Page 17 of The Gift Of Life

“Maybe.”

The only friend I’d stay with is Pete, but I think we'd drive each other crazy living together. My parents’ house would probably be the best option, but I don’t want to keep hurting Drew. There’s only so much he will take before he thinks I’m a lost cause.

“What brought on that frown?”

I shake my head and put down the brush. I’ve suddenly lost all enthusiasm for painting.

“Drew. This will hurt him even more if I go to live somewhere else.”

The doctor comes towards me and sits on the window ledge.

“I think Drew will just be happy that you’re making progress. However, you are my patient, and I have a duty to tell you that you need to do what’s right for you. We can work on other relationships and issues over time. Right now, we’re working on you, and what you need.”

I bite my lip. “I want to talk to Drew. I owe him that much.”

It has been two days since we had the meeting with my doctors, and I haven’t yet spoken with Drew on the phone like I said I would. I need to consult with him before I make any rash decisions that will affect us forever. I don’t want to lose him, but I also can’t think about anything other than myself and what I need to get me better. That makes me sound selfish, and I’m not that person.

Urgh, I hate all of the uncertainty.

“Would you like a phone? I can see you warring with yourself right now, and that is one thing we need to try and stop. You need to work on your confidence to say something like, “I’m doing this for me because that’s what I need. If the people in your life really love you, then they’ll understand.”

“I’ll make that call now, please.”

No more putting things off. I want out of here. I need out of here.

Chapter 13

Drew

My mobile phone rings just as Derren and I hang the last canvas in Harper's homemade studio. Derren has taken up residence here to help me do the jobs I want to do before Harper comes home.

“Hello?”

“Hi.” A small voice comes through the speaker and my head shoots up.

“Harper. Hi. How are you?”

Derren points to the door to excuse himself and I sit down on a beanbag in the corner.

“I’m okay. I’m calling because I wanted to run a few things past you.”

“Good. Okay. I’m listening.”

I feel uneasy. Something is telling me that things aren’t right, that I’m not going to like what’s about to come.

“I’m getting ready to leave here soon, and I’ve had a chance to think about my options. I don’t want to hurt you. You know that, right?”

I close my eyes and my grip tightens on the phone.

“Of course. Just tell me what you need.”

The heavy breathing coming through the line is doing nothing to extinguish my nerves. In fact, it is just making them worse.

“I don’t want to go to a rehabilitation unit,” she says.

I want a fast forward button. I need to know what she’s stalling to tell me. She should never be afraid to tell me anything. We’re husband and wife.

“I’m not ready to come home, Drew. There are just too many memories in that house of everything I want to try and forget.”

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