Kim was just returning from shopping and dinner when she arrived at the hotel she was staying at. She headed straight to her room ready to crash for the night. She was exhausted more mentally than anything but her body was tired too. She entered her room seeing the lights were on. She hadn't left them on so she was on edge but broke out in a big smile seeing Adam standing in her room. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?" Kim almost yelled as she dropped her bags running towards him. He opened his arms for her embrace holding her tight. "You needed me. So I'm here. And Mouse May have told me where to find you. But truthfully you shouldn't be going through this alone. So I'm here." He whispered as he held her rubbing her back soothingly.
"Thank you! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it. I needed this more than I knew." He could feel her relaxing into his embrace. Her body melting against his. "Well I wasn't much help on the current case since I couldn't focus on anything other than you. So Voight all but ordered me to come here to you. I'm thankful I did seeing the tired, haunted look in your eyes." He had chuckled about being ordered but he really was thankful. "Yeah Im pretty exhausted more emotionally than physically. But exhausted none the less. Have you eaten anything?" Kim asked watching him shake his head no. "Alright let me order something and have it delivered for you. I ate a bit ago." Kim pulled out her phone to order some food for them.
"Should be here in less than 30. Got you a sandwich, some chicken corn chowder, some Mac and cheese, some drinks and ice cream for later." She smiled as she sat in his lap. "Thats a lot of food." He smiled at her loving the genuine smile across her face. "Well its all things you have try. It's so good. I promise!" She giggled as she kissed his lips. "I'm loving this moment. You soft and content, smiling and giggling." He nozzles against her neck. "Im loving you being here. I feel safe like this. The way you make me feel safe I haven't felt in years. It's scary but I love it." The couple stayed snuggled together waiting for the food to arrive. Not really talking just exchanging soft kisses and light touches.
Kim rose when she heard a knock on the door. She grabbed the take out and brought it over to where Adam was sitting. "Okay so you have to try these first before your sandwich! Super yummy I promise!" Kim was giddy with the food in front of them. "Alright, Alright. I get it. Hand it over." His eyes lighting up over your happiness. He took the soup first taking a few spoonfuls, her eyes watching him. "So?" She asked giddy wanting to grab the container and finish it herself. "That's really good! I can see why you are so happy about it. Now the next one." He put out his hand to change containers. She watched his eyes light up over the Mac and cheese, he shared but only a few bites. "I guess I need to eat the healthier stuff now?" He chuckled grabbing the sandwich. "I mean yeah or no dessert for you!" She laughed as he tried to look offended.
Adam finished eating in silence just enjoying the calm during the storm. He had no idea what kind of fresh hell tomorrow would bring and he was just thankful to hold her through it. "So you mentioned dessert? What do we have?" He raised his eye brows hoping she would catch his drift though he wasn't sure that was appropriate at the moment. She slapped him chest before responding knowing what he was thinking. "So you can either have the chipwich or the Oreo cookie ice cream thing?" She jumped up to show him the options. "I will take the Oreo since I know it's not your favorite. Thank you my dinner and dessert." He kissed her softly before pulling her into his hold once more. "Sorry it wasn't more but it was late. Tomorrow I promise something better." She never looked up just kept eating. "Hey no apologies needed. This is tough. You are doing the best you can right now. I know that. You are doing great." He held her tighter knowing she would soon break once more.
Kim said nothing just stared at the wall as she ate her dessert. He felt the tears starting to stream and her body started to shake as she became overwhelmed. Luckily they were finished eating so he just pulled her in to his lap and held her tight as the tears fell. Rubbing her back trying to offer some comfort in this terrible situation. "It's alright. Let it all out. We will work through this no matter what." He had no idea what to say. Literally her world falling around her once more. He thought back to all the things she told him about cutting her family off and what always surprised him was she never stopped loving them. She just stated that she loved them but loved herself more. That stuck with him more than anything else. He could see that, he could see it in the pain radiating off her body as she cried. "You don't know that! You can't know that, no one can!" Her words harsh but he knew she meant no harm, she was trying to prove a fact. And she was right but he had to believe.
