Page 54 of The Hangman's Rope

“What is it?” she asked, suspiciously, but she was still looking at me and her suspicion wasn’tforme. No, she simply looked worried, the emotion swimming just behind her eyes.

“A Xanax, or Ativan. Not really sure what he’s got on him to be honest, but he always has something.”

I nodded to her, I honestly thought it would be best or I wouldn’t have, but she was a mess. A nervous wreck. A beautiful disaster of a pile up of emotions she couldn’t even begin to sort through without help… and I could recognize that.

How has it only been like two days and you’re in love with her already?I asked myself… but it was true. It had to be true, otherwise why did this ripping, tearing, burning ache take up residence in my chest at the mere thought of letting her go? Which I knew I had to… but what I definitely hadn’t seen coming out of left field was how much it hurt to just even think about doing it.

“You think I should?” she asked me softly. I sat down on the bed beside her and picked up her delicate hand in mine, giving it a light squeeze.

“I think it would be best if you could just turn it off for a little while. Get some actual rest and give yourself a night to rally. I wouldn’t suggest it if I thought it was unsafe, or if I couldn’t be here for you, but I think you need it, Sweetpea.”

She looked a little defeated, and certainly extremely anxious.

“I’ll go get a glass of water,” Grim said quietly and he went out of the room.

“Reap is the kind of guy that hands out drugs himself in person,” I warned her. “You think you’re up to that?”

“Is he the one that I woke up to?” she asked softly.

I nodded, “He’s pretty sorry about that,” I lied, because honestly, I didn’t know if Reaper was capable of being sorry for something like that. The dude was honestly fucking weird beyond anything I’ve ever encountered. I wasn’t sure if he was a psychopath or what – but he sure as fuck wasn’t normal and he sure as fuck didn’t feel like a regular guy did. At least, I didn’t think so.

She nodded and held my hand a little tighter.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promised and she nodded again, a little quicker this time, relief flitting across her fair face.

Grim came back with a glass of water and Reaper in tow. The fuckin’ weirdo kneeled down in front of Lorelai and unscrewed the cap on this pill bottle keychain thing and shook a tiny pill out onto his palm.

“You aren’t allergic to any medication that you know of, are you?” Grim asked and Lorelai shook her head.

Reaper presented her with the little pill and Lorelai took it, putting it in the center of her tongue. Reap took the water glass from Grim and passed it to Lore like this was some kind of fucking ritual or something and she took it, looking a bit dubious and drank most of the contents down.

“There you go,” I said and she handed the glass back to Reap.

“C’mon,” Grim said and put a hand on Reaper’s shoulder who stood up.

Reaper looked at Lorelai for a long moment before turning and following Grim out. They left the door open.

“Let’s get you tucked in, hm?” I said quietly.

“How long until it’s supposed to work?” she asked and her tone was anxious again.

“Not long,” I said slipping the towel off her head, her damp locks spilling around her face.

“I’m scared,” she confessed.

“I know, baby,” I breathed. “But you’re a brave girl. You’ve already been through too much, and you’re still here and you’re still fighting. I promise, it will be okay.”

She swallowed hard and nodded and I got up, holding my hand down to her. She stood and I pulled back the blankets and sheets. She got into bed and I tucked her in.

“Stay with me?” she begged and I nodded.

“Just let me put something more than a towel on,” I murmured.

“Oh!” she said, startled by the revelation and letting my hand go. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” I told her.

I went to the chest of drawers and pulled on a pair of shorts up under the towel. I let the bath sheet go and went back over, scooting into the bed beside her, and settling down with her. She cuddled into my side as before and laid her head on my shoulder and without thinking about it, I kissed her forehead. It just felt so natural.

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