Owen was getting on her last nerve. Sure, she loved her brother and missed him immensely over the past ten years, but there was only so much she could take.
Ten years changed a person. They both changed. And while their old dynamic continued organically, they still werenât the same people theyâd always been, but neither of them would bring it up. Who would after what theyâd both been through?
Regardless, he shouldnât be with her right now. As much as she also couldnât stand Amelia, she was his wife and he needed to be with her. Currently, Owen wouldnât sit still. First he was sitting in the chair beside her bed, then he was pacing maniacally at the foot of her bed, then he was taking deep breaths in and out before heâd sit back down in the chair.
After he did this for about the thousandth time, Megan finally started to lose her calm demeanor.
âStop what?â he asked, slight concern on his face.
âYour heavy breathing. Itâs seriously creepy.â After a moment. âIs Amelia awake?â
âYeah. She woke up about an hour ago.â About the time he had come back to her room and his incessant habits started.
âAnd so naturally youâre here with me.â
âDonât start this again.â
âI thought I knew you better than that Owen. But maybe not. Since youâre natural instinct is to just run away and avoid all of your problems instead of facing them head on.â She continued as she could see Owenâs face turning red and she was hoping sheâd infuriate him enough that heâd leave her alone. âYou two were made for each other, you know that?â
âYouâre driving me insane!â Owen raised his voice as he continued pacing.
âRight back at ya! Iâm sure sheâd like to see you.â
âIâm sure she wouldnât. Sheâs in a lot of pain. I think sheâd rather just be alone.â
âOh my God. You are THE dumbest person on the planet. I was alone for ten years. And Iâm seriously screwed up. You already seem screwed up beyond repair. Both of you do. Maybe itâs time to start healing.â
At that moment, Maggie knocked on Meganâs outer door and motioned for Owen to step out. He could tell that Maggie had been crying and immediately thought the worst.
âWhatâs wrong? Is she okay?â Owen asked as he closed the door behind him and immediately crossed his arms, his go-to defense mechanism when he didnât actually want to know the truth.
âYes and no. Sheâs in a lot of pain. I need you to convince her to take something. Please. I canât stand to see her like this itâs killing me.â
Owen raised his eyebrows at her. He knew Amelia would never take painkillers, even if itâd save her life. He knew how much sobriety meant to her and that if she did cave in and take something now that sheâd regret it. Nevertheless, he followed Maggie to Ameliaâs recovery room. Day 1 was always the hardest.
He peered in at Amelia, her head wrapped. Lying on her right side, her hands gripping the pillows like a lifeline, all of her muscles so tense. Simultaneously holding her breath as tears rolled down her cheeks.
He stepped in as quietly as he could manage, then lowered the rail of her bed. He hoped this would work and she wouldnât reject him. He stepped up and laid down, his chest pressing slightly into her back, careful of his movements so he wouldnât jostle her.
He placed his mouth close to her ear and began to whisper to her.
âAmelia, itâs me. Iâm here. Iâm not going anywhere. You donât need the medicine. Youâre so strong - the strongest person I know. Pain is temporary. This is temporary.â He covered her hands with his, loosening her grip so she would grab onto his hand instead. âTake some deep breaths. And relax the rest of your body.â
As he spoke softly to her, he could feel her grip began to lessen on his hand as her breaths began to even out and he could tell she was no longer sobbing. He could feel her whole body begin to relax under his touch and eventually Amelia drifted off to sleep.
That night, Owen slept in the chair beside her bed, keeping a close watch over her. Watching her sleep, he could tell that the pain was lessening minute by minute and she looked peaceful.
Owen watched over her until DeLuca came in for his check and Amelia began to stir. Amelia opened her eyes just in time to see him exit her room.
What did you think? Should I continue this? Let me know.