"You are right but I have to believe that because it's you. And I know as well as you do that he's in the best place possible. He's safe, he secure and can get the help he needs. You know I'm right about that." He felt her nod. "Good so see right now things can't get worse for him. We both know from years of being cops nothing in those rooms can harm them. They make sure of it. We just have to hope the therapy and medicine starts helping." He hoped to Hell this worked. She would never forgive herself if he did kill himself. She would forever think she could have prevented it. When it's not true but she's too strong willed to believe it. As her sobs quieted down he carried her over to the bed. Laying her on her side so he could fully hold her. Allowing her to just snuggle up and wrap her body around his.
"Just try to rest. Sleep if you can. You know you need it." He felt her sit up for a moment and watched her take her bra off. "Can't sleep with that on. Damn wires digging in." She smiled shyly before settling back into his embrace. "Well I will never complain about that." He chuckled feeling her smack his butt. "Hey now darling! You are supposed to be sleeping!" He tired to sound stern but she just laughed at his poor attempt. "Not sure I will sleep much tonight. Just a lot on my mind. I uh want to talk to the doctor tomorrow without my mom. I'm not sure the doctor knows the whole picture of what he's dealing with. I think I have some insight I need to share with him." Adam just nodded thinking of her words. "Well if you think that's best then do it. Lord knows it can't hurt. It might actually make things better so I support you. Now please try to sleep." He felt her nuzzle closer and breath in deep. He hoped like hell she wasn't about to sob again. It felt like being stabbed repeatedly each time he heard it
He was beyond thankful when her breathes evened out. She finally gave in to sleeping. He was hoping it would be restful but he doubted it. He used a free hand to text the team letting them know he was with her and she was doing okay. Or as okay as one could given the situation. Once he knew the team was notified he placed his phone on the bed and closed his eyes as well. Just breathing in her scent, allowing it to calm his nerves. He figured the next day would be hell for Kim but he was also nervous for seeing her family and how that would go down. Kim had been separated for over a year and officially divorced for several months. He just hoped whatever foul crap they spewed didn't effect their relationship.
He heard her whimpering in her sleep around midnight. He hadn't fully fallen asleep yet so he heard her clearly. He noticed the thin layer of sweat taking over. Pulling her closer hoping to soothe her fears. She was fighting back slightly but as he whispered in her ear hat she was safe and okay she quieted down. He was on alert the rest of the night not sure if it would happen again. He must have fallen asleep at some point because he woke up to the feeling of her fingers running over his skin. Her hands under the shirt he feel asleep in. He wasn't sure if he was dreaming but as he slowly opened his eyes he knew he hadn't dreamt it. She was here in his arms safe and looking pretty proud of herself for waking him.
"Good morning!" She whispered with a smug smile. "Apparently it is." He leaned into kiss her lovingly. "Definitely a nice way to wake up. So what's the agenda for today?" He asked moving his fingers to caress her body. "Well visiting hours are at noon. So I want to be there for that. I also want to talk to the doctor because I doubt they are being completely honest with the doctor about his life. Then I want to take you for a nice lunch. After that I have no idea." She rolled them so she was sitting on him. "Okay so what do you think they are hiding?" He wasn't really sure what the whole story was. "Not really hiding just maybe not aware. Like I would call what my grandmother did as abusive but maybe they don't. And my mom clearly has no clue she's a narcissist. And I doubt they are aware of just how hard it been on him to take care of those kids at his age. I have a different perspective and different insight then them. I think that's important to share." Sighing heavily she braced her hands on his chest.
"Well then that's something you need to do. I support you. I will hold you the entire time. Now what should I expect from your family?" He was curious if she knew what to expect. "Um not sure really. I won't lie about who you are to me. My sister is divorced and in a relationship again but who knows. They all live by double standards. And quiet frankly you know I don't care what they think. So it's whatever. Try not to engage. Try not to comment. I know it will be hard but try. Please." She watched him process her words. "I'm glad we aren't lying about being together. That would hurt honestly. But I will try to stay out if it. Can't make any promises though." He gave her a knowing look. The one that said he would step in if they crossed the line. And she was happy about that too.
"I just want to support him and then go home. I don't want to get dragged back into this mess. I owe no one anything except my kids. They will always be number 1, everyone else is after that. Not trying to be mean just truthful." She shrugged a bit. "Hey. That's how it's should be. They are your kids and they aren't even three. They need everything you can give them. You know I know that. The rest can just deal." The look of understanding on his face made her heart melt. "We should get up before I can't stop myself." He looked at her with a very crooked smile. "I wouldn't say no." She smiled wide hoping he would take the bait. "I feel like that's taking advantage of you in a weakened state." He was clearly battling with that to do. "It's not if I'm willing and I'm starting it. Just want to feel something other than sadness and failure." He knew she was still battling her emotions and he wanted to fix it all for her but couldn't.
But he could give her peace of mind for a few minutes, a short reprieve from her spinning mind. "If you change your mind it's fine. Even half way through it's fine. Just let me know." She nodded as he flipped them over. He wouldn't let her do the work, he would take care of her properly. He watched as she got comfortable under him before making quick work of her clothes. He then stripped himself before hovering above her looking one last time looking for consent. Seeing nothing but love in her eyes. Adam spent the next 20 minutes pressing feather light kisses over her entire body. Pressing his love for her into each kiss. Only once her whole body was thoroughly kissed did he thrust inside her. Taking his sweet time making love to her. Trying to heal her broken heart once more.
When he noticed tears starting to fall be placed kisses on each tear. While some men would be concerned to see tears in their girlfriends while intimate he knew it was tears of joy and tears of healing. Her broken heart while still broken was slightly back together once more. He held her long after the shockwaves had subsided and their breathing returned to normal. Knowing here in his arms, in this room she was safe from heart ache. Outside these walls he could only protect her just so much. And even then it was more physically than emotionally, mentally. "We should shower. We have to leave soon." She whispered tears falling slightly again. "I know but I like this. Keeping you safe and protected from the outside world. From your family who choose to tear you down rather than helping you up." He felt her nodding along. "Will you join me?" Kim whispered shyly. "If I ever turn that down please slap me." He watched her smile as she got up from the bed. She grabbed a few items before heading to the bathroom.
Adam followed close behind just in case she broke once more. He was surprised how calm she seemed as she moved around the small bathroom. She turned the water on to a semi hot temperature for putting her watch on the charger and stepping in the shower. Adam was close behind her closing the glass down behind him. He was mesmerized by her movements. He wasn't sure if she was even fully aware of just how at peace she was right now. And he wouldn't bring attention to it either. He just allowed her to wash herself before the changed spots. It was fairly quick before they were drying off and getting dressed for the day. "Grabs some breakfast sandwiches and then head out?" She asked putting on the final touches of her outfit. "Yeah that works for me. You know I don't complain about food. I'll eat almost anything." And he would, he loved to eat. "Alright let's go. I'm craving my favorite turkey sausage sandwich." He watched her getting giddy thinking about it.
"Craving? Got something to share?" He was of course joking but also wanted to double check. "Babe! You can crave food and not be pregnant. Trust me. I got lots of cravings I need to fit in before heading home. Let's go!" She had to laugh at him. She wasn't totally sure that was in the cards for her, for them but him even joking about it had her questioning what she really wanted. What he really wanted. They walked hand in hand to her car bumping each other every so often as they went. "This is your old car?" He asked looking at the dented beat up Jeep. "Yup and I love it. Lots of great tunes on my hard drive, yes it has a hard drive. Lots of great songs listed as favorites that the radio notifies me when they air. Favorite bands saved and favorite teams saved. And before you ask, yes I did that damage on the side of the car, on the garage at Michaels home. Get in!" Kim opened the doors and slid in starting the car right away before buckling her seat belt.
"How old is this thing?" He looked around seeing wear and tear all over it. "Um 12 years old. Lots of miles, lots of dents and rust but the 4 wheel drive still works perfect and that is most important. Trust me. He lives on a very steep hill and the drive way is almost worse. So a dented Jeep is a blessing in this case." She watched him nod as he got comfortable in the seat. She turned on Pop Rocks before heading out if the parking lot. Just a short time later they were headed in to grab some sandwiches, coffee for him, tea for her and some donuts that she loved before heading back to the car. He watched her dancing as she bit into the donut. "That good huh?" He watched with a smirk on his face. "Orgasmic!" She winked as she jumped in the car. She loved getting him riled up. It was fun and she knew it would make later better.
