in peace." Narvel didn't move. "Ok. I guess I'm just mad that I couldn't stop this from happening to her. If she trusts you enough to have you in our house then you can stay. Don't you dare pull any stints. I'm going to her now. But I need you to do me a favor." "What?" "I need you to ring Mark on my phone and get an update on Susie. She was having CPR last time I heard. And stupid me told Reba she might be dead. Charlie's eyes widened in shock, and then softened with sadness for his ex-wife and sister-in-law. He quickly took Narvel's phone. "Go to her. I'll sort this." "Can you update her parents when your done as well. They are worried sick for their girls." "Of course."
Narvel found Reba in the same place as he had left her. It had been less than 10 minutes, and he now had a clear mind and suddenly knew exactly what to do. He sat down next to his wife curled his legs around her, then lifted her tiny curled body onto his lap as he wrapped his arms around her. She shifted slightly and curled tightly into his chest with her forehead in the crook of his neck. He knew being curled into his chest with her head in his neck was her favorite spot, and if he let her she could stay that way forever. He held her close for the next few minutes while Charlie got in touch with Mark. As he rubbed her back she must have finally felt safe. She burst into tears. "Why? Why does my baby sister have to go through so much God? Why?" She cried loudly and started soaking Narvel's shirt. "Baby, She's gonna be fine. We'll see. Last thing I knew she had an ambulance team with her. She will be in hospital right this minute recovering I'm sure." "Can we go see her?" "Honey you're very tired." She looked up at him confused. "I mean, I will bring you a blanket and pillow for the car. Charlie is trying to contact Mark right now to see what's going on." She put her head back down on his chest contently. "Honey If we're gonna go visit your sister we need to have a little energy. How about I shower you and get you into something comfy." She nodded. "But can we wait to see what Charlie says first." Charlie walked in. "Reba Susie's fine. The doctors aren't sure what caused her turn just yet, but she is being transferred to a ward in the hospital very soon." "Charlie can you please ring the hospital and arrange for her to go into a private room with an extra single and double bed. I'll pay whatever. I'm taking Reba to shower." "I'm on it!"
Narvel was in a way thankful Charlie was there. And if he could manage Reba's career in it's early days there was no doubting he could handle anything Narvel asked. He was glad he didn't have to worry about it, and could pour all of his energy into his wife.
Reba was so tired the warmth from the water as it met her skin causing it to glisten almost put her to sleep. Narvel touched her. "Baby, don't go to sleep just yet. Let's get you clean and then you can have a nap. "I'm so glad we had our bathroom converted when I got sick." Narvel was able to pull down the disabled seat for Reba so he could wash her hair and body without her having to stand. "It's coming in handy ain't it?" "When I get to feelin better I can think of many ways it will come in handy." She winked at him. "How does your dirty mind even come into play when you're this tired?" He chuckled. "How can it not?" She laughed. "Especially when this sexy man has his hands all over me." He pulled her up letting the water run all over her washing the soap off. He smiled into her cheek, kissing it." "I'm so glad I married you! Now get out." He patted her butt. "We have a hospital to get to."