Page 86 of A Me and You Thing
He chuckles. “She picked up a few items of clothing for you too. Just enough to get by for a few more days. I see a shopping spree in your future.”
“I should be more excited about that than I am. I need so much, it feels overwhelming. Actually, everything feels overwhelming right now. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life and I look at it differently, like I’m armed with a brand-new perspective. Every little thing seems that much sweeter than it did before. Every touch, every kiss, every sight, every sound. In many ways, I really have come back to life. I love the feeling of being alive. It makes me want to dance, jump up and down, scream, laugh... make love.” His eyes widen and his pupils dilate. I love his response. “Anything that makes mefeel. The world is greener, your eyes are bluer, the roar of the ocean is louder, and the air is saltier. And our little girls, they’re our very own little miracles, a living breathing testament to our love. I can’t look at them without feeling speechless.”
Sawyer slowly entwines our fingers. “Was that a Quinn Speech? Cuz I think it was. And I gotta say, I’ve missed them.” While his words are filled with humor, his tone is serious and his voice cracks just a little.
“Be prepared. It’s the first of many.”
That brings a flash of his normal exuberance to his handsome face. “Okay, take your shower, and I’ll get you a plate of food. Prepare to be pampered, Mrs. Denali.”
“I love that name. It connects me to you.” He helps me up out of the bed. “Are we still being noble today?”
“We are.” Regardless, he pulls me close and hugs me, rocking me gently. I relax in his embrace, feeling as though I could stay right here all day and be content. He kisses me again, and we stand there lost in each other for far too long, but not near long enough. He puts out the spark before it becomes a fire.
I hate noble. I feel the need to be held by Sawyer. If I could just stay awake, I’d insist on it. So much for feeling alive.
After my shower, I’m treated to brunch in bed, feeling like a queen. I can hear my parents’ voices wafting up the stairs and I know they’ve arrived as well. Even though the house is full, there’s a long period of silence. Sawyer must be explaining my story. I wonder if our parents will feel relief when they hear what happened to me. It could’ve been so much worse. Regardless, I don’t doubt that outrage will be felt by all. It’s still my primary emotion when I think about it. I’m trying to put it out of my mind and concentrate on the present. It’s the only way to survive.
Just when I’m thinking I should get dressed and make an appearance downstairs, Sawyer’s parents, Claire and Walter, enter my room tentatively.
“Quinn?”
“Yes, come in.” I guess the party’s in my bedroom. Not at all what I was planning.
“Don’t get up. You need your rest, dear.”
I smile as they lean down awkwardly at my bedside and hug me tightly for several moments too long. I’m the guilty party, though. It’s so good to see them. I can’t help but cling. After being treated so poorly, I yearn for the people who love me.
Claire gives me a bag of clothing, and I thank her profusely. I’m still in Sawyer’s t-shirt, but I love it. It smells like him. Still, I’m very aware of my state of undress and I keep the covers firmly tucked around me.
Sawyer enters the room, surprise in his features at his parents’ presence. He mouths the wordsorryto me, and I know this wasn’t his plan for the visit either.
Knowing his father needs to sit, Sawyer sets up folding chairs at the foot of the bed. They take their seats, staring at me as though I’m the main attraction. All they need is red and white striped bags of popcorn.
Claire dabs at her eyes with a tissue. “I feel as though my eyes are playing tricks on me.”
“You’re a sight, Miss Quinn.” Walter is breathing heavier than I remember, but he’s still going strong.
My parents enter the room next. After more heartfelt hugs, folding chairs are placed in our bedroom for them. Four smiling, teary faces sit there staring at me, and no one seems to know what to say. I feel loved, surrounded by the people I wish could’ve been there when I needed them the most. I was so alone, but now I’m not. I’m filled with gratitude.
At the same time, the situation also feels bizarre. I glance at Sawyer, his expression telling me he feels a little hoodwinked into this state of affairs. But he also knows how important it is for our parents to spend time with me. I want time with them too. So I go with the flow. Even if this is a little weird.
Mom clears her throat, the sound loud in the awkwardly silent room. “Sawyer told us what happened, Quinn.” She covers her mouth with her hand, trying not to cry.
I share an angst-filled glance with Sawyer. “Good. I don’t really feel like talking about it.” Or repeating it two-hundred times. If only I could pick and choose what to erase from my memory. My time withTíaandTíowould be the first thing to go.
“You don’t have to talk about it, you don’t even have to think about it,” my mom adds. “Don’t you worry, sweetheart. They can’t control you anymore.”
Claire puts in her two cents too. “That’s right, it’s over. You will never see those awful people again. You’re safe now.”
“I’d like to see them,” my dad grumbles with fierce eyes.
My first protector—and he’s still my protector. I love my dad.
Mom pats his hand. “Now, dear.”
Walter frowns. “I’ll join you.” He slaps a fist into an open palm.
“No one gets away with messing with my daughter,” Dad says as he rubs his aching knees.