"Well I guess we have to try it then." She watched him take a bite if the gooey, sugary donut. "Yummy! Okay you are right it's pretty damn good! Though not sure about orgasmic. But damn good I will agree." He finished donut quickly washing it down with some coffee as Kim drove them to the hospital. Once on the highway she took her sandwich and munched away trying not to make a huge mess all over her shirt. "I got to admit that place really seems to have it all. Good sandwiches, good coffee, good snacks. Glad we don't have one near us." He shuddered thinking how fat he would be with it close by. "Michaels house is less than 3 miles from one. But they do have healthy things, you just have to choose to eat those instead." She shrugged knowing she struggled with that too. Adam just hummed in agreement.
They spent the entire car ride just singing along to the radio and dancing a bit in their seats. It kind of felt like a regular road trip. But it wasn't of course. Neither wanted to break away from the light and happy atmosphere. But it looked over them as they got closer. His hand holding her knee letting her know he was there no matter what. "Here we are." Her timid voice had him on edge. "Hey it's gonna be okay. He was happy to see you yesterday. I'm sure he will be just as happy to see you today. And your mother and sister, screw them!" He just didn't care about their opinions. "I guess we will just have to see what happens. I'm sure they will be here so I just have to get through this somehow." Kim shook her head thinking about her family. "No! We will get through this together! You are not alone in this. You never will be." He watched as she parked the car. "Let's go so we can visit and then you can show me around this place." He smiled trying to get her to smile just a small bit.
"Well my mother is here. That's her car in front of us. Not sure what my sister drives these days. She gave her Jeep to her son. Not sure what happened to his vehicle. Probably couldn't afford it. Just like everything else." Her voice snippy and full of annoyance. "Sounds like a kid who hasn't grown up yet." Adam suggested. "Well it's too bad. He's 25 with two kids. Be a damn adult already. Not my job to pay for your crap." She replied before getting out if the car. "Hey I agree with you. 100%. Let's do this." He followed her holding out his hand for her to take. She took his hand squeezing it tight. He followed her through the doorway and down the hallway to the elevator.
She was quiet so he wrapped his arm around her holding her tight. She buried her face in his chest as they waited. As they stepped out of the elevator onto the floor he released his hold allowing her to move a bit more freely. Her father was on a locked ward so she needed to check in. "Good morning. I'm Kimberly Burgess, I'm here to see my father Joseph. I also was hoping to speak to his doctor for a few minutes. I think I have some insight that he might want to here." Her hands shaking as she signed the forms. "I will see if the doctor is available and your father has a visitor right now so it will be a bit of a wait." Kim just nodded knowing this was coming. "No problem thank you." She retreated to the waiting area burying her face in her hands with her elbows on her knees.
"It's gonna be okay. We got this." He whispered squeezing her shoulder. "I know. Just hate everything about this. The hospital, the waiting, the smell. Knowing what's waiting for me on the other side. The confrontation, the anger, the passive aggression, the snarky comments. I just don't need this right now. I was just getting my life back on track. I just need my head above of water for awhile." Kim sighed. "Just a bump in the road. We will get through this. And once again your head will be above water. You will not drown in this or anything. I promise you that. You have an entire support group back home ready to help you stand tall." She nodded breathing heavily. "I know I just want to make sure he's on the right path then go home to my kids. I need to see my kids. They make everything better." She smiled shyly resting her head on his shoulder.
They heard a door open and looked up to see which door was opening. He heard Kim gasping quietly. Adam assumes it was her sister rolling in. "Oh look at you. You actually came. Guess you do actually care." Carolyn her sister snapped at them. "Well I actually do care despite what you think. I do love my family, I just love me more. And I have no time in my life for people like you who drain the room of energy and stifle the air with bullshit and narcissism. I legit have no time for people like you. And my life has been so much better with out you in it. So how about you go wait in another room and leave me alone!" Kim pointed towards another waiting area. "Nice to see you moved on so quickly." Carolyn snarked as she walked past.
