Almost Easy

Chapter Ninety-Three:

I’d been in the hospital for two weeks, if you include the week that I was in a coma. I got home this morning and damn, was it good to be back. I’d give almost anything not to be able to smell the hospital scent, ever again. The overwhelming stench of bleach and sickness is too much to take. I was ready to start wearing nose plugs.

“What would you like for dinner, Sweetheart? We can have whatever you like.” Doug promised me. I thought it over.

“Can you cook? Or grill? Or just anything that can be considered home-cooked. I’m so tired of fast food and hospital food. I need real food.” I asked him, on the verge of begging. He chuckled, but nodded his head.

“Of course, it’s not trouble.” He assured her. I fist-pumped with my good arm and did a little happy dance… well, as much of a happy dance that I can do without hurting myself.

“Schweet,” I breathed.

“I’m with Lyds on this.” Zacky agreed.

“Good,” Doug mused, before walking into the kitchen.

“So… having a room upstairs didn’t seem like a big deal, until I fucked up my leg.” I sighed. Apparently, I landed funny on my leg and fractured my knee. I don’t even remember falling on it. I just remember my legs not willing to support my weight. In hindsight, it probably happened some time before then. I mean, who does that? Who hurts themselves and doesn’t remember? I guess I do.

To say that I have to take it easy is putting it mildly. I look and feel like a giant bruise. I’ve been stabbed in both of my sides. I was shot in the shoulder. My jaw, face, stomach and neck are severely bruised. Because the cut on my neck was so shallow, it’s nothing more than a scab, now. Basically, I look like shit.

“Come ‘ere, Lyds. Big brother taxi service at your service,” Zacky offered. I walked over to him and he bent down and picked me up. He carried me upstairs and into my room. I laughed.

“I could have made it the rest of the way by foot.” I assured him. “And you’re not that much older than I am.” I pressed. He just smirked at me.

“My birthday was about a month after you moved here. I’m eighteen. You’re not. Try again, little sister.” He teased. I stuck my tongue out at him and hit his arm.

“Whatever, I’m cool with being the youngest. You’ll get old faster.” I reminded him. He laughed at that, a full-belly, all-out laugh. It was music to my ears.

Everyone has been so strained with everything that’s been going on. So, it’s nice to hear the laughter. It’s never a bad time for happiness. It’s a nice distraction. It reminds me of what I want to get back to. I am happy that I’m reunited with my make-shift family. I love them. I just… I don’t think I’m really happy, yet. I know it’s going to take time. God knows that I’ve been to more than enough therapists to know that, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not anxious to get there.

“You have a nice laugh, big bro.” I told him. Zack just smiled.

“It’s really good to have you back. It wasn’t the same with you gone.” He told me. He squeezed my good shoulder, before going back downstairs.

Exhaustion hit me. They probably won’t miss me if I take a small nap, right? What’s the harm in resting my eyes, just for a little while?

Notes

Kinda short, I know, but the last two (yes, we are down to the last two chapters.) will be much longer.

Originally, I didn't have any plans this weekend, so I was going to hunker down and write and finish this beast of a thing, BUT that changed. SO, I'm going to say that the next chapter should be up by Sunday night and hopefully the final chapter up by Monday! :D That could change.

I have tons of stuff going on right now and I may have to pick up and move back across the country in two weeks. Eek.

Comments? Thoughts? Hugs?!

Love and s'mores to everyone,
Katie