"You moved on to. So give it a rest. I'm sure Ed would agree with that. How's your boyfriend anyway? Still getting help paying for the country club from his cousin?" Kim watched as her sister huffed and walked away. "Good job darling! Nice job fighting back!" Adam hugged her. "Well I have to fight at this point. I can't deal with her and all of this so fighting back is what I needed to do." Kim shrugged smiling weakly. "Well she's definitely a gem." He laughed looking over at her. "Oh please that was only the beginning. Thank god we didn't give her enough time to to drown us out talking about her job and Disney. Ps I hate Disney!" Kim shuddered thinking about it. Adam roared with laughter seeing the disgust on her face.
"Ms Burgess you can head back now." Carolyn headed towards the door but nurse stopped her. "The other Ms. Burgess. She was here first." Kim and Adam walked towards the door passing Kim's mother on the way. "And whose this Kimberly?" Her mother snipped. "My boyfriend Adam. We work together and accepts my past. Now if you will excuse me I have a father to visit." Kim kept walking pulling Adam right along with her. "Badass Burgess is a must see!" Adam laughed as they moved towards her fathers room. "I swear its you giving me the strength to fight back. Knowing I'm not alone in this. So thank you." Kim smiled wide looking at her boyfriend. "Hey I didn't say today or yesterday but I love you so much. And thank you being her." Kim kissed him softly. "Love you too. Let's get in there." He saw they were outside his room knowing he was waiting inside for them.
They entered the room seeing her father sitting in a chair at a small table. "Good morning dad. How are you feeling this morning?" Kim asked as she walked towards him offering a hug. "Hey Kim. I'm okay. At least I'm trying. How is this?" Her dad looked at the man standing next to them. "This is Adam. He's my boyfriend. We waited till I was divorced before we got together." Kim made sure to make that clear. "Ah I see. And what do you do Adam?" Joseph asked. "I'm an officer in the same unit as Kim sir. She is an amazing detective that's for sure." He replied his hand firmly on Kim's lower back. "And the kids and divorce don't bother you?" Joseph asked almost surprised. "Not at all. My parents are divorced so it doesn't bother me. Plus Kim's an amazing person and mother. It just makes her more attractive as a person." Adam replied with a matter of fact statement.
"Huh okay did you talk to your mother?" He asked Kim watching her stance. "Not really. Shut her and Carolyn down before seeing you. I don't want to waste energy on them. I only came here to see you, not them. So tell me how are you doing really? Are you participating in the therapy?" Kim asked trying to redirect the conversation. "I'm okay really. I know I need to talk and open up. It's not easy for me. I lived my life not talking about my feelings. And the 11 years with your grandmother the only emotion i expressed was anger. And I'm still angry. I don't know how to get it out." Joe admitted watching his daughters face soften. "Honestly I would go to her grave and tell her everything you are feeling. You can't change her death. She didn't it to herself. All you can do it talk about it so you can move forward. I know it's too late but I really wish you had done therapy right away. You knew as well as I did that this was going to be a tough adjustment for you and mom. Therapy could have helped you both. Just try to encourage her to do therapy as well. Maybe together and separate. I really think you both need it." Kim explained.
"She said she doesn't need therapy. That she's fine. What am i supposed to do about that?" Joe asked. "You know she's a narcissist. I figured that out less than 2 years ago. Time away helped me realize that. So she can't make anyone who doesn't know her believe anything. But I can tell you she needs it. Maybe just tell her that you two going together will help you. If she really wants to help you she will do it. It's worth the try. But you need to work on your anger and all the horrible things you picked up by living with grandmom. The hate you picked up for people, the racism you picked up from her. It's truly disgusting. I hope being here you learn how wrong you both are about it. All the hate that you and Carolyn have is part of the reason I left you guys. I completely embrace diversity and people being allowed to express who they are. Knowing that what they do and who they do it with doesn't effect my life. So why be so angry about it? It's not like gay people being together effects your life. So why be pissed about it. Use this setback to learn and change all aspects of your life. Allow this to help you be a better man. A better father, a better example. A better human being. One that doesn't believe charity is for suckers. Just try to fix yourself, please." Kim was in tears at this point. She couldn't take it anymore.
Her father just looked at her. But Adam pulled her into his arms allowing her to cry. This was why he was here. This was what she needed. "I'm gonna go. Let Carolyn in. I will see you later. Please think about it." Kim whispered as she left the room still in tears. Adam waited till they were completely in the waiting room before hugging her tight again. "Just let it all out. I've got you." He continued to rub her back hoping to comfort her. He had no idea how complex the situation really was. All the negative things she had been told during her life. It left him speechless knowing she was a completely different person than her father. Literally the polar opposite. That must have made things more difficult growing up in that household. He was even more proud of her for leaving and not looking back.
"You ready to leave this place? Go get some proper lunch?" He offered as her tears had dried some. "Yeah. I have another craving I need fixed." She smiled softly. "Well then let's go. Can't keep those cravings waiting too long." He wrapped his arm around her as they headed out if the hospital. Kim got behind the wheel again and started to drive towards the restaurant she was wanting to get to. She turned the music up and rolled the windows down. She wasn't interested in talking at the moment. She could see Adam texting. She assumed it was to the team letting them know the update. Once the phone was down he watched the scenery go by. He had never been here before so it was clearly all new to him.
Almost an hour later they arrived in front of the restaurant Kim had chosen. Her smile was wide once again and she was almost humming with excitement. They were promptly escorted to a table where Kim sat on the bench giving Adam the chair. "So what craving are we taking care of here?" He was very curious what she was excited over. He saw she was swallowing more like she was salivating over something. "The market fries. I literally crave them. Mouth watering over them. It's beyond ridiculous how much I love them." She blushed a bit but laughed thinking how crazy it sounded. "Well I can't wait to try them. That is if you will share with me." He laughed watching her think about it. "Maybe just a bite." She winked. They both laughed and ordered drinks as well as her market fries.
Kim was enjoying the silence as Adam looked around the restaurant takin* in the decor. "This is a nice place. I can see why you like it here." He was trying make conversation but wasn't sure how to proceed at this point. "Yeah it's great for date nights. But also nice for big groups of friends. I really like this place." Kim looked around almost lovingly. "I can see that." He took a long sip of his drink before speaking again. "Look I just want to tell you how proud I am of you. Not only did you tell your father how you feel but you also are the polar opposite of him. I know that must weigh heavy on you. But I'm so proud of you for who you are. And how far you have come from living in that environment. Growing up around that couldn't have been easy for you. Your heart is too big and too pure for that place." He watched the smile come over her face.
"I grew up only hearing the bad stuff people do. Volunteering was for suckers. Working for free was asinine. My mom bought things at Christmas to give to those in need but never money to charity. I try so hard to teach my kids to give to those in need. Help charity, help people, help animals. You know I did a cancer walk a few years back. My parents donated 50. But Michael, he posted that he would match whatever I raised. Knowing full well his company would match what ever he donated. He has always supported my want and need to help those in need. Even his family donates money in my name to charity every Christmas. Those are people who get it you know?" She watched him nod.
"What's your go to charity of choice?" He was so curious about this part of her life. "Well either NAMI which supports mental illness and awareness. And Humane League of Lancaster, where we got our cat from. I had him 17 years before we had to put him down. I called him my son. He slept in my arms every night. When I was sick he would lay on my chest with his nose against my pulse point and would purr till my heart rate regulated again. I loved my boo, still do!" Kim smiled thinking of her boy. "That's beautiful. You will have to show me some pictures some time." He saw her eyes lighting up seeing the fries in front of her. She took a bite moaning while dancing in her seat. "That good huh?" He asked. "You have no idea! My god!" Kim shimmied her shoulders as she munched on.
Adam took a forkful that was offered to him moaning his approval after tasting warm crab on the fries. "Told you!" Kim laughed. "Yeah you did. It's good seeming you smile like this. Happy, free, relaxed." He reached over to hold her hand. "I feel good right now. Just knowing I have your support makes this slightly easier. So let me ask you do you have a charity of choice?" Kim wanted to change the subject but also wanted to know where he stood. "Um I don't have one. If someone has a charity walk, I donate. If someone has a fundraiser, I donate. But I don't have one specific one like you. I guess I never found something I'm that passionate about yet. But it's never too late right?" He felt bad knowing this was a big thing for her and he didn't see the need like her. "Well maybe you are lucky then. I came across NAMI because of my own mental health issues. I wish I never had them but I do. And they advocate for ending the stigma behind mental health issues. And that is important to me. I don't want to be seen as crazy." She took a minute to sip her drink.
"A lot of people who have anxiety it comes from being strong for so long that the body just gives out. It's not a sign of weakness like people think. It's just the body's way of telling you that you need to stop and listen. To take care of your mind and listen to what it's telling you. It's insane how connected it all is." She looked up to see him very engrossed in his words. "Sounds like you are passionate about it. The fire in your eyes talking about it was exciting to see. Fighting the good fight." He loved seeing her passionate like this. "Yeah and one day you will find yours. It's nice having a second purpose to fight for. Especially one that effects so many people." She smiled once more as their main dishes arrived. Hers of course having more market fries.
They finished eating in silence mostly. They shared bites every now and then. But it was comfortable non the less. After paying the check they headed out to walk around the area. They browsed shops and art galleries. Kim purchased a necklace in one shop from an artist she was friends with, or had been friends with. They hit a local coffee shop for drinks before finishing the walk and heading back to the car. "Now where to?" He asked her taking in her features. "Want to have some fun?" Kim asked eyes twinkling. "Um sure. What kind if fun?" He wiggled his eye brows trying to suggest his idea. "Not that! At least not right now! Just relax and I will drive us there." Kim drove them back towards the hospital but stopped at Dave and Busters to have some fun and blow off steam before they headed back.
"Great idea darling!" He was like a kid in a candy store. Excited to play games and have fun. It was such a great idea of her part. They headed inside getting play cards and headed into the gaming area. They spent several hours playing games and having drinks as they competed for who could get the most tickets before running out of money. It was exactly what they needed. After leaving they headed back to the hospital. The same nerves were back in full swing. Especially when they arrived to find Kim's mother and sister waiting out front for her to return. "You got this! Just keeping that strong women I love so much!" He squeezed her hand as they started walking. "Love you too!" Kim whispered seeing her family in front of her.
"We need to talk!" Her mother barked as they got closer. "Nope not happening! I'm here for dad not you!" Kim just pushed them aside as she walked with Adam inside. They headed back to the front desk to check in once more. "Ms Burgess the doctor would like to see you." The nurse led them to a small conference room where he was waiting for them. "Ms Burgess, I'm doctor Kym. I wanted to talk to you. I know you have your opinions of why your father is here and I appreciate your passion and for being here even though you are estranged from your family. But we are not sure you bring here is what's best at this time. While your father seems to actually think about what you have said your mother and sister made it clear you are not wanted here if you not on their side." He watched as her jaw dropped.
"So your telling us that Kim isn't allowed to visit her father anymore because her opinions are different from her mother and sister?" Adam asked shocked and confused. "Unfortunately they think she is doing more harm than good. I don't agree with that as she seems to make him see things he didn't see before. But we cant have the fighting here. It's a mental health ward and the stress is not good for the patients. I'm so very sorry. We have explained this to your father and he wasn't happy about it either. I recommend you try calling him going forward. But for now I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Doctor Kym looked all but comfortable with this situation. Kim just nodded and left. Adam stayed behind for a moment. "Just so you are aware. She put her job on hold, her children on hold to be here. She's confronted the narcissists to be here to support him. She the only one who sees the truth. Here's my card, if you want to talk to her call me." He dropped the card and left.
He found Kim sobbing in the hallway. The nurse comforting her obviously knowing what happened. As he took over he walked them to the car and drove them back to the hotel. He was once again at a loss if how to fix this. How to fix her broken heart. All he knew for sure was he would hold her all night till the tears subsided and still not let her go. He guided her to their room where he helped her get undressed and into bed. She was shaking, the sobs still crashing over her in waves. But he never let her fall. He held her tight letting her tears run over his body. He would have given anything to stop these tears but he knew it wouldn't help. Long after the tears stopped and she was asleep he still held her only pulling away to text their friends and to find them flights home. He was taking her home the next day. Far away from these horrible people who crushed her. Far away from the people who are supposed to be her family. He doubted they could spell family at this point.
He had to figure out a plan to help her heal and he needed help. Help they could only find home in Chicago